Department for Education, South Australia

Congratulations to year 12 Kapunda High School student Sierra who recently become one of only four South Australians selected to represent Australia in the Junior All Girls Elite cheerleading team! 🤸📣

Sierra recently competed with Team Australia at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, after years of hard work, training, and dedication while balancing school, work, and sport.

Well done Sierra! 🎉

Over the past week, schools and preschools across the state have come together to recognise National Reconciliation Week.

Thousands of students have engaged deeply with this year’s theme, All In – reflecting on our shared history, learning from First Nations perspectives, and having meaningful conversations about how we can work together to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 🖤💛❤️

Berri Regional Secondary College | Yalata Anangu School | Christies Beach Primary School | Willsden Primary School | Loxton High School | Burton Primary School | Golden Grove High School | Grant High School | Port Lincoln Primary School | Wirreanda Secondary School | Port Lincoln High School

Know someone making a real impact in public education?

Nominations are now open for the Public Education Awards.🏆

The Awards recognise the individuals, teams and community members making a measurable difference for children and young people across South Australia.

Nominations are open from 1 to 30 June 👇

Credit Union SA | Compass Education | Super SA | Telstra | Teachers Health

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week. 🖤💛❤️

A time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. For the work of past generations and the benefit of future generations.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, All In, encourages all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.

Today is National Sorry Day.

On this day each year, we reflect on the immeasurable harm done by the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities, which we now refer to as the Stolen Generations.

We acknowledge the strength and resilience of Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities, and recommit to playing our part in the process of healing and reconciliation.

Yesterday students put their best foot forward for National Walk Safely to School Day 🚶🚶🚶

Now in its 27th year, the day encourages families to build healthy habits while helping children learn important road safety skills including to stop, look, listen and think before crossing the road.

By walking safely to school, we’re helping build healthier lifestyles, safer streets, and stronger communities 💛

Loxton Primary School | Manoora Primary School | Meningie Area School | Stansbury Primary School | Lobethal Primary School | Central Yorke School | Gawler Primary School | Seacliff Primary School | Port Broughton Area School

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this message includes the name and image of a person who has died.

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Professor Peter Buckskin PSM FACE, one of the most influential Aboriginal education leaders this country has known.

Professor Buckskin’s name and image are shared with the permission of his family.

A proud Narungga man from the Yorke Peninsula, Professor Buckskin dedicated his life to transforming education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and communities.

His belief was clear and unwavering: that the path to true reconciliation runs through the education of the next generation of young people.

Professor Buckskin's contributions spanned more than four decades. He worked as a classroom teacher, senior executive in state and Commonwealth roles, Ministerial Adviser, Dean of Aboriginal Engagement and Strategic Projects at the University of South Australia, and Chair of SAAETCC. He brought that same depth of experience to national and international forums, including UNESCO, the Working Group of Experts to the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples.

His partnership with the Department for Education was one of enduring significance.

As Chair of SAAETCC, Professor Buckskin co-developed the Aboriginal Education Strategy 2019–2029 and served as co-sponsor of the Blueprint for Aboriginal Outcomes in public education.

His honours reflect a life of extraordinary service: the Public Service Medal, the Frank G Klassen Award for leadership in teacher education, the National Deadly Award for Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, and Fellowship of the Australian College of Educators.

The Department for Education extends its deepest condolences to Professor Buckskin's children, family, and community.

His legacy will endure in every policy shaped by his advocacy, every curriculum resource informed by his wisdom, and every Aboriginal child who finds opportunity and belonging in our schools.

⏰ Last chance to apply! Are you a pre-service teacher graduating this year and looking to start a career in country SA in 2027?

Our Teach First in Country program offers graduates additional incentives and support to ensure they’re set up for teaching life in the country.

Applications are open until this Sunday, 24 May 2026 👇