Principal's Post
Dear Parents,
Last Monday evening parents of Year 9 students were invited to hear a presentation on “Raising Teens in a Hypersexualised Society”. David Kobler was the presenter and is very familiar to the College. He has presented to our Year 12 cohort for the last nine years. Monday’s presentation provided a researched-based analysis of many challenging issues for young people. David spoke about pornography and the fact that it is Accessible, Affordable and Anonymous and that research indicated young boys are being exposed to pornography from 11 to 12 years of age. It is an addictive medium and he gave parents many tips to combat its influence on their sons. He suggested having phone-free zones in the home and phone-free times. The idea of account sharing also helps with the supervision of young people.
He identified the charge of “image-based abuse”. This also complimented our work in the area of consent. Image-based abuse is defined as taking, sharing or threatening to send an image without consent.
The topic of Sexual Assault and the Law was discussed and he referred to the definition of Sexual Harassment that should resonate with all our young people as they learn their rights and their responsibilities.
Sexual harassment is against the law and is any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that makes you feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. Sexual harassment can be physical, verbal or written.
He used the acronym S.A.F.E.R. to help people remember strategies to protect and educate their child.
S Start the conversations early
A Answer questions openly & honestly
F Frame the conversation
E Equip your child. Knowledge and Respect
R Regular conversations
Throughout the evening David referred to many character strengths and the notion of being aware by “Look, Feel, Hear”. These ideas would be familiar to the parents who attended Professor Lea Waters presentation earlier in the term. In fact, her slides, from that evening are available on the Parent Portal.
Link
If you would like to earn more about David Kobler’s work and ideas, please access the YourChoicez website using the following link.
Every day we are accessing what activities can go ahead and what needs to be postponed or cancelled. It is extremely disappointing that we cannot proceed with Year 10 Work Experience next week. Traditionally this activity provides significant insight for our students who discover and appreciate the need to apply themselves more after they investigate their possible career. Some find out what they want to do, others discover what they definitely do not want to do, which can be equally productive. An enormous effort is made by families and employers to facilitate the programme and the dedication of Ms Seremetis to the legal and practical implications is extraordinary. Hopefully, there will be an opportunity later in the year for students to complete their experience.
The adaptability of staff, students and parents have been tested over recent weeks so thanks again for your support and understanding as we make the necessary adjustments to scheduled programmes.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Tony Coghlan
Principal