Build bridges of empathy and compassion

Brad Gill, Head of Middle School

As I sit to write this article, plans are in place for the College to celebrate NAIDOC Week, our country is poised to vote on ‘The Voice’ and I am reminded of the lyrics, so beautifully composed by Bruce Woodley, of I am Australian.

In a diverse and multicultural world, schools play a crucial role in shaping young minds and promoting social harmony. By fostering understanding, healing, and unity, our commitment to reconciliation aims to create a supportive environment where students and educators can learn from their diverse backgrounds and grow together.

Authentic reconciliation requires acknowledging historical injustices and confronting uncomfortable truths about the past. Schools must create space for open and honest discussions about their history, including the darker aspects, such as colonialism, discrimination, and prejudice.

This process helps build awareness and empathy, fostering a deeper understanding of the experiences of marginalised groups.

A crucial aspect of promoting reconciliation in schools is revising the curriculum to include diverse perspectives and histories. By incorporating the contributions of Indigenous Australians, students can develop a more nuanced understanding of the world and their peers. This approach promotes inclusivity and challenges stereotypes, empowering students to become critical thinkers and agents of change.

It is obvious that educators play a pivotal role in facilitating authentic reconciliation. Therefore, providing teachers with ongoing training and professional development on cultural sensitivity and awareness is crucial. This equips them with the tools needed to create a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

When students and staff engage in authentic reconciliation, they develop a sense of shared identity and belonging. This creates a stronger sense of community within the College.

When students feel accepted and valued for their unique identities, they are more likely to be engaged in their studies. This is true for all students, and we are continually working to ensure that our Indigenous students feel that true sense of belonging too. Reconciliation fosters a positive learning environment, positively impacting academic performance and helping to create a strong sense of self for all and especially our Indigenous community.

In today’s globalised society, cultural competence is a valuable skill. Authentic reconciliation equips students with the ability to navigate diverse settings with empathy and respect, preparing them for success in an interconnected world.

At Scotch College, reconciliation is not a one-time event; rather, it is an ongoing commitment to fostering understanding, healing, and unity. By embracing the principles of truth, inclusivity, restorative justice, cross-cultural understanding, and teacher training, we aim to create transformative environments where students learn to celebrate diversity and build bridges of empathy and compassion. We have commenced a comprehensive review of the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan and will use this document to help students develop into empathetic and responsible citizens who actively contribute to a harmonious and inclusive society.

We realise that this commitment to authentic reconciliation is a journey and like all journey’s, success depends on sharing the responsibility, becoming more informed, learning from history and acknowledging that there may be setbacks along the way but that ultimately committing to the journey is more important than reaching the destination.