Dear Parents/Caregivers,
RECONCILIATION WEEK
As you know from Andrea Hayden’s article in the previous newsletter, we have been acknowledging Reconciliation Week. This week teachers viewed and had a thought provoking discussion about the short film clip entitled, “Uluru statement from the heart – 2017” https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement. This clip takes viewers through the significant events that have affected First Nations peoples since Australia was settled by Europeans. It challenges us to look at the issues and inequities faced by these peoples over 200+ years and to think about the steps we can take to really come together and listen so First Nations peoples can be truly heard about the changes they need to have voice, treaty and truth. As teachers, we have a responsibility to ensure we are teaching and opening conversations with students about these issues. It is our hope that the work we do develops citizens who truly listen and come together to build a strong future for all Australian citizens, acknowledging the past and coming together to build agreement - Makarrata. As a staff we include indigenous perspectives where possible across the curriculum. We acknowledge that what was once taught in schools needs to change and teachers are working to ensure we are sharing correct information with students. Some of the work we have been doing for Reconciliation Week itself includes: investigating indigenous music, songs sung by Aboriginal singers in both English and Language, reading First Nations bedtime stories then having conversations about what their stories are saying. Older students are also looking at key events in more detail.
I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the parents of Buddy in 7W, Daniel and Katie, who came to school to work with the Early Years classes on Thursday 27th May, at the start of Reconciliation week. Daniel is an Aboriginal man and was invited to share his culture and knowledge with the students. He spoke to the students, taught them words from his Ngarrindjeri language and read them a picture book entitled 'Our Home, Our Heartbeat,' written by his friend Adam Briggs.
Katie and Daniel then taught the children some Aboriginal dance moves of a whale and an eagle and the children were very engaged in this experience. We were also lucky enough to share an Indigenous lullaby with the children which had been sung in both a First Peoples' language and in English, written for Buddy and traditionally sung to him and his sister Daisy every night before bed.
We are grateful that Buddy and his family were happy to share some of their culture with us. We would like to thank Daniel, Katie and Buddy for sharing with us as we move forward together to promote Reconciliation, 'More than a Word.' The photo below is of students in 7W working together to create a banner for Reconciliation Week.
DON’T FORGET: PUPIL FREE DAY NEXT WEEK ON FRIDAY 11th JUNE
Staff will be training and planning curriculum and other elements of the Site Plan at a pupil free day on Friday next week. If you need child care, the OSHC will be open that day. Please contact Sally Mitchell on 8381 7577 to book in.
ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY – FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10th
The Governing Council has approved a full school closure day on Friday September 10th for the day of local significance, the Royal Adelaide Show. If you need child care, the OSHC will be open that day. Please contact Sally Mitchell on 8381 7577 to book in.
MOBILE PHONE & PERSONAL DEVICES POLICY
Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day for parents/caregivers to complete eForms to indicate whether children will or will not be bringing a mobile phone and/or personal device to school. If you haven’t yet done so I would ask that you please read the policy closely and ensure you understand the expectations of the school and DfE around the ongoing implementation of the policy. I ask please that the eForm be completed by the end of this weekend, for each child. The policy will come into effect as of Monday next week, June 7th.
INTERVIEWS IN WEEK 9
By now you should have received an invitation to meet with your child’s teacher. I encourage you to book a time with the teacher as soon as you are able.
Please note that on Wednesday 23rd June from 3:30 to 7:00, Houses 4 and 5 will be open with our Specialist Team present for families to visit and speak to them on the way to or from interviews. Wallis Sensei and Gray Sensei, Japanese teachers will be in House 5. Ellie Burford PE/Science teacher, Tania Bailey Music/Drama teacher and Emma Belshaw Dance teacher, will be in House 4. These teachers look forward to seeing you and sharing information about their programs with you.
COMING EVENTS
PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT INTERVIEWS – WEEK 9 TERM 2.
PUPIL FREE DAY – MONDAY 19th JULY
SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY – FRIDAY 10th SEPTEMBER
With regards,
Anne Rathjen
Principal
