Fitzroy Crossing student meeting, 19 May 1999 - notes
Background
The meeting of students at Fitzroy Crossing included children from both the Fitzroy Crossing School and from the Walkajungka School. The students were from Year 7 though to Year 11.
Positive aspects of education
When asked about the most enjoyable aspects of school education, almost without exception the students nominated socialising with other children, using the computers at school and using the sporting facilities. At Fitzroy Crossing the children have access to the computer rooms once per week for either a morning or an afternoon session.
Students from the Walkajungka School spoke of their enjoyment at playing sport in the undercover areas, cooking classes and art and craft. They also enjoyed using the computer. All students learn how to cook at school. The students play sport against other local community schools in the region.
Language learning and culture
The children expressed enjoyment in studying their languages. The languages include Goondayindi, Walmajarri and Walkajungka. All students and the teachers at the school learn at least one Aboriginal language. The language group of the family will determine the language learned by the student at school. Most students speak Kriol at school with their peer group regardless of whether they are Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.
Some of the children complained that their fellow students do not respect the Aboriginal language teachers. As elders of the community and relatives of many of the students, these teachers are able to use corporal punishment in the classroom.
Students celebrate NAIDOC week and participate in story writing competitions. This is a very important school event at Fitzroy Crossing.
The learning environment
The students prefer to have two teachers in the class because they are able to get help from the teachers. At the Fitzroy Crossing School there are two teachers per class at the secondary level.
Afternoon tea is provided for students who stay back for homework classes. It is generally the primary school students who stay back for these sessions.
Teasing at school
The Fitzroy Crossing students complained of teasing at school. They felt that the school policy was not strict enough and there was not enough follow-up of 'offending' students. The students also described fighting at the school. They claimed the fights were petty and could be started over cigarettes. Children visiting the school caused some of the disputes; these children would be described as very irregular in their school attendance.
Alternative schools for senior secondary education
Of the 9 students attending the meeting from the Fitzroy Crossing School, most wanted to finish school to Year 12 level. (This student cohort is not representative of the majority of students at Fitzroy Crossing. The Fitzroy Crossing community meeting notes give some indication of school retention rates.) Almost all of the students at the meeting thought that they would continue their schooling away from Fitzroy Crossing. They planned to study in Broome or Perth where they would find greater subject choices.
Last updated 2 December 2001.
