More than 100 teachers, executives, Aboriginal Education Consultative Group members and Aboriginal elders gathered at Queanbeyan High School on Friday for an Aboriginal education forum.
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Representatives from across the state gathered to discuss initiatives to improve Aboriginal education outcomes. Major figures in Aboriginal education such as AECG president Cindy Berwick and executive director of Aboriginal Education Michele Hall spoke at the forum.
Queanbeyan High School principal Jennifer Green said she was proud to host the event at the school.
“We hold Aboriginal education and closing the gap as some of our highest priorities,” Ms Green said.
“We’re recognised as committed to closing the gap and using professional collaboration to achieve it.”
She said the school partnered with other schools and organisations as widespread as Deniliquin, Eden, Wollongong and further afield to promote Aboriginal education.
She said the school has built a specialist Aboriginal learning centre staffed with Aboriginal teachers for Indigenous students which targets specific areas of need and strength in individual students.
She said the school aimed to help Aboriginal students constantly improve in educational outcomes.
More than 12 per cent of the students at Queanbeyan High School are Aboriginal.
Queanbeyan has become a stand out in regards to Aboriginal education with Queanbeyan Public School receiving a national Narragunnawali award last year for it’s efforts towards reconciliation.
Queanbeyan Public School principal Kym Hawes was also recognised earlier this year for her outstanding efforts in Aboriginal education.
Ms Green said Friday’s forum was not simply a “talk fest” but was an opportunity to discuss initiatives that are making a tangible difference to Aboriginal students.
“These programs are making a difference in the data,” she said.
“But the real benefits are kids are more engaged at school, they want to attend class and have great aspirations post-school.”
Students from Karabar High School participated in performances and QHS students provided a bush tucker morning tea.