IEU members joined fellow teachers, support staff, and principals, along with Catholic education leaders, students and parents, for the Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference in Tamworth from 22 to 24 October. This year’s theme was ‘Spirit on Country: Learning Together, Then, Now and Always’.
The triannual event, of which the union is a sponsor, is an important time for many students and staff, including Karen Tighe, Catholic Schools Subject Matter Expert: Indigenous Education K-12. “The conference is a unique opportunity for all educators to gather on Country to reflect, learn and share their journey with an open heart to make a difference for our students to a hope-filled future,” said Tighe.
This year, the conference was jointly hosted by Armidale Catholic Schools and Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW). It featured opportunities for professional learning, including workshops, presentations and experiences on Country. “The conference focuses on the critical role of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to become successful lifelong learners and to set far horizons,” said Tighe.
Guest speakers included mental health advocate, former NRL player, and Dunghutti man Greg Inglis; Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Strategy and Leadership at Newcastle University and Wiradjuri man, Nathan Towney; the Director of Schools at Armidale Catholic Schools, Regina Menz, and the CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, Dallas McInerney.