Fresh focus as Aboriginal college reopens

Dylan Tickell – The Age  SIX months after Victoria’s only independent Aboriginal school closed because it failed to meet the State Government’s minimum standards, twins Shimera and Nikkita Sampson are excited about being able to speak their native language in class again. 

Nikkita and Shimera, 14, had attended Healesville’s Worawa Aboriginal College for a year before it closed in December. “We are looking forward to coming back to be with all our friends. We have missed coming here,” Shimera said.The twins moved to Healesville from the Yuendumu community, 270 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs, to attend the boarding school, which celebrated its official reopening yesterday. Dozens of students will return when classes resume on July 13.College president Lois Peeler said the closure had a positive effect. “It has forced us to assess and evaluate the whole operation and adjust accordingly,” she said.There will be more emphasis on student welfare, discipline and learning outcomes.