Celebrating Diversity         & Belonging

NRL Peace Ambassador Program  

The speech below was delivered by the Camden High School Peace Ambassadors during the Week 10 Thursday morning assembly last term. It marked the final stage of the Peace Project, which was awarded $1000 through the National Rugby League (NRL). 

We are incredibly proud of these young leaders and the journey they have undertaken this year. From leadership workshops and project planning, to pitching their idea and being selected for the grant, they have shown outstanding initiative and commitment. 

As part of the project, students researched and organised sporting equipment representing countries and cultures that are important to the Camden High School community. Their goal was to promote peace, inclusion and pride in diversity through meaningful and visible symbols of representation. 

They also conducted surveys and interviews, bringing together the voices of our school community to inform their work and shape their final presentation. 

Throughout this process, our Peace Ambassadors have demonstrated a genuine willingness to lead and to make a positive difference - not only within our school, but in the wider world. Their efforts reflect the power of young people to help make our corner of the world a better place. 

Our Peace Ambassadors are 

• Mia B 

• Ashton L 

• Jett D 

• Isaac C 

• Zach S 

• Arthur M 

• Braxtyn G 

Good morning everyone. 

 

Earlier this year, a group of Camden High School students took part in the NRL's In League In Harmony program. Through workshops, leadership activities and league tag sessions, we explored how sport can help build understanding, respect and inclusion within our communities. 

 

At the end of the program, seven students were selected as Peace Ambassadors and were challenged to design a Peace Project that could have a positive impact on as many students as possible across our school. 

 

We started by asking a question: What brings people together? 

 

To help answer that question, we surveyed students from Years 7 to 12. We asked about their cultural backgrounds, their favourite sports, the athletes who inspire them and how important they thought it was for professional sport to include athletes from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. 

 

The results were fascinating. 

 

Our students identified with cultures from all around the world, yet many shared similar sporting interests. Rugby league, soccer, netball and basketball were among the most popular sports to play and watch. Students were inspired by athletes from Australia and across the globe, and perhaps most importantly, 100% of students surveyed agreed that it is important for people from different cultures to be represented in the sports we watch. 

 

In Part 2 of our project, we dug a little deeper, interviewing students from across the school about their experiences and perspectives. 

 

The results reflected something many of us already know. 

 

Sport is a great unifier. 

 

It brings people together to work towards a common goal. It breaks down barriers. It creates friendships. It builds respect. And it gives people from all backgrounds the opportunity to participate, contribute and shine. 

 

Of course, we now had all of this fantastic information. We have created a series of videos that we will be sharing on our school social media channels very soon. 

But there was still one important question. 

 

How could we use the $1,000 grant from the NRL in a way that would benefit as many students as possible? 

 

Today, we're excited to share the answer. 

 

Could we please invite our NRL mentor, Jake Brightwell, along with Mrs Woods and Mr Garland, to join us at the front. 

 

With thanks to the NRL and the In League In Harmony program, we are proud to present Camden High School with a collection of new sporting equipment that celebrates the many cultures represented within our school community. 

 

These sports balls represent countries and cultures from around the world and will be available for students to enjoy for years to come. 

 

Thank you to the NRL for supporting our project, thank you to the staff and students who participated in our surveys and interviews, and thank you to everyone who helps make Camden High School a place where diversity is celebrated and everyone belongs. 

 

Thank you. 

Reject Racism Week at Camden High School 

During Week 3, Camden High School continued our drive to embrace and celebrate diversity with our Term 3 Reject Racism Week and the theme "Faces of Diversity." As part of our multicultural community, we recognise and celebrate the many cultures, languages, traditions, and stories that enrich our school every day. 

Throughout the week, students learned about inspiring figures such as Anh Do, whose journey from refugee to bestselling author shows the value in every individual’s story. We also explored the diverse backgrounds of the Socceroos, whose team unites players from Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania, reminding us that diversity is one of Australia’s greatest strengths. 

The resilience of Bukayo Saka, who stood strong in the face of racism, taught us about the power of kindness and character and rounding out the week, we heard about Simu Liu, whose achievements in film and the arts provide powerful representation for young people from Asian backgrounds worldwide. 

Rejecting racism means choosing respect, curiosity and inclusion every day - creating a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can be proud of who they are. By celebrating with a week each term, we are aim to build a school culture where the rich diversity of our students, staff and wider community remind us that everyone belongs and everyone  can succeed.