National Reconciliation Week (NRW) runs from 27 May to 3 June each year, and is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements as well as to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year's theme, Now More Than Ever, is a poignant reminder that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues. 

Teaching learners from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds

Professional learning undertaken for teaching learners from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds should meet descriptors 1.4 and 2.4 of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), however it may meet other descriptor(s) of the APST depending on the type of professional learning undertaken.

Teachers should consider the modifications to the curriculum and / or practice they will need to make for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners to access learning.

If they do not have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in their learning environment, teachers can

• observe an experienced teacher’s practice and / or approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners and base their demonstration of descriptor 1.4 on another student in the school, or
• hypothetically include an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander learner to demonstrate the standard.

Then they will need to ask themselves

• What would I do if I had this learner in my group?

How would I design and implement effective teaching strategies that are responsive to the local community and cultural setting, linguistic background and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners?

Events

Every year workplaces, schools, early childhood settings, community groups, reconciliation groups and people right across the country host a whole range of events.

Search for event ideas for your school / early childhood service or create your own event and add it to the National Reconciliation Week calendar.

Posters and Resources

There are numerous ways to get schools involved in learning more about reconciliation. The Narragunnawali resources, Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) resources, Victorian Inclusion Academy resources and Learn our Truth campaign shares teaching and learning ideas for early childhood, primary and secondary school students and also professional learning courses for teachers.

Remember, these are just a few ideas, feel free to explore other resources and modify them for your learners and context

• download the National Reconciliation Week 2024 digital resources and posters
• refer to Narragunnawali's website for more information on committing to a Reconciliation Action Plan in your school or early childhood service
• visit the Koorie Heritage Trust to explore the collections, register for a Cultural Education workshop and / or other events.