Student Support

Harmony Week

Inclusivity and Inspiring Stories from Italy   

This being Harmony Week, it is the perfect time to think about all things inclusivity and diversity and the strength that these bring to any community, including our school.  Running from 16th – 22nd March, Harmony week celebrates Australia’s multiculturism, seeks to combat racism and promotes a sense of respect and belonging for all. An inclusive education system enables all students to be welcomed, accepted and engaged so that they can participate, achieve and thrive in school life.   

Inclusiveness, however, extends beyond the celebration of multiculturism in Harmony week alone. We strive for it every day in our learning and whole school environments and want all our students to feel that they belong. We recognise and champion unique needs, beliefs, cultural backgrounds and abilities. It would a very boring place if we were all the same and we are all the better for welcoming each other’s differences. 

Inclusiveness and diversity recognises our ranging abilities too. Our Paralympians have just wrapped up their incredible campaign in Milano-Cortina. Take a minute to imagine hurtling down the slopes of the infamous Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Italy. Now, put yourself in the ski boots of Aussie athlete Georgia Gunew, who not only possesses the tenacity, skill and strength to get down, but as an athlete with a vision-impairment, she makes her moves based on the instructions from her team mate to guide her round each gate, contour and camber of the slope. Communication, courage, trust and teamwork.  Georgia and her guide Ethan came 11th in the Women’s Slalom and 10th in the Women’s Giant Slalom events; an incredible feat after just 3 short years in the sport. Getting down Scott’s Racecourse in the fog is challenging enough for me!!    

Let’s also give a huge shout out to (semi-local!!) young gun Liana France, who has been shredding the slopes of Falls Creek since she was in Snowclub. Now, at the age of 16 she can proudly call herself Australia’s youngest female Paralympian, after overcoming a vehicle accident which resulted in the loss of an arm just a couple of years ago. Liana has come an incredible 14th place in both her events – LW6/8-2 Women’s Standing Skier Slalom and Women’s Standing Skier Giant Slalom; who knows where the future will take her.   

We may not all become elite athletes, but we can all be inspired by the stories of resilience and determination - no matter the setting or task. As our very own Olympian, Phillip Bellingham eloquently put it “just have a crack!” (great work on the skimo Phil). We can all do our bit to promote and advocate for diversity, disability and inclusion, at school and in our wider community, to make our places better, safer and more welcoming for everyone.