04 Inclusion, Justice and Respect

Strategic imperative: That the ASC lives its values of inclusion and diversity.

The ASC fiercely champions inclusivity in all we do and who we are. Our Head Office and schools are welcoming places, enriched by Anglicans, other Christian denominations, those of other faiths or no faith at all. We are committed to providing high quality, affordable Anglican schooling to a wide cross-section of the community, regardless of creed, colour, nationality or sexual orientation.

4.1 International Education

Enrolments at ASC International have grown by 25% over the past year, compared to 2022. The record increase represents more than positive data about growth, the value extends to the growing diversity within ASC schools.

There are more than 120 students enrolled at ASC International, representing 14 different nationalities studying within the ASC school family. Students originate from countries such as China, Vietnam, India, Zimbabwe and Japan.

Having a diverse student composition in our schools sees friendships formed across different cultural backgrounds. These connections help students deepen their appreciation and empathy for people that are different from themselves. Students emerge from their education as adults that champion inclusion and embrace diversity.

Image: Students from St Mark’s Anglican School ‘on country’ in the Pilbarra, with students from Parnngurr Community School.

Forging an Inclusive Community

Esperance Anglican Community School has implemented communitybased events, such as the ‘Principal’s Sundowner’ to deepen connections between the School and the local community.

By welcoming all members of the community, the School aims to promote an inclusive spirit.

Unforgettable Friendships

Thirteen Year 9 students from St Mark’s Anglican Community School experienced three days ‘on country’ in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. They had the privilege of immersing themselves in the culture and learning from community Elders, local rangers and Parnngurr Community School students.

The friendships and connections forming between the schools are giving St Mark’s students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and appreciation of a First Nations community.

4.2 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

After recently completing our first RAP (the ‘Reflect’ RAP), we are now working with Reconciliation Australia to finalise our second plan. Our ‘Innovate’ RAP will help us gain a deeper understanding of our sphere of influence and establish the best approach for us to advance our reconciliation efforts.

We recognise the importance of having a structured process in place, so that we are continuously growing our reconciliation commitments.

4.3 Engagement with Moodjar Consulting

Our partnership with Moodjar Consulting has provided opportunities for our schools and their students to engage with the traditional custodians of these lands and waters. Our schools can seek advice and guidance from Professor Len Collard through an ongoing formal arrangement.

We were fortunate to have Professor Collard perform a Welcome to Country and deliver a Gospel reading, in Noongar, at our Schools Week Eucharist.

Working Together and Honouring the Land

In a sign of their respect for the land on which they learn, Frederick Irwin Anglican School invited local Elder and leader, George Walley, to help them name their new sports centre. Together, they settled on ‘Kwobadiny’ Sports Centre. The local Noongar name means ‘to get really good in body and mind’, beautifully capturing the spirit of the centre.

The School was honoured to have Mr Walley perform a stirring Welcome to Country at the opening of the centre.

Celebrating and Learning About Culture

Swan Valley Anglican Community School enthusiastically embraced NAIDOC Week as an opportunity to celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Local Elder Vaughn McGuire taught students how Aboriginal people connect with Country and the six Noongar seasons. Early students participated in a dance and didgeridoo performance, while older students learnt about the land, animals, cultural practices and the Dreamtime, using dance, storytelling and music. Secondary students heard from former politician, Zak Kirkup, about his father’s Yamatji heritage and the importance of decreasing the gap between indigenous and nonindigenous Australians.

4.4 Proud Partners with Anglicare WA Braving the Elements to Support Homelessness

On a cold night in August 2022, students from many of our Perth-based ASC schools spent the night out in the elements at Optus Stadium. The annual Anglicare WA ‘School Sleep Out’ event gives students insights into some of the complexities of homelessness and raises money for Street Connect, a service that supports the homeless.

Among the students sleeping out were 28 Year 10 and 11 students from St James’

Anglican Community school. These students, and many others from our schools, are part of the Anglicare WA ‘School Ambassador’ program. The program gives students opportunities to engage in social justice and learn about social disadvantage, empowering them to make a difference in their community and beyond.

It Only Takes One

We proudly partner with Anglicare WA in the provision of their community education initiative ‘It Only Takes One’. The initiative sees students in Years 5-12 at WA schools learn about critical social issues such as poverty, inequality and homelessness.