Name: Cultural Immersion: Possum Skin Cloak
Start: 2025-01-24T09:30:00+11:00
Location: University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus

Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives - Possum Skin Cloak teacher professional learning allows educators to become more familiar with Possum Skin Cloak and how it was used in traditional contexts, the purpose, process, and techniques. Content will be facilitated by a Speaking in Colour Education Consultant followed by a hands-on workshop with possum and includes making a keep-sake to take back to services/schools (arm band). Educators will have the opportunity to work (sew, design, and burn) on a larger scale project such as a baby blanket. Teachers have access to lesson ideas linked to assessable outcomes across multiple syllabi and stages.
Participants will:
gain knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal connections to the possum and how to implement learning appropriately to create a culturally safe environment and improve learning.
access localised content, which will in turn underpin the core values of Aboriginal Education, including supporting teachers to implement Aboriginal perspectives and improve student learning.
build confidence to Imbed new understandings of Aboriginal culture into their teaching toolbox and enables the content to be authentic and engaging for students
have increased cultural capacity and confidence to imbed Aboriginal perspectives and Possum Skin Cloak lessons across key learning areas
understand the role of cultural revitalisation, its impact in the modern world in localised settings
explore and plan how this knowledge can be incorporated into your pedagogical practice at services or schools.
NESA Accreditation
Completing Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives - Possum Skin Cloak will contribute two hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Accredited professional development in the priority area of Aboriginal education and supporting Aboriginal students/children addressing standard descriptors 1.4.2 & 2.4.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
Teachers attending this session must provide their NESA Teacher Accreditation number to Speaking in Colour to have their hours logged with ETAMs.
Teachers must attend for the duration of the session to receive the NESA Hours. Speaking in Colour will be keeping records of attendance and participation during the session.