Celebrating diversity through dirt

Our Boarding House is more than just a place where students reside. It’s a community, a family away from home, for 215 students who hail from all areas over the country.

Acting Deputy Head of Boarding, Mrs Kylie Wallis, had a brilliant idea to showcase the diversity of the land where each of our boarders come from.

A giant jar was filled with a collection of dirt from the different regions, which is now on display in the Boarding House.

The dirt has literally come from far and wide around Australia – with the furthest sample being sourced over 3000km away in Katherine, NT.

The visual representation became more than just a jar filled with earth. To the boarders, it represented a tangible connection to their homes.

Mrs Wallis says they realised that their individual identities were intrinsically linked to the land they came from, and the display of dirt became a celebration of their diverse heritage.

‘They would often gather around the jar, sharing stories and reminiscing about their hometowns, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for one another.

Some even started conversations about their own cultural backgrounds, leading to greater appreciation for Australia’s diverse geography and the importance of embracing one’s roots.’

The dirt will remain on display in the Boarding House and there are now plans to fill another jar.