Pictured from left: Mr O'Connor, Ms Lilley, Mr Wallace
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 Team
Mr Tom O'Connor - Head Teacher
Mr Adrian Wallace – SLSO
Ms Maddie Lilley - AEO
Mrs Rachelle Burns - Deputy Principal
Irrawang High School’s Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre team (ALEC) strives to provide the very best educational outcomes, experiences and opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
We aim to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attaining Year 12 while maintaining their cultural identity.
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.
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
Current Programs + Events
AECG & Junior AECG
Junior AECG Leadership & STEM Camps
Write it Right with Murrook Education Team
NRL School 2 Work with Zoe Khan
ABCN: Accelerate and Aspirations Programs
Careerlinks: Yakka Intro to Work Program
Koori Colours: Aboriginal Art Program with Jason + Kerry Russell
Winanga-y Dreaming Girls Mentoring Program with Kristy Faulkner
Ngarralbaa Dance Group
Ngura Wubaliyn Aboriginal Education Hub
Bangarra Dance School Workshop
Deadly Science Workshops
Wollatuka: Numeracy Gala Day (McDonald Jones Stadium)
Wollatuka: Year 10 Emerging Day at Callaghan Campus
Wollatuka: iBelieve, iDream & iSucceed Programs
PCYC Port Stephens: Fitness and Self Defence Programs
Community Partnerships
Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG)
The Wollatuka Institute
Murrook Education Team
Clontarf Foundation
Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Centre (PsFANS)
Warlga Ngurra Women and Children's Refuge
Wahroonga Aboriginal Corporation Raymond Terrace
PCYC Port Stephens
Hunter New England Kids Health