Voice Referendum

In the lead up to the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, and in the wake of instabilities in the Middle East,  Josh and I visited with the Peppercorns Class to talk about how we can hold differing views respectfully.

We explored together what it means to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) student, and in particular, how to strive for the ideals set out within the IB statement: 

"The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right." 

In our discussion, we focused on compassion what it is, and how we can demonstrate this. On differences in views (cultural, political etc.) and understanding differences. We talked about when we hold different opinions and beliefs. We made links to politics and world events, and encouraged children to be aware of the depth of feeling that we can attach to these events, and how to hold a different view while showing compassion. 

Our staff were all ready to support the children, on the Monday following the Referendum, by confirming our shared view of emphasising the need for compassion in meeting peoples' passionately held views. 

 At such a challenging time in our collective history, we need to hold firm to our purpose; that of school that puts kindness, compassion and social relationships at the centre of its operations. 

While the collateral damage from the referendum, like the plebiscite, was the enduring of months of debate, and hurt that this brought to many, Preshil's Courage states: 

"The twin themes of compassion and social justice have characterized the school since its inception." 

We hope to continue these conversations and in this way build into our community the compassion and support we may need, to maintain our collective strength to manage difficult times together. The twin themes continue.