Recognition for inclusion work

Greater Shepparton Secondary College has been recognised for its work with Aboriginal education and inclusion.

The Secretary’s Marrung Awards provide opportunities to showcase best practice that embodies the principles of Aboriginal self-determination and inclusion and celebrate the knowledge and skills First Nations peoples contribute to educational outcomes.

The Marrung Education Plan 2016-26 aims to ensure Koori learners can secure the full benefits of the “Education State”.

The vision is to have everyone in Victoria recognise, value and celebrate Aboriginal history, culture and peoples, and for Aboriginal learners to fulfil their educational aspirations and stand proud in their culture.

College principal Barbara O’Brien said the award reflected the work being done at the college, with seven Koori educators at the school.

“We’ve done a lot of work in a short period of time with developing the role of our career educators,” she said.

Each of the school neighbourhoods have been named in Indigenous language, with a yarning circle — an outdoor space which traditionally was a place to share stories and pass on cultural knowledge — while campfire conversations have also been a part of the curriculum.

Indigenous students have also completed an eight-week therapeutic art program bringing in a number of different community, community members, artists and visitors from headspace, Rumbalara, Wellways, the police and more.

“They loved that program, and they really connected with each other really well and connected with their culture really well and that that’s something they’d like to see continue,” she said.

Koori student leaders were also voted for in the school, and Ms O’Brien said students valued having a voice.

The school has about 250 Indigenous students.

She said a Kaeilla Dungala curriculum would also be developed across humanities subjects to be taught to all students.

Ms O’Brien said the college captains had also recently requested to be trained in different ways to do acknowledgement of country.

Senior Koori education advisor for the Shepparton Education Plan Larissa Falla said the students taking the program into their own hands was a sign of success.

“If the student leaders can feel comfortable enough to actually put something like that out there. I think the future is in good hands,” Ms Falla said.

She also said the school had taken on board all recommendations from the education plan’s Koori engagement group.

“There’s been that real support of the career community voice within the school,” she said.

She lauded the use of Indigenous language and artwork in the school, reflecting Yorta Yorta and Bangarang people’s involvement.

Ms O’Brien said the school’s work had “only just stated”, and she wanted the school to ensure all Indigenous students had the same outcomes as non-Indegnous students and complete Year 12 at the same rates as other students.

Goulburn Valley Aboriginal Education Consultative Group chair Nicole Atkinson said winning the positive climate of learning award was “significant” for the school, but said the work would not finish any time soon.

“We have other programs that are coming into the school to ensure that our children are culturally strong,” she said.

“I wish to thank Barb, because we have done a lot of hard work in this space, so it’s really great to see, that it’s all coming together.”