WED 24 SEP 2014
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Printed on 100% recycled paper
Turn over for your entertainment guide
Tasty specials available at Belmont Central p.5
A lesson in harmony EXCLUSIVE: Deputy Opposition Leader visits Islington Public School
Missy Higgins
AMELIA PARROTT
The songstress of Oz returns to Newcastle
$750 million promised for the Hunter p.5
Rosellas fly high Wests secure third straight premiership p.27
@amelia_parrott
I
t has been described as Islington’s best kept secret. Tucked away off busy Maitland Road, Islington Public School is arguably Newcastle’s most culturally diverse school, with nearly 47 per cent of the school’s 120 students coming from refugee or migrant backgrounds. Students come from countries as diverse Iraq, Afghanistan, Tibet and Sudan, to learn alongside students from nearby suburbs like Wickham and Tighes Hill, and to take advantage of the school’s unique support initiatives, including specialised counselling services for students who have experienced trauma, “chill out” tents in classrooms, and cultural programs involving Aboriginal elders and Sengalese drum and dance masters. “We’ve also pursued partnerships with a number of external stakeholders like Northern Settlement Services, and introduced things like our weekly parents’ breakfast to make sure the whole school community is thriving,” principal Matthew Bradley told the Post. “We all know the saying, happy wife, happy life, well, it’s the same our students - happy parents, happy kids.” Last week, Deputy Labor Leader and Federal Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development, Tanya Plibersek visited the school to see the unique programs in action. Speaking exclusively to the Post following her visit, Ms Plibersek said Islington Public was one of
Newcastle MP, Sharon Claydon and Deputy Labor Leader, Tanya Plibersek with students at Islington Public School the most inspiring schools she had ever visited. “To see, in particular, almost half of the children here are from a refugee background, to think about the difference that having this opportunity will
make in their lives to them as individuals, to their families, it’s just phenomenal,” she said. “It’s a great example of harmony and it’s absolutely inspiring.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you in trouble with the Police? Do you want the best possible result in Court?
Th en you need Kate Maher NOW! Some facts about Kate
3 Reasons WHY you should choose Kate
• She is in Court EVERY week • It is less than 90 seconds from her office to Newcastle Local Court • In the past 12 months, 91% of her clients achieved a result BETTER than they expected
• Kate has extensive experience in Criminal Law • Kate offers realistic advice as to chances of success, costs, likely penalties, sentencing options and programs • Kate is well known and respected in all Local and District Courts
Ask us about our no waiting time guarantee
Ph: 49 266 000
Ground Floor 51-55 Bolton St Newcastle
WW7924