First Nations educator Kylie Captain provided professional development for teachers and motivation for students at Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
Oh Captain, Kylie Captain.
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Just as Robin Williams’s inspiring teachings in Dead Poets Society led students to stand on their chairs in salute, the motivational force that was Ms Captain would have spurred the same action from Greater Shepparton Secondary College students, if not for today’s occupational health and safety regulations.
On September 19 and 20, the proud Gamilaroi woman lent her knowledge to the school, sharing her journey of overcoming adversity to become a best-selling author, devoted mother, and sought-after educator and motivational speaker across the country.
“It was a teacher who saw my potential when I didn’t realise I had it,” Ms Captain said.
“She told me I was smart and deadly and could do anything I set my mind to.
“I talk to the kids about these lightbulb moments, the little things that make a difference, and the power of education, focusing on wellbeing and goal setting.”
And her inspiration extended beyond the students.
Ms Captain’s message aligns closely with the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan, a collaborative initiative to improve Indigenous education throughout Victoria.
Her visit to Shepparton was marked by a series of professional development sessions aimed at local educators and Marrung leads (teachers dedicated to ensuring local history and cultures are in the curriculum).
For Shadelle Hood, a Koorie educator at GSSC, it helped affirm the teaching style she wanted to adopt and the importance of building connections with the students.
“These kids can do and be whatever they set their minds to,” she said.
“Sometimes all they need is to know that we believe in them, have pride in them and are here to support them in chasing their dreams.”
Central to Ms Captain’s philosophy is ‘the power of dreaming’, drawing from self-help author Napoleon Hill’s wisdom: If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand.
“What we see in our mind keeps us motivated, and we can work towards it,” Ms Captain said.
“There are a lot of challenges, particularly for First Nations kids — we start at a different level to everybody else.”
As Ms Captain points out, many First Nations children are not raised with knowledge and discussions about education.
This includes the fact that the education system historically had policies designed to purposely exclude them from spaces such as schools.
Armed with Ms Captain’s strategies, students can overcome challenges, forge ahead and chart a future framed by self-determination.
Individually, she has left a mark on Year 11 student Kirby Joachim for how “she went through her struggles and became such a stronger woman”.
Reflecting on the workshop, Kirby said she had started creating her own list of goals towards becoming a beautician and owning her own business in the industry.
Similarly, Ms Captain found inspiration from the Shepparton area and its people, describing the city as “beautiful and welcoming”.
“I’ve had some principals’ feedback that it was the most inspiring professional learning they’ve ever been to,” she said.
“I’ve had the best week, and I don’t think it will be my only visit.”
To learn more about Kylie Captain and her impactful work, visit kyliecaptain.com.au
During Kylie Captain’s visit, goal-setting tools were discussed and workshopped with students.
Photo by
Taylah Baker
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