Gawura School Project Update

ABM has received an update from Gawura School on its activities over the first term of 2023.

Cultural engagement and encounters, and awareness-raising of all pupils are key elements of the Gawura program. This involves much consultation with local Indigenous elders and teachers, as well as exposing the students to contemporary and historical cultural experiences. Such exposures usually also include the whole school and not just the Gawura pupils.

During Term 1, all 120 Stage 2 students attended a cruise with Tribal Warrior on Sydney Harbour. This excursion was very relevant to the unit of work “First Contacts” which Stage 2 is currently studying.

The unit covers what life was like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Nations Peoples prior to colonisation and this excursion, in particular speaks of the impacts colonisation has had on the local Gadigal Clan of the Eora Nation.

Other activities of note include a Yarning Session in which the school consults with the parents of Gawura’s pupils. The aim of the Yarning Session is to discuss cultural learning opportunities for the broader Gawura community, and to have a two-way discussion about what the children’s families are seeking. These discussions also contribute to the development of the Gawura Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

A highlight for music students of the Secondary School, and particularly for one Aboriginal student trumpet player, was a Music Tour to Italy by the students during the term holidays. The group both performed and also participate in masterclasses. It was this student’s first time overseas and a really great opportunity.

ABM thanks those who support this project financially and/or in prayer.