Acknowledgement of Country

Nidja Wadjuk Noongar Boodja, koora-koora, yeyi, wer kalyakoorl. Ngalark kaaditj Bidiar koora-koora wer yeyi. Gnaalar koolangka, waabiniy, kaadadjiny wer maladiny nidja bardook Djarlgarroo Beelier. ​

This is Wadjuk Noongar country, since a long time ago, today and forever. We acknowledge the elders past and present. Our children are playing, learning and growing here near Djarlgaroo Beelier (Canning River)​.

Cultural Responsiveness at Our School

At our school, cultural responsiveness is central to who we are and how we teach. We value and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students, families, and community, and we are committed to creating inclusive learning environments where all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Culturally responsive practice supports students to build strong identities, develop respect for others, and engage meaningfully in learning by connecting classroom experiences to culture, community, and lived experience.

8 Ways of Aboriginal Learning

Our teaching is informed by the 8 Ways Aboriginal Pedagogical Framework, which supports authentic, strengths-based learning for all students. The 8 Ways emphasise Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing, and are embedded across learning areas where appropriate.

The 8 Ways include:

• Story Sharing – learning through narratives and shared experiences
• Learning Maps – making learning journeys visible
• Non-Linear – allowing flexible and exploratory learning pathways
• Symbols and Images – using visual ways of communicating meaning
• Land Links – connecting learning to Country and place
• Non-Verbal – valuing observation, modelling, and demonstration
• Deconstruct/Reconstruct – breaking learning down and rebuilding understanding
• Community Links – learning that connects with family and community

Classroom Examples

Culturally responsive practices are embedded across classrooms in a range of ways, including:

• Using storytelling, yarning circles, and shared discussions to explore concepts and reflect on learning
• Explicitly mapping learning journeys so students can see how ideas connect over time
• Incorporating visual supports, symbols, and hands-on materials to support understanding
• Connecting learning to local environments, seasons, and places on Noongar Boodja
• Providing opportunities for students to observe, model, practise, and reflect before demonstrating learning
• Breaking tasks down and rebuilding understanding through guided practice and reflection
• Inviting community perspectives and valuing family knowledge where appropriate

Boodja Neh – Listening to Country

Boodja Neh, meaning “Listening to Country”, is an important part of our culturally responsive approach. Through Boodja Neh, students are encouraged to develop an understanding of Country as a living entity with spirit, history, and responsibility.

In classrooms, Boodja Neh may include:

• Learning about local Noongar seasons and their connection to weather, plants, and animals
• Engaging in quiet observation and reflection in outdoor learning spaces
• Listening respectfully to stories, knowledge, and perspectives connected to Country
• Developing an understanding of our shared responsibility to care for and respect Country