Child at the centre surrounded by kin, family and those professionals supporting learning and development, health and wellbeing. The Cultural Knowledge Story was developed by Dr Sue Lopez Atkinson (Yorta Yorta) and Aboriginal artist Annette Sax (Taungurung). The story description and ochre artwork illustrate the VEYLDF's three elements: Learning and Development Outcomes, Practice Principles and Transitions.
Practice principles
- Bunjil the Eagle and Waa the Crow represent Aboriginal culture and
partnerships with families.
- The waterhole symbolises
reflective practice.
- The gum leaves with their different patterns and colours represent
diversity.
- The stones underneath the leaves represent
equity. They reflect the additional support put in place so that all children can achieve.
- The child and adults standing on ‘Ochre mountain’ symbolise the
high/equitable expectations we hold for children and adults.
- The family standing on and looking out from ‘Ochre mountain’ reflects
assessment for learning and development. Such assessments draw on children’s and families’ perspectives, knowledge, experiences and expectations.
- The child and adult figures also represent
partnerships with professionals.
- The land symbol as mother earth represents the basis for
respectful relationships and responsive engagement.
- The symbols for land, water and people signify
holistic and integrated approaches based on connections to Clan and Country.
Outcomes
- Gum leaves as bush medicine symbolise connection to
wellbeing.
- The yam daisy represents the survival of a strong Aboriginal
identity. The yam daisy was central to the diet of Aboriginal Victorians. It was almost wiped out by colonisation but has survived.
- The family sitting under the scar trees with message stick and coolamon symbolises
communication.
- The family seated on the land also symbolises the child
learning through their connection to, and involvement with,
community.
Transition and Continuity of Learning