Skye Jeffrey grew up as a white girl playing in the schoolyard with many Aboriginal friends, as her home town of Wondai has a large Indigenous population and is beside the Cherbourg community.

When the Aboriginal elders came to the school to teach kids about cooking possums and emus, or traditional painting, boomerangs and culture, Skye was keen to join in and learn.

Skye Jeffrey - back in the schoolyard and loving it!

She was also keen on the outdoors life, making the most of the parklands and picnic areas, lush eucalyt forests, the local pool and lakes around the pretty little township, about 230km west of Brisbane. The sporty teen competed at many swimming events.

Now she's started her first job at Rockhampton High School's Special Ed Unit, she's finding her affinity with Indigenous students is a boon and her enthusiasm an asset for helping kids with learning disabilities.

Skye said she had the chance as a child to become absorbed with Indigenous culture and followed this through into her initial 'prac teaching' projects at Frenchville and Park Avenue schools (she also volunteered at Nerimbera school).

"We did a whole unit on Aboriginal Australians such as Neville Bonner. It gave them more background on Australia as a culture," she said.

Since Wondai does not have a senior school, Skye progressed to Kingaroy and then completed her 4 years of a Bachelor of Learning Managment (BLM) degree at CQUniversity Rockhampton, while working part-time at Big W.

"I was made aware in my final year of school that CQUniversity is the ideal Uni to learn education. CQUniversity has a fantastic program that puts you right into a school within your first month of study.

"I consider myself privileged to have a permanent job straight out of Uni," she said. "I work with students who have disabilities and struggle at school. I still have a lot to learn and I'm always attending personal development sessions so I can know as much as I can about how to help my students while they are in my care. I became a teacher as I feel it is my chance to make a difference."

"RHS though being a big school is very warm and welcoming, John Allison the principal has made me feel so welcome and is always willing to help no matter what the situation is."

Skye Jeffrey

"I teach year 12 English and provide tutorials for students who need an extra little bit of help. I am also in charge of TAFE placements and other work placements in the SEU; this also includes Case Management where I solely look after students completing documents for Special Education.

"I love my job and I'm extremely grateful for being given a permanent position. I do want to work my way up to a HOD position and I'd really like it to be in Special Needs... I think Special Needs is the place for me."

Skye's parents are both still working in the Wondai area, so she still maintains links to the town.

"Dad is the manager of Riverina Stockfeeds, a company he has worked for since he was a teen, when it was called Burnett Valley Stockfeeds. He began his job right at the very bottom in Proston and after the closure of the Proston branch we then moved to Wondai to live, as it was closer to the Murgon branch. Since then he has worked his way up to manager where he has been for roughly 10 years. Dad is also the captain of the Wondai Fire Fighters, another job he has had since he was 15. Mum was a stay-at-home Mum until my little brother JT (Jarrad) was old enough for school. 
 
While at Wondai, Skye volunteered in the school Ag program, attending the morning session before school, afternoon session after school and many weekend activities, including local and Wide Bay shows such as the Ekka

At the end of Year 10, she was awarded the 'All Rounder' award, acknowledging her high achievements and strong work efforts in all subject areas. While still at school, Skye also gained a Certificate III in Business and Certificate II in hospitality.

"NAIDOC day was also such a big time at Wondai School. The teachers always ensured to teach us all about Aboriginal people, their culture and traditions.

"Many Aboriginal students had their families involved in our school NAIDOC events; we had digeridoo lessons (only the boys could participate as it's not allowed by females), boomerang throws, Cooroborees, painting and days where we could go to Cherbourg and listen to Aboriginal music and hear Leah Purcell sing and talks from Chris Sarra (Cherbourg Principal)."

As an enthusiastic swimmer, Skye was awarded the Female Sports award in Year 10. She still holds the record for the 'most awarded trophy to the one person at Wondai School', as the Fastest Freestyle Female Swimmer (6 spots on the annual trophy).

"Swimming was where my heart was sporting wise," Skye said.

"I began swimming at the age of 2, in the Proston Club. When moving to Wondai I also kept up with it. I used to train every afternoon and some mornings for sessions of up to 3-4 hours. Mondays were club nights and there were many local, South Burnett, Wide Bay and State club carnivals of a weekend.
 
"My first part-time job was as a steward, kitchen hand and waitress at the local RSL at about the age of 12/13 and I continued to work there all the way up until I finished school. I also worked as a casual at the local pool and also at Target in Murgon."