When Michael Franey sat down with a group of Japanese exchange students at The Heights School he was proud to pass just some of the knowledge collected by First Nations Australians over countless generations.
He taught them about the tools and weapons used by Indigenous people, about instruments like the yidaki, or didgerdoo, and even how to paint and cook in a traditional style.
"They absolutely loved it," Michael says.
"They really enjoyed playing the instruments and making damper with us."
Fellow The Heights student Callan McInnes also loves to share First Nations knowledge and traditions, so much so that he would eventually like to incorporate this knowledge into the field he hopes to study after high school – astrophysics.
"I've always really been interested in science and space from a young age," Callan says.
"As I grew up, I found that I liked physics, and then I found myself wondering how I could combine the two and that’s when I found astrophysics.
"That was about a year ago, and I’ve fixated on it since then because there are so many cool things you can do within it.
"But I also like the fact that Indigenous culture has these stories about space and constellations, so I feel like astrophysics is something I can explore both for myself and as part of my culture."
Both Callan and Michael, who when he’s not teaching exchange students is diligently studying his electrotechnology VET course with the aim of becoming a qualified electrician, are among the latest recipients of the prestigious Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarships, awarded each year to help Aboriginal students in Year 11 and 12 earn their SACE.
Twelve outstanding South Australian students were recognised for their academic achievement during the recent National Reconciliation Week, with 10 receiving Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarships and two - Latisha Elphick, from Paralowie School and Nicholas Harris, from Berri Regional Secondary College – being awarded the Chief Executive’s Reconciliation Award for achieving the highest ATARs among the state’s Aboriginal students.
"We are committed to helping young Aboriginal people to feel supported in their educational pursuits and prepared to take on the world when they leave school," Department for Education Chief Executive Martin Westwell said.
"The awards and scholarships acknowledge these students for their excellent academic achievements and the strong commitment they have made to their education.
"They have gained knowledge, skills and confidence to help them make positive choices about their future, with encouragement from their teachers and support from their family and friends."
For Michael and Callan, the $2000 scholarships will help with the remainder of their schooling.
"It's given me some money to help pay for things to support my education and pathway options," Michael says.
"It’s been really handy."
Callan says it will help him achieve his goal of studying a Bachelor of Space Science and Astrophysics at Adelaide University.
So could we see him literally aiming for the stars one day and heading to space?
"Well, that would be amazing," he laughs.
"But we'll have to see about that."
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