Right outside the Principal’s office of Mount Sinai College, a Jewish primary school in Sydney, three flag poles fly the Australian, Aboriginal and Israeli flags. No child leaves Mount Sinai College without understanding the history of settlement and what it has meant for Indigenous people, says the Principal. They also gain an understanding of Aboriginal customs, practices and traditions; and, importantly, learn about the Stolen Generations.
The teachers seize every opportunity to integrate Aboriginal perspectives into the curriculum wherever possible, especially through one of the key study areas, Human Society and its Environment. Through the visual arts, the children are encouraged to explore Aboriginal traditions, for example, creating cardboard didgeridoos and decorating them with traditional mythical imagery. A highlight of the school year is the annual performance given by Aboriginal dancers, who entertain and educate the children.
One of the highlights of our NAIDOC Week celebration is the collaboration we have established with Chifley Public School. A group of students from Chifley visit our school to showcase their traditional dance and play the Didgeridoo. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for our students to learn about the significance of indigenous dance and music as an integral part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Throughout the week, our classrooms are engaged in a variety of activities that promote cultural understanding and appreciation. Some of the activities include:
- Storytelling – Rich and meaningful picture books and stories shared with students and read in class.
- Art & Craft – Follow-up activities inspired by the story and symbolism of texts read.
- Writing Acknowledgements of Country expressing the significance and gratitude to the land.
- Whole-school colouring competitions inspired by the year’s NAIDOC theme