walawaani njindiwan,

Gooroon has had a busy and thriving beginning to the year. We welcomed ninety three Aboriginal students and their families and carers to St John’s this year - twenty four from Year 7 alone.  Many of our team also volunteered their time and expertise (thank you Uncle Archie and Uncle Sean) on Year 7 Retreat.

Open night was a great success with many prospective students and their parents interested in the role Gooroon plays at St John’s in supporting Aboriginal culture, students and families. Once again, we thank ours boys dance troupe and Uncle Archie for their welcoming of community with Dance and Didj into our school.

The Young Koori Womens’ Program run by Waminda has recommenced at St John’s and we are pleased that a number of girls are attending this. This year St John’s is also proudly  represented by Jake Swan, Hannah Doyle, Laycee Bannon- Harrison, Eli Gow and Kilarni Aldridge on the Shoalhaven City Council’s Student Youth Advisory Committee. 

Assemblies play a significant role sharing our values and in connecting staff, students and families as a St John’s community. We would like to thank Aunty Chris, Gooroon staff and students that contributed to a powerful Sorry Day Assembly and also to our Closing the Gap Assembly presentation which was  followed by a very successful Closing the Gap BBQ.

As assessment season comes upon us we have noticed a wonderful increase in students attending Homework Centre. A reminder that the Homework Centre is open between 3:00 and 4:30pm every Wednesday. Afternoon tea is provided and all students are welcomed. Teachers and a Homework Centre Co-ordinator are on hand to provide support. A reminder that Gooroon is open every lunch and an AEA is always available to support students with school work or assessment during Lunch 2 (on top of the support they offer in class).

This week will see us running our second Parent and Carers meeting since 2019. Last year’s meeting was a great success and we are looking forward to continuing the building of school and community relationships.

A special thank you to the ongoing work of the Gooroon team: Aunty Chris, Jo Coleman, Uncle Archie, Sean Grey, Deb Millington and Katie Nye who are committed in supporting the education, and culture and identity of our young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island men and women.

We wish all families a special and peaceful upcoming Easter, 

Thank you for your continuing support

Gooroon Coordinator - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Angelina Ramognini