Aboriginal Education

At Wirreanda Secondary School, Aboriginal Education is grounded in our commitment to the principles of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) — building strong relationships, fostering deep respect, and creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Our Aboriginal Education Team supports students in their social development, wellbeing and learning by creating culturally safe spaces where identity is valued, culture is celebrated, and every student is empowered to succeed. We work in partnership with families, community and local Elders to ensure our young people feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to school, culture and Country.

Wirreanda proudly offers a number of targeted programs that sit within Aboriginal Education, including Clontarf, STARS, SAASTA Connect (Years 7–9), SAASTA (Years 10–12), YASTA and The Nunga Room.

These programs strengthen student engagement, leadership and cultural identity, while supporting successful pathways into further education, training and employment. Through these initiatives, students are provided with authentic opportunities to grow as confident learners and culturally strong young people.

 

 

Our Values

Relationships Respect, Resilience, Pride 

Our Vision

In alignment with our RAP, Wirreanda Secondary School is committed to advocating for and supporting Aboriginal learners to thrive as confident, capable and culturally proud individuals.

Through inclusive practices and meaningful opportunities, students will graduate with the knowledge, skills and cultural strength to contribute positively to their communities and pursue successful futures in education, training and employment.

NUNGA ROOM

The Nunga Room is a culturally safe and inclusive space at Wirreanda Secondary School that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to feel connected, supported and proud of their identity throughout their schooling journey.

Staffed by two Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officers (ASETOs), an Aboriginal Education Teacher, and the Aboriginal Education Leader, the Nunga Room team works collaboratively with students, staff, families and community to strengthen relationships and promote a strong sense of belonging within the school environment.

The team supports school staff to develop and maintain positive relationships with Aboriginal students and their families, ensuring that student voice and Aboriginal community perspectives are reflected in educational decision-making. They also provide guidance on culturally responsive practices and support staff in recognising and respecting the diversity of Aboriginal cultures represented within our school community.

The Nunga Room provides students with a safe space to connect, regulate, seek support and engage in meaningful conversations around culture, identity and wellbeing. It is a place where students can access academic support, mentoring and advocacy, while also strengthening their connection to culture through participation in targeted programs and initiatives.

Through the work of the Nunga Room, students are empowered to grow as strong, proud young people who feel connected to their culture, community and future aspirations.

SAASTA

The South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) works in partnership with Wirreanda Secondary School to support Aboriginal students through a culturally safe and responsive education program.

SAASTA connects learning to culture, community and real-world pathways, supporting students to build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of identity. Through SAASTA Connect (Years 7–9) and SAASTA (Years 10–12), students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in education, employment and healthy futures, while strengthening their connection to culture and community.

CLONTARF

The Clontarf Foundation works to improve the education, life skills, self-belief and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, equipping them to thrive at school and beyond.

At Wirreanda Secondary School, the Clontarf Academy supports students from Years 7–12 through:

  • Morning training sessions that build discipline, routine and teamwork
  • Leadership camps that challenge boys to step up and grow
  • Cultural and community engagement activities
  • Employment and career pathway support
  • One-on-one mentoring and attendance support
  • Structured morning pick-ups and transport assistance to remove barriers to engagement

At the heart of the Academy is strong relationships. Through consistent mentoring, high expectations and positive role modelling, young men are encouraged to take responsibility, set meaningful goals and develop pride in who they are and where they come from.

Our focus is long-term. We support students to complete Year 12, pursue further training or employment, and build the confidence and character needed to contribute positively to their families, community and wider society.

For more information about joining the Wirreanda Clontarf Academy, please contact the Clontarf Director at the school.

 

STARS

Stars Foundation provides a holistic program that supports First Nations girls and young women to attend and remain engaged in school, complete Year 12 and transition into work or further study. 

The Stars Plan – Underpinned by four pillars of personal development, and is the foundation of our program

  • Education, Training, Employment 
  • Healthy Lifestyles 
  • Wellbeing 
  • Community, Culture, Leadership

Stars Foundation values that are expected of Students as being a part of the program

  • Respect
  • Honesty 
  • Commitment 
  • Pride