It is great to see so many Indigenous students engaging in a variety of activities, pathways and opportunities throughout the Term. As part of the Colleges commitment to reconciliation, these initiatives are implemented to assist our students connect with Culture and Country; to recognise their potential; and to encourage them to prosper individually. Below is an outline of activities that have taken place and those which are continuing and upcoming.
UTS Indigenous Engineering and IT Experience
Cooper Hill (Year 10) engaging in the University of Technology Sydney ‘Galuwa Engineering and IT Experience’ for Indigenous students. The UTS program delivers an opportunity for students to experience tertiary education and explore concepts of design and construction.
University of Western Sydney ATSI Information Evenings
On the 31st August, Indigenous students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will be provided the opportunity to gain an insight into the University of Western Sydney (UWS). Indigenous Outreach Coordinators Jo Galea and Jessica Bamblett from UWS will provide students with valuable information on available courses, alternative entry pathways, scholarships and support available. UWS is currently taking registrations for the ATSI information evenings for those students who may also be interested in attending.
AIME Mentoring
A reminder that AIME mentoring continues for Indigenous students in Years 7-12 each Monday from 3-4pm in the ERLC. This is great opportunity for students to receive extra assistance with homework, assessment tasks and revision. Students are encouraged to make the most of the initiative and attend.
MY COUNTRY- KAMILAROI
My CounStage 4: Muru Mittigar Excursion
Indigenous students in Years 7 and 8 are invited to attend the Muru Mittigar Cultural Centre on Wednesday 26th September 2018. The day is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in various cultural activities. Students will participate in activities including: Cultural Talk, Bush Tucker, Art Workshop and Boomerang Throwing.
Wiradjuri Language & Cultural Camp
The New South Wales Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) in conjunction with the Department of Education’s Aboriginal Education and Communities Directorate has invited our students to a Language and Culture Camp for Aboriginal students on Wiradjuri Country. The camp will be conducted over two days from the 5th-6th November. The camp will contribute to informing, strengthening and connecting students to language and culture through sharing of knowledge and resources. Further information will be sent home with students who have expressed interest closer to the camp.
The NSW AECG Inc. is committed and actively involved in supporting Aboriginal student identity and belonging and raising the academic achievement of Aboriginal students. We aim to empower students to be active learners in their education and training by providing opportunities to develop skills in leadership roles within their schools and communities. This camp will look at opportunities that can inspire and motivate students or who simply want to challenge themselves. (AECG, 2018)try, Kamilaroi is the Visual Art Major Work of Kaylem Macdonald-Perez. Kaylem is a proud Kamilaroi man, who has chosen to express his cultural connection through his passion. Below Kaylem explains the motivation for his design and creation; he also signifies the deeper meaning of his particular piece.
By Kaylem MacDonald-Perez (Year 12)
The idea for this project was inspired by Lin Onus and Barbara Weir from their use of contemporary and traditional art forms of Aboriginal artwork. The unique style of the various Indigenous art styles appealed for my creation of this piece. Furthermore, my major work was also developed due to the appreciation and relationship I have been fortunate enough to have experienced at the College. AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) and my other Indigenous friends throughout school, have helped me create a more in depth meaning of my Culture and have motivated me to complete this work. The artwork expresses my strong cultural links which have developed over time with family and school; this is my way of giving my culture back to the school community. The art portrays a celebration of Indigenous peoples’ success, not for me as an individual, but as a community. The artwork has distinct meaning far beyond pattern, colour and contrast.
My artwork represents the past and present of the Aboriginal culture. The background of this artwork consists of the tribal nations in upper NSW surrounding, the tribe Kamilaroi. Showing the existence of Aboriginal culture in Australia before European settlement. The raw shape of the circular symbols represents the Indigenous communities and the impact of the European settlement to lifestyle and culture. Some of these communities have remained to be left untouched whilst other areas are covered by the white dots, showing the European development. The distinct paths run through the artwork to show the cultural traditions from the past leading to the present. The white bold lines show the present time of the European development of the roads therefore creating paths travelling from far into country towards the city and coast.
Mr R. Peake
Indigenous Education Coordinator
