Last week all classes focussed on Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. 

Support Class students learnt about the original Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who originally lived in Australia and there were many different language groups. They also learnt about how to build good friendships. When a friendship has been ruined we must have a reconciliation, which means building up and coming back to a friendship or harmony after the friendship has been harmed.

ES1 and Stage 1 students learnt about how to acknowledge country and build bridges when we have harmed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in days gone past. This is why we say sorry.

Stage 2 and Stage 3 focussed on building an understanding about National Sorry Day. This day acknowledges when the Australian Government nationally apologised for the past practice of forcibly taking thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children away from their parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents.These children are called the Stolen Generations. Thousands of them never saw their family again. They were even forced to forget their language and culture and live with strangers, many who were often very cruel and racist. Taking these children away from their homes and families caused lots of pain and sadness that is still felt by many today. Many of the Stolen Generations are now adults who are still trying to find their families, and connect with their traditional cultures and communities. Many still feel very sad when looking back at the time when they were taken away from their families just because they were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Sorry Day is a time for all Australians to say sorry for the hurt caused, that so many still feel today.

This week mainstream students focussed on how to maximise their learning time and identifying when their focus is interrupted. They also discussed: 

Why is it important to be a learner?

• So that we have new skills and knowledge to support us in real life
• Learning is good for us and helps our brain to develop!
• Prepares us for the future (further study, employment and life choices)
• Helps to develop our own interests and enjoyment in life

 Why is it important to demonstrate being a learner at school?

• It is important to show the person speaking that you are listening - it shows that you value what they are saying as we all learn from each other
• It is important that we listen to all instructions so we know what to do
• It helps us to maximise learning time for ourselves and others, ensuring we get the most out of the lesson

Talk to your child about what distracts you and your focus. Ask them what they discovered they need to work on to increase their opportunities during learning time.

This week, Support classes looked at the Blue Zone of regulation (sad, tired, sick and upset) - how we feel and what it looks like. They also investigated what makes you sad (having no one to play with, getting into trouble and losing something) and things that make us tired (bad sleep, a busy day or a late night). You can support your child by identifying when you feel in the Blue Zone and explaining why. This can help children recognise this in themselves. 

Meghan Ryan
PBL Committee Member