National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week takes place annually from 27th May - 3rd June. An ongoing action in our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is to celebrate and learn about significant events including National Reconciliation Week. This year our RAP team, with the support of the Inclusive Education Team, planned and delivered activities and learning opportunities to all students from Foundation to Year 6, to complement the work of class teachers in delivering the Australian Curriculum.

Lemon Myrtle Playdough

Our students in Belong and Blossom Playgroup and LEAP enjoyed the aroma and texture of lemon myrtle playdough.

Flag Protocols and Lemon Myrtle Iced Biscuits

On Monday our students in Foundation, Year 1 and 2 learned about flag protocols and the unique elements that make up the Australian flag, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag. They then decorated and enjoyed a biscuit with lemon myrtle flavoured icing to represent the Aboriginal flag. 

Kangaroo Mince Bolognese

Tuesday saw students in Year 5 and 6 enjoy some delicious bolognese made with kangaroo mince. This provided a wonderful opportunity for students to discuss the use of kangaroo as a sustainable source of lean protein. The meal was a hit with our growing senior students with many thumbs up and a line up for second helpings!

Staff Morning Tea

On Tuesday our staff were treated to a morning tea courtesy of our RAP and Inclusive Education Teams. Staff enjoyed wattle seed scones served with Kakadu plum, muntries, wild rosella and strawberry jams; topped with strawberry flora flavoured cream and native dessert dukkah. Staff enjoyed warmed pots of native teas including wild rosella, strawberry flora, naiouli and lemon myrtle; we reflected on the bounty our unique and cherished country provides for us.

Damper Cooked in a Firepit

On Wednesday, Year 3 and 4 students made damper, flavoured with lemon myrtle and wattle seed. These little parcels of deliciousness were cooked over a fire pit in the Friendship Garden giving an authentically Australian taste for students and staff to enjoy.

Storytelling 

Telling stories to share information and keep tradition alive has long been used in many cultures and remains an integral part of Australian Aboriginal culture today. Jesus told stories and parables to teach people important lessons and values for his people to live by. A number of staff were filmed reading or a telling a story. These short videos will be shown to students for entertainment and as a point of discussion on how information and knowledge is shared from generation to generation through storytelling. 

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