NEWSLETTERS APRIL 2009
PrimaryConnections Stage 4 (2009-2011)
PrimaryConnections goes to the Top End!
PrimaryConnections recently conducted a 2 day curriculum leader program and 1 day PLF recall day in Darwin. Sophia McLean facilitated the workshops and reported the following:
The sign said "Welcome to Darwin" and a warm welcome it was. The end of March is towards the end of the wet season in the Northern Territory. The days were warm and thankfully not wet. The Teachers who attended the 2 day Curriculum Leader Workshop and the 1 day PLF recall training were able to put together seasonal calendars of Kakadu, as they learnt about Indigenous perspectives in Science. Many were impressed that Diane Lucas - the author of Walking with the Seasons in Kakadu and Waterlilies is a Darwin local and former teacher. Both of Diane's books are superbly illustrated and invite children (and in this case adults) to closely observe the birds, animals and plants that inhabit Kakadu. The workshop attendees then used these narratives as a starting point for building a science unit of work. The books also introduce Gundjeihmi language from the Murrumburr clan of Kakadu.
The teachers travelled from all over the Northern Territory to take part in the workshops and had many interesting stories to relate on day-to-day teaching in remote communities. For example, in the rainy season, supplies are extremely limited, so, if it can't be flown in it doesn't arrive. If it is too heavy (such as potting mix) forget it. Buying bean seeds (let alone growing them) can be virtually impossible. Sometimes orders need to be placed well in advance, say 6 months to ensure eventual delivery by barge. This was eye-opening for the regional and city based people (and myself) who are used to only a 1 to 2 week turn around as standard from many suppliers.
The 39 Teacher Leaders and 5 PLFs left the workshops enthused, happily clutching PrimaryConnections units and facilitation tools ready to teach and share the PrimaryConnections story. I left, thrilled to have been a part of such an energetic and dynamic group. My thanks to Lorraine Van Haeften - NT Department of Education and Training for helping make the three training days smooth sailing and lots of fun.