Sadadeen Primary School celebrates success of on-country learning program Atyunpe

A unique engagement program at a Red Centre school has led to “real transformations” – according to staff – with students also loving it too. Find out more.

Atyunpe program lead teacher Frazer McKinlay with Sadadeen Primary School students at Trephina Gorge in 2024.

A Red Centre school has rolled out a new engagement program for it students, and it’s proved so successful one teacher says it has led to “real transformations” among the students.

Running since term one, Sadadeen Primary School in Alice Springs, has been using the Atyunpe program to deliver flexible learning measures to students before, after, and during class, acting principal Pippa Boyle said.

“Building relationships with families and the Sadadeen community was a crucial first step in developing our program,” she said.

“Setting it up the right way from the start and allowing time for the program to evolve naturally has ensured that families have had a voice in what this program looks like for their children.”

Funded by the federal government’s on country learning measures program, program lead teacher Frazer McKinlay said he had seen major changes in the students involved.

“I have seen real transformations in the students; in their confidence, attitudes towards school and overall wellbeing,” he said.

“But the biggest transformation has been the attitudes towards the students in the program from the greater school community.

“These students are now encouraged, made to feel welcome and supported by the school and their peers.”

Originally published as Sadadeen Primary School celebrates success of on-country learning program Atyunpe