Land is of great significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Country encompasses a relationship between an individual and their ancestral lands and seas. This relationship is based on respecting the land that provides for the people by existing with it in a way that requires deep knowledge and care.

Our Curtin community is widely diverse. Across the community, families speak 45 different language and have origins all over the world. Many of our families have been in Australia only a short time. What unites is that every day we gather at Curtin Primary, on the lands of the Ngunnawal people.

While we are not physically going to school, we remain on Ngunnawal country. Being outside and connecting with nature is important for children’s healthy development. In this time of physical isolation, the benefits of being outside are particularly important for everyone’s wellbeing.

To acknowledge this, our first challenge is to take yourself outside. This might be a bushwalk, local area walk or simply spending time in your garden or on your balcony. Consider your mood and energy level before and after. Use your senses to notice the impact of nature on your body and mind. Take a photo of a view that particularly connects with you, or a photo of you enjoying country.