Plumes of white smoke floated above the grounds of Illawarra Sports High School on Friday as indigenous elders performed a smoking ceremony to open the school’s Aboriginal learning education office.
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Students and staff have painted and refurbished the room over the past few weeks to create a welcoming space for indigenous and non-indigenous students.
Aboriginal education officer Lisa Poole said students needed their own place where they, their friends and parents could feel comfortable.
‘‘They’re so proud of it. When they came in to put their handprints on that wall, they were jumping out of their skin,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s to support Aboriginal education, to give the children somewhere to go and learn about their culture; where the community can come and other school children, too, who aren’t indigenous.
‘‘To us it’s really important to bridge the gap and by having a room like that where kids can come and learn about the culture, I really believe it’s starting to bridge the gap,’’ she said.
The centre has computers for study, a lounge for students to take time out and one-on-one tutoring available for those struggling with schoolwork.
A Deadly Bush Tucker Garden, part of the Yarnz To program for boys with classroom difficulties, was also officially opened.
