Culture & Inclusion

Head of Special Education Services (HoSES)

“I don’t care” is often a child’s way of protecting themselves when they feel overwhelmed, disappointed, worried, or unsure. Understanding the feelings behind the behaviour allows adults to respond with empathy, strengthen connections, and support children to develop healthy emotional language.

Deadly Science

This term, our Year 5 students have been fortunate to participate in two outstanding Deadly Science learning experiences that deepened their understanding of First Nations knowledge systems and their ongoing contributions to science.

Students took part in the Bush Soap workshop, where they explored traditional uses of native plants and learned how Indigenous people have used scientific knowledge of the environment for thousands of years. The hands-on session gave students a practical appreciation of sustainable resource use and the deep connection between people and Country.

Our 5P students also joined an Indigenous Astronomy webinar presented by Wiradjuri astrophysicist Dr Kirsten Banks. Dr Banks shared how Indigenous peoples have used the night sky for navigation, seasonal calendars, storytelling, and caring for Country for generations. Students were fascinated to learn how traditional knowledge and modern science can work together to help us better understand our world and beyond.

As we look ahead to NAIDOC Week, these learning experiences remind us of the importance of celebrating the world’s oldest continuing cultures and recognising the valuable knowledge and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We thank Deadly Science for helping bring these opportunities to our students and inspiring the next generation of scientists, thinkers, and learners. (Also the huge boxes of LEGO we've been able to resource several classrooms with.)