First Nations voice at Gawura School and St Andrew’s Cathedral School is seen not only in our leadership – but in empowering voices of students, Elders, and community members, promoting culturally safe learning environments, and ensuring pedagogical approaches reflect local culture, Country, and history.
Pastor Ray Minniecon
Pastor Ray is a Co-Founder of Gawura School and an Aboriginal Pastor from Kabi-Kabi and Gurang-Gurang Nations (South East Queensland) and South Sea Islander (Ambrym Island).
As a leader and advocate for the Stolen Generations and the environment, Uncle Ray established the Coloured Diggers March to honour and recognise the First Nations soldiers who fought for our Country.
Pastor Ray is still heavily involved in decisions with the School and is a member of the St Andrew’s Cathedral School Council.
Aunty Sharon Minniecon
Aunty Sharon is a Co-Founder of Gawura School and Community Liaison Officer, from Zenadth Kes, Ugar Island (Torres Strait) and has Tanna Island in the South Sea heritage.
Providing cultural guidance and family support, especially at times of Sorry Business, Aunty Sharon is at School every Tuesday during term.
Aunty Sharon assists with the enrolment process at Gawura School, identifying new families, and supports current families and students of the Schools with her social services and pastoral care background.
John Ralph
John Ralph is Head of Gawura School, a proud Gumbayngirr man living on Gadigal land. He has led Gawura School for nine years. Deeply relational and committed to community, he believes in the transformative power of education to impact the lives of this generation of First Nations young people.
Following the guiding principle of “nothing about us, without us,” John works closely with the Gawura Parents Advisory Committee (GPAC) to ensure First Nations family voice in school decisions.
In 2020, he received an Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL) NSW Leadership Award. He was also honoured to be part of an exceptional team when Gawura School was named the 2020 Australian School of the Year at the National Education Awards.
Emma Walker
Emma Walker is the Aboriginal Education Mentor and proud Yuin woman.
As Aboriginal Education Mentor Year 7 to Year 12, Emma supports First Nations students in Gawura School to make the critical transition into St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s Secondary School.
Emma is deeply involved in facilitating mentoring, tutoring and support for First Nations Secondary School students.
Jodie Taylor
Jodie Taylor is the First Nations representative on the St Andrew’s Cathedral School Foundation and a proud Warramunga woman.
As a parent at the School, Jodie regularly participates in the Gawura Parent Advisory Committee (GPAC), and in her work with the Fund, supports fundraising initiatives for the Gawura Scholarship Fund.
Aunty Rayma Johnson
Aunty Rayma Johnson of the Wiradjuri Nation, leads First Nations dance lessons at the School, where cultural learning is embedded in the Schools’ curriculum.
Formerly of the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Elder, Aunty Rayma shares her First Nations knowledges and storytelling with students.
Our Alumni
Our alumni stay connected to our Schools, attending events and assemblies and fundraising galas. We recognise the value of their voice and advocacy. Alumni contributed to our joint First Nations Strategic Plan and Restoration Action Plan.
Educational Associations
Independent Schools of NSW, including the Waratah Project, provide educational support through consultancy services to help our Schools create authentic connections between curriculum and the local First Nations community.
First Nations education only succeeds with genuine involvement, partnership and reciprocity between the School and parents or caregivers. Our Schools seek to be a culturally welcoming place for students, parents and carers, where education is not a transaction but a transformative journey in partnership with families and Elders.
Parent and Carer voice
Shaped by the principle of ‘nothing about us, without us’, the Gawura Parents Advisory Committee (GPAC) ensures First Nations family voice in School decisions.
GPAC plays a key role in discussing current learning and events at Gawura School, and in collaborating with St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
All First Nations parents and carers at both Schools are invited to GPAC meetings which are held twice a term.
Parents and carers also come together in Yarning sessions organised by the Head of Gawura School.
“I’ve had some amazing opportunities to help out and get involved. I was the parent representative on interview panels for new teachers for Gawura School. It was the best experience.”
Tabitha Daley, GPAC member, Year 1 and Year 2 parent