Creating meaning and understanding in the ELC ‘Aboriginal people are like the big boys of Australia.’ – Felix ‘Aboriginal people are very old.’ – Jayden M ‘Black is for the people. Red is for the land. Yellow is for the sun.’ – Evan ‘I am English-Chinese. I am Australian because I live in Balwyn North.’ – Benji ‘Wominjeka means welcome.’ – Zac
‘They came first.’ – Yvon Indigenous culture is becoming embedded in our ELC and can be seen and experienced in various ways. Through the Early Years Learning Framework’s ‘Being, Belonging and Becoming’, we are sharing knowledge with our students about the history, tradition and culture which influences and shapes our thinking in positive ways.
Chris Johnson shares the AFL Indigenous Round jumper he designed
14 | THE TRINIT Y GRAMMARIAN
As we embed discussions, stories and experiences of Indigenous culture into our children’s daily rhythms, we can see them create meaning and understanding through storytelling and the use of symbols. In Term 3, the children and staff spent time learning about and celebrating the rich history and diverse cultures of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islanders using NAIDOC Week to frame our discussions. At Trinity, we are fortunate to be able to connect with Indigenous staff within our community. We invited two Indigenous staff members, Chris Johnson and Nathan Newcastle, into our space to share stories about their family heritage
Isaac engages with our national flags through puzzles
