Inclusion and Diversity
Celebrating and Embracing Culture
Harrisdale Senior High School embraces cultural diversity, celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures within our school community, and has created an environment of harmony and inclusivity.
The school’s comprehensive Inclusion and Diversity Plan is overseen by a dedicated Manager of Inclusion and Diversity, ensuring that cultural awareness is embedded throughout school life.
Major cultural events such as Ramadan, Lunar New Year, Diwali, NAIDOC Week, and Harmony Week are celebrated, fostering understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Student leaders, who act as Cultural Champions, promote and organise cultural celebrations and initiatives, while the after-school Culture Club provides a space for students to explore and share cultural traditions. In Senior School students can earn a Community Learning Certificate in recognition of their engagement in cultural learning.
The CALD Community Forum provides a platform for our staff to collaborate closely with local community partners, working together to support culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Through these partnerships, we celebrate diversity as a strength and strive to create a more inclusive and responsive school environment
A strong focus is placed on supporting students from English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) backgrounds. This includes ongoing professional development and mentoring for teachers, the development of EALD MESH Curriculum Pathways for Years 7 to 10, and plans to build a cross-school EALD team to support learners across all subjects.
The school’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) reflects a formal commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It aims to build respectful relationships, promote cultural understanding, and create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
Looking ahead, Harrisdale Senior High School is working towards establishing a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion and Diversity, reinforcing its leadership in cultural responsiveness and inclusive education.
