MPS Aboriginal Education
Our goal, as a Department of Education school, is to be culturally responsive and inclusive, with every Aboriginal student being known, valued and cared for. At Mittagong Public School, we recognise the importance of Aboriginal education for all students. Understanding the rich culture and history of our First Nations people engages all students in reconciliation, developing respect for diversity, and recognition of the world’s oldest living culture.
Mittagong Public School is committed to improving educational outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Each individual Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student has a Personalised Learning Pathway that is created in partnership with the classroom teacher, student and family. This Personalised Learning Pathway allows for teachers, students and families to work together in achieving academic, social and personal goals where real growth can be attained. These achievements are recognised at the end of the year with our First Nations Breakfast, where families are invited to come together to celebrate and acknowledge students’ hard work.
Aboriginal perspectives are integrated and embedded into all key learning areas across the primary curriculum. Our school is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to learn about, nurture and value the cultural identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. In addition, we celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures throughout the year, such as National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Day, and NAIDOC Week, where students engage in storytelling, art, music, and traditional practices that enrich their learning and deepen their connections to country.
We offer an after school First Nations Homework Centre on Monday afternoons from 3:00pm – 5:15pm for our students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The Homework Centre is supervised by two of our classroom teachers, who support students from Kindergarten to Year 2 with literacy and numeracy skills, and students from Years 3 to 6 with any homework tasks that need completing. We then provide afternoon tea and a lesson that targets Aboriginal culture and history. We strongly recommend this program for any of our Indigenous students.
Aboriginal Homework Centre
Mittagong Public School has proudly partnered with Illawarra Wingecarribee Alliance Aboriginal Corporation (IWAAC) to offer an Aboriginal Homework Centre. This initiative is designed to provide support to First Nations students in their education. The centre aims to offer a culturally supportive and nurturing environment for First Nations students to do their homework, receive academic help, and engage in educational activities.
Our Aboriginal Homework Centre offers:
Academic Support: Students can receive help with homework assignments, test preparation, and general study skills from teachers and volunteers.
Cultural Sensitivity: Our Homework Centre is staffed with teachers who understand Aboriginal cultures and histories, making the learning experiences inclusive and supportive for First Nations students.
Mentorship and Guidance: Teachers and volunteers provide guidance and support to students, helping them navigate academic challenges and offering advice on their learning and personal development.
Access to Resources: Our Homework Centre provides access to culturally appropriate educational materials such as books, games and online resources that can help students with their studies.
Community Involvement: The centre works closely with IWAAC, incorporating cultural traditions and values into the educational support we provide.
Additional Activities: Beyond academic support, our Homework Centre offers extracurricular activities such as arts and crafts, music, and sport, allowing students to explore other interests and build a sense of community.
The aim of our Aboriginal Homework Centre is to improve educational outcomes and support First Nations students in their academic journeys while honoring and incorporating Aboriginal cultures and traditions. Our Homework Centre is an important resource in bridging educational gaps and providing equitable opportunities for our First Nations students.
