Tumble Tots Kindergarten

The ancient art of model boat racing on Erub Island ⛵️ Island Echoes with Nornie Bero | Watch on SBS On Demand

100% had to share this - there is a picture of these boats in 'Waru amd Dhangal visit the Torres Strait" storybook.

The ancient art of model boat racing on Erub Island ⛵️ Island Echoes with Nornie Bero | Watch on SBS On Demand

What a wonderful day yesterday for myself and Ms Tash, spending time on Country with Sally from Black Cockatoo Education PTY LTD

I spent my childhood immersed in nature living in Kooralbyn Valley, oblivious to the significance of places like Round Mountain and Mt Barney.

The truly delightful sisters, Gerry and Janis Page (Marin) of the Mununjali clan (burnt earth people) shared what this Country means to them and their ancestors. Traditional custodians of the land centered on Beaudesert including Rathdowney, Darlington, Tamrookum and Jimboomba.

I am seeing the places I love through a different lens. Listening deeply to stories of connection and caring for Country. Learning the significance of the five adjoining rivers, gazing at mountains that provide home to “mibbun” (Wedgetail Eagle) and creation stories of Moogerah, chasing “maron” (sand goannas) and seeing the majestic grass trees as they stand watch on the north east sides of the landscape. This is fire country, with deep, rich, volcanic soil. Stunning landscapes rich with animal and bird life. It was beautiful to me as a child and now it holds so much more significance.

I will be forever grateful for this opportunity 💚 👣 🦅

If it comes from your heart, you are on the right path.

Creating true allyship in early childhood education and care means moving beyond symbolism, towards action that supports cultural safety, respect and belonging.

In a powerful piece for Amplify, Cultural Consultant Lisa Walker shares what it means to be a genuine ally to First Nations educators, children and families and the role ECEC leaders play in embedding culturally safe practices.

Read the full article:
https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0jHpV0

Fathers are so important ❤️

Father’s Day can mean many things, and it’s not always easy 💚
Tomorrow, we’re thinking of those who are celebrating, remembering, or taking some quiet time. Your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone.

If the day feels tough, you can reach out for free support:
• Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au.

Looking forward to Wattle Day tomorrow – such an iconic plant with so many varieties and connections to culture.

We absolutely love this song! Definately one to share with your children - they will love it!

Melanesian Queen (Lyric Video) A deeply personal tribute to 3 matriarchs who shaped my life. My grandmothers Mereani Mate from Kadavu Fiji & Illewaya Bunemiga & Pei Masani from Papua New G...

On the 20th April 2023, with Connecting the Dots through Culture, I had what I thought was a once-in-a-lifetime experience of meeting Mr. Kazuyoshi Takami (affectionately known as Takami Son) of the Kazu Pearl Farm on Gialag (Friday Island). The farm has a long history, dating back to the 1970s, and is one of the few remaining active pearl farms.

He had been quoted as saying, “I love the island, I love my garden, and I love fishing. I will keep going forever if I can!”. (Beilharz, May 2012). But I left heartbroken because in 2023, we thought that he was returning to Japan, and the pearl farm would close. The farm has a long history, dating back to the 1970s, and is one of the few remaining active pearl farms.

If you’ve been privileged to visit, you will have seen some of the most amazing sustainable practices, combined with surgeon-like skills used to create, care for, and produce world-quality pearls and fine-dining-quality food. This place seems to transport you into another world—stunning beauty and a lifetime’s dedicated work. Words don’t do it justice—it is a feeling of utter gratitude to be there.

To my sheer delight, this week, July 2025, Ms. Cecelia confirmed we would visit Gialag (Friday Island). As the ferry landed on the jetty, I watched with joy as Takami Son walked briskly down and greeted us with his beautiful, shy smile. This time, our hostess, Kimmy, shared her knowledge of the farm and her family connection. Takami Son worked under Kimmy’s grandfather. This is a woman I could listen to forever, and I will be forever grateful for meeting her.
In the shop, Kimmy and I shared stories of our children, and Takami Son graciously signed a pearl shell for me and a few other educators. I hope he understands how much respect and admiration I hold for him. He leads by humble example in a world of chaos.
We stopped for a photo, which I will cherish, and as I said goodbye this time, it was with a sense of peace that I cannot explain. Perhaps it was Kimmy’s explanation of life: “That death is a part of life, and all we can do is hold onto the reins and do our very best while we are here.”
I know in my heart it was also how special Takami Son had made me feel. Like he genuinely saw me and understood how returning to this place, seeing him, was a once-in-a-lifetime gift (again!).

Ms Ranu is just the most amazing woman. We have been blessed to share time with her and her family and we couldn’t wait to share her truly inspiring post of her recent reflections.

People often ask, "Why do you visit the Torres Strait?". This is my third visit to Zenadth Kes, Waiben.
To read about a place, its culture, and its people is one thing. To travel there, spend time, listen to stories about their past, build relationships slowly, and feel the wind, sand, and heat in person is a completely different experience. Things do not "come easy" here.

Perhaps it is the vibrant music and dance that share stories and culture for survival that invigorate my soul, or the confidence and pride of the dancers themselves.
Perhaps it is the Elders recounting stories and protocol with humour and passion as they fight to preserve their culture and hand it on, desperate to keep it alive.
Perhaps it is the colour of the water, a blend of different blues I cannot adequately describe, or the four winds that blow.

Maybe it's the bond of pamle (‘family’) and the requirement to actively contribute through gud pasin (‘good manners’), or as Auntie Wasie instructs us, “Treasure your parents.”
Maybe it’s the legend of the Wongai tree—once you eat it, you will always return.

On reflection, it is all of this and more. A sense of belonging somewhere that isn’t my home but feels like it should be. And when I do leave this place, my heart is filled with the desire to share it with others and to always return. Regardless, I am filled with deep gratitude to all those who brought me here and to every single person who is a part of my learning experience and has shared so much kindness and love with me. Big Esso from Day 1...so much more to come.

Connecting the Dots through Culture
Island Stars

We loved listening to Prof Guy Claxton on Talking Teaching.
Lots of "takeaways" including simple things like vocabulary, replace "work" with "learning". Prof Claxton wants to support teachers through clear and simple guidance. He is an advocate for "a balance between explanation and exploration in teaching."
There is a really good summary of one of his books if you are interested:

Book Review: The Future of Teaching and The Myths That Hold It Back by Guy Claxton Introduction For well over 15 years, I have followed and enjoyed Guy Claxton’s work. If you have not yet come across him but are inspired by the work of