Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education News
Warraymaylaya Year 10 -12 Culture & Career Pathway Retreat
The Warraymaylaya Stand/Support Together journey will take years 10, 11 and 12 students from all five Armidale Catholic Schools high schools to Glebe during Week 5. Students will be immersed in the culture of the city while also visiting the University of Technology Sydney,Catholic Schools NSW Office, St Mary’s Cathedral, Taronga Zoo Education Pathways Unit, NSW Art Gallery, Australian Museum and Shark Park to spend time with NRLW Cronulla Shark player Jada Taylor who is a past McCarthy Catholic College student. Jada will share with students her journey, leadership, pathway opportunities and the NRLW. Watch this space.
Wii Gaay
We are excited to highlight the journey of work of the Coolabah Dynamic Assessment (CDA) - a vital process of the Wii Gaay program. This work supports our schools in identifying and celebrating our students' academic potential.
Our CDA Assessing Team have completed the ‘Intervention Process’ phase with many of Year 3 students across our Armidale Catholic Schools. Celebrating the students in the following schools who participated in the ‘Thinking Skills’ program along with the CDA:
Holy Trinity, Inverell:
St Philomena’s, Moree
St Joseph’s, Tenterfield
Myall Creek Memorial Student Art, Writing & Song Competition
Schools are encouraged to enter the 17th annual Thoughts ’n’Dreams Myall Creek memorial Student Art, Writing and Song Competition.
Myall Creek Memorial Student Art, Writing & Song Competition
Reconciliation Week
May 27th - 3rd June is National Reconciliation Week.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/
Schools are also encouraged to register to participate in a national choir. The Voices for Reconciliation 2026 song is Midnight Oil classic Beds Are Burning.
Visit the Choirs page for more information and to register your group.
McCarthy Catholic College Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Professional Development Day
On the 20th April, McCarthy Catholic College staff came together for a meaningful and engaging Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Professional Development Day; one grounded in connection, reflection and shared learning.
The day commenced at the Oxley Lookout with a powerful Acknowledgement of Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Kaleila Thornton who also explained the significance of each. Uncle Brad Sutherland then shared the traditional story of Calala, inviting the staff to slow down, listen deeply and reflect on the importance of Country, culture and Gamilaroi community.
Led by Jolene Faint (ACS), staff then turned their focus to the importance of the ACS Cultural Plans in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student journey, wellbeing and success. Followed by Lisa Smith (AEA) highlighting the impact of the Warraymaylaya Retreat in strengthening students’ sense of connection to school, culture, careers and community.
Staff then had the opportunity to select a 40-minute workshop that sparked their interest. Sessions included intergenerational trauma, spiritual art connections, bush tucker and bush medicine, and Dadirri. Each workshop offered a unique space for learning, reflection and connection amongst staff and Country.
Across the day, there was a strong focus on learning from one another and taking time to reflect on how our personal experiences and worldviews shape us as educators. These conversations encouraged staff to consider how they can more intentionally embed Gamilaroi perspectives into their teaching, leaning on Aboriginal ways of being, doing, knowing and valuing to guide culturally responsive teaching practice.
Staff engaged in conversations about what culturally responsive teaching looks like in classrooms today, and the role they play in this work. A key takeaway was the importance of educators building their own genuine connection to Country through lived experiences. We also explored the 8 Ways of Learning pedagogy, gaining practical ideas to help embed Aboriginal perspectives in meaningful and authentic ways.
We extend our sincere thanks to Kaleila Thornton, Casey Jansen, Uncle Brad, Jolene Faint, Jodie Herden, Amanda Gwalter, who contributed to the organisation and facilitation of this day. We also acknowledge and thank the community members and cultural knowledge holders who generously shared their time, stories and expertise. Their contributions made this a valuable and impactful learning experience for all.
Olivia Giulbert
Leader of Learning - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
AEA Professional Development
Last week, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team participated in an empowering PD session with our Wii Gaay AEA staff. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our strong team culture while deepening our commitment to enhanced learning for all. Together, we’re sharpening our impact and ensuring every student - and staff member - thrives. Stronger teams, hope-filled futures!
