We were delighted to have three staff and one previous staff member nominated for the 2024 Kullarri NAIDOC Awards held on Saturday 29 June. What an achievement for these individuals and our College, we are so proud of this recognition for these strong women. We congratulate Margaret Bin Sali, Helen Howard and Michelle Hamaguchi for this recognition. Although not the award winners on the night, they were certainly winners in our eyes. Sr Helena Brabender (RNDM), a past College staff member was also nominated for the Reconciliation Award which is awarded to a non-Indigenous individual who has made an active contribution towards creating harmony and unity among Indigenous and non – Indigenous Australians.
Here are their stories…
Margaret Bin Sali
Margie is a dedicated and passionate Aboriginal Teaching Assistant (ATA) who has been making a positive impact at St Mary’s College since 1993. With multiple years of experience working with various cohorts and year levels on the Primary Campus, Margaret has been providing invaluable support to the teaching staff and students alike. Margaret also worked for a year in administration as a receptionist in the Primary Campus office.
Currently, Margaret is part of the Learning Innovation Team, where she assists teachers and students on their learning journey. Margaret works closely with the team to lead the school’s literacy intervention programs. She works with students individually and in small group, as a result, the Learning Intervention program consistently shows improved students’ confidence and participation in other subject areas. Margaret is a valuable member of St. Mary’s College, known for her unwavering commitment and loyalty to her work.
Besides her job at the school, Margaret also actively volunteers at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Parish, where she works with the parish community, students, and families. She is also a Safeguarding Officer for the Parish. A Safeguarding Officer is the key link between the diocese and the parish, concerning safeguarding matters. She has an overview of all church activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults and will seek to ensure the implementation of safeguarding policies, an important and very necessary role. Further testimony to Margaret’s desire to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our young people within the wider community. Her generosity and contribution to the community, are widely recognised and very much appreciated.
Michelle Hamaguchi
Michelle is a dedicated educator at our College, she started her journey at St Mary’s 30 years ago as an Aboriginal Teacher Assistant (ATA). Whilst working as an ATA Michelle completed her teaching degree. What an incredible achievement and one that has been such an asset for all students across our K-12 College. On completion of her teaching degree, she taught on our primary for many years before moving to secondary in a transition and engagement role. Michelle has since become an outstanding member of our secondary teaching team ensuring the very best education for all students in a culturally safe and responsive way. Michelle is a strong Aboriginal role model for our students. She is a preferred and supportive adult for many of our students and provides a nurturing and safe environment for students, staff and families alike.
Michelle is always involved and taking an interest in supporting students with their sporting events and particularly our students at our Broome Residential College who are living and learning on Yawuru country. She has also been instrumental in welcoming exchange students and staff to our College.
This year she has taken on a role as a Cultural Pillar Leader engaging with staff and students on cultural learning, competency and celebrations. Michelle is a strong cultural leader ensuring all students and staff understand the importance of language, culture and traditions.
Helen Howard
Helen Howard was born in Broome and attended St Mary’s College. Helen’s family has a long history with our school, which they have attended and supported for several generations. Helen commenced working at St Mary’s College over 25 years ago as an Aboriginal Teacher Assistant. Her role involves supporting students in the class and building connections with our Indigenous families and the school. She has an exceptional ability to nurture and challenge our students across our secondary campus, whilst also humbly supporting our dedicated teaching staff to ensure every student is accessing exactly what they need.
Helen is extremely dedicated and committed to her job where she has the opportunity to provide cultural advice and support to students, staff and families of our school community and the wider Kimberley communities. Helen is a quiet achiever and is seen as a positive role model to our students. She works collaboratively with staff and provides educational guidance and cultural awareness.
Sr Helena Brabender (Nominated for Reconciliation Award)
Sr. Helena’s teaching experience spanned over 25 years at Nulungu Girl’s College, then St Mary’s College. The school had a 99% Indigenous enrolment in 1975 when she joined the staff at the school. Despite challenges like cyclones, heat, and insects, Sr. Helena persevered. The College aimed to affirm Aboriginal culture while providing academic education. Sr. Helena’s commitment extended beyond teaching hours, including caring for boarders, and camping trips with students. This transformative experience shaped her understanding of Indigenous culture and respect for the land. Sr. Helena’s first experience working with Indigenous students involved teaching, managing boarders, and acting as a mother figure. Despite the challenges, the commitment was unwavering. Camping trips with students provided valuable learning experiences, fostering care and respect for the land.
Sr. Helena, an art teacher, played a pivotal role in fostering students’ creativity and pride in their Aboriginal heritage. She encouraged students to participate in the “APEX Teenage Fashion Awards,” a prestigious competition typically reserved for Perth schools. Despite initial doubts, Nulungu students excelled, winning major awards and developing self-confidence. Sr. Helena’s vision empowered students to share their artistic talents beyond Broome and the Kimberley, leaving a lasting impact on St. Mary’s College. Sr. Helena’s other innovative initiative at Nulungu Girls’ College and St Mary’s College involved establishing an Art Gallery for Indigenous Youth—the first of its kind in Australia integrated into the school curriculum. Targeting Year 11 and 12 students with artistic talent who faced challenges in mainstream education, the gallery operated as a student-run small business during school hours. Beyond showcasing art, the program aimed to develop students’ business planning and financial skills, empowering them to potentially manage their own art galleries in the future. Notably, the gallery became part of the Broome Gallery Tour Company for tourists.
Sr Helena travelled back to Broome in 2024 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Nulungu Girls College.
All of these women epitomise our motto of having a listening heart. Their professionalism and diligence make them excellent role models for younger ATAs. They consistently display the values courage, love, empathy, resilience and acceptance in all interactions with staff, students and families and is highly respected in several community forums. As our cultural leaders, along with our Aboriginal and TSI staff this team are passionate about providing young students with the foundations for learning and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to thrive. They ensure all students are nurtured in a culturally safe environment, encouraging them to feel safe and proud. They work tirelessly to engage all families and others in building relationships and assist them in communicating effectively with the College team.
