Truth-Telling in the Classroom: National Reconciliation Week 2025

In the lead up to National Reconciliation Week 2025 and our Wear it Yellow campaign, we are hosting a free webinar for educators who are curious to grow their understanding of First Nations affairs in Australia and explore our shared histories.  

First Nations truth-telling can be a difficult subject to navigate in the classroom. Children’s Ground is hosting this webinar to discuss the approaches that both non-First Nations and First Nations educators are taking in beginning a process of truth-telling with students, colleagues and within our educational institutions. You'll leave feeling empowered to support First Nations justice in education, with a greater understanding of the importance of truth-telling.

Truth-Telling in the Classroom 
Wednesday 7 May 2025
4.00 - 5.00pm AEST

Speakers:

• Alanah Jack Head of Learning, Children’s Ground Central Australia, Northern Territory
• Emma Ross Curriculum Writer at Ngarrngga, Faculty of Education at University of Melbourne, Victoria
• Michael Nelson Educator and Advocate, Head of First Nation Partnerships at Carey Baptist Grammar School, Victoria

This webinar will be moderated by Megan Mundy, Children’s Ground Systems Change Senior Project Officer and former science teacher and teacher coach.

Biographies

Emma Ross 
Curriculum Writer at Ngarrngga, Faculty of Education at University of Melbourne, Victoria                                                                                          

Emma Ross is a Curriculum Writer at Ngarrngga, bringing extensive experience in both urban primary schools and remote Aboriginal communities as a teacher, educational leader, and consultant. In her role, she collaborates with First Nations knowledge holders to design culturally responsive curriculum resources that empower educators to confidently showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, histories, and cultures into their teaching practices. Her work is grounded in a commitment to reconciliation, supporting educators to foster respectful relationships and engage thoughtfully with the perspectives of First Nations peoples, contributing to a more inclusive and truthful national narrative.

Michael Nelson 
Educator and Advocate, Head of First Nation Partnerships at Carey Baptist Grammar School, Victoria

Michael Nelson is an experienced Educator and Advocate with over 20 years of dedication to teaching Indigenous Studies, promoting First Nation education and building cultural awareness and connection. Currently, he is in a seconded position as Head of First Nation Partnerships at Carey Baptist Grammar School, where he leads initiatives to build partnerships with schools, organisations and communities to integrate First Nation perspectives, wisdom and knowledge into the schools community, culture and curriculum. Michael has developed and implemented numerous immersive educational programs that have significantly enhanced the understanding and appreciation of First Nation cultures among students and educators. He is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and has been instrumental in fostering partnerships with local Indigenous communities to ensure authentic representation and engagement. Michael’s focus is building student-based advocacy, agency and youth leadership to support reconciliation and understanding.

Alanah Jack 
Head of Learning Children's Ground Central Australia, Northern Territory

Alanah Jack is a proud Gomeroi woman from the Piliga area of New South Wales. As Head of Learning and Wellbeing at Children’s Ground Central Australia, she supports Arrernte educators to lead educational initiatives that empower First Nations communities. Alanah is a member of the Utyerre Apanpe Working Group advocating for educational reform. She also held the position as Inaugural Principal for the first bilingual Aboriginal school in NSW and was featured in the 'Be That Teacher' campaign that was about inspiring First Nations people to become educators.

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Invite your colleagues and networks to join you in watching this after school webinar!
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This webinar is held in conjunction with Wear it Yellow. Wear it Yellow for Children's Ground this National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June 2025) and raise funds to support a bright future for First Nations children and families.
Register now at wearityellow.org.au.

If you are in a position to do so, please support Children's Ground at childrensground.org.au/donate.