First Nations

“We are a people not a look, we are a culture not a colour.” Palawa man Dewayne Everettsmith

The First Nations Support Program

“Ya pulingina” – hello and welcome!

The First Nations Support Program provides wellbeing support for First Nations students at SMC. It covers three main aspects of wellbeing: cultural, social, and academic. Depending on each student’s needs, these areas are addressed through specialised support sessions, On Country experiences, incursions with community members, and plenty of other activities.

The Meeting Place

The Meeting Place is a space for all students within the school to learn about First Nations culture. It contains several resources, such as art materials, books by First Nations authors, and cultural displays, all of which aim to intertwine culture into the daily school life of the students. The space also features couches, desks and chairs, a small kitchenette, and whiteboards so that students can feel comfortable to learn in a number of ways.

Within this space, the First Nations Support Program is conducted. During class time, the Meeting Place hosts sessions for First Nations students, organised in collaboration with their teachers, to facilitate academic success and cultural immersion. During break times on varying days, the doors are opened for all students to enter if they wish, so that the wider school community can engage in learning about their local culture.

The Team

The First Nations space within the school is supervised and facilitated by the First Nations Team. This includes First Nations Facilitator K-12, Mrs Catherine Midson, as well as First Nations Learning Support Officers, Ms Caitlin Marr and Olivia Ashworth.

Catch up on more

Catch up on more First Nations news at St Mary’s College here:

First Nations Signage Unveiled

First Nations Update

College Welcomes First Nations Learning Support Officers

Students Wear First Nations Badges with Pride

Fresh Water Flow an on County Experience

Naidoc Week 2023

SMC Alumna Announced 2023 ABC Heywire Winner

Stepping in the Right Direction

“A place to learn, a place to be with community, a place you’re not alone” Laycie Read, Year 6. Tasmanian Aboriginal student.