Journey to Big School
Culturally responsive transitions to school for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Journey to Big School centres culture, connection to Country and kinship as essential to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s wellbeing, identity and learning.
Through Journey to Big School, the SNAICC – National Voice for our Children Learning and Development team works with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations to bring together community stakeholders such as schools, services and other supports. This approach works towards strengthening local relationships to support positive, culturally responsive transitions to school for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, so that children begin school feeling strong, supported and valued.
Journey to Big School supports communities to:
- strengthen and grow relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, schools and local services and supports,
- deepen cultural understanding and responsiveness across local schools and services,
- recognise, value and build on what is already working well locally, and
- plan culturally safe, connected pathways to school that reflect community priorities, strengths and aspirations.
Strong transitions to school for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are grounded in culture, connection to Country and kinship, all of which contribute to a strong sense of identity and belonging that supports lifelong wellbeing and learning. Beginning school is a significant milestone for children and families, and positive early experiences with the school system help to sustain educational engagement and contribute to strong developmental outcomes over time. That is why culturally responsive approaches are essential for supporting children to thrive as they journey into big school, and beyond.
‘The significance of culture to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s
wellbeing and development is well documented.’ – ACCO Funding Report, page 39.
Contact the Learning and Development team at training@snaicc.org.au to enquire about Journey to Big School.
More information on Journey to Big School
Journey to Big School begins through a relationship between SNAICC and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation with a focus on identifying strengths and priorities for improving transitions to school within the community.
This includes:
- identifying local strengths and opportunities,
- determining which local schools, services, supports and individuals should be involved, and
- shaping shared priorities and outcomes.
Throughout the process, SNAICC supports and walks alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation and local schools, services and supports, valuing local knowledge, priorities and lived experience.
Journey to Big School brings together the people and services that support children and families in each community.
Participants may include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations,
- primary schools,
- early childhood education and care services,
- community, health and family support services,
- playgroups, and
- Elders and community members.
Participation is guided through discussions with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation and is shaped by existing relationships, local networks and community priorities.
Journey to Big School is specific to each community.
While the process may look different in each location, it typically includes:
- a face-to-face yarn with SNAICC and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation at their site to learn about the service, local context, strengths and priorities for transition to school,
- a one-day, in-person workshop that brings local stakeholders together to share perspectives, strengthen relationships and plan culturally responsive approaches to starting school, and
- a follow-up online yarn to reflect on learning, identify next steps and evaluate together.
Community-Based Outcomes
Between 2023 and 2025, SNAICC worked alongside several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations to deliver Journey to Big School across a range of communities, achieving a number of outcomes.
Outcomes may include:
- stronger relationships and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, schools and local services,
- increased cultural understanding and responsiveness among educators and service providers,
- clearer, more connected transition pathways for children and families, and
- shared commitment to culturally safe, community-led ways of working that support connected pathways to school.
In each location, desired outcomes were identified by the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation and were grounded in the needs, priorities and aspirations of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
What Participants Have Said:
‘It was so inspiring to work and connect with everyone.’
‘Great to see what people are thinking and hear how keen they are to do things differently.’
‘Thought-provoking conversations.’
Make an Enquiry
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations that are interested in strengthening transitions to school in their community are invited to connect with us to learn more about Journey to Big School.
Contact the Learning and Development team at training@snaicc.org.au.