Staff Training Day

Cultural Understanding &

Safety Training Day for DSC Staff

On Friday, 1 November, all Doncaster Secondary College teachers and educational support staff attended the Cultural Understanding and Safety Training (CUST). The purpose of the training was to empower staff to further develop their understanding and respect for Koorie culture and history.

CUST in schools was developed in partnership with the Koorie Education Workforce (KEW), the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) – the Department of Education and Training’s (the Department’s) principal partner in Koorie education – and VAEAI’s Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups (LAECGs).

The sessions were presented by Colleen Garner (Koorie Engagement Support Officer), Seth Nolan and Elder Aunty Irene. Staff were given the opportunity to engage in conversations and develop a deeper understanding of how as a school we can provide a more inclusive and responsive approach to paying the respect towards Koorie people, so that every Koorie person can achieve their potential and succeed in life.

Staff left the training feeling more insightful about the cultural and social experiences of Koorie people and empowered to support improved educational outcomes for Koorie students and all students. Staff have explored ways that Aboriginal perspectives can be conceptualised into our curriculum for all students to learn, and have identified our next steps in supporting Koorie inclusion at Doncaster Secondary College.

We look forward to engaging with our students and families.  Well done everyone!

Sarah Emanuel

Learning Specialist