Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student outcomes and Closing the Performance Gap is a major focus for state schools. High levels of cultural capability of staff in schools builds an environment which creates a holistic response to Indigenous student and family needs, supporting health, wellbeing and academic outcomes. The Building Cultural Capability in State Schools initiative is part of the department's commitment to providing inclusive schools for safe and supportive environments in which all students, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, can experience academic success and positive learning experiences.
Cultural capability improvement begins with educators' analysis and discussion of Closing the Performance Gap data. Culturally responsive schools commit to knowing and valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and create opportunities to engage with parents, families and the community to embed a defensible explicit improvement agenda for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student outcomes.
Finding our Heart
I have discovered this wonderful children’s book – Finding Our Heart – A story about the Uluru Statement for young Australians. Written by Thomas Mayor, a Torres Strait Island man born on Larrilia country in Darwin and illustrated by Blak Douglas, an Aboriginal man whose father is from the Dhungutti people of the Mid North Coast of NSW, Finding Our Heart is a beautifully simple text. It is informative, honest and gives hopes for the future.
What is the Uluru Statement? The Uluru Statement represents an historic consensus of Indigenous Australian leaders seeking constitutional change to recognise First Australians through a Voice to Parliament. Australia is the only country in the world yet to formally recognise its Indigenous people in the form of a treaty or constitutional recognition.
I strongly encourage each of you to go to this
website and read more about the Statement; its history, its meaning and its significance – not only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples but also for all Australians.
Tanya McGaughey.
Indigenous Champions - Launch of Artwork
Our Indigenous Champions (Haylee Cedar, Chris Tetlow, Tracey Bailey, Caroline Dew and Misty Bacon) have been working with local indigenous artist, Stephen Larcombe (Goompi) to commission an art piece for our school. The artwork will be displayed in our reception and then progressively included in our school signage, website, stationery and promotional materials. An official commissioning ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday 24 November with a number of invited guests including Stephen Larcombe (indigenous artist/performer), Justine Dillon (Kombumerri woman), Kevin Daddow (Multicultural Gold Coast), Dr Dee Basaraba (Principal Project Officer - Indigenous Education Team), Scott Wallace (School Chair), Bruce Fox (School Ambassador) and Lisa Amarant (P&C President).