Supporting reconciliation at Tathra Public School

This case study explores Tathra Public School’s approach to reconciliation and its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). It looks at how Tathra Public School used Reconciliation Australia's Narragunnawali Platform to develop its RAP and foster knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions for students, staff, and the school community.

School context

Established in 1912, Tathra Public School is located on the far south coast of NSW on Djiringanj Country, the lands of the Yuin people. The school serves a small, close-knit community with 189 students, of which 4% are from an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background.

Tathra Public School’s vision for reconciliation is to celebrate, embrace, and respectfully support opportunities to carry on the culture, heritage, and stories of the Yuin people.

Reconciliation at Tathra Public School: an overview

Principal Megan Bobbin leads Tathra Public School with a strong emphasis on fostering reconciliation and integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the school community.

With renewed engagement with local Elders and a commitment to cultural education, the school began its RAP journey around 18 months ago. Megan says, “We used to have a passionate teacher who ran programs around language but that fell away. Now we have a RAP in place and we’ve reengaged with Elders from nearby Bega with the local knowledge to support us.”

Developing the RAP with the Narragunnawali Platform

Before embarking on their RAP journey, reconciliation at Tathra Public School was focused mainly on significant dates. The Narragunnawali Platform served as a vital resource, providing ideas, professional learning, and a structured framework for action items. “We regularly use the Narragunnawali Platform,” says classroom teacher Mat. “It’s my first port of call. I log in, check our actions, see what we’ve ticked off and what we need to work on next. And it was easy to get started. We started with the mandatory actions and all the resources are there.”

The platform also gives teachers and staff confidence in the RAP actions. “No one wants to do the wrong thing, so having the framework and trusted resources gives us the confidence to give things a go.”

Developing community and whole school support

The school invited community, families, and carers to get involved using their Facebook page and newsletters. Invitations were sent out to join the RAP working group, which comprises staff, parents, and community members. “In the beginning we met once a term outside of our normal staff meetings to discuss and work on our RAP actions. Now our RAP discussions are part of our regular staff meetings, which is great because all our teachers are involved,” says Megan.

Establishing relationships with Elders

The school actively involves the local Aboriginal community in its activities. Elders from Bega are invited to school events, creating opportunities for students and families to connect with Aboriginal knowledge and culture. “We see our students have a lot more pride in Aboriginal culture in the school because they can meet with Elders and share cultural insights,” says Mat.

“Djiringanj Country borders land of other Aboriginal Nations and there were conflicting ideas as to what languages were spoken,” explains Mat. “Re-engaging with Elders and the local Aboriginal community to make sure we have accurate cultural representation and support is important.”

Walking and sharing together

As a sign of the school’s commitment to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation and to be a voice for the community, Tathra school has begun an annual Reconciliation Walk. The school invites Djiringanj Elders to walk with teachers, students, parents, and friends from the local beach to the school. “The second walk was bigger than the first,” says Megan. “Our local federal member attended too, which was great. It’s a big event on our calendar and our idea is that it gets bigger each year. These walks are not just about the physical journey, but about walking together towards understanding and unity. It's about parents, students, and staff learning from each other, getting to know the local Elders, and recognising the significance of the land we share.”

Encouraging reflection

Last year, the school held its first cultural responsiveness session for all staff. “It was a great opportunity for staff to reflect on their perspectives, beliefs, understandings, and use of language,” explains Megan. “It was open and honest. It was a good way for us as a group to reflect on the continuum of culture and gain knowledge of our true histories.”

Bringing shared understanding

Since implementing the RAP, Tathra Public School has seen a positive shift in staff and student awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues. The structured approach of the RAP has provided a clear framework for discussions on reconciliation, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment among the school community.

Getting started on your school’s reconciliation journey

For schools looking to begin their reconciliation journey, Megan offers valuable advice: “Just jump in and start. Use the Narragunnawali Platform. You can choose to start on just one or two actions and with all the resources, you’ll know what to do. Build towards incorporating discussions into regular staff meetings. Spread tasks to share the workload and involve the whole school community.” Having a dedicated advocate is crucial, but make sure reconciliation becomes everyone’s business. With consistent effort and a willingness to engage with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, schools can create meaningful change.

What’s next?

Tathra Public School aims to continue expanding its RAP by refreshing its vision statement and exploring new actions later this year.

By embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into school life, Tathra Public School is creating a meaningful and lasting impact on its community, fostering respect, and understanding for generations to come.

Want to know more?

Visit Reconciliation Australia's Narragunnawali Platform and join the conversation on the Viva Engage ‘Reconciliation Action Plan Group’. You can also subscribe to the RAP newsletter.