Yipirinya School’s record attendance highlights initiatives to help close the gap

With recent news of the Yipirinya School reaching its highest attendance in their school’s history, just over 380 students, it underscores the school’s impressive growth and commitment to addressing educational disparities.

Yipirinya School’s record attendance highlights initiatives to help close the gap.

With recent news of the Yipirinya School reaching its highest attendance in their school’s history, just over 380 students, it underscores the school’s impressive growth and commitment to addressing educational disparities.

This achievement reflects Yipirinya’s proactive approach to critical targets of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

However, as of 2024, only 5 out of 19 of these national targets are considered ‘on track’. Particularly troubling is the target for reducing the number of First Nations children developmentally on track at school entry; in 2021, only 35 per cent were deemed developmentally on track, a decline from 2018 and far short of the 55 per cent target.

Education as a key approach

Despite these broader challenges, Yipirinya’s bilingual and bicultural model offers a promising framework for overcoming systemic educational issues.

The school’s enrolment rate has more than doubled in recent years, and its unprecedented engagement in education illustrates a model with potential for addressing disparities affecting Indigenous communities across Australia.

While other targets related to criminal justice, social and emotional wellbeing, child protection, and childhood development have stagnated or worsened, Yipirinya’s approach provides a hopeful and effective response that could be replicated in other schooling environments.

Yipirinya School’s approach to school is unique, integrating a bilingual and bicultural education model that blends four Aboriginal languages — Warlpiri, Central Arrernte, Western Arrernte, and Luritja — under the Australian curriculum.

This dual focus ensures that students not only gain a solid academic foundation but also remain deeply connected to their cultural heritage.

Yipirinya School’s record attendance highlights initiatives to help close the gap.

A typical day at Yipirinya School begins with over 20 bus runs covering a remarkable 7,000 kilometres each week to ensure students arrive safely and punctually.

Upon arrival, students are provided with appropriate clothing and a warm breakfast to meet their basic needs, mediating challenges such as food security, clean water, and safety at home. This sets them up for a productive day.

The school offers a variety of activities, including music, sports, and art, supported by a comprehensive allied health team.

Additionally, the Sunset School out-of-hours program delivers crucial support for students from unsafe or unstable homes. The school also features a designated learning-on-country day each week to further strengthen students’ cultural connections.

Despite these significant strides, Yipirinya School acknowledges that broader systemic support is essential for sustained progress.

The data clearly shows that Indigenous communities are shouting out for help.

It’s disheartening to see such a critical need for action, yet the support remains insufficient. Our students and their families deserve better, and we will continue to advocate for the resources and support they need to thrive.

Yipirinya continually seeks initiatives aimed at boosting students’ future aspirations

A group of emerging young men from Yipirinya recently embarked on a transformative trip organised by Gloucester Rotary, offering them the chance to explore life beyond their hometown and broaden their horizons.

Documented in “Life Gives Opportunities – I Have Choices,” the trip included diverse experiences such as vocational exposure and cultural visits, significantly boosting the students’ confidence and future aspirations.

This initiative highlights Yipirinya’s dedication to blending cultural education with modern opportunities, empowering students to envision and pursue their dreams with renewed purpose.

The challenges faced by students in Town Camps and communities highlight the necessity for a collaborative approach involving government agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders.

Yipirinya sees the recent appointment of Malarndirri McCarthy as Minister for Indigenous Australians as an opportune turning point.

As Yipirinya School continues to lead by example, its innovative model serves as a blueprint for addressing educational and social disparities, offering culturally responsive and practical solutions in the ongoing quest to close the gap across Australia.