The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Focus Teacher Program: Leadership and Learning Day was held at Tauondi Aboriginal Community College on 13 March. The CESA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy Statement and documentation underscores the exciting program planned for 2015 and the theme for the first day was Beyond the Apology in CESA: embracing a discourse of Spirituality. What is my role?
Dr Roma Aloisi and Jonathan Lindsay-Tjapaltjarri Hermawan unpacked this theme by facilitating a rigorous process of exploration and critical self-reflection using a range of technologies including the Focus Teacher wiki space. A key message of the day was that it is important for us, as Catholic educators, to understand that our own cultural and spiritual values and personal journeys matter and impact upon those around us, in particular ATSI students, their communities and prospective ATSI teachers/employees. Knowing, embracing and living our purpose and mission - whilst not hiding from the realities of the hurt and wrongdoings of those who have gone before us - is key to moving forward.
Participants were invited to reflect deeply and meaningfully about the impact of colonisation on both ATSI and non-ATSI peoples and to consider the benefits afforded by White privilege. It is only when people open up a space for acknowledging and honouring ATSI cultures and knowledge that they appreciate more deeply the contribution of ATSI peoples’ standpoints, cultural heritages and spiritualties to the identity of the broader Australian Catholic church community.
Twenty students from Catholic schools in South Australia have been named among the winners in two major state-wide Humanities competitions.
Earlier this year, senior school students from across South Australia were invited to enter the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Spirit School Prize and the Muriel Matters Awards.
