Mrs Cath Hailstone and myself have enjoyed interviewing children (and their parents) who wish to join Good Samaritan in 2025. If you have friends or relatives who may have forgotten that ‘it’s that time of the year’, please ask them to either contact the school and/or apply online. During these interviews, I have received some queries about Baptism into the Catholic faith. If you, or someone you know, is interested in exploring Baptism for themselves or their child/children, please contact the Lumen Christi parish, or click on this Link for further information. 

Racism is learned behaviour, and it’s no secret that children are quick to pick up on behavioural cues. According to Harvard University psychologist and brain researcher Mazarin Banaji, children as young as three may demonstrate discriminatory behaviour after being exposed to it, even though they may not understand the “why” of their feelings. 

Fortunately, what has been learned can also be unlearned. This is why education is the most important tool we have in the fight against racism and prejudice.

Educating children and young people about racism empowers them to take action and be part of the solution. 

So where do we begin when it comes to teaching anti-racism and emphasising the importance of equality, tolerance and diversity?

If we are ever to address this cultural pandemic — and live in the respectful and inclusive society we all desire — early interventions involving children is the best option moving forwards.

Practical strategies to promote the quantity and quality of children’s cross-group friendships can act as a social vaccine against the cultural pandemic of prejudice and racism into the future.

Children are constantly watching, scrutinising and internalising adults' thoughts and behaviours, including those related to prejudice and racism.

Subsequently, adults need to self-reflect on how much cultural diversity and connection exist among their family friendship groups, and whether their children are aware of, or a part of, such groups.

Parents can also regulate the types of television programs they and their children watch, especially with regards to the extent and the accurate depiction of cross-group friendships represented in these programs.

As well as these practical steps, parents can influence their child’s exposure to cross-group friends by selecting schools that are culturally diverse, encouraging neighbourhood friendships, or even introducing their children to different foods and cuisines at mealtime.

Parents can begin by asking, "How many cross-group friends does my family have and what is the quality of these connections?"

Please take some time to read the following taken from abc.net.au

At Good Samaritan, we celebrate being a culturally diverse community.

Mrs Lisa Tyson 

Acting Principal