The story behind Melbourne Indigenous Transition School

Working as a primary school teacher with children who had different learning needs, Brad Carmody first realised his passion for teaching children who may have less access to learning opportunities. This led him to being a Pathways Coordinator in Broome in the Western Kimberley where he worked with Indigenous Young people. He continued this passion when he returned to Melbourne where he gained a position as a teacher at a newly formed school called MITS (Melbourne Indigenous Transition School). Since then Mr Carmody has held various positions, including, Lead Teacher, Head of Boarding and currently holds the position of Principal.

MITS is a school for young Indigenous students living in remote and regional communities in the Northern Territory and Victoria. MITS has a community of up to 100 students living in four boarding houses. The school is in Richmond and students go to school at MITS and live in their boarding houses throughout the term. In the holidays the students are at home with their families. Students at MITS attend their Year 7 and 8 school program. When students graduate from the MITS school they can go to one of the MITS partner schools to study from Year 9 to 12. However they can still live in the MITS boarding houses.

The success of MITS is evident in the results they are achieving. This year MITS is up to its fourth group of students to graduate Year 12 through their partner schools. In 2024 there are thirteen MITS students about to graduate Year 12, which is the biggest graduating group so far.

For some remote communities this means they have been able to have their first ever Year 12 graduates. Many students who have been part of the MITS program have taken their skills back to their communities and others have gone on to university. These wonderful achievements show the hard work of the students, the MITS program and their partner schools.

As Principal of MITS, Mr Carmody is also familiar with many of the challenges that face young Indigenous children living away from home to go to school. A very big challenge faced by many of the students at MITS is homesickness and being away from Country. The MITS team supports students by encouraging them to speak to friends and family on Facetime often. The school also has accommodation for families to visit students while in Melbourne. MITS also works hard to make classrooms and boarding houses culturally safe by filling them with artwork and things that make them feel welcoming. Mr Carmody also oversees the same tasks as any other Principal, making sure that behaviour, learning and camps are all going well.

Mr Carmody’s enthusiasm is evident as he speaks with pride about his work with MITS. His inclusion of his family in his travels and other activities associated with his role shows his passion and commitment to its success. When MITS first started there were 12 staff and there are now around 90, including teachers, boarding co-ordinators and various other positions that help the school run well. MITS has been going for almost nine years, and Mr Carmody has been there from the very start and has seen it grow and progress from a small project to a thriving program.

Please note: Images were added to this Junior Journo competition entry by Kids News editors and minor edits applied as per publishing requirements and editorial guidelines on the site.