Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education News
Celebrating a Wonderful Wii Gaay Facilitator
The Wii Gaay program is always fortunate to have such dedicated educators walk alongside our Clever Kids. One such person is Helen Rowsell, MAST Expert and Teacher at St Nicholas’, Tamworth.
Our wonderful facilitator Helen Rowsell has finished her time with the Wii Gaay program. A highly passionate and talented mathematician, Helen has been a deeply valued team member since 2023. Helen excelled at bringing out the absolute best in the team around her through her collaborative spirit and encouraging nature. She brought the curriculum to life by designing high-quality maths learning sequences infused with enriching pedagogy, encouraging students to be curious, with a high level of genuine student engagement ensuring her learning experiences were always downright fun.
Helen leaves a legacy of using robust mathematical calculations and deep thinking to spark a genuine love for learning. Her incredible insights and experience, her warmth balanced with high expectations, will be missed across the whole team, and at our Learning Hubs. Our Clever Kids are so much richer for the time, energy, and strength she invested in them over the years, planting wonderful seeds in their hope-filled futures.
Gaba nginda, Helen, for the quality and love of learning you have imparted!
Wii Gaay Learning Hub #2 Save the Date
Following the success of our first learning hub, students will work to illustrate, design, and bring their '50 Pages of Deadly' book project to life. Expect another high-impact week of cultural connection, rigorous academic growth, and deadly innovation.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2026 Living Our Truth
Join the nationwide celebration on Tuesday, 4 August 2026!
Art Acknowledgement: Learning from Country by Tovani Cox.
Marlee Silva is our 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Ambassador. A proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman. https://vimeo.com/1203675350?fl=pl&fe=sh
NAIDOC Week celebrations “50 Years of Deadly”
Our NAIDOC Week 2026 celebrations, themed "50 Years of Deadly", commenced across the Diocese during Week 11. Schools marked this significant milestone with a diverse range of activities that celebrated the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements.
From traditional and contemporary dance performances to Johnny Cake taste testing, student artwork, songs performed in language, commemorative cake cuttings and formal assemblies, each school showcased its commitment to recognising and celebrating the enduring contributions of First Nations peoples. These celebrations reflected the strong partnerships between our schools and their local communities.
Congratulations to St Edward's Tamworth, St Joseph's Tamworth, St Xavier's Gunnedah, St Mary's College Gunnedah, St Joseph's Quirindi, St Joseph's Barraba, St Joseph's Mungindi, St Joseph's Wee Waa, St Joseph's Walgett, St Joseph's Tenterfield, and St Philomena's Moree for their outstanding celebrations and commitment to this important occasion.
We look forward to continuing our NAIDOC Week celebrations across the Diocese during Term 3.
ring Term 3.
