Bush Kinder at Leitchville

Published on 14 June 2017

BUSH KINDER AT LEITCHVILLE

Media Release

Students at Leitchville Pre-School have enjoyed the thrill of participating in a Bush Kindergarten program which recognises the place the bush has in Australian folklore and the significance of the land in Aboriginal culture.

Now running for three years, Leitchville Pre-School teacher Kim Mason said the students are intrigued by the Aboriginal culture and enjoy the interactive nature of the sessions.

“Aunty Esther Kirby visited the kinder and the students were able to snuggle in the possum skinned cloak, do an animal dance and symbol drawing,” Mrs Mason said.

“Whilst exploring the bush kinder site we listened to birds, did grass weaving, found animal tracks and bush tucker and medicines. The children were particularly intrigued with the platypus dreamtime story, emu eggs and listening to Esther share her knowledge about her totem, feathers and cloak.”

Director Community Wellbeing Mandy Hutchinson said the Bush Kindergarten program aims to build a community with a closer connection with nature. 

“It is wonderful to see the students building a rapport with local Elders and Esther is a wonderful role model and mentor to young people about Aboriginal culture,” Ms Hutchinson said.

Following the Bush Kindergarten session students continued with their cubby construction using mud to glue sticks together and are eagerly waiting for Esther to visit again in Term 3 to do cooking in the coal with damper, meat and vegetables and dessert on the menu.

The visit to the Leitchville Pre-School coincided with Reconciliation Week activities across the Shire.

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website

www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au

…ENDS…

Date:  14 June 2017

Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627