Community in Focus: Deniliquin High School

The wellbeing of students, including ensuring cultural diversity and connection, are key pillars of learning at Deniliquin High School.

They are part of a student learning process that prides itself on providing a broad academic education in a supportive and positive environment.

A recent addition to wellbeing and cultural inclusion is a Harmony Circle, which will celebrate the rich diversity within the school.

Donna Van Lieshout, the school’s Head Teacher Wellbeing and Work Studies teacher, explained the Harmony Circle will be an outdoor meeting space inspired by the concept of an Indigenous Yarning Circle.

Its creation is being led by the school’s Year 11/12 Work Studies class.

“This inclusive structure will serve as a place for classes and groups to gather, learn and connect in a culturally respectful setting,” Mrs Van Lieshout explained.

The Harmony Circle will feature 18 individual posts, each representing one of the cultural backgrounds identified in the school community.

These posts will be uniquely presented with culturally significant colours, symbols and artwork, honouring the heritage and stories of each culture.

“This hands-on approach fosters essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, project management and communication,” Mrs Van Lieshout said.

“Importantly, the Harmony Circle also promotes student wellbeing by creating a safe and inclusive space that celebrates cultural diversity and connection.

“Through meaningful collaboration and storytelling, students build empathy and mutual respect, strengthening relationships across the school community.

“By combining practical learning with a strong focus on inclusion and belonging, the Harmony Circle supports both the personal development and emotional wellbeing of all involved, while reinforcing the school’s commitment to a culturally safe and respectful environment,” she added.

“Interestingly, when we were applying for funds from the Sponsorship Program, we noted how our Harmony Circle embodies Murray Irrigation’s core values: Wellbeing and Safety, Teamwork, Embrace Change, and Respect.

“This initiative is genuinely collaborative, with students working side by side to bring the project to life. It is more than just a creative endeavour; the Harmony Circle invites meaningful engagement with members of our culturally diverse school community.  

“Through the exchange of personal stories and experiences, students are developing artworks that reflect both our differences and similarities.

“By establishing a dedicated gathering space, we aim to foster a strong sense of belonging, promote cultural safety, and enhance the overall wellbeing of our students.

“The Harmony Circle celebrates our rich cultural tapestry, encouraging pride in who we are, individually and collectively, and reinforcing the values we share.”

The project is part of a school that continues to evolve, meeting the needs of its students and the broader community.

Deniliquin High School offers a diverse learning environment and has a proud record of academic achievement.

But, as the Harmony Circle Project highlights, it does not only help students reach high levels in core subjects such as English, Maths, Science and Geography.

Sport is an important part of school activities, with a diverse program on Wednesday afternoons for all students in Years 7 to 10.

Culture classes include exploration of biodiversity and Indigenous practices such as cultural burning and ecosystem management.

The agricultural plot on Wirraway Drive is a popular school asset which, in recent times has been buzzing with activity with the arrival of new lambs. Rainfall has also boosted pasture growth, leading to optimism of a hay harvest later this year.

Year 8 students have been enthusiastically building solar cars, enjoying the hands-on experience while also learning about the vital role of solar energy in sustainable practices.

And the school is eagerly embracing support of the four-legged variety, with the introduction of a School Support Dog Program as part of its broader focus on student wellbeing. 

This is just a snapshot of the diverse student learning and growth opportunities presented at Deniliquin High School, a local school with a focus on relevance to life in the 21^st century that has developed over seven decades.

In fact, in less than 18 months the school will celebrate the 70^th anniversary of its official opening, which occurred on February 20, 1957, three years after the first official classes began at the Harfleur Street site.

Over these years the school has experienced many changes in the student population, from less than 250 in the late 1950s to record levels of 900 plus during the mid to late 1970s.

Presently there are less than 500 students at the school, but an active program is planned to surpass this mark with a new era of growth.

This has the support of Edward River Council, which understands the importance of education, across all levels, to the region’s future.

Mayor Ashley Hall, a former Deniliquin High School student, advocates at every opportunity for improvements not just at Deni High, but across education more broadly.

It is imperative that we provide quality education for our future leaders … the professional people, tradies and small business operators that will ensure ongoing regional prosperity," Cr Hall said.   

“This is being achieved through the vast range of programs at Deni High.

"I encourage everyone in the Edward River community to learn more about the school and support it whenever possible so we can continue to provide, at a local level, a high standard of education for our young people.”

Focusing on diversity with projects such as the Harmony Circle is seen as a positive step in Deniliquin High School’s journey, ensuring it continues to be a secondary learning centre of which all its students, teachers, parents and the broader regional community can be proud.

Murray Irrigation's sponsorship activities are made possible through the support of the company's customers.