National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week takes place annually from 27th May to 3rd June. As part of our commitment to reconciliation in Australia, Pilgrim School are now approaching our third year with an active Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This year our RAP Team with the support of the Inclusive Education Team planned and delivered activities and learning opportunities for all students from Foundation to Year 6, to compliment the work of Class Teachers in delivering the Australian Curriculum.
Lemon Myrtle Playdough
On Monday, our students in Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 made Lemon Myrtle Playdough with lemon myrtle leaves and ground powder. The aroma was as unique and beautiful as the country it came from. Staff and students explored the scent and discussed uses for lemon myrtle in cooking. Each class had playdough to use throughout the week, to reflect on and remember the Traditional Custodians of this land. Students in Foundation also had the opportunity to taste Muntries (native apples) in the form of jam, while Year 1 and 2 students tasted Green Ant Marmalade.
Bush Tucker Muffins
Tuesday saw students in Year 3 and 4 make Bush Tucker Mini Muffins with lemon myrtle and wattle seed. Due to recent crop losses, Bush Tomatoes were unavailable and substituted with dates. This provided a wonderful opportunity for students to discuss how these ingredients might traditionally be used, and the impacts of crop losses for people who rely on them.
Kangaroo Meatballs with Kakadu Plum Dipping Sauce
Year 5 and 6 students made meatballs using Kangaroo and Bush Tomato Sausage, with Kakadu Plum Dipping Sauce on Wednesday. Students had the opportunity to taste their cooking and reflect on the traditional ingredients used and how they might be gathered or harvested. Understanding the traditional ways of caring for Country and the importance of sustaining the knowledge held and shared by local people is embedded within the Australian Curriculum.
Year 6 Class Activities (Mel Carpenter)
The Year 6 class started Week 5 by learning more about Reconciliation Week and what we can do to be a part of reconciliation efforts in our country. We looked at the history of why this week is so important and Indigenous perspectives. Students wrote a statement about what they can do, with the theme of, ‘Now more than ever I will…' The discussion between students was excellent and they demonstrated empathy and thoughtfulness.
Year 1/2 Activities (Tricia Fuente)
The Year 1/2 students learnt about Sorry Day and coloured handprints to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community.
Year 5 Activities (Bess Sarre)
Our Year 5 students enjoyed learning about the significance of the Hibiscus flower to First Nations Peoples.
Staff Morning Tea
On Thursday our staff were treated to a morning tea courtesy of our RAP and Inclusive Education Teams. Staff sipped on Wild Rosella Tea and Strawberry Flora Tea while sampling award-winning Native Dessert Dukkah and bush tucker muffins. A big thank you to the Australian Native Food Co at Royal Park for their service. If you are interested in sourcing native, local ingredients and tasting some of South Australia’s finest teas, jams and dukkah, head online or out to the store and take a look.
To learn more about reconciliation at Pilgrim School, visit our website where you will find a link to our RAP.
Blessings,
Yiota Chesterfield
Inclusive Education Coordinator, RAP Chair