Former Nanga Mai Marri Program* graduate, Emily Cooley, is well on her way to achieving her dreams thanks to the support of Souths Cares’ Indigenous program mentors and the staff at South Sydney High School (SSHS).
Emily, who joined the Program while studying for the HSC, credits Souths Cares and her teachers with helping her onto the path to becoming a primary school teacher.
Now studying at Randwick TAFE, Emily was first given a taste of teaching when she commenced as a Teachers’ Aide at SSHS, supporting students at their afternoon homework club.
That experience greatly assisted Emily in achieving both her training and employment outcomes.
Well on her journey to becoming a qualified teacher, Emily is in her second year of working as a Teachers’ Aide at Crown Street Public School (CSPS).
Emily is already displaying her creative teaching ability by introducing a support group for the school’s Aboriginal student population and suggesting that Souths Cares play a role in mentoring the wider school community.
To that end, Souths Cares and School representatives recently met to discuss the learning needs of the students with the teaching staff who earmarked Rabbitohs legend and Souths Cares Ambassador Nathan Merritt, as the man for the job.
Nathan didn’t hesitate to volunteer for the role which will see him pilot the charity’s Deadly Rabbitohs Program at the school throughout Term 2.
The Program is designed to better engage students in their learning by having an Ambassador working in collaboration with the classroom teacher.
As a trained Teachers’ Aide with a number of year’s practical experience, Nathan will assist the young students with their numeracy and literacy skills as well as other activities designed by staff.
If the pilot Program is a success, Souths Cares will consider expanding it to other local primary schools.
To find out more about Emily’s role at CSPS, please click on the video link above.
*The Nanga Mai Marri Program mentors Indigenous students from Years 10 to 12 and is supported by the Commonwealth Government.
