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Aboriginal Education

CHRIST. CULTURE. COMMUNITY.

The Pacific Group of Christian Schools is deeply committed to partnering with Aboriginal communities to provide Christ-centred education that honours culture, language, and identity.

Gulgangali Jarjums

A New Journey Begins

In 2022, our first Aboriginal Christian school, Pacific Gulgangali Jarjums Christian School in Tweed Heads, opened its doors on Bundjalung country. “Gulgangali Jarjums” means ‘children for the future’, and the school reflects a vision of rising together in unity with Elders, guided by Christ.

Its curriculum is rooted in a Biblical worldview, while richly infused with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge, stories, and practices. Students also engage in unique programs like the Junior Rangers initiative and Bundjalung Language classes, which strengthen connection to land, culture, and community.

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Five Foundations; One Purpose

Our Pacific Aboriginal Christian schools grow from five interconnected foundations: Christ, Culture, Curriculum, Care, and Community. 

Through these foundations and the commitment to prioritising Indigenous staff, our Aboriginal Christian schools empower students to thrive academically, socially, spiritually, and culturally. They affirm every child’s God-given identity, and call them to use their gifts to serve their community and glorify God.

These schools seek to:

Embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and traditions into daily learning.

Provide high-quality literacy and numeracy programs to close the educational gap.

Offer safe, nurturing environments where students feel loved, valued, and supported.

Build authentic partnerships with local Elders, Aboriginal leaders, and families to shape school life and decision-making.

Celebrating Culture Across Our Schools

Across our regional schools, often 10% or more of students identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Each campus is committed to supporting Indigenous students through cultural engagement, personalised care, and opportunities that affirm their heritage while encouraging them to thrive academically and spiritually.
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Learn More

To learn more about how an Aboriginal Christian school could serve your community, we invite you to connect with Dr Ben van Gelderen, Director of Pacific Aboriginal Christian Schools and Pastor Will Dumas, Executive Advisor. 

Pastor Will
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
M: +61 0405 229 619

Dr Ben van Gelderen
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
M: +61 0480 525 005

"...things from of old, things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done."

Psalm 78:2–4

Artwork

Walking in Knowledge, Growing in Culture by Katrina Singh