Our early learning initiatives are enriched by opportunities for children to engage in experiences that foster connections within the community. Throughout the year, we organise various experiences both within our Early Learning Centre (ELC) and in the broader community. At times, we invite specialists to conduct workshops at Campbell House, where they share their expertise and resources with the children. These opportunities are thoughtfully planned to align with and enhance the children’s ongoing learning and inquiries.

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Murrundindi, a Wurundjeri elder, at our Early Learning Centre. Murrundindi is the Ngurungaeta or ‘head man’ of the Wurundjeri people.  He shared insights into his First Nations language, culture, and history with the children. Murrundindi passed down ancestral stories and introduced the children to some new words in the Woi wurrung language. Following the stories, the children enjoyed listening to Murrundindi play the didgeridoo and tried to identify the animal sounds he produced while playing. Murrundindi also shared his ceremonial possum skin cloak with the children, talked about how it was made and the cultural significance.

To conclude the session, the children sang and danced to a new song that Murrundindi taught them, incorporating greetings, people’s names, and animal names in Woi wurrung language. The exploration of Aboriginal culture and history will continue in the children’s classrooms as they revisit and expand upon the discussions and experiences from their workshop with Murrundindi.

Such experiences offer valuable opportunities to enrich the children’s learning, connect with experts, and engage with the community. They expose the children to diverse and new experiences, helping them better understand the world around them.