Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education News
SME: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education K-6 School Visits
It has been a very warm and welcoming start in my new role as SME: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education K-6. As I journey around the schools I will be sharing with some of the dynamic work that is already being done within ACS classrooms as well as in the language and culture space.
Visit to St. Edwards.
Primary Campus
Culture group presentations and tour of the Primary Campus with Aboriginal Education Assistants Brittany Cloake and Jarrod Peachey and Leader of Learning Sally Clarke.
Highlights were the sophisticated presence of the Gamilaraay language in addition to the pride evident in all of the students’ faces. It was a privilege to witness the Year 6’s as they presented each of their projects and the quality of their research and passion for culture was plain to see. Congratulations to the high level of encouragement provided to these students not only by each other but also by Brittany, Jarrod and Sally as well as their teachers and Mrs Alison Hatton.
Infants
The tour of the Infants Campus with Aboriginal Education Assistant Amanda Gwalter also demonstrated a strong sense of community and culture and highlights were the incredible artwork and stories created by Amanda for the school as well as the symbolic incorporation of culture throughout all classrooms. Future projects such as the creation of a native bush garden and Yarning Circle are something to keep an eye out for in upcoming bulletins. Congratulations to all.
Secondary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education PL Days - Holy Trinity School Inverell
On Thursday 27th & Wednesday 28th March , 25 Student Pathways and Transition educators , AEA's and ACS team members came together for a 2 day Professional Learning Days at Holy Trinity School, Inverell.
- On Country Immersion at Goonoowigall near Inverell, learning from Aunty Beryl ,Aunty Sue, Aunty Elaine, Aunty Ursula and Uncle Owen who graciously shared their life experiences from the Girri Girri Elders Group.
- Tour of Holy Trinity School Inverell, which included a yummy bush tucker morning tea made by the Food Tech class.
- "Beyond" session delivered by Shane Hardcastle who shared information about the Career Digital Platform accessing information, tools and resources to help them find students their post-school pathway.
- Cultural Plans workshop led by ACS Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, Data Ecosystem, Compass Support Officer and Student Pathways Teams.
Thankyou Holy Trinity School for hosting such important and amazing learning days!
Primary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education retreat
Day 1: On Country Immersion: Walaay Gayaa (Happy Camp) & Workshop 1: Attendance and Community Engagement - ACS Leah Jones will lead an engaging workshop in developing an understanding of the current ACS Student Attendance policies and develop engagement strategies such as systematic listening, culturally responsive education and support for communities and schools.
Day 2: Workshop 2 - Cultural Plans & Data Ecosystem. A strength-based approach to understand and utilise Compass and Cultural Plans to facilitate an authentic relationship with students, staff, families and communities. This workshop is led by ACS staff Jolene Faint, Karen Tighe, Briony Martin and Alana Hatch.
Date
Day 1 - Thursday, 8 May 2025
Day 2 - Friday, 9 May 2025
Time
Day 1 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Day 2 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location
Tamworth HUB - 87 Bridge St, Tamworth 2340
Registrations close
Thursday, 24 April 2025 Registration
Mandatory for all AEAs to attend
SAVE THE DATE: Warraymaylaya - Year 10 -12 Culture & Career Pathway Retreat - Monday 2nd June - Thursday 5th June 2025
Warraymaylaya Year 10 -12 Culture & Career Pathway Retreat will be in Term 2. Further information about this unique Culture and Career Pathway Retreat will be forwarded to schools before the end of Term 1.
2025 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Significant Dates
