Callaghan College Wallsend Campus logo

Callaghan College Wallsend Campus

Callaghan College Wallsend Campus

Collaborating to Empower Learners

Telephone02 4951 1811

Emailwallsend-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Aboriginal education

Shared Histories, Empowered Learning.

Callaghan College Wallsend Campus would like to acknowledge the Awabakal people who are the traditional custodians of this land that we are lucky enough to work on. We would also like to pay our respects to the Elders both past and present of the Awabakal nation and extend that respect to all other Aboriginal people that share our school community. 

Our school would also like to acknowledge the future leaders that are growing in our learning environment. 

Come in and get to know our team. 

We have a fantastic team dedicated to Aboriginal Culture and Learning at Wallsend Campus and across the College. You can meet our Aboriginal team in the Kurrurka room, which is our Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre (located next to A Block).

  • Luke Kendall, Head Teacher, Aboriginal Learning and Engagement
  • Karen Ruby, HSIE Teacher 
  • Robyn Hill-Smith, School Learning Support Officer
  • Emmalee Clare, Teacher
  • Tatyana Quinlon, School Learning Support Officer
  • Quincy Ross, School Learning Support Officer 

Strong positive relationships with the community, our staff and students are an important part of our school's day-to-day operations. 

Personalised learning for our students 

Each Aboriginal student has the opportunity to develop a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) from Year 7 onwards. Students work with a mentor and members of our Aboriginal Team to set their own learning goals at the start of each year, and have regular check-ins throughout the year. 

Aboriginal studies and electives 

Aboriginal Studies is an elective course which runs in Years 8, 9 and 10, providing students with the opportunity to study various aspects of Aboriginal culture and history and is open to all students. Aboriginal Studies is also offered in Stage 6 (Year 11 and 12) at Jesmond Senior Campus. 

Cultural Programs and activities

  • Junior AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Group) - all our students can nominate themselves to participate in our student-led Junior AECG. This group meets regularly and is a strong student voice for the AECG. 
  • Student mentoring programs including Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academy, and Boys mentoring groups.  
  • Transition programs and activities for Year 6 students to become familiar with our campus before they start Year 7, as well as our Year 10 students moving to our Senior Campus
  • Callaghan Aboriginal Dance and Yidaki (Didge) groups - students from across our campuses perform throughout the Hunter at major events, including sporting events, Surfest, Football and NAIDOC celebrations.  

Family Events

Every year we celebrate significant Cultural days within our campus and College, starting with a smoking ceremony at the beginning of the year to welcome Year 7 to our campus, NAIDOC Celebrations, Yarn Ups and other events throughout the year, to which our families and friends are invited.