2.4 Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians

Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages.

I wish to acknowledge the Wathaurong People of the Kulin Nation the traditional custodians of that land on which I live, work and play. I would also like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation on whose lands I grew up on and extend that to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present and thank them for their continued custodianship of the land, air and waterways. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Respect and understanding of  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture are central to my inclusive teacher identity and throughout my PST journey, I have had the opportunity to discuss this with my mentors and peers. I have been noted as  this standard during my first placement, (extract from placement report below)

During my third placement this was put into action as an inclusive practice, each morning the students would respectfully practice an Acknowledgment of Country, this was a moving experience every morning that was an integral part of the morning routine that set students up for a successful day of learning. 

In addition that this I have extensively researched the pre and early colonial history of my local area and across the nation. I plan to integrate this knowledge through my lesson plans to cover the cross-curriculum priority as much as possible.