— Nawarddeken Academy Child Safe Commitment
In 2022 we developed a Wellbeing and Inclusion framework, inspired to create safe learning spaces that support the needs of our students and their families. We have a strong focus on our staff because we believe that educator wellbeing is at the heart of caring for children and young people. There is also a growing body of evidence that links educator wellbeing with positive educational outcomes for students.
Michelle Bangarr (Cultural Education Advisor) and Melanie Cole (Senior Teacher – Wellbeing & Inclusion) worked on the draft plan and shared the ideas with our Nawarddeken school communities. The framework is positioned around a marebu (woven fibre mat), the centre being founded on ‘Relationships’ that are at the heart of everything we do. The second pillar is ‘Engagement’, understanding student challenges and encouraging positive behaviour. ‘Responsibility’ is the third pillar, providing early intervention and additional support for students across wellbeing, academics, and behaviour.
We walk alongside Bininj on our wellbeing and inclusion journey and over the past year, we’ve been consulting with community and our Board to refine the framework and establish culturally responsive wellbeing practices. In November, our Directors agreed on the Kunwinjku word karrinahnarren for our framework moving forward. Terra Guymala (Bordoh Traditional Owner and Nawarddeken Director) shared, “for us Bininj people, karrinahnarren is like caring and sharing.” Looking ahead, the three pillars of the framework will also have Kunwinjku terms that will guide us as we build a culture where everyone feels safe, connected, valued and included.
