St Thomas More is passionate about the teaching and learning of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture.

Our students from Kindergarten to Year 6 learn about Aboriginal history, symbols, artworks, Dreaming stories and the Dharawal nation – the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is built.

They participate in practical, hands-on learning experiences each week, with the help of our Aboriginal Education Assistant, Mr Andrew Oldfield.

Last week, our students enjoyed using ochre - a natural clay used by Indigenous peoples for tens of thousands of years!

“I find it really fun and interesting learning about Aboriginal culture,” Year 4 student, Avah, said.

“It’s so important for our students to learn about and respect the land we stand on today, and to have opportunities both in and out of the classroom to appreciate all peoples and cultures” — St Thomas More teacher, Josh Navarrete

As a school community, we pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by acknowledging and participating in National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week ceremonies, but we believe it is important to respect and value Aboriginal peoples and their culture every day.

St Thomas More Catholic Parish Primary School, Ruse acknowledges the Dharawal people, whose land our school stands on today, and pay respect to their Elders past, present and future.