Learning and Teaching in First Nations Education
Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns is dedicated to nurturing and growing the genius of students – First Nations, their parents, and communities.
We acknowledge parents and the extended First Nations community as the first and most pivotal educators in their children’s lives.
Our commitment to parents and the First Nations community is to foster strong, quality relationships between children, teachers, and parents, and we ensure that the uniqueness and giftedness of each student are nurtured and grown.
Directorate First Nations Education
The work of the Directorate First Nations Education is to contribute to the achievement of excellence in education by transforming Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns to be a Culturally Resilient Catholic Education System.
For our system to achieve this, every student in every school will be at the centre of our actions. Every student – First Nations will be strong in their identity. Every Catholic Education leader, teacher, and support staff will nurture and grow the genius of students – First Nations.
The Directorate supports school leadership, teachers and support staff by deepening the Cultural Responsiveness of pedagogical practitioners. The Directorate leads the infusion of the ACARA Cross Curriculum Priority: First Nations Histories and Cultures, as well as designs, facilitates, and supports engagement, well-being, and learning foci that empower Culturally Responsive learning environments to nurture and grow the genius of students – First Nations.
Through the work of the Directorate – First Nations Education, we are committed to advancing First Nations Education through the following priority areas:
- Early Childhood Education
- School and Community Partnerships
- Culturally Responsive Leadership and learning environments
- Student Agency – inclusive of voice, leadership, and social capital
- Anti-Racism Education
- School improvement frameworks
- Year 12 achievement – inclusive of students – First Nations in boarding
- Transitions
Our Catholic schools offer supportive classrooms and school environments that encourage all students in their learning journeys, supporting their individual needs and celebrating their cultural identities. By embedding these principles into our educational framework, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.