Gawura School
St Andrew's
Bridging <em>Worlds,</em><br>Building <em>Futures</em> Bridging <em>Worlds,</em><br>Building <em>Futures</em>

Bridging Worlds,
Building Futures

At Gawura School we bridge ancient wisdom with exceptional contemporary learning, in classrooms and on Country. We believe every student is unique, loved by their Creator God, infinitely precious, gifted for a purpose and responsible for their actions, celebrating their cultural identities as a vital source of strength, resilience and connection.

HAVE A YARN SUPPORT US
Bridging <em>Worlds,</em><br>Building <em>Futures.</em> Bridging <em>Worlds,</em><br>Building <em>Futures.</em>

Bridging Worlds,
Building Futures.

Strength through connection - at Gawura School, students walk confidently in two worlds, grounded in culture and guided by knowledge. Our close-knit community supports each child and their family, ensuring that learning becomes a shared journey of pride, belonging, and opportunity.

HAVE A YARN SUPPORT US

Gawura School acknowledges the Gadigal Clan as the traditional custodians of the land on which we stand and one of the 29 clans of the Eora Nation which is bordered by the Hawkesbury River to the north, the Nepean River to the west, and the Georges River to the south. We would also like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present, and emerging.

Gawura School sits within St Andrew’s Cathedral School and is a unique, highly regarded, coeducational Kindergarten to Year 6 day school for First Nations children who live at home with their families. We are proud to have been named 2020 Australian School of the Year.

Find out more about our commitment to First Nations peoples.

Restoration Action Plan
First Nations Strategic Plan

Our award winning ‘school within a school’, Gawura School, is changing the conversation about urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.

NAIDOC Assembly
NAIDOC Assembly 2026

Welcome from the Head of Gawura School and Founders Pastor Ray and Aunty Sharon Minniecon

First Nations leadership is at the heart of Gawura School. Pastor Ray and Aunty Sharon Minniecon, founders of Gawura School nearly 20 years ago, were determined to change fundamentally flawed systems so that First Nations children could enjoy an outstanding, strengths-based, tailored education, in an environment that celebrated the world’s oldest, continuously living culture.

Supported by First Nations mentors and an involved community, John Ralph leads Gawura School, with over 9 years of experience in First Nations education.

What makes Gawura School unique

Strong in culture, strong in learning
We have a distinctive, award-winning approach to First Nations Kindergarten to Year 6 education, combining expertise in the classroom with high expectations, all built on deep care for each student and their family.

Coeducational 100% First Nations school
Gawura School students enjoy high quality, contemporary learning that affirms First Nations cultural strengths; enabling students to discover their unique gifts and grow in confidence, supported by teachers, mentors, Elders and community.
We are First Nations-led
First Nations leadership and voice is critical to our success. We create a place of learning where families are respected partners in the education of their children.
Located in the heart of Sydney
Gawura School stands proudly on Gadigal Land in a purpose-built high-rise building. With light-filled learning spaces, we’re a dedicated First Nations school within St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
Small class sizes  
Gawura School intentionally keeps class sizes small – no more than six students per year group. Teachers know each student and can offer personalised support for each learner, giving them every chance to succeed.
Literacy and numeracy focus 
Expert teachers lead with a focus on literacy and numeracy in the early years, building strong foundations for learners, creating pathways and opportunities for years to come.
Award winning
The Australian Education Awards named Gawura School the Australian School of the Year in 2020 with judges commending the School’s innovative approach to First Nations education.
High expectations built on relationship
High expectations alongside strong, trusting relationships with teachers, result in high attendance and ongoing progress, from students who are valued as unique and gifted for a purpose.
Gawura First Nations Scholarship 
Students are supported by Scholarships, allowing them to enjoy a culturally enriched education as well as access to all the opportunities offered by a leading Independent school.
State of the art facilities 
Classrooms and spaces at Gawura School value and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identities, histories, and cultures. Students enjoy purpose-built facilities and access to cultural spaces across the city.
Expert, culturally responsive teachers 
Expert teachers know how to get the best from each student, building strong relationships with families and carers, and combining culturally responsive teaching with relationships built on trust and high expectations.
Gawura School bus
A dedicated bus service for Gawura School families ensures safe, convenient and free transport to and from school.
Supportive parent partnerships 
Much of Gawura School’s success comes down to genuine and supportive partnerships with parents and community, from day-to-day encounters, to a Parent Advisory Committee, and yarning circles that build relationships and cultural knowledge.

A day in Gawura School

A day at Gawura School combines strong academic learning with cultural connection, wellbeing support and meaningful relationships. Through smaller classes and a nurturing environment, students are known, valued and supported to thrive. Each day builds confidence, belonging and pride in who they are, creating strong foundations for future success.

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A Gawura First Nations Scholarship transforms lives…
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Stories

Stay connected and be inspired

Our school life and community are rich in storytelling. Our events and news showcase the moments, milestones and voices that shape our students’ learning journey.

From classroom highlights and cultural celebrations to community gatherings, fundraising events and On Country experiences, this is where you can see impact in action.

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Youve Got This, Sonn

You've Got This, Sonny and Josh! 💛

Exams are just a moment in time, but the hard work, dedication and determination that has brought you to this point is what truly matters.

Sonny and Josh, we know how much you have put into your journey, and we couldn't be prouder of all you have achieved and the remarkable young men you have become.

As you begin your HSC exams, know that your entire Gawura School and St Andrew's Cathedral School community is behind you, cheering you on every step of the way.

To our Gawura community, let's fill the comments with messages of encouragement and support!

You've got this, Sonny and Josh! 💛 ... See MoreSee Less

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⚽️ What a result

⚽️ What a result!

Yesterday, Jabeck, Amaali and Billie attended the Sydney FC Primary School Cup Girls Football (soccer!) Gala Day.

As true NRL footy girls, this was the first time all three had ever played in a soccer match. But that certainly didn’t hold them back!

The stakes were high, with teams from schools across Sydney competing.

All three girls scored goals throughout the day….... AND then they went on to win the competition in a penalty shoot-out! 🏆⚽️

What an incredible effort and a brilliant display of their sporting talent, teamwork and willingness to give something new a go.

Well done, girls! 👏🏽 ... See MoreSee Less

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On Tuesday, our Juni

On Tuesday, our Junior School and Gawura School came together to farewell the Year 12 students who began their SACS journey in either Junior School or Gawura School, including our own Josh and Sonny.

It was such a special celebration and a wonderful full-circle moment (& there was not a dry eye in the Cathedral).

We heard from their former Year 6 teachers, while Mrs Price shared some beautiful memories of Josh from her Kindergarten class. Oh, how far you have come, Josh!

As Josh had a 13-year journey at Gawura and SACS, he was awarded a medal for being an "Ultimate Andrean".

Our current Kindergarten students shared some words of wisdom from Dr Seuss, including Tate. For our youngest students, seeing Josh and Sonny preparing to finish Year 12 is a powerful reminder of the journey ahead, and all that is possible.

Congratulations, Josh and Sonny - and to your families, who have supported, encouraged and walked alongside you throughout your schooling years.

With just one official week of school at St Andrew’s remaining, we are incredibly proud of you both. While this chapter is coming to an end, you will always be part of the Gawura School community.

We can’t wait to welcome you back in the years ahead and hear where your post-SACS journeys take you.

Stay in touch. We will always be cheering you on. ... See MoreSee Less

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On the first Wednesd

On the first Wednesday of every September is the Indigenous Literacy Day run by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

This year's theme is 'Country is our Teacher'.

Our Gawura School students ventured down to the majestic Sydney Opera House to be a part of this annual celebration.

Two students from Alice Springs shared what their community is like in a short film that was most inspiring.

There was a musical/drama performance from Aboriginal performer Lucas Proudfoot.

Aunty Daisy Ward read a book that she wrote titled 'My Walk Through the Seasons on Ngaanyatjarra Country'.

And then there was a final presentation from Kirsten Banks who is a First Nations Astrophysicist who gave a wonderful insight into Indigenous Astronomy.

Thank you The Indigenous Literacy Foundation for inviting us once again and sharing culture and stories with us. We are already counting down to next year! ... See MoreSee Less

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A committed community

Meet some of your child’s most vocal supporters: a community of teachers, mentors, family, Elders and staff committed to the journey.

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John Ralph
Head of Gawura School

Gawura School has a simple formula; the delivery of an explicit data driven curriculum practice, high expectations with attendance being paramount; all delivered in a culturally supportive and enriching environment.
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Pastor Ray Minniecon
Co-Founder

When we founded Gawura School we challenged a fundamental political and philosophical notion that it’s not the child that is the educational problem, it’s our educational system. And so we implemented a different approach to education.
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Aunty Sharon Minniecon
Co-founder, Community Liaison Officer

I’m a great believer in education – it opens doors to opportunities and experiences that can do good for ourselves and others.
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Emma Walker
Aboriginal Education Mentor 7-12

Gawura School is a family, a community and lastly a school.
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Dr Julie McGonigle
Head of St Andrew’s Cathedral School and Gawura School

Gawura School has had a transformative effect on our entire School. The work of restoration and bridging worlds requires ‘both/and’ people rather than ‘either/or’: we are about truth telling and hope; authentic recognition of the past and healing; reflective faith and sacred space.
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Lauren Ferguson
Aboriginal Education Assistant

My favourite moments are watching all Jarjum grow into strong, hard workers. When you see milestones being accomplished, your heart skips a beat!
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Daniel Murray
Gawura School teacher

My hope is for our students to become the best versions of themselves so that they can be excellent role models who care for and inspire our younger students and one day, future generations of First Nations children.
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Ana Roy-McGrath
First Nations Working Group leader

Central to this work is creating safe and supportive spaces for students. Offering a listening ear, taking the time to sit with a student, hear their experiences, and support them to remain engaged in their learning and school life.
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Bronwyn Wake
Head of Wellbeing K-12

We seek to deeply embed ways of wellbeing that intrinsically connect students with themselves, family, community and country.
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Pauline Soo
Gawura School teacher

My hope is that each child leaves Gawura School knowing they are loved, that their story matters, and that they carry the skills, curiosity, and courage to flourish in whatever path they choose.
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Uncle Bill
Gawura Bus Driver

The kids are good to be around, and I love seeing the kids grow up. That’s the best part of my job.
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Charmaine and Jason Mumbulla
Gawura School parents

Like trees, students require strong roots – cultural identity, family and community – along with the nourishment of knowledge, a warm sense of belonging, and guidance to flourish.