Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Reconciliation, Anti-Harassment Training, Culture Awareness Training and Excursions
On Wednesday, 3rd of June, Year 3s from Room 17 attended Reconciliation SA’s ‘Southern Schools Reconciliation Event’ at Neporendi Centre, Old Reynella. (Only one class per school was permitted to attend). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel presented Dreaming stories, clay art, rock painting, physical skills and Kaurna language activities to our students. The event provided the opportunity for relationship building and network development and inspired further interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. 
On Monday, 7th of June, Year 3 and 4 classes from Rooms 6, 10 and 17 attended an interactive anti-racism workshop presented by drama group Act Now Theatre and facilitated by Reconciliation SA. Our students were presented with a number of scenarios that embodied racism and were given training around how to address each situation and how to act for the protection and wellbeing of all. This experience has given students and teachers the skills and understandings to continue practicing anti-racism strategies within and outside of school, into the future.
At staff meeting on Wednesday, 26th of May, all staff members at Seacliff Primary experienced anti-harassment training, run by Reconciliation SA. The resolve of all teachers and support staff was heightened to continue supporting the wellbeing of all and to elevate the education of students in healthy attitudes, dispositions and anti-racism strategies.
Additionally, during school closure on Friday, June 11th, all staff members experienced a powerful, poignant and hard-hitting Culture Awareness training half-day, run by Kaurna group, Southern Cultural Immersion. This session was both devastating and inspiring. Teachers are now further equipped with the enthusiasm and resolve to more deeply explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures with their students. They have been provided with Kaurna contacts to reach out to for advice and support.
On Thursday, June 17th, the Year 3s from Room 17 are scheduled to enjoy a guided ‘Bush Foods’ tour around Warriparinga Wetlands, led by Living Kaurna Cultural Centre. This excursion is planned to also include other environmental investigations in the wetlands. Unfortunately, it is likely that this event will be put off, due to the forecast of heavy rain.
Over the next two years, Seacliff Primary will be gradually developing a Kaurna Walk and Sustainable Community Garden project, in collaboration with the Kaurna community. The events outlined above have been planned to develop understandings, attitudes, dispositions and relationships in keeping with this project, and for the benefit of all, in all areas of life.
A small working party has met with Kaurna advisor, Corey Turner, to get advice.
More events are planned, for the near future.
