Indigenous

Non-Indigenous

A child's family is that of the extended family which comprises father, mother, siblings, aunts, uncles, aunties, grandparents, cousins, in-laws and 'adopted family members.'

A child's family is that of the nucleus family which comprises mother, father, and siblings.

Living arrangements are more fluid – a child's home address may change quite frequently.

Children should be in the care of their parents.

In most families, a matriarch is at the top of the family structure, and has a lot of influence or control over most family members. However, I believe that this role is being challenged by 'dominant others' (a person's peers).

In most families a patriarch is the head of the house and usually has the final say in most matters.

Children are expected to have an awareness of family and to figure out their relationship with family members. They are expected to make family connections by visiting relatives, spending the weekend at their homes, going camping with them and so on. Children will not interact positively with someone whom they have not made a connection with.

Children are placed in classrooms as determined by teachers, therefore may have had limited opportunities to connect with the teacher or with some of the other students. Most often, not enough time is allowed for students to build up positive relationships with each other OR for teachers to build positive relationships with each of their students.

Children are to avoid certain families due to family rivalries.

Children are seated or placed in groups that the teacher thinks is appropriate.

Children are expected to respect people by calling them "uncle, aunty, granny or popeye." The terms "brother" or "sister" may also be used to show respect.

Children are expected to respect a teacher's position by calling them "Miss" or "Mister."

Family takes priority over everything else. Eg. If there is a funeral or if there is a relative visiting from afar, children may be expected to stay at home.

School should be a top priority for children if they are to succeed in wider society. Children should be at school everyday to learn.