More Aboriginal students than ever before achieved the South Australian Certificate of Education in 2006.

104 Aboriginal students completed their SACE last year compared to 81 in 2005. Three Aboriginal students received a merit.

South Australian Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says it’s a tremendous personal achievement for each one of the students and their families.

“Achieving the SACE takes a lot of hard work, dedication and support from family members, teachers and friends,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.

“I am delighted to see so many Aboriginal students achieve their school leaving certificate, giving them the best possible chance of a successful future.

“Their teachers, parents, siblings and friends can also feel very proud about the achievements of these students because their support has been invaluable.

“There has been significant work within the education community to make sure Aboriginal children are supported to stay in school and complete their SACE.

“Schools work closely with parents and strive to give Aboriginal students a challenging and relevant curriculum that suits their aspirations.

“The Department of Education and Children’s Services and Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia also work cooperatively to provide support for students.”

SSABSA Chief Executive Dr Janet Keightley sent her congratulations to all students.

“This success rate is a direct result of the collaborative efforts of various agencies and the hard work of these students and their teachers, as well as SSABSA and DECS staff who have supported students throughout their Stage 2 SACE,” says Dr Keightley.

Cassie Brown of Ottoway, who received a merit certificate, attributes her success to support from the staff at Le Fevre High School and support from the community, employers during work placements and Aboriginal community leaders.

The support of her tutor Dawn Kuchel over five years was instrumental, with Cassie saying Dawn was always there for her and put in extra hours after school and on weekends.

The Aboriginal Education team at LeFevre remained supportive and ‘on her case’ every step of the way and ensured that every opportunity was available to her to participate in a range of experiences.

For example, Cassie discovered she could be successful if she chose to be when she was one of two people selected to attend a science and maths tour to London.

Ms Anne Bourke, Cassie’s Women’s Studies Teacher, was also a very inspirational and very responsive to her learning needs, Cassie said.

The two other merit students were Meggan Keanin of Somerton Park, who achieved a merit in Food and Hospitality Studies and Honey Rae Lockyer of Whyalla Stuart, who received a merit in Communication and the Community.