Making a difference, one student at a time.
St Andrew’s Cathedral School has a long-standing commitment to First Nations education, with a focus on creating meaningful opportunities and positive educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The School’s focus on First Nations education is reflected in its establishment and ongoing support of Gawura School, a unique Kindergarten to Year 6 learning community for First Nations children who live at home with their families.
Recognised nationally for its approach to Indigenous education, Gawura School was named 2020 Australian School of the Year, with judges describing it as a ‘lighthouse programme in Indigenous education with wonderful, almost unheard-of outcomes’.
This commitment continues to evolve, most recently through the delivery of the School’s First Nations Restoration Action Plan and First Nations K–12 Strategic Plan, further demonstrating its focus on strengthening First Nations education and outcomes across the School.
It is within this broader commitment that Aunty Pam Widders has joined St Andrew’s as Aboriginal Education Mentor in the Secondary School and Elder in Residence across the whole School, from K-12, including Gawura School. Pam is a very proud Anaiwan woman from Armidale.
Bringing her experience and passion for Aboriginal education to the community, Pam is dedicated to supporting First Nations students to achieve their potential, take pride in their cultural identity and feel empowered to pursue their goals.
Tell us about your role. What does it involve?
My role at St Andrew’s is two-fold. I work two days a week as the Aboriginal Education Mentor (AEM), supporting Aboriginal students in Years 10-12, and one day a week as the School’s Elder in Residence.
“I want to encourage students to feel proud of their First Nations identity and culture, and to recognise the strengths and opportunities that come with that connection.”
As an Aboriginal Education Mentor, my focus is on helping students achieve successful academic outcomes, engage with opportunities for leadership and maintain positive attendance and participation throughout Senior College. Just as importantly, I want to encourage students to feel proud of their First Nations identity and culture, and to recognise the strengths and opportunities that come with that connection.
An important part of my role also involves working with teachers to build awareness and understanding of Aboriginal education, culture and identity – helping to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. It’s a rewarding role, as I have the opportunity to positively influence and guide First Nations students at a critical time in their education journey.
Alongside my work with students, my role as Elder in Residence involves being a presence within the wider School community, sharing my knowledge and providing cultural guidance and advice, as the School and its staff develop projects, programmes and initiatives.
I also support the Gawura School students with their before-school morning reading programme and help provide breakfast at School for those who need it.
What are your impressions of the School?
I’ve been delighted by my experience at St Andrew’s so far!
From the beginning, my new colleagues have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and there is a genuine willingness among people to help one another whenever needed.
“I feel very fortunate to be part of a community of people who are passionate about education and committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. “
It’s a really positive and supportive environment, and I feel very fortunate to be part of a community of people who are passionate about education and committed to making a difference in the lives of young people.
What are you passionate about?
My passion is Aboriginal education and, above all, seeing our children succeed and accomplish their goals. I believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, feel supported in their learning and have the confidence to pursue their aspirations.
“I believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, feel supported in their learning and have the confidence to pursue their aspirations.”
It’s also important that our students feel proud of who they are, where they come from and their cultural identity. Education can open so many doors, and I am passionate about helping young people recognise the possibilities available to them.
This is something I see reflected in the opportunities St Andrew’s provides for its students, and it’s wonderful to be part of a School that genuinely wants to see young people thrive.
What made you want to work at St Andrew’s Cathedral School and how do you think your previous experience will transfer to your new role?
After spending a number of years working in public education, I felt ready for a change and a new opportunity. When the opportunity to join St Andrew’s came along, it felt like a wonderful next step.
I am so blessed to be working alongside such passionate and caring people who genuinely want to make a difference. I look forward to bringing my previous experience in education to this role, while continuing to learn and build relationships within the St Andrew’s community.
I hope my experience will help me support students in their individual journeys, encourage them to embrace opportunities and provide guidance as they navigate the important senior years of their education.
What are your hopes for your time here?
Ultimately, my hope is to make a difference in a student’s life. If I can positively influence, encourage or guide even one student to achieve something they may not have thought possible, then I will feel I have made a meaningful contribution.
“I want our First Nations students to feel supported, confident and proud of their identity, and to know they have people around them who believe in their potential.”
I want our First Nations students to feel supported, confident and proud of their identity, and to know they have people around them who believe in their potential.
