Kangaroo Flat Primary School acknowledges and celebrates living together regularly. Their well-being mantra is that ‘Every Face has a Place’.
“We have a unique school,” explains Kim Saddlier, Principal of Kangaroo Flat Primary School. Make a Change Australia this month is hosting a community conversation Outside the Square sharing the different ways the community of Bendigo lives together. “The diversity of students and community that our school sits within is rapidly growing.”
We have 30 students from homes where English is an Additional Language. Most of these students are from refugee backgrounds and have integrated incredibly well into our school. We also have 19 students who identify with Koori or Torres Strait Island heritage and are very proud of their cultural background. “You can understand why we work hard to make sure our mantra ‘Every Face has a Place’ is more than words, it needs to be actioned every day and it is shared by our students, teachers and parents.”
Time is invested at Kangaroo Flat Primary to nurture the teaching team. “I think because our education setting can be interesting and diverse that we attract teachers who have a special set of tools in their toolkit. The most important tool in that kit is love.”
To be a teacher who is flexible, responsive to children with different backgrounds and from challenging circumstances; love goes hand in hand with compassion.
“Fun is also just as important,” laughs Kim. “At every assembly we remind ourselves to have fun while we learn.”
Living Together is on Tuesday 15th March 6.30pm to 9pm, at the Morley Johnson Building
23-25 Mitchell St, Bendigo.
More information and to register here.
This event is hosted by Make a Change Australia in partnership with Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services and the generous support of The City of Greater Bendigo, The Community Foundation for Central Victoria, Mayor Rod Fyffe and Jumpleads NFP.
