Remote School, World in Reach

Story by Beverley Callow

Beyond the tiny township of Gongolgon, down a red dirt track lined with mulga, is Brewarrina Christian School, where students learn Mandarin, Taiko drumming, woodwork and bike safety in one of the most remote corners of western NSW.

Principal Steve Te Whaiti arrived in January from Bethlehem College in New Zealand, where he spent 22 years in education, including leadership roles in curriculum, service and mission.

“I loved what I was doing, and that’s what led me here – to understand and learn about the culture and compare it to my own.”

A teacher by trade and a decathlon athlete, Mr Te Whaiti says he loves teaching.

“Science is, like, the coolest subject ever, but I also taught physical education and outdoor education,” he said.

A highlight of the children’s day is riding bikes around the grounds – safely.

“We’ve done a safety course with all the kids. We’ve developed a bike licence, and set up a safety course on the courts where they go through cones, and at the end of the course, we issue them with a bike licence.

“And they loved it. Absolutely loved it.” […]

Students taking part in the school’s bike program - Jamarl Pevy, Challis Gibson, Sandie Moore-Bloomfield, Doreen Gordon, Mr Ben Clark, Levi Tuhi-Rose, Skylar Hogan and Principal Steve Te Whaiti. Photo Beverley Callow

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