| The Gumbaynggirr People |
| Perhaps one thousand Gumbaynggirr people lived on the coast of South-East Australia before the disruption of the white settlement. The Gumbaynggirr people were fiercely loyal to their own clanjagun (homeland), dialect and traditions. If the question were asked, "Why am I Gumbaynggirr?", the answer would be "Not because I speak the language, but because I am descended from Gumbaynggirr people. I get my spirit from the land I was found in."
The area in which the Gumbaynggirr people lived was from Scotts Head right through to South Grafton and Ebor to the west. |
| The Role of the Aboriginal Education Worker at CHHS |
- To provide support to Aboriginal students; to encourage improved attendance patterns and retention rates at school.
- To work with Aboriginal parents, the teaching staff and the Aboriginal community in supporting the students at Coffs Harbour High School.
- Provide opportunities for non-aboriginal students to gain cultural awareness.
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| The Aboriginal Resource Room |
Located just west of the Library, the Aboriginal Resource Room: - provides a suitable environment for students to study and relax in;
- provides food for those who need it;
- is a great tutoring and activities area;
- provides information and history on Aboriginal people;
- has internet, TV, video, keyboard and kitchen facilities;
- is a venue for SLIKK meetings;
- helps the students with any problems they have;
- provides an environment which is comfortable and safe;
- is available to be used by all staff, students and the community - this use is greatly encouraged.
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| Student Leadership Is for Koori Kids: SLIKK |
The school has a long history with the highly successful SLIKK program.
Many students who have undertaken the program have gone on to greater leadership roles. Two students became members of the State SRC body as Aboriginal representatives.
The main areas of focus for SLIKK are:
- Student Leadership
- Attendance and Retention
- Reconciliation
- Provides opportunity for interschool exchange of ideas
Schools select six students to participate in SLIKK each year. The emphasis is on choosing students who have been successful at school and / or who have the potential to be leaders.
Former SLIKK students have certainly achieved great success. A number of graduates have become either Captains or Vice-Captains of the school.
Brendan Phillips, the 2006 Vice-captain and a SLIKK graduate began his studies in the Faculty of Medicine at UNSW in 2007.
A major initiative has been the establishment of a QUICKSMART learning room at the beginning of 2007.
This program targets students in Yrs 7 & 8 and has had great success in helping them to develop their numeracy skills. It is planned to expand the program in 2008 to incorporate Literacy. |
