Shared histories, empowered learning.
Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus would like to acknowledge the Awabakal people who are the traditional custodians of this land that we are lucky enough to work on. We would also like to pay our respects to the Elders both past and present of the Awabakal nation and extend that respect to all other Aboriginal people that share our school community.
Our school would also like to acknowledge the future leaders that are growing in our learning environment.
Come in and get to know our team.
We have a fantastic team dedicated to Aboriginal Culture and Learning at Jesmond Senior Campus and across the College.
- Karen Scott, Head Teacher, Aboriginal Learning and Engagement
- Tyler Younie, Aboriginal Education Officer
- Darren Woodhouse, Community Liaison Officer, Aboriginal Student Support
Strong positive relationships with the community, our staff and students are an important part of our school's day-to-day operations.
Personalised learning for our students
Each Aboriginal student has the opportunity to develop a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) at Jesmond. Students work with a mentor and members of our Aboriginal Team to set their own learning goals at the start of each year, and have regular check-ins throughout the year.
Aboriginal studies and electives
Aboriginal Studies is a Stage 6 elective course, providing students with the opportunity to study various aspects of Aboriginal culture and history and is open to all students.
Education partnerships
We also have strong partnerships with both the local Callaghan AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups, Inc) and with the Wollotuka Institute, located at University of Newcastle.
As part of our transition program, the Wollotuka Institute provides active Indigenous collaboration, and commitment to the advancement and leadership of Indigenous education at a local, national and global level.
School to Work program
We are an active partner of the NRL's School to Work program, and education and employment program supporting Indigenous youths. This program provides our students with local mentors, as well as helping you gain work experience and work opportunities. A number of workshops with the NRL take place at Jesmond that our students can participate in.
Students also receive individualised support around planning for their future and setting their HSC goals to help them achieve their aspirations.
Cultural Programs and activities
- Junior AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Group) - all our students can nominate themselves to participate in our student-led Junior AECG. This group meets regularly and is a strong student voice for the AECG.
- Student mentoring programs run from the Hive Learning Centre.
- Callaghan Aboriginal Dance and Yidaki (Didge) groups - students from across our campuses perform throughout the Hunter at major events, including sporting events, Surfest, Football and NAIDOC celebrations.
Family Events
Every year we celebrate significant Cultural days within our campus and College, starting with a smoking ceremony at the beginning of the year to welcome Year 11 to our campus, NAIDOC Celebrations, Yarn Ups and other events throughout the year, to which our families and friends are invited.
