Pastor Sandra recalls, “Dr Boyce was eager to listen and he and James at Pacific Coast Christian School were always open to the possibility of establishing the school, making space for time to discuss and dream. They engaged in many discussions with organisations such as the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) to make it happen. They discovered many benefits through this process. Initial fears that the kids wouldn’t fit in were alleviated by establishing strong connections with local Elders. We wanted the new school to help the kids affirm their identity as Aboriginal while also receiving the Godly influence of Christian teachers and education.” The school committee believed that a major issue was that, over time, children had lost their Indigenous identity. The school aimed to be a place where children could regain their identity within their community, their culture, and the wider educational context. Two examples of the school’s commitment to these goals are notable. Recently, during NAIDOC Week in July, the school honoured local Elder groups, demonstrating strong relationships and respect within the Aboriginal community. In Aboriginal schools, personal conversations and yarning are more effective than advertising. Another example is the Junior Rangers Program, affiliated with the Aboriginal Land Council. In this program, children are mentored by Indigenous Rangers, visiting cultural sites, replanting native vegetation on headlands, and learning about traditional practices such as fish traps and sea worming. These activities and the relationships formed through the program help the children stay connected to their cultural identity and community support systems. Where to from here? The current school enrolment continues to grow. The focus, modelled on similar schools with excellent educational outcomes, is to prepare students for Middle and Senior school while maintaining their cultural identity, heritage, and Christian support. This approach aims to overcome educational deficits in a cultural and Christian setting that respects all individuals—students, families, and staff. May God continue to bless and grow this ministry of the Pacific Group of Christian Schools. Contributors PASTOR WILLIE DUMAS JAMES VAN GELDEREN Pacific Group Aboriginal Advisor Current Campus Principal, PCCS PASTOR SANDRA DUMAS PAULA FRENCH Senior Pastor, Ganggalah Church Acting Head Teacher, PGJCS and Training Centre
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