Investing in Our Future Educators

As part of our Yadhu Muru partnership with St Thomas More and St Finbarr's, our School Learning Officers, Leah and Lala, recently participated in a staff exchange experience during National Reconciliation Week.

This initiative is about more than visiting another school. It is about investing in high-performing Torres Strait Islander staff, providing opportunities to learn from peers, experience both primary and secondary school settings, and develop the skills and confidence needed to grow successful careers in education.

At St Thomas More, Leah and Lala shared their knowledge of the Torres Strait, discussing urban renewal, community development, and the importance of preserving and revitalising local languages. Their presentations enriched Year 8 Geography studies and gave students and staff a valuable insight into the connection between culture, identity, language, and place. They also spoke with Year 7 students about transitioning to secondary school and exchanged ideas with staff around student wellbeing, engagement, and best practice.

At St Finbarr's, they worked alongside Prep and Year 1 students, sharing Torres Strait Islander culture through stories, conversations, and hands-on coconut weaving activities. It was wonderful to see students engaging so enthusiastically, and even more special to have Mr Brian Whapp join in the cultural learning.

While Leah and Lala gained valuable professional experience from their time in Brisbane, they also gave something incredibly important in return. They shared culture, language, stories, and perspectives that many students and staff would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.

At Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, we are committed to empowering Torres Strait Islanders to dream boldly about careers in education. By investing in our people, creating pathways for growth, and building strong partnerships, we are helping ensure the best possible education for our young people, now and into the future.