Aboriginal Education

Acknowledgement of Country
Windang Public School sits on the land of the Dharawal nation and is committed to creating a culturally inclusive and respectful learning environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are supported to thrive, and where all students develop a deep understanding of First Nations histories, cultures, and perspectives.

Partnership with Families and Community
We value strong partnerships with families and warmly invite our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and carers to be active members of our Aboriginal Education Team.

Throughout the year, families are invited to attend yarn-ups and community gatherings to connect, share ideas, and celebrate culture together.

Windang Public School proudly works in alignment with the Partnership Agreement 2020–2030: Walking Together, Working Together developed by the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), strengthening our shared commitment to improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal students through genuine collaboration.

Partnership Agreement 2020-2030,Walking Together, Working Together

Strong Foundations for Learning
First Nations perspectives are embedded across all areas of teaching and learning. Our classrooms are supported by a contemporary collection of First Nations texts and resources, ensuring students engage with authentic stories and voices. Each class has access to the six Coomaditchie Dreaming Stories, alongside a wide range of First Nations literature.

The school has invested in the Our Land, Our People, Our Stories resource, developed by AIATSIS, and staff have created a comprehensive K–6 scope and sequence to guide consistent and meaningful cultural learning across all year levels.

A Map of Indigenous Australia is displayed in every classroom to complement teaching and learning and to foster conversations and discussions throughout the day.

Respect and connection are central to our school culture. An Acknowledgement of Country is shared at assemblies and official events, and the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander flags are proudly displayed throughout the school.

Personalised Learning Pathways (PLPs)
We work in genuine partnership with families to support the learning, wellbeing, and cultural identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Each student has a Personalised Learning Pathway (PLP), a strengths-based plan developed collaboratively with the student, their family, and teacher. PLPs support high expectations for learning while recognising each student’s strengths, interests, aspirations, and cultural identity. Goals focus on learning, wellbeing, culture, or leadership and are reviewed regularly to celebrate growth and achievement.

Our annual Meet and Greet provides an opportunity to begin PLP conversations and build strong partnerships with families. Student achievements are celebrated throughout the year.

Cultural Opportunities
Students participate in a range of cultural experiences that build understanding, pride, and connection with our local community, supporting confidence, cultural awareness, and a strong sense of belonging within our school and wider community. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Participation in the Southern Stars YANGGAA GARABA Aboriginal Dance Ensemble for students in Years 3–6.

• Participation in the Shellharbour City Council Reconciliation School Flag Walk alongside Elders, families, and community members.
• Celebrating NAIDOC Week through learning activities and events that honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Engagement in Aboriginal Culture Through Dance workshops offered through The Arts Unit.

At Windang Public School, we are committed to building respect, strengthening cultural identity, community consultation, and ensuring every student feels proud, connected, and successful.