Aboriginal Education

Aboriginal Education at Mark Oliphant College

Mark Oliphant College is committed to promoting excellence and engagement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through its involvement in the South Australian Aboriginal Sports Training Academy (SAASTA) and SAASTA Connect programs. These initiatives provide a wide range of academic, cultural, and sporting opportunities designed to empower Indigenous learners and foster a strong sense of identity and belonging. The Aboriginal Education team also enhances cultural knowledge through the delivery of cultural groups in the Early and Primary years.

SAASTA Program:
At Mark Oliphant College, the SAASTA program provides senior school Aboriginal students with access to a specialised curriculum focused on academic achievement, leadership, and cultural development. Students participate in various SAASTA events and activities, including statewide competitions and workshops, which encourage teamwork, celebrate cultural heritage, and build valuable life and employment skills.

SAASTA Connect Program:
SAASTA Connect engages middle school Aboriginal students through a tailored curriculum that introduces them to Aboriginal history, culture, and contemporary issues. The program aims to enhance student engagement, attendance, and academic success by offering culturally relevant learning experiences and early leadership opportunities.

Supportive and Inclusive Environment:
The Aboriginal Education team at Mark Oliphant College plays a pivotal role in supporting Aboriginal students from Foundation to year 12. The team ensures a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all Aboriginal students, providing personalised guidance, advocacy, and connections to community services. They work closely with families and staff to nurture pride in Aboriginal culture, help students set educational goals, and celebrate individual and group achievements.

Their commitment extends to embedding Aboriginal perspectives throughout the college and promoting reconciliation and understanding across the whole school community. From Deadly Nights that welcome our families to cultural excursions that enhance knowledge and understanding of culture we actively support our students to connect.

Through these programs and the dedicated work of the Aboriginal Education team, Mark Oliphant College fosters an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students feel valued, respected, and supported to achieve their full potential. The team were awarded the Aunty Josie Agius Public Education Award in 2023 and aspire to maintain and exceed the outstanding reputation that the team has in the Northern Suburbs Education Sector.

Three students standing together in the school grounds

The college establishes high expectations for all Aboriginal students, providing targeted support and personalised learning outcomes through a dedicated and committed Aboriginal Education Team to ensure they succeed both academically and socially.
Strong partnerships with families, local Aboriginal communities, and Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations are integral to the Aboriginal Education Teams approach. Events such as ‘Deadly Night’ bring the local community together. The college aims to value and respect the voices of families and Elders in decision-making processes related to Aboriginal Education.
The Aboriginal Education Team are competent in cultural awareness to ensure they are sensitive to and knowledgeable about Aboriginal cultures, allowing them to create a culturally safe and supportive learning environment.
The Aboriginal Education Team deliver South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) Programs and cultural groups which actively contributes to closing the education achievement gap for Aboriginal students through ongoing monitoring of outcomes, tailored support programs, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The college integrates opportunities to celebrate Aboriginal culture through events such as NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week to build awareness and mutual respect within the school community.

Aboriginal Education Team

Phil Harrison
Aboriginal Education Coordinator
Denni Liakos
Aboriginal Education Teacher (AET) Whole College
Anthea Pounendis
Aboriginal Education Teacher (AET) Primary Years
Sam Johnson
Aboriginal Education Teacher (AET) Secondary Years
Jessie Walker
Aboriginal Community Education Officer (ACEO) - Primary Years
Isaya McKenzie
Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officer (ASETO) Year 7/8
Muriel O’Loughlin
Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officer (ASETO) Year 9/10