Our Commitment
We strive to build our knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, working together to achieve unity, respect and equality.
Acknowledgement of Country
We pay deep respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – to their Elders past, present and emerging, and to all cultural ambassadors.
In particular, we acknowledge the Kaurna people on whose traditional lands Pembroke was founded, the Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri people as custodians of the land where Pembroke’s presence extends to the Finniss River at Old Watulunga, and the many other groups around the country with whom we also enjoy close and respectful ties.
Our Commitment to Indigenous Education
We are committed to nurturing an enduring partnership with First Nations people to serve the spirit of reconciliation embodied within Pembroke’s history and our Reconciliation Action Plan.
At Pembroke, we are proud to offer a dedicated Indigenous Education Program as we share the path to uplift, empower and celebrate Indigenous students. Guided by the principle of two-way learning across Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds, we offer opportunities for all students to embrace First Nations culture. These include the teaching of Kaurna language across Years 7 to 12 and as a co-curricular extension program.
Another highlight is our unique exchange with Marree Aboriginal School in outback South Australia which began with a Geography excursion three decades ago. Each year, approximately 20 Pembroke Middle School students embark on a transformational five-day journey, sleeping in swags, exploring the Australian outback and learning about Aboriginal culture. The deep connections they form with the local school children are what make this trip truly special, with many participants describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

IE@P
Indigenous Education at Pembroke (IE@P)
Established in 2009, the Indigenous Education at Pembroke (IE@P) program supports our Indigenous students and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures within and beyond the learning curriculum. Old scholar and Pembroke Foundation Patron Mrs Margaret Bennett provided the seed capital to underpin the program, having supported Pembroke’s exchange with the Marree community over many years. We continue to warmly welcome support for IE@P – those wishing to donate can click here.
Pembroke’s Indigenous students come from a diverse array of cultural groups and regions such as the Torres Strait Islands, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Darwin, Alice Springs, Halls Creek, Oodnadatta, Marree, Ardrossan and Ceduna. They have strong connections with their communities including the wider Pembroke community and within the IE@P group. Many old scholars maintain their connection with the School, acting as mentors for current students and contributing to our Reconciliation Action Plan.
Leadership
Sharing the Path
Strengthening the Indigenous Education Program at Pembroke.
Our Vision
Free to be ourselves and find our place as we shape a hopeful future.
Pembroke’s story began in 1974 when two single-sex schools united behind the power of co-education.
Our unique learning and caring culture fosters equality of opportunity for all, making us stronger together.
