Smoking ceremony welcomes early learners

A celebration of learning, respect, and belonging.

The Early Learning Centre was awash with orange on Tuesday morning when a special smoking ceremony, especially for our smallest children, was conducted by proud Aboriginal man and IGS parent Tim Bishop in the playground to celebrate Harmony Day.

Tim, whose ancestors hail from the Murrawarri Nation in Northern NSW, welcomed parents, carers, teachers, special guests and of course the children, to Gadigal land.

A group of early learners wearing colourful hats sit on artificial grass indoors, facing a performance area, while adults watch and supervise. The setting appears to be a school or nursery event, possibly featuring a welcome or smoking ceremony.

Tiny hands clapped along as Tim performed the ceremony, singing as he began smouldering the eucalyptus and entering the audience allowing the adults and children to wash the smoke over themselves, a ritual that is said to provide a safe passage and cleansing.

A man demonstrates a saw in front of early learners wearing red hats. Artificial smoke rises from greenery on the ground, suggesting a smoking ceremony. A play clock and playground equipment can be seen in the background.

During the ceremony, Tim reminded the children to remember to take care of themselves, take care of each other and take care of Country.

A deeply moving affair, the children were transfixed by Tim, and participated in the ceremony with great enthusiasm, wafting the smoke towards them and letting it wash over them.

A group of adults and early learners, some wearing yellow hats, sit together indoors around a steaming bowl for a smoking ceremony. Smoke rises in the centre as everyone appears engaged and welcomed in the activity.

“The more culture that’s shared with everyone, there’s greater learning, greater respect, which means a happier place for everyone,” said Tim, who sees the deep reverence and understanding the children are developing for First Nations culture as a form of generational healing.

Four adults and a young boy sit on benches outdoors, clapping and smiling during a welcome for early learners. Flags and greenery are visible in the background, creating a cheerful and lively scene.

“What a beautiful start to Harmony Day,” commented Head of Early Learning Sarah Hebert, who also used the ceremony as an opportunity to officially launch the totem artworks made for each class in collaboration with Wiradjuri artist Bianca Caldwell.

A woman in a colourful jacket hands a microphone to another woman in a yellow dress, as early learners and others watch from the background in a brightly lit room with shelves and decorations.