26 Jul 2022
Almost 700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been nurtured to aspire for success in their learning and life in the 30 years since Morisset High School’s Aboriginal Education Centre – Itji-Marru - opened to the community.
Itji-Marru means to ‘teach everyone’ in Awabakal. Sharing First Nation People’s knowledge and promoting reconciliation and understanding at the school and in the community, is at the heart of the Centre’s purpose.
“Itji-Marru is for everyone. It does not matter what your background, we welcome every student and all community, and share our knowledge with them,” said Aboriginal Education Officer, Aunty Selena Archibald.
“This place is a resource for the whole community, and we are extremely proud of the connections that we have created in our 30 years. But it is the kids – our Aboriginal and Islander students who have grown and benefited as people and learners from being connected to their culture, who we are most proud of.”
Dana Paterson is one of many Morisset High School students who has forged a pathway to success thanks to the sense of belonging and empowerment she has gained from the cultural, mentoring, and education programs offered to at Itji-Marru. The former school captain, and dux of the school, is now working as a caseworker supporting at-risk Indigenous youth.
“Itji Marru is a safe space for all students of Morisset High, but especially those who are seeking a sense of culture, belonging, and security. It is somewhere that young people can just be themselves and can access a kind of support that formal education and institutions can’t provide. This is especially true for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Itji Marru often feels more like home than a school facility.
“As a learner and a young person, both Itji Marru and Aunt Selena became a source of strength and empowerment for me. I always knew that I could go there for anything I needed – whether I needed a quiet place to study, a shoulder to cry on or even just a hot cup of Milo!
“To this day, what I gained through my connection to Itji Marru is something that I strive to honour through my work and share with others. I am now a caseworker for a non-profit youth organization, supporting young people through their own journeys and challenges. In part, my role focuses on working with Indigenous youth who have been or are at risk of engaging with the criminal justice system.”
Morisset High School is committed to achieving the NSW Premier’s Priority of increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who complete their HSC. Almost 25 percent of the school’s students identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
“We know that when students feel a sense of belonging and are connected to their identity they thrive as learners. This is the real power of Itji-Marru and the team of Aboriginal Education Officers, staff, and the dedicated cultural programs and activities that we offer at Morisset High School,” said Principal, Darren Brailey.
Morisset High School celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Itji-Marru with two special community events on Thursday, July 21, 2022.
The events were attended by current students, past Aboriginal students, future Indigenous students, members of the Indigenous community, and other dignitaries.