Our Kids Academy centres recognised National Reconciliation Week by creating engaging activities designed to provide meaningful learning opportunities whilst having fun!
Kids Academy Glenmore Park
One of our New South Wales-based centres, Kids Academy Glenmore Park, had the honour of welcoming local members of the Mob, including a family member of one of their educators. They started with a beautiful Welcome to Country ceremony and a smoking ceremony, which served as the official opening of the Meeting Place.
The children actively participated in the event, learning about edible plants as they assisted in planting a new garden alongside the visitors.
The children also had the delightful opportunity to touch and listen to the enchanting sounds of the didgeridoo.
As a centre-wide tradition, Kids Academy Glenmore Park engages in a daily ritual of Acknowledgment of Country, taking place at 10:30 am in the Meeting Place within the outdoor zone for children aged 2-5 years.
Additionally, a range of activities were organised across different age groups:
For the Babies, Boomerang art was explored using natural materials and incorporated musical shakers during group sessions.
The Toddlers enjoyed learning the dance to the Brolga song with Kids Academy Glenmore Parks Early Childhood Education, Miss Marika, at the Technology station. They also engaged in symbol-matching card games throughout the week.
The Preps immersed themselves in the Rainbow Serpent Dreamtime story, creating a serpent using recycled materials to demonstrate respect for the land. They also learned Aboriginal symbols by drawing them in the sand with their fingers while imagining themselves in a cave under the fort.
These activities promoted a deeper understanding of Aboriginal histories and cultures and provided an opportunity for the children to develop respect for diversity and cultural differences; Most importantly, they were enjoyable and safe experiences for the children to embrace.
Erin Barnes, Centre Manager at Kids Academy Glenmore Park, said, “The highlight of our week was definitely inviting members from our local Mob to share their welcome to country and host the smoking ceremony to officially open our meeting place. It was a very special moment for our KAGP community and a very spiritual experience for all involved. It gave our children and educators the opportunity to connect and learn in an interactive way.”
Kids Academy Woongarrah
Another of our New South Wales centres, Kids Academy Woongarrah, organised a vibrant “Wear It Yellow” day, where all children were encouraged to don the colour yellow and donate $2 to our fundraiser for Children’s Ground. Kids Academy Woongarrah were thrilled to raise $190 through this initiative!
The children learnt the mesmerising sounds of the didgeridoo and engaged in traditional animal dances. These activities fostered a strong sense of belonging to groups and communities while nurturing an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities crucial for active community participation. The children also demonstrated respect for diversity while finding immense fun and joy in these engaging activities.
Ellen Wilson, Assistant Centre Manager at Kids Academy Woongarrah, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We had an incredible time immersing ourselves in the world of the didgeridoo, traditional animal dances, and the art of painting with ochre! It was truly a remarkable experience witnessing different generations connect and share their knowledge. The children absolutely adored their ‘new big friends’ and didn’t want the experience to end!”
For more information about our Lifelong Learning Curriculum book a tour at your closest centre or call our Family Support Team on 1800 CHILDCARE.