At Kojonup District High School we are committed to reconciliation and providing each individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student with the opportunities and support to reach their full potential. As part of this commitment the school has set up formal partnerships with programs that allow students rich cultural, academic and individual learning experiences. As a whole school we provide the students with:

• Leadership opportunities
• Quality teaching
• Cultural activities
• Supportive school leadership
• Enhanced career and education opportunities
• Celebrations of indigenous culture and heritage
• Peer mentoring
• Strong Pastoral Care
• Parent and Community engagement
  
  

Aboriginal Islander Education Officer (AIEO)

At Kojonup District High School, we support Aboriginal students by engaging an Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO). Our AIEO is Jamie McVee, who is available to support Aboriginal students in the areas of academic achievement, participation and attendance. Jamie has excellent rapport with students, enabling successful engagement with them and their families to ensure a positive learning experience at school.

Jamie has extensive community and family networks, and liaises within the community to engage parents in their child's education and addressing issues that may arise. Relationships are developed by being positive role models and mentors. Staff ensure the culture of the community extends into the teaching and learning programs, leading to inclusive practices within the school.

AIEOs promote cultural awareness in the school by supporting regional and national events and programs, such as NAIDOC Week celebrations. Individual and team achievements are acknowledged and help bring together a spirit of belonging, while helping each other develop. Everyone is always welcome and encouraged to be the best person possible.

Their role is varied with key aspects of support being:

• Supporting Aboriginal students in the areas of academic achievement, participation, attendance, discipline, retention and communication.
• Liaising with the Aboriginal community to engage parents in their children's education and school decision making.
• Ensuring the Aboriginal culture of our community extends into teaching and learning programs.
• Assisting teachers in the delivery of planned education programs to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes.
  
  

Bindi Mia Program

In Term 1 Week 3 2025, our Bindi Mia program commenced, targeting Aboriginal students from Kindy - Year 3 on Tuesday mornings 8am – 8.:0am. The program is run by our AIEO Jamie McVee, our student support officer Bon Lucev, and school nurse Annie Hornby.

The program was named Bindi Mia (Butterfly Place) and the reasoning for this name is to help transition the students from home lifestyle to a more structured school environment, while still having the cultural connection of siblings/cousins around them.

The structure of the program changes weekly ranging from oral health, Noongar language, connection to country, and everything in between.

The program will see benefits in areas listed below

• Attendance
• Emotional regulation strategies
• Improving learning outcomes (lots of revision)
• General health & well-being awareness
• Cultural connection
• Trust and safety relationships (enforcing that school is a safe place)
• Communication (Home-School, Parents-Teachers)
• Noongar language
• Student self confidence
• Transitioning from home to school

Aboriginal culture offers unique ways of understanding the world, including connections to land, storytelling and respect for community and elders. Embedding these perspectives at a young age enriches learning experiences and offers children new ways of thinking and respecting the environment around them.