KOORIE STUDENT PROGRAM
About the Program
The Koorie student program is an annual program open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from six local secondary schools, including Lilydale High School;
Mooroolbark College
Upper Yarra Secondary College
Yarra Hills Secondary College
Lilydale Heights College
Healesville High School
The program runs for six months, and over that time, students plan and create projects that use some of the technology available at the Yarra Ranges Tech School to explore and showcase an element of their culture. The program also includes guest speakers who talk to the students about their lives, education, careers, and passions.
The program concludes with a Showcase Day which families will be invited to attend.
Any students who would like to be part of the program in the future are welcome to see Ms McMillan for more information.
Day 1 - Yarra Ranges Tech School
Thursday 27 February
During our visit to the Yarra Ranges Tech School, we got to listen to a guest speaker, Chris Warrior, talk about his own business, operating commercial drones. He spoke to us about drones, and we even got to see a $20,000 one. It was very inspiring to hear how he began and grew his own successful business.
We also had access to use the technologies at the tech school, including VR and 3D printers.
During the day, we also got ice cream, and Miss McMillan was very kind to buy us all hot chips for lunch.
Overall, it was a very good day, and everyone is excited to come back in a couple of weeks to start making our projects.
Emma Geoghegan 9L
Day 2 - Worawa Aboriginal College
Tuesday 18 March
During their visit, students were warmly welcomed by Elder-in-Residence, Aunty Lois Peeler, who guided them through the Dreaming Trail, History Walk, and a Yarning Circle, sharing her wisdom and cultural knowledge.
The group then enjoyed a BBQ lunch with Worawa students who were excited to reconnect with familiar faces from the Reconciliation Sports Carnival!
The day wrapped up with a friendly kick of the footy, making for a wonderful exchange of learning, culture, and community.
Melissa McMillan
Assistant Principal