Highly Commended at the 2019 Queensland Reconciliation Awards (Education category).
The Queensland Reconciliation Awards recognises initiatives undertaken by businesses, community organisations, educational institutions and government departments going above and beyond their core business to foster reconciliation and pave the way for a better future for our state.
Recipients were announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 29 May, during National Reconciliation Week.
The Heatley SS entry was titled: More than the power of two: Leading school improvement in Indigenous education.
Since 2005, Heatley State School has been on the path to reconciliation with a whole-of-school approach. The power of relationships and recognition of difference as a strength are integral to the school's core values, mission statement and vision.
All staff have learnt about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, histories and languages, and teachers ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures are embedded and taught throughout the whole school curriculum. All students participate in reconciliation and NAIDOC celebrations in the school which improves their knowledge and often significantly changes their relationships. Over the past 15 years, Heatley State School has seen a positive increase of engagement, achievement and success of all of its students, especially its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.