I remember watching the movie ‘Rabbit-Proof Fence’ some years ago; I was horrified when I realized that the taking of aboriginal children from their families had occurred when I was a child growing up in Melbourne. While this action was happening a long way away from where I’d lived, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt for what my fellow ‘white’ Australians had done. Our High School Students are presently learning about this and other aspects of Australian History. I believe that this has been an eye opener for the students, who are growing up into a truly multi-cultural country. Hopefully the knowledge that they gain through this History Module will help them to be more able to embrace diversity, tolerance and change in their own adult lives. It is great to be able to direct our students to websites where they can carry out their own research of our country’s short, yet very interesting history. After having done the research, a number of our students have come to me and said, “Rodney, did you know – etc……?” – Knowledge and Understanding gained! – We trust.
As with history, life’s about people and relationships, at IFS we are working very hard to create an environment where there are healthy relationships, – between student and student, student and coach, student and teacher, coach and coach, teacher and teacher, coach and teacher, staff and management, and of course – college and parents and the wider community. Promoting a climate of trust is vital for healthy relationships. In my experience, this is the best kind of environment to work in. We are constantly encouraging people to speak up if there’s anything that’s causing discomfort or hurt. Our Mentor Groups and the Individual Mentoring Sessions are excellent opportunities to build this climate of trust and understanding.
Kind regards,
Rodney
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