Excited children and families returned to Tomorrow Today’s Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP) program after a two week break for the school holidays. The Gubbi Gubbi greeting word ‘Wunya!’ rang out, welcoming families to NAIDOC Week.
PEEP celebrated NAIDOC Week with an acknowledgement to country, followed by the Yorta Yorta song Inanay Cupuana and the story of Tiddalik the Frog read by Gunnai Kurnai Elder Uncle Herb Patton. Tiddalik explores several themes including the seasons, the environment and our eco systems; but at its heart is an allegory about sharing, teamwork and taking only what you need when you need it. After listening to the story and watching the animation, children retold the narrative with cutout characters that they stuck onto a mural.
The story of Tiddalik reflects some of the interactive skills that PEEP teaches and models – sharing, working together and taking turns.
“At PEEP, parents and children experience the joy of sharing songs, books and rhymes at the start of each session”, says Tomorrow Today’s Executive Officer Rosie Koop. “While we celebrate Aboriginal culture in various ways throughout the year, NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to focus on learning about the rich culture and history of our First Nation peoples.”
Tomorrow Today’s PEEP program welcomes all Benalla families with 0-5 aged children. PEEP is free, with multiple sessions offered every school day.