We Are Learning - Slowly
Abstract
“The Minister directs that you take up duties at X school.” Ye gods and little fishes! What does a teacher new to a school like this do?
The school concerned in this paper is in a small, isolated, North Queensland town with a population of about 200. The racial mix is about 75% Aboriginal descent. The “best” jobs are mainly confined to the European sector, with the high profile occupations being held by itinerants, (teachers, nurses, and police). The local council is the main employer in the town, but there is still a high level of unemployment. Low socio-economic and educational standards and high alcohol consumption are prevalent throughout the community.
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