Koori Curriculum

Retreats

Beachside
Location
Immersive
Cultural
Experiences
One on One
Mentoring
Education &
Relaxation

Koori Curriculum Retreats


Koori Curriculum retreats encompass a range of experiences and are a combination of relaxation, professional development, networking and cultural immersion activities.

These small and intimate gatherings allow for deep reflection and provide a safe space for learning and unlearning.

Please enquire now at info@kooricurriculum.com or join the waitlist by clicking the button below


Previous Retreat Location


The last Koori Curriculum Retreat was held at beautiful Pearl Beach, not far from where Jessica lives on the Central Coast.

The incredible accommodation, a luxurious, freshly renovated large two-level modern house in three separate pavilions was on an enormous private block, surrounded by native bush and wildlife and just a few short steps to Pearl Beach.

Please enquire now at info@kooricurriculum.com or join the waitlist by clicking the button below


What a Koori Curriculum Retreat Experience Involves


Educators who attend a Koori Curriculum retreat can expect to engage with local cultural consultants and pedagogues who will broaden their understanding on Aboriginal programming in education.

 

Attendees will also receive one on one mentoring from Director of the Koori Curriculum Jessica Staines and participate in group yarning circles.

 

However, our retreats are so much more than amazing professional development. Educators will also be invited to take part in a local Smoking Ceremony, stay in luxurious accomodation, be provided with delicious locally catered meals and be treated to a divine massage.

 

Please enquire now at info@kooricurriculum.com or join the waitlist by clicking the button below

Previous Retreat Presenters


Beach walk and smoking ceremony with Tim Selwyn, Director of Girri Girra.
Tim honours the ancient lore of his people and the spirits of his ancestors through art and teaching.

His ancestral line comes from the Wongaibon people (Central West NSW), his Mother was born in Dubbo on Wiradjuri country and Tim was born in Gilgandra, on Wailwan country.

His Indigenous tools and instruments – shields, boomerangs and clapsticks – are handmade from Australian hardwood trees. An experience with Girri Girra provides a unique insight into the world’s oldest living culture.
Cultural Safety Session with Belinda Huntris
Belinda is a primary school teacher originally from Gloucester in Worimi country NSW. Frustrated by the lack of authentic and sustainable Aboriginal educational resources available to teachers, she decided to create her own.

Belinda is passionate about Aboriginal education, environmental sustainability and creating resources that instil pride in identity for Aboriginal students.
Cooking Demonstration & Dinner with Greg from Yama 2 You

Greg runs Yama2 You Bush Tucker Nursery, a Small scale private indigenous bushtucker nursery in the southern highlands.

Greg’s understanding of native flora and fauna is second to none and often shares a yarn with those that visit the nursery about the incredible native plants Australia has to offer.

He is also a master in the kitchen taking plants from garden bed to plate and loves giving multiple styles of food the Australian bush tucker twist.

Sky Stories with Garry Purchase
Garry is a proud Aboriginal man of Dharawal, Bidjigal and Dhungutti descent. He grew up in Sydney's Eastern suburbs in Botany and was raised amongst the Aboriginal community of La Perouse.

Garry has always had a creative passion and was a musician for many years playing drums in a few Sydney rock bands. He played 100's shows in the 90's and 2000's on the Sydney scene.

His style is a more modern take on traditional Aboriginal art, steering away from the common dreamtime stories and focusing on his own personal journey, experiences and social issues that pushes a lot of creative boundaries as he stretches the limits of what Aboriginal art can be.
Educator yarns with pedagogue Aunty Nerida Blair
Nerida has spent three decades working in universities in NSW and Victoria and over one decade in the Public Service Canberra; Department of Education, Department of Foreign Affairs and with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in Sydney.

Education is her passion believing education is the most powerful tool that Indigenous peoples have to fully engage in a safe and fulfilling lifestyle; education that is participatory, imagined, creative, holistic, sensual and story-based.

Education with the essence of and imbued with Indigenous Knowings, one that embraces Lilyology

Please note: each Koori Curriculum retreat is curated prior to being open for ticket purchase, the workshops listed above are from previous retreats that have been run to give an idea what kinds of workshops will be available


One on One Mentoring with Jessica Staines

Each educator that joins the Koori Curriculum at a retreat will participate in a one on one mentoring session with your host, Jessica Staines.

Jessica Staines is an early childhood educator, professional speaker, author, advocate and advisor. As the founder and director of Koori Curriculum, Jessica is committed to helping educators embed Aboriginal perspectives into early childhood education.

She has played many significant roles nationally and internationally in building cultural understanding, reconciliation and harmony, including as an Indigenous advisor to ABC’s Playschool.

Jessica’s family are originally from Wiradjuri country, but due to displacement have lived off-country on Gadigal and Wangal lands for four generations. Jessica is proud to be a Wiradjuri woman, and today lives on Darkinjung Country with her husband and two children.

Testimonials from Retreat Attendees


"I have got everything that I wanted and even more so. I feel more connected and I have a little bit more of an understanding of what I want to do with the center."

Cathy - Director, Happy Turtle Childcare

"The whole experience has shifted something deeply within me. It's beyond what I had ever thought it would be."

Jenn - Director, Urban Discovery

"It's hard to pick a highlight. The smoking ceremony definitely. That was very spiritual for me. And I got a lot out of that."

Sharon - Educator, Happy Turtle Childcare

"To listen to somebody talk from their personal experience in a group like we had last night, that were really engaged and willing to listen, it broadened your perspective a little bit more."

Emma- Regional Mobile Playgroup Facilitaton

"It's been actually quite a healing sort of experience, and it's given me some new energy to take back to work"

Darelle - Deputy Principle, Epping North Primary School

A Retreat Just For You and Your Team


The Koori Curriculum can facilitate a curated retreat experience just for you and your team.

Reach out to our team today to discuss your needs and vision and we will tailor a bespoke experience just for you.

Email info@kooricurriculum.com for a quote today




Please note: each Koori Curriculum retreat is curated prior to being open for ticket purchase, the location listed above is from previous retreats that have been run to give an idea the location selected.

Frequently Asked Questions



Q: Do I need to participate in all the activites?

A: while we strongly recommend that you participate in all the activites, mandatory involvement is not expected.

Q: Will dietry requirements be catered for?

A: Yes absolutley

Q: What happens in the event of cancellation?

A: Please read our cancellation policy carefully:

a.      A total of eight people have to book this retreat for it to go ahead; if we fail to hit those numbers your money will be fully refunded.

b.      If for any reason you can’t come but are able to find someone to take your spot, all moneys will be refunded.

Q: What should I bring with me?

A: Comfortable clothes, a laptop and an open mind

Q: Is airfare included in the cost of the retreat?

A: If you are interstate and would like to join the retreat we would love to have you join us, however travel to Sydney would be at your own cost. Our team can also provide hire car and airport transfer information to transport you from the airport to our retreat location if needed.

Q: Can I attend if I am located interstate?

A: Yes, you can attend if you are interstate, please note that transport to Sydney will be at your own cost.

Q: Do you offer discounts for Koori Curriculum Club members?

A: Yes, Koori Curriculum Club members are able to take advantage of a 20% discount on the cost of the retreat

Q: Do I need travel insurance?

A: Yes, We take no responsibility for personal accidents during the trip.

Q: What happens if I want to do some sight seeing while at the retreat?

A: You are welcome to do some sight seeing while at the retreat. Any additional transport, meals and beverages during free time/outside of the retreat are not included in the price.

Q: Are male & female Educators welcome on the retreat?

A: Yes, our retreat is open to all Educators male and female, however, the shared bunk rooms are only available for women due to the sharing room element