23 August 2022

Students at Thomas Carr College, Tarneit, have commemorated diversity and multiculturalism by creating and implementing an international flag titled ‘We’re one we’re many flags’.

The flag now takes pride of place alongside the Australian flag and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags outside the main administration area of the college, welcoming staff, students and visitors as they enter the building.

Earlier this year, students were invited by the Department of Education and Training − International Education Division to join cross-sectoral forums with other students from Catholic, government and independent schools, and focused on giving international students a voice within their school communities. The group, consisting of students Oliver Pond, Namisga Sireskuma, Mrinal Garg, Alex Wang, Hassan Chaudhry and Asheriya Charan, worked on the project throughout this year with support from the Department. It aimed at improving intercultural understanding of all students in the school. The group also received online support to develop their initiatives throughout the semester.

The flag will celebrate the national days of other countries and cultures and, on these days, representative students will lower the Thomas Carr College flag and raise the ‘We’re one we’re many flags’ flag. In addition to this, video clips about the country’s lifestyle and culture will be telecast around the school campus on its television screens.

‘Thomas Carr College is very proud of the cultural diversity of our students and supports the initiative of our students to celebrate this richness of culture’, said Principal Craig Holmes.

‘The flag initiative brings attention to the pride felt by students for their cultural backgrounds’, said Tom Bridges, Director of International Programs at the college. ‘By celebrating the rich diversity of our community, students learn more about themselves by learning about others, setting themselves up as active and informed global citizens.’