Parafield Gardens High School has over 90 Aboriginal students from years 7 to 12. Our team comprises of two Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officers (ASETO), an Aboriginal Education Coordinator and 2 Teachers.
Celebrating Culture
Every year we celebrate important events such as Reconciliation and NAIDOC weeks. This is a great opportunity to share Aboriginal history and culture with the whole school.
Community Partnerships
We actively involve outside organisations to come into the school to support staff, students and families to overcome any barriers towards education and have successful outcomes based on this approach. The Aboriginal Education room is open every morning from 8:30am-9:30am for all parents to come in and chat with the Aboriginal Education team and discuss their students’ learning and any wellbeing issues. Parafield Gardens High School also utilises outside organisations such as the Work About Centre to come in and assist students gaining qualifications and employment and The Wyatt Trust to assist financially. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please contact a member of the team.
SAASTA
The South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) offers young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a range of highly engaging learning and personal development opportunities.
The SAASTA program is a key component of the Department for Education’s 10-year Aboriginal Education Strategy aiming to improve outcomes and success for Aboriginal families and students. It builds on the education offered in schools, giving students opportunities for ongoing personal growth and cultural experience.
Our SAASTA students are encouraged to aim high and raise the bar of expectation they place on themselves and their peers, particularly in the areas of attendance, participation, educational performance and behaviour. Both male and female students in years 10, 11 and 12 who are studying the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) can apply to join SAASTA.
Academy students can expect:
- To be led by quality and engaging teaching staff and tutors
- Their own academy room, providing a space for academy classes and activities
- A complete academy uniform, senior’s jumper and playing gear for sports competitions and carnivals
- Individual support and mentoring
- Cultural inclusiveness and connectedness
- To learn leadership skills
- To increase self-confidence and resilience
- To be ready for employment or further education
- To be heard
- A fee-free place in the program.
SAASTA Connect
SAASTA Connect is a curriculum program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in years 8 and 9 providing a pathway for entry into the SAASTA program in senior years. The program is a series of culturally appropriate curriculum resources that focus on healthy living, cultural identity, Aboriginal language, traditional sports and respectful relationships.
Within the program the Ngarrindjeri language is taught as a key part of the curriculum. Language lessons will be delivered by a Ngarrindjeri speaker with a Certificate III in Endangered Languages. The program incorporates learning on and about country as well as promotes engagement with elders and the local Indigenous community, ensuring students engage in culturally appropriate and inclusive learning.
