Glen Education Newsletter

Glen Education St Patrick's

Cultural Responsiveness at Glen St. Patrick's Kindergarten

"Cultural responsiveness is a contemporary way to think about culture and enables individuals and organisations to be respectful of all backgrounds, beliefs, values, customs, knowledges, lifestyles and social behaviours."— ACECQA

Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives

Being culturally responsive includes a commitment to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in all aspects of our curriculum. Within our program, it is a natural part of our being to be inclusive, and it’s embedded within our service.

We have materials and equipment within our space which reflect the respect for cultures that are not our own. We continue to learn and commit to learning and improving our professional practice by asking families about their culture and respecting their ideas and views as much as we can.

Creating a Culturally Safe and Secure Environment

Our setting promotes a sense of being culturally safe and secure - visually, through what surrounds our space - but most importantly through our educators, who come from diverse cultural backgrounds. This diversity reflects an embedded approach to cultural responsiveness which comes naturally.

We communicate effectively and sensitively with families and recognise different ways of communicating and interacting across cultures.

Family Photos and Cultural Identity

Family photos in our learning environment encourage cultural responsiveness by creating a sense of belonging and validating children's identities and cultural backgrounds. 

When children see their own families represented, they feel more connected and respected, which can boost their confidence and engagement in learning. Additionally, displaying diverse family photos can broaden children's understanding of different cultures and family structures, fostering a more inclusive and accepting learning environment.

Daily Acknowledgement of Country

Each day, we come together as a group and practise an Acknowledgement of Country. Although it is a simple verse, it captures and expresses the gratitude we have.

Showing gratitude for the land we live on, especially with children, involves acknowledging the traditional owners and their connection to the land, and demonstrating respect for the environment. This is often done through an Acknowledgement of Country, which serves as a reminder of our role as visitors on this land and encourages a sense of responsibility for its care.

Acknowledgement Verse: 

Here is the Land,

Here is the sky

Here are my friends

And here am I

We thank the Boonwurrung people

For the land on which we learn and play

We promise to take care of it

Each and every day.

Culturally Responsive Storybooks

Our books and literature also encompass cultural responsiveness. The storybooks are carefully chosen for purchase.

Storybooks promote cultural responsiveness by presenting diverse perspectives, challenging stereotypes, and fostering empathy through relatable characters and narratives. By exposing children to different cultures, traditions, and ways of life, they develop a broader understanding of the world and a greater appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. This can lead to increased tolerance, acceptance, and a more inclusive attitude toward others. 

Aboriginal Culture Set-up Experiences

As part of our commitment to cultural responsiveness, we include Aboriginal culture set-up experiences that encourage children to explore and engage with First Nations culture in meaningful ways.

These experiences include traditional Aboriginal symbols, artwork, natural materials, and storytelling resources that reflect the deep connection to land, community, and identity. Through guided discussions and play-based learning, children are invited to explore the significance of Aboriginal culture in an age-appropriate and respectful manner.

This hands-on experience not only fosters curiosity and appreciation but also builds a foundation for ongoing understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, perspectives, and contributions.

Recognising Cultural Diversity in the Early Years

Cultural responsiveness within our service is an ongoing journey where we recognise and acknowledge the impact that the early years have on shaping a child's view and understanding. In the early years, children begin to develop their sense of identity and belonging.

It is our role as educators and teachers to recognise the diversity within our service and community and foster cultural competence.

We can ask ourselves: "Why do children need to learn about identity?"

Because it:

  • Helps them understand Australian cultural diversity
  • Develops confidence
  • Develops self-esteem & sense of belonging
  • Strengthens their character
  • Identifies their unique qualities and distinguishing features
  • Creates self-awareness/sense of self
  • Teaches respect for others
  • Builds resilience
  • Teaches them how to relate to the world around them

Harmony Day Celebration – 21st March

With this in mind, we observed Harmony Day with the children on the 21st of March. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity.

We taught the children about the beauty of different cultures, languages, and traditions, and fostered a sense of harmony and respect for all. The children participated with enthusiasm in art and craft activities where they created handprints symbolising their sense of belonging within our community.

We followed this with stories:

  • “We are Together” by Britta Teckentrup
  • “Whoever You Are” by Mem Fox

Finally, we believe: Cultural responsiveness is not a practice; it's what informs our practice.

It helps us make better choices for engaging, motivating, supporting, and expanding the learning capacity of ALL within our service.