Reflecting on the meaning of this Day

There are over 476 million indigenous peoples living in 90 countries across the world, accounting for 6.2 per cent of the global population. Indigenous peoples are the holders of a vast diversity of unique cultures, traditions, languages and knowledge systems. They have a special relationship with their lands and hold diverse concepts of development based on their own worldviews and priorities.

 

Although numerous indigenous peoples worldwide are self-governing and some have been successful in establishing autonomy in varying forms, many indigenous peoples still come under the ultimate authority of central governments who exercise control over their lands, territories and resources.

 

Despite that reality, indigenous peoples have demonstrated extraordinary examples of good governance, ranging from the Haudenosaunee to the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting populations all over the world that were already suffering from poverty, illness, discrimination,institutional instability or financial insecurity. From the perspective of indigenous peoples, the contrast is even starker. In many of our societies, the social contract, at the very least, needs some revision.

 

As we fight against the spread of the pandemic, it is more important than ever to safeguard indigenous peoples and their knowledge. Their territories are home to 80% of the world’s biodiversity and they can teach us much about how to rebalance our relationship with nature and reduce the risk of future pandemics.

 

Indigenous peoples are seeking their own solutions to this pandemic. They are taking action and using traditional knowledge and practices such as voluntary isolation, and sealing off their territories, as well as preventive measures. Once again they have shown their capability to adapt.

 

Video: COVID-19 and its impact on Indigenous Peoples

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufwuv3_LJ1w&t=8s

Remote Learning

As of today, we are halfway through the scheduled remote learning period. This can be a very scary thought to many of us. Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive for what teachers are doing and for ideas to move students away from screens and to include movement as part of every day. Providing for remote learning continues to improve each week. Teachers are continuing to learn from each other and students of all ages are becoming more accustomed to the routines and expectations required of them.

But having said that, there is also evidence that some children are reluctant to participate in remote learning. Struggles between parents and their children are real in many households. Learning during this time is different and it can pose challenges for certain personalities, learning styles, available learning space and the level of support children are able to access. As mentioned previously, we do have a number of children who come to school for one or two days per week who need to maintain that contact with teachers or simply to break up the routine at home. This is ok and can be very beneficial for both the students and the parents at times. 

Over the next three weeks, teachers will continue to improve and refine what they are presenting but my advice to parents is that when you feel your child has done  enough, or needs a break for their own wellbeing, then take that time. Send the teacher an email to say they needed a break - we all need this from time-to-time. Personal wellbeing supersedes any requirement to have a task completed. Be kind to your children and be kind to yourselves! You are all doing an amazing job!

Principal’s Challenge

With an extended period of remote learning, I will set a challenge for students each week with photos again being uploaded to our FaceBook page. The challenge for next week is for students to build a cubby house either inside or outside. You could use: 

• Cardboard
• Lounges,
• Cushions
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Wood
• etc 

Take a photo to send to info@stwwdow.catholic.edu.au by 11am on Thursday, 12 August. The slideshow will then be uploaded to Facebook on Friday, 13 August.

Grandparents Slideshow

Thanks to all the students who submitted cards / posters for grandparents last week. The slideshow, accompanied by a Mrs Hogan original track, is available on the School FaceBook page. The olympic slideshow will be available on Friday.