Assistant Principals' Report
Welcome to our newsletter article.
Cultural Diversity Week has taken place across the state from 17 - 23 March.
This week is a special week in our HPS community and our broader community. Schools, workplaces and families around the state have been celebrating multi-culturalism and all it brings to our lives in so many ways. Our state is home to people who speak 290 languages and have 314 different ancestries. It's also a place where anyone can contribute and belong. This week is a time to celebrate the power, influence, and stories of Victoria's rich multicultural communities.
A component of this week is Harmony Day and at HPS today we invited students, staff and our furry friend called Duke to wear a big or little splash of orange. The colour orange signifies social communication, meaningful conversations, and the freedom of ideas. The SRC were giving out ribbons in Top School for students to wear on their jackets, on their shoes or in other creative ways.
Another component of this week is to reflect on the day that paved the way for all these celebrations. March 21 is the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). Please click on the link to find out more about this special day.
Neurodiversity Awareness Week is also celebrated this week which is an opportunity to highlight the amazing strengths and talents of people with different neurological conditions. This can include conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, and dyslexia.
(excerpt taken from https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/introduction)
Although we talk about specific neurodifferences such as Autism and Dyslexia, the reality is that these can co-occur. Every neurodivergent individual has a unique pattern of strengths and challenges. We tend to operate on an approach to diagnosis and labels which can mean that quite often the focus is on the challenges rather than the many strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals. It is important that we take a person-centred approach, by tailoring strategies to each individual. It is important to harness the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals, this helps to build confidence and self-esteem, and ensures individuals are given the opportunity to flourish in their day-to-day
What is Neurodiversity?
When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations.
Depending on how our brains are wired we think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Many people in our community use neurodiversity as an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. And no matter whether you are a school, university or organisation you can benefit from different thinkers! Approximately 15-20% of population has a neurological difference. Instead of labelling people with deficits or disorders, when we use the term neurodiversity, we take a balanced view of an individual’s unique strengths and challenges. Many ‘challenges’ neurodivergent people face are more to do with the environment and systems they are placed in, often designed by a majority population.
Have a lovely week ahead.
Helen Thomas & Monique Rankin
Assistant Principals
Heidelberg Primary School