Broadside Teen Day -

A Day for Inspiration & Action

On Friday, 8 November, around 150 young people from public high schools including six DSC students gathered at the Wheeler Centre for Broadside Teen Day —a ‘tailored day of free talks and workshops designed to inspire community and action’. Here are some reflections from the day.

Reflection by Jackson L (11D)

On Friday, 8 November, five other students and myself went into the city to the Wheeler Centre to attend the Broadside Teen Day.

This is a day where students from different schools come together to talk about all different types of political views, or values that are close to our hearts. These include feminism, gender equality and friendship.

When I entered the building, I looked forward into the spacious room, where two girls were playing the guitar and singing. This was where the excursion was held. We formed groups and my leader's name was Kate. She quickly made me feel relaxed, as I was a bit nervous. I found out this was the first day of its kind, so I felt a bit special that I was attending it.

The first presentation was by a Year 11 student who talked about the importance of sign language. She said that sign language should be taught in schools, and that the language opens up so many doors for after school and beyond.

The second presentation was about a dancer, and the third was a conversation between three women. The womens' discussion was about their lives, and how growing up they were bullied because of the colour of their skin. I learnt that they didn’t back down from that, they kept fighting, and are even stronger today. I learnt that feminism is not just about gender, but it is also about power.

After lunch there were many activities including writing a letter to anyone, about any topic you wanted to address. There was also blackout poetry, where you got a poem and marker, and could edit the poem to make it your own.

There was also a Q&A with a lady named Karen Pickering and a girl named Yasmin Abdi. They talked about what Yasmin’s life had been like at school, from when she got into an argument with a boy, to when she was invited to join her school’s Fem Co - a club where they talked about issues such as gender equality.

Later we met a woman who I learnt is a writer and who helps others write their stories. She talked to us about debates, public speaking, and non-fiction books. She also discussed the differences and similarities between nerves and courage, and talked about the way you should phrase arguments, and the way you express when you don’t like someone else’s arguments in debates, and outside in the real world. Instead of saying "that argument is terrible", you simply say, "I strongly disagree".

The final conversation was between an actor, Michelle Law, and a writer, Aminatou Sow, who talked about the importance of friendships. Ms Sow said something which touched me the most. She said that you hardly keep your friends at primary school, you might still have a couple of friends from high school, but you will always meet your true friends at university.

I had one of the best days that I have ever had. And now thinking about it, the best thing of the day wasn’t the food, it wasn’t the activities, it wasn’t the Q&As, it was making friends. And that is why excursions and opportunities like these are really something you have to grab. If DSC does this excursion again next year, I implore you to go, because I learnt so many things that I didn’t even know I needed to learn.

Reflection by Zoe T (9E)

The Broadside Teen day was genuinely a great experience and I really enjoyed it.

There were multiple talks, panels and speeches discussing important topics including feminism and discrimination. It was wonderful to hear informed and passionate people talk about such topics.

Being surrounded by other teens similar to me and being able to open up dialogue about important issues was nice. I would like to go to a Broadside Festival again in the future.

Reflection by Chantelle W (9E)

On Friday, 8 November, six students from Doncaster Secondary College attended the Broadside Teen Day Program for the writer’s festival, held at the Wheeler Centre. There were a lot of interesting things at this festival.

We were split into groups depending on the type of workshop we chose. I chose Eco Feminism, which explored climate change and how women are impacted through this global issue. One thing that stuck with me was that the older generation already knew about climate change but brushed-off the issue. Overall it was a very interesting and quite chill day, listening to feminists having conversations and lectures, enjoying the provided lunch, and making new friends.

Reflection by Natalie W (9E)

On Friday, 8 November, I attended the first ever Broadside Teen Day held at the Wheelers Centre.

Prior to the event, I believed that it was just about aspiring writers and the opportunity to speak your own opinions on issues presented in this current society, but I soon learned that it was much more.

The whole day surrounded the theme of feminism and I quickly learned that it was more than just about being equal. It included aspects of racism, body positivity, confidence, friendship, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability, environment and so much more.

During the day, a variety of speakers came to talk about feminism. They were really empowering and amazing as they spoke about the issues that have been pushed back in this modern day. I also learned about the hidden cultures of Australia’s first people and the “hidden” language of Auslan.

Remembrance Day Assembly - DSC

On Monday, 11 November, our years 7-9 students gathered for a special Remembrance Day Assembly on our school grounds, paying tribute to the nation's fallen service men and women during battle.

Stefan P (9B) opened commemorations with a special address, marking the armistice that brought an end to World War 1. He was joined by Charlize P (9H) who read the war poem In Flanders Fields, and Victoria M (9C) who read the Ode of Remembrance.

As the Last Post played, students stood in silence to pay their respects at 11am. Michael M (9C) lowered flags to half-mast, and a traditional wreath was laid. The service concluded with the singing of the national anthem.

Thank you to Mr Brock Shirley for organising this important service, allowing students to pause, remember and honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

Women in School Leadership Program

As part of the Women in School Leadership program (WISL), Mrs McMaster attended the Pathways School Noida, India in September 2019.

The WISL program aims to support principals in exploring and discussing the theme of leading schools for social change.

The following article appeared in the Pathways School Noida Grade 6 Newsletter, following Mrs McMaster's visit to the school.

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