Our commitment to First Nations education

Aboriginal education officer

Kirrawee Public School has an Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) who visits classes every fortnight each semester. Our AEO primarily supports First Nations education and the programs that run within the school to support closing the gap initiatives and cultural lessons for all students. We provide an environment to support student’s education while also giving them a sense of belonging and cultural connection. Together we strengthen collaboration by “walking together” and “working together” with Aboriginal communities and schools, together we will work towards common goals in Aboriginal education, and together we will celebrate the successes of our students and communities.

Yarning Circle

Kirrawee Public School has a Yarning Circle which is a space for students to connect to Country and to learn, build and share cultural knowledge. In this space all participants are equals and come together to share knowledge and stories. Teaching and learning takes place in a respectful manner that values the importance of listening and cultural sensitivity.

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Acknowledgment of Country

What is an Acknowledgement of Country?

Acknowledging Country is a way for us to remind ourselves that we live and go to school on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands and take the time to pay our respects to Aboriginal people of generations past and present for continuing to take care of our land, earth, skies and seas. Here is our Acknowledgment of Country:

At Kirrawee Public School, we acknowledge that we are learning, growing and caring for the land of the Gweagal Clan of the Dharawal speaking nation.

Our school in Kirrawee is the home of the white cockatoo, a symbol that links us to the sky above. The totem, Burri Burri the whale, connects and guides us to the ancient stories in the ocean and our school emblem, the tree, keeps us grounded to the land.

As a school community, we strive to be safe, respectful, and engaged, doing our best not only for ourselves, but for each other, and for the Country that nurtures us.

We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their strength, resilience, and the vital role they play as knowledge holders for future generations.

May we always honour the stories beneath our feet, the knowledge in the wind,

and the songlines that connect us all.

https://players.brightcove.net/6111150633001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6379900770112

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Podcast with Aunty Calita and Rachel Moore

To celebrate NAIDOC week, Ava, Sophie, Kyla and Oliver lead the discussion with special guests, local Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Calita Murray and our Aboriginal Education Officer, Rachel Moore.

This conversation discusses their roles within the community, the importance of indigenous culture, and why we have the Acknowledgement of Country.

You'll even hear Kirrawee's customised Acknowledgement of Country, co-created by students, staff and Aunty Calita.

Listen to our Podcast with Aunty Calita and Rachel Moore

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