Embracing Reconciliation: Crafting Effective Action Plans
– by Jessica Staines, Koori Curriculum
Eploring Reconciliation as a dynamic verb! Facilitated by Jessica Staines, Director of Koori Curriculum and renowned for her expertise in early childhood inclusive programs and anti-bias approaches, this session will guide educators through the creation of effective deliverables for their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP).
As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” This workshop emphasises the importance of developing a structured plan of action.
Participants will engage in creating a series of stepping stones, supported by valuable resources, to foster cultural awareness and integrate intercultural ways of knowing, being and doing into their pedagogical approaches. Participants are also encouraged to bring their RAPs, digitally or in hardcopy, for an interactive session of de- and reconstructing to ensure actionable and impactful outcomes.
Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives Into Early Childhood Curriculums
– by Jessica Staines, Koori Curriculum
“We know we should but we don’t know how!” is a common statement made by many well-meaning educators in reference to Aboriginal programs.
An astounding number of educators are worried about being offensive, tokenistic and stereotypical and often do nothing in fear of getting it wrong.
This workshop is all about growing educator’s cultural confidence and capacity. Jessica will equip educators with practical ideas on how they can embed Aboriginal perspectives in their curriculum all year long and not just during NAIDOC week.
Get to know the Speaker
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As the founder of the multiple award-winning Koori Curriculum, Jessica’s commitment to social justice, reconciliation and anti-bias practices drives her to empower educators to be more culturally aware and inclusive. She facilitates a range of professional development programs, resources and workshops for educators that help guide the inclusion of Aboriginal perspectives in early childhood curriculums.
Jessica has played many significant roles nationally and internationally in building cultural understanding, reconciliation and harmony, including as an Indigenous advisor to ABC’s Playschool and as the National Representative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at the World Forum Foundations Global Leaders Program.
Her work has been published in industry journals, and she has previously been a part of the AIATSIS Education Advisory Committee and HIPPY Reference group, contributing to the development of resources and programs that support Aboriginal children and families in the early years.
Jessica’s family are Wiradjuri and have lived off Country on Gadigal and Wangal land for four generations. Her family originally came from Cowra, Molong, Parkes and Wellington, but due to displacement, they were disconnected from their family and communities.