From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Parent voice – Diversity, Inclusivity and Belonging

With our School Value of Respect in focus this term, we are particularly concentrating on our diverse community and how we can be inclusive, where every single student feels they belong.

We want to understand and respect our differences because everyone in our School matters and belongs.

In 1993, Carol Goodenow and Kathleen Grady defined school belonging as ‘the extent to which children feel individually welcomed, respected, included, and supported by others within the school social environment’.

This week some parents took up the invitation to join me for morning tea to discuss how the Junior School cultivates a culture of diversity and inclusivity. Hearing the perspective of parents adds to the discussion staff have had and the pastoral care lessons taught this term.

I thank the parents who were able to be part of this discussion. Their voice, perspective and ideas will be taken forward into future planning.

Next steps include talking to student focus groups to get the perspectives of students from Year 3–Year 6.

Ideas from all groups will be considered to plan for the Junior School to continue to be inclusive and build a sense of belonging for all those in our community.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing