Culturally and Language Diverse (CALD) Families

Victorians originate from over 208 countries and speak approximately 151 languages. Almost 20 per cent are from countries where English is not the main language – the highest proportion of any state or territory in Australia. The rich cultural and linguistic diversity of its people is undoubtedly one of Victoria’s greatest assets. The 1996 Census showed that of the over 4 400 000 people who live in the state, 21 474 identified themselves as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin and more than 44.5 per cent were either born overseas, or have at least one parent who was born overseas.

Berwick Chase Primary School students are no exception to these statistics as they are diverse both culturally and in the languages they speak. It is therefore essential that all students and families feel apart of the school community for not only the students’ benefit, but the families’ and school’s as well.

This is because diversity brings significant educational benefits to all students, teachers and administrators as well as the wider community. It enables the creation of learning environments enriched by different life experiences, varied perspectives, dynamic interchange, flexibility and creativity. The skills and attitudes acquired by students in this environment are the same as those needed for the new worlds of work and community life. Schools can be, and generally are, model communities of mutual respect, harmony and tolerance.

At Berwick Chase Primary School, we are committed to:

• assisting all students and staff to become informed, productive, adaptable, motivated and creative citizens, who take full advantage of their economic, social and individual opportunities
• building an accepting environment where all staff and students are treated with dignity and respect and where diversity is valued
• facilitating intercultural contact through broadening knowledge of the world and promoting the skills needed for cross-cultural cooperation and understanding
• creating a learning environment where stereotypes are questioned and bias, bigotry, ethnocentrism, prejudice or racism are wholeheartedly rejected.

For further information or assistance, please contact our office.

Statistics and information has been sourced from the Victorian Government website.