Aboriginal Education

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St Laurence’s Primary is committed to supporting the learning and life outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The focus of Aboriginal Education at St Laurence’s can be seen as two-fold.

Firstly, Aboriginal Education promotes a greater understanding of the culture and spirituality of our First Nations Peoples of this country and the importance of this to our sense of Australia in the past, now and into our future.

Secondly, a focus on Aboriginal Education needs to be centred on the specific learning needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and to ensure equitable access to the curriculum and resources in meeting those needs.

UNDERSTANDING ABORIGINAL CULTURE

A curriculum that is truly Australian should provide opportunities for all students to develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal heritage, cultures, contemporary issues and spirituality, and promote high expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through quality teaching and learning opportunities.

Cultural knowledge and personal histories are invaluable resources in promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their histories, culture, spirituality and languages. Seeking advice and assistance from the local community, in particular with Aboriginal elders, is important when planning, implementing and evaluating programs.

SUPPORTING LEARNING NEEDS

St Laurence’s Primary is committed to improving the educational outcomes and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students so that they excel and achieve in every aspect of their education. We recognise the role of Aboriginal parents and families as the first educators of their children and we actively work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families to ensure students obtain a high-quality education as a platform for achieving their full potential.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION AT ST LAURENCE’S

St Laurence’s Primary prioritises a focus on Aboriginal Education that works towards achieving key strategies including:

  • Ensuring we regularly identify, name and acknowledge the traditional custodians of our land
  • Embedding an Aboriginal perspective in all aspects of the curriculum
  • Developing the knowledge, appreciation and understanding of staff, students and school communities about First Nations Peoples culture, heritage and spirituality
  • Supporting the Catholic Church’s commitment to social justice
  • Strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and the wider community and looking for opportunities for reconciliation and acknowledgement
  • Improving and celebrating educational outcomes and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
  • Understanding and appreciating the significant issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their aspirations.