Dear Families,

Welcome back to a brand new term in Kindy! We hope you had a warm and restful winter break and are ready for the exciting weeks ahead. As we return, the land around us is gently reminding us that we are now in the Noongar season of Makuru – the coldest and wettest part of the year.

Makuru is a time of deep listening. The birds are quieter, the ground is soft beneath our feet, and the skies bring nourishing rain. One of the most special signs of this season is the silence of the crows, or Wardong.

Usually, these clever birds are noisy and full of chatter – but during Makuru, they grow quiet. Why? No one is quite sure! Some people say it’s because the male and female crows are busy coupling and thinking of new life. As a Noongar elder said, “You generally won’t hear them. Whether that keeps the male quiet or the female content, I’m not too sure.”

Crows are incredibly important in Noongar culture. They are wise and clever beings, often seen as totems and teachers. Some Dreamtime stories tell of the crow trying to steal fire, only to be outsmarted by a tiny bird. Since then, the crow has watched carefully from afar, always learning. Even today, they continue to amaze us with their problem-solving skills—soaking bread in water to soften it or working together to lift the lid of a bin!

As we step into this new term, take a moment to notice the world around us—perhaps you’ll see a crow in your garden or hear its call in the distance. We invite the children to watch, listen, and wonder, just like the wise old Wardong.

Following the Winter Festival, let Makuru be a time of new beginnings, quiet reflection, and gentle curiosity.

Warm wishes,
Lisa and The Kindy Team