Belonging

Res non verba, crux non vis. Deeds not words, the cross not force.

 

Transformation is deeper than only creating a more racially and culturally diverse school body; it also has to do with influencing the heart and mind – an inner transformation.


– Debbie Martin, College Head

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Belonging is a fundamental human need

To create a stronger and healthier community, we are committed to the essential task of eliminating all forms of discrimination. We also believe in the capacity for all people to learn, grow and be more intentionally equitable and inclusive.

Belonging is a fundamental human need

To create a stronger and healthier community, we are committed to the essential task of eliminating all forms of discrimination. We also believe in the capacity for all people to learn, grow and be more intentionally equitable and inclusive.

The Charter of Belonging

Created by Ngikhona, our transformation committee comprised of staff and pupils, our Charter of Belonging helps each of us to stay true to our values and our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable community, helping us:

  • Understand each other better.
  • Understand how our language, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour can impact equity and belonging.

Aspirations

We will know that St Anne’s has truly transformed, when:

  • Every member of our community feels they belong to our St Anne’s family.
  • Every member of our community feels seen, cared for, and protected.
  • We can embrace the differing needs and views of members of our community while celebrating our Christian ethos.
  • Deep and mutual respect is the foundation of our relationships.
  • No person feels overlooked on account of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, or social status.

Guiding Behaviours

  • All people have the right to be seen, heard and valued irrespective of social identity or background.
  • All people have the right to be protected from prejudice and discrimination.
  • All people may speak in their mother tongue while understanding that the medium of instruction is English.
  • All people are able to express their culture and heritage
  • All people may follow their faith while still respecting and abiding by the Christian faith of St Anne’s.
  • All people should feel comfortable about their gender identity and sexuality within the context of St Anne’s, a girls’ school.
  • We will engage regularly in educational initiatives that enhance social justice, such as assemblies, talks, workshops, readings and discussions.
  • All people have the right to be seen, heard and valued irrespective of social identity or background.
  • All people have the right to be protected from prejudice and discrimination.
  • All people may speak in their mother tongue while understanding that the medium of instruction is English.
  • All people are able to express their culture and heritage
  • All people may follow their faith while still respecting and abiding by the Christian faith of St Anne’s.
  • All people should feel comfortable about their gender identity and sexuality within the context of St Anne’s, a girls’ school.
  • We will engage regularly in educational initiatives that enhance social justice, such as assemblies, talks, workshops, readings and discussions.
  • We will work to create a culture of self-reflection to facilitate unlearning of unconscious bias.
  • We will respect the humanity and dignity of others, and will not refer to people in a manner which is disrespectful or harmful to their dignity.
  • We will create awareness of how language, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour impact those around us and when they diminish equity and belonging, we commit to listening to and learning from those we have harmed with the intention of improving ongoing understanding.
  • We acknowledge that learning, by its definition, involves making mistakes, and if there is no space for mistakes, then there is no space for learning.
  • We believe in the capacity of all people to change and grow and to accept accountability for their actions.
  • We will work to create a culture of self-reflection to facilitate unlearning of unconscious bias.
  • We will respect the humanity and dignity of others, and will not refer to people in a manner which is disrespectful or harmful to their dignity.
  • We will create awareness of how language, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour impact those around us and when they diminish equity and belonging, we commit to listening to and learning from those we have harmed with the intention of improving ongoing understanding.
  • We acknowledge that learning, by its definition, involves making mistakes, and if there is no space for mistakes, then there is no space for learning.
  • We believe in the capacity of all people to change and grow and to accept accountability for their actions.

This is a summary of the spirit of our commitments.
The full document is available in Resources and on the Parent Portal.