Aboriginal Education
At St Mary’s, we are proud to have strong, purposeful programs that support the learning and success of Aboriginal students. These programs not only enhance outcomes for our Aboriginal students but enrich the learning of all students through the sharing of rich cultural perspectives. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are embedded across the curriculum, with local knowledge and connections included wherever possible. Dhurga language lessons are delivered across the school and are closely linked to curriculum outcomes, helping students to engage deeply with culture and history. Our Aboriginal Contact Teachers play a vital role in leading Personal Learning Plans for every Aboriginal student and in building strong partnerships with parents, students, and community members. We are fortunate to have an engaged and supportive community, and we warmly invite families to join us for special events such as NAIDOC celebrations, welcome BBQs, and cultural excursions.
Effective Aboriginal education at St Mary’s Primary School includes the following foundations and are the basis for learning and teaching programs:
- seeking cultural advice and understanding
- sharing of Indigenous history
- student engagement
- embedding Aboriginal histories and cultures into the school strategic plan
- building students leadership capacity
- Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students coming together
- building connections and relationships within and beyond the classroom
- Aboriginal content and perspectives embedded in the school curriculum
- building staff and students cultural knowledge about Aboriginal culture, histories and experiences
- building staff cultural competencies
- valuing Aboriginal culture in the school environment
- promoting the profi le of Walbunja and Brinja-Yuin culture within the school through consultation with Aboriginal families and local community members
- developing and implementing Cultural Learning Plans for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- acknowledging the various learning styles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and differentiating programs to meet these learning styles
- promoting the strong contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their strong connections to culture, language, and traditional lands, and their signifi cant contribution to the environmental management, economic development, and cultural identity of Australia
- deconstruct and challenge assumptions about Aboriginal stereotypes, in a supportive and culturally safe environment, through working in small cooperative learning groups.
