Gawura School
St Andrew's
Bridging <em>Worlds,</em><br>Building <em>Futures</em> Bridging <em>Worlds,</em><br>Building <em>Futures</em>

Bridging Worlds,
Building Futures

At Gawura School we bridge ancient wisdom with exceptional contemporary learning, in classrooms and on Country. We believe every student is unique, loved by their Creator God, infinitely precious, gifted for a purpose and responsible for their actions, celebrating their cultural identities as a vital source of strength, resilience and connection.

HAVE A YARN SUPPORT US
Bridging <em>Worlds,</em><br>Building <em>Futures.</em> Bridging <em>Worlds,</em><br>Building <em>Futures.</em>

Bridging Worlds,
Building Futures.

Strength through connection - at Gawura School, students walk confidently in two worlds, grounded in culture and guided by knowledge. Our close-knit community supports each child and their family, ensuring that learning becomes a shared journey of pride, belonging, and opportunity.

HAVE A YARN SUPPORT US

Gawura School acknowledges the Gadigal Clan as the traditional custodians of the land on which we stand and one of the 29 clans of the Eora Nation which is boarded by the Hawkesbury River to the north, the Nepean River to the west, and the Georges River to the south. We would also like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present, and emerging.

Gawura School sits within St Andrew’s Cathedral School and is a unique, highly regarded, coeducational Kindergarten to Year 6 day school for First Nations children who live at home with their families. We are proud to have been named 2020 Australian School of the Year.

Find out more about our commitment to First Nations peoples.

Restoration Action Plan
First Nations Strategic Plan

Our award winning ‘school within a school’, Gawura School, is changing the conversation about urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.

ON COUNTRY TOUR 2025

Welcome from the Head of Gawura School and Founders Pastor Ray and Aunty Sharon Minniecon

First Nations leadership is at the heart of Gawura School. Pastor Ray and Aunty Sharon Minniecon, founders of Gawura School nearly 20 years ago, were determined to change fundamentally flawed systems so that First Nations children could enjoy an outstanding, strengths-based, tailored education, in an environment that celebrated the world’s oldest, continuously living culture.

Supported by First Nations mentors and an involved community, John Ralph leads Gawura School, with over 9 years of experience in First Nations education.

What makes Gawura School unique

Strong in culture, strong in learning
We have a distinctive, award-winning approach to First Nations Kindergarten to Year 6 education, combining expertise in the classroom with high expectations, all built on deep care for each student and their family.

Coeducational 100% First Nations school
Gawura School students enjoy high quality, contemporary learning that affirms First Nations cultural strengths; enabling students to discover their unique gifts and grow in confidence, supported by teachers, mentors, Elders and community.
We are First Nations-led
First Nations leadership and voice is critical to our success. We create a place of learning where families are respected partners in the education of their children.
Located in the heart of Sydney
Gawura School stands proudly on Gadigal Land in a purpose-built high-rise building. With light-filled learning spaces, we’re a dedicated First Nations school within St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
Small class sizes  
Gawura School intentionally keeps class sizes small – no more than six students per year group. Teachers know each student and can offer personalised support for each learner, giving them every chance to succeed.
Literacy and numeracy focus 
Expert teachers lead with a focus on literacy and numeracy in the early years, building strong foundations for learners, creating pathways and opportunities for years to come.
Award winning
The Australian Education Awards named Gawura School the Australian School of the Year in 2020 with judges commending the School’s innovative approach to First Nations education.
High expectations built on relationship
High expectations alongside strong, trusting relationships with teachers, result in high attendance and ongoing progress, from students who are valued as unique and gifted for a purpose.
Gawura First Nations Scholarship 
Students are supported by Scholarships, allowing them to enjoy a culturally enriched education as well as access to all the opportunities offered by a leading Independent school.
State of the art facilities 
Classrooms and spaces at Gawura School value and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identities, histories, and cultures. Students enjoy purpose-built facilities and access to cultural spaces across the city.
Expert, culturally responsive teachers 
Expert teachers know how to get the best from each student, building strong relationships with families and carers, and combining culturally responsive teaching with relationships built on trust and high expectations.
Gawura School bus
A dedicated bus service for Gawura School families ensures safe, convenient and free transport to and from school.
Supportive parent partnerships 
Much of Gawura School’s success comes down to genuine and supportive partnerships with parents and community, from day-to-day encounters, to a Parent Advisory Committee, and yarning circles that build relationships and cultural knowledge.

A day in Gawura School

A day at Gawura School combines strong academic learning with cultural connection, wellbeing support and meaningful relationships. Through smaller classes and a nurturing environment, students are known, valued and supported to thrive. Each day builds confidence, belonging and pride in who they are, creating strong foundations for future success.

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enrolment journey

A Gawura First Nations Scholarship transforms lives…
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Is Gawura School right for us?

Enjoy a world of opportunities and support…
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Our Supporters

You can support us in many different ways…
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Stories

Stay connected and be inspired

Our school life and community are rich in storytelling. Our events and news showcase the moments, milestones and voices that shape our students’ learning journey.

From classroom highlights and cultural celebrations to community gatherings, fundraising events and On Country experiences, this is where you can see impact in action.

LEARN MORE
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Donate to the Gawura

Donate to the Gawura Scholarship Fund.

Every gift to the Gawura Scholarship Fund helps ensure our First Nations students can access a quality education without ever sacrificing their connection to culture, identity and community.

Your donation can help provide:

• Educational scholarships from Kindergarten to Year 12

For our Kindy to Year 6 students:
• Small class learning with high levels of individual support for K-6 students
• Speech therapy, occupational therapy and wellbeing services
• Cultural learning opportunities and On Country experiences
• Aboriginal dance and cultural programs
• School camps, excursions and extracurricular activities
• Homework support and mentoring programs
• Daily transport to and from school through our dedicated bus service to assist with school attendance.

Together, we are building futures, strengthening culture and creating opportunities for the next generation of First Nations leaders.

Donate today. Your gift builds futures.
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Support Gawura Schoo

Support Gawura School Through Return and Earn!

Did you know you can donate your recyclable container refunds directly to Gawura School using the Return and Earn app?

Here’s how:
1. Download the Return and Earn app
2. Search for Gawura School in the Charities section
3. Select Gawura School as your chosen donation partner
4. Scan your app barcode at a return point before recycling your containers

Your 10¢ refunds can make a big difference; every donation helps support Gawura School’s programs and students.

So not only are you doing good for the environment, you are supporting our students and school. That's a double win!

Thank you for your support!

[photo of our St Andrew's Cathedral Junior School students collecting cans from around the Schools to deposit in the Return and Earn containers]. ... See MoreSee Less

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DONATE TODAYA Gawu

DONATE TODAY

A Gawura First Nations Scholarship provides far more than a place at school.

It opens the door to a world-class education, cultural connection, wellbeing support, extracurricular opportunities, and the confidence to thrive. It empowers our students to realise their potential while remaining deeply connected to their identity, community and culture.

Watch "A Day in Gawura School" video to see the impact of a scholarship firsthand.


As the End of Financial Year approaches, there is still time to make a tax-deductible donation.

Your support helps ensure more First Nations children can access the opportunities, education and future they deserve.

Donate today. Your gift builds futures.
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“We were supported

“We were supported to succeed while staying connected to who we are.”
– Gawura First Nations Scholarship Alumna

When Gawura School was established, Pastor Ray and Auntie Sharon Minniecon envisioned a school where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from urban Sydney could access a high-quality, culturally authentic education—one that strengthened their connection to culture, land, sea and sky - while continuing to live with their families.

As we approach our 20th birthday, we are proud to know that this vision remains at the heart of Gawura School and continues to be what sets our school apart today, creating a strong foundation for our students to succeed.

Stand alongside us. Your tax-deductible donation today will help ensure this vision continues to thrive, empowering future generations of First Nations students.

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A committed community

Meet some of your child’s most vocal supporters: a community of teachers, mentors, family, Elders and staff committed to the journey.

John Ralph
Head of Gawura School

Gawura School has a simple formula; the delivery of an explicit data driven curriculum practice, high expectations with attendance being paramount; all delivered in a culturally supportive and enriching environment.

Pastor Ray Minniecon
Co-Founder

When we founded Gawura School we challenged a fundamental political and philosophical notion that it’s not the child that is the educational problem, it’s our educational system. And so we implemented a different approach to education.

Aunty Sharon Minniecon
Co-founder, Community Liaison Officer

I’m a great believer in education – it opens doors to opportunities and experiences that can do good for ourselves and others.

Emma Walker
Aboriginal Education Mentor 7-12

Gawura School is a family, a community and lastly a school.

Dr Julie McGonigle
Head of St Andrew’s Cathedral School and Gawura School

Gawura School has had a transformative effect on our entire School. The work of restoration and bridging worlds requires ‘both/and’ people rather than ‘either/or’: we are about truth telling and hope; authentic recognition of the past and healing; reflective faith and sacred space.

Lauren Ferguson
Aboriginal Education Assistant

My favourite moments are watching all Jarjum grow into strong, hard workers. When you see milestones being accomplished, your heart skips a beat!

Daniel Murray
Gawura School teacher

My hope is for our students to become the best versions of themselves so that they can be excellent role models who care for and inspire our younger students and one day, future generations of First Nations children.

Ana Roy-McGrath
First Nations Working Group leader

Central to this work is creating safe and supportive spaces for students. Offering a listening ear, taking the time to sit with a student, hear their experiences, and support them to remain engaged in their learning and school life.

Bronwyn Wake
Head of Wellbeing K-12

We seek to deeply embed ways of wellbeing that intrinsically connect students with themselves, family, community and country.

Pauline Soo
Gawura School teacher

My hope is that each child leaves Gawura School knowing they are loved, that their story matters, and that they carry the skills, curiosity, and courage to flourish in whatever path they choose.

Uncle Bill
Gawura Bus Driver

The kids are good to be around, and I love seeing the kids grow up. That’s the best part of my job.

Charmaine and Jason Mumbulla
Gawura School parents

Like trees, students require strong roots – cultural identity, family and community – along with the nourishment of knowledge, a warm sense of belonging, and guidance to flourish.