Aboriginal education
Report on 2009
A $500 Aboriginal Cultural grant was used to hire "Ryka Ali", a group of four proud ambassadors for Australia’s Indigenous youth and Aboriginal Torres Strait Islands. Students from Year 7, staff and invited community members participated in the performance which promoted an awareness of Aboriginal culture and contemporary issues. Areas covered included traditional and rap dance, didgeridoo, beat box, costumes, artwork, and bush food.
Selected students from Years 7–11 participated in student video conferences which discussed relevant issues with Indigenous youth from both urban and rural NSW.
One student received a grant of $1500 as an acknowledgement of academic achievement and to encourage further success in learning.
We applied for $3000 grant to support literacy and numeracy for Aboriginal students who struggle with these aspects of learning.
Report on 2008
In 2008 we gained grants for Aboriginal education under the Supplementary Recurrent Assistance (SRA) Targeted Initiatives program.A $3000 grant was used to support the development of literacy and numeracy in our Aboriginal students. A teacher was employed to work individually with Aboriginal students from Years 7-12 on their areas of need. Students enjoyed being part of the program and made progress in literacy and numeracy and also gained a lot of self confidence as well as pride in their heritage.
A $500 Aboriginal Cultural grant was used to hire Sean Dewar from the Yindinji Kimoy clan who spoke to students from Years 7-12, staff and invited community members to promote an awareness of Aboriginal culture and contemporary issues. Areas covered included traditional and rap dance, didgeridoo, beat box, costumes and artwork and bush food.
Year 8 attended a day in the Royal National Park with a Dharawal consultant. They explored bush tucker, Aboriginal culture and values. Selected Year 7 students participated in workshops run by Indigenous students from Endeavour High School including Aboriginal dancing and storytelling.
A formal assembly to observe and celebrate the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, delivering his historic apology to Indigenous Australians was held. Students and staff spoke and excerpts from “Bringing Them Home” were screened. It was a highly moving occasion and had a significant impact on student understanding of past events in the lives of Indigenous Australians.
All formal assemblies include the “Acknowledgement of Country”.
