An Aboriginal smoking ceremony on Monday kicked off a week-long launch of Towradgi Public School's new wellbeing program.
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School principal Jacqui Cavill said the 'ToPS United' program was formed to offer students the opportunity to grow and develop their capacity to be outstanding citizens.
"The school community has worked closely together over the past two years to create, review, refine and implement a customised approach to whole-school wellbeing, and embedding Aboriginal perspectives within our daily practices," she said.
"Our school approach is to be inclusive for all students so they can connect, succeed and thrive in their school life and beyond."
Wellbeing co-ordinator Aimee Woodley said the program embedded a strong Indigenous focus through a connection with the Aboriginal way of wellness.
"We recognise that wellbeing has been successfully managed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for tens of thousands of years and foster this approach within our teaching and learning experiences," she said.
The new program has also seen the school community create a traditional outdoor yarning circle and embed daily yarning circle practices in all classrooms, alongside creating a school acknowledgement that is presented at all whole school events.
With a newly formed Indigenous Consultative Group (ICG), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been encouraged to become active leaders in decisions relating to their culture.
Year 6 Aboriginal student Jarrah Banks-Robinson said the major reconstruction of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at ToPS had "had a massive impact" on Indigenous students at the school.
This view was shared by Year 6 captain, Joe Sommerville.
"The difference of Aboriginal perspective for the teachers and students at our school has made me feel proud and given meaning to be an Aboriginal boy at our school," he said.
Students and the school community will participate in ToPS United activities throughout the week.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
