Flying the flag on respect for culture and history

A new flagpole, which was installed during the school holidays, represents a quiet symbol of positive change across The Geelong College.

A NEW flagpole stands tall at The Geelong College.

It was installed during the school holidays so the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags can fly alongside the Australian and college banners, in pride of place at the school’s entrance.

It is a quiet symbol of positive change taking place across the college.

Last month, The Geelong College received approval for its Reconciliation Action Plan, a framework that guides the school to support the national reconciliation movement, which calls for increased knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island histories, cultures and contributions.

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Indigenous student support teacher Jane Leyshon said flying the flag was a small, but significant step towards educating all students and staff about cultural respect, understanding and celebration, while creating an environment where minority students felt safe.

“I call it cultural fitness,” said Ms Leyshon, who started in the newly created role two years ago.

“That is something I am trying to build at the school, more cultural sensitivity awareness and inclusion.”

However, her main responsibility is supporting the college’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, many of whom come from remote towns and communities in the Kimberley and Northern Territory.

“I think it is important to know how difficult it is for these students to come so far from their homes to where the environment is so polar opposite to where they come from, and know the resilience that is needed to stick it out.”

Ms Leyshon said The Geelong College supported a number of students through The Smith Family every year, as well as local Aboriginal students, with a total of nine indigenous students this year. She gives them academic support, takes them on excursions and organises cultural activities with local Aboriginal groups. She also travels to their home communities and towns to connect with their families.

“The fact that the school has created this role and they are open to learning and building their cultural sensitivity and awareness is a really positive thing,” she said, adding that director of student wellbeing Joan Gill had led efforts to draft the Reconciliation Action Plan.

Ms Gill said Ms Leyshon’s role was developing in tandem with a growing desire of The Geelong College students and families to gain more knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island history and culture.

“Respect comes through how we recognise National Sorry Day, how we recognise National Reconciliation Week,” Ms Gill said. “There is quite an important focus at each level of school on those two things.

“We need to understand more about their culture. There has to be a lot of two-way learning.

“Australians in general are at a point of wanting to acknowledge, understand, respect and celebrate our First Nations people and not just the injustices of their past but the contributions they have made and continue to make.”

Both women said the school had a strong relationship with local Wadawurrung traditional owner Corrina Eccles, who worked with the school to highlight local Aboriginal culture and history.

Ms Leyshon is a resident staff member of the girls’ boarding house, where she supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, while also increasing cultural awareness and understanding for all boarders.

● geelongcollege.vic.edu.au