The day’s activities were based in the Lower Merri room at CERES. After an introduction some participants explored new teaching techniques for Indonesian language with Jennifer Brown-Omichi, NALSSP Project Officer, CEOM while others explored the CERES site and the Merri Creek through the eyes of Monica, Indigenous Educator, CERES. This was followed by an introduction to organic farming, by Matthew Navaretti, CECV Sustainability Education Facilitator, CERES, in the context of human beings re-learning traditional ecological knowledge. Nick Savaidis, founder of Etiko Pty Ltd presented on the concept of fair trade and how schools can be part of the solution. Subik Baso, Cultural Education Coordinator, CERES and Matthew Navaretti, Placed Teacher, CERES demonstrated teaching techniques on the topics of Fair Trade and E-waste with reference to the CERES Excursion Education service. The Batik workshop, after lunch at The Merri, focused on traditional and contemporary Indonesian design and was delivered in English and Bahasa Indonesia by Subik Baso, Cultural Education Coordinator, CERES. Meanwhile Matthew and Jennifer, CEOM worked with teachers to consolidate the day’s offerings and begin to plan an integrated unit addressing the AusVELS and the cross-curriculum priorities; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia and Sustainability.

It was a wonderful experience to work with these teachers who are implementing innovative learning programs for their students. These teachers are responding to the opportunity presented by the AusVELS and integrating learning and inquiry units, which address subject areas and the cross-curriculum priorities, thus engaging their students in relevant learning activities.

By

Matthew Navaretti

CECV Sustainability Education Facilitator

CERES Community Environment Park