NSR

= Northern Sydney Region (NSR) =  **// [|Aboriginal local heritage] //**

= About Northern Sydney Region = // Northern Sydney Region (NSR) is made up of six networks of schools: Hornsby, North Shore, The Hills, Lane Cove, Middle Harbour and The Peninsula. In 2009, students within the NSR attend 119 primary schools, 36 secondary schools, 12 schools for specific purposes (SSPs) and have access to two hospital schools, two intensive language schools, two environmental education centres and Stewart House. A total of 7,788 students have enrolled in kindergarten in NSR schools in 2009: 51,684 students in primary schools; 32,490 in secondary schools and 544 in SSPs. The total student enrolment in our schools in 2009 is 84,718, an increase of 1,489 students from 2008 (1.8%). For many years, the overall regional enrolments have increased every year and in the past two years, all networks have also experienced enrolment growth. Our schools are staffed by approximately 5,000 teachers. // Source: DET NSR Intranet

**IN THE PAST...**
Via the introduction of the 1996 Aboriginal Education Policy (which has now been [|revised] ) it was common practice for schools to purchase and fly an Aboriginal flag, invite an Aboriginal performer to the school annually or paint an "Aboriginal " mural. [|(Policy history)]
 * NSW DET schools are required to include Aboriginal Education into their everyday curriculum. Often this is evident through visual and performing arts programs and activities.

These were all good and genuine efforts by centres for learning to acknowledge the pre-colonisation past and the rich Aboriginal heritage of Australia. But more needed to be done. A deeper knowledge and understanding had to be available to students. In addition to developing a stronger working partnership between the school and Aboriginal community.

We are now observing schools consult with communities through their local AECG's and formal meetings begin with an //Acknowledgement of Country// as students respect the land on which they meet and recognise it as traditional Aboriginal land. **