World Teachers’ Day – Jasmine Marczan’s passion for Aboriginal education and Reconciliation leaves a lasting mark on Tullimbar Public School and its students, Lauren Grimson reports.
“Nothing makes my heart sing more than watching my students view the world with a kind heart and curious mind,” says Tullimbar Public School Kindergarten teacher, Jasmine Marczan.”
Jasmine has been teaching for 13 years and has dedicated her career to Aboriginal education and Reconciliation. Her teaching philosophy centres around fostering compassionate, inquisitive, and resilient individuals, and creating a safe space for students to grow, learn from their mistakes and connect their interests with the curriculum.
Collaborating with local Aboriginal Education Group, Gumaraa, Jasmine has developed several programs aimed at introducing Tullimbar’s students to Dharawal language, art, and dance, as well as science and geography through the lens of Australia's First Nations inventors.
These programs have enabled and encouraged the school’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to engage with their heritage in a supportive environment, while teaching non-Indigenous students about Australia’s rich Aboriginal history and culture.
“Aboriginal Education is a passion of mine. It is our shared history, so I strive to ensure Aboriginal Perspectives are taught in an authentic way by integrating cultural literacies and practices into all aspects of learning, both planned and spontaneous. It is a learning journey not only for myself and my students, but for families and colleagues.
“I have had many yarns with Community who have endlessly given me their time to share their knowledge and stories with me. I wholeheartedly value each interaction and walk away with an unmeasurable amount of professional and personal growth.”
Additionally, Jasmine leads a team of 28 (including colleagues, parents, Aboriginal community members and community groups) to create the Tullimbar Public School’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
“I am an advocate, an ally and walking proof that Reconciliation is everyone’s business. I would hope that I am remembered as a teacher who empowers others to be confident to teach Aboriginal perspectives and to have the confidence to work alongside Aboriginal community to ensure the teaching of Aboriginal education is authentic in their classroom,” Jasmine said.
“My role as a teacher is not only to teach my students, but to learn from them as well. I hope that my students feel valued and heard, feel safe to ask questions and challenge ideas, and continue to pave the way for Reconciliation.”
Tullimbar Public School has 450 enrolments, including 29 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The school is on the Lands of the Dharawal, Wodi Wodi and Eloura Peoples, a place between the Bubara (mountain) and the Ghadu (sea). It is named after King Tullimbah, an historical Aboriginal leader.
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