Mapping your school’s journey towards improving Indigenous cultural connections

The examples below have been collected from across a wide range of Queensland school communities. They are meant to provide a starting point for mapping your school’s journey towards better Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural connections.

All schools had to start from somewhere. No matter where your school is on its journey, all schools still have work to do. There is no shame in being at the start of your journey, there is only shame in not trying to improve your school’s situation.

Educational change theory suggests that lasting changes are measured in years, not semesters. Despite some set backs or slow starts, don’t give up.

The examples have been broken up into:

• Emerging: these schools are beginning their journey and are aspirational and positive in their outlook.

• Developing: these schools are developing well and hopefully are very positive places for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

• Well-developed: these schools are leading the way and should help to mentor other school communities.

• Where to Next?: this chapter is still being written by our schools. A couple of possible examples have been provided.

QATSIF would welcome feedback and new ideas so that this becomes a living document.

NB* This is not meant to be a definitive list, nor does it take into account your school’s local context.