Celebrating Book Week with the boys from Clontarf Foundation

The power of books and storytelling can be enjoyed at all ages!

Just take a look.......

What are the benefits to each set of students?

Benefits for Early Childhood Children:

Cultural Awareness and Respect:

HSE children are exposed to Aboriginal history, languages, and cultures, fostering early cultural awareness and respect for diversity. Engaging with older students who may have more knowledge or personal experience with Aboriginal culture enhances this learning.

Role Modeling and Mentorship:

The presence of high school students provides younger children with positive role models. This interaction helps them see the value of learning and respecting different cultures, which can influence their attitudes and behaviours as they grow.

Social Skills Development:

Interacting with older peers in a collaborative and respectful environment

helps younger children develop social skills, including communication, cooperation, and empathy.

Inclusive Learning Experience:

The picnic offers a hands-on, immersive learning experience that aligns with child-led learning principles, where children can explore and understand cultural concepts in a supportive and engaging setting.

Benefits for High School Students:

Leadership and Responsibility:

High school students have the opportunity to take on leadership roles, guiding and educating the younger children about Aboriginal culture. This responsibility can enhance their confidence and leadership skills

Deepened Cultural Understanding:

By teaching or sharing their knowledge with younger students, high school students reinforce their own understanding of Aboriginal history and culture. This process can also spark a deeper personal connection to the subject matter.

Community Engagement and Reconciliation:

Participating in activities that promote reconciliation helps high school students actively contribute to their community. This involvement fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, as they work towards a more inclusive and cohesive society.

Mutual Respect and Understanding:

The partnership with younger children encourages high school students to practice patience,

empathy, and respect for others. Engaging with diverse perspectives enriches their worldview and promotes mutual respect.

Why did we choose to do this?

Every two years HSE applies for a grant through PALS which allows us to develop our connections and our learning to the history and culture of First Nations People. This year we aligned our RAP goals to improve authentic community relationships with this years PALS grant.

Partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people based on trust, mutual respect and understanding.

Acceptance of and respect for diversity and valuing Aboriginal perspectives.

Learning more about each other, Aboriginal histories, languages and cultures; and how we can build strong partnerships with Aboriginal people.

Sharing a common journey towards healing and reconciliation.

Our Goal: building relationships that are based on collaboration, respect and mutual trust with Aboriginal people, as the First Nations people of Australia, is important. Developing and maintaining sustainable partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people across the entire community is a way to work toward reconciliation and to achieve more inclusive and cohesive communities.

Shared Benefits:

Both groups of children/ young people contribute to and benefit from the development of sustainable partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, which is a crucial step towards reconciliation.