Students building trust across lines

Students from public, independent and faith-based schools across the Wentworth electorate gathered in mid-November for the area’s first Student-Led Social Cohesion Roundtable, convened by independent MP Allegra Spender.

The forum, held in partnership with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD) and Together for Humanity, allowed students to discuss belonging, inclusion and respect in their school communities.

Spender said the event built on school leader forums she hosted in 2024 and 2025, where principals and educators emphasised the importance of centring student voices in lasting change.

“What was clear was a growing need to equip our students with the tools to navigate difference in respectful ways, even as social media algorithms push us toward division,” Spender said.

Students spoke candidly about pressures they face at school and online, and reflected on the impact of global events, especially since October 7.

“They spoke of the need for more opportunities to build trust across faith and cultural lines, and to deepen mutual understanding,” Spender said.

“Many said they were surprised by both the similarities and the differences in their experiences – and highlighted a strong desire to keep learning and deepen their understanding of each other’s communities.”

JBD CEO Michele Goldman said the board continues to receive concerning reports of antisemitism in schools.

“We thank Allegra Spender MP for bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences of antisemitism and ‘othering’ at school, and to contribute their ideas on how schools can become safe and inclusive learning spaces,” Goldman said.

A Jewish student said “a surprising thing” they learned is how diverse schools are, citing a Catholic school that had “groups for LGBTQI plus and Jewish people and other small clubs that encompass the entire school and make everyone feel included and belonging”.

A student from a faith-based school said: “Sometimes listening is more important than actually speaking. And just being really open to every viewpoint, even if you don’t necessarily think you align yourself to those views.”

Together for Humanity founder Rabbi Zalman Kastel said it had been wonderful listening to young people from many different schools.

“Their concerns about normalising bigoted jokes and comments, and their commitment to ensuring that everybody feels included,” he said.

“One student spoke very movingly about the burden on students who face discrimination and racist or antisemitic jokes. They felt that the level of support was not what it needed to be.”

Spender said she looked forward to reconvening early next year to co-design the first student-led initiative.