South Lismore Public School wins Resilient Australian National School Award for MacKillop Seasons Stormbirds recovery program
A Northern Rivers school decimated in the record 2022 floods, which was impacted by more than three-quarters of its students losing homes, has been recognised in Canberra.
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A Northern Rivers school decimated in the 2022 floods, which was impacted by more than three-quarters of its students losing homes, has been recognised with a top resilience honour in Canberra.
South Lismore Public School has won 2024 Resilient Australian National School Award for its implementation of the MacKillop Seasons Stormbirds program.
The program – provided to more than 10,000 youths in Australia and New Zealand since 2009 – helps youths develop skills and attitudes needed to understand and cope following natural disasters – like the record floods more than two years ago.
South Lismore Public School assistant principal Gaye Titcume said it was “very obvious” the school needed to spend time helping simply helping students manage after the floods. Six staff members were trained up to help.
“Learning went on the backburner and wellbeing was at the forefront,” she said.
More than 100 students took part in the program – one of the largest cohorts the program has had.
As well as the devastation wrought on families, school buildings were badly damaged in the floods and kids have been learning out of demountables.
South Lismore Public School is one of 89 flood-hit schools earmarked as part of a $1.4 billion NSW government investment into new school buildings for regional communities.
“Stormbirds is a program we jumped on and thank goodness we did because what’s come out of that program has been beautiful,” Ms Titcume said.
“It created that space where the children felt valued and safe and cared for and respected. … all those things have led to more connections with teachers that they perhaps wouldn’t have otherwise had.”
Ms Titcume said there was “no question” the resilience of the students increased.
“They are really the ones who should be receiving awards – each and every one of them,” she said.
Typically offered 3-12 months after disasters, Ms Titcume said the program was central to the school’s overall recovery.
The program offered up a learning environment where the kids felt safe and able to acknowledge experiences, understand emotional reactions, develop coping skills, make positive choices, set goals and make decisions.
Ms Titcume said Stormbirds also helped build peer support networks, fosters belonging and restore self-confidence and self-respect in the flooding aftermath.
“The Stormbirds groups created connection and enabled a continuing bond between staff, students and families as we navigated the uncertain future together after such a traumatic weather event in our community,” she said.
South Lismore Public School principal Larissa Polak said the award highlighted the collective effort behind creating an environment for healing.
“The compassionate connections established at school ensure that our children receive the care and support needed as we move forward in the disaster recovery journey,” she said.
The Resilient Australia Awards handed out by the Federal government recognise and promote initiatives strengthening community disaster resilience.
The refreshed school is set to include 13 modern classrooms, a library, multipurpose hall, undercover learning and play areas, a games court, and the new Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool.
The primary school will be built four metres above ground – 500mm higher than the 2022 flood level. It will be accessed via lifts, ramps, stairs and an undercover walkway.
“We are particularly excited about the raised build and extensive outdoor areas that will enhance our teaching and learning experiences,” Ms Polak said.
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