Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to recognise Islington Public School, in my electorate, which plays a vital role in supporting multiculturalism and social harmony in the Newcastle community. Multicultural education is an integral part of Islington Public School's learning experience. Nearly half of the students at the school are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, with more than 20 different nations represented amongst the student body. They are an active participant in Newcastle's interagency support for refugee and migrant communities and coordinate a number of successful multicultural education programs. This includes a multicultural homework centre, which provides support for students from local primary and high schools, and a parent cafe, where parents and teachers gather to discuss the challenges that arise when settling in a new country.

Last month, the shadow minister for foreign affairs and international development and I had the opportunity to visit the school to meet educators, students and families and to witness firsthand their inclusive education programs in action. The values of the school—Goodness, Truth and Beauty—were on display in abundance and I thank Principal Matthew Bradley and his dedicated team of educators for welcoming the shadow minister and I into their wonderful, inclusive community.

Schools play such an important role in creating cultural acceptance and harmony in our society. I welcome the contribution that Islington Public School and others in my electorate make and call on the Abbott government to stand up and be counted for a more tolerant and inclusive society.