A 7-12 Co-educational College founded by the Sisters of St Joseph 1883
At St Joseph’s the Wonnarua people are acknowledged as the traditional owners of the lands on which is built. We strongly appreciate the connection Aboriginal people have with the land and acknowledge the sacrifices made by many Aboriginal men, women and children in times gone by. We recognise that this land is, was, and always will be Wonnarua Country.
St Joseph’s College has a proud and strong community of approximately seventy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Personalised and ongoing support is facilitated by our full-time Aboriginal Education Teacher to encourage our students to maximise their potential for all educational, sporting and cultural endeavours encountered here at St Joseph’s College. Each year there are many programs implemented to provide opportunities for students and staff to broaden and deepen knowledge, understanding and pride within Aboriginal culture.
The Yalawa Centre was opened in 2020. It is an educational & cultural hub that brings together St Joseph’s College Aboriginal & Torres Strait students, from all year groups and differing Aboriginal nations from across Australia. Yalawa, meaning ‘stay and rest’, provides a dedicated space, where students can gather, seek support for their academic studies and wellbeing, discuss career pathway options, engage in cultural awareness activities and deepen their understanding of identity, kinship and country.
The Yalawa Centre is a place where students can continue to build their capacity; a place where they can gather as one, and gain the confidence to be people of strength, faith and hope. Originally part of the Tenison Education Centre, that was founded by the Sisters of St Joseph, the Yalawa Centre draws our contemporary Josephite community together. The building and concept evokes the legacy of care for Indigenous people and country, that the Sisters of St Joseph Lochinvar have nurtured and lived. This is a legacy that we, the students and staff of St Joseph’s College will strive to uphold and deepen as we strive to meet the needs of 21st Century learners and families.
Aboriginal Education is supported at St Joseph’s College in the following ways: