Arabic version: مدرسة في سيدني تتبنى السحلية ذات اللسان الأزرق للتعليم الثقافي
St Bernadette’s Primary School in western Sydney on Dharug Country is utilizing the blue-tongued lizard as a totem to foster reconciliation and cultural understanding among students. This initiative is part of the school’s commitment to National Reconciliation Week, which this year emphasizes the theme ‘All In’. According to SBS News, the project aims to teach students about Aboriginal culture, the importance of caring for Country, and protecting local wildlife.
The school has adopted the blue-tongued lizard, affectionately named ‘Bluey’, as part of its cultural learning program. Year 4 students, including Penny and Lillian, are actively involved in creating a garden habitat for the lizard. They are planting vegetation to establish a safe environment for Bluey, which reflects the school’s broader aim of instilling a sense of responsibility and belonging in the students.
Principal Lisa Samojlowicz noted that the idea for the project emerged from discussions with an Indigenous parent about integrating First Nations education into the curriculum. The initiative has grown from a small reconciliation activity to a comprehensive school-wide project, supported by the Jarara Cultural Centre’s Junior Rangers program.
The significance of totems, such as the blue-tongued lizard, is being highlighted through this project. Educators emphasize that totems represent spiritual, cultural, and environmental connections among people, animals, and the land. Understanding these connections is crucial for students as they engage with Aboriginal culture and kinship systems. The project not only nurtures local wildlife but also enriches students’ educational experience, fostering a deeper connection with their environment and cultural heritage.
