Prep Koalas
In Prep Koalas we have been busy exploring and engaging in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learning experiences and educational resources. We have also been developing an understanding of the important historical events of our nation including the Anniversary of the Apology (Feb 13), National Sorry Day (May 26), and Reconciliation Week (May 27 - June 3) just to name a few.
National Sorry Day is a time to remember the past policies of forced child removal, and reflect on the sad and painful stories of the Stolen Generations. It is a time to recognise the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the power of saying sorry. We explored the children's picture book, Sorry Day by Coral Vass, to help students connect to the underlying key messages. It is a powerful and important story because it helped Prep Koalas to understand the grief of the children who were taken from their homes as well as the importance of saying sorry in age appropriate terms. We were also busily creating purple flowers to symbolise the scattering of the Stolen Generations. The five-petal Native Cotton, Desert Rose, or Native Hibiscus as we know it, is coloured purple as it signifies compassion and spiritual healing.
We really enjoy our growing range of classroom books featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and themes - are you familiar with some of these titles? We look forward to continuing on our learning journey together!
- Miss Smit
