At St John the Baptist Primary School, we are committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are known, valued and supported to thrive as learners and as members of our school community.
Grounded in our Catholic faith and commitment to dignity, justice and reconciliation, we recognise and celebrate the histories, cultures, knowledge and continuing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We hold high expectations for every student and recognise the importance of strong relationships, cultural identity, belonging and genuine partnership with families in supporting student learning and wellbeing.
Learning, Culture and Identity
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are embedded authentically across relevant areas of the curriculum, providing opportunities for all students to develop knowledge, understanding and respect for the world’s oldest continuing cultures.
We seek to create learning environments in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students see their cultures and identities respected and represented, while all students develop a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contemporary experiences.
Personalised Learning
We recognise each student as an individual, with their own strengths, interests, aspirations and learning needs.
Personalised Learning Plans are developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families. These plans provide an opportunity to identify individual strengths, goals and aspirations and to strengthen the partnership between the student, family and school.
Where students require additional support or extension in their learning, this is identified through the same evidence-informed processes used to support all learners, with appropriate teaching, adjustments and opportunities provided according to individual need.
Connection to Country and Community
St John the Baptist acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our school stands and recognises the enduring connection of Aboriginal people to Country, culture and community.
We seek opportunities to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, local community members and relevant organisations, recognising that authentic partnership and local cultural knowledge are essential to meaningful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.
Our Commitment
At St John the Baptist, we are committed to:
- maintaining high expectations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- strengthening student voice, identity, belonging and cultural safety
- embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives authentically within teaching and learning
- developing meaningful Personalised Learning Plans in partnership with students and families
- strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and community
- supporting staff to continue developing their cultural knowledge and understanding
- providing learning support, enrichment and extension according to individual student need
- creating meaningful opportunities for reconciliation, understanding and respect across our school community.
Through learning, relationships and genuine partnership, we seek to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are supported to achieve, belong and thrive at St John the Baptist.