Respect and Responsibility
Promoting values in education
St Ignatius' College, Riverview
Melvyn Morrow, Housemaster, Campion House
Tel +61 2 9882 8309
Noor Al Houda Islamic College, Strathfield
Osman Karolia, Boys High School Coordinator
Tel +61 2 9642 0104
Dimensions: Cultural Awareness, Cultural Exchange, Inter-school Programs
A Conversation Between Two Schools
St Ignatius' College, Riverview and Noor Al Houda Islamic College, Strathfield demonstrate their philosophy of respect for the individual in a practical way by visiting students from other schools and religions and by sharing discussions and cultural activities. This partnership provides a rich environment for learning and growth.
Times and attitudes have changed since Saint Edmund Campion, patron of Riverview's Campion House, was living in sixteenth century England and tortured for defending his faith. The boys from these schools engage in conversation with those of different faith traditions, listening respectfully in order to understand each other.
This is 'conversation' in its widest sense. It can be a lecture, a debate, a pilgrimage, a meal, a surf school, a basketball game, an SMS message, or a weekend spent with a family of the other faith.
Because to a large extent, the initiative springs from students' ideas, it is taking on an impetus of its own, one trusted and encouraged by both schools. Each encounter brings grace and tolerance to many of those involved.
By getting to know each other as Australians of different cultures and beliefs, students develop easy-going mutual respect, become more informed - and therefore more responsible - citizens and help break down barriers of ignorance on both sides.