On Thursday 27^th August, the 2020 SAASTA class along with students interested in participating in the SAASTA program next year travelled to John Pirie Secondary School (JPSS) to participate in the 2020 Power Cup Cultural workshop. The students were introduced to other SAASTA students from JPSS, the SAASTA coordinator Rigby Barnes and guest speaker Braeden Talbot. The students were tested on their knowledge of Indigenous Australian history and shared personal information about their own cultural groups, representations, and languages. One of the main learning objectives of the session was the importance of gaining an education of their cultural group so that this information can be transferred to future generations to come.

The students were given the opportunity to participate in a 20-minute football coaching session, which concluded with a goal kicking challenge. The students who participated in this excursion enjoyed the experience and have gained a better understanding of their culture.

“It was a good learning experience for the Year 9 students, as they were able to be involved and learn what SAASTA is all about” – Tyrell Crosby-Woods

On behalf of Gladstone High School, I would like to thank Braeden Talbot and Rigby Barnes for coordinating the workshop and being positive role models for our Indigenous students. I would also like to thank Barry Martin for making sure that we travelled safely during this excursion.