This term, three staff members represented St Mary’s College at the Yadha Muru Darwin Symposium, an event bringing schools together from across Australia dedicated to fostering community empowerment, strengthening school partnerships, and driving positive change in Indigenous education. The symposium was attended by over one hundred educators and leaders from multiple schools and communities to explore Yadha Muru’s mission, values, and impact on Closing the Gap in education.
The symposium provided a platform to trace the path behind Yadha Muru’s commitment to community empowerment and highlighted how partnerships can make a significant difference in educational outcomes. Sessions included presentations from multiple schools showcasing how the Yadha Muru partnership is supporting their schools and communities, emphasising the power of working together.
Attendees had the privilege of connecting with key changemakers, including Founder and CEO Sean Gordon, as well as founders Leanne Holt and Peter Berkley, and directors Cherie Johnston and Andrew Lloyd. These leaders shared insights into their vision and the work that continues to drive Yadha Muru’s mission. The open sessions provided a unique chance to ask questions and discuss strategies for strengthening the City-Country Partnership model, with a focus on sustainability and ideas moving forward.
Our City-Country Partnership (CCP) presented on some of the amazing initiatives we have started in 2024. These initiatives include a comprehensive K-6 scope and sequence for Design Thinking, a STEAM model that reflects our unique context, and STEAM education projects that integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. We have also provided opportunities for students to showcase their culture On-Country to partnership school leaders and successfully participated in the CEWA STEAM Showcase at Chisholm College in 2024. Additionally, we have created cross-curricular projects that connect partner schools and curriculum areas with a key focus on embedding Aboriginal histories and culture, fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity in STEAM education.
We extend our gratitude to CEWA’s Troy Hayter and the Yadha Muru Foundation for making this experience possible. We thank Miss Coby and other St Mary’s College staff including Miss Sarah, Miss Verity, Mr Thomas, Mr Aaron and Ms Michelle, for giving their time to support this initiative, particularly Zoe Court, passionately guiding this partnership with dedication and enthusiasm. The connections and knowledge gained at the symposium will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our City-Country Partnership (CCP), as we look for meaningful ways to provide our students with enriching, culturally responsive, and academically challenging experiences. Together, we aim to create lasting, positive impacts in our schools and communities.
