The Deadly Encouragement Awards recognise Aboriginal school children who might miss out in conventional achievement-based merit systems, said Julie Street-Smith, Northern Illawarra Aboriginal Education Consultative Group president.

“They give their very best – not necessarily what’s expected from the education department, but their very best,” Ms Street-Smith said. 

“Sometimes their home life can be challenging. They may be better at attendance, when they may have had some of those issues at home that caused them to be unable to attend [in the past].”

Former Thirroul Public School principal Uncle Victor Chapman –the state’s first Aboriginal principal – was at Thursday’s ceremony to present an award named after him to Corrimal High School’s Joel Foster – a ‘deadly’ teacher. 

In all, 80 children were awarded – two nominated from each school in the group’s catchment, plus all graduating Year 12 students, who receive the Deadly Achievement Award. 

The ceremony took place at Waniora Public School, with supporters seated in concentric circles meant to mimic a “yarning circle”. 

“It’s where Aboriginal people share stories and communicate best,” Ms Street-Smith said. 

“We’re hoping the little kids will look up to the older ones and say, ‘they finished Year 12 - that’s fantastic. I can do that too’.”