Aboriginal Learning, Wellbeing & Safety Plan

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If you need help to understand the information in this policy, please contact the school office on (03) 366 4322.

Note: Throughout this document the term Koorie is used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Jackson School embraces the vision of the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan and celebrates the culture, knowledge and experiences of First Nations Peoples. We are committed to creating and maintaining a school environment that empowers Koorie students to feel valued, respected and culturally strong.

Our school has a number of measures in place to ensure our community acknowledges and appreciates the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. These measures are outlined below.

Family and community perspectives and feedback

We actively seek participation and feedback from Koorie students, families and Community by:   

• acknowledging the existing knowledge of Koorie students and their families and seeking their feedback on decisions that affect them, and on how well we are meeting their needs, through initial enrolment meetings, Student Support Groups, during the development of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and as part of the Self-Determination Reform Campfire Conversations
• working with our regional Koorie Engagement Support Officers (KESOs) for advice on how we can create a culturally inclusive learning environment and to build our capacity to provide support for individual Koorie students attending our school

Training and professional development of staff

To ensure our staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to create and maintain a positive and inclusive school environment we:

• completed the Child Safe Standards including PROTECT training annually
• hold professional learning for staff to participate in Community Understanding and Safety Training (CUST) training
• provide tailored training and professional development each year to build knowledge for specific staff based on any emerging or current areas of need
• ensure training and professional development equips teaching staff to deliver Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within the classroom curriculum
• support teachers to work in their Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) to map and develop teaching and learning activities within the Victorian Curriculum cross-curricular priorities to enable staff to build their confidence with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content and to recognise opportunities to draw upon Aboriginal pedagogies and practices within their classrooms
• ensure training and professional development equips staff with an understanding and appreciation of the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and its importance to the wellbeing and safety of Koorie children and students
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees can also access Dhelk Wukang 2022–2026 Aboriginal Inclusion Plan resources, including: Koorie Staff Network

Curriculum and learning

Jackson School supports the development of high expectations and individualised learning for Koorie students and creates a learning environment for all students that acknowledges, respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities. This includes: 

• implementing the Department of Education and Training’s Koorie Education Policy aligned to our Inquiry Scope & Sequence (currently taught in Semester 1 in an even year cycle)
• ensuring that all Koorie students have individual learning plans developed in partnership with students, families, and KESOs
• eligible students also receive funding to take part in the Koorie Literacy and Numeracy program (KLNP) delivered through the Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI)

In 2025, we will review our Curriculum Framework and Inquiry Scope & Sequence to align to the revised Victorian Curriculum 2.0 cross-curricular priory of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. This includes the following sets of ideas: Country and Place, Culture and People. Cross-curricular connections will continue to be taught throughout other learning areas where possible.

Assemblies and other school events and activities

We ensure our school events and activities acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by:   

• acknowledging the Country and Traditional Owners of the land on which our school is located, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, at the start of every school assembly and whole school meeting/gathering
• arranging Welcome to Country by local Elders at major school events such as the opening of new buildings
• arranging incursions and excursions, and recognising key events and anniversaries that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, including: Harmony Day, Reconciliation Week (Little Long Walk), NAIDOC Week
• Our Campfire Champion, Helena McAloon (Leading Teacher) and Child Safety Officer, Alex Baynes (Social Worker), meet regularly with our KESO to discuss the learning and wellbeing of our Koorie students

Built and digital environment

We ensure our built environment and website demonstrates an appreciation and acknowledgment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through:

• flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on school grounds
• displaying plaques/signs outside our main entrance that Acknowledge Country and Traditional Owners
• including an Acknowledgement of Country and Traditional Owners on our website and Newsletter

Review and feedback

We recognise that our school’s practices must be regularly reviewed and updated in partnership with our families and local communities. We encourage you to contact the Principal, via the email form below, with any feedback, concerns or suggestions.