THEY may be cute doffing their mini-mortarboards, but Birrelee’s biggest-ever graduating class took its first step toward closing the gap in Aboriginal education outcomes.
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The Coledale early childhood education centre saw 21 students, including 20 Aboriginals, graduate ahead of the first day of Kindergarten in 2018.
Small steps perhaps, but Birrelee director Rachael Phillips said it’s creating a confident generation of “strong, smart and deadly” youngsters ready take-on a lifetime of education supported by culture.
Mrs Phillips said waiting lists for the childcare centre are long ahead of its 30th anniversary next year.
She said children were never too young to know about culture and it could be connected to everything they do.
“To see 21 children, with 20 Aboriginal children that have just finished early childhood education and are going into kindergarten next year, we are one step closer to closing the gap in education in Tamworth,” Mrs Phillips said.
“We really pride ourselves, not only on the culturally appropriate curriculum, but we have a family feel.
“It is culturally appropriate, but it is on par with every other service and education facility that there is.”