Rochedale Kids ELC

Rochedale Kids ELC’s vision for reconciliation reflects a shared partnership between children, families, educators and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait community; encouraging a culture of participation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their histories, languages, cultures and ways of knowing are respected every day. We actively support reconciliation as a path to healing the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. We endeavour to nurture a community which acknowledges and understands the past struggles of  First Nations peoples and the negative impact 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 dialogue, we can ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices are heard. Our centre policies, practices and pedagogy are reflective of this shared vision for a united Australia. In collaboration with community Elders, we strive to embed cultural perspectives into all areas of our service, to ensure authentic connections and a 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 future generations are informed and empowered, as we move towards a reconciled Australia. Drawing upon children’s love of their surrounding environment, we explore sustainability concepts through nurturing a love of all living beings, empowering children to become guardians of the Earth, cohesively and respectfully embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and reverence of the environment through play. Our centre envisions an inclusive society, embracing and celebrating cultural diversity, for a harmonious future.