Supporting tolerance, understanding, social harmony and unity…Wiley Park Public School.

Developing a socially cohesive society

By Kathy Deacon

The Cohesive Community School State Ministerial Award, recognising outstanding achievement and contribution by a school in fostering a cohesive community, has been awarded to Wiley Park Public School.

This award is contested by both government and non government schools across NSW.

The school has implemented a range of successful initiatives to support tolerance, understanding, social harmony and unity within the community. The staff has worked closely with families from diverse cultural backgrounds and a range of community and government organisations to promote local participation in student learning.

Assistance has been provided to the community to access the school through initiatives such as partnerships operating TAFE courses, homework programs and culturally specific support for parents. Cultural networks were developed during activities such as Bengali language classes.

Programs to address specific needs were developed such as tutoring assistance, Hey Dad (a fathers' discussion group), before and after school care and the community vegetable garden project.

The school recently celebrated their success with the staging of a multicultural concert which was well attended by the local community and showcased the rich cultural diversity of the student population.

The achievements of Wiley Park Public School reflect the crucial role all public schools play in the development of a socially cohesive society.

Kathy Deacon is a City Organiser.

For further information

August 2006 contents