Diversity Day in Term 2 offered an invaluable opportunity for Hale and St Mary’s students to come together and explore the many facets of diversity within our broader community. This new format of Diversity Day is part of the Year 8 Connections program. Through a series of thoughtfully designed activities Year 8 students from both schools collaborate to examine topics such as gender equality, cultural differences, unconscious bias, and socioeconomic challenges like homelessness and educational disadvantage.
In small groups, students worked together on projects centred around these themes, guided by inspiring presentations from 2024 WA Young Australian of the Year nominee, Maddison Heady, who lives with cerebral palsy, and representatives from On My Feet, an organisation dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. The blend of hands-on activities and authentic insights enabled students to deepen their understanding of contemporary issues while highlighting the importance of respect and equality.
The impact of the day was clear in the students’ enthusiastic participation and reflective discussions. Many shared that they had stepped out of their comfort zones, engaging in meaningful conversations with peers they had not previously met, and broadening their perspectives on complex social issues. Staff observed significant growth in the students’ communication skills, confidence in mixed-group settings, and openness to new ideas.
A few parents noted that the day’s discussions continued at home, providing opportunities for families to explore these topics together and further enrich the program’s impact.
Hale School is immensely proud of the success of this inaugural Diversity Day with St Mary’s and the way it strengthened relationships between students from both schools. Programs like these are vital in preparing young people to thrive in diverse environments and contribute positively to their communities.
As one student aptly summarised, “The day wasn’t just about expressing your views, it was about connecting and learning together.”
