The Community Education Counsellor (CEC) at Bray Park State High School provides cultural, social and emotional support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families. The CEC works closely with students to strengthen engagement, wellbeing and achievement, offering guidance, mentoring and support to overcome personal or school-related challenges.
A key part of the role is building strong connections between school, families and community. The CEC assists with communication, supports parent and caregiver involvement, and collaborates with staff and external services to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. The position also promotes cultural safety, belonging and awareness across the school.
The CEC contributes to cultural programs, provides advice on cultural protocols, and advocates for the needs of Indigenous students. This is advocated and strengthened by the Bray Park State High School Reconciliation Action Plan May2025-May2026. Through enhancing inclusion, attendance and engagement, the CEC helps create a supportive environment where every student can thrive.
Indigenous Programs
Throughout the calendar year, student support programs are run and coordinated with the assistance of the Wellbeing Team, inclusive of the CEC. Our programs focus on wellbeing support ensuring students feel safe, comfortable and supported in their learning environment. Below are a few Indigenous programs delivered to indigenous students:
- ARTIE – The Former Origin Greats (FOGS) ARTIE (Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education) Academy was introduced to the school at the beginning of 2025 school year. ARTIE offers an array of support programs such as the Driver Licensing Program (DLP), Tutorial Support and Term Attendance Challenges to encourage our students to aim high and succeed. ARTIE Academy has been established to 'Close the Gap' of social disadvantage facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. For more information please click the link ARTIE - Inspire, Encourage, Succeed.
- RESPECT Program – Young men's program delivered by Uncle Sam Leone, founder of BOSS Boxing. The program aims to empower, embolden, build respect and inspire young men through cultural guidance and the power of yarn. The program aims to keep young men engaged feel supported at school.
- Project Yarn Circle by y2K - provides a culturally inclusive and supportive space for indigenous youth to connect to culture as an effort to navigate and reduce mental health challenges. The program is coordinated and delivered through yarning circles where students are supported by Elders and Community facilitators. Students participate in culturally fun, hands-on activities helping to build cultural pride, self-worth and connection to community. For more information, please click the link Project Yarn Circle.
- Bray Park State High School Indigenous Dance Group – Our school has a significantly large Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student representation for the region, where cultural pride is instilled and practiced in songs and dances. Bray Park State High school proudly celebrates the indigenous culture through cultural performances at various schools and community events during significant indigenous calendar dates.
Contact
If you are interested in learning more about any of our Indigenous programs or would like to contact our CEC, please reach out to Richard Monaei on Ph. (07) 3881 6666 or email tmona27@eq.edu.au.