leadership at yiramalay
Marilyn Oscar is a proud Bunuba woman from Leopold. She has worked at the Yiramalay Studio School as the Induction Team since 2015.
Marilyn is a gifted storyteller and respected community member. She is passionate about sharing her culture and knowledge with the next generation. She is well known by Induction students, who affectionately call her Mum and Aunty.
Advocate for Indigenous education and culture
Marilyn is a strong advocate for Aboriginal education and culture. She is committed to helping young Aboriginal people achieve their dreams.
Development in formal teaching
Bunuba Elder Marilyn, has been working closely with Year 11 teacher at Yiramalay, Elly to develop an intentional learning on-country program.
During Term 2 2024, Elly and Marilyn took all students to the Old Homestead, where Marilyn shared insights into ancient mud maps, highlighting how Aboriginal ancestors used celestial navigation and earth drawings for direction. As Marilyn sketched the route from Yiramalay to Old Homestead right into the earth, students were inspired to craft their own maps - a route to a favourite fishing spot or from Yiramalay to somewhere they enjoyed visiting while they are at school. Back in the classroom, students reflected on their expedition and then delved into numeracy and geography using satellite maps of Yiramalay.
Given Marilyn's key role within the teaching team at Yiramalay, Marilyn was also invited to be part of the Quality Teaching two-day workshop with Michelle Ware from the University of Newcastle. Marilyn is keen to have her teaching ability formally recognised and to learn more about teaching; we have been working on possible next steps for Marilyn to begin the process of becoming a qualified teacher.
Marilyn was also part of the small group who visited Canberra in Term 2 2024, to meet with politicians and hear June Oscar speak at the Press Club lunch.
It has been great to see Marilyn taking opportunities given to her, trying new things and growing in confidence.
