Sikh Community Partners with St. Helena’s Catholic Primary School for Awareness Session on Articles of Faith

Sikh Community Partners with St. Helena’s Catholic Primary School for Awareness Session on Articles of Faith

Ellenbrook, City of Swan, WESTERN AUSTRALIA – In a pioneering initiative to foster cultural understanding and inclusivity, the Sikh community of the City of Swan, in collaboration with UNITED SIKHS’ Community Empowerment and Education Development (CEED) wing, recently held a special information session for the staff of St. Helena’s Catholic Primary School. The session, which took place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, focused on raising awareness about the patka, dastar (turban), and the five articles of faith central to the Sikh religion.

Mandeep Singh, Director of UNITED SIKHS Western Australia, facilitates a special information session for teachers and staff.

The primary objective of the session was to empower educators with the knowledge and tools needed to create a more inclusive environment for Sikh children. By providing a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of the Sikh faith, the initiative aims to build self-confidence and a strong sense of pride in Sikh students.

A highlight of the session was an engaging “how to tie a patka” workshop, which gave teachers a practical, hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for this significant article of faith.

Maninder Singh (center in pink turban), Principal Santino Giancono (center in black jacket), and Mandeep Singh, Director of UNITED SIKHS Western Australia (far right in
blue shirt), gather outside St. Helena’s Catholic Primary School following the event.

The Sikh community extends its sincere appreciation to Vice Principal Ms.

Mellisa Myles, Mr. Maninder Singh, and the entire staff, under the leadership of Principal Mr. Santino Giancono, for their warm welcome and commitment to this important educational initiative. This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards celebrating diversity and promoting mutual respect within the local community.

As communities continue to grow more diverse, initiatives like this serve as powerful reminders of the importance of education, empathy, and shared understanding. UNITED SIKHS looks forward to building more bridges of respect and inclusion.