Pathways
Local First Nations Education Information
Year 5 & 6
From Foundation through to Year 12, you may connect with Victorian Department of Education Koorie Engagement Support Officers [KESOs]. KESOs are a locally-based team of professionals who understand local Koorie culture and history of the community. Their role is to provide guidance and help schools better support their First Nations students, and help improve education outcomes.
In-School Programs
The First Nations Leadership Days and Celebration Day are open to all First Nations grade 5/6 students in the region. Developed by local schools and KESOs, First Nations students take part in a series of workshops teaching and celebrating culture, leadership, learning language, and connecting with other First Nations students outside their own schools. Ask your school for more information and to take part.
The Warrnambool-Moyne region is currently the only area in Victoria to have all three First Nations student leadership organisations, Clontarf Academy, Koorie Academy of Excellence (KAE), and Stars Foundation. Applications for all three programs can be accepted from Grade 6 onwards. Visit their website for more details or reach out to the local contacts through your school.
Excursions
BioCats – First Nations students can explore the maths and science of AFL Football with BioLab and the Geelong Cats AFL Team on this annual KESO trip. Ask your school or contact the SouthWest Koorie Engagement Support team directly to find out more or to register.
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available to First Nations primary school students, either to support their current schooling, or for attending boarding schools in Victoria or throughout Australia. NB: Some boarding scholarship applications must be started by Grade 5.
Mrin and Prakash Nayagam Victorian Secondary Scholarship
Boarding school scholarships:
Transition
Local Koorie Engagement Support Officers are developing a new Transition to Secondary School Program. This program will include an information day for students at their school of choice, an introduction to the teams at Clontarf, Koorie Academy of Excellence (KAE), and Stars, and activities to get to know the school and their staff.
You can also contact secondary schools directly. Schools may offer further opportunities for transition support, such as family information nights or individualised school visits and tours.
Community Programs
Kirrae Health Service
- Ready for learning [The Koori Way] – Held in January before the school year begins, a full day event with activities and a 3×3 basketball competition.
- Koko Blokes (ages 7-17) – Koko is a Kirrae Whurrong word meaning younger brother. The boys get together each week and participate in fun fitness activities, camps, cultural activities, dance and more.
- Little Sista’s (ages 7-12) – Run fortnightly, alternating with Kalat Girls offering fun fitness activities, craft activities, cultural activities, and more.
- Kalat Girls (ages 12-25) – Kalat is a Kirrae Whurrong word meaning eldest sister. The girls get together and participate in fun fitness activities, craft activities, cultural activities, and more.
- School Holiday Programs – Weekly during school holidays, including sport, physical fitness, art, music, craft, culture, cooking and more. A program of activities is released before each holiday period.
Visit Kirrae Health Service for more information.
Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd.
- Kooyang Maarr (ages 5-12) – social group for boys and girls focused on cultural learnings and wellbeing. Includes camps, excursions, and school holiday programs.
Visit Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative for more information and upcoming events.
