Heathmont Gazette

Conference in Arnhem Land

Last year, Heathmont College was privileged to be a part of the Pilot Program from the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA), sponsored by Toyota and supported by MAV, where Shane Hunt and Jess Lawson worked closely with Dr Caty Morris to develop culturally responsive classroom resources for Mathematics. This led to the school being invited to ATSIMA's Biennial Conference located in Yirrkala, East Arnhem Land. 

 

College Principal, Kerryn Sandford and Shane Hunt were privileged and thrilled to travel to Yirrkala during Week 2 of Term 4. During the 3-day conference, we presented on the work our school was doing to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of learning and knowledge of Culture and Country  - primarily in mathematics space. 

 

 

Keynote Speakers and Presenters

It was an honour to listen to Di Seimon presenting on "best practice' in (M/m)athematics education and Yingiya Mark Guyula MLA & Kathy McMahon on Yolgnu Rom Nurrungu contributing to the conference theme "Nhe Wanana" "Nhe Djamamirriyana" or "Speak it" "You create it". 

 

There were also many other presentations and members from a wide variety of industries at the conference. There were teachers and tertiary academics from all over Australia, an economist from the Reserve Bank, a representative from BHP, a scientist from the Defence Force and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from a variety of mobs.  

 

 

 

Cultural Experiences

We had the unique experience of tasting local "Maypal" or sea food cooked to perfection listened to local musician legends while eating dinner and able to look through Buku-Larrmggay Mulka (Yirrkala Art Gallery). We were also treated to an amazing cultural walk guided by local Yirrkala Community School students who shared with us some local knowledge of Country.       

 

 

Our Presentation

We talked about the projects our school has undertaken (such as the Indigenous Garden & College Values design). We also talked about where we would like to head next and the work we did last year when we produced a lesson sequence of 4 activities. These were primarily based from the learning of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation in Victoria and while applying mathematical (statistical) reasoning – very much utilising Professor Chris Matthews Goompi model of teaching & learning. Each of the lessons where based from the "9 Rich Contexts" found in the Australian Curriculum. 

  • Enumeration & Counting Systems – Knowledge Systems
  • Wurundjeri Seasons – Weather & Seasons 
  • Swimming & Fishing Techniques - Material Culture
  • Mangrook – Toys and Instructive Games

 

 

 

On of the most important parts of the process was seeking feedback and starting conversations and seeking feedback from the broader community. Our Koorie Engagement Support Officer was very supportive of the work and help us share the journey with local Elders and the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Ground.  Based on feedback from students, colleagues, community,  Dr Caty Morris and Professor Chris Matthews, we fine-tuned our resources. 

 

We also talked about where we would like to head to next:

  • Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and opportunities this provides 
  • Look to develop more units across years 7 – 12 and have all staff involved in the process
  • Further develop connections with our local community and education groups 
  • Belonging and connectedness – focus of the wider school (SPPIKE)
  • MAV – look to develop plan for supporting all schools to create similar experiences for students across the state .

 

Overall, this was a once in a lifetime experience. We thank ATSIMA, MAV, the community of Yirrkala and the community at Heathmont College for allowing us this experience. We look forward to continuing our work and continuing our journey. 

 

Shane Hunt

Community Relationships & Connectedness