Tonight was an absolute treat!! What a moving experience it was to witness my dear friend Sarah Jean perform in a choir singing the beautiful, lyrical Noongar language. This was the culmination of a three-week journey for the choir members, led by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse. As I sat there, taking in the sight and sound of this choir I was filled with a deep sense of honour and reverence to have been invited to share in this special event. 🥰
Language and culture are inherently intertwined - the words we speak are the very foundation of our identity and traditions. To hear these ancient Noongar words being brought to life through song was beautiful. I love how Gina spoke about us being in the midst of a critical renaissance to revive endangered Aboriginal languages, and events like this choir performance play a vital role in that movement.
One moment that stood out to me was when Gina sang a Noongar version of the classic "Moon River." That song holds such deep personal meaning for me, as it was the one my husband and I chose for our first dance. To hear those familiar lyrics delivered in the lyrical Noongar tongue was stunning.
And then there was the song about the bindi bindi, the Noongar word forbutterfly. Sarah said it reminded her of me 🦋🥹.
I cannot wait for the koolangkas (children) at our school, to experience this magic for themselves - to connect their koort (hearts) to the ancient Noongar language while on boodja (country). This is the kind of experience that has the power to spark a lifelong love and reverence for Indigenous culture. 🫶🏾 #strongerinculture #togetherisbetter❤️ #morethanawordreconciliationtakesaction #musicisconnection 🎶
We’re going BLUE as a staff tomorrow to support the fight against type 1 diabetes! Many of us have personal connections to this condition - some of our staff live with type 1 diabetes, while others have family members affected.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means those with type 1 need to monitor their blood sugar levels and administer insulin throughout the day to stay healthy. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes.
Our team is committed to raising awareness and funds to change that. We stand united with all the type 1 warriors out there, including my beautiful 20 year old daughter who was diagnosed at age 13. She inspires me every day. #fighttype1diabetes #type1totypenone👊🏾💙🩸💉 #staffhealthandwellbeing #togetherisbetter❤️
Despite the prevalence of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), awareness remains frustratingly low. Yet, this neurological condition need not define one's potential. Though the roots of DLD may be genetic, we each possess the power to cultivate understanding and provide essential support. By joining together, we can amplify the voices of those impacted, empowering them to overcome societal barriers and fulfill their dreams. This October 18th, on #DLDDay, let us unite under the banner of 'Speak Up for DLD.' Share information, volunteer your time, and discover the myriad ways to get involved at radld.org. With compassion and determination, we can ensure those with DLD receive the resources to thrive. Their stories deserve to be heard - let us raise them up, one by one. #devlangdis #dld #dldday #radld #dldproject #raiseawareness #advocacymatters
Play isn't just for kids. As adults, we often forget the joy and wonder of letting loose and embracing our inner child. But play is essential for our mental health and creativity. As the famous writer E.B. White once said, "I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." So, my friends, go out and swing - let the breeze ruffle your hair and the laughter bubble up from within. Play is the antidote to the stresses of daily life. #mentalhealthiswealth #playmatters #readyfor50
# Exciting News! The DLD Project Launches as a FoundationI'm thrilled to share some wonderful news - the DLD Project has officially launched as a foundation over the weekend! This is an exciting development that will allow the DLD Project to expand its important work.As part of the foundation's initiatives, they will be involved in many important research projects. One particularly compelling project is being led by an amazing team of clinicians and researchers. This project is exploring the functional impact of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and aims to co-design essential supports and resources.To support this vital research, the DLD Project foundation is crowd-sourcing donations through a GoFundMe campaign. You can contribute to this impactful project by donating at the following link: [gofundme.com/f/fund-vital-d…](https://gofundme.com/f/fund-vital-d...)I encourage everyone to learn more about the DLD Project foundation and consider contributing to help advance the understanding and support of Developmental Language Disorder. This is an important step forward, and your support can make a real difference.Please share this exciting news far and wide! Together, we can help the DLD Project foundation achieve its mission of driving research and improving the lives of those affected by Developmental Language Disorder. #devlangdis #DLD #togetherisbetter
This morning we commemorated ANZAC Day. It holds great significance as it allows us to remember and honour the brave soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives during World War I. It is a reminder of the values of courage, resilience, and sacrifice.
Teaching young children about ANZAC Day is essential as it helps them understand and appreciate the importance of our history and the sacrifices made by previous generations. It provides an opportunity to instill values such as gratitude, empathy, and respect. By learning about ANZAC Day, children can develop a sense of national identity and a deeper appreciation for the freedoms and privileges they enjoy today.
The presence of Mr. Tait and his bugle playing the Last Post and Reveille added a poignant touch to the assembly. The Last Post is traditionally played at military funerals and symbolises a final farewell to fallen soldiers. Its haunting melody evokes a sense of solemnity, remembrance, and reflection. Reveille, on the other hand, is a bugle call played in the morning to signal the start of a new day. It represents hope, resilience, and moving forward.
This morning was also an opportunity to reinforce the value of kindness in conflict resolution ❤️.
I love my job ❤️!! #anzacday #knowyourwhy #togetherisbeter #kindnessmatters
Today, on World Teacher's Day, I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the incredible journey that the profession of teaching has given me. As I come to the end on my 23rd year in early childhood education, I can't help but reflect on the profound impact it has had on my life and the joy it brings me every day. My path into teaching began after working in the disabilities field with adults and also specialising in Autism in the early years. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to a career surrounded by the most amazing children with DLD. Their presence fills my heart with indescribable joy and reminds me why I chose this path every single day when I’m greeted like a rock star!! The sparkle in a child's eyes when they grasp a new concept or conquer a challenging skill is a reward beyond measure. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn constantly inspire me. Teaching and more so leadership has taught me humility. It has shown me that I don't have all the answers and that it's okay to admit it. The profession of teaching challenges me to be my best self every single day. It is a calling that demands both resilience and flexibility, but the rewards far outweigh any challenges. I have learned that sometimes our efforts may go unnoticed or unappreciated, but that doesn't diminish their importance. At the end of the day, my purpose is to be there for the children. Their growth, their smiles, their well-being and the well-being of our staff, my driving force. Yes, working in education can be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. It is a privilege. To my fellow educators, thank you for your unwavering dedication and the countless ways you inspire and support our students. We are a community united by a shared passion for education and a deep love for those we serve. Together, we make a difference. On this special day, I want to express my gratitude for what the teaching profess
We're excited to share our new awareness-raising video just in time for #DLDday! This passion project highlights that Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects people everywhere, regardless of background. DLD impacts how language is learned and used. But too often, its challenges are unseen and misunderstood. We want to change that by spreading knowledge about DLD far and wide. This video features facts about DLD from educators to students to families, their involvement illustrating their commitment to shining a light on this disorder.
Our message is clear - every child, teen and adult with DLD deserves to get the support they need to thrive. Families should not have to constantly explain an invisible difference.
So help us make DLD visible! Share this video over the next 4 days leading up to #DLDday on October 20th.
Together, through empathy and awareness, we can build a more inclusive world for all.
A big thank you to all who shared their voices for this project. Your passion and bravery will help countless others.
A shout out to my brother for supporting me with the audio and beautiful music - the title of the song very fitting, “Hey Listen!” by @christdawn & @Blastique @milehighsounds.
Let's get the conversation started! 🔊💜💛#dldaroundtheworld #radld
#dldseeme #growingwithdld
In our society, there's often a tendency to push sadness away, to view it as a negative emotion to be avoided or overcome. Does this stem from our inherent desire for happiness and comfort?!!! Who knows …. But I do know that I love the work of Susan David, a renowned psychologist that I have been following for a while now. She is an expert on emotions, and emphasises in her work that all emotions, including sadness, have a role to play in our lives.
In a nutshell emotions are data. They provide us with valuable insights into ourselves, our values, and our needs. Sadness can signal that something in our lives requires attention or change. By pushing it away, we may miss out on the opportunity to grow, learn, and make necessary adjustments.
Yesterday, I embraced my sadness, choosing to accept it rather than push it away. I acknowledged it, not as a weakness, but as a part of my human experience. And in that acceptance, I found a certain peace. I went for my usual 5km walk, but this time, I welcomed the feeling of sadness as my companion.
As I walked, I simply listened to nature—the rustle of the leaves, the chirping of the birds and the gentle whisper of the wind. Each step I took, each breath I exhaled, sadness was with me, and you know what? It was okay. I was okay.
Sadness isn't a state to be feared or rejected, but rather a natural, essential part of our emotional spectrum, a testament to our capacity to feel, to care, to love. It didn’t magically disappear … but the walk did help!!! So did the check in from a dear friend.
So, here's to embracing all our emotions, to learning from them, to growing through them. Here's to walking and listening to nature, to accepting and being okay with sadness.
#SusanDavid #EmotionalAgility #EmbraceEmotions #Acceptance #Growth #youvegotthis #emotionalregulationskills
Today on my run, I came across a spider's web. The delicate, glistening threads were stretched between a tree and a fence, both quite a distance away from each other. As I watched the web sway gently with the breeze, I was struck by the intricacy of its design and its sheer strength. It was a masterpiece, woven together with such precision and care, and yet able to withstand the forces of nature.
This remarkable web got me thinking about my work and the students at my school. Just like the spider's web, the connections we make with our students are essential for their growth and development. These connections create a strong foundation for learning, and when nurtured, can lead to profound growth and success.
Rita Pierson, an educator with over 40 years of experience, delivered a powerful TED Talk where she emphasised the importance of relationships in education. She stated, "Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." As a deputy principal I take this responsibility seriously and consider it a privilege to be that champion for our students.
The spider weaves its web with intention, making sure each thread is securely connected. Similarly, we must weave our connections with students, being mindful of the importance of each interaction. These connections create a network of support, allowing students to feel seen, heard, and valued. Each strand in the web represents a relationship we have with our students, and together, they create a strong, resilient structure that can withstand the challenges of life.
Just as the spider's web relies on many threads to maintain its strength and stability, so too do we need our own champions as adults!! Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you and believe in you 🫶🏾
The next time you come across a spider's web, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and resilience. Le
#ᴍᴏɴᴅᴀʏᴍᴏᴛɪᴠᴀᴛɪᴏɴ #mentalhealthmatters #fitnessmotivation “I am not in competition with anyone but myself. My goal is to improve myself continuously”. Bill Gates
“Mondays are the start of the work week which offer new beginnings 52 times a year!” ~ David Dwek ~ #mondaymotivation #attitudeiseverything #mentalhealthmatters ♥️👊🏾
Pause, Observe, and Embrace the Beauty of Mindfulness: The Playfulness of Parrots 🦜
Life often feels like a race against time, filled with endless to-do lists, deadlines, and responsibilities. In the whirlwind that is modern living, it's easy to lose sight of the small moments that make life truly magical. But sometimes, all it takes is a simple pause to remind us of what truly matters. I did exactly that on my walk when I noticed three parrots playfully frolicking on some power lines.
The Power of Pausing
Pausing to watch the parrots is about more than just a momentary break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is an opportunity to practice intentional mindfulness, to truly connect with the present moment, and to experience the beauty of the natural world. By doing this I allowed myself to;
- Slow down and enjoy the moment, appreciating the small yet extraordinary things around me.
- Recharge my mind and body, providing a well-deserved respite from stress and anxiety.
- Deepen my connection to nature and its ability to heal, uplift, and inspire.
Next time you find yourself on a walk or simply going about your day, remember to pause, observe, and embrace the beauty of mindfulness. Watch those parrots, or any other small wonder, and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. You might just find that these simple acts of mindful awareness are the key to unlocking greater happiness, creativity, and well-being in your life.#rechargeyourself #worklifebalance #mindfulness
Gratitude journal #Day4 #grEIGHTful
Today I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a leader and to bring fun and laughter to my colleagues at work. It's important to remember that work isn't all about the tasks and that taking a break to enjoy the moments of joy with your team is beneficial for everyone. It's a reminder that being a leader isn't just about getting the job done, but also about creating an environment of laughter and joy.
Thanks to Danielle for being a great sport and letting me share this with the world!! 🥰🙌🏾
#worklaughbalance #leaderslaughtoo #gratefulheart #laughtodestress
Happy Harmony day, everyone 🧡Today, on the occasion of Harmony Day, I want to remind you that we are all different in our own unique ways, but our diversity is what makes us strong as a society. We all come from different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, and it's important that we come together to celebrate each other's differences and learn from one another.
Harmony Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes our country so unique. It's a day to bring people together, to break down barriers, and to promote understanding and respect for all cultures.
As we celebrate Harmony Day, let's remember that we all have a role to play in creating a harmonious society. It's important that we continue to walk together towards reconciliation and work towards building a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background.
#togetherisbetter
In this heartwarming video that my friend Di sent me we can see her walking down a path with her three year old grandson Master J, engaging in a delightful conversation about what might be ahead of them. Di, with her gentle intonation and playful demeanor, asks Master J what he thinks might be ahead of them on their walk. The toddler eagerly responds with his guesses, and the two continue their conversation with a sense of wonder and anticipation.
This video highlights the importance of oral language development and vocabulary development in young children. Di’s use of intonation, tone, and playful language creates an engaging environment for Master J to learn and develop his language skills. Children learn language not only through explicit instruction, but also through the interactions they have with the adults in their lives. These interactions shape the way children approach language and the world around them.
Research has shown that a child's vocabulary development in their early years has a significant impact on their cognitive and academic outcomes later in life. Early language experiences can also have an impact on a child's social-emotional development, as language skills are closely linked to the ability to regulate emotions and build relationships with others.
The use of intonation in language development is particularly important, as it can create a sense of wonder and anticipation for young children. When adults use a playful tone and ask open-ended questions, it encourages children to explore their environment and think creatively. This sense of wonder can foster a love of learning and curiosity that will serve children well throughout their lives.
In the video we see the power of language and intonation in action. By engaging Master J in conversation and asking him what he thinks might be ahead, Di is not only building his vocabulary and language skills, but also fostering his imagination and sense of wonder. These types of interactions are cruc
It's amazing how the simplest things in life can bring us a sense of calm and tranquility. Watching this goldfish reminded me that sometimes all we need is a moment of stillness and simplicity to help us recharge and refocus.
So, take a moment to appreciate the beauty in the world around us. Whether it's a goldfish in a pond, a bird flying in the sky, or a flower in a garden, take a deep breath and let yourself be present in the moment. #naturelover #exhale #stillnessandtranqulity #longweekendvibes❤️
A haiku to represent my week … ♥️ #balance #ebbandflowoflife #findinganewbalanceandflow #turnadversityintoadvantage
A droplet resting,
On the lily pad so still,
Nature's art revealed.
This morning while on my hike at Jerrabinyan (Lesmurdie Falls) , I took a moment to reflect on the resilience of ants. They tirelessly work day in and day out, never taking a break to rest. But unlike ants, we have the gift of choice. We can choose to take a step back, to prioritize our well-being and recharge our batteries. Just as the value and energy we put into our work is important, so is the value and energy we put into ourselves. So my hope is that you are making the choice to rest and rejuvenate, for a brighter tomorrow and a better you.
It’s easy to slip into old habits so here are three practical tips to help you switch off from work, and enjoy your well-deserved time off:
1) Set boundaries: Clearly communicate your working hours to your colleagues and make sure to stick to them. This will help you avoid feeling pressured to answer emails or take calls outside of work.
2) Disconnect: Turn off your work phone, log out of work emails, and find alternative ways to disconnect from work. This will help you avoid being tempted to check in on work when you should be relaxing.
3) Make time for yourself: Prioritize self-care activities like reading, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. Engaging in activities you enjoy will help you recharge and be more productive when you return to work.
Remember, you are just as valuable as the work you do. ♥️
How did you recharge your batteries this weekend? #selfcare #inspiration #choosetorest
Watching the lion dance today by the Yaolin Kung Fu Association 白眉吳舘友聯龍獅團 brought back so many fond memories of my childhood in Kuala Lumpur. The vibrant colours , the energetic beats, and the playful lion movements all so beautifully done. It’s amazing how something as simple as a lion dance can evoke such powerful emotions and bring people together. It’s important for us to celebrate and preserve cultural traditions and pass them on to future generations. It’s a beautiful reminder of the different places we all come from and how we can come together as a community #liondance #community #tradition