Aboriginal Education

St Joseph’s Primary School, Gloucester proudly sits on the lands of the Biripi people and is committed to developing positive relationships with the local and wider Aboriginal community.

As a whole school community, we support the local people and their culture and provide opportunities for all students to engage in teaching and learning programs that support the local Biripi culture. All staff are committed to developing an understanding of and appreciation for the local Aboriginal culture and history and are dedicated to providing a culturally relevant and supportive school environment. Our school proudly flies the Aboriginal flag on a daily basis alongside the Australian flag as a sign of respect and value to First Nations people. We Acknowledge Country each morning and at assemblies, liturgies and other significant events. 

St Joseph’s proudly embraces this language which is shared by Aboriginal students during Acknowledgement of Country. We learn about the Biripi people and the Gathang language and share this with others. We celebrate NAIDOC week and other events significant to the Biripi people and aim to build the cultural identity of all Aboriginal students. Our Aboriginal dance group practices and performs regularly for school assemblies, local events, proudly sharing their culture with local preschools and the wider community.

Every child who identifies as Aboriginal has a Personalised Learning Plan. Teachers meet with parents/carers and students once per term to set learning and social goals for the term ahead. Achievement of goals is celebrated school-wide.