GREATER Shepparton Secondary College has been recognised for its role in strengthening Aboriginal education and inclusion through an inaugural awards program celebrating greater participation and outcomes for Koorie students.
Minister for Education, Natalie Hutchins congratulated the winners of the Secretary’s Marrung Awards, which celebrate the contributions made towards achieving the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026.
Among the winners was Greater Shepparton Secondary College, which – in partnership with the Goulburn Valley Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group – received a Positive Climate for Learning award for consistently adopting cultural considerations recommended through engagement and collaboration with the Koorie community.
The school has about 250 students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, reinforcing the need to embed and celebrate cultural perspectives in the curriculum and throughout the school.
As part of its dedication to creating learning spaces respectful of First Nations peoples, the school commissioned an artwork at the entrance of its enterprise building which was produced collaboratively with two Koorie artists representing both the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang people.
The piece, co-designed with students, serves as a visual representation of the region’s educational timeline.
The school features dedicated and culturally safe Koorie spaces in each of its neighbourhoods – Biyala, Dharnya and Bayuna – which were named following consultation with, and input from, the Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation and Bangerang Language Circle.
A yarning circle was also installed as part of initial landscaping works and can be used as an informal learning space.
“Schools have an important role in creating culturally safe and inclusive learning environments and I commend the incredible work GSSC and the Goulburn Valley Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group have done to support their Koorie families and communities,” Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said.
The partnership has contributed to creating an inclusive school environment that supports the ongoing implementation of Marrung by enabling Koorie students, their families and communities to feel strong and safe in their identity. Each school neighbourhood also has a Koorie Engagement Support Officer on board to further support the school’s significant Koorie Education workforce.
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 2016-2026 aims to ensure Koorie 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.
