Aboriginal Education

Celebrating Aboriginal Education at Camden High School 

The start of 2025 has been exciting, as long-term projects come to life, strengthening our connection to Dharawal Country. 

A highlight of 2024 was the Dharawal Language and Poetry Workshop, where ten Year 7 and 8 students journeyed to Mount Annan Botanic Gardens to learn Dharawal language and create poetry inspired by Country. This enriching experience was led by First Nations staff from the botanic gardens in collaboration with Red Room Poetry. It was a fantastic day, full of cultural strength and creative expression. 

From these powerful works, three students—Alexis, Georgie and Hunter—had their pieces selected to feature in a new artwork at school, celebrating Dharawal Country as the place where we learn, live and play. The artwork was completed on the last day of 2024 and ready to wow students and staff on day 1 this year. Congratulations to our talented students and a heartfelt thank you to Aunty Jo Tanganoa, Dharawal Country and Luke Patterson, Gamilaroi Country, who helped bring this project to life! 

Additionally, in 2024, Camden High School was successful in our application to run a Tree Planting Day in partnership with Greening Australia and Deadly Ed. The purpose of this initiative was to deepen students’ cultural understanding of the significance of vegetation in Caring for Country, including its role in providing habitat for animals, bush food, medicine, tools, weapons and traditional food preparation. The workshops also highlighted the growing importance of plant life and shade-giving trees as an offset to urban development. 

First Nations students and their friends from Years 7 to 10 participated in both the workshops and the afternoon planting session. Trees were planted in key locations around the school to enhance shade and environmental sustainability—near the mini PE field for shade during class instruction, in the Yarning Circle and by the staff car park. 

Returning to school in Term 1 and seeing how much the gardens have flourished over summer has been truly rewarding. A huge shout-out to Geoff, one of our dedicated school assistants, whose expert knowledge was invaluable in liaising with Greening Australia and ensuring the behind-the-scenes preparation and maintenance of these beautiful new gardens. 

Congratulations to all involved in these incredible projects!