We pay deep respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, to their Elders past, present and emerging, and to all cultural ambassadors. In particular, we acknowledge the Kaurna people on whose traditional lands Pembroke was founded, the Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri people as custodians of the land where Pembroke’s presence extends to the Finniss River at Old Watulunga, and to the many other groups around the country with whom we also enjoy close and respectful ties.
Pembroke’s Commitment
Pembroke’s Strategic Plan 2030 – Stronger Together promises to serve the community. We are committed to nurturing an enduring partnership with First Nations people to serve the spirit of reconciliation embodied within Pembroke’s history and our newly revised Reconciliation Action Plan.
Annaliese (Year 10) on the Pembroke Marree Trip 2024
Pembroke’s Commitment
Pembroke School has a strong history of supporting Indigenous students through:
Financial support
Providing financial assistance and bursaries to Indigenous students to access a Pembroke education. For example:
~ Pembroke School partners with the Indigenous Youth Leadership Scholarship Program (IYLP) delivered by The Smith Family, which covers approximately 60% of Pembroke tuition fees for successful applicants.
~ The remaining gap for boarding and tuition fees is supported by gifts made voluntarily by generous donors.
Cultural engagement and knowledge sharing
Embedding Indigenous perspectives in the curriculum, celebrating Indigenous culture through events and fostering meaningful, long-term connections with Indigenous communities. Examples include:
~ Kaurna is offered as a language option across Years 7 to 10, under the direction, counsel and support of Uncle Mickey Kumatpi Marrutya O’Brien and Aunty Elaine Magias.
~ First Nations scholars are able to undertake SACE Stage 1 and 2 First and Second Language studies at Pembroke – the only non-Aboriginal school in Australia to offer this program
~ An exhibition of works (Body Remembers) by acclaimed Indigenous Australian artist Tracey Moffatt AO is currently on display in the R A Cooke Chapel. On loan from the collection of the late Neil Balnaves AO, the works reference the forced removal of Aboriginal women from their families and homes and their internment as domestic servants. The exhibition inspires the Pembroke and wider community to reconsider Australia’s past from Indigenous perspectives.
~ Marree Exchange: Old scholar and Pembroke Foundation Patron, Mrs Margaret Bennett provided financial support for Pembroke’s annual exchange with the South Australian Marree community over many years. The exchange continues today (pictured left) as an integral part of IE@P.
~ Mr Cedric Varcoe is a member of the Pembroke staff as Ngarrindjeri Ambassador and Cultural Advisor at Old Watulunga. As custodian, he takes responsibility for sharing historic perspectives and caring for country and waters. Mr Varcoe has also completed a painting and weaving residency in our Shipsters Road Building.
Pembroke’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP)
In 2011, to enhance opportunities for First Nations scholars, Pembroke was approved as a partner in the IYLP, an Australian Government initiative facilitated by The Smith Family.
The IYLP application process is managed by The Smith Family, with students being required to attend an in-person interview at Pembroke. Successful applicants are awarded the IYLP Scholarship which accounts for approximately 60% of tuition fees.
Many IE@P students are boarders who must also qualify for a means tested ABSTUDY living away from home allowance. Despite this, and support from the IYLP, the majority of students in the IYLP, boarding or day students face an annual fee payment gap of approximately $14,000. This does not include the cost of additional needs such as uniforms, laptop and books – which is why donations from generous Pembroke community members are so vital.
Maggie (Year 9) during Dance class
Impact
Since the establishment of the IE@P Program, 40 Indigenous scholars have graduated from Pembroke and a further 11 Indigenous students are currently enrolled at the School. Pembroke’s Indigenous students come from diverse cultural groups and regions including the Torres Strait Islands, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Darwin, Alice Springs, Halls Creek, Oodnadatta, Marree, Ardrossan and Ceduna.
Post-school pathways for our Indigenous old scholars include a broad range of study disciplines and careers including law, medicine, sports science, business, environmental science, politics, commerce, engineering, teaching, visual arts, project management, economics and trade apprenticeships such as plumbing and electrical.
Lester (Year 12) with Kaurna Ngarrindjeri Ambassador
Mr Isaac Hannam at the 2024 Yunupingu Cup
How You Can Help
We hope that you will join us in working towards a sustainable future for Indigenous education at Pembroke.
By investing in Indigenous education at Pembroke, we can create a future where Indigenous students at Pembroke School have the resources, support and opportunities to excel. Your support is not just an investment in education, it is an investment in reconciliation, cultural enrichment and the next generation of Indigenous leaders. We can create a future where Indigenous students can walk in two worlds, with the strength of their cultural identity and the skills to thrive in today’s society.
We invite you to be part of this transformative initiative by:
Donating in support of Indigenous education: www.pembroke.sa.edu.au/iep-donation
Partnering with us to support Indigenous cultural programs
Becoming an advocate for Indigenous education within our community
Together, we can help to build a stronger path forward for Indigenous youth.
For more information or to discuss how you can contribute, please contact the Pembroke Development Office via development@pembroke.sa.edu.au or 08 8366 7094.
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Mr Cedric Varcoe, Ngarrindjeri Ambassador and Cultural and On Country Advisor at Old Watulunga educating Pembroke ELC students on turtle conservation at Old Watulunga
