Rationale

This resource supports schools when developing initiatives focusing on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student retention as part of the school Strategic Improvement Plan. It is an example only. Each school will create their own unique initiatives, to address their specific context, strategic directions, and individual needs. Fundamental elements of this Illustration of Practice example are the use of personalised learning goals, post school options and pathways.

An Illustration of Practice - Aboriginal Student Retention Resource: A whole of community approach

Menindee Central School

This Illustration of Practice outlines some of the initiatives and programs in place at Menindee Central School, a Connected Communities School in Western NSW.

Menindee Central School prides itself on supporting the whole child while at school. Staff are focused on ensuring every student achieves success by building their academic capabilities and aligning these to aspirational post school academic or employment pathways. The school also appreciates the importance of preparing students for life in general beyond school, incorporating aspects into student learning that they may not have had exposure to due to the isolation factors of a community such as Menindee.

A whole of community approach, focusing on care and commitment to students to make a difference.
- Fiona Kelly Executive Principal, Menindee Central School

Student aspiration board

Every staff member is acutely aware of individual student’s academic, wellbeing and personal goals with a ‘Student Aspiration’ board in the school staffroom. Each student has an individual card which outlines their hopes and aspirations in post school life as well as the name of an individual member of staff who they feel comfortable with as their mentor. The mentor’s role is to offer support and advice in proactive and reactive situations.

Academic and Business Partnerships

The school has established some innovative business and academic partnerships to guarantee students are exposed to as many post school academic opportunities as possible. The school has established a partnership with Newcastle University where students visit the university in Years 9-12 and participate in conversations in their fields of interest. The school also has a work experience program, with the school identifying and utilising employers that have Aboriginal employees who will be terrific role models for the students.

Preparing for life after school

Menindee Central School believes an important part of their role is preparing students for post school life, therefore they provide wrap around support. In the senior years, students participate in lessons on skills that will gain them access to future employment or academic opportunities such as:

• Writing CVs
• Preparing for interviews
• Work ethics such as completing tasks
• Contacting employers when sick
• Listening to ex-students who have moved to the Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill and Sydney and unpacking their learnings.

When students head off to university or employment, the Senior Leader and the Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) regularly touch base with the ex-students and their families or carers. On occasion, ex-students seek guidance on writing applications, projects or assignments and the Senior Leader and the Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) will provide help. For many of the parents/ carers, this is the first time their children have left Menindee for a significant period of time. Due to the considerable change of moving away, the school regularly checks in on the students and the families and carers to see how they are adapting and moving forward and will provide guidance if required.

Leading change

As a result of the school’s proactive approach to Aboriginal retention the school has evidenced a higher percentage of students finding employment and engaging in further study after attaining the HSC. Due to the school’s positive links with the University of Newcastle, two staff members are completing a teaching degree and two parents are embarking on further study with the University.