A message from the Principal

As you would be aware, this term all classes at SKiPPS will be working with their teachers to participate in the 'Talking the Talk' Sexuality Health Curriculum. 

The program has been developed by Vanessa Hamilton, a sexual health nurse and expert in the area of healthy, positive sex education. Based on current research, literature and resources, combined with real life experiences of the tens of thousands of conversations Vanessa has had with people about sex and sexuality, TTT sessions provide a foundation for positive child, adolescent & adult sexuality.

For reasons that should be clear from a large number of media stories and public debates currently taking place, as a school we highly value this education and are proud that our school takes a positive and proactive approach to these topics and societal issues. 

It was great to see so many parents attend the online parent information session earlier this week to hear Vanessa talk briefly about the program and more broadly about the importance of age-appropriate content focused on respectful relationships, consent and sexuality education. The session also provided great advice around how parents and carers can have conversations with your children on a range of topics in this area.

Why do we teach Talking the Talk?

In Victoria, it is compulsory for government schools to provide sexuality education within the Health and Physical Education domain, including assessment and reporting against the Victorian Curriculum: 

“...All students must receive a comprehensive and age-appropriate sexual health education aligned to the Victorian Curriculum, including the teaching of consent…However, a parent or carer may decide not to allow their child to participate in the sexual health component of the school’s health education…”

A recent Australian study shows that the majority of parents support RSE, our school’s experience is in line with this. 

The survey of 2427 parents/carers from across Australia with children currently enrolled in Government, Catholic, Independent (faith-based), and independent (non-faith-based) schools, demonstrated overwhelming support for the delivery of RSE in schools.

Overall, 90% of parents/carers supported schools to deliver RSE and parents emphatically endorsed schools to address a diverse range of RSE-related topics including, gender identity (86%), Sexual orientation (89%), The influence of sexually explicit media (93%), Healthy and unhealthy relationships (98%), Sexual consent (97%) and Sexual pleasure (84%). 

In addition, evidence shows that participation in programs such as 'Talking the Talk' has the following positive effects on primary school aged children;

1. Early Awareness and Understanding: Respectful sexuality education programs introduce age-appropriate concepts related to body autonomy, boundaries, and healthy relationships. Research indicates that early education can lay the foundation for healthy attitudes towards sexuality and relationships later in life.
2. Prevention of Sexual Abuse: Teaching children about body safety, boundaries, and recognising inappropriate behaviour can empower them to identify and report instances of sexual abuse. According to studies by organizations like Darkness to Light, early education on personal safety can reduce the risk of child sexual abuse by empowering children to recognize and respond to unsafe situations.
3. Promotion of Healthy Relationships: Respectful sexuality education programs for young children emphasise concepts such as kindness, empathy, and respect for others. Learning these values early can contribute to the development of positive relationship skills and conflict resolution abilities.
4. Reduction of Harmful Stereotypes: Addressing topics such as gender equality and diversity can help challenge harmful stereotypes and promote acceptance and inclusion among children. Research suggests that early exposure to diverse perspectives can lead to more tolerant attitudes in adulthood.
5. Parent-Child Communication: Respectful sexuality education programs involve parents or caregivers in the learning process, encouraging open communication between adults and children about sensitive topics. Studies have shown that parental involvement in sexuality education can lead to more positive outcomes, including increased knowledge and healthier attitudes towards sexuality.

St Kilda Park respects your family’s role in teaching Sexuality Education and hope that these lessons support and facilitate further conversations. 

If any families would like to discuss this program further or would rather their child did not take part in the program, they should email Neil Scott on neil.scott@education.vic.gov.au

Neil Scott

Principal