By Afraa Kori
St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar held an exclusive exhibition on November 16 as part of the Primary Years Program (PYP).
Each year, Year 6 students completed a significant exhibition within the PYP framework, a national educational program.
St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar is a proud IB World School and the PYP exhibition for Year 6 students is a significant event for the school community which celebrates learners and learning.
For 2024, the transdisciplinary theme was Who We Are, focusing on physical, mental, personal, spiritual, and social health, as well as human relationships and connections to communities and cultures.
The students explored how positive interactions impact wellbeing, with a specific focus on immigrants and refugees feeling a sense of belonging in a new country.
The exhibition featured a photo gallery showcasing immigrants interviewed by the students, presenting their challenges and successes. Parents also had an opportunity to ask students questions about their experiences, research and theme of belonging.
“For my mum, she’s an immigrant and she felt really proud that I started learning more about immigrants and how they develop a sense of belonging. She was really happy that we were learning about that because she wanted people, the next generation, to know more about welcoming people into our country because she was welcomed. She wants immigrants that we’re here to feel the same way she did,” Grade 6 student Tiyasha said.
The goal of the exhibition was to create a legacy, empower minorities, and inspire change by raising awareness about the struggles immigrants and refugees face in achieving inclusion and belonging.
“I think people need to be more aware of the challenges that immigrants are going through as they come to Australia and how hard it is to find a job. if we were more aware of it then we would be able to help them more,” Grade 6 student Isabelle said.
The students hoped the exhibition would encourage visitors to be more understanding, inclusive, and supportive of refugees and immigrants. They aimed to inspire the community to foster belonging by welcoming newcomers, offering support, and promoting positive interactions.
The exhibition sought to resonate emotionally with families and visitors, especially those with personal or indirect experiences of immigration, and encourage empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.
The students emphasized the importance of belonging for mental health and wellbeing and aspired to make a lasting impact on their audience.
