Issue 8 SJC News 2021

As part of our commitment to ‘acceptance of all people’ and our determination to be linked by what we share rather than divided by the differences between us, St Joseph’s hosted the inaugural ‘Diversity/ Rainbow Alliance Meet and Greet’ on Friday 14 May at the College.

Our gathering was held after the school day had concluded, for any interested students and staff from Sacred Heart, Clonard and Geelong College.

Together we shared afternoon tea and traded ideas: what each school was doing at present in the area of recognising and respecting gender diversity; what people wanted to achieve as we move forward as an alliance, and how we could be a voice in the wider community that validated respect for all people.

The young people at the meeting were passionate and excited to be able to link together and they will continue to promote understanding and activities through their Instagram group. They have prioritised spreading a greater understanding of the language we use to define people, and talked about the importance of having a physical space that offers them the opportunity to grow their group and their voice as they move forward.

We, as staff present, felt enormous pride in the vision that the young people shared and felt excitement for them as a group. I am sure we will see further activities planned as the four schools work together in the Diversity/ Rainbow Alliance.