Dimboola Memorial Secondary College principal Anne Gawith said cultural inclusiveness was important because students should feel safe and supported.

More than 10 per cent of the college’s students identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. 

Ms Gawith said it was important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to learn and develop an understanding about Aboriginal history and culture because it was entwined in their community.

She said while the college always strives to be culturally inclusive, it was an ongoing process. 

“We certainly don’t think for a minute that we’ve ticked the box off for being culturally inclusive. It’s an ongoing process in conversation,” she said. “Students have prior knowledge and different needs and we hope we can keep reflecting on what we do and keep improving.”

Ms Gawith said each student was offered learning experiences and opportunities to further their understanding about the Indigenous culture. She said programs were made available and teachers have worked alongside community elders to incorporate local stories into the curriculum. 

“One of our students were the first to do a VicPolice Koori traineeship and she has completed 18 months,” she said. “We also have students working on a massive mosaic that says welcome in English and in Wergaia, the Wotjobaluk language. We plan to have a big unveiling around NAIDOC Week.

“Also, three of the four Indigenous Wimmera students nominated for the Baldau Yiooghen Youth Leadership Academy are from our school.” 

Horsham Primary School principal Chris Walter said it was important for Indigenous students to feel safe, included and comfortable throughout the year, not just during Reconciliation Week. 

“The contributions of our Indigenous people have been significant throughout time and it’s important to continue to work together and make the world a good place,” he said.

Horsham Primary School has the largest enrollment of Indigenous students of any school in the Wimmera. 

Mr Walter said all students should learn about Aboriginal history, and Indigenous students should have opportunities to learn more about their culture. 

He said the school’s Nyupun program was incorporated into the curriculum to allow Indigenous students to immerse themselves in their culture.

“It’s important for us to support our Aboriginal students and their families by helping students learn more about their culture,” he said.