First Nations Education
Our commitment to First Nations Education
At St Patrick’s College, we respectfully acknowledge the Dharawal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our school stands, and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We are committed to fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures, histories and perspectives within our community.
Our First Nations Education program is designed to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, enrich the learning experience of all students and promote reconciliation through respect and meaningful engagement.
St Patrick’s College is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and we are engaging with Reconciliation Australia’s educational body, Narragunnawali as we walk this journey together. For further information about RAPs, please visit https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/
Dedicated academic and personal support for Aboriginal students
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students receive tailored support from a dedicated Aboriginal Education Assistant who works closely with students, families and the College community. This support nurtures the students’ cultural pride, academic success and personal wellbeing.
Aboriginal students may choose to attend Koori Homeroom once a week, providing a chance to build relationships with peers with a shared heritage. Our NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week celebrations are student-led and allow girls to directly share their culture with our community. Students also engage in cultural immersion experiences such as Aboriginal dance workshops and ceremonies, and are renowned for their selection to elite First Nations sporting teams.
Building school-wide cultural knowledge and understanding
We are dedicated to educating a student body that not only understands and respects First Nations heritage but also embraces the values of reconciliation. This is achieved through ongoing collaboration with Aboriginal students, families, staff and community members, who guide and enrich our teaching and learning experiences and school events with authentic First Nations perspectives and culture.
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Aboriginal Advisory Committee
Our Aboriginal Advisory Committee plays a vital role in shaping the College’s approach to First Nations Education. Composed of community Elders, the Council offers wisdom, cultural knowledge and strategic advice that help develop culturally appropriate programs and initiatives. Their input ensures that our curriculum, activities and policies align with community expectations and promote respectful partnerships.
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Scholarships for Aboriginal students
To support and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, St Patrick’s College offers scholarships designed to remove financial barriers and foster educational excellence.
