Indigenous Program

Indigenous Program & Learning

At Flinders Preschool, we strongly believe in embedding First Nations perspectives into the program.

The Kinder embraces Indigenous perspectives and this is evident around the kinder with our Totem poles, flag displays and artwork.

We actively teach that we are on Boon Wurrong/ Bunurong Country. An Acknowledgement to Country is regularly spoken with and by the children and we talk about respecting the Country we’re on.

Aboriginal stories, puzzles and perspectives are part of the everyday experience. For example, one of our chickens has a Boon Wurrong name – Yalin (meaning brown). At beach kinder we often sight Waah (the crow), who teaches us to take care of our waterways.

NAIDOC, Reconciliation Week and other dates are recognised and expressed through children’s artwork, song, story and dramatic play.

Our educators are committed to embedding Indigenous culture and perspectives, participating in workshops and cultural learning through the local Bunnerong community. They are developing our RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) and are committed to children learning about Aboriginal perspectives.

4 Year Old Group Indigenous Activities

The 4 year old indigenous learning is enhanced by annual visits from Uncle Lionel at Living Culture and a visit from renowned elder Murrandini.

The children excitedly participate in learning culture teachings from our surroundings Bunnerong people. For example, Uncle Lionel held a beach session this year retelling stories from the past and teaching local aspects to the beach and Indigenous plants and creatures, even lighting a fire using old techniques.

Living Culture
Living Culture specialises in cultural talks and workshops for Mornington Peninsula pre-schools and schools. Uncle Lionel shares stories, insights and cultural knowledge with our 4-year olds on country at the Flinders back beach. His easy-going nature and great connection with our children, encouraging them to delve into the teachings of this ancient culture and consider the cultural environment of the present day.

Lionel also brings awareness and understanding for adults, and teachers and educators in general are invited to engage in professional development on indigenous culture interpretations.

Murrundini
It is a privilege to have Murrundini visit our pre-school. He is the Ngurugaeta of the Wurundieri people. Ngurugaeta means “head man” or “tribal leader”, used by clans of the Woi-Wurrung tribes and Taung Wurrung Ngurai-illum Wurrung.

Murrundini and his brother Warendj regularly conduct cultural education programs in pre-schools, primary and secondary schools throughout Melbourne and surrounds. They present the diversity of their Aboriginal culture to our children through song, dance, language, and music.