KFPS News

EAL New Arrival Students Visit Discovery Science and Technology Centre

On Thursday, 18 June, eight of our EAL New Arrival students visited the Discovery Science and Technology Centre in Bendigo. The excursion was organised by the Virtual New Arrival Program (VNAP), with approximately 60 students from across Bendigo attending.

Our New Arrival students participate in one-to-one online sessions twice a week using iPads. These sessions support the development of their English language skills and help them build confidence in communication.

During the excursion, students enjoyed a range of engaging activities, including a lizard demonstration, exploring the interactive exhibits, visiting the planetarium, and tackling the centre’s famous vertical slide. Five of our students bravely attempted the slide, and three successfully made it all the way down!

The day provided a wonderful opportunity for students to learn, explore, and connect with other New Arrival students from across the region.

• Currently seeking donations for the Father's Day Stall.
• Father's Day Breakfast 8:15am-8:45am 4th September
• Helpers are needed to run the stall on 4th September from 9 am – 12 noon. WWCC is required. Please contact the office.

Cultural diversity and mental health

Australia’s rich cultural diversity is one of its greatest strengths We’re home to the oldest continuing living culture in the world – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 2.8% of the Australian population, represented by hundreds of different traditional groups.

Migration has also contributed to the richness in diversity of cultures, ethnicities and races in Australia. Nearly half were either born overseas or had one or both parents born overseas. Over a quarter of resident Australians were born overseas. 

There can be many differences in parenting practices between cultures, including the ways children and young people are shown affection, attitudes towards discipline and how much emphasis is placed on family responsibility compared with promoting children’s independence. 

Families might also be concerned about their children and young people losing their cultural identity. Children and young people from diverse cultural backgrounds often have different values and expectations at home to at school, which can create confusion. 

Respect for diversity is related to people’s sense of belonging.  When diversity is valued and respected, people are more likely to develop social connections to others and a sense of belonging to their community. Those who have supportive and positive relationships in their life (that is, people to talk to, trust and depend on) are less likely to experience feelings of depression and anxiety compared to those who have fewer social connections. 

Feeling cared about and respected is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.