Change in the hands of students

A video in which students shared their experiences of racism began discussions and learnings at Marist Sion College during its first Anti-Racism Day on Thursday.

College captains Kalai Sathyaseelan and Ethan Miller came up with the idea of a day to raise awareness about the issue of racism in the school community.

Students were asked to wear black, red and yellow – the colours of the Aboriginal flag – as a gesture of solidarity with Aboriginal people, who continue to suffer racism and discrimination in their own country. In addition, any students of a minority racial group were welcome to wear national dress or colours.

Kalai said seeing the Black Lives Matter protests across the world had initially inspired the Anti-Racism Day.

The two leaders both had powerful messages to share about the impact of racism at schools and standing up for change.

Kalai shared a painful memory from when she first arrived in Warragul. It was impossible not to be moved by its impact.

Originally from India and still learning English, Kalai was asked to present to her grade two class but didn’t know the words.

“The whole class laughed.” she recalls. “It wasn’t nice. I think I expected somebody to stand up.”

Ethan said a video was shared at the start of the school day in an extended tutor group. This was followed by a discussion in these groups mixing year seven to 12 students.

A feature of the video was students courageously sharing their experiences of racism in the schoolground. Speaking to their peers, they told of being called names, being afraid of being picked on, and being told to say bad words whilst learning English.

At its conclusion, Ethan shared a stirring message of what all young Australians could achieve together.

“What is our job?” he asked. “It’s to listen, to hear and to be educated. To amplify the voices that have been silent for so long. To no longer be a bystander. To stand up for what is right. Because when the hashtags fade and the protests subside, change has to happen. And that, well that’s in our hands.”

Kalai said the day had helped open discussions and it had been nice to hear of other students’ experiences throughout the day.

Ethan added that students had embraced the day and hoped it would become an annual event.

Students gather for Marist Sion College anti racism day back row (from left): Hunter Saddington, Ethan Miller, Budvin Delpitiya, Shantal Jeffreys, Hugo Walcott, Starr McGee, Munashe Munjoma, Vincent Kuol, Alexandria Van der Veer, Benjamin Miron, Tamsin Bur, Peter Houlahan (principal). Front row (from left): Manfred Norman, Esther Agripa, Kalai Sathyaseelan and Rachael Willig

College captains Ethan Miller and Kalai Sathyaseelan with principal Peter Houlihan.