Welcome to Itji-Marru Aboriginal Education Resource Centre
Activities and Programs
To further support the implantation of Aboriginal Education at Morisset High School we have developed/built/
- Bush tucker Garden/ Outdoor Learning Area
- Learning Circle – The Learning Circle/Bush Tucker Garden is a whole school resource situated next to our Ag farm. The Circle along with the garden is used to help educate everyone about Aboriginal Australia/ history/ foods/caring for country etc.
- Aboriginal Education Action Team Committee – this team meets every two weeks. It consists of a teacher from each faculty and the aim is to discuss and work together on promoting Aboriginal education across our whole school.
- Partnership with Itji-Marru Local AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Group) – The AECG is an Aboriginal community based organisation made up of volunteers. Their vision is to provide advice on all matters relevant to education and training with the mandate that this advice represents the Aboriginal community's viewpoint. It promotes respect, it advocates cultural affirmation, integrity, and the pursuit of equality to ensure that the unique and diverse identity of Aboriginal students is recognised and valued.
- We also run programs such as BroSpeak & SistaSpeak for our students. These programs help support our students with their cultural identity and connections.
Celebrations and recognition
We proudly hold activities which involve all our students so as we as a school is learning together of our Australian Aboriginal history through these significant calendar events
- National Sorry Day – 26th May – this is an Australia –wide observance that acknowledges the impact of the Stolen Generations.
- Reconciliation Week – 27th May – 3rd June -is a week celebrated across Australia. It is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, culture & achievements.
- NAIDOC Week – 3rd July- 9th July – is celebrated across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture & achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is not only celebrated in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities but by Australians from all walks of life. It is a great opportunity for all people to participate in activities and support local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities.
The History of Itji-Marru Aboriginal Resource Centre at Morisset High School
Itji-Marru Aboriginal Resource Centre is situated in the former Headmaster's residence on the grounds of the original Morisset Public School. In May 1992, Sharon Parkes the then Assistant Director of Educational programs and Planning Chairperson for Regional Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee (RAEAC) sent a letter to the Morisset High School Principal Mr Warren Evans. The letter said that the application for funding for the Aboriginal Resource Centre had been approved. The centre was officially opened by Clair Saggus and Michael Davidson on Tuesday 21st July, 1992.
Thomas Smith built the brick school and four-room residence plus kitchen and pantry for 900 pounds. It was completed on the 3rd of July 1891 and opened with 6 pupils but was soon increased to 29. Morisset Public School was opened in August 1891 and by 1909 about 70 pupils were enrolled. It became a central school from January 1951 until January 1965, when it reverted to a public school. Morisset High School opened in January 1965. Itji-Marru Aboriginal Resource Centre is still in the original building built in 1890.
Veronika Bailey was the first Aboriginal Education Assistant at Morisset High School. The purpose of Itji-Marru Aboriginal Resource Centre was to provide a focus on Aboriginal Education for Aboriginal and non - Aboriginal students, staff, parents and community personnel. The centre aims were to promote understanding of Aboriginal culture past and present, provide resources for students, school and community use.
On the 19th March, 1998 the Honourable Andrew Refshauge MP the Minister for Health and Aboriginal Affairs visited Itji-Marru Aboriginal Resource Centre for a tour of the centre and a didgeridoo performance by Adam Yates AEA.
Speeches were given by Merv Newman for the then Regional Aboriginal Liaison Officer and Chloe Stead a Year 9 student. Our then member for Lake Macquarie Jeff Hunter introduced the visiting MP and Paul Brown was the Principal at this time.
Our current Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) is Selena Archibald. She is a Gamiliroi woman originally from Moree who has been with the school for 17 years supporting the students, staff and community to help the students achieve their best possible outcomes. We now have 90 Aboriginal students attending Morisset High School and we are lucky to have such great resources. The Itji-Marru Aboriginal Resource Centre is staffed by a special adaptable person; the our Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) Selena Archibald who is supported by great staff and community. On the 20th July, 2012 the 20th birthday of the opening of Itji-Marru Aboriginal resource Centre was celebrated. The celebration included past and present students, teachers and community members that were a successful part of its growing success.
