Seeing Ourselves: A tool to support diversity and inclusion in schools
South Australian principals, educators, the Commissioner of Children and Young People, and The Honourable Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills

See Us. Hear us. Include us.
Young people in South Australia are calling on school principals, educators, the Commissioner of Children and Young People, and The Honourable Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills to take action to ensure every school is a place where all students feel seen, respected, and included.
We are calling for regular reviews of school polices, curriculum, and co-curricular groups to ensure they reflect and embrace diversity. These reviews to be co-designed in genuine partnership with students, whose lives experiences help shape the future of inclusive education in South Australia.
Background:
South Australia is home to a diverse population made up of many nationalities, cultures, religions, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations. This diversity strengthens our communities and should be reflected in the places where young people learn and grow.
What we have heard from young people in South Australia:
- “One of the best ways for students to learn about people different from themselves is through open and respectful conversations. Taking the time to listen to others’ experiences and perspectives helps build understanding and empathy”
- “Our school is good at showing diversity... ( I ) just wish they were better at acting on or catching discrimination.”
- “Have more student participation and inclusiveness in the roles and responsibilities instead of mainly teachers managing and aiding cultural projects.”
- “The teachers talk about it; it can also help the students to talk about it.”
Background:
We are asking school principals and educators, with the support of the Department of Education to ensure all students can:
- Feel seen and heard regardless of their background, personality, life experiences and beliefs.
- To support schools in ensuring teachers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate sensitive discussions centred around inclusivity and diversity.
- For schools to encourage discussions around diversity and inclusivity.
- To hold school events that showcase the diversity within their school in a meaningful way.
How schools can act:
Young people across South Australia are calling for real, practical changes to make schools more inclusive. Here’s what they say would make a difference:
1. Celebrate Cultural and identity
- Host events and include content that reflects different cultures and beliefs. “More days to celebrate cultural differences and make students feel seen”
2. Inclusive uniforms and safe spaces
- Adapt uniform rules and provide spaces for prayer or quiet reflections. “We need more openness around uniforms for religious students and proper prayer spaces”
3. Train teachers
- Support teachers to confidently lead inclusive, respective conversations. “Inclusion starts with teachers too”
4. Include student voices
- let students help shape school polices and events. “Give students a chance to speak about what makes them different … and listen”
Show your support by signing the petition!
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To:
South Australian principals, educators, the Commissioner of Children and Young People, and The Honourable Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills
From:
[Your Name]
Your petitioners request that South Australian principals, educators, the Commissioner of Children and Young People, and The Honourable Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills. to regularly undertake a review of their policies, curriculum, and co-curricular groups, through mechanisms that involve students as co-designers and contributors, to ensure that they are diverse and inclusive.
Diverse and inclusive schools foster safe, effective, and enjoyable learning environments for students. All students deserve the right to learn in an inclusive environment which celebrates them for who they are. Many schools are doing their best, but don’t have the tools they need to assess the scope of the situation or know what steps to take to improve inclusion.
Conducting regular diversity reviews will allow students and staff to self-assess their school and provide guidance around the next steps needed to improve inclusivity. Inclusive school environments support not only better educational outcomes but also support the social and emotional development of young people, as well as their mental health and wellbeing.