Parish News
The International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) was introduced by the United Nations in 1992 and has been supported by the Australian Government since 1996. Taking place on December 3 each year, this day aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
The theme for 2025 was Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.
Siena Primary School Lucas celebrated this day. Shelley Ryan, Principal, writes the following:
We have learned from, listened to, and celebrated the diverse experiences within our Siena community. Living with a disability can involve navigating daily physical, sensory, emotional, and social challenges while also striving for wellbeing, connection, and personal growth. We extend our sincere thanks to Heidi (Freddy and Max’s mum) and Ashley (Sarah’s husband from Performing Arts) for generously sharing their insights and lived experiences with our community recently at Assembly and at the Staff Meeting.
We also acknowledge and celebrate the students within our community who are living with a disability. Their presence and voice encourages us to continually reflect on our practices, remove barriers, and implement effective adjustments so that Siena can better support every learner, parent and community member. Their perspectives and wisdom have deepened our collective understanding and strengthened our commitment to inclusion. These experiences remind us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and creating environments where everyone can flourish.
Thank you to Kara and Sarah for coordinating this important learning with Ashley and Heidi, and for leading us in building a school culture where every person feels recognised, valued, and included. Inclusion invites us to imagine what becomes possible when we make room: room for stories, room for different ways of thinking and being, and room for one another. In many ways, it is another call to “stay awake” to God’s presence in every person, recognising the Image of God reflected uniquely in each human life.
