Aboriginal Education

At The Meadows Public School, we acknowledge the Darug people of the Darug Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our school stands.

Our commitment to Aboriginal Education

At The Meadows Public School, we foster a school environment where Aboriginal Education is a shared responsibility.

Our Aboriginal Education team, including our onsite Aboriginal Education Officer, works in partnership with Aboriginal community members and our local AECG to strengthen Aboriginal education across the school. Together, we support the implementation of the Aboriginal Education Policy and the Partnership Agreement between the NSW AECG and the Department of Education.

We are committed to strong leadership and high expectations for every Aboriginal student. Our work is guided by the School Excellence Framework, with a focus on cultural responsiveness, collaboration, and making decisions that reflect the needs of our local community.

We build staff knowledge through targeted professional learning and support teachers to use practices that make a real impact in the classroom. By removing barriers and valuing diversity, our staff help create a school where Aboriginal students feel supported, confident and able to achieve their goals.

Cultural activities

At The Meadows, all students take part in cultural learning experiences that build their understanding of, and respect for, First Nations cultures.

Throughout the year, every class engages in activities such as NAIDOC celebrations and cultural immersion lessons that deepen knowledge and appreciation of Aboriginal histories and perspectives.

Our Aboriginal students also have dedicated opportunities to deepen their cultural learning and identity. They participate in our weekly Culture Group, work with our Aboriginal Education Officer, and take part in cultural excursions that promote pride, connection and belonging.

Stage 3 students participate in Junior AECG meetings, giving them a voice in Aboriginal education and the chance to develop leadership skills within their community.

Personalised learning Pathways

At The Meadows, we develop Personalised Learning Pathways (PLPs) for our Aboriginal students to support individual learning needs and aspirations. Aboriginal student voice guides the direction of each PLP, ensuring goals are meaningful and culturally responsive.

Our PLPs often include Literacy and Numeracy goals linked to Closing the Gap priorities, as well as cultural goals that strengthen identity and connection.

Our Aboriginal Education Officer, Miss Vanessa, works closely with teachers, students and families to create and review each PLP so that every child is known, valued and cared for.

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Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO)

Miss Vanessa Horton

We are proud to have Vanessa Horton, a proud Darug woman, as our Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) at The Meadows. Vanessa plays an essential role in strengthening connections between school, students, families and community.

Vanessa works closely with teachers to ensure Aboriginal perspectives are embedded meaningfully across our learning programs. She provides support to students to help them thrive academically, socially and emotionally, and she works alongside families to ensure they feel welcomed, heard and respected as partners in their child’s education.

Vanessa’s work helps build a strong sense of identity, belonging and cultural pride for our Aboriginal students, while enriching the cultural knowledge and understanding of our entire school community.

FIELD OF MARS EEC

Our Stage 3 students attended a Culture and Connection day at The Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre at East Ryde

NAIDOC DAY

Our celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture where all of our students take part in a range of cultural activities each year.

DALMARRI ART PROJECT

Our Stage 3 Aboriginal students took part in the Dalmarri Art project at Doonside Technology High School, collaboratively creating a stunning artwork that is proudly displayed in our school foyer.