Isikeli Kubunameca, Assistant Principal (Identity and Global Advocacy) at St James College, a Brisbane Coeducational Secondary College under the auspices of Edmund Rice Education Australia - has developed an innovative program that empowers students to celebrate their identity, culture, and diversity.

St James College serves students of over 70 different nationalities and many of Mr Kubunameca’s students are from refugee backgrounds or speak English as a second language.

As the leader of the College's Advocacy and Identity program, Mr Kubunameca oversees a wide range of initiatives that highlight diversity, social justice, and global citizenship, all based on his conviction that cultural competence leads to academic competence.

Throughout the program, the College hosts an array of events that highlight and celebrate foods, languages, arts, customs, traditions, dances and dress, as well as significant local and global events.

“It’s important to develop the students and staff holistically,” he said.

As part of this holistic approach, Mr Kubunameca leads and mentors a team of cultural liaison officers and also helped develop the St James Reconciliation Action Plan, which has seen bursaries, scholarships and immersions benefit Indigenous and Pacific Islander students at the college.

The College was also one of the first in Australia to offer an eight-week program on social justice initiatives.

Rather than see himself as the leader, Mr Kubunameca describes himself as a "cog in a greater machine" that supports and develops students in new and inventive ways.

A team approach across the entire College is vital, he explains, where students are given academic pathways, opportunities, and connections to real world experiences, along with pastoral care, counselling, connection with home, food and even jumpers on cold days.

“I think we work really well as a community. We truly are a village raising a child,” he said.

It's been 15 years since he started working at the College, and he's served as Head of Faculty for Teaching and Learning Support and Head of Middle School.

One of the greatest rewards, he says, is helping students to celebrate, advocate and grow in understanding all the different faiths and cultures.

Despite often struggling with literacy and numeracy, 49% of students in 2019-2021 NAPLAN tests achieved above average results, and 60% of the 2021 Year 12 cohort exited on a B or higher.

As Mr Kubunameca points out, each student's individual accomplishments really matter.

One of his most memorable experiences was a St James College's Year 12 student winning the 2021 VET Equity Student of the Year award. After living in a refugee camp in Sudan for several years, the student learned English, adjusted to a new way of life, and changed her view of academic achievement.

“I was overjoyed,” he said.

“It was a well-deserved award. She’ll go on to do great things.”

Mr Kubunameca is a finalist at the Queensland College of Teachers TEACHX Awards, in the Innovation in Teaching category.

Winners will be announced October 27th, on the eve of World Teachers’ Day in Queensland.