For more than five years, St Joseph’s College students have visited the early education service to help celebrate NAIDOC Week through cultural performances and activities. Building on these connections, educators from both services came together last year to explore how they could create deeper and more regular opportunities for cultural learning, while also encouraging leadership among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The result was the Yalawa Cultural Sharing Program.
More than a cultural initiative, Yalawa is a unique cross-educational partnership that strengthens connections between early learning, secondary education and the wider community. Through authentic, relationship-based experiences, children are developing a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while learning directly from students who proudly share their knowledge, stories and traditions.
Bringing Culture to Life
Each week, students from St Joseph’s visit St Nicholas Early Education Lochinvar to lead cultural experiences that encourage curiosity, participation and conversation.
From feeling the vibrations of a didgeridoo to learning dance, creating story stones using Aboriginal symbols and painting Rainbow Serpent artworks, children are immersed in experiences that bring culture to life in meaningful and memorable ways.
For the educators at St Nicholas, this hands-on approach is what makes the program so valuable.
“We believe that embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives needs to be more than simply celebrating special days or including cultural activities in our program. It is about creating ongoing opportunities for children to develop an understanding, respect and appreciation for culture and Country.”
Rather than learning about culture through books alone, children are learning through relationships and shared experiences, helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives become a natural part of everyday learning.
Building Confident Leaders
While the benefits for younger children are clear, Yalawa is also creating valuable opportunities for St Joseph’s students.
The program is delivered during the College’s Wednesday Flexi Learning program, allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to volunteer their time, share their culture and develop leadership skills in a real-world setting.
For Aboriginal communities, sharing knowledge across generations is an important cultural practice, and Yalawa provides students with an opportunity to enact this tradition while building confidence and self-assurance.
Educators have observed significant growth in the students involved, particularly as they see the impact they have on the younger children.
Seeing children engage with wonder, curiosity and excitement has become one of the most rewarding aspects of the program, while allowing students to recognise their own strengths as leaders, mentors and cultural ambassadors.
Connections That Matter
One of the most heartwarming outcomes has been the genuine relationships formed between the children and visiting students.
Educators have noticed how naturally the children connect with the secondary students, confidently asking questions, sharing stories and eagerly joining in activities.
The excitement surrounding each visit has been unmistakable. Children have been known to wait at the fence, waving enthusiastically as the St Joseph’s students arrive, while others excitedly ask educators whether “the big kids are coming over today”.
These moments highlight the special bond developing between the two groups and demonstrate the power of learning through connection.
“They are curious, engaged and excited to participate, and we often see children confidently asking questions and wanting to share their own ideas and experiences.”
As children become more familiar with the students, their confidence continues to grow. What began as a new experience has quickly become a much-anticipated part of their week.
Creating a Ripple Effect Across the Community
The impact of the Yalawa Cultural Sharing Program extends well beyond each session.
Children are developing respect, understanding and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures from an early age. Educators are continuing to reflect on how culture can be embedded authentically and respectfully throughout everyday practice. Families are taking part in conversations at home, with many children enthusiastically sharing stories about what they have learned and experienced.
Together, these experiences are creating a ripple effect throughout the community, strengthening understanding, connection and respect across generations.
Looking Ahead
As the partnership continues to grow, both St Nicholas Early Education Lochinvar and St Joseph’s College Lochinvar are exploring new opportunities to further strengthen these connections. Future initiatives already in development include a Deadly Preschool Transition Program and a Tri-Cross Cultural Day, creating even more opportunities for shared learning and cultural exchange.
Most importantly, Yalawa is helping young people see the value of culture, community and connection. By bringing together children, students, educators and families, the program is fostering meaningful relationships while creating opportunities to learn from one another.
Through Yalawa, St Nicholas Early Education Lochinvar and St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar are demonstrating what is possible when knowledge is shared, relationships are nurtured and culture is celebrated. Together, they are building a stronger, more connected community where learning extends beyond the classroom and into the lives of everyone involved.
