St Francis Xavier’s School has an Aboriginal Education Assistant whose role includes supporting our Aboriginal students across K-6 and liaising with the local Aboriginal community. Aboriginal perspective is integrated in all teaching and learning programs.

The school offers support to Aboriginal students through the Wii Gaay program which is run through the Armidale Diocese. Wii Gaay, meaning ‘clever child’ in the Yuwaalaraay language, is an identification and enrichment program targeting underachieving but high academic potential Indigenous students. Indigenous students in Years 3 – 6 are assessed using the Coolabah Dynamic Assessment method to identify suitable students for the enrichment program.

The enrichment program involves some targeted school-based lessons and opportunities, which lead-up to a week-long residential school. Students also establish and correspond with Indigenous mentors from around the country, as well as developing connections and friendships with other students within the Wii Gaay program.

The Wii Gaay program aims to raise the students’ self-efficacy towards education and to nurture the development of their self-belief in their true learning and leadership potential.