Shirley Pearl & Her Bush Friends Letter Subscription
The Shirley Pearl & Her Bush Friends letter subscription has been introduced as a shared educational resource across all learning environments. Copies of the letters have been distributed to educators to support intentional teaching and to embed the content within room programs. The letters have generated rich discussions among children and educators, with many children demonstrating anticipation and excitement when new letters arrive.
The topics explored through the letters have provided meaningful opportunities to build children’s understanding of custodianship and what it means to care for the land. They have also supported conversations around sustainable environmental practices, respect for nature, and personal and community wellbeing. Educators have used these letters as prompts for group discussions, storytelling experiences, and follow-up learning activities that deepen children’s connection to the natural environment and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
Professional Learning Webinars
Both pre-recorded webinars were utilised as professional learning during staff meetings. These sessions provided a foundation for reflective dialogue among educators and supported critical reflection on current practices.
- Acknowledgement of Country (Pre-Recorded Webinar) strengthened educators’ understanding of the purpose and significance of an authentic Acknowledgement of Country and encouraged consistent, meaningful implementation within daily routines and group experiences.
- Bush Tucker Webinar Series (Pre-Recorded Webinar) enhanced educators’ knowledge of native plants, traditional uses, and cultural connections to land. This learning has informed planning and opened opportunities to embed Indigenous perspectives in a respectful and informed way.
Tara’s Treasures Resources
Tara’s Treasures felt mats and Australian animal felt figures have been distributed across rooms to enrich learning environments and provocations. These resources have become a valuable addition to the program, supporting imaginative play, storytelling, and small-world exploration. Felt mats in a range of sizes were intentionally selected to complement storybooks and literacy experiences, allowing children to recreate narratives, explore Australian habitats, and engage in collaborative play scenarios.
These resources and professional learning opportunities have strengthened the integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, environmental responsibility, and culturally responsive practices within the service’s program.