Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Yaama!
Term 4 programs offered include:
- Warraymaylaya Maal Dhuwi Retreat – Year 8 & 9,
- Junior Brothers Program – Monday (Yr 7–10), Period 1 & 2
- Ngaa Wyibaa Girls Program – Wednesday (Yr 9), Period 4
- Cultural Dance, Song & Language – Wednesday, Period 5
- Gamilaraay Language – Thursday, Period 4
- Extra Transition Day – 2026 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Students
- Cultural Plan Completion
Note: Parental permission via Compass is required for participation.
Warraymaylaya Maal Dhuwi Retreat – Year 8 & 9
Year 8 and 9 students, along with staff, traveled to Port Stephens in Worimi Country for the Warraymaylaya Maal Dhuwi (Stand Together with One Spirit) Retreat. Students focused on and shared their understanding of the themes of hope and identity, reflecting on the importance of trust, self-worth, love, and self-identity.
The retreat included visits to the Irukandji Shark and Ray Centre, Nobby’s Headland, and Sacred Heart Cathedral. Students and staff also enjoyed sandboarding, swimming, and “Whibayganba” activities at Foreshore Park, while connecting with peers from St Philomena’s Moree, St Mary’s College Gunnedah, Holy Trinity Inverell, and O’Connor Catholic College.
The experience encouraged students and staff to share insights, build connections, and stand together in one spirit, strengthening their sense of belonging and community.
Community
A big congratulations to all our students who took part in the Koorie Knockout - both in Tamworth for rugby league and in Newcastle for netball. We also celebrate the many students who participate across our sporting, arts, and extracurricular programs. Your energy, commitment and spirit make us proud.
A heartfelt thank you to our families for your continuous support in helping our students achieve and enjoy these experiences.
Gomeroi Culture Academy 2026 - Update
The Gomeroi Culture Academy (GCA) will take a short break after this year’s Graduation to focus on program development and planning.
Applications for 2026 will now open at the start of Term 1 next year, with a later program start time. The GCA team looks forward to reconnecting with students and families in the new year and will share details about upcoming information sessions and workshops soon.
Reminder to Students and Families
Please check your Classroom and Compass regularly to stay informed about all cultural events, opportunities and programs.
Parent permission via Compass is required for extra-curricular cultural activities for participating students.
Celebrating Success
We love recognising the achievements of our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students! If you have a success story to share, please reach out to Lisa so we can celebrate and showcase these milestones.
As we continue our journey, please remember, we are here to support our students and families every step of the way.
Don't hesitate to reach out.
Yaluu.
Lisa Jameson (Smith)
Aboriginal Education Assistant
lsmith11@arm.catholic.edu.au
Olivia Guilbert
Leader of Learning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Education
Strengthening Community Health
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team has been dedicated to fostering a strong connection with the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service – Aboriginal Corporation. We believe that engaging with local health services, such as TAMS-AC, offers significant benefits to our school community. TAMS-AC provides culturally appropriate, bulk-billed healthcare services designed to improve health outcomes for both Aboriginal Peoples and non-Aboriginal individuals in Tamworth and surrounding areas.
We encourage all families within our school community to consider utilising the comprehensive services offered by TAMS-AC, which include:
- Clinical Services: General practice care, chronic disease management, vaccinations, maternal and child health services and on-site pathology.
- Social & Emotional Wellbeing Services: Holistic mental health support addressing emotional and social needs within a culturally sensitive framework.
- Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Programs: Education, prevention, treatment and support for substance misuse, tailored to the needs of the community.
Dental Services: Preventative and emergency oral healthcare for individuals of all ages.
By accessing these services, families can ensure their health needs are met in a supportive and culturally aware environment. For more information or to make an appointment, please visit TAMS