The awarding of the Dux of Wallerawang Public School in 2020 has acknowledged and celebrated the achievement of Stevie-Lee Mealey and the school’s success in Aboriginal education. Stevie-Lee was also the recipient of the honour board written expression award. Stevie-Lee is a proud Wiradjuri student and is involved in all areas of school life.
In her address Mrs Fraser spoke of Stevie-Lee’s application to her studies and outstanding results.
Stevie-Lee is a very bright and gifted student. She is diligent and committed to her studies. Stevie-Lee excels in the area of English and consistently produces outstanding results in mathematics and other key learning areas. I have been particularly impressed with her level of sophistication in writing. Stevie-Lee is highly motivated and always strives to achieve to the very best of her abilities. I see a very bright future ahead of this student and I look forward to hearing of her future success.
Wallerawang PS recognises the importance of ensuring our school environment reflects a place where our Aboriginal students and families feel safe and comfortable to attend. In consultation with the local Aboriginal community and AECG, the school created spaces and places that reflect Aboriginal culture. This includes a yarning circle, a time for story sharing and reflection.
The goanna totem – hand-crafted with the support of resident potter Mrs Wellfare, and involving every student across the school and members of our Aboriginal parent and wider community – is reflective of an equitable and inclusive school culture. Wiradjuri language is taught across Stage 1 and the Gugaa Group is an active student voice in the school, with a representative a member of the student leadership group. 100% of Aboriginal students attend school more than 90% of the time.
The Aboriginal School Learning Support Officer works alongside staff to build a culturally safe school and authentic engagements with the Aboriginal community, and this is reflected in the positive attendance patterns of our students. Aboriginal students far exceeded the school’s improvement measure in Excellence in Learning. 70% of Aboriginal students are in the top three bands, and in numeracy 50% of Aboriginal students achieved in the top three bands, again exceeding the improvement measure. This is above the similar school group and state average.
At the heart of student improvement at Wallerawang PS is equity and excellence.
