SOUTHSIDE EDUCATION, QLD
SCHOOL:
Southside Education is an Independent school in the southern suburbs of Brisbane for disadvantaged young women Years 8-12 who have suffered physical, emotional and/or social abuse. Of its 117 students, 70 are Indigenous.
PROGRAMS:
Two overall aims of Southside Education are to reconnect Indigenous students to their culture, and to increase the enrolment of Indigenous students by engaging them in meaningful learning experiences. These aims are worked towards through engaging the Indigenous community in strategic planning, curriculum planning and daily school activities. Part of the strategic plan mapped out in consultation with Brisbane and Inala Elders and other local Indigenous leaders was increasing Indigenous staff employment. Indigenous staff members include youth workers, teacher aides, teachers, cooks, trainees, childcare workers and a family liaison worker.
Culture. Strategies include:
- Learning traditional dances and performing them at school ceremonies and public functions.
- Indigenous camps at Nungeena and Kamp Nunukel.
- Sharing stories with Elders on Yarnin Day and Storyline Day.
- Learning and practising Indigenous art, which has been reproduced in a poetry book and on Christmas cards.
- Teaching dance and ochre paining at local primary schools.
- Tracing family trees.
Education. Strategies include:
- Support through ITAS.
- One-on-one support from Indigenous workers.
- Embedding Indigenous perspectives throughout the curriculum.
- Offering traineeships to graduating students including office administration, childcare, youth work and at Murri Radio.
- Literacy and Numeracy projects focused on students' needs.
Self esteem and wellbeing. Strategies include:
- Strong links with Indigenous Health.
- Presenting Swimming between the flags, a dance and drama piece highlighting the complexities of multi-literacies for Indigenous communities at the Australian Council of Adult Literacy National Conference in October 2008.
- Modelling courses.
- A student representative at the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Youth Indigenous Parliaments.
OUTCOMES:
| | 2005 | 2006
| 2007
| 2008
| Indigenous students enrolled
| 28%
| 32%
| 43%
| 59%
| | Indigenous students completing Year 12 | 0
| 1
| 6
| 7
| | Indigenous students in traineeships | 0
| 0
| 0
| 10
|
COMMUNITY COMMENT:
"Both the Indigenous community and students see this school as a very safe environment where Indigenous cultural heritage and identity is respected and valued. The success of Southside is measured in the improved attendance and school success of Indigenous young women. Southside is viewed by the Indigenous community as a school of excellence that gives all students a chance to reach their potential." - Uncle Albert Holt, local Elder
MORE INFORMATION:
Colleen Mitrow, Principal 07 3423 7499 or admin@sec.qb.com.au
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