Multiculturalism

West End State School has students from 42 language groups and over ..percent of the students are from a Non-English Speaking Background. Some staff members are also from Non English speaking backgrounds with strong, continuing ties with non-English cultures.

At West End State School there is no evidence of racism. This fact has been remarked on by visitors from a variety of cultures including two Aboriginal artists who worked at the school for some weeks. A student teacher when visiting the school asked to be shown how to teach multiculturalism - the reply - "We don't teach multiculturalism at West End State School, we live it".

A translation service is always available, as between them, the staff speak nine languages.

Motto
The school motto is: "We all smile in the same language". The figures on the logo reflect the diversity of cultural background. All of these features reflect and value the diversity as well as celebrating the unity of the school.

School Culture
Students at West End State School value the school's diversity and are able to articulate this as a valuable aspect of the school. Greek Dancing is a long-standing tradition at the school and the large dance group regularly performs at a variety of official functions for Education Queensland, other government and diplomatic activities. Food served in the tuckshop reflects varying cultural traditions with the celebration of particular events (e.g., spring rolls for Chinese New Year).

Community Involvement
The Maori Dance and Singing Group uses the school facilities to practise each week and then performs at the school's FIESTA. The school conducts a literacy program for non-English speaking parents. The school community conducts a FIESTA each year. Not only is this the major fundraiser for the P&C, it is also a wonderful celebration and enjoyment of the school's multiculturalism with dancers from varying cultures, Greek, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and Maori as well as a huge range of ethnic foods.

Vietnamese
Our major non English language group is Vietnamese and all our significant documents are translated into Vietnamese (including our weekly Newsletter) and sent home to Vietnamese families. All signage around the school is in both English and Vietnamese. Report cards are also produced in Vietnamese for Vietnamese speaking families.

Muslim Practices
Staff understand, accept and cater for Muslim students in matters of clothing (both boys and girls), behaviour (dancing, swimming, seating arrangements), food (halal, Ramadan), etc.

Murals
The main internal stairway features a mural depicting an Australian scene with children's faces of different nationalities - each saying welcome in their own language.

The southern wall of the Resource Centre displays two large Aboriginal-style murals featuring the students' and staff's hands as well as a logo celebrating the diversity and unity of cultures.