Multicultural Policy

Australia is a multicultural nation in the sense that it is composed of many cultures. Multiculturalism is a social value which focuses on national unity within which there is cultural diversity.

Multiculturalism is about inclusion and recognition. It recognises the right of all Australians to enjoy their cultural heritage and the right to equal treatment and opportunities for everyone regardless of their backgrounds.

Cerdon College is Australia in microcosm. It is a culturally diverse school and has, for many years, educated young women from a wide variety of backgrounds.

In total, some 29 different languages are spoken within the school, including English. While relatively few of the students have been born overseas, as of May 1998, 62.4% were of non-English speaking background.

Diversity can and should be a positive attribute and, as a school community, we need to acknowledge and accept the very real social and educational benefits to be gained from it.

We must ensure that all students are treated equally so that all may be provided with the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of cultural background or ethnicity.

AIM:

To provide an environment which:

• acknowledges that Australia is a multicultural society where different ethnic groups can co-exist harmoniously.
• recognises and values cultural differences.
• respects individuals as equals.
• fosters self-esteem and
• encourages unity and a sense of community through the development of positive personal relationships.

OBJECTIVES:

• To be aware of the presence and number of cultural groups which exist within our school community (parents, students, staff) and for all to respond positively to this cultural diversity.
• To enable individuals not only to accept and appreciate an Australian identity, but also to retain pride in their ethnic origin.
• To bring to students’ attention the contribution which people of different cultural backgrounds have made, and are making, to Australia.
• To encourage all students, from every cultural background, to participate fully in the many and diverse activities offered at Cerdon.
• To foster behaviour which develops harmony within the school community.
• To encourage heightened sensitivity amongst the staff so that their actions and attitudes will promote the school as a place which welcomes cultural diversity.
• To confront realistically and deal effectively with prejudice, intolerance and discrimination which may occur in both school practices and resources.

Implementation of the multicultural policy should be integrated into all facets of school life. The staff will periodically review curriculum to incorporate multicultural perspectives where appropriate.

The school will promote and encourage the use of library and other resources which facilitate an understanding of the multicultural nature of our school and society.

Staff, students and parents will be encouraged to foster the sharing of ideas and skills across cultures.

Teaching about values and beliefs should ensure that students understand:

• what values and beliefs people hold.
• why they hold these values and beliefs.

Implementation will involve the following strategies:

• If communication problems occur, the school will endeavour to communicate to parents in the main language spoken at home.
• The self-esteem of students will be promoted by:
• endeavouring to pronounce names correctly.
• referring to different cultures positively in lessons.
• utilising traditions to enhance learning.
• Teachers will take an active role in resolving disputes, especially in the classroom and playground.
• Offensive language, racist joking, ridiculing, stereotyping and discrimination will be brought to the attention of the multicultural committee and responded to appropriately.

You can also view our aims in the following languages:

• Arabic
• Spanish
• Vietnamese