Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education News

Special Language class visit 

Last week, our western schools Wii Gaay students and staff visited Uncle JB Language classroom on their way to the Wii Gaay Learning Hub in Dubbo. 

Uncle JB has been teaching the Yuwaalaaray language for 30 years at St. Joseph’s Primary School, Walgett. He has presented at PuLLiMA National Conference this year and is recognised for sharing his passion for language and culture with students and community. 

Wii Gaay Learning Hub

Celebrating Legacy: The Wii Gaay Documentary Project Culminates on The Red Carpet in Dubbo Studios.

The Wii Gaay Learning Hub—named from the Gamilaraay term for 'clever child'—recently celebrated the successful culmination of its documentary project in Dubbo. The Wii Gaay program’s objective is clear: to develop the high potential and self-efficacy of our students through high expectations, quality support, and rich, authentic cultural immersion. 

This second major gathering saw 28 students from Years 4, 5, and 6, representing 13 schools across our diocese, immerse themselves in the world of filmmaking. They were supported by a committed team of 18 skilled Teachers, Aboriginal Education Assistants (AEAs), and Armidale Catholic Schools (ACS) staff, ensuring a high-impact learning environment that both challenged and engaged these high-performing learners.

The project was powerfully framed by this year’s NAIDOC theme, "Strength, Vision, Legacy: The Next Generation." The learning journey began in Term 1, where our 'Clever Kids' honed their core capabilities through rotational sessions: digital time management skills (Maths), filmmaking techniques (IT), and crucial interviewing skills (English). These skills were immediately applied in Term 3, as students engaged their Elders, preparing questions and recording intimate interviews within their school or community. This crucial in-school work, meticulously planned with a shout-out to Mrs. Pedersen for her coordination and follow-up, ensured all necessary permissions and respectful protocols were managed, allowing students to focus fully on story sharing and collecting their raw footage.

Learning Hub 2, held in Dubbo last week, was where the Hollywood magic truly happened. Students transitioned into the roles of director, writer, and editor, using their captured footage to craft powerful, authentic documentaries. The learning was intensely practical: students engaged in sessions to storyboard their film clips and focused on storytelling, selecting powerful music and incorporating titles and subtitles to elevate their Elders' narratives. A core aspect of the learning was the thoughtful application of respectful protocols and reflecting on the deep significance of their Elders’ story for the next generation.

The project drew to a magnificent close with the spectacular Documentary Feature Film Premiere. Students walked the red carpet, celebrating their hard work and success before presenting their completed documentaries—the ultimate tribute to their Elders' incredible lives and legacy. The presentation session concluded with a rewarding plenary where students bravely reflected on the challenges and successes they faced throughout the project. Their insightful responses earned them well-deserved Hollywood stars for emerging producers, recognising their skills, resilience, and vision.

This highly collaborative documentary-making experience truly illuminates the Armidale Diocese’s AIP goal of fostering strong teams that enhance learning outcomes for our students for a hope filled future. A deep thank you is extended to the strong team of educators surrounding these students: the ACS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team for their vision and guidance; school Principals and Leadership teams for their constant organisational support and student care; the Aboriginal Educational Assistants for their commitment and belief that every student can learn given the right time and support; the facilitators Mary-Jane Guest and Helen Rowsell for creating high-impact learning sequences that allow our students to be challenged and grow to achieve high standards; and the ACS Admin team for prompt, efficient and generous logistical support. This collective effort ensures our students are not just documenting history, but actively realising a hope-filled future.

Kelly Walters