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Aboriginal kids to get top private education

A NEW private school for Aboriginal children will be established at the Block at Redfern, the cultural centre of the city's indigenous population reports Hannah Edwards in the Sun Herald of December 3, 2006.

The school, to be named Gawura, which means whale in Eora, the traditional language of the people who live in the area, will be a campus of St Andrew's Cathedral School, one of the city's oldest independent Anglican schools.

To be located in the Redfern Community Centre on Hugo Street, in the heart of the notorious neighbourhood, it will initially cater for up to 25 pupils from kindergarten to year 6 who will wear the St Andrew's uniform.

Approval is still required for the site from the City of Sydney council, but it is planned to open the campus to boys and girls from indigenous backgrounds for the start of the new school year on February 1.

Pupils will attend the Redfern campus in the morning and use the school's city campus facilities, such as the library and sports areas, in the afternoon.

The campus, with three staff members, will cost about $350,000 a year to run, funded mostly through World Vision-style sponsorships.

Head of St Andrew's, Phillip Heath, said there was funding support from corporations and the community, including parents of students at the city school.

The new school's teaching manager, Cathy Miskovich, said: "We are hoping to be open day one, term one."

Spokesman for local residents group REDWatch Geoff Turnbull hopes the school will help improve learning outcomes for Aboriginal students.

Director of Crossroads Aboriginal Ministries at Redfern Pastor Ray Minniecon and his wife, Sharon, have helped set up the school and have been liaising with the local indigenous community.

Source: The Sun-Herald