David's Message

Dear Sunshine Heights Parents and Carers,

We've only a few weeks until an amazing celebration of diversity and connection takes place on our school grounds - our Harmony Day Block Party is a special time for us and sits at the heart of our beliefs and values at SHPS. With this in mind, I wanted to draw attention to the different aspects that make up this day. The day coincides each year with the International day Against Racism, and gives us an opportunity to reflect on our own biases. We are proud to have a multicultural population of students, staff and families. 

The day also lands this year on World Down Syndrome day, highlighting a very common genetic disability, and the date linking to the triple number 21 chromosome. The day will enable us to think mindfully about the rights and inclusion for people with Down Syndrome both within our school community and beyond. The theme of inclusion for all people with disabilities is also linked to our beliefs around Harmony Day, and the importance of recognising that each of us have unique abilities to be celebrated; if we focus on what we can do, and avoid making assumptions about what people with disabilities may or may not be able to do, then the limits our community members can reach will be so much greater.

This weekend we recognise International Women's Day. We have shared in recent years three commitments to young women in our community:

At Sunshine Heights Primary School we commit to a gender equal world where the opportunities to achieve and participate equally is actively supported and promoted.

(At our school, girls have a right to be heard and participate freely in our learning)

At Sunshine Heights Primary School we commit to the fair and equitable recognition of the achievements and expertise of women in all areas of society and throughout our history. 

(At our school we will learn about the women who contribute to our world and celebrate why they’re important) 

At Sunshine Heights Primary School  we commit to stopping violence against women in all forms through actions that show respect for the women and girls in our school and their right to be safe.

(At our school we treat each other with respect and manage our actions to make sure girls feel safe at school)

David and the Sunshine Heights Team