Acknowledgement of Country in Gathang
(Language of the Worimi People)
Guudji yiigu, nyiirun Irrawang Ngarralbaa,
Nyura marala yiigu, Warrimayga Barrayga
Barraba Ngarralgal, Bingay, Ngariin, Nyura
Yii Warrimayguba Barray, wanyimbu, wanyimbu
Nyiirun gathay wakulda
Welcome, we are Irrawang Place of listening, knowing
You have all come to/on Worimi Country
My Elders, Elder Brothers, Elder Sisters, Everybody
This country is Worimi Country, always, always
Let us go together.
I would like to acknowledge the Worimi people the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land on which we stand. I would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present and future, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people present today.
Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre
Mr Tom O'Connor - Head Teacher (Rel)
Mr Adrian Wallace – SLSO
Irrawang High School’s Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre (ALEC) provides extensive support for students to improve their educational outcomes. The Centre is built on a foundation of solid and authentic relationships where trust, respect and honesty are valued and are at the core of all we do. We spend time engaging with individual students to develop relationships where students feel comfortable working with us to identify and overcome any barriers to their learning.
We aim to provide the necessary support to improve the educational outcomes and wellbeing of our students with a focus on graduating Irrawang High School with a HSC and ready for further study or employment opportunities.
The ALEC team strives to provide the very best educational outcomes, experiences and opportunities for all Aboriginal students at Irrawang High School. Our school works in strong partnership with the Youyoong AECG and the programs offered, support our commitment to providing exemplary educational outcomes for every student. Our school has a strong tradition to raise awareness and participate in significant cultural events including Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week and Harmony Day.
The primary aims of our Aboriginal education programs are to:
· improve literacy and numeracy
· target educational strategies at individual needs
· increase parent participation in school activities
· provide targeted pathways to higher education through traineeships
· increase participation by senior students in either further education or employment
· improve teacher knowledge of the educational, cultural and social needs of students
· work collaboratively with the Youyoong AECG
Existing programs that will continue include:
- Gathang Language
- Youth Express
- NRL School to Work
- Connecting with Elders and Community
- Junior AECG
- BroSpeak and SistaSpeak
· Professional Learning of staff - We will continue to facilitate opportunities for teaching and non-teaching staff to participate in the Connecting to Country program coordinated by the Youyoong AECG.
· Implementation of the Australian Curriculum – All new curriculum programs will have an indigenous focus through the 8 Ways pedagogy.
· Literacy and Numeracy Intervention- This program supports Aboriginal students with literacy and numeracy skills and also to provide an opportunity to complete assignments and homework tasks.