FOCUS ON INTERNATIONAL MINDEDNESS
Autumn 2014
Relationships and Identity Strong and respectful relationships are central to student and community wellbeing within Discovery College. Research shows when students have fun and safe friendships at school, wellbeing and achievement is enhanced. The diversity of cultures within our school community provides enormous opportunity to increase and enhance our awareness and appreciation of one another. People from different cultures can interact and respond differently in social situations. These differences are often evident in times of disagreement or difficulty. Discovery College works towards developing internationally minded students who are able to recognise, value and engage with cultural difference in a way that demonstrates respect and care towards each other. At the start of this year, particular focus and time was given to establishing and developing meaningful relationships within the primary school. This involved a range of opportunities for students and staff to get to know each other through learning about each other’s character strengths, cultural identities, beliefs and values, and interests. Alongside these opportunities, classes established essential agreements to support each other as friends and learners. Tracey Chitty, School Counsellor Matt Baron, Primary Vice Principal
DC Labour Rights looks at global issues DC Labour Rights was formed two years ago, inspired by our Humanities teacher Mr. Taylor. We had learned about so many different global issues in class that we felt inspired to finally help with these causes. We looked into labour rights especially because we were all interested in labour issues, and we felt that many people don’t know much about labour rights. The work we’ve done has greatly benefited us and we feel grateful that we had the opportunity to learn so much. We were able to connect with other activists such as Matthew Friedman, and the organisation Liberty Asia. Furthermore, we’ve also raised awareness at events such as Picnic in the Park and Island School’s CAS Fair, and started a campaign called the Blacklist. Over the past two years, we’ve learned a lot about labour rights but also about many issues that link with it, such as human trafficking. Through our work and connecting with other activists, we’ve been able to take a deeper look at the roots of labour issues and what can be done about them, as well as understand how this fits within a global context. Kathy Lau Year 12 Student
RELATIONSHIPS
9