Inspiring Students at Maningrida

Read more about Tayha and her journey with ToSI: at: https://www.indigenous.gov.au/stories/tayha-duggan-hill-takes-first-year-teaching-maningrida

Nykinya and Warumungu woman, Tayha Duggan-Hill, is in her first year of teaching at Maningrida School, located in Arnhem land, east of Darwin in the Northern Territory.

In 2023, Tayha completed her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Deakin University. During her studies, she was a participant of the Teachers of STEM Initiative (ToSI) through the Stronger Smarter Institute.

Tayha says working at the remote school, with the Year 3 and 4 students is really rewarding.

‘The kids are beautiful out there and it’s also been beautiful learning their culture as well’, shared Tayha.

Each school day can be different in Maningrida, some days Tayha has 5 students in her classroom and other days she’s teaching 30. 

‘In the mornings, we start off with our yarning circle, and then how you’re feeling, checking in with the kids. Then we would do some English, then maths and other extracurricular activities such as music,’ explains Tayha.

As well as helping financially, participation in the Teachers of STEM Initiative also helped bring out Tayha’s passion for science and this year she’s been teaching her students about science behind motion, seasons and astronomy.

‘If we were to look at the astronomy side, where you learn about the stars, we use the First Nation constellations and how they use them to track where they are,’ explained Tayha. 

Tayha wants to continue encouraging students to find their passion, while providing a safe space where they feel comfortable to put their hands up and ask questions.

We still have places available in the Teachers of STEM Initiative for 2025. To find out more, visit our website or Contact Us for more details.