It is an honour to be appointed as the NSWPPA State Executive Liaison for the renowned Aboriginal Education Reference Group. The reference group is very capably chaired by Paul Byrne. Amongst other priorities, this group of colleagues strive to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathways to success while also allowing all students to build awareness of values and traditions. This occurs with the reference group working in close collaboration with the DoE Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnership Directorate.

As we commence the new school year, all Principals are encouraged to act early on leading to deliver excellence in Aboriginal education which falls within the framework of the Aboriginal Education Policy, the Partnership Agreement and the Premier’s Priorities. The following extracts are a starting point for our reflections:

“The NSW Department of Education 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.

“School Principals are responsible for:

• Consulting with the NSW AECG Inc. at local and regional levels and Aboriginal communities in the development and reporting of the school plan.
• Implementing the policy.
• Incorporating strategies within the school plan that comply with the policy.
• Supporting staff to participate in learning pathways to build competencies in Aboriginal cultures.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of their plans.
• Reporting on achievements in Aboriginal education through improved practices and student outcomes.” (Aboriginal Education Policy)

"The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG) and the NSW Department of Education (the Department) agree to use our best endeavours to ensure that every Aboriginal child and young person in NSW achieves their potential through education.” (Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG.)

The Premier’s Priorities for ‘Lifting Education Standards’ for Aboriginal students are:

• Increasing the number of Aboriginal young people reaching their learning potential.

Source: NSW DoE website

Suggested resources:

• NSW DoE Aboriginal Education Policy
• Walking Together, Working Together’ Partnership Agreement 2020-2030
• NSW Premier's Priorities
• Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration
• NSW DoE Turning Policy into Action aetp_turning.pdf (nsw.gov.au) esp. page 10+