Principal
Mrs Fiona McAuliffe
Inclusive Educational Environments
I recently read an article by Altmann (2021) “As a matter of principal-multicultural mission and ministry in Lutheran education.”, which helped bring into focus the nature of inclusiveness in our college.
The author shared his experiences within a Lutheran college where there is significant diversity of culture and language. He reminds us that Jesus was, and continues to be, a ground breaker and barrier buster with regard to age, gender, status and culture. The Word of God calls us to ministry and mission through engagement and service to people of all nations as the Holy Spirit leads.
In the Lutheran college where he works, Pastor Altmann shares in the celebrations of festivals from many cultures and religious backgrounds in a Lutheran context. The intended message is that all students are loved and valued by God for who they are, just as they are. The author highlights that this approach to mission and ministry taken in our schools is flourishing.
Similarly in Beveridge (2021), “Just like Jesus”, the author references her own experiences in life and in Lutheran schools to share where her faith journey has travelled. She provides a contemporary and very real multicultural and multi-religious backdrop to demonstrate the challenges faced and the approach she is striving for, to live our faith in our interactions – just like Jesus.
Our interactions with each other make a difference and I would like to thank the students who have volunteered to meet in small groups to help inform our community regarding cultural diversity and racial acceptance. I am so proud of our students that have followed on from Harmony Day and are taking further steps to create a more inclusive educational environment.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.