Rachel Bennett, Steve Ulula Parker, Leslie Briggs and Justine McClaren celebrate the launch of PIELC's first RAP with the centre's Penguins class.
Traditional Owner and Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta and Erub man Steve Ulula Parker led a smoking ceremony for the pre-school students with Yorta Yorta and Gunai Kurnai man, Leslie Briggs.
Cowes Primary School captains Nicholas and Elsie (left) and Bass Coast College San Remo Campus captains Bella and Declan with Steve Ulula Parker and Leslie Briggs.
Khiara Harrison, Sonya Hunt and Jordan Crugnale MP all smiles after seeing the PIELC students enjoy the short-tailed shearwater dance led by Steve Ulula Parker.
Young islanders danced around a First Nation's smoking ceremony, mimicking short-tailed shearwaters as the Phillip Island Early Learning Centre (PIELC) launched their first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The dance was created and led by Traditional Owner and Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta and Erub man, Steve Ulula Parker. The students were smiling gleefully as they flapped their wings, recreating the chaotic flight of the island's migratory birds.
Lynne Clements, director of the PIELC, said the RAP launch went "amazingly".
"It was just great having all the involvement of the teachers who put a lot of work into (the day), our RAP team and all the children joining in and being so excited about learning and being on country," Lynne said.
RAPs aim to enable organisations to sustainably and strategically take action to advance reconciliation with First Nation's people.
Lynne explained the RAP has already had flow-on effects in the classroom, with students participating in a welcome to country each morning. The students at PIELC also complete various activities in 'yarning' circles and learn First Nation's words.
Yorta Yorta and Gunai Kurnai man, Leslie Briggs, also led a discussion of Indigenous culture and offered the students the chance to hold and interact with Indigenous artefacts.
"The importance for the children learning about (First Nation's) culture and Aboriginal practices and habits from such a young age is that it builds a real connection to them, their land, family and the community they live in," said the PIELC director.
Also present on the day was local state member Jordan Crugnale MP, members of the local CFA, the Bass Coast College San Remo campus captains, and members of the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network.
