Transforming with the Spirit: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference
NCEC commissioner and principal of St Scholastica’s College Kate Rayment, Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM and St Scholastica's head of boarding Libby Molony.
Catholic education and community leaders came together this week to share perspectives and best practices that allow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to thrive.
The Transforming with the Spirit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Education NSW State Conference, held in Leura, was co-hosted by Catholic Schools NSW and Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.
The Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney MP, speaking at the conference, announced the re-establishment of a First Nations Education Council to be led by Federal Education Minister Jason Clare MP and Professor Peter Buckskin from the University of South Australia.
Minister Burney also announced that all Indigenous children will be able to access 36 hours of subsidised childcare a fortnight from July 2023. Additionally, 60 primary schools, including Catholic schools, will be eligible to receive funding and resources to teach Aboriginal languages.
Other initiatives included working towards a new Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership between all Australian governments and First Nations people, more boarding schools on Country in partnership with Studio Schools Australia, and scaling up proven reading programs to accelerate First Nations students’ literacy outcomes.
Minister Burney told delegates that the Federal Government is committed to making a real difference on Closing the Gap on education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. She noted that the Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal Education Strategy aims to see increases in enrolments, retention and post-school transitions as well as improvements in numeracy and literacy and NAPLAN results.
“But importantly, it also aims to see improvements in wellbeing outcomes and better understanding of the histories, cultures and experiences of Aboriginal people,” Minister Burney said. “These are important factors in making schools welcoming, supportive environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.”
State manager policy and programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education at Catholic Schools NSW, Sharon Cooke, said the conference was about strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Julie Waddell who leads the Jarara Aboriginal Education Centre at Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta, said the conference was the next stage in leading the way to embedding authentic cultural understanding.
NCEC's acting deputy executive director Joanna Mackie said the time together provided an excellent opportunity for reflection and discernment for the NCEC's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network group.
"It was an opportunity to share in a growing understanding of the contribution we can all make to reconciliation and healing," she said.
The conference concludes with a face-to-face meeting focusing on the development of the workplan for the NCEC's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network for the next two years. The work plan connects directly to the NCEC strategic priorities, Closing the Gap targets and the recommendations of the Plenary Council.
Picture above right: NCEC's faith formation and religious education officer Laura Avery and NCEC acting deputy director Joanna Mackie with Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Education NSW State Conference.