Goodna Kids Early Learning Centre

Goodna Kids ELC's vision for reconciliation reflects a shared partnership between children, families, educators and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. We aspire to encouraging a culture of participation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their languages, cultures, and ways of knowing are celebrated and the true histories respected daily. We actively support reconciliation as a path to healing. We nurture our community acknowledging and understanding the past and current injustices against First Nation's Peoples, and the negative impact upon First Nations People's cultures since European colonisation. As a team of educators, in consultation with community Elders, we question, research and challenge our knowledge to support reconciliation. We believe that through listening to each other and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can ensure First Nations voices are heard, respected and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritages are sustained for future generations. Our centre policies, practices and pedagogy are reflective of this shared vision for a more united Australia. In collaboration with community Elders, we continue to respectfully embed cultural perspectives into all areas of our service, to ensure authentic connections and the building of strong relationships. We recognise the rights of all children to develop a positive self-identity. We understand the unique responsibility we have as a community of educators to ensure that the current future generations are informed and empowered, as we move towards a reconciled Australia. Our service is authentic in how we facilitate meaningful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences for children to ensure that positive and inclusive messages are supported. Educators and children in each studio participate in a morning yarning circle where we all come together to reflect and pay respects to the Land that we gather on for the day. Our centre envisions an inclusive society, embracing and celebrating cultural diversity along our journey.