Class of 2021 graduation reflections

On country excursions were the best things about Induction 39, I really liked being in the bush and swimming in waterholes, it is what made me want to come to Yiramalay. I loved going to Melbourne to study it was so different to where I come from, I loved the Learning in Residence and the great activities that we did and friends I made there. My biggest challenge in Melbourne was keeping up with my study, making sure I didn’t miss classes and get behind. I enjoyed my work experience with the Aboriginal Health Services in Derby, it has made me much more confident especially speaking to people. I am considering health work or the arts as a career in the future. I would tell students starting at Yiramalay to be confident, there is no point in feeling shame because it can lead to missing out on so much. 

Thank you to my family and everyone in Melbourne and at Yiramalay who supported me. 

Hiki-Lee Kinley (OW2021) 

One of the big changes for Hiki-Lee since coming to Yiramalay is that she has become more responsible and reliable. I hope that next year she finds a career that she loves and enjoys and one that will make her happy. She is considering a placement at KAMS and hopes to do a Cert II in Health Work and may consider doing nursing after that. Hiki-Lee has learnt about western and Indigenous culture while at the school, it is the two way learning that is taught at Yiramalay that made me send her to the school. Being immersed in Indigenous culture was denied to me as a young person and having western education acknowledging Hiki-Lee’s Indigenous culture and bringing it together for her, makes the school stand out from others. It was challenging for Hiki-Lee when her family experienced health issues and the loss of a close family member. It impacted our family greatly especially Hiki-Lee because she was away from home at the time and returned to Broome as part of the healing process. The school was very supportive through this difficult time.

Thank you, Matt Watson, and all the teachers for your patience and support. I would especially like to thank the mentors for being there to support students, you all do an outstanding job. 

Sharnie Dean, Parent