Tadpoles Pacific Paradise

Run away from the T-rex

I SAID RUN, DAMMIT!

Merri Community Childcare and Kindergarten Inc.'s vision for reconciliation begins with our acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.  We regret the impacts on families, cultural identities, lands and waters, languages and communities by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a result of colonisation.  This shared history affects us all and we endeavour to work toward developing our children’s, educators and families’ understanding of the ways in which colonisation and racism continue to impact.

We also acknowledge that reconciliation is about valuing and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and strengths.  We strive to build authentic and respectful relationships with local Aboriginal community and learn their histories, languages and stories, as well as celebrate achievements. 

We realise the importance of including children from a young age, to grow and learn and build a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to create a future for all children and their families that is equitable, just and promotes the wellbeing of all Australians. 

Our vision for reconciliation is informed by our principles of inclusiveness, diversity and community, as well as our commitment to uphold the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

We understand that reconciliation is a continuous and evolving process.  We strive to increase our knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and are committed to bringing our vision to life through every aspect of our curriculum and through each member of staff in meaningful ways.