To celebrate the wide range of ākonga at Tauranga Girls’ College, TGC held a full-school assembly with the theme of ‘Diversity’.

The goal of the assembly was to explore diversity through a range of lenses; cultural, physical, mental and gender and sexuality. The assembly was opened with a karakia in Te Reo Māori and closed with a traditional Pasifika prayer to celebrate our kura’s Māori and Pasifika communities. 

Then, students heard from Year 11 ākonga Aya Birt who gave a presentation on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the importance of creating a welcoming school environment for neurodivergent students. Aya’s presentation gave students insight into what it’s like to learn and think differently, challenging students to consider ways they could create a more accommodating kura.

After Aya’s presentation, Dr Diana Prizgintas from Gender Dynamix gave an eye-opening presentation on the importance of gender-inclusive learning environments and the different ways people can support others. The three key methods of support discussed were standing beside (supporting by doing together), standing behind (supporting by giving encouragement) and standing in front (supporting by leading the way). A key takeaway from Dr Prizgintas’ speech was the ‘Platinum Rule:’ treat others how they want to be treated. This is an adaptation of the ‘Golden Rule’ (treat others how you want to be treated) which is a good starting point for supporting others, however as Dr Prizgintas explained, is not always what is best for the people we aim to support. Asking people how you can best support them is the most effective way to create safe spaces and is something we aim to do at TGC. At the end of her presentation, Dr Prizgintas kindly gifted Tauranga Girls’ College a new pride flag, which will be displayed in the kura to celebrate the diverse identities of our ākonga.

Deputy Head Prefect of Arts, Ella Paterson, then shared her short film (Dis)Ability which tells the story of Leo White, a TGC student who uses a wheelchair. The purpose of the short film was to focus on what we can do instead of what we can’t and to celebrate differences in the way we go about daily life. This was followed by an outstanding performance by TGC’s rock band, ‘The Latch Keys’ who had everyone starting their morning with a bit of a boogie!

Thank you to all of our speakers and special guests who contributed to the incredible line up. Diversity is something that Tauranga Girls’ College seeks to celebrate everyday, however it’s truly something special when all of the different diverse areas of our kura can come together and put on a show as wonderful as this one!