Koorie

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We acknowledge that we meet and work on the land of the five family groups of the Wimmera and Southern Mallee; the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Traditional Owners. We wish to pay respect to their Elders and acknowledge the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within Australia.

At Horsham College, we are committed to enriching the lives and improving outcomes for Koorie students through education, connection and building stronger relationships.  

We are committed enacting the Department of Education’s Marung Strategy so that:

  • The rich and thriving culture, knowledge and experience of our First Nations peoples are celebrated
  • We are inclusive, responsive and respectful of Koorie people at every stage of their learning and development journey
  • Every Koorie person achieves their potential, succeeds in life, and feels strong in their cultural identity.

At Horsham College, we are working to improve the lives of our Koorie students by:

  • Partnering with KESOs (Koorie Engagement Support Officers) – see notes below
  • Ensuring every student has Individual Education Plans to support their learning
  • Fostering collaborative relationships with families through Student Support Group meetings
  • Fostering student voice and leadership through regular Koorie Reference Group meetings
  • Ensuring Principal class school leaders have undertaken professional learning the the Strengthening Professional Capabilities of Principals in Koorie Education (SPPIKE) program
  • Promoting inclusivity and recognition through special events – NAIDOC week, Harmony week and Sorry Day
  • Partnering with local organisations such as Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative, Barengi Gadjin Land Council. I.e. Goolum Goolum Try-a-trade day
  • Working with the local primary schools network to strengthen community relationships through events each term i.e. Sizzle and Splash, Rip and Roll events
  • Partnering with Bangara Dance Theatre company to perform with our Koorie students
  • Promoting Rural & Remote Indigenous Secondary scholarships through Public Education Foundation.

KESOs (Koorie Engagement Support Officers)

KESOs support Koorie children and their families with assistance to make the journey through primary and secondary school as seamless as possible.
KESOs also connect with other relevant (school and regional staff) and external support workers to assist family engagement.

KESOs can assist with:

  • Individual Education Plan Meetings
  • Assist with Scholarship/s applications
  • Suspensions and Expulsions Meetings
  •  a whole range of other Educational needs.

 

Your local KESOs based in Horsham are:

  • Nola Illin: 0457 520 390
  • Kerrie Clarke: 0459 870 282


Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

Horsham College is proud to have a strong partnership with MADEC for The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program. This program offers scholarships and leadership opportunities to young, Indigenous Australians from rural communities who study at Horsham College and meet the set criteria at Year 10, 11, 12.