Cultural education

At Rathmines Public School, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are supported and encouraged to celebrate their heritage through weekly cultural group sessions, personalised learning pathways, NAIDOC Week events and special assemblies. Each year, all students and staff actively participate in Reconciliation and Week, engaging in activities and learning experiences that promote understanding, respect, and recognition of the unique identities, knowledge, histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our school community.

Cultural education opportunities

At Rathmines Public School, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are embedded across school life through a range of cultural events, programs, and community partnerships, including:

• Wonai Group

• Reconciliation Week

• Sorry Day

• Wonai group

• PLP Yarn-Ups

The Wonai Group provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with opportunities to connect with and celebrate their culture through weekly meetings and cultural activities. Students can participate in cultural performances, including the use of clapsticks at school events and develop leadership skills through a range of school initiatives, including High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) opportunities.

Students also participate in PLP (Personalised Learning Plan) yarn ups, where family members work alongside students and staff to set learning and cultural goals. In addition, Wonai students are given the opportunity to write their own personal Acknowledgement of Country, strengthening their connection to culture, identity and community.

During Reconciliation Week, students participate in a range of activities that promote understanding, respect, and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. A key focus is the Walk of Reflection, which brings students, families, and staff together to reflect on the importance of reconciliation. This is followed by activities with Aboriginal community members and Elders, providing opportunities for students to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. These experiences foster meaningful community engagement with parents, carers, and local Elders invited to participate and share in the celebration.

During NAIDOC Week, students take part in a range of activities that celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Students engage in cultural experiences such as art activities and other hands-on learning opportunities that deepen their understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures. These events provide a meaningful opportunity for the school community to come together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Our Aboriginal Education team is made up of Mrs Frager, Mrs Verschoor, Miss Mitchell, Miss Feeny and Miss Gavenlock. These staff members work collaboratively with the community to provide cultural education opportunities to all students at Rathmines Public School.

Our school Acknowledgment of Country

Today we stand on Awabakal and Worimi Country, where we learn, play and work every day.

We acknowledge the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the traditional owners of the land we stand on. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.