Murat Dizdar addresses media in Griffith on Wednesday (27 May). Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith High is set to get a new Wiradjuri-language motto, with a decision on whether it will appear on the 2027 uniform yet to be finalised.
“I would like to announce that after careful consultation with the staff, students, parents and the local Aboriginal groups, we have settled on a new motto for the school: Yindymarra,” principal Duncan Lovelock said in a recent school newsletter.
Yindymarra is a profound word that means respect. It will replace the previous motto Postera crescam laude, which is Latin for ‘we shall grow in the esteem of future generations’.
Griffith High is in the final stages of being separated from Wade High and will also get a new uniform in 2027. A decision on whether the new motto will appear on the new uniform is still to be finalised, according to NSW Department of Education secretary Murat Dizdar.
“There’s been consultations on the logo and the uniform as well as the signage here at Wade and Griffith and the principals were taking us across what that looks like,” Mr Dizdar said.
“My understanding is that the consultation is continuing and we are looking forward to achieving that soon.”
Earlier this year the school conducted a survey of its students (excluding Year 12s), asking them to choose between two uniform polo shirt logo designs – one featuring a proposed Yindymarra motto and one without it. Year 12s were not given a vote given they would not be wearing the uniform in 2027.
Region asked Mr Dizdar whether the students’ vote would determine the outcome.
“Student voice is important, but so are parent voices, teacher voices and community voices. It would be very remiss if we didn’t take student voices into consideration because at the end of the day they’re going to wear the uniform, they’re going to be behind that motto and living that motto,” he said.
Former principal David Crelley, Premier Minns and Helen Dalton MP turn the sods on the new hall with the Griffith High captains last year. Photo: Supplied.
He noted that the decision was “not a popularity contest”.
“There’s no rush here; we want to do it thoroughly and properly and respect all voices,” he said.
At a recent P&C meeting, concerns were expressed that decisions on uniform design needed to be made quickly to ensure bulk orders at Lowes Menswear Griffith could be made in time.
“That’s a fair point, there’s that logistical aspect. I’d rather get that right and our leaders be confident that we’ve made all the right decisions before we embark on ordering everything and getting into production, so I’d rather spend time up front doing that consultation really well, because the production end can come on after that,” Mr Dizdar said.
Mr Dizdar was in Griffith on Wednesday (27 May) for the NSW Schools Roadshow, which brought together dozens of principals from across the region to discuss their key priorities and workforce and staffing issues.
“It’s inspiring to see so many school leaders coming together with a shared purpose to improve outcomes for every student,” he said.
“When we listen to the experiences of principals and leaders on the ground, we build policies that are more responsive, more effective, and more deeply connected to the communities we serve.”
