Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

 I would like to introduce myself, Danielle Madsen, as the Aboriginal Contact Teacher at St Michael’s. This role aims to:

• support students within the classroom and the broader school setting as we continue our commitment in Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the St Michael’s community.
• Support teachers and school staff to embed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultures in the school.
• Facilitate celebrations for significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events.
• Collaborate with teachers at St Michael’s to celebrate and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Last term, our 5/6 students were privileged to listen to a talk from the Aboriginal Rangers at Birrigai Camp. They learnt about the history and significance of Birrigai as a meeting place for Aboriginal people and were shown several Aboriginal artefacts, including an ancient axe head that was found in the area.

To continue to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultures, all students at St Michael’s will attend a performance KADUL with Ryka Ali on Thursday 18th May. The performance will include participatory dances with students and explorations of various instruments, artefacts, costumes and ‘painting up’ with ochre (along with student volunteers). As well as performing and teaching dances with audience participation, Ryka will demonstrate playing the didgeridoo.

Also, students will be participating in activities for National Sorry Day (Friday 26^th May) and Reconciliation Week (27^th May – 3^rd June). If you would like to find out more about St Michael’s vision and commitment to Reconciliation, please read the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), attached below.