What a term!

Term one started in typical wet season style. Plenty of rain and beautiful green country. The mighty Fitzroy River burst its banks and the road into school resembling a muddy creek bed at times. Once again, and hopefully for the last time, we were impacted by border restrictions which held up the beginning of term for some staff. As frustrating as this was, staff and students took it in their stride as we got the 2022 school year underway.

Three new teachers joined our teaching team this year. Gavin Marks, Kerrie Williamson and Anthea Shedley. They joined with a great sense of excitement and curiosity to learn about the land, the culture and the people of the Fitzroy Valley. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow, learn, and develop new relationships with the students, families and staff. All three staff have their Certificate IV TAE qualification and have taken to delivering the Senior Years Learning Framework and associated Certificate II with energy and creativity. The result of this work has seen an improvement in the engagement and participation of students.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a shorter life expectancy compared to non-Indigenous Australians. The TIS (Tackling Indigenous Smoking) program aims to improve that life expectancy by reducing tobacco use. Tobacco smoking is the most preventable cause of ill health and early death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is responsible for 23% of the gap in health burden (the total impact of disease, injury and death to Australians) between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.*

Nicotine addiction in young people in the Kimberley is a monumental public health issue. This year, at Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School, we decided to meet the challenge head-on, but not by ourselves. In a team effort we engaged with students, families, and the Tackling Indigenous Smoking team to increase awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and support students who may struggle with this addiction. As a result of the planning, persistence, and ongoing support associated with this approach, we have seen improvements in student health and well-being, increased participation in all areas of the program and improved classroom attendance and participation. Well done team!

It has been a real pleasure to be working alongside Bunuba man and my friend, Stanley Shaw, in his new role as Community Engagement Officer. Stan is the first Aboriginal person to work in this role since the school began and has taken to it with enthusiasm and confidence. Stan brings his knowledge of language and culture to the role and his family connections and relationships across the whole of WA are phenomenal. I’m looking forward to working with Stan and watching him develop this role as he engages with the families and key stakeholders across the Kimberley.

I must acknowledge the outstanding support from the Friends of Yiramalay once again this year. Romy, Georgie and friends have been unfaltering in their support of the students at Yiramalay raising funds to provide new gym equipment, a new games table, laptop computers for alumni and running the always successful movie night in Melbourne. With the love and kindness we receive from this group, our work is made easier. On behalf of the staff and students of Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School, a heartfelt and sincere THANK YOU for your ongoing support.

I would like to acknowledge Year 12 student, Tonheya McCormack, who has been living and studying in Melbourne this year. Tonheya has gone from strength to strength with her education, thriving in the Learning in Residence environment at Wesley’s Glen Waverley Campus. Recently Tonheya spoke at the Friends of Yiramalay fund-raiser movie night and showed great confidence attending the Year 12 formal. We are all very proud of Tonheya’s efforts this year ably supported by Kym Adams, Dawn Anderson, and the team at LiR.

Finally, I thank the amazing staff team of Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School. We are largely in the Kimberley now but still have a footprint in Melbourne. This, like any other school term, has been one of complexity, excitement and challenge. The team has worked hard and collaboratively through the challenges of COVID and the wet season. They have maintained a focus on student safety, quality teaching and high expectations relationships. Thank you for a great effort this term.

* https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/tackling-indigenous-smoking#why-it-is-important