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ConnectEnhancing Aboriginal Education at Henley High School
The Aboriginal Education Team at Henley High School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Led by Ms Kimberley Penneck, Aboriginal Education Teacher, and supported by Mr Lionel Brusnahan and Ms Kath Moore, Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officers (ASETOs), the team is committed to ensuring the success and wellbeing of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student.
Meet the Aboriginal Education team
Lionel Brusnahan
Acknowledgement of Country
Henley High School is on Kaurna Land. Everything we do on Kaurna Land is done with love, care and respect. We pay our respects to the Kaurna people, the Elders both past and present and their spiritual relationship with country.
We acknowledge and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the First Nations people of Australia and that they are the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waterways throughout our country.
Our approach to Aboriginal education
Wellbeing and belonging
Central to our approach is the safety and wellbeing of all Aboriginal students. Every staff member at Henley High School is responsible for the welfare of Aboriginal students, with dedicated support provided by our Aboriginal Education Teacher and ASETOs. We align our efforts with the Department for Education’s Aboriginal Strategy 2013 to 2016, focusing on 7 priority areas to improve educational experiences and outcomes for South Australia’s Aboriginal students:
- Readiness for school
- Engagement and connections
- Attendance
- Literacy and numeracy
- Leadership, quality teaching and workforce development
- Pathways to real post-school options
- Aboriginal employment.
Men’s Group
Established in 2021 as the Aboriginal Men’s Group, the club grew fast and now welcomes male students from all cultures and backgrounds. With a focus on culture and respect, the group meets fortnightly during Wednesday’s Care Group lesson and covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to young men in our society today.
Aboriginal Women’s Group
Our school’s Aboriginal Women’s Group provides a supportive and empowering space where female Aboriginal students can connect, share stories, and celebrate their cultural heritage. Through dialogue, cultural activities, and community engagement, the students foster solidarity, resilience, and pride in their identities as Aboriginal women.
Middle and senior school
In our middle school, we offer a culturally inclusive curriculum, providing a safe and supportive environment for learning. Students benefit from the Australian Curriculum’s cross-curricular priorities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, with support from mentors, sub school managers, and our Aboriginal Education Team.
As students progress to our senior school, we support the SACE Board Aboriginal Education Strategy 2012 – 2016, aiming to improve retention rates and achievement for Aboriginal students. Our curriculum incorporates Aboriginal perspectives, and students receive guidance from mentors, year level coordinators, and our Aboriginal Education Team.
Individual Learning Plans
Our commitment to Aboriginal education is reflected in our ongoing development and review of Individual Learning Plans, which track student progress, strengths, areas for growth, and career pathways. These plans follow students throughout their schooling journey, ensuring continuity of support and a focus on achieving their full potential.
As we continue our journey to support and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, Henley High School remains dedicated to fostering a culturally rich, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can succeed.
Tutoring
To further support academic success, we offer tutoring through the Aboriginal Programs Assistance Scheme (APAS), tailored to individual student needs based on NAPLAN results and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs). Additionally, we provide access to additional tutoring funded by the WYATT Trust, ensuring every student receives the support they require to thrive.
Transition and pathways
At Henley High School, we understand the importance of transition and pathways for Aboriginal students. Our ASETOs collaborate with students, families, and organisations to determine individual pathways, providing course counselling and pathways information. We facilitate connections with universities, TAFE SA, and industry organisations, empowering students to explore various opportunities beyond high school.