from the editors WELCOME to the first edition of newly-arrived refugee communities Change Makers magazine. in Logan City. The Change Makers magazine The Change Makers’ Project is a collaborative media project includes youth camps, student-led CONTENTS led by the students at Woodridge community events and publishing Editors State High School and supported a magazine. Scott Downman by students from the School of This magazine seeks to tell the Amy Sullivan Journalism and Communication at story of Woodridge’s youth through Kate Davis the University of . the use of stories, photography, The magazine is one part of the artwork and illustrations. Journalists Change Makers’ Project funded The aim is to break stereotypes Jade Horrobin by the Federal Government’s and showcase stories that promote Kemii Maguire Department of Immigration as pride, hope and inspiration. 6 12 20 Jordan McMullen part of their Diversity and Social In this first edition, the magazine Alicja Rudz Cohesion Program. highlights and celebrates the Rachel Westbury The project’s aim is to build diversity of the Logan community. Alynna Wong greater connections and cross- We are proud of the stories that cultural understanding between are being told and we hope you Pride Inspiration Hope Change Makers committee the Aboriginal and Torres Strait enjoy reading ‘the real story of Islander, Pacifika, Australian and Woodridge’. Margaret Setefano Bark petitions Harmony Day Change Makers Manu Manoa Woodridge students lobby Celebrating multiculturalism Camps promote hope, pride Alexandra Green 04 the United Nations 12 at Woodridge High 20 and inspiration for students Tha Thaw from the change makers Say Ler Jae Lee Lor AS the Change Maker youth at as Change Makers, from many Seeking asylum Child marriage Catch me if you can Mai Lor Woodridge State High School we cultural backgrounds, to posi- Why do people seek asylum Families promote education Using sport to promote respect Mee Vang decided to make a magazine to tively impact our community and 06 in ? 14 not early marriage 22 with local police Nive Ionae change the bad stereotypes of to speak out for our youth. We Jayden Okesene our youth in Logan. We are proud want Woodridge students to be Asad Ahmadi to be from Woodridge and want proud of who they are and where Cultural diversity Learning options Family ties to celebrate our multicultural they have come from. We want to School lunches aren’t what Innovative programs promote Family commitment to school school. We love our community. make our whole community feel 08 they used to be 16 student opportunities. 24 community recognised It makes us feel safe and it is our the same way and to know that home. We have come together change is possible! Bulkairi space Community hub Education ops Indigenous space promotes Australia-first program builds Innovative learning pathways 10 cultural understanding 18 community links 28 for students

Funded by the Department of Social Services under the Diversity and Social Cohesion Programme 2 3 Petitions of hope pride inspiration Woodridge students are taking& on the world. As Alicja RUDZ reports their petitions for a better world have found their way to the United Nations in New York.

FIFTY-ONE years ago, Aboriginal elders used bark to send an enduring mes- 2014. She will also present them to the Chair of sage to the highest authority in the land, seeking to end injustice. the PFII at the UN World Conference on Indig- Today, children tracing their footsteps are going even further. enous Peoples in New York from 22 to 23 Sep- Woodridge State High School students have crafted traditional bark petitions tember. to call for an end to racism, a message that will be heard on a global stage at Dr Davis, an expert member of the PFII, said the 2014 United Nations World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. the petitions show how a school in a low socio- The bark tradition dates to 1963, when the Yolngu people of Yirrkala, in the economic community addresses racial tensions Northern Territory, sought recognition of traditional land rights by sending two and conveys a vision for racial harmony. petitions, which combined bark painting with text on paper, to the Australian “We speak about what a tolerant society Aus- Parliament. They were the first traditional documents to bridge Common- tralia is with few racial flashpoints, but we fail to wealth and Indigenous laws. recognise that most of this heavy lifting is done The Woodridge students drew on the tradition as a response to racial riots in those areas that have significant multicultural in the Logan community during 2013, which saw violence flare between Ab- populations. This tends to be in low socio-eco- original, Pacific Islander and African families. nomic areas,” Dr Davis said. Their petitions ask for fairness, tolerance, an upgrade of educational and “It’s easy to feel powerless because no one listens to the poor in Australia, but hospital resources, and to “bring some poor people from another country they can empower themselves with education. because they don’t have anything in their country.” “These students by necessity have to develop skills of diplomacy and peace- Alexandra Green, a Woodridge student in Year 9, said she was overwhelmed making that should be acknowledged and, in the case of the bark petitions, by the positive response with the bark petitions from her classmates. applauded.” “It made me proud to be an Aboriginal person sharing my culture,” Alexandra Among the individual messages on the Woodridge bark petitions were: said. “More help to find and prepare for jobs”; “Unity of all races”; “End racism”; Fellow Woodridge student Chantal Sadi said that acknowledging other cul- “Fairness”; “Violence is not peace”; “Equal rights for everyone”; and “As a tures and apologising for wrongdoing (to the Stolen Generation) allows peo- group we can accomplish anything.” ple to heal and release pain. Dr Davis said the petitions outline a vision for racial harmony and better social “That is what you will see these past years – when you go to school you will infrastructure for youth to prevent boredom, as well as raise concerns about see Indigenous, Aboriginal, Australian and other people from different coun- health care costs. tries having fun at school, laughing and playing together because there is love “I was extremely moved by the park petitions,” Dr Davis said. for one another,” Chantal said. “I’m not sure social mobility is as achievable today as it was for me, but it just As part of last year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, which increases awareness means students from Logan have to work twice as hard as everyone else.” of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians, and to honour the Head of ESL at Woodridge High School Kate Davis said that the bark pe- 50th anniversary of the Yirrkala bark petitions, Woodridge representatives tition themes highlighted the passions and sentiments of the youth in the presented their petitions to Dr Megan Davis (pictured right). Woodridge community. Dr Davis, Professor of Law and Director of the Indigenous Law Centre at the “Over 50 years later, the bark petition legacy lives on and continues to inspire University of New South Wales, in turn relayed the petitions to the peak UN our young people to stand up for change and positive reform in our nation,” 4 Indigenous body the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples (PFII) in May Ms Davis said. 5 an asylum seeker Why do asylum seekers come to Australia? As Jade HORROBIN reports their reasons for coming to Australia are often complex and confronting.

SITTING beside me, he fiddles with his fingers in his lap boat got heavier as the water built up, and people pan- as he shares his life with me in broken English. icked and moved to one side of the boat, and tipped the Each word separated by silence as he translates his boat. thoughts to English words. It was in the afternoon that 42 of us were saved but my Showing maturity and wisdom of a man much older than friend was not one of us,” he said. his 18 years, he recalls his father’s death, traveling to Iran The loss of his friend left him completely alone on his jour- to flee the ‘War on terror’, his journey to Australia by boat ney, praying for the safety of his family and mourning his and losing his best friend to the waves on the way. friend who was swallowed by the sea. Growing up in Afghanistan through the 1990s during the “I died a hundred times aboard that boat,” he said. height of the Taliban regime , life was never going to be “When I closed my eyes, I remembered my family, my easy, but as a religious and ethnic minority, the challenges village and clung to them, but if I died, I would have been of living in central Afghanistan were enormous. happy because I didn’t do any bad things in my life; I didn’t Being of Hazāra ethnicity and practicing Shia Islam, he kill anyone,” he said. had always been in the minority, sharing his ethnic and He said leaving behind his home and his family had devas- religious group with only 9-percent of Afghanis. tated him, but was regrettably the only option. “The Taliban wanted to kill me for my religion and my face Although his family were poor in Afghanistan, he explained [ethnicity],” he tells me. to me his love for his village; the place he grew up, and “I wish there was a school for my religion and I wish that the adoration he has for his family, who he never stops someday, Afghanistan will be free of the Taliban,” he said. missing. He hopes for equality and an end to racism in the Middle “I have a nice situation here. I have food, I have a place to East, and shares with me his plans to become a writer and stay, I feel safe and I can go to school, but I haven’t seen tell his story with people both in Australia and Afghanistan. my family for two and a half years,” he said. His mother taught him how to read, how to write, how to “Even if you gave me a billion dollars, I still couldn’t live count and how to calculate, all behind closed doors as without my family,” he said. they were not allowed to study. She continued to home Since arriving in Australia nearly two years ago, he has school her children even after the death of her husband. begun attending Woodridge State High School; his first op- “My father’s friends saw him die, then at night, they came portunity at an education and a chance to learn English. to my house and told my mother we had to leave because “The night before I started school, I slept with my bag the Taliban were coming to kill us too as the food we were beside me, woke up at 5am and came to school here with eating was bought with his money,” he said. no English,” he said. “If the Taliban found out we were studying, they would His courage and optimistic personality have seen him have killed me,” he said. thrive in a school environment, making many friends. Traveling from Indonesia with only his good friend by his “It was scary, but it was great and Woodridge has given side, he began his journey to Australia along with 90 other me so much hope.” he said. asylum seekers, including children and pregnant women “I’m now a student leader so I can represent students to onan old boat carrying double its capacity. management, and that’s a really good chance for me to “Everywhere was dark. I have never feared the sea as I start doing good things for people” he said. feared it that night,” he said. “I have lots of fun with lots of people from different coun- 7 6 “On the sixth night the petrol for the pump ran out so the tries, and I love all of them,” he said. Artwork: Kemii Maguire my lunchbox my culture Woodridge State High School is one of Australia’s most ethnically-diverse schools. With students from more than 65 different ethnic groups the school community is multicultural. This diversity can be seen clearly in the kinds of food students eat during their lunch break.

-BOLANI is common in A TUCKSHOP lunch BIRYANI is a classic rice Afghanistan and it’s is still popular. This dish from South Asia and made with potato and student said they did not Afghanistan. This is a flour. The vegetables go buy from the tuckshop popular lunch for students inside, then it’s closed and everyday but said they from India, Afghanistan, cooked in oil. “I made this normally spend between Pakistan and Iran. It often this before school. It took $10-$12 when they do. contains chicken. me an hour, but it’s worth it because it’s so yummy.”

THIS student from STILL a common lunch Africa says since FOR Muslim students is the sandwich or coming to Australia she during Ramadan there ‘sanga’. This student enjoys sandwiches. is no lunch. During the said their lunchbox is “Today my lunch is a fasting month, Muslims a ‘typical’ lunchbox chicken sandwich. It’s from the age of 1-2 refrain with salad sandwich, pretty boring but nice from food and drink mueseli bar and potato and easy to make. I from sunrise to sunset. chips. have to make it Ramadan occurred over myself.” June and July in 2014.

STUDENTS from LUNCHES from AT lunchtime I’m usually Southeast Asia enjoy leftovers are still so busy playing with the noodle-based lunches. popular. This soccer ball that we forget This salad known as Yum Indigenous student to eat. When we do bring Gung in Thai, includes said she enjoys taking food, it’s always noodles prawns, mint, coriander, cold pizza to school or rice. That’s nicer than glass noodles and after sharing takeaway sandwiches. peanuts. with her family the night before.

8 9 a We’re just trying to make the kids proud of themselves, give place to them a pat on the back when call home they need it. “ Woodridge State High School has one of the largest Indigenous school populations in Logan City. The school has established the Bulkairi space as an intentional place where Indigenous students can meet. Jade HORROBIN and Alicja RUDZ report the space is an empowering place for students.

EVERY child needs a safe place. The Bulkairi group partnerships, cross-cultural workshops, Space provides exactly that for students at and helping youth to get involved in sporting and Woodridge State High School. cultural activities. Woodridge was one of the first schools in Logan to This year in May, the team was also responsible for create an Indigenous-focused space that supports organising a school-wide project to commemorate ” students and the community with educational National Sorry Day. and counselling resources, as well as a safe place Each class created Indigenous message sticks where students can freely express themselves. with heart-felt messages that the students read The Bulkairi space has been running since 2007. out during a special school assembly. Community Education Counsellor Justine Cooper Traditional wood sticks with painted messages and Teacher Aide Bronywn Ahsee said that the were often used as a way of communicating Bulkairi Space offers a second home to some of between Aboriginal mobs and signified safe the 80 Indigenous students who has access to the passage into another nation’s territory for the one space on a daily basis. who carried the stick. “We’re just trying to make the kids proud of One class message read: “Stolen hearts, stolen themselves and give them a pat on the back when children, stolen generation, we are sorry.” they need it,” says Justine. One English as a Second Language (ESL) class “We won’t have our mob against each other, we’re also volunteered a considerate and genuine all family here,” she said. apology to the stolen generation showing the The team goes above and beyond to help break influence of the Bulkairi Space in integrating the stereotypes associated with the Aboriginal and students from different cultures at Woodridge. Torres Strait Islander students. It read: “As a class of many different cultures, “The perception of our Indigenous community is from many different countries, we would like to that we’re all down at the park sniffing glue, and say sorry for the sadness of the Stolen Generation. that we steal and beat our women,” says Justine. We would like to say THANK YOU for this wonderful “Our kids are nothing like that. country.” “These are definitely still issues and for some “The ILC (International Language Centre) and ESL reason it’s highlighted within the Indigenous classes really get involved in all our activities - they community, but these things happen in other love it because they can relate to our stories,” says cultures too and not just in this area,” she said. Bronywn. Working side by side with the students and Helping Indigenous and other cultures to come their families, the Bulkairi Space team fosters a together, the Bulkari Space is a small area making 10 united community through mentoring, community a big difference where it’s most needed. 11 Harmony Day

Har-muh-nee: An agreement that brings peace and a sweet sound.

Every year Woodridge State High School comes alive with colour, fashion, dance and food as students celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds with great pride.

12 13 the Pacific links community An innovative program aimed at reaching out to the Pacific Islander community is Logan is encouraging a culture of hub learning and hope among today’s students. AN award-winning schools-based originally established in 2010, program aimed at improving the includes a number of strategies learning outcomes for Pacific Islander aimed at building student success. students is being pioneered in Logan. Under the Pacific Links program The Pacific Links initiative at a mentoring program has been A Queensland-first program at Woodridge aimed at empowering and Woodridge State High School involves introduced, linking students equipping families is giving the community a new source of hope. partnering with local community to key members of the Pacific organisations to raise the aspirations Islander community. FINISHING high school is usually associated with Schoolies Week we help these students, most who speak English as a second of students. The weekly meetings and the glitz and glamour of school formals. But for some Logan language, to understand how to go about getting a job and how to The initiative, which partners with aim to encourage school students it’s also associated with a loss of community. write a resume.” organisations including Griffith attendance, build resilience Youth worker Edgar Venegas says students at Woodridge State Project Manager Josephine Aufai says the Hub continues to trans- University, Pacifika Pioneers, Good and support students in High School often feel a ‘sense of loss’ after graduating. form the community. “We are seeing people and a community Health Nutrition, Voice of Samoan setting academic goals. “The school becomes like a family; part of their support network. empowered to reach their full potential,” says Ms Aufai. When this is gone the students feel lost as they transition into life Woodridge graduate and mother of four Tamara says the Hub People and the Hope Centre aims The program also after school.” helped her complete a certificate course and enrol in a Bachelor to work with families and Pacific collaborates with local In a bid to smooth this transition, Woodridge State High School of Human Services at Griffith University. communities. churches, attended by many has launched an Australia-first ‘Community Hub’ program aimed “Now I feel I can do anything,” says Tamara. Commuinty Hub Project Manager of the students and their at supporting students and their families after they graduate. Further to job and university transition support, the program, Josephine Aufai said research driven families. The important project links community services, education and which is the only one of its kind in Queensland, also provides by Woodridge High found that a In addition, the program also training providers, and government organisations to provide vul- health advice and cross-cultural workshops, as well as resettling targeted initiative was needed to includes family nights, homework nerable graduating Year 12 students and their families with the students and their families who have recently arrived in Australia. support the unique and complex programs and home visits with school hope and opportunity to enter the workforce. “When people arrive in Australia there are lots of issues. The needs of Pacific Islander students. representatives. Mr Venegas says it’s about letting students and families know Community Hub is about providing integrated support. This in- that when their children leave the school they are not forgotten. cludes conducting courses on home fire safety, storm safety and The school, which has a current Under the holistic initiative students “We are here to support students, to help them find work and to where to go for help. enrolment of 1100 students, has also receive leadership training, help equip them and give them skills so that they can find their “It’s about building a stronger community.” more than 350 students of Pacific financial and employment way after school. The Community Hub is a partnership with the not-for-profit organ- Islander heritage. advice, attend camps “Our students come from diverse cultural backgrounds and isation BoysTown. “The research showed that many and gain insights into students from the Pacific Islander employment, study and cohort did not transition well to vocational options after they further education and employment,” finish high school. she said. Since Pacific Links was “The school began researching introduced school attendance alternatives and found that working rates have increased, collectively with community suspension rates have organisations and local businesses decreased and student could be an effective way of behaviour has improved. enhancing the learning and The success of the initiative vocational outcomes of these has provided a model students.” which has now been used in other The targeted approach, which was Queensland schools.

14 15 Child marriage Early marriage has been part of many cultures for thousands of years. But as Alynna WONG reports one Logan ethnic community is making a stand against the practice.

Pang is a 17 year old girl. She is not married. married and that was what my parents did,” In Hmong culture, she is an exception. Pang said. Early marriages were the norm in traditional Thongsin Lor, Pang’s father, says that such Hmong culture, where life was based on quick marriages on New Year’s Day were farming and involved short life spans. common back then but he does not expect However, even today, it still is a big part of them now. Hmong communities. “Now you can go to throw balls on New Traditionally, Hmong girls marry starting Year’s as friends and you don’t have to get at ages 13 or 14 and often marry older married to them,” he said. husbands. “We still do it as a Hmong tradition but These young brides usually drop out of things are also very different. I do not expect school to fulfil their new roles as wives and my daughters to find a husband that way.” homemakers. “For my daughters, I think it is up to them While teenage marriage still happens in who they want to marry and when,” he said. Hmong society in Australia, Pang Lor and Mai says that she is thankful her parents’ her family are among the increasing number have shed this tradition and instead of Hmong people that have shunned this encourage them to work hard in school. custom since migration. “I am lucky because my parents do not “Back in Laos, this was the way things were pressure me to find a husband and I can just done and even in Australia there are some concentrate on my studies.” of my friends who get married and leave “They encourage my sisters and me to get high school,” she said. a good education and they know that if we “It is part of our culture. But since we came got married now,we would not get a chance here, there are many things that we are to finish.” changing.” “We know that education is the most Did you know... In Hmong culture, during New Year’s Day, important thing to have right now and all of New forced marriage education campaign announced teenage girls and boys throw and catch a us want to go to university,” she said. 1. In 2013 the Australian ball with each other as a form of courting. Pang is in no rush to get married and FEDERAL Justice Minister Michael Keenan has announced a Mr Keenan said a further $70,000 had been allocated to During this time, they get to know each other is excited about being able to study business Government made forced/child $480,000 anti-forced marriage campaign, that will include a the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights to and traditionally, a marriage followed soon at university after high school. marriage a criminal offence. schools-based education campaign. develop an education program aimed at increasing the abil- after. “I think people will realise that they don’t Pang said that this was the way her parents need to rush into marriage like back in Laos 2. Under Australian law forced/ Mr Keenan said the Australian Government recognised ity for community organisations to work with young women met each other. the longer they stay in Australia,” she said. child marriage is considered a that forced marriage was unacceptable in Australia despite and families on the issue of forced marriage. “They met and got married on the same “There are other people like my family and form of human trafficking. people’s cultural background. “Forced marriage can be prevented, and with the right tools day,” she said. with more education, the number of young He said under the government plan teachers in both govern- we can empower young men and women to protect them- “In Hmong culture, after throwing the ball, if marriages will also go down.” 3. The changes to Australian ment and independent schools would receive training on selves and their friends, and get help when needed,” Mr you decide to get married, the groom has to “We will always keep parts of Hmong culture law recognise forced/child mar- how to identify at-risk children at schools. Keenan said. visit the bride’s house and throw a party.” with us but we are also changing. It’s a new riage is ‘never acceptable’ in More than $60,000 has also been allocated for the de- He said although forced/child marriage was now illegal in “We do not have rings but we tie a white life. That’s why we came to Australia,” she Australia. velopment of a curriculum on forced marriage to educate Australia, community-based measures were needed to 16 string around our wrists to show that we are said. students. detect and prevent forced marriage. 17 “I have learnt that no “There were so many matter how different great things at camp. we are, we all have We learnt about other similiarities.” people.”

“The Change Makers’ “I liked the camp camp made me because I improve my connected with other confidence.” cultures and made new friends.”

“I really enjoyed “We got to do learning the activities that tested surfing. I also learnt CAMPs us. In these activities a lot about other I learnt to trust other The Change Makers Project included two camps at Tallebudgera. These camps brought influential youth together for three days of challenges people who are not people’s cultures. and adventures. Students from all year levels, social groups and cultural backgrounds had to apply for the camps by outlining their hope and vision from my own culture. They are now my new for the community. Only the best applications were successful. On the two camps students had to work together in team-buidling activities, It was awesome.” friends.” listen to other points of view in cross-cultural dialogue and develop a shared vision for the Woodridge community. They were given skills and confidence to be Change Makers in their generation.

18 19 TUNNEL Vision: Police and Woodridge students in the tunnel at Suncorp catch me Staidum prior to the third State of Origin. if you can By Jordan McMullen

LOGAN police and Woodridge High’s Indig- their behaviour and they respond to being a enjoyed talking to the officers. enous youth have bonded over three touch community member,” the legend “They were so enthusiastic. It was great be- football matches, but it’s what has happened said. cause the students were so keen to ask more off the pitch that leaves Origin great Petero Ci- “It definitely helps towards breaking down any questions they kept saying ‘one more minute, LEAGUE GREAT: Former Broncos star Petero Civoniceva vinoceva applauding. preconceived ideas of what a police officer is just one more minute’ as we were forcing supported the Catch Me If You can program in Logan recently. Catch Me If You Can, a program created by all about, and see the human side of who they them to move on.” Martin Ermer and Cheyann Beard, is directed are.” Keiryn Dermody, held similar thoughts about at creating a stronger relationship between Marty and Cheyann said this is exactly the the success of the ‘speed yarning’. the Indigenous students at Woodridge High message they want to broadcast to the stu- “One of the key parts of this for me is the and the local Logan police. dents at Woodridge. speed yarning. It really breaks down the barri- Marty said the idea was to get the two groups “It’s all about interaction. ers. It creates a familiarity between the police to bond over three touch football matches that “We wanted the police and the students to in- and the students that isn’t forced,” Constable were planned the same Wednesday as the teract because there has always been a divide Dermody said. three State of Origin matches. The students based on their attitudes and perceptions. “What I saw today was a couple of seconds also played a curtain-raiser at the final State of “We thought if the police and students can get of shyness that was quickly transformed into Origin match at Suncorp Stadium. to bond and know each other, we canmake laughter and talking, and I thought wow - the “We thought if we planned the touch matches these attitudes and perceptions more accu- barrel has been broken.” the same day as State of Origin, more stu- rate and challenge the stereotypes,” Marty She said that it is through this sort of com- dents would want to get involved because of said. munication that the Queensland Police the excitement surrounding the games them- To facilitate this interaction there was a series Service(QPS) will achieve its goal for Catch Me selves,” he said. of icebreakers before the game – ‘speed yarn- If You Can - improved community engagement. The first match was played on May 28, and for- ing’ being the highlight. “It’s all about community engagement,” she mer Bronco and Origin great Petero Civoniceva Speed yarning, Marty and Cheyann’s version said. joined the students and officers to officially of speed dating, gave all the students an op- “We’ve (QPS) long recognised that for proper commemorate the kick off. portunity to talk one on one with the police of- law enforcement you’ve got to have commu- Although the match was the main spectacle of ficers for a short amount of time. nity support,” she said. the day, Petero said the most important part “Basically the students all had a sheet of ques- “We want to build community relations both of the program was the one-on-one time the tions that they got to ask the police officers. with our Indigenous community and our local Woodridge students would get with the police The questions were aimed at some basic community generally.” officers. personal information and stuff the students Constable Dermody said that a friendly game “It’s all about building stronger relationships might want to know about the police,” he said. of touch was a perfect way to end the day. HALLOWED TURF: Woodridge State High School had the chance to play the and breaking down stereotypes. When a As the students got to talk to the police of- “Sport is always, has always, been a great way curtain-raiser at Suncorp Stadium before the third State of Origin. The touch young person can identify with police officers ficers, Cheyann said the tension was gone for people to engage with each other. I really football match between the students and police was part of the Catch Me If You 20 on a personal level, they take ownership of nearly immediately, and the students really hope the students enjoy it,” she said. Can program. 21 Not all students learn the same way. As Jordan McMullen reports Learning Woodridge State High School has introduced tailored programs to help students overcome learning obstacles inside the classroom.

models to SPECIAL education programs are quite normal in Queensland schools - but Woodridge State High School’s program gives an entirely different meaning to the word special. Woodridge High is a diverse community, hosting students from more than 90 different cultures. These include ethnicities from all over the world, including people from Australia’s Indigenous community. However, alongside this cultural diversity, there are other significant differences in the make-up of the school’s society. promote While most of the students are successful in completing the school’s regular curriculum, students with special needs require more assistance than others to succeed in their studies. These students can suffer from a number of issues including speech, language, intellectual, psychological and physical disabilities. To properly support the needs of these students the school established a Special Needs Services, a faculty that focuses specifically on providing assistance for these students. success Shirley Van Zyl, Head of Special Needs Services at the school, says the faculty is involved in planning education programs for 87 students. “It is not a blanket approach. It is absolutely individual and changes as a student’s needs develop,” she said. “They may start in the EAP (educational adjustment program) in Grade 8, then in year 10 they may have developed the appropriate skills to go into regular classes.” She said because every student progresses in a different way, their programs are constantly looked over to determine whether changes need to be made. “It’s not necessarily a structured program that we have. As the students’ needs arise we create something around it until the student has overcome that problem,” Ms Van Zyl said. Because of these programs, lots of students have successfully entered regular classes by overcoming obstacles in their studies. “We have lots of students that are totally mainstreamed. I see them once or twice a year because they are doing fantastically,” she said. However alongside catering for the needs of regular schooling, the Special Needs Services faculty also offer some unique opportunities. As their students may not have the ability to make that final hurdle into regular classes, students are given other opportunities to obtain a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), so they have the possibility to study after high school. The faculty offers students the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in horticulture, a Certificate II in social and community studies and a Certificate III in warehousing, alongside their regular school studies. “A QCE is an important part of high school and all students should have the opportunity to achieve that certificate,” she said. 22 23 the power “It was different of and new. When people said ‘G’Day’ I had education no idea what it meant.” Education has long been considered a key to opportunity. As Alicja RUDZ reports two former Woodridge State High School students are celebrating their new life in Logan and have overcome the odds. They are now set to graduate from university and make their mark on the world. THE education journey is different for ev- “I pushed myself. Everything is still challeng- parents and younger brother. eryone, but common to every success story ing for me, especially English, writing and But they found school in India difficult and NEW LIFE: Lang San Kim, 22, is hard work, determination and courage – math.” isolating, unable to speak Hindi and in a prepares for life after university something these Burmese sisters have in Adapting to the Australia education system small minority of Asians among 2000 Indian and overcoming the odds and deep supply. ehas been a challenge for Kim, who says that students who didn’t speak English. graduating from Griffith University. Vung Khan Huai, 24, and Lang San Kim, 22, Burma has strict teaching methods that do “I hated going to school because I didn’t will both complete studies at Griffith Univer- not encourage students to be creative or know what they were talking about,” Kim sity this year, Huai graduating with a Bach- think for themselves. said. and the next generation will benefit,” Sane- elor of Oral Health in Dental Technology and “In Burma you study what they give to you When they arrived in their new Slacks Creek sie said. Kim with a Bachelor of Business in Human and you do it their way - everything has to be home in Brisbane in 2007, the young wom- Huai said the biggest challenge has been Resource Management. what the teacher says,” says Kim. en said they finally felt free and safe. managing time and having the confidence It’s a remarkable achievement considering “But in Australia you are encouraged to have “It was a big thing for us – the fridge was full to seek help. both only arrived in Australia in 2007, along your own ideas, and that is very challeng- of food, ready to eat, and it was quite safe,” Veronica Jukic, Head of Futures at Wo- with their older sister Ning, via the United ing.” Kim said. odridge State High School, said the first year Nations High Commissioner for Refugees The girls fled hardship in Burma, where at- “We didn’t lock our doors the first night we of university was when students “can get (UNHCR) resettlement programme, which tending school was a struggle for many. arrived.” lost.” has provided a new start for an average of “There’s no such thing as research or study- Huai said it was like arriving in another She said it was important for each to learn 2000 Burmese refugees in Australia each ing on the net,” Kim said. world. that their journey was unique. year since 2008. “You’d be very lucky to touch a computer in “You just feel like you can speak your mind. “It’s about making them understand that Huai started at Woodridge State High School a public school. Only in a really good school You just feel free. It’s like a dream.” the road is different for everyone,” she said. at the age of18, entering Year 10, while Kim and even then one computer would be used It was an opportunity the girls, like many oth- “Showing them there’s no one way in and started in Year 9, aged 16, and unable to by three or four students.” ers in their situation, were determined not that one way is not better than the other. confidently speak English. Huai said growing up in Burma was unsafe, to waste. “It really starts with the student – making After just three months in ESL (English as a especially for girls. Kim confirmed that the transition from high them aware of their abilities and outlining Second Language), she joined mainstream “Anything can happen at any time and it school to university was a big step, aided different approaches.” classes, both girls studying hard to complete wasn’t safe because they (the military) can through access to the Griffith UniReach and Huai’s advice for other refugees is to try your OP subjects and work toward university. come and attack at any time,” she said. UniKey outreach and mentoring programs, hardest. Kim said she experienced a culture shock “There’s a saying in Burma - if one of the which provide targeted support for refugee “Although you are from a non-English speak- when she started at Woodridge. police or military say just come with me for and ESL students. ing background, there’s always a chance,” BIG DREAMS: Vung “I’m good at adapting to different cultures, a minute, it can be for 45 years; that’s how Sanesie Dukuly, founder of the Griffith Uni- Huai said. Khan Huai, 24, is hoping but I try not to forget where I come from,” they get you.” versity Student Refugee Association (GUR- Kim also thought finishing school and- at to start postgraduate she said. Huai and Kim left Burma in 2006, entering SA) and Griffith UniKey mentor, says that tending university would be impossible. study after graduating “It was different and new. When people said India illegally after one week of travelling support programs provide important social “I thought you had to be smart and have the with a Bachelor in Oral ‘G’Day’ I had no idea what it meant.” on overcrowded transport with some family support and a sense of belonging for stu- money to come to university,” Kim said. Health from Griffith 24 One of the first lessons Huai learned well friends. They would stay for a year to await dents. She now has a dream to set up her own 25 was to seek help from her teachers. UNHCR resettlement, leaving behind their “If we come together we can achieve more school in Burma. Building a culture of success Leapai legacy lives on Comment by Margaret Setefano - WSHS Change Maker HE started from the bottom and became a big shot. Alex Leapai, a former Woodridge student, is well respected throughout the community of Logan City. He started as a student in Woodridge State High School and like any other, had to overcome the battles of living in a low socio-economic area to achieve success. Although he had trouble with alcohol, drugs and had spent time in jail after leaving school, he ensured his life turned around. Leapai became a successful boxer, joined church choirs, raised a family of six children, drove a delivery van to pay the bills, fought in pubs, clubs, RSLs and eventually made a name for himself on the world stage. He came a long way, and on April 26, 2014, became the first Australian to have the Hope that allows the students to focus on school, knowing chance to fight for the undisputed belt against that anything is possible if you put your mind to it but, to also the Ukrainian world champion in Germany. never give up on yourself and keep fighting whatever battles He worked hard to get where he is today, with the support of you are facing. his wife and kids, who have been there every step of the way. “I wish back then that I could focus on school but I learnt that He was determined to be an example to the new generation the hard way. I have the chance now to share my story with and to help them avoid some of the things he did in his the kids, and hopefully they can knuckle down and focus and past. Because of his story, he is seen as more than just not leave it too late like I did,” Leapai said. someone who is able to achieve his goals. He is a hero and an On March 7 2014, Leapai came back to his roots and talked inspiration. He gives the students of Logan City hope. Hope to the Woodridge State High students and gave them a pep that allows them to believe you don’t have to have a perfect talk. He inspired them to stay in school and not let anyone background to become successful and achieve your dreams. stop them from doing what they wanted to do in life.

The House of Champions Hip Hop Dance 28th July, at St Laurence’s College, the competition is an initiative led by the Woodridge SHS students represented Academy of Brothers, with a strong focus their school, community and families Woodridge runner takes on nation’s best on uniting communities. The HOC Hip very proudly, taking out 1st place in the IF you were to walk into a Woodridge High ESL classroom you may see Chekole Hop Competition provides an innovative competition, winning a huge trophy, and Getenet studying quietly at his desk. But this Ethiopian born students is hiding platform for rich cultural exchange and $3000 towards the costumes and needs a secret talent. He can run FAST. the promotion of uniting cultures through of 2015’s team. His natural talent was apperent when he started attending Woodridge State dance. The time and level of commitment that High School last year and achieved the Junior Sportsperson of the Year award. Academy of Brothers (AOB) worked these students put in is commendable, However, it was not until Chekole met his coach Murray Watkins that his true alongside schools and community and special mention must be made of potential was unleashed. organisations to promote healthy choices, our team leaders, who choreograph and Before connecting with his current coach, Chekole continually asked his healthy communities and cultural pride coordinate the team of 24 dancers – Tony classroom teacher at the time to help find him a coach. throughout the competition. AOB believes Lagaaia, Maesha Tinoai & Navarone “Chekole just wouldn’t give up,” says Amy Sullivan, Chekole’s former teacher. that these important components will Robertson, who’s individual talents are “Every lunch time he would come and ask me if I had found him a coach yet. foster the development of a strong extraordinary. He was doing his own research online and bringing me phone numbers to community and are achievable through Our Woodridge SHS community are call. He did not have the confidence or the language skills to make the phone respect and cooperation. very very proud of our team, for not only calls himself,” said Ms Sullivan. Champions The Woodridge State High School House their commitment and their winning She said when coach Watkins from Fast Track Athletics was contacted he of Champions team for 2014, worked performance, but the way which they agreed to take Chekole on and train him for free. very hard from the beginning of March, to carried themselves throughout the “I was impressed, not just by his talent but by his willingness to work hard at develop a really exciting and technically entire competition, representing us all so his training,” said Mr Watkins. sophisticated Hip Hop Dance routine. proudly! The club and the school continued to support Chekole and they sponsored in da house In 2013 Woodridge achieved 3rd place As a result of this success, the team has his to attend the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Sydney earlier in this competition, and have worked been invited to perform at a number of this year. In Sydney, Chekole surprised everyone by finishing second in the exceptionally hard to build a team, which events including the Pacifica Unity Festival 1500-metres, after only four months of training. Since that time Chekole has functions as a family in order to better the on August 30, and have also nominated not stopped running. He recently also won gold at the Queensland Cross 2013 result. to take part in ‘Remix’, another dance Country championships in Toowoomba. 19 26 The hard work paid off, when on Saturday, competition in November. Ms Sullivan says everyone agrees there is a big future for this former refugee 27 and the Woodridge community is proudly cheering him on. Building a culture of success mentorThe

&his titans WHAT does it take to be a champion rugby team? Cup. This year Woodridge State High School’s rugby team showed the After winning the Titan’s Cup, the team were able to go down to winning formula includes a variety of ingredients. the Titans game and catch up with former Woodridge student These include: a dedicated and respected coach, a team of and Queensland State of Origin representative . players committed to each other, relentless early morning Josh, who is now one of the ’s elite practices and a lot of hard work. forwards, is another Woodridge success story, thanks to the During the footy season, coach and former retired Woodridge mentorship of Dave Allen. teacher Dave Allen, and the rugby league boys are the first to But this year’s triumphs didn’t stop there. arrive on the school grounds at a 6am every morning. Douglas Epi summed up the team’s achievements when he said, Mr Allen, who has tied the football team’s class attendance and “Out of all my years playing rugby league, this year is the best ABOVE: Dave their effort in the classroom to their team participation, says year I’ve experienced. involvement in team sports is great for building discipline among “We took out Titans’ Cup, Country Cup and dominated through Allen at before the students. Logan district. But my favourite part about the team is my school training at Before the school day begins, Mr Allen has the team engaged Woodridge brothers. Woodridge. in rigorous training sessions and then feeds the boys breakfast “As a player I am very grateful to be a part of this team.” before sending them to class to focus on their studies for the day. Nathan Hudson said the players were proud of their standout One of the players, Nathan Hudson, says Dave Allen is more year. than a coach, he’s also a ‘mentor’. This has been one of the best years for our rugby league team. “I am proud to play alongside with my brothers and mentor Dave First we won the Titans Cup for the first time ever, then we went RIGHT: The Allen,” said Nathan. on to win the Country Cup for the first time as well.” winning Nathan is not the only one in the team to feel that way. Mr Allen, who still coaches the team five years after retiring, Woodridge team The players’ passionate commitment to their coach and each said his greatest satisfaction was seeing the kids motivated to other has earned them striking success. succeed. after their victory Earlier this year Woodridge State High School defeated Palm Mr Allen’s personal commitment to the players has seen him over Palm Beach/ Beach State High School 18-16 in the gripping final of the Titan’s nominated for the Pride of Australia Community Spirit medal. Currumbin.

“My favourite part about the team is my Woodridge brothers. As a player I am very grateful to be a part of the team.” - Douglas Epi 28 29 dosc i o le

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Kaleidoscope is the name given to the annual street festival to celebrate the diversity of Logan City. This year marked the ninth anniversary of the festival which gives people the chance to celebrate Logan City’s rich cultural heritage. Logan City is one of Australia’s most diverse communities with more than 26-percent of residents born in another country and 30 more than 215 ethnic communities 31 represented in the city. my art my soul my journey Woodridge High art students and their self-portraits. Their life through their eyes.