Wajin support team
Here at Mabel Park State High School our goal is to deliver outstanding educational opportunities and to enrich our community. The Wajin team works together to strengthen student potential and support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. We work with teachers, parents, families and Elders to achieve positive outcomes for our students and our community. The name for our support unit, 'Wajin' is the Yugambeh word for platypus which is our school totem. The platypus is a significant animal for our local area, with plentiful populations once inhabiting Scrubby Creek and the waterways surrounding our school.
Elder in Residence
Our team is led by our Elder in Residence, Uncle Laurie Naden who provides deep knowledge and guidance in all cultural matters. His wisdom and experience allows us to be more inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families, making a real difference in the lives of young people at our school.
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Community Education Counsellor
Our Community Education Counsellor (CEC) Mrs Veena Coleman works alongside Uncle Laurie to support student and family engagement, assisting with an emerging awareness of cultural protocols and the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families. The CEC is an invaluable connection between the school and our First Nations families, providing information to the school community about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
Community Programs
Our team manages programs, school initiatives and activities, providing further support for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families. Opportunities for students include cultural camps and excursions, Homework Centre, Wajin Art and Wajin performance, MUDITA as well as connections to external organisations. These currently include; ATSICHS Deadly Choices Health Checks, Broncos Girls Academy, NRL School to Work Program – delivered by the Gold Coast Titans and QATSIF Scholarships.
Please contact the Wajin Team directly via the main office for further information or just to say hello.
