Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Educator Yarns with Jessica Staines & Belinda Huntriss


Educator Yarns serves as an informative and insightful discussion about the importance of embedding Aboriginal perspectives in early childhood education and the need for ongoing education and support in alignment with the Early Years Framework 2.0.

Jessica Staines, Director of Koori Curriculum is back for season four with new co-host Belinda Huntress from Freshwater Education.

Together the dynamic duo provide practical advice and resources for educators and advocate for a culturally inclusive, safe and respectful approach to teaching and learning.

Dec 2, 2019

In this episode, I sit down with Cassie Davis from the Western suburbs of Melbourne.

Cassie began working in Early Childhood education in 2003 when she was just 16 years old. She always knew she, wanted to be an educator and work with children and after working in long day care for 11 years, she was ready to take on a teaching position at a sessional kindergarten for her local council in Tarneit. From 2015 her reconciliation journey began both professionally and personally.

In our episode we will discuss:

  • Wyndham City Councils vision for reconciliation
  • How the centres journey for inclusion has shifted over time
  • How Cassie utilises children’s natural interests to embed an Aboriginal perspective
  • Cassie’s team and their role in embedding an Aboriginal Perspective
  • Cassie’s Torres Strait Island experience
  • Understanding Torres Strait Islander culture and views
  • How is Torres Straight and Aboriginal culture different
  • Torres Strait Islander community challenges
  • Establishing relationships with local Aboriginal community members
  • Local council support and what that looks like
  • Torres Strait Islander celebrations and what they look like
  • Floral Fridays
  • Knowledge sharing with the team
  • Torres Strait food
  • Cultural inclusion

Links mentioned in this episode:

Koori Curriculum: https://kooricurriculum.com/

Wyndham Council: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/reconciliationweek