ALSS (Aboriginal Language Speaking Students)
The ALSS program is implemented in Year 1, to meet the following key performance indicators; 2 way practice, culturally appropriate ESL/ESD learning program, student achievement in ‘Speaking’, staff professional learning and support, awareness and engagement of community and caregivers.
ELS (Explicit Literacy Strategy)
Implementation of an explicit literacy strategy (based on the Aboriginal Literacy Strategy), providing a highly structured literacy learning program delivered each day across years K – 3 for a 2 hour block in the morning. Such a highly co-ordinated approach towards the teaching of literacy has demonstrated improved literacy outcomes of Aboriginal students.
Noongar Language Program
All classes from kindergarten to Year 7 have up to 2 hours per week of Noongar language and culture lessons. The Noongar language teachers have developed their own songs, games, books and teaching resources. All classes and staff participate in Noongar lessons and the language and culture is integrated to other learning areas. Adult Noongar lessons are also conducted each week for community and family members.
Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) The Learning Support Co-ordinator works collaboratively with staff, parents, Departmental personnel, external agencies and with students to effectively develop specific individualised plans and strategies to meet those needs of students identified as at risk. The LSC supports teachers in developing effective planning for students at both ends of the learning spectrum, identifying students at risk and organising meetings with relevant stakeholders.
Learning with Information and Communication Technology
Strong ICT focus throughout the school. All classrooms, learning areas, administration and library are networked, providing on-line facilities and specialised learning resources. Each classroom is complimented with Computer Workstations, Digital Cameras, Laser Printers, Interactive Whiteboards, Wireless and up to date software systems. The Multimedia Studio is networked to a bank of latest in computer workstations, laser colour printers, scanners, digital projector, Interactive Whiteboard, digital still and video cameras. In addition the provision of Laptop Computers allows for equitable access for all students when engaging in ICT learning sessions.
ITAS (Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme)
An ITAS Tutor is employed to specifically support those students identified highly at risk in their Literacy/Numeracy. Students are involved in an intensive literacy/numeracy program catering for individual needs.
School Choir/Dance
Children from Years 3 - 7 volunteer to join the choir. They perform at the school and public events such as; ANZAC Day Ceremony, Assemblies, Combined Schools Music Festival, NAIDOC and Graduation/Presentation Evening. The school choir sings songs in Noongar language and English. David Dann is the dance/didgeridoo Instructor who teaches traditional dance across all classes and co-ordinates the school dance group that performs at designated ceremonies and events throughout Bunbury.
Art Exhibitions
Students’ artwork is regularly displayed in the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery along side well known Aboriginal/Noongar artists such as Troy Bennell, Lance Chadd, Richard Walley and Graham (SWAG) Taylor. An Art Expo is held at the school in Term 4, where prizes are awarded to students through the ‘Peoples Choice Award’ and other specific categories.
Bus Service
Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School provides a bus service to transport the students to and from school. Buses are available for all children from kindergarten to year 7, where special arrangements are available for children to be taken to daycare or after school care upon request. Students travel from Australind, Eaton, Withers, Wollaston, East Bunbury, Glen Padden, Glen Iris, Carey Park, Dalyellup, Picton and Harvey.
Social, Emotional and Wellbeing
Students are encouraged to be independent and value themselves and others. A high standard of courtesy, dress and integrity is expected and reinforced. Positive character development is taught through the Social, Emotional program, ‘You Can Do It’ and ‘Stronger Smarter’. Pastoral care is common practice to support our students in all facets of their development and wellbeing.
Health, Medical and Physical Education
Community Health provide regular services including health appraisals for kindergarten and pre-primary children. South West Medical Services (SWAMS) visit the school each fortnight making health checkups for all children from kindy to Year 7. The Telethon Institute’s Ear Bus conduct ear testing each term for all students. Interm Swimming Lessons compliment the daily fitness, Jump Rope for Heart and sport programs. Djidi competitively competes in the annual interschool Cross Country, Winter Team Sports and Athletics Carnivals.
