During the Year 2 Inquiry into Places, students have been learning about the geographical features of Australia and how people are connected to special places. They explored how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples care for Country, and why it is important that we all show respect for the places we visit, live in and learn in.

To deepen their understanding, we went on local walks to Blackwood Forest and Frank Smith Park. These experiences helped students notice the features, stories and feelings of these places, and reflect on the ways they can care for them. The learning and experiences of this inquiry will stay with students, helping them form long-lasting connections with nature and guiding them to take action to look after Country now and into the future.

Student Reflections

• I could hear birds swaying and people talking. Being in the forest made me feel brave. I think Blackwood Forest is special because it has been alive for over 30 years! - Jimmy
• I saw a scarab beetle grub moving. I touched the big trees. Being in the forest made me feel like I could sprint off and play. If the forest could talk it might say “please look after the land”. I could hear nature. - George
• I could hear the trees rustling in the wind. Being in the forest made me feel happy and calm. If the forest could talk it might say “Welcome, young people”. - Hamish
• I noticed the colour green when I saw the tops of the trees and grass. I could hear the wind blowing through the trees. Being in the forest made me feel happy, calm and excited. We can look after Blackwood Forest by not cutting the trees down. - Eliza
• I noticed the colours on the fungi were bright orange. I touched logs and bark. Being in the forest made me feel calm and excited. If the forest could talk it might say, “Hello, would you like to play with me?” - Chloe
• I noticed the colours green and brown that were on the trees. I could hear the birds chirping. Being in the forest made me feel happy and excited. We can look after Blackwood Forest by not littering. - Serena
• One thing I saw on our walk that stood out to me was the pretty fruit trees. I noticed the colours green and brown in the leaves and trees. I could hear the birds laughing. Being in the forest made me feel happy, calm and silly. If the forest could talk, it might say, “Don’t climb my trees”. - Alice
• We walked a long way and on the way we saw some things like long green things that you chew, and they tasted like tea. - Charlotte
• Firstly, we found these things that black cockatoos like to eat, and they break the shell and eat the seed! - Evie
• Firstly, we walked out of the school, and we looked at the Frank Smith Lake and Memorial Rock. We went on the path and got spiky balls, and we got to a hill, and I almost slipped, and I was about to fall on a wonky bridge. - Eddie
• I went to Frank Smith because we are learning about natural, constructed and managed places. Then I saw a koala and a dog. I had fun. - Harvey
• At Frank Smith, Mrs Gardner told us there was a plant we could eat. I loved it, I thought it tasted delicious and some tasted sour and sweet. - Alfie
• John Smith died. Frank Smith was sad but the grief helped him build the dam and his dream (a park for everyone). - Mia
• Frank Smith Park is special because Coro kids look after it. Did you know that Coro students planted 200 trees? - Ella
• Blackwood Forest is special but the government tried to sell it. Blackwood Forest is special so we should protect it! - Hazel
• Frank Smith Park is special so we have to look after it and show Ngaitalya, otherwise Frank Smith's dream won't come true. - Sacha
• Blackwood Forest is special because it is relaxing, calm and peaceful. - Mia

Thank you to all the families who volunteered their time to accompany our walks, with special thanks to Mike Hemus for sharing his rich knowledge about plants and animals. 

As part of their experiences connecting with Country, students sat in nature and practised deep listening. They used their senses to pay attention to what they could hear, feel, smell, and see. Using what they noticed, they created their own Acknowledgement of Country.

Year 2 Acknowledegment of Country

We are proudly on Kaurna Land.

We acknowledge the Ancestors and Elders who have cared for this Land and shared the stories of the magpies, the cockatoos, the sun and the wind.

We acknowledge all Aboriginal People in this space.

We will respect the Kaurna people and their culture.

We will look after the land by protecting the grass, plants and trees.

We will plant and water new trees and care for our school garden.

We will keep Country healthy by putting rubbish in the bin.

We will reduce plastic in our lunch boxes to protect birds and animals.

We will respect wild animals by not chasing or feeding them, and we will keep their habitats safe.

We will listen to the birds and learn their calls.

We will only take what we need from nature and leave plenty for others.

Ngaityalya

This Year 2 Acknowledgment of Country was developed with the guidance of Jade Brook, who is proudly Kaurna, Narungga and Ngarrindjeri, and has given permission for it to be shared. We are very grateful to Jade for generously sharing this process. 

Creating their own Acknowledgement of Country was a powerful way for students to put this learning into action. It gave them the chance to express their respect for Kaurna Country and share their commitment to caring for the places we visit, live in and learn in with the whole school community.