We love our diverse and vibrant learning community, and we see inclusive practice as fundamental to our core School Values.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Students
We have a number of students who identify as being from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) background in the Early Learning Centre, Junior and Senior Schools.
Our aim is to promote culture and foster positive educational experiences for all students.
Aboriginal Education Coordinators
HVGS employs two Aboriginal Education Coordinators (AEC). They work to support all Indigenous Australian students to pursue the academic, leadership and co-curricular opportunities available to them here.
Our AEC’s regularly attend the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) to stay up to date with the policies implemented in other schooling sectors. They find ways to contribute meaningfully on a local community level.
Initiatives promoting culture
We’ve been working on several initiatives to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students experience a sense of belonging at school, supported in an environment where all students value and respect Indigenous Australian culture.
Aims and achievements to date:
Annual Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs) and compiled as a three-way system
Establishment of a Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (Jnr AECG)
NAIDOC Week celebrations across the whole school
Participation in local leadership activities through the hospice of Maitland AECG
Traineeships and tertiary education opportunities and scholarships
Fundraising for Indigenous literacy week and local communities
Participation in local art collaboration with MRAG called ‘Stories from Wonnarua’, which has since won the National Museums and Galleries Award for Interpretation, Learning and Audience Engagement
Compilation of Acknowledgement of Country in partnership with the Wonnarua community, with Acknowledgement of Country posters included in all classrooms
Inclusion of Acknowledgement of Country on School signage and at all school assemblies
Inclusion of Indigenous related topics and culture within the ELC and Junior School curriculum
Creation of a Yarning Circle on the school grounds
A Bush Tucker Garden in the Junior School
Communication of important dates from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait calendar.
Student participating in smoking ceremony for NAIDOC week.
Yarning Circle
The Hunter Valley Grammar School Yarning Circle was officially opened during our NAIDOC Week celebrations in 2019.
This culturally meaningful learning space sits beautifully nestled under the shade of native Spotted Gums and Ironbarks – remnants of the Eucalyptus sclerophyll forest which once dominated the area. Framed by a freshly planted bush tucker garden, it’s a place of cultural and educational significance, and also a stepping-stone to further promote the process of reconciliation.
Hunter Valley Grammar School offers Indigenous Scholarships for external students entering Years 7 – 11. Find out more
You can contact our Aboriginal Education Coordinators on our contact form.