Xavier College's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coordinator educating a student through a book.

First Nations Students

Creating space to connect with culture.

We understand the importance of building strong relationships with our First Nations students and their families.

On Kaurna Land

We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we learn and work. We wish to pay respect to Kaurna Elders – past, present and emerging – and acknowledge the important role all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within Australia and the Xavier College community.

Nunga Club

The Nunga Club raises the profile and awareness of matters relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across all areas of Xavier College, to achieve a culturally safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Through Nunga Club, students have access to a peer support network and have the opportunity to share information and experiences with each other. Students are also encouraged to promote reconciliation and cultural awareness by bringing a friend to Nunga Club.

Nunga is a term for Aboriginal people throughout Adelaide and surrounding towns.

Students are invited to explore their personal cultural and family heritage, and participate in fun activities such as learning about traditional crafts and practices.

Support Officers

Each campus has an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Officer, who guides practices and procedures to influence a positive, organised, stimulating, and safe learning environment for our First Nations students. Support Officers work with teachers to implement cross-cultural learning experiences that promote cultural awareness and identify learning pathways for First Nations students.

Our Support Officers are instrumental in ensuring First Nations groups are heard and have a presence at the College. Some examples of initiatives we actively support include Closing the Gap, Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, and CESA’s Thriving People cultural immersion event.

Reconciliation Action Plan

As a College we are committed to reconciliation. We recognise the need to instill a sense of great respect for First Nations peoples and culture amongst our students, and ensure brilliant opportunities to every member of our College community. Our Reconciliation Action Plan is currently under development, we look forward to sharing it soon.

Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) is an initiative by The Smith Family, offering scholarships and leadership opportunities to young Indigenous Australians.

The IYLP program contributes supports students’ development in their leadership journeys on personal, academic and professional levels.

In addition to helping Indigenous students achieve their educational aspirations, the IYLP contributes to the development of a pool of positive role models and future leaders from Indigenous communities, to inspire other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and illustrate the successes that can be achieved through education.

Each year IYLP Students are invited to attend the National Student Gathering. Students are paired with a mentor over the four days, and are involved in other experiences such as: