Blog

Term 3 has involved a mix of educational, informative and fun activities for Stars students in Queensland and many of the highlights follow. These stories are indicative of the Stars’ activities running in tandem in 62+ primary and secondary schools operating across all mainland states and the Northern Territory.

Stars officially launched at Western Cape College, Weipa

Stars Foundation was delighted to officially open one of our newest programs for 2024 at Western Cape College in Weipa, Queensland, on the west coast of Cape York, about 200 kilometres south of the northernmost tip of Australia. It was a wonderful celebration where the partnership between the school, Stars Foundation and Western Cape Communities Trust shone brightly.

The team warmly welcomed students, family members, Elders and the broader school community, and students were proud to share a traditional dance to mark the occasion. Special thanks to members of Western Cape Communities Trust who have played a pivotal role in bringing this program to life for the benefit of First Nations young women in their communities. Their investment in the education and positive futures for both girls and boys is to be celebrated and respected.

Year 12 Stars from Western Cape College were also very excited to recently travel to Townsville for their first Stars Futures Forum, where senior students have an opportunity to meet business and further education leaders to discuss local employment, training and study opportunities in their communities. Students were especially enthusiastic about embarking on a new adventure to meet other Stars students and to discover education and employment opportunities with the Stars team and valued partners.

Cairns Stars launch program with NAIDOC celebrations and leadership opportunities

Stars Foundation is also thrilled to have opened a new program in tropical Far North Queensland in Cairns. Stars students from Cairns State High School wholeheartedly embraced celebrating NAIDOC Week with a range of enjoyable activities. This included: performing traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dances at the school NAIDOC parade; a coconut leaf weaving session with Bethal and Bibi Baker; an Art Workshop with Aboriginal artist, Delissa Walker, and a wonderful big breakfast in the Stars Room which was open to all staff and students.

The Cairns NAIDOC Leadership Forum was proudly attended by Stars from Years 7-9 from Cairns State High School. All the participating Stars thoroughly enjoyed the event, and the focus was on coming together, connecting, and igniting leadership potential. The program involved workshops, interactive activities, exploring culture, and making positive impact in communities and development of leadership skills.

Stars from Cairns State High School also recently welcomed a visit from Defence Australia’s Leading Seamen, Cain and Curry, who shared a presentation focused on career pathways. Students were fully engaged and asked many questions about opportunities in the Royal Australian Navy’s Indigenous Development Program (NIDP).

Townsville Stars programs grow from strength to strength

Meanwhile, long-standing programs in Townsville continue to thrive.

Year 10 Stars students from Thuringowa State High School in Townsville travelled to Cairns for a special two-day Annual Leadership Camp. Highlights included:

• Adventuring to Kuranda for the Rainforestation Nature Park experience on the Army Duck Tour that took them through the rainforest on land and water;
• Participating in the Pamagirri Aboriginal experience which involved listening to didgeridoo playing, watching and learning to throw boomerangs and enjoying the Aboriginal Dance Performance where two of our brave girls performed the dance in front of 150 people;
• Enjoying lunch and yarning about plans after school and upcoming interviews;
• Exploring the night market stalls on The Esplanade;
• Reflecting on the Stars plans completed at the beginning of the year to see what goals they had achieved and deciding on any new ones to add in the months ahead; and
• Cooking a delicious BBQ for dinner before travelling home.

Year 9 Stars students at Thuringowa State High School also baked some delicious vanilla and chocolate cupcakes for the wonderful office ladies and Deputy Principals. This was a little token of appreciation to say thank you for all the hard work they do behind the scenes to keep the school running and for always supporting our program and students.

Stars students from Heatley Secondary College in Townsville, spent part of R U OK? Day participating in activities focused on mental health and wellbeing. R U OK? Day is a National Day of Action and people are encouraged to ask one another, “Are you OK?” and start meaningful conversations to check on the well-being of those around them. The young women all eagerly played a game of ‘Conversation Bingo’, which allowed them to engage in conversation with people whom they typically would not engage with. Students learned fun new facts about each other and the game gave them tools to start meaningful conversations with others in the future.

Stars students from Pimlico State High School in Townsville invited their favourite female teacher for morning tea in honour of Women’s Health Week. The girls were provided with special wellness gift bags to celebrate a week dedicated to the health and wellbeing of girls and women.