HPSC Newshamper

Community

Respectful Relationships and Diversity

Dear HP Community,

 

My name is Jake Antill, and I am the Respectful Relationships and Diversity Coordinator at HPSC. Respectful Relationships is a department-wide initiative aimed at reducing domestic, gendered, and family violence using a science-backed approach. It focuses on challenging disrespect in all its forms and empowering young people to break free from labels and rigid stereotypes.

This term, we’ve explored what respect truly means. Every fortnight, we’ve highlighted a celebrity on the school screens who embodies our college value of respect. So far, we’ve featured WWE wrestler John Cena, singer Beyoncé, footballer Sam Kerr, and comedian Marlon Wayans. These icons, admired by our HP community, exemplify respect not only by valuing themselves but also by uplifting others.

 

In Mentor, our Respectful Relationships lesson focused on racism. Last year’s Attitudes to School data revealed that 1 in 4 students reported experiencing racism, yet 48% were unsure how to respond when confronted with it. To address this, we explored what racism is (and isn’t) and discussed strategies to challenge it. Both staff and student feedback on these lessons has been overwhelmingly positive. We hope this year’s Attitudes to School survey will reflect a stronger sense of safety and confidence among students in calling out racism. Real change happens when we come together as a community, and I’m proud to be part of one that stands up for each other.

 

Exciting things are ahead for Respectful Relationships and Diversity! The Year 10s have an incredible opportunity to shape the face of Casey through the Project Respect competition. Twenty-one students have signed up to propose a monument honoring a woman from Casey/Bunurong lands. In July, they’ll attend a symposium on effective TikTok storytelling and historical research. In September, they’ll submit their videos to the council, and in October, they’ll present their ideas at the Grand Final night at Bunjil Place, where winners will be announced. Every participant will receive a cash prize, with larger awards for the top three teams—plus the chance to bring their monument to life. How cool is that?!

 

Below are some Respectful Relationships services and resources open to all Victorians. There are many services available outside this list as well, including our wonderful Wellbeing team at HP. Please know that help is always available should you need it. Have a great holiday and I’m looking forward to continuing this work with the HP community next term!

Respectful Relationships Support Services & Resources

If you or someone you know needs support, here are some helpful resources:

Headspace – Mental health support for young people: www.headspace.org.au