Aboriginal Education

At East Maitland Public School, Aboriginal education is a core part of who we are and what we value. We are passionate about embedding Aboriginal education the right way, ensuring it is meaningful, accurate, and reflective of Aboriginal cultures, histories, and perspectives. All staff and students share this commitment, bringing energy, dedication, and enthusiasm to teaching and learning Aboriginal education across the school.

Embedding Aboriginal knowledge throughout learning helps create a school environment where every student feels respected, connected, and included. When Aboriginal students see their identity reflected in their school experience, their confidence and engagement thrive. For all students, learning about the world’s oldest living cultures builds understanding, empathy, and a stronger sense of community.

Aboriginal education also strengthens reconciliation. By creating opportunities for students to learn about Australia’s shared history, we encourage honest reflection, respect, and unity. Culturally responsive teaching not only improves outcomes for Aboriginal students but enriches learning for everyone through deeper connections to Country and community.

At East Maitland Public School, we strive to embed Aboriginal education into our daily lessons. This ensures that Aboriginal knowledge, perspectives, and ways of learning are not confined to specific units or events but are woven naturally into everyday classroom experiences. This daily approach supports Aboriginal students in seeing their culture reflected in meaningful ways, while helping non-Aboriginal students develop cultural awareness, respect, and an appreciation for Australia’s First Nations histories and contributions.

Aboriginal Education Newsletter

Aboriginal Education Opportunities

All students within our school are provided education about Aboriginal perspectives and culture. All students are invited to participate in opportunities to authentically learn about the way of life of our First Nations peoples through:

Specifically, our identified Aboriginal students participate in:

Honest History

At East Maitland Public School, we proudly celebrate and reflect on significant cultural events throughout the year. During NAIDOC Week, our students engage in a week full of activities that honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and achievements. This important celebration helps students deepen their understanding of Country, culture, and community.

We also acknowledge National Sorry Day, reflecting on the experiences of the Stolen Generations and the importance of healing. During Reconciliation Week, we focus on building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians through learning, discussion, and meaningful classroom activities.

Aboriginal Dance Group

Our Aboriginal Dance Group, with over 100 students participating from across the school, is a proud and vibrant part of our community. This group provides students with opportunities to connect with culture through dance, song, and storytelling, strengthening their sense of identity and belonging. For Aboriginal students, it is a powerful way to celebrate culture in a supportive environment, while for non-Aboriginal students, it fosters understanding, respect, and appreciation for Aboriginal traditions and knowledge.

Participation in the dance group builds confidence, teamwork, leadership, and pride. It brings our school community together, showcases cultural excellence, and ensures that Aboriginal culture remains visible, valued, and celebrated in everyday school life.

Cultural Excursions

Have a question about Aboriginal Education?

We’re here to support our families and students. If you need to speak with our Aboriginal Education Officer you can Contact us here.

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