indigenous education conference

© Josiah Omeenyo 2011

2–3 July 2018Royal International Convention Centre Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills

Excellence through innovationIndigenous Education Conference2018

Friday 10 August 2018 Room Three Sixty, QUT, Brisbane

Including a special Networking Dinner,

featuring students from the Aboriginal Centre

for the Performing Arts

Supporting state school students | Sharing innovation | Celebrating achievements

Minister’s message

Welcome to the 2018 Indigenous Education Conference, hosted by the Queensland Department of Education. I pay my respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands across Queensland — and this land on which the Royal International Convention Centre lies.

The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students on their educational journey. We want them to support them to learn and achieve — in the classroom and beyond.

This conference is an opportunity to celebrate knowledge and learning success. It’s also a chance for you to connect with peers who share your passion for Indigenous education.

In Queensland, our state schools are having a powerful impact on the educational outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The Department of Education has a dedicated Indigenous Education branch, which recognises and supports the unique cultural needs and challenges of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

We are making major strides forward in Year 12 completion and attainment rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. In key measures of educational engagement and outcomes, we continue to outperform other states and remain a focus of international enquiry and recognition.

Part of this success is due to a statewide commitment to ensure every student succeeds, including every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student. The Solid Pathways program, which provides academic extension, is just one example of a highly effective approach to supporting high performing Indigenous students throughout Queensland.

By harnessing the enthusiasm, commitment, expertise and experience of our state school staff, I am confident this conference will continue to help and support Queensland state schools build on their strengths, and lay the foundations for new successes in the area of Indigenous education.

Together it is our responsibility to make sure that every student is provided with the greatest opportunity for education success — something we know will give them the best chance for a positive, fulfilling and healthy future.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to improving the educational outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. I wish you all the best for a successful event.

The Honourable Grace Grace MP Minister for EducationMinister for Industrial Relations

2018 Indigenous Education Conference 32 2018 Indigenous Education Conference

Director-General welcome

I acknowledge and pay my respects to the Traditional Owners of the Brisbane area, the land on which we are holding the Indigenous Education Conference. I also respectfully acknowledge all Elders past and present.

This is the department’s third Indigenous Education Conference, and my first as Director-General.

A key feature of Queensland’s state school system is the way that we develop strategies to improve student achievement to change life outcomes. Our approach is illustrated in this year’s conference theme, Excellence through innovation.

Excellence is demonstrated in the outstanding results achieved as a result of the innovative approaches implemented.

As practitioners in schools and regions, you will have contributed to the evidence of what works for our Indigenous students, and all of you — presenters and participants alike — will be able to share valuable experiences and insights.

This year’s Indigenous Education Conference promises to be the ideal forum to share challenges, celebrate success and take away new strategies to apply in your school or region.

In 2017, we saw improved achievement and attainment for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Queensland state schools. Our Indigenous students achieved a 97 per cent achievement rate of either a Queensland Certificate of Education or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement, which was less than one percentage point short of the rate for non-Indigenous students. A key learning from this important work has been about the impact of personalising learning. Innovative approaches are now being implemented across all stages of schooling to ensure every Indigenous student is succeeding.

I encourage you to take this opportunity to challenge your existing practice, be open to new ideas and strategies, reflect, engage with your peers and, ultimately, become inspired to adopt new approaches to existing problems in order to realise improved outcomes for every student.

Thank you all for your contribution to Indigenous education. I trust you will enjoy our 2018 Indigenous Education Conference.

Tony Cook Director-General Department of Education

#IndigEdConf2018

2018 Indigenous Education Conference 32 2018 Indigenous Education Conference

Speaker biographies

The Honourable Grace Grace MP Minister for Education

Grace Grace is committed to delivering for her community and the people of Queensland.

Minister Grace was first elected to State Parliament in 2007, serving as the Member for Brisbane Central until

2012. Following her re-election in 2015, she was appointed Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs and successfully implemented a series of important legislative reforms, including the Multicultural Recognition Act.

At the 2017 election, Minister Grace was elected as the local member for the renamed seat of McConnel. She now serves as the Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations – both areas she is deeply passionate about. Minister Grace is also the Ministerial Champion for the Napranum community in Far North Queensland.

During her career, Minister Grace has had extensive board experience with organisations including Sunsuper, Energex and the Southbank Board.

She has worked with local community organisations in her electorate including P&Cs, the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre, Teneriffe Progress Association, Queensland Aids Council (QuAC), Fortitude Valley Chamber of Commerce and many others.

Tony Cook Director-General Department of Education

Before joining the Department of Education in April 2018, Tony worked for six years in the Australian public service as the Associate Secretary for Schools and Youth within the Department of Education and Training.

Tony has held several senior executive positions in the Victorian public service, including Deputy Secretary, Government and Corporate with the Department of Premier and Cabinet; Deputy Secretary, Office for Children and Portfolio Coordination; and Deputy Secretary, Office for Planning, Strategy and Coordination within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. He began his career with Education Queensland.

Tony is a registered primary school teacher with a major in early childhood education. He has been a deputy principal and has taught in schools and preschools in Queensland and the United Kingdom. He holds a Bachelor of Education from the Queensland University of Technology.

In October 2013 Tony was made an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Council for Education Leaders, and in January 2014 he was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service, especially in driving schools policy and funding reform in Australia.

Patrea WaltonDeputy Director-General State SchoolsDepartment of Education

As Deputy Director-General of State Schools, Patrea’s achievements are extensive — from leading state-wide consultation processes ahead of major reforms, such as the move of Year 7 to

secondary school in 2015; to leading the increase in the number of Year 12 students achieving the Queensland Certificate of Education, and being responsible for school improvement across 1236 state schools in Queensland. Her broad school and policy experience is also shaping the successful development of programs and frameworks within the State Schools Division, while encouraging innovation, empowerment and collaboration to lift performance in all Queensland state schools.

Patrea’s passion for education, her strong desire to make a difference and pragmatic approach to policy development, have been welcomed on numerous respected education boards, such as the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority; the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority; and the Asia Education Foundation.

Patrea commenced her career as a secondary teacher in the small rural town of Surat. Working as a teacher, head of department and then a deputy principal for a number of years, Patrea took on her first principal role at Glenala State High School, followed by Corinda State High School. Her interest in curriculum took her to the role of CEO of the Queensland Studies Authority before returning to the Department of Education as Deputy Director-General.

Selwyn Button Assistant Director-General State Schools – Indigenous EducationDepartment of Education

Selwyn Button is a Gungarri man from South West Queensland, who was raised in Cherbourg. Selwyn was appointed as the Assistant Director-

General, State Schools – Indigenous Education in August 2014. Prior to this he held the position of CEO of the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council and was the chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane Limited. Selwyn has also held positions as the director of the Indigenous Health Policy Branch within Queensland Health and has worked in a variety of government policy development roles within the Department of Education. He is a former teacher and also served as a police officer with the Queensland Police Service for six years.Selwyn is a director of The Lowitja Institute, Oxfam Australia and Queensland South Native Title Services, and has served on numerous other councils and committees including the Queensland Indigenous Education Consultative Committee and Queensland Council of Social Services.

4 2018 Indigenous Education Conference

#IndigEdConf2018

Margaret Gurney Regional Director Far North Queensland RegionDepartment of Education

Margaret is the Regional Director of Education in Far North Queensland (FNQ). This diverse region covers the Cape, Torres Strait, Cairns, Tablelands and Johnstone areas. The role focuses

on early childhood education and care and schooling.

Beginning her career as a primary teacher, Margaret also taught as an itinerant music teacher. She has enjoyed the challenges of being a teacher and then principal across a variety of schools in various geographical locations – from FNQ to the Darling Downs South West Region, and the Metropolitan Region. Margaret then moved into the Assistant Regional Director (School Performance) role in the South East Region.

Margaret is committed to doing her best to make sure that every child and young person in FNQ has the best possible opportunity to lead a successful life. #whatever_it_takes.

Trevor Walker Assistant Regional DirectorNorth Coast Region/North LakesDepartment of Education

Trevor has been a member of the Assistant Regional Director team in the North Coast Region since 2014. Enjoying almost 30 years in the Department of Education, Trevor started as a teacher

at East Brisbane State School in 1989 before transferring to Cunnamulla State School. From there he embarked on a career in principalship, spending 22 years as principal in various locations. For Trevor, memories from each location have had a common theme of long-lasting relationships and strong connections.

Professor Kerry Arabena Chair of Indigenous Health and Director of the Indigenous Health Equity UnitUniversity of Melbourne

A descendent of the Meriam people from the Torres Strait, Professor Kerry Arabena has a doctorate in Human Ecology and a degree in Social Work. Professor Arabena

is the Executive Director and Lead Investigator on the First 1000 Days Australia, an interventions-based pre-birth multigenerational cohort study designed with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. The model aims to provide a coordinated, comprehensive strategy to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families so they can address their children’s needs from pre-conception to two years of age, thereby laying the best foundation for their future health and wellbeing.

Professor Arabena is President of the International Association of Ecology and Health and has an extensive background in public health, administration, community development and research. Her work has made significant contributions in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, family violence, gender issues, access and equity, service provision, and harm minimisation. Professor Arabena is a member of the Aboriginal Economic Board in Victoria, OzChild, Indigenous Community Volunteers, Kinnaway Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce and the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board of Development.

Alexis Wright Novelist

The award-winning Indigenous novelist Alexis Wright was appointed the Boisbouvier Chair in Australian Literature at the University of Melbourne in December 2017. Alexis is a member of the Waanyi nation of the southern highlands of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Her literary works of fiction and non-fiction include Carpentaria, which won the 2007 Miles Franklin Award.

Alexis’ role is to promote a celebration by Australians of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature. She hopes to share her experience, knowledge and vision as a practising writer of over 30 years, and through future literary works in her position as Boisbouvier Chair. Alexis’ keynote will focus on the role of storytelling for Indigenous people, the importance of providing stories and text through books that are familiar in context for Indigenous people, and how this can be a vehicle to increase engagement of Indigenous students with reading.

Professor Russell Bishop Emeritus Professor for Màori Education University of Waikato, New Zealand

Professor Russell Bishop is well known for developing and directing Te Kotahitanga, a large New Zealand Ministry of Education funded research/professional development project from 2001 to 2012.

This project demonstrated how teachers and other school leaders could improve the educational achievement of Màori students in mainstream classrooms by implementing a culturally responsive pedagogy of relations. Professor Bishop has developed the notion of relational pedagogy and leadership further with Cognition Education in New Zealand, Australia and Canada.

He is the author of seven books and approximately 80 other quality assured publications. He has delivered over 100 keynote or plenary addresses, nationally and internationally, and has attracted approximately $32.5 million in research and development contract funding in recent years.

2018 Indigenous Education Conference 5

ProgramDay 1: Monday 2 July 20188 am Trade exhibition commences

8.15 am Registration opens

8.45 amWelcome to Country – Aunty Carol Currie

8.55 amStudent performance – Beenleigh State High School

9 amDirector-General’s address Tony Cook, Director-General, Department of Education

9.15 amStudent performance – Loganlea State High School

9.20 am The first 1000 for every child Professor Kerry Arabena, Chair of Indigenous Health and Director of the Indigenous Health Equity Unit University of Melbourne

The First 1000 Days Australia aims to provide a coordinated, comprehensive strategy to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families so they can address their children’s needs from pre-conception to two years of age, thereby laying the best foundation for their future health and wellbeing.

Professor Kerry Arabena is leading the development of the First 1000 Days Australia initiative and is Chair of the Council and Co-Chair of the Research Advisory Committee. Her keynote will focus on the important role schools and educators can play in partnership with families and others during this period, to ensure young people are provided with the best possible start as they transition into formal schooling.

10.15 amMorning tea

Concurrent presentations

10.45 amCurriculum This is how we do itHeatley State School – Principal Louise Wilkinson

During the past seven years Heatley State School has seen a steady increase in student learning and engagement outcomes, as well as greater engagement between the school and families — especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Principal Wilkinson will outline Heatley State School’s approach to school improvement, including the roles of key stakeholders from the community, school and regional office and the importance of building staff capability and confidence in Indigenous education.

Leadership Cherbourg shines through excellence in teachingCherbourg State School – Principal Stuart Fuller, Acting Head of Curriculum Nicole Greenwood and Darling Downs South West Region Principal Project Officer Karen Buckley

Cherbourg State School Principal Stuart Fuller will discuss how the school successfully developed a culture that promotes collaboration and focuses on learning for all students and staff. Staff are implementing evidence-informed approaches advocated by the region and internationally-renown expert Lyn Sharratt. Using triads and professional learning communities, staff are teaching the Australian Curriculum in culturally responsive ways and assessing against the Achievement Standards.

Language Yarrabil Girrebbah: Singing Indigenous language aliveBeenleigh State High School and Loganlea State High School Head of Department, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Perspectives Candace Kruger

Beenleigh State High School and Loganlea State High School have embraced learning language and culture through song. Candace Kruger, Head of Department, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives, will examine how knowledge of Indigenous language and identity is vital for Australian Indigenous children, and how schools can engage youth academically and socially through cultural performance.

Community engagement Elders in Residence IVAAR (Identity, Values, Attitude, Action and Reality)Innisfail State College – Junior Secondary Head of Department Sally Hammett and team

Over the last two years, Innisfail State College introduced and developed an Elders in Residence IVAAR initiative. Through the integration of culture, community and learning, the objective is to foster a sense of belonging, to celebrate and strengthen cultural identity and to encourage students to value education and strive for their own academic success.


Concurrent presentations

11.45 amCommunity engagement From little things, big things growTamborine Mountain State School – Senior Teacher Kerrie Gambley and members of the EATSIPS team

Tamborine Mountain State School’s award-winning Jingeri Jingeri project recognises that genuine and authentic community engagement is crucial to supporting outcomes for all students. Although the school has only a small percentage of students who identify as Indigenous, it has developed a community engagement and reconciliation project that has been highly recommended by respected Elder Aunty Ruby Sims, who says, “Our community needs the vision of Tamborine Mountain State School to be embedded in the ethos of schools around the country because I see how much these initiatives are working.”

Community engagement Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives and the School Improvement HierarchyCurrumbin State School Currumbin State School and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community collaborate very closely within and beyond the school gate.

The school’s Indigenous Reference Group works to build powerful partnerships among school, home and community. It is heavily involved in decision making ranging from how, what and where significant dates run, when content is embedded into the curriculum, which internal and external programs (Including student leadership and the early years) are offered and how the Indigenous education grant is spent within the school.

Community engagement Building community engagement through an Aboriginal world view and narrative framework Mossman State School — Principal Randal SmithFar North Queensland Region Senior Project Officer Justin Butler and Language Champion Suzie Burford

A strong, collaborative partnership is emerging among the Kuku Yalanji people, Mossman State School personnel and regional officers. The development of authentic partnerships is underpinned and enhanced through an Aboriginal world view and narrative framework that recognises and responds to a broader social, political and historical context for Aboriginal engagement in schools – one that privileges community voices, cultural processes, addresses professional discourse and actively responds to dynamics of power.

Community engagement Culturally responsive teaching through a community-driven approachGoondiwindi State School – Senior Teacher Colleen Page and Darling Downs South West Region Principal Project Officer Karen BuckleyTwo years ago, to improve the attendance, engagement and achievement of Indigenous students, the staff at Goondiwindi State School began building their knowledge, understanding and empathy around Indigenous perspectives and pedagogies. In this session, senior teacher Colleen Page will share how this work has led to increased awareness among staff of the challenges Indigenous students face, and the local history and its impact on the community, as well as recognition and celebration of Indigenous language and culture.

12.45 pmLunch

1.30 pmIndigenous literature and encouraging early literacyAlexis Wright

Award-winning Indigenous novelist Alexis Wright will focus on the role of storytelling for Indigenous people, the importance of providing stories and text through books that are familiar in context for Indigenous people, and how this can be a vehicle to increase engagement of Indigenous students with reading.

Alexis will share her experience, knowledge and vision as a practising writer of more than 30 years, and through future literary works in her position as Boisbouvier Chair.

2.15 pmPanel discussion — Connecting culture and curriculum to ensure every Indigenous student succeeds

School presentations followed by panel discussion.

3 pmAfternoon tea

3.30 pmTabletop discussion following on from panel discussion

4.15 pmDay One reflections Selwyn Button, Assistant Director-General, State Schools – Indigenous Education

4.30 pmDay One concludes

#IndigEdConf2018


ProgramDay 2: Tuesday 3 July 20188 am Trade exhibition commences

8.50 amWelcome and reflections

9 amYugambeh Youth Choir — an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander choir that weaves together language, culture and stories. Choir master is Candace Kruger.

9.10 amMinister’s address The Honourable Grace Grace MP, Minister for Education

9.20 amDeputy Director-General’s address Patrea Walton, Deputy Director-General State Schools

Concurrent presentations9.50 am Every Indigenous boarder succeeding — a session for principalsFacilitated by Richard Stewart, Far North Queensland Region, Transition Support Service manager Department of Education

Since its inception a decade ago, the Transition Support Service (TSS) has played an important role in increasing retention and school completion for remote Indigenous students transitioning to boarding schools and facilities. Last year, Price Waterhouse Cooper undertook a review of TSS and made a number of recommendations that TSS has begun implementing. TSS manager Richard Stewart will discuss the review recommendations and the work he is leading, which is of interest to any primary school preparing students for boarding, as well as academic and residential staff supporting students in boarding schools and facilities.

Culturally-responsive curriculum, teaching and learning — a session for teachersFacilitated by Joe Sambono, Head of Department, and Celia McNeilly, Head of Curriculum, Solid Pathways, State Schools – Indigenous Education, Department of Education

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority — when delivered effectively through the curriculum — has the potential to improve Indigenous student engagement and learning, and to ensure all students develop an understanding of, and respect for, Australia’s First Peoples. Joe Sambono will describe the work undertaken to authentically incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures throughout the Australian Curriculum learning areas.

Celia McNeilly will then demonstrate how Solid Pathways teachers are drawing on these new Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority resources to develop culturally-responsive critical and creative thinking lessons for high performing Indigenous students.

Collaborative empowerment for C0mmunity Education Counsellors — a session for C0mmunity Education Counsellors and Indigenous Education WorkersFacilitated by Sigrund Nilsen, Principal Advisor, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education Services, Metropolitan Region, Department of Education

In this forum, Community Education Counsellors (CEC) will be invited to share and celebrate their successes: to acknowledge the vital role they play in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families, in connecting with community and in building cross-cultural understanding. The challenges CECs face and the changing nature of their roles will then be acknowledged and CECs will have an opportunity to capture the current and emerging scope of their roles, the expectations placed on them and the consequences — positive, negative and unintended.

Leadership from Indigenous teachers – a session for Indigenous teachers and leadersFacilitated by Dave Hartley, Bellevue Park State School Principal This session will explore the changing roles of Indigenous teachers in our schools and seek to determine how best this network of new and experienced teaching staff can contribute effectively to the ongoing improvement of outcomes through policy and programs for Indigenous students in all Queensland schools. The session will discuss leadership development opportunities for Indigenous teachers to support their personal leadership journey.

10.45 amMorning tea

11.15 amPanel discussion including video presentationWhatever it takes: ensuring Indigenous student success in secondary school

School presentations followed by panel discussion.

12 pmTabletop discussion following on from panel discussion

12.30 pmLunch

1.30 pmThe end of failure Russell Bishop, Emeritus Professor for Màori Education, University of Waikato

More than 30 years ago when Russell Bishop first started teaching at Mana College in Porirua, New Zealand, he was struck by the question: Why did so many Màori students start out well, but still fail as they went through school?

For Professor Bishop, the question never quite went away. Now Professor of Màori Education at the University of Waikato, he led a study where 70 Year 9–10 students were


Language Ngara is how we say helloEidsvold State School – Deputy Principal Preston Parter

In Eidsvold, the process of developing and introducing a Wakka Wakka language program has brought about a whole-school culture shift based on a shared vision of authentic partnerships where all decision-making processes are collaborative and staff, student and community voices are not only encouraged, but valued.

Community engagement Deadly Yungas – helping mothers to help the schoolHeatley State School – Community Education Counsellor Patricia Burns Patricia Burns, a proud descendant of the Kuku, Yalanji, Kalili and the Corowa People, will discuss how she set up a regular meeting of a mothers’ group within the school to give them a voice, and share opportunities to authentically participate in their children’s education. The group is now building a strong bridge between home and school for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and parents — and the benefits are mutual.

3.15 pmClosing reflections Selwyn Button, Assistant Director-General, State Schools – Indigenous Education

3.30 pmConference concludes

closely interviewed along with their whanau (family), principals and teachers.

What he has discovered is a surprisingly hidden challenge and a new approach that is already showing good gains.

Concurrent presentations2.15 pmCurriculum Lighting the fire: inquiry-based learning’s power to engage communityLoganlea State High School – Teacher Natalie Wall

Loganlea State High School has partnered with the CSIRO to deliver the Indigenous Inquiry for Science Students (I2S2) unit in Years 7, 8 and 9. The inquiry-driven, practical and outdoor nature of the I2S2 program was evidenced to positively impact engagement, attendance and academic achievement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

Leadership I see youAFL Cape York House – Education Manager Rachel Elphick, and 2015 graduate Nathaniel Tamwoy.

AFL Cape York House is a residential facility for boys and young men from the remote communities in the Cape, Torres Strait and the Gulf. Rachel Elphick and Nathaniel Tamwoy will discuss how to build relationships with each student and their parents and caregivers, and the processes used to develop a deep understanding of each student.

#IndigEdConf2018

••••

••

••••

••


Networking dinner

6.30 pmPre-dinner drinks Soft drinks and juice complimentary, alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

6.45 pmDoors open

Entertainment at the conference’s networking dinner will be brought to you by the talented students from the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA).

ACPA is a registered training organisation providing teaching excellence and innovation in contemporary dance, music and acting.

Vibrant and diverse, ACPA is the only centre in Australia offering courses that incorporate all performing arts genres, including classes dedicated to Indigenous cultural fusion.

Featuring performances by students from the Aboriginal Centre

for the Performing Arts

Day 1: Monday 2 July 2018

ACPA’s course content is designed specifically for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who come to ACPA’s state-of-the-art studios in Brisbane from communities all around Australia. Students experience a learning environment that is challenging, demanding, motivating and, above all, nurturing of the talents of its young and emerging artists.

ACPA’s teaching framework emphasises individualised learning, developing each student’s potential to become an arts leader of the future.

ACPA’s strong global network ensures students are trained by industry experts to build the technical capability and confidence they need for professional public performances, and to launch careers in the arts and entertainment sectors.

ACPA is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and the Department of Education. For more information, please visit www.acpa.edu.au.

7 pmDinner commences

10 pmDinner concludes


Conference sponsors and exhibitorsConference sponsor

Conference Networking Dinner sponsor

Entertainment sponsor

Let’s do deadly business!

Trade display sponsors

#IndigEdConf2018


indigenous education conference

Documents