Yellow Shirts

Remote Schools Attendance Scheme (RSAS) staff are known as ‘Yellow Shirts’. Yellow Shirts work with parents, families, schools and other organisations to ensure that all Tiwi children go to school regularly.

Yellow Shirts are local Tiwi parents and family members of school-aged children. They prioritise their children’s needs, including healthy meals, regular bedtime routines and a peaceful environment to help their children get a good night’s sleep.

Yellow Shirts work with families who are having problems with sending their children school. Often they talk to parents who are making poor lifestyle choices, such as substance abuse and gambling. These parents lack the skills to discipline their children.

Yellow Shirts help with things like:

• Talking to children and families about the issues they are facing;
• Linking parents and families to other support services;
• Ensuring that children get safely to and from school;
• Celebrating and rewarding improved attendance.

In addition to schoolwork, all Tiwi schools provide nutritious breakfast and other meals throughout the day. Children are safe and happy at school, and their education is paving the way for a positive future for all Tiwi.