Over the last two weeks each of the classes at the Early Learning Centre have been exploring the message of Reconciliation Week. It was lovely to see students at school wearing the colours of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flags, or clothes to represent their own cultural background.

We have been sharing with the students a beautiful book by Aunty Fay Muir called ‘Sharing’ which I feel really embodies the message of Reconciliation for this age group. Author Fay Stewart-Muir is a Boonwurrung Elder who cares about sharing her culture and stories with all. She has written a series of books for young children (and older people too) that introduce them to indigenous philosophies. Other books in this series are titled ‘Respect’ and ‘Family’.

The story of ‘Sharing’ begins with the words ‘When we share, there is plenty for all’. This is certainly a message at the heart of so much of what we do as educators of young children. Supporting children to share the space at preschool, take turns and share during class discussions and activities, to share the resources we have at playtime and even to share friends and include other people when we play. It has also been a way to begin the journey of understanding Reconciliation Week for our classes. Sadly in the past we didn’t share this country and our indigenous people suffered greatly because of this. My hope is that this next generation of children will grow up with a spirit of sharing. Sharing so that there is a place for everybody, sharing in a way that preserves and values our natural environment, sharing so that there is plenty for all.

It was so lovely to be able to join together as a school community for the first time, and share together in a Liturgy for Reconciliation Week. This liturgy was led students at St Anthony’s with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background and was a truly reverent occasion. The Preschool children did an amazing job of listening quietly. We were very proud of them! We also had three ELC students who were very brave and helped during the service, carrying some branches of Eucalyptus onto the stage to place on the prayer table.