Aboriginal education

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”.