Current as of 30.11.11
Yirrkala Homelands
School and Community Profile
The Community
Yirrkala Homelands School has a Resource Centre in Yirrkala, 700 km east of Darwin and 20 km from Nhulunbuy. Nhulunbuy is a large mining town that has most of the amenities that people require. There are a number of interesting recreational areas in the region that require a permit for entry.
The main language is Yolngu Matha, used by many residents as a first language. The traditional owners of the land where the community is located are the Rirritjingu and the Gumatj clans. Yirrkala Homelands School services communities in the Laynhapuy Region. There are 16 clans that comprise the Yolngu cultural block of the Laynhapuy region in which Yirrkala is located.
The School
Full-time teachers: 15
Full-time assistant teachers: 16
Enrolments: 189
Average student attendance: 71.1%
School years: Preschool to senior years
Indigenous students: 100%
Yirrkala Homelands School provides education from preschool to senior years. The school focuses on the priorities of attendance, student achievement in numeracy, literacy, pathways to employment and participation and professional learning for all staff.
Teachers visit the Homelands 3-4 days per week to support the Indigenous Teachers in the communities to deliver teaching and learning programs. The other days are spent in Yirrkala where teachers engage in professional learning and collaborative planning.
Housing
Furnished one, two or three bedroom homes are provided to teachers and their families to lease at no cost. Staff will be accommodated in Yirrkala if possible, however there is limited housing available in the community and you may be required to live in share houses with other teachers, or be accommodated in Nhulunbuy.
The NT Government’s Territory Housing is the tenancy manager who coordinates repairs and maintenance. The Department of Education and Training provides funding to the school to furnish the houses.
Most houses are equipped with a lounge suite, coffee table, book case, computer desk, oven and stove, microwave, fridge, dining room table and chairs, a queen bed in the master bedroom and a single bed in the other rooms, with a chest of drawers and curtains.
When teachers visit the Homeland communities they generally sleep in swags in the classroom or on the veranda of the school. New infrastructure is being developed at four sites. Visiting Officers Quarters are being constructed and contain individual bedrooms and shared living areas, including a kitchen and bathroom.
Shopping and Supplies
The Yirrkala shop (IGA) sells a selection of everyday items and hot takeaway food stocks. There are many things you cannot buy in the community and most teachers do their grocery shopping in Nhulunbuy.
Facilities and Services
Health Clinic
The Yirrkala Health Clinic is located near the church and provides primary health care services to the residents. All health emergencies are handled by the Gove District Hospital in Nhulunbuy which has a complete range of services.
Police
Police are stationed in Nhulunbuy which is twenty kilometres from Yirrkala. The police station is manned 24 hours a day.
Shire Office
The East Arnhem Shire Office is located near the Laynhapuy Homelands Association. The Council provides housing, essential services, Centrelink and youth services to the local residents.
Service Station
A small amount of fuel is available from Bunuwal Industrial. The main service station is located in Nhulunbuy, opposite the fire station.
For More Information
For more information on Yirrkala Homelands school and community visit : www.bushtel.nt.gov.au or www.teaching.nt.gov.au/remote.