Pope Road Blackburn Kindergarten

Pope Road Kindergarten acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First  Peoples of Australia and Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Lands and waterways throughout Australia. We acknowledge that our kindergarten, where we work, live, play and learn, is on the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri People. We thank the Wurundjeri People for respecting and taking care of the Land for so long.

We believe all children and their communities have the right to know the stories of the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Lands we now call Australia and that this can shape our reconciliation journey. Our continuing daily practice with children, families and community, reflects core aspects of reconciliation; relationships, respect and creating opportunities to support and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. We  inspire our kindergarten and wider community to contribute to reconciliation and to break down stereotypes and discrimination.

Pope Road Kindergarten's management and governance, and teaching and learning, is underpinned by upholding and valuing the potential and power of respectful relationships and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. We prioritise the wellbeing of First Nations children, families and staff and all teachers, educators, children and families who come together to build our community of learners. Our desire and hope is to be an exemplary early childhood organisation that leads the way in building a better future for all Australians, which is based on stronger, equal and equitable relationships between all Australians.

We believe that reconciliation is a process, rather than a destination: an ongoing process which acknowledges the true past, understands the present and embraces a future which is based on the respectful co-existence for the equal and equitable rights of First Nations peoples and all Australians.  As stated in the 2008 National Apology, we believe that our reconciliation journey is about creating, "a future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.