Principal’s Reflection

Reflecting on my first year in the Kimberley, I am humbled to think about the amazing experiences, interactions and learning I have been exposed to. Starting the year with a classic wet season characterised by flooding creeks and plains, muddy and at times, impassable roads, I was able to see how the whole place comes to life. Then the arrival of new students. Young people from Wangkatjungka, Gapuwiyak, Fitzroy Crossing, Roebourne and Derby. Beautiful, trusting, eager young people ready to take on the challenge of living and learning at Yiramalay. For some, it was a significant challenge and for others it has been the perfect fit.

I have been very fortunate to spend time this year in Fitzroy Crossing and surrounding communities with Kaylene Marr, Stanley Shaw and other Indigenous colleagues, getting to know families and elders. My experience living and working in the Northern Territory has taught me that to make a real impact in a community, you need to develop strong and authentic relationships with the families and leaders of the community you serve. This is about being available, listening and listening some more. These first twelve months have been the beginning of that. 

As I think about the coming years, I am excited to think about the development of a School Council at Yiramalay which will represent the voice of this community in the development of our school and its priorities. I’m excited to commit to regular interaction with the community and the local schools, as we combine our efforts and resources towards supporting the youth of our communities to be the best they can. Most importantly, how we work together to counter the negative and distressing representations of young people from this area and begin to tell a new story. A story of growth and leadership, of pride and of happiness. In order to achieve this, we must ensure we are providing caring and engaging educational experiences for our students and supporting families to trust us and encourage their children to participate in the Yiramalay Program and other community led initiatives.

As I look back on 2021, I am extremely grateful. Grateful for the ongoing support of the Wesley College community and Principal, Nick Evans, Friends of Yiramalay with their unfaltering advocacy and support, the families of the students who attend our school and the staff who dedicate themselves to this program. I am overwhelmingly grateful to the students, who through their experiences, honesty, resilience and vulnerability, teach us important lessons about what it means to work and commit to the vision of this program. 

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.