On the pupil free day this week, teaching staff participated in a professional development (PD) session about the Histories of South Australia from an Aboriginal Perspective. It was held at the Hills Environment Centre at Norton Summit.
This tied in with our key PD focus this year which is 'Enhancing the Cultural Curriculum' and in particular looking at Indigenous education. It also aligns very well with our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). One of our RAP actions is to 'provide staff with a range of opportunities to build and extend their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures'.
The PD session was presented by local Kaurna man Corey Turner and a team of local indigenous people. It was significant and impactful to have this session run by indigenous people.
The session incorporated a guided art workshop learning about various South Australia aboriginal language/cultural groups. We learnt about the specific country and how the land was used, the significant animals and stories of that area and the lifestyle of each group.
We also spent time learning about the true and often confronting history of these cultural groups. We all participated in a role play looking at the history from an aboriginal perspective which was incredibly powerful, emotional and thought provoking.
All staff were moved by the session and it prompted much discussion, reflection and inspired a 'call to action'. It certainly 'set the scene' for us as a staff to think about authentically implementing our RAP and committing to building relationships with First Nations people, learning about and working towards reconciliation, raising awareness of current affairs and issues that are significant to Aboriginal people and respecting, valuing and teaching Indigenous culture and history.
As educators we have a responsibility to educate our young people, provide them with opportunities and extend their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history.
It was certainly a memorable experience to heighten our awareness, strengthen our knowledge and provide the impetus to reflect upon our values and beliefs .
We are looking forward to officially launching our Reconciliation Action Plan as a community later this term.
Cathy France
Principal
In week 10 last term we held our annual community breakfast at Yultiwirra. It was our first school event at Yultiwirra in over 12 months! Thank you to everyone who came along, it was wonderful to come together as a community. Special thanks to the staff, class parent reps and the Fundraising Committee who organised and assisted with the breakfast and helped make this school event a success!
Phew! What a big couple of weeks it has been for us in Vacation Care! We had a strong focus these holidays on construction, cooking and arts and crafts which were certainly enjoyed by all.
We started off strong with some electronic deconstruction and recreation – a personal favourite of many of our staff and absolutely for the kids. We even had a helpful parent volunteer to give us an extra hand and some added knowledge on electronics, thanks Damien!
The kids created their own superhero movie on Superhero Day – I wonder when ‘The New Avengers’ will be showing in the cinemas? Other notable mentions were Wheels Day (always a hit!), terrarium making, and Minute to Win it. We ended our holidays with a Pyjama Day and a fantastic End of Holidays Party on the Pupil Free Day, party games included!
Thanks for the great Vacation Care! I cannot wait to see everyone back in OSHC and I’d love to hear ideas for next Vacation Care.
Roxy Lewis
OSHC Coordinator
Late last term the Cycle 4 students participated in our annual Wellbeing Conference. The aim of the conference is to bring wellbeing to the fronts of students’ minds by exposing students to a number of local services that support wellbeing, as well as exploring a few simple strategies to help maintain their own wellbeing.
The day consisted of numerous experts and professionals in their field. The sessions included topics on mindfulness, wholistic health, nutrition, knowing your personality, navigating the health maze, and rethinking how we move. Aldgate Fitness Studios contributed sessions on self-esteem and getting active. It was great to have headspace along for the day, running sessions on mental health literacy, healthy relationships, healthy boundaries and safe online practices. A special thank you to parent volunteer Catrin Daly who gave up her time and expertise.
We welcome Kelly Harvey to our staff. Kelly has been appointed as a School Assistant to support students in Lisa's class in Cycle 2.
We also welcome back (out of retirement for one term!) Terri Ross Marriott who will cover Holly Bottroff's absence for Term 2. Holly is undertaking her teaching placement at another school in Term 2 and will return to her school assistant role in Term 3.
After his very successful coffee making at our Community Breakfast last term, Stuart from Roving Cafe will be joining us again at Yultiwirra outside the school Hall, but this time every Thursday morning for Term 2.
Coffee and hot chocolate will be available from 8.15 to 9.15am.
This is a fundraising initiative.
Come and join Susan on alternate Tuesdays, exploring a range of topics relating to learning in our school and ways to support your child/ren at home. The sessions are 20 minute ‘bite sized snippets’ of information and informal discussions for parents. “Snippet sessions” are held in the staffroom from 9.10am – 9.30am fortnightly.
Snippet Session: Tuesday 11th May:
Ancient guidance for modern parenting
The oldest cultures in the world have mastered the art of raising happy, well-adjusted children. What can we learn from them? Most of our greatest parenting challenges, such as how to instil helpfulness, kindness, and confidence in little ones, aren’t problems in other cultures. The next 'Snippets with Susan' session will discuss some of the challenges parents face in relating to children and introduce accessible, practical information that allows us to rethink the ways we connect with them
If the topic on offer takes your interest, please RSVP via Skoolbag or ‘pop in’ on the day! Numbers are limited to 12 attendees.
Term 1: 27 January – 9 April
Term 2: 28 April – 2 July
Term 3: 27 July – 24 September
Term 4: 12 October – 8 December