Chris Sarra is an Australian educationalist. Hailing from Bundaberg in Queensland and the youngest of ten children, Sarra experienced first-hand many of the issues faced by indigenous students.

In the late 1990s, Dr Sarra took on the challenges of indigenous education as the Principal of Cherbourg State School in south east Queensland. His ‘Strong and Smart’ philosophy led to dramatic improvements in educational outcomes and through strong leadership and clear vision he facilitated many changes at the school which saw increasing enthusiasm for student learning through dramatically improved school attendance and increased community involvement in education.

He now heads the Stronger Smarter Institute.

Abuse claims

It was revealed in 2004 on an ABC TV Australian Story broadcast that Education Queensland investigated several complaints against Chris Sarra and upheld four complaints made by students were he was "found to have grabbed, held and shouted" at boys under his care.

Ken Smith of Education Queensland stated: "Chris has recognised that in those instances he may have overstepped the mark, and has given a commitment that he won't do that in future."

External links

• Indigenous educator Dr Chris Sarra honoured again
• Belief builds in Aboriginal schoolkids
• School as a sacred place
• Sarra returns to Aboriginal school with faith in learning intact
• NRL commission to finally become reality after agreement reached
• Not the only way to teach Aboriginal youngsters
• Australian Story report on Chris Sarra
• 2004 QUT Chris Sarra: Chancellor's Outstanding Alumnus and Faculty of Education Award Winner
• Strong & Smart - Chris Sarra & Cherbourg