ATSI NEWS

2024 STEM Aboriginal Learner Congress 

The STEM Aboriginal Learner Congress is an exciting annual 2-day event for Aboriginal learners in Years 5 – 10, who attend a South Australian Department for Education school. The congress is a South Australian Department for Education initiative to engage and inspire the next generation of young Aboriginal scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. The congress connects Aboriginal learners to STEM through a range of interactive and challenging STEM experiences designed to demonstrate that Aboriginal learners are powerful STEM learners and lead thinkers. 

The Congress aims to increase Aboriginal learners' engagement and achievement in STEM related subjects at school and provide a broader understanding of future STEM career pathways. Attending Aboriginal learners, teachers and guests are expected to actively engage in critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. Connections to culture and STEM are integral to the design of the congress program. 

Three students represented our school. They listened to speakers on STEM topics and participated in 3 workshops. In the first workshop, the First Chemist, students made cloud playdough, which is much softer than playdough. Students also participated in using Aboriginal perspectives as a classifying system for plants and animals and a workshop on solving problems with defence science and technology, learning about the star systems. The speakers spoke on subjects such as being a wildlife conservation biologist, being a 3rd year medical student, a software developer, Dem Mob, a group who sang their original songs, then showed students the software they use to put the music together and Brian Haddy’s “Fire and Froth” science show.

The students were excellent representatives of our school.

Deadly Start 2 High School

On Thursday 12th September four students attended the transition day Deadly Start 2 High School at Seaford Secondary College. Student comments:

H: “I enjoyed the drama, especially the chair game.” 

M: “I liked being able to make my own music and making bubbles in the Science lesson.”

S: “I liked the Drama games, especially the Splat game. I liked making the bubbles.”

L: “I enjoyed playing the piano and making bubbles in the Science lesson.”

Term 3 Events

Nunga Tag – Tuesday 24th September 

Nunga Tag will be held on Tuesday 24th September 2024 at the Hackham Football Club. Eight students in years 4-6 will be representing the school in the competition. Notes have been sent home.

Term 4 Events

Save the Date – Monday 28th October 3:30 – 5:00

First Nations families are invited to a special Celebration to acknowledge students’ learning success this year. More information will be sent out at the beginning of next term.

Regards

Sue Dunn (AET)

Jharni Perry (ACEO)