National Reconciliation Week at Enrich Early Education
During National Reconciliation Week, our centre slows down to listen, learn, connect and reflect together. Through storytelling, bush tucker experiences, cultural activities and meaningful conversations, the children explored the rich cultures, histories and traditions of First Nations peoples in hands-on and respectful ways.
A very special cultural heritage visit
The week began with a very special visit from one of our young learners’ fathers, and Anthony. They’re all actively involved in celebrating and sharing their Aboriginal culture.
Our young learner and her sibling even performed with local group Jellurgal at Tallebudgera Creek Beach to performing at an NRL game in front of more than 15,000 people. We are incredibly proud of them.
Anthony, an Aboriginal artist, cultural performer, and community member who is passionate about sharing culture and fostering understanding through art.
Celebrating Aboriginal culture
Through an interactive learning experience, the children explored the sounds of the didgeridoo, listened to Australian animal sounds produced by the instrument, and participated in ochre-painting. We loved seeing the children actively listen, asking thoughtful questions, and participated respectfully throughout the visit. Experiences like these help support children’s cultural awareness, communication skills, confidence and understanding of the world around them.
Acknowledgement to Country and learning about Aboriginal symbols
Group time throughout the week began with an Acknowledgement to Country. In the Kinder room, educators also introduced a new Aboriginal sand-tracing experience.
The children explored laminated cards featuring different Aboriginal symbols and carefully traced them with their fingers in trays of sand.
Together, the educators and children spoke about reconciliation and how we can show kindness, care and respect towards one another every day.
Bush tucker morning and afternoon tea
Throughout the week, the children enjoyed a range of Native Bush Tucker experiences, including lemon myrtle cupcakes and riberry and raspberry jam muffins.
One of our favourite traditions during National Reconciliation Week is welcoming families to join us for a Native Bush Tucker afternoon tea. This year, families were invited to enjoy wild rosella iced tea and homemade lemon myrtle cupcakes during afternoon pick-up.
Learning how Quandong iced tea is made
Children from Nursery through to Pre-Prep joined in making their own Quandong iced tea.
In each room, the children explored dried Quandong and carefully poured water over the fruit, supporting their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination throughout the experience.
Our chef, Miss Sayaka, then soaked the Quandong overnight and prepared the tea for the children to enjoy the following day. Once cooled, children from Toddlers to Pre-Prep tasted their homemade Quandong iced tea together.
Quandong is a native Australian fruit with a flavour often compared to a mix of apricot, peach and rhubarb.
Lemon myrtle cupcakes for afternoon tea
On Friday, all children joined in making lemon myrtle cupcakes for afternoon tea. Carefully pour the ingredients into a bowl, mix the batter, and watch the ingredients transform into a cupcake mixture ready for baking. Miss Sayaka then baked the cupcakes for the children and families to enjoy during afternoon tea.
That afternoon, families were welcomed with a small surprise at pick-up time as we served lemon myrtle cupcakes and rosella iced tea as part of our Native Bush Tucker afternoon tea experience.
‘Wear it Yellow’ fundraiser
Each year, we proudly take part in the Wear it Yellow fundraiser, supporting the important work of Children’s Ground for First Nations children, families and educators.
We were incredibly grateful for the support shown by our Enrich community throughout the week. Together, we raised $555 for the Wear it Yellow fundraiser.
The funds raised can help support the employment of four First Nations early childhood educators and assist children in accessing on-country learning experiences surrounded by family, culture and community.
National Reconciliation Week reminds us of the importance of listening, learning and walking together with respect. We feel incredibly grateful to our families, educators and community members who helped create such meaningful experiences for the children throughout the week.
Early Years Learning Framework
Our educational and cultural program for this year’s National Reconciliation Week support these Early Years Learning Framework outcomes:
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity.
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
If you would like to learn more about our approach to early learning and education, you’re welcome for a personal tour.
