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 bordered 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.

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

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John Ralph

Welcome to Gawura School. Our School is a community built on trust, strong relationships and genuine partnership with families, carers and community who believe in the transformative power of education to change the lives of this generation of First Nations young people. Find Out More

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Pastor Ray Minniecon

Sharon and I greet you with honour, respect and a deep sense of hope as you enter this space. Gawura School stands on more than foundations of education. It stands on Gadigal Country, on powerful stories, and on a living inheritance that stretches back thousands of years. Find Out More

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Aunty Sharon Minniecon

Over the years, it has been deeply moving to see the impact Gawura School has had. Gawura School has not only shaped its students – it has reshaped the wider St Andrew’s Cathedral School community. Find Out More

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

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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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.

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On Tuesday, our Junior School and Gawura School came together to farewell the Year 12 students who began their SACS journey in either Junior School or Gawura School, including our own Josh and Sonny.

It was such a special celebration and a wonderful full-circle moment (& there was not a dry eye in the Cathedral).

We heard from their former Year 6 teachers, while Mrs Price shared some beautiful memories of Josh from her Kindergarten class. Oh, how far you have come, Josh!

As Josh had a 13-year journey at Gawura and SACS, he was awarded a medal for being an "Ultimate Andrean".

Our current Kindergarten students shared some words of wisdom from Dr Seuss, including Tate. For our youngest students, seeing Josh and Sonny preparing to finish Year 12 is a powerful reminder of the journey ahead, and all that is possible.

Congratulations, Josh and Sonny - and to your families, who have supported, encouraged and walked alongside you throughout your schooling years.

With just one official week of school at St Andrew’s remaining, we are incredibly proud of you both. While this chapter is coming to an end, you will always be part of the Gawura School community.

We can’t wait to welcome you back in the years ahead and hear where your post-SACS journeys take you.

Stay in touch. We will always be cheering you on. ... See MoreSee Less

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On the first Wednesday of every September is the Indigenous Literacy Day run by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

This year's theme is 'Country is our Teacher'.

Our Gawura School students ventured down to the majestic Sydney Opera House to be a part of this annual celebration.

Two students from Alice Springs shared what their community is like in a short film that was most inspiring.

There was a musical/drama performance from Aboriginal performer Lucas Proudfoot.

Aunty Daisy Ward read a book that she wrote titled 'My Walk Through the Seasons on Ngaanyatjarra Country'.

And then there was a final presentation from Kirsten Banks who is a First Nations Astrophysicist who gave a wonderful insight into Indigenous Astronomy.

Thank you The Indigenous Literacy Foundation for inviting us once again and sharing culture and stories with us. We are already counting down to next year! ... See MoreSee Less

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Congratulations Maya!

Year 8 student (& Gawura graduate) Maya competed in the NSW All Schools Touch Football tournament last week at Hills Grammar.

Her team fought hard in their final games however unfortunately were beaten by NSWCHS and NSWCCC.

What a fantastic achievement Maya! ... See MoreSee Less

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A minion reasons why we all love book week 😍📗📚📖 ... See MoreSee Less

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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.