ACEO and First Nations connections
Niina Marni, I am a proud Ngarrindjeri woman from the Lower Murray, Eastern Fluerieu
For the past six years at Westport, I have had the privilege of serving as an Aboriginal Community Education Officer (ACEO), where I work collaboratively with staff to ensure that Aboriginal culture and perspectives are meaningfully woven into the curriculum.
My role is fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, which includes contributing to Individual Learning Plans and building strong, trusting relationships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to ensure their voices are heard and valued.
By acting as a bridge between the school and our community, I strive to create a space where every student feels a deep sense of belonging and cultural pride. The most rewarding aspect of my job is witnessing the way all Westport students engage with and celebrate my culture every single day – It’s such a special place to be.
Kyla Wilson
Ninna Marni, I am a proud Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara and Antakirinja woman from Coober Pedy, with strong family and cultural connections across the APY Lands through to Utopia in the Northern Territory.
I have been working at Westport Primary School for three years as an Aboriginal Community Education Officer (ACEO). In this role, I support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in their learning, particularly in reading and writing, helping them to build confidence and achieve success.
I am also passionate about working with neurodivergent students and providing a safe, trusted person they can connect with. I advocate for their needs, ensure their voices are heard and support them to grow both academically and personally.
A key part of my role is educating students and staff about Aboriginal culture and history. I want our young people to feel proud of who they are, to understand and respect our shared history and to experience a strong sense of belonging within our school community. Above all, I am committed to ensuring every student feels supported, valued and inspired to do their very best.
Evanna Williams
Fringedigenous is a biannual cultural celebration held at Westport Primary School, marking the end of Reconciliation Week.
Featuring:
- Student performances
- Showcase of student learning including art, artefacts and traditional dance
- Stalls showcasing local Indigenous business, produce and community programs
- Live music by Indigenous artists
- Food trucks
- A festival atmosphere that must be seen to be believed!
Westport’s Building Names
To honour the Kaurna language in a lasting and meaningful way, we looked to the sky for inspiration as we reimagined the names of our school buildings.
Working alongside respected Kaurna man Jack Buckskin, Westport ensured the renaming process was authentic, culturally informed and respectful.
On behalf of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services, representing Kaurna Warra Karrpanthi Language Corporation and the Kaurna community, the following names have been endorsed for use within our school:
Kurdanyi - Preschool
In Kaurna culture, rainbows symbolise the deep connections between sky, land, water and all living things. They can represent life, spirituality, renewal, balance and hope, and hold an important place in cultural storytelling, art and teachings.
Maku - Formerly The Mods
In Kaurna culture, clouds are connected to weather, seasons and caring for Country. They help signal changes in rain and wind, reflect the importance of water and life, and hold knowledge passed down through generations.
Piki - Formerly Building 2
The Moon is connected to time, seasons and the natural cycles of Country. It reflects the connections between sky, land and water and has long guided understandings of tides, weather and changes in Country.
Kurdanyi
Maku
Piki
Tirntu - Formerly Building 6
The Sun is a source of life, warmth and energy for Country. It guides daily and seasonal cycles and helps us understand time and changes in nature, reflecting the deep connection between people, land and sky.
Purli - Formerly Building 4
The stars are important to the Kaurna people, seen as part of a living sky interconnected with Country. Stars are used for navigation and guiding travel at night. They also connect to Dreaming stories and ancestors in the sky.
