Eoghan's Journey: Discovering Culture, Discovering Potential

Eoghan Baynes is Grade 8 student at Bribie Island State High School, he recently joined the ARTIE Academy this term after his family started their journey learning about their ancestry. Once Eoghan and his family learnt of their history they decided to learn more about what it means to be Aboriginal, and connect to culture, country and community.

Last year, in 2024 Eoghan was disengaged, he said he would guess his attendance last year around 60%, and he didn’t really put in an effort with his work. He just came to school because he had too. Once connecting with his ARTIE Mentor and setting a goal at the start of term Eoghan has made significant improvements to not only his attendance but the effort he puts in as well. This change has been noticed by not only his teachers, Community Education Counsellor (CEC), and other staff members at school, it has also been noticed by his classmates, and parents at home.

With Eoghan advising his attendance was only around 60% last year he has turned this around to achieve 93% attendance for this term. Such a significant improvement is not only inspiring to his peers, but shows the hard work, dedication and focus of this young man. This improvement means not only did he smash his ARTIE Goal of achieving 70% attendance, but he also qualified for an ARTIE Hoodie as this terms ARTIE Attendance Challenge Reward.

Talking with Eoghan when he received his reward for his ARTIE Goal, he said the second-best thing he did this term was sign up for Art Classes, where he can learn to express himself through various artistic avenues. Eoghan’s first favourite thing he did this term was sign up for the ARTIE Academy.

Eoghan, you are such an amazing young man with a bright future ahead of you, we are excited to have you part of the ARTIE Academy and can’t wait to see what this year holds for you.

Brad Thompson

ARTIE Mentor

Bribie Island State High School