Aboriginal Education :

The Aboriginal Education Reference Group, chaired by Paul Byrne, visited Queanbeyan schools this term. The aim is to build our understanding of how aboriginal education is being delivered across the state and how these initiatives are impacting schools and students’ outcomes. The teams we visited highly valued the opportunity for the NSWPPA state representatives to visit and hear their stories.

The reference group meets on the weekend and before breakfast to cover reports and PPA business, then combines to meet with principals, parents, students and community members to gain insights into what programs are changing outcomes for Aboriginal students and how our work as an association can further inform improvements and outcomes. We visited Queanbeyan West Primary School, Karabar High School, Queanbeyan High School and Queanbeyan East Primary School. A common feature of all schools was the focus on aboriginal identity, community, wellbeing and attendance. These factors combine to keep links between family and school strong. There is a focus on educating staff and embedding practices in every area of the school rather than single events. It was great to have time talking to elders and parents about what they valued about public education.

Queanbeyan East PS vision is to promote aboriginal social and cultural wellbeing and continue academic growth through, choice, responsibility, leadership and empowerment. This inspiring team of educators tackle aboriginal education an innovative way. They start with staff and build an understand that Aboriginal education is for all, then move that through to delivery within the school.