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Aboriginal languages thriving in preschools and schools
A record number of children enrolled in early childhood education and care across NSW are learning Aboriginal languages , fostering a deeper connection to Country , culture , family and kin .
Many of these youngsters – and thousands more students in NSW public schools – celebrated the second NSW Aboriginal Languages Week last month .
The week aimed to raise awareness , spark conversations and highlight the work of local communities to revitalise Aboriginal languages .
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said more than 7500 children in early childhood education and care services across NSW were learning an Aboriginal language before they started school .
This is in addition to thousands more school students learning Aboriginal languages in schools , from Kindergarten to Year 12 , through specific programs and partnerships with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and with the seven Aboriginal Language and Culture Nests .
“ All children benefit from learning an Aboriginal language and gaining an enriched and deeper understanding , appreciation , and respect of the world ’ s oldest living culture ,” Mr Dizdar said .
“ For Aboriginal children , the learning of their local Aboriginal language at an early age validates their identities , strengthens their self-esteem and galvanises their sense of belonging to their culture , land , families and communities .”
Around 6500 children in nongovernment early childhood education services are learning an Aboriginal language through the Ninganah No More program funded by the NSW Department of Education .
A further 925 Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal children at NSW public preschools learn a local language through the department ’ s Preschool Aboriginal Language Program .
Twenty-three public preschools participate in this program , learning languages including Paakantji , Dhurga , Gamilaraay , Dharawal , Dharug , Bundjalung , Wiradjuri , Yorta Yorta , Gathang , Dharug Dhalang , Awabakal and Darkinjung .
The program aims to increase Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander children ’ s literacy and vocabulary skills and support opportunities for students to develop into bilingual speakers , as well as help all children learn about Aboriginal cultures and languages .
The true impact of teachers in a student ’ s life
Don ’ t underestimate the impact of a teacher in your child ’ s life .
Teachers and students spend the majority of their week together . Teachers not only act as a source of education , but as a role model , inspiring kids and supporting them when the going gets tough .
This is at least the case for Mrs Glynis Donat , Head of Mathematics at Mountain View Adventist College . Glynis sees beyond the student sitting in a classroom .
“ You need to see beyond the classroom to help understand the behaviour in the classroom . Be in tune with the students , don ’ t overlook times they might not be themselves .”
Glynis has taught at Mountain View Adventist College for nineteen years , making her well versed in all things teaching .
“ I ’ m more than just a maths teacher . I help these kids ; I support them as best as I can . I encourage fun and laughs , but I keep them disciplined .”
All in all , Glynis approaches teaching with consistency at the forefront .
“ Kids need boundaries . When you are consistent with your boundaries , they respect you , and that respect becomes mutual .”
To learn more about Mountain View Adventist College , visit mvac . adventist . edu . au .
28 ISSUE 44 // NOVEMBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT