Reflections After NAIDOC Week: A Preschool Exhibition That Sparked Conversations

Emmaus Christian School’s foyer becomes a space for community, connection, and culture 

Even though NAIDOC Week has passed, the spirit of reflection, storytelling, and shared learning continues to thrive at Emmaus Christian School - especially in the preschool foyer. 

In the weeks leading up to NAIDOC Week, the preschool foyer slowly filled with colour, meaning, and conversation.  A vibrant exhibition of NAIDOC Week posters - spanning from 1997 to 2024 - took shape and quickly became part of the rhythm of daily life.  Each morning, families would pause to admire the display as children proudly pointed out their favourite artworks and explained what they saw in them. 

“Each child has their own favourite poster and artwork,” said Briony Heyward, Preschool Director.  “It’s delightful to see them stop with their families on the way in, engaging with the display in their own personal way.” 

Although not created specifically for NAIDOC Week, the exhibition became a meaningful part of the school’s celebrations- offering a space for ongoing reflection and daily engagement with First Nations culture and history.  It sparked quiet moments of connection between children and parents, and opened up conversations about identity, history, and belonging. 

The exhibition was also shared more widely during a recent gathering of the Canberra Reggio Network, where early childhood teachers from across the region visited the school and spent time taking in the display.  Many left inspired by the way the school community had embraced the project. 

“They were encouraged by our community relationships and partnerships,” Briony shared.  “It was lovely to see our foyer become a shared space of learning, not just for our children and families, but for educators too.” 

And the journey isn’t over.  This term, older high school students will be invited to view the exhibition, pausing to reflect on the posters and the messages they carry.  For many, it will be a new way to engage with themes of reconciliation and culture through the eyes of their younger peers. 

While the exhibition began before NAIDOC Week, its impact has extended well beyond the event itself.  It’s become a meaningful part of the school’s daily rhythm - a quiet, powerful presence that invites everyone who passes by to reflect and connect. 

This is what community looks like: creating space for conversation, for learning, and for growing together.