National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and achievements, and to think about the role we can all play in achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year's theme, Bridging Now to Next, highlights the ongoing connection between past, present and future and asks each of us to think about the steps we can take – individually and together – to contribute to a reconciled future.

As we speed through March with the end of Term 1 just around the corner, we have had a few teachers reaching out to see if there would be a new Easter basket design this year and I am happy to say the Wingaru educators have not let you down! We love that our baskets have become a staple at this time of year, providing an opportunity to create awareness and opportunity to bring another First Nations perspective into the learning environment.

This year we have created 6 ‘baubles’ and a gift box  centered around what Christmas means to me. The artworks feature symbols of people, meeting circles, camp/home and water because I am lucky enough to head to the ever beautiful Gumbaynggirr Country each year and its healing offerings of both freshwater and saltwater are a feature of the festive season for me and my mob. My artwork also includes kangaroo tracks to symbolise my family heading home - because kangaroo is one of our clan totems.

Figures show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely to need early intervention services – such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy – than other children, and the gap between First Nations kids (24%) and non-Indigenous kids (10%) is significant.

Figures show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely to need early intervention services – such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy – than other children, and the gap between First Nations kids (24%) and non-Indigenous kids (10%) is significant.

This year, the theme for Reconciliation Week (held every year 27th May – 3rd June) is ‘Now More Than Ever’ and while it is still a few weeks away so might not be on your radar yet, I want to talk about the theme and what it means for teachers – because it’s an important one.

It wouldn’t be Easter without Easter craft! Easter craft will look different in every classroom and this year we have a new basket to add to our collection of Easter craft for you to consider. If you are a subscriber we also have a super cute bilby ear activity for you - check it out in the additional resources section of the dashboard.

And just like that 2024 is here! I love the start of a new year and the potential it holds. The fresh start, an opportune time to establish a new approach or focus, and the calm to put the learnings of the previous year into action.

Christmas! Can you believe we are here already! Term 4 has just weeks to go and while I am freaking out about how fast this year has gone, I am also so relieved that a break is just around the corner. This year we are headed north for a few weeks to spend time on amazing Gumbaynggirr Country. Saltwater healing here I come!

Reconciliation is all about working together and we have teamed up with one of our favourite allies, Aaron Johnston from Mr J’s Learning Space to bring you an amazing resource for Reconciliation Week this year.

Incorporating First Nations perspectives into your Easter activities is a great way to deepen students' appreciation for the richness and diversity of our culture.

​2023. Can you believe it is almost here? For most teachers the end of the school year means planning for the next year is high on your priority list.

Can you believe December is here already! For me, 2022 is the year that passed while I blinked. It has flown by in a flurry of activity. Never enough hours in a day and a never-ending list of things to do. I know this is a feeling that teachers can relate to.

It’s still a few weeks away but Easter craft is starting to pop up - it wouldn’t be Easter without Easter craft! We have more amazing basket craft activities this year. They are so gorgeous that I couldn’t wait to share! I have included one below and the other is available to Wingaru Kids subscribers in the Additional Resources section of the platform.

This year the Wingaru team have worked with two amazing Aboriginal artists – Dunghutti artist Aunty Cynthia O’Brien-Younie, and Marlee Webb, an emerging Darug artist – to bring you some new Christmas crafts for you to share with your class.