Aboriginal Support

St Francis Xavier’s College respectfully acknowledges the Awabakal people who are the Traditional Custodians and First People of the land on which our College stands. We pay our respects to the Elders, past and present, and extend our respect to the Aboriginal people, staff and students, past and present, of the College.

St Francis Xavier’s College has a vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student population who are supported and encouraged in their endeavours and studies by the College. All students of the College are educated in Aboriginal culture, spirituality and traditions.

The College, through funding provided by the Catholic Schools Office, employs Aboriginal Educational support teachers who work with individual students through a mentoring program and through the provision of tutoring. The College Library is opened after school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays as a resource for students to work individually or in peer groups.

All students engage in various activities related to the celebration of significant days, such as NAIDOC Week. We take care to encourage both students and staff immerse themselves in and foster an appreciation and understanding of our shared Aboriginal heritage.  

Our College welcomes active participation by members of our Aboriginal community in the education of our students.

Some of the events are: 

• Welcome to Year 11 Parents
• Visit to the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle
• Year 7 PDHPE unit "Australian Aboriginal Games"
• Aboriginal Kinship presented by Aunty Louise Campbell
• NRL School to work wellbeing and connecting to culture workshops with special guests Joel Thompson, Sheridon Noble and Josh Sly

Mr Oliver Grimson is our dedicated Aboriginal Education Officer.