During NAIDOC Week, Dayboro Community Kindergarten embraced the spirit of inclusivity, respect, and cultural celebration with a special focus on teaching our children about the rich history and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Through engaging stories and heartfelt discussions, our kindy children learned that everyone in Australia has the right to be respected, to have their voice heard, and their culture celebrated. They were particularly struck by the historical fact that Aboriginal people once did not have the same rights as white Australians. The unanimous reaction from the children was clear: “That’s not fair!”
To bring these lessons to life, we created a beautiful “Sea of Hands” in our front garden. This tradition began in 1997 in Canberra as a unique petition where people used colourful plastic hands instead of paper signatures. Each hand represented someone who supported the rights and reconciliation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. At Dayboro Kindy, we honour this tradition each year to show our care and support.
Our children eagerly participated by using the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to make their handprints. We invited our families to contribute, inspired by the children’s heartfelt words on the sign they created: “Please come into kindy and make a hand. We want it to be fair for everyone.”
In addition to the Sea of Hands, we are creating a booklet that celebrates our families’ diverse cultures and identities. This project encourages our children to learn about and appreciate the rich tapestry of backgrounds that make up our kindy community.
NAIDOC Week at Dayboro Kindy was a time of learning, respect, and community spirit. It reminded us all of the importance of treating others fairly and respectfully and celebrating the diverse cultures that make Australia unique. Through the innocent and open minds of our children, we find hope for a more inclusive and understanding future.
