A primary school has backtracked and will proceed with renaming sport houses after Indigenous icons like Cathy Freeman after originally dropping the plan after fierce opposition from angry parents, it has been reported.
The sport houses at Appin Public School, located about 75km from the Sydney CBD, had been named after historical figures including former NSW Governor Lachlan Macquarie and Australian explorer William Hovell.
But the school attempted to change them to four famous Indigenous names – Freeman, Mabo, AFL great Adam Goodes and singer Jessica Mauboy – before scrapping the plan, radio 2GB reported.
Late last month, principal Cheny Collins sent a message to students’ families announcing that the plan was being paused so the decision could be taken ‘back to our students to reconsider, allowing space for further reflection and broader representation’.
Now 2GB has been contacted by a parent who said the school has announced in its newsletter that the Indigenous names are no longer being reviewed.
‘The newsletter says, “Thank you to the many members of the community who have engaged thoughtfully and respectfully in recent conversations regarding our school house names”,’ 2GB announcer Clinton Maynard told listeners on Monday.
Appin Primary School (pictured) has reportedly reinstated its plan to rename sport houses after Indigenous icons despite opposition from angry parents
According to a video posted by the school, one of the sporting houses will be renamed ‘Freeman’ to reflect Cathy Freeman’s ‘strength, determination and greatness’
‘”As previously shared, the pause in finalising the names was intentional.
‘”It ensured the outcome was inclusive, considered and informed by broader community perspectives.
‘”After careful consideration I am delighted to confirm that the students’ selected house names will remain Mabo, Freeman, Mauboy and Goodes.”‘
When the change was first announced in March, a parent wrote to the radio station to complain about the switch.
‘The criteria for eligibility was “Indigenous who’ve made a significant difference”,’ the parent’s email read.
‘This alone goes against inclusion and diversity by removing the eligibility of Caucasian athletes and personalities.
‘It’s a typical education department woke decision.
‘My kids can’t remember the names of the new houses, let alone what the people are famous for.
Other houses will be named after AFL legend Adam Goodes (pictured), history-making activist Eddie Mabo, and singer Jessica Mauboy
Pictured: A still from a video the school posted on Facebook to announce the change before it was temporarily shelved due to a backlash from the community
‘This situation has caused unnecessary division.’
The school put up a video on Facebook to announce the changes on March 20, with students explaining the meaning behind the new names.
But when the video was shared away from the school’s account, parents made comments including ‘this is disgusting’ and ‘so sad that the community was not consulted’.
The Daily Mail approached Appin School for comment and was referred to the NSW Department of Education.
‘The school is working through ideas for new house names with students and the community,’ a department spokesperson said.
‘Sporting house names are a local decision made in partnership with the school community.’
