--- title: Reconciliation through relationships description: National Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and relationships, and to think about the role we all play in building a more respectful future. image: https://blogs.ecms.org.au/hubfs/Copperfields%20Preschool%20-%20image%20for%20blog-1.jpeg --- ![ECMS\_Logo\_Teal\_22 1](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/EMCS%20Logos/ECMS_Logo_Teal_22%201.png?width=112&height=88&name=ECMS_Logo_Teal_22%201.png) [Careers](https://www.ecms.org.au/careers/) [Blog](https://www.ecms.org.au/blog/) [Contact](https://www.ecms.org.au/contact-us/) [Search](https://www.ecms.org.au/search-results/) [Kindergarten](https://www.ecms.org.au/kindergarten/) [Childcare](https://www.ecms.org.au/childcare/) [Find a centre](https://www.ecms.org.au/find-a-centre/) About About Overview [Who we are](https://www.ecms.org.au/about-us/) [Leadership team](https://www.ecms.org.au/partnerships/) [Partnerships](https://www.ecms.org.au/partnerships/) [ECMS policies](https://www.ecms.org.au/policies-page/) [Child safety commitment](https://www.ecms.org.au/child-safety-commitment/) [Book a tour](https://www.ecms.org.au/contact-us/) ![logo-combined](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-combined.png?width=98&height=32&name=logo-combined.png) ![logo-combined](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-combined.png?width=98&height=32&name=logo-combined.png) [Book a tour](https://www.ecms.org.au/contact-us/) (03) 8481 1100 [Kindergarten](https://www.ecms.org.au/kindergarten/) [Childcare](https://www.ecms.org.au/childcare/) [Find a centre](https://www.ecms.org.au/find-a-centre/) About [Who we are](https://www.ecms.org.au/about-us/) [Leadership team](https://www.ecms.org.au/partnerships/) [Partnerships](https://www.ecms.org.au/partnerships/) [ECMS policies](https://www.ecms.org.au/policies-page/) [Child safety commitment](https://www.ecms.org.au/child-safety-commitment/) [Careers](https://www.ecms.org.au/careers/) [Blog](https://www.ecms.org.au/blog/) [Contact](https://www.ecms.org.au/contact-us/) [Search](https://www.ecms.org.au/search-results/) ###### Share on [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blogs.ecms.org.au/blog/reconciliation-through-relationships) [Follow us on LinkedIn](http://twitter.com/share?url=https://blogs.ecms.org.au/blog/reconciliation-through-relationships) [Follow us on Twitter](mailto:?subject=ECMS&body=https://blogs.ecms.org.au/blog/reconciliation-through-relationships) [Home](https://www.ecms.org.au/) [Blog](https://www.ecms.org.au/blog/) Reconciliation through relationships # Reconciliation #### Shaped through actions, relationships and environments we create together May 29, 2026, 1:45:21 PM By Joni Prescher Share National Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and relationships, and to think about the role we all play in building a more respectful future. This year’s theme, *All In*, encourages all Australians to play a role in reconciliation through everyday actions, relationships and learning. In early childhood education, that often starts with creating places where children and families feel safe, connected, valued and respected. At Copperfields Preschool, reconciliation is not approached as a one-off activity or a single week on the calendar. It is part of everyday learning, relationships and conversations with children. Copperfields Preschool’s Nominated Supervisor Veronica “Roni” Keegel has spent many years supporting children to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through storytelling, music, art, connection to Country and experiences grounded in respect and curiosity. For Roni, this work begins with helping children build understanding, empathy and connection from an early age. “Children are naturally curious and open to learning about culture, community and fairness,” Roni shared. “When we create opportunities for children to listen, ask questions and engage with Aboriginal perspectives in authentic ways, we help build understanding and respect that can stay with them throughout their lives.” At Copperfields Preschool, these conversations and experiences are woven into everyday learning and practice in meaningful and thoughtful ways. Children are encouraged to explore identity, belonging, culture and respect through relationships, storytelling, shared learning and connection with the world around them. Emma Forsyth, Head of Pedagogy at ECMS, said reconciliation in early childhood education grows through ongoing learning, reflection and relationships. “Creating places where children feel safe, connected and valued is an important part of this work,” Emma shared. “When children grow up seeing diversity, culture and identity respected and valued in everyday ways, we help build understanding, empathy and stronger communities for the future.” This work also connects closely with ECMS’ anti-bias approach, helping create places where diversity, identity and different ways of knowing and being are valued and respected. This National Reconciliation Week also marks an important step for ECMS, with work beginning on our organisation wide Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP will help guide and strengthen our commitment to reconciliation across the organisation, supporting ongoing learning, reflection and action. National Reconciliation Week reminds us that reconciliation belongs to all of us. It is shaped through our actions, our relationships and the environments we create together, every day. ## Read On [![](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2024.05.27_ECM_LOWRES_@MAXROUX__-45-1.jpg?width=352&name=2024.05.27_ECM_LOWRES_@MAXROUX__-45-1.jpg)](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/blog/growing-together-relationships-at-the-heart-of-learning) ### [Relationships at the heart of learning](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/blog/growing-together-relationships-at-the-heart-of-learning) A group gathers around a shared discovery.  Two children work together to solve a problem. Children... [![Two children sitting in a kindergarten play area](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2075%20Darley%20Hub%201121%20(2)CROPPED.jpeg?width=352&name=IMG_2075%20Darley%20Hub%201121%20(2)CROPPED.jpeg)](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/blog/intentional-teaching) ### [Intentional teaching](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/blog/intentional-teaching) Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) have released a new piece of work that reinforces... [![](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pedagogy_blog_banner.jpg?width=352&name=pedagogy_blog_banner.jpg)](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/blog/pedagogy-at-ecms) ### [Pedagogy at ECMS](https://blogs.ecms.org.au/blog/pedagogy-at-ecms) As a large for-purpose Early Childhood education provider, ECMS facilitates the sharing of ideas... 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