When Warakirri College’s partnership coordinator called for volunteers for this year’s visit to Katherine High School, more than 60 put up their hands and 25 staff members offered their support, figures that far exceed previous years. Staff also remain in contact with several Year 12 graduates who, encouraged by the partnership, are now pursuing work opportunities in rural communities.

In Central Queensland, enrolment at Wadja Wadja High School has climbed from 50 to 80 demonstrating that their partnership with Carinity Education is building momentum and having impact. 8 students are now working towards completing Year 12 with 6 graduating with academic credentials. Year 12 leaders from both schools attended the Leader Induction Ceremony in Rockhampton. Staff and students supported each other, fostering a sense of pride in themselves and their schools. Wadja Wadja students had the chance to engage with peers they wouldn’t normally interact with, offering them insight into Year 12 life in the Woorabinda Indigenous community.

This opportunity, made possible through the partnership, highlighted the positive impact of showcasing the Woorabinda community and empowering its young leaders. This is the first time in the Wadja Wadja schools’ history that they had attended the regions inaugural induction ceremony and, with support of their Carinity friendships, stood proud at this event.

Northeast of Alice Springs, Alekarenge School’s literacy partnership with Trinity Grammar is tailoring its scaffolded synthetic phonics program is to better suit local needs. During a recent visit, four Trinity teachers spent time at the school to support the rollout and offer much needed release from face-to-face teaching for local staff. With a Trinity teacher now set to be based in the NT each term, the initiative with both Alekarenge and nearby Murray Downs is building continuity, confidence and shared teaching knowledge across the partnership.