Primary Campus

Throughout the Primary School at OLSH Thamarrurr Catholic College, students receive a well-balanced education that encapsulates and reflects the diverse nature of students within the community. Religion is reflected in all curriculum areas and specifically taught across the school in Murrinhpatha, the language of the region.

Students in the Early Years and Transition - Year 2 are taught largely in Murrinhpatha where a large emphasis is placed on developing critical learning skills within the students’ first language. Students are supported to think, read and write in Murrinhpatha with a curriculum that is rich in cultural knowledge as well as knowledge that is needed to support English learning as they progress in age. Two Way learning is supported in the Early Years with English, Numeracy, Physical Education, Health and Art programs that place a large emphasis on Oral Language and building solid foundations that will support the transition to more English language-based curriculum.

From Years 3 – 6, Murrinhpatha learning continues with formal Murrinhpatha Literacy and Religion lessons, however a larger focus is placed upon English literacy in this level. Students participate in the InitiaLit English program which supports students to develop their phonetic understanding of English. This is supported by a rich curriculum that covers Numeracy, History, Science, Civics and Citizenship, Sport and Health as well as Social and Emotional wellbeing.

The Aboriginal culture of Wadeye and the Thamarrurr region is greatly valued throughout the Primary School at OLSH Thamarrurr. Children enjoy the culture days when community members visit the school to share their traditional stories, dancing and knowledge. This along with trips on Country and other opportunities support our Primary students with their holistic education and ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge to further learning and two-way connections between the Murrinhpatha and English worlds.