At John Pujajangka-Piyirn Catholic School, we seek to empower our students to become independent, walking with dignity and joy in their Aboriginal culture. We encourage them to find meaning and value in the Gospels in harmony with their Aboriginal spirituality.
The school situated in the Mulan Aboriginal Community, on the land of the Walmajarri people. Mulan is located in the South East Kimberley region which is a remote desert area of Western Australia on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. It is one of the most ancient and isolated communities in Western Australia.
We are committed to the concept of Two Way Learning, which respects and fosters the traditional Aboriginal language and culture of the area whilst also enabling children to learn Standard Australian English and culture. Our aim is to equip students with a type of education that can prepare them to live and succeed in the contemporary world while remaining strong in their cultural identity.
The school offers a holistic education, embracing the spiritual, religious, intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of all students. Relationships and learning are valued equally. We provide a variety of religious experiences which embrace and enhance Faith, Life and Culture.
The main educational focus is literacy and numeracy across all years. We have high expectations, and we are committed to developing independent learning skills.
We place emphasis on student needs, data analysis and appropriate teaching strategies. The school provides a variety of opportunities to enhance student leadership in the school and in the wider community. We are working on a Walmajarri language project in partnership with community elders and our Indigenous Protective Area Rangers to teach students about traditional land care, plant use and animals.
The Christian cross symbol represents the cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, leading to his glorious resurrection and the promise of eternal life to all who believe in him . The holy cross is universally recognised as the principal symbol of the Christian faith today.
Ngarpu and Ngurra are our teachers.
At John Pujajangka Piyirn Catholic school, we walk and learn together in faith and respect to grow strong and proud Yapa.
Ngarpu means Father in Heaven. We follow the teachings of Jesus.
Ngurra means spirit, culture, country, kinship and language.
Yapa means children.
John Pujajangka-Piyirn Catholic School considers the whole child in all areas of school life and provides an environment where each student has a sense of belonging, feels valued and is supported to be their best through two-way learning. Gospel values underpin all learning areas and students and staff are encouraged to develop spirituality and faith. Walmajarri culture is deepened through language and culture, and by the guidance and wisdom of community members.
Pinakarri (Listening)
We listen deeply to God, country, others, self and the past, to know and keep the story and song strong in our hearts and minds.
Ngurra (Community)
We welcome all with kind and open hearts, and act with love and respect for the common good, so all can be strong and full in spirit. We are made in God’s image. In this place we are true to the people we have been created to be.
Yara (Respect)
We serve God, self, others, family and country by being kind, compassionate, humble and sharing.
John Pujajangka-Piyirn Catholic School is in Mulan, close to Lake Gregory (Paruku) in East Kimberley, Western Australia. Mulan is situated in the desert, however, its close proximity to Paruku means it takes in a vast desert wetland system of national and international significance. In 2001 the land became the first Western Australian Indigenous Protected Area when the land was handed back to the traditional owners the Walmajarri people.
Mulan Community and John Pujajangka-Piyirn were both established in 1979. The community wanted a christian education for their children. The Sisters of Mercy founded the school and continued their mission until 1994 when a lay Catholic Principal was appointed.
