Embedded within St Nicholas Early Education’s curriculum, reconciliation shapes our teachings to foster communities built on respect, equality and unity. Throughout National Reconciliation Week, educators across St Nicholas Early Education guided children’s learning through inspiring literacy moments, facilitating connection to community events and encouraging family engagement.
These learnings enriched children’s sense of place, growing their cultural awareness and cherishing their appreciation of the world around them.
Dreamtime stories and stories that inspired us
Inspiring Dreamtime stories, filled learning environments with wonder and wisdom as children engaged with powerful lessons.
The Echidna and the Shade Tree by Mona Green and Pamela Lofts
Listening to the story and following the beautiful illustrations, our learners discovered how the echidna gained its spikes. Taking inspiration into action, our learners gathered clay, wooden sticks and googly eyes to craft their very own echidna. An experience shaping fine motor skills thanks to the beautiful creativity of storytelling, culture and connection to Country.
Tiddalik the Frog
This thirsty frog inspired a rich sensory exploration of natural elements and native animal figurines featured within the tale. Through scent, touch and imaginative play, our learners explored the powerful message within Tiddalick the Frog, unpacking the fragility of our balanced natural environment.
How the Birds Got Their Colours by Mary Albert
Our learners listened to how one small act of kindness can transform dull and grey feathers into a vibrant rainbow of feathers. Inspired by empathetic acts and unity, our learners created their own colourful feathered birds. Each of their creations reflected their unique imagination as they celebrated individuality and togetherness with their friends and educators.
Circles of Life by Gregg Dreise
Exploring the symbolic use of artistry to communicate wisdom, Circles of Life unpacks the traditional ‘Thank You Circle’ artform used to layer affirmations of thanks.
St Nicholas Early Education Gillieston Heights, was inspired to work alongside their friends, educators and families to create their very own sustainable Thank You Circle artwork. Using recycled bottle tops, glue and a repurposed canvas, our learners arranged the colour bottle tops into a stunning piece, giving thanks to the moments that they treasure.
Shared community experiences
Engaging with local National Reconciliation Week events showed our learners the collective interest and need to come together to foster reconciliation in all aspects.
St Nicholas Early Education Singleton joined their community at the Singleton Civic Centre for the National Reconciliation Week Flag-Raising ceremony. A meaningful event featuring a Welcome to Country, vibrant cultural dancing and an address by Cr Sue More, Mayor of Singleton.
Forming a Sea of Hearts
St Nicholas Early Education, collaborated with their families, creating a Sea of Hearts. Demonstrating a collective commitment to continuing to promote and instil within learners the importance of reconciliation and a deep respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Each heart within the sea represents each contributor’s unique perspective and reflection on their journey toward understanding and unity.
Bridging the gap between now and next
Facilitating reconciliation conversations guided learners in engaging with those around them to share the importance of taking action for reconciliation.
St Nicholas Early Education Raymond Terrace created their Reconciliation Bridge and action tree, encouraging children to traverse the bridge to collect a leaf. This symbolic act, allowed children to go from their ‘now’ to find their ‘next’ act of reconciliation to take home and share with their family.
There chosen action ranged from reading a book by a First Nations author, attending a local reconciliation week event, participating in an Acknowledgment of Country to supporting a First Nations business.
Our commitment to Reconciliation
St Nicholas recognises the importance of working alongside our communities in the ongoing effort to build a culture of respect, equality and unity. Across all of our centres and services, St Nicholas celebrates the vibrant and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, providing engaging and immersing experiences for children to allow them to connect to the rich traditions, languages and customs of Australia’s First Nations. In this way, we aim to embed cultural awareness in our learners, teaching them to understand and respect diversity.
Resources
More detailed information regarding National Reconciliation Week can be found here.
Information regarding St Nicholas’ approach to teaching and commitment to Reconciliation can be found here.
