Principal's Report
Dear parents and carers,
Respect is not only a value that we uphold at school, but also a skill that we need in life. Respect helps us to build positive relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, appreciate diversity, and contribute to society.
Respect means treating others with dignity, kindness, and fairness, regardless of their differences in background, culture, identity, ability, or opinion. Respect also means valuing ourselves and our own unique qualities and contributions.
The Department of Education rejects all forms of racism and is committed to the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination in Victorian public schools.
The Department’s Anti-Racism Policy aims to ensure that no student, employee, parent, carer or community member experiences racism within the school environment.
The policy asks all members of the school community to assist in countering racism by demonstrating respect for the cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds of others, and by behaving in ways that promote acceptance and harmony in the school environment.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to cause distress for staff, students, families and carers, especially those who have family and friends in the region and can challenge a respectful environment.
Our school is a rich and diverse community and acknowledging that it is vital that our students, staff and families all feel safe and included in everything we do.
I want to assure you that the department is monitoring the situation from a school security perspective.
While we want to maintain an open and welcoming environment, we are also being vigilant in terms of safety, ensuring all our procedures, like visitors signing in and out, are being followed.
If your child is impacted and/or distressed by the current conflict, you may find some aspects of this resource helpful:
Support is also available through external services including:
- headspace: 1800 650 890
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636.
Please feel free to get in contact me if you would like to discuss this further.
Anesti Anestis
Acting Principal
Epping Secondary College