Calamvale Community College (CCC) recognises that education plays a vital role in welcoming Indigenous families as part of our community. At CCC we strive to support and promote a positive approach to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into our curriculum.
Calamvale Community College is a QATSIF (Queensland Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Foundation) school. Through QATSIF Year 11 and 12 students may be eligible for QCE Scholarships that help support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to complete their senior studies.
Elder in Residence:
Kurumba bigi yuuingan (Yuggera language) / Jingeri jimbelung (Yugambeh language).
The above greeting is written in both of the languages of my ancestors, the lands on which the Calamvale Community College is situated. The words simply mean “Greetings friends”.
My name is Aunty Roma (also known as Ninyieri Banjilann which is my personal totem/skin name meaning Blue Butterfly), and I am extremely pleased to have been appointed into a new role as the Calamvale Community College (CCC) Elder in Residence.
My responsibilities will be to mainly embed cultural knowledge at CCC while reviewing the curriculum to integrate appropriate Indigenous content, and I would like to envision that my work will benefit both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, teachers, staff, and also the broader members of the CCC community.
Currently I am on campus one day per week, so even though I would like to get a multitude of things done in a small space of time, it is expected that the work I have ahead of me will be a long-term, but enjoyable project.
To start … there are two things that are of utmost importance for me. Apart from taking time to get to know the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jarjums (children), I would also like to meet their parents/carers, so I will be reaching out in Term 1 or Term 2 to arrange a morning or afternoon tea to have a yarn with you. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to attend (depending on your availability of course), but I will try to arrange other opportunities if that occasion is not possible for you.
And as a closing note – we always say ‘see you later’ (and never goodbye) in both my ancestors’ languages.
Nanni ngin (Yuggera language) / Nya nya bu (Yugambeh language).
Kindest regards,
Aunty Roma
Indigenous Liaison Officer:
Who I am?
My name is David Swanson, born in country Queensland. I grew up throughout Brisbane, Sydney & Tasmania. I am a proud member of the Darug mob, however I have lived in Brisbane for the last decade. I am currently the Indigenous Liaison Officer at Calamvale Community College.
What I do:
As the Indigenous Liaison Officer, I provide support to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Calamvale Community College. My role includes one on one and group support, maintaining a database for Indigenous students, planning and hosting excursions and cultural activities, liaising with staff such as the guidance officers, teachers and administration team, liaising with parents, assisting with student aspirations, providing Indigenous-focused scholarship and traineeship information, and checking in with students.
How can I be contacted:
I am available Monday to Friday and can be reached on (07) 3712 6357 or dswan44@eq.edu.au
The College will provide information about Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum by:
- sensitive inclusion of appropriate material concerning traditional and contemporary Indigenous culture and heritage in teaching and learning programmes
- review of existing units of work at each stage in order to identify ways in which Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander perspectives may be incorporated
- using appropriate teaching strategies to ensure that units of work involving Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander perspectives are covered with respect
The College will support and encourage
participation in culturally significant Indigenous events by:
- appreciating the importance of knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, history and spirituality
- acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land at significant gatherings.
- identifying significant Indigenous events
- Celebrating NAIDOC
- Engaging in mentorship programs - Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME)
The College will promote an awareness of
appropriate community protocols by:
- the use of language by teachers and students that reflects dignity and shows respect and sensitivity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- modelling and promotion of positive and constructive approaches to Indigenous issues by all staff
- researching information about Indigenous beliefs and customs of the local area
The College will support culturally appropriate Indigenous learning and teaching resources by:
- ensuring that students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander have access to all available resources and are provided with a curriculum that is sensitive to the issues that concern both the Indigenous and wider community
advising staff of any current reference documents issued by Education Queensland or the Indigenous community that are relevant to teaching and learning outcomes
utilizing the support of a Teacher Aide to help improve the learning outcomes for students
facilitating the attendance of staff members at professional development to improve cultural knowledge and understanding of Indigenous issues and perspectives