We are committed to closing the achievement gap for Aboriginal students. We know that we need to learn about, nurture and value the cultural identity of our Aboriginal students in order to assist them to be successful learners.
We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family members, parents and community members to our school so that we can get to know each other, learn about the local Aboriginal community and develop shared goals and plans for Aboriginal students.
The following programs are offered at Colo High School:
Personalised Learning Plans:
Personalised Learning Plans (PLP) are established and implemented for all indigenous students. The goal is to improve learning outcomes on an individual basis. It is important to note that the plans are a distinct result of cooperation, negotiation and collaboration between students, parents/care-givers, and teachers. Nothing is imposed; there is a strong emphasis upon making the experience as positive and as collaborative as possible. Students own their own learning and achievements.
Kirinari Roll Call:
The Kirinari Roll Call takes place every morning. The Hawkesbury Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group supports this initiative.
Kirinari is an Aboriginal word which means place of learning and the aim of the Kirinari initiative is to work collaboratively with indigenous students and their parents to improve students outcomes in the areas of academic success, attendance and participation at school. The initiative will also educate our indigenous students about Aboriginal culture and history as well as contemporary Aboriginal Australia.
The Kirinari roll call will provide daily opportunities of intensive tuition to enable each child to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. The initiative will also help each child to develop a positive approach to school and thus improve their self- esteem both at school and in the wider community. Students will be encouraged to become independent, self-reliant and life - long learners through discussing such topics as life planning, leadership, making good choices and problem solving.
Mentoring Support:
Colo High School has an Aboriginal School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) that assists students in class. Our SLSO offers support for Aboriginal students to accelerate progress in student’s achievement. Our SLSO also engages students in cultural workshops.
Allowah Day:
Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders students of Colo High School and Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders students from the Hawkesbury district in collaboration with DA Murrytoola Aboriginal Education Consultative Group attend "Allowah Day", a day of togetherness, celebration and connectedness at Cattai National Park.
Students will be involved in playing traditional indigenous games, learn about and participate in Aboriginal painting, go on nature walks with a National Park and Wildlife Ranger to discover some indigenous rock carvings and have the opportunity to discuss their goals and future with some local elders.
Pathways to Dreaming:
More information soon from our SLSO.