Balnarring Pre-School

Balnarring Pre-School recognises the importance for all children, educators, families and the community to value, learn about, and deepen their understanding of the diverse cultures of the First Peoples of Australia. We recognise the important role education plays in creating a society that respects the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, which we will do by maintaining and celebrating relationships and connectedness. We acknowledge reconciliation to be on a continuum, as our knowledge and understanding deepens and our teaching practices reflect that learning.

The teaching team will continue to regularly engage in professional development to obtain a deeper understanding and an increased confidence in that knowledge to guide curriculum development and our pedagogies and practice. Through the childrens and teaching teams' engagement in learning about the First Peoples of Australia, the Pre-School community will continue to come together, to work and learn alongside Traditional Custodians to recognise and know the importance of learning with Country in order to develop and maintain strong relationships and respect for all: the Land, creatures, people.

The teaching team will continue to build and maintain relationships with Elders and First Peoples to develop our practice and knowledge, and intentionally teach the local language with permission and guidance from the Boon Wurrung Elders. Our program will continue to include a variety of resources to support the program development and practices.

Application of the Ngarnga Biik (Country of Learning) philosophy to respectfully embed First Peoples' perspectives will make the visions and intentions of the program visible to all who enter the centre and interact with the program. Through these practices, a culturally responsive space is maintained as a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families continue to connect with their cultural identities and develop a sense of belonging. First Peoples histories, relationships and voices are valued and respected. Truth telling and First Peoples teachings are incorporated into the curriculum.