East Doncaster Secondary College Newsletter

Respectful Relationships News

Everyone in our community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally. We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes, behaviours and equality are embedded in our education settings.

 

Respectful Relationships is about embedding a culture of respect and equality across our entire community, from our classrooms to staffrooms, sporting fields, fetes and social events. This approach leads to positive impacts on students' academic outcomes, their mental health, classroom behaviour, and relationships between teachers and students.

 

Together, we can lead the way in saying yes to respect and equality, and creating genuine and lasting change so that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.​

The EDSC Respectful Relationships Pledge:

"All members of our school community have a responsibility to stand up against family violence and the misuse of gender power and control. We foster relationships that are respectful, caring and fair."

 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence the following services are available.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000 and ask for the police. 

For non-urgent help, please contact:

More resources/agencies can be found on our Wellbeing, Engagement and Positive Futures page of the East Doncaster Secondary College website

 

https://www.eastdonsc.vic.edu.au/wellbeing-ngagement-positive-futures

Diversity and RRRR Calendar Dates 

MAY

Sun 4th -International Family Equality (Family Pride) Day

Thu 15th – Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)

Thu 15th – International Day of Families

Sat 17th – International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT Day)

Mon 19th – Agender Pride Day

Wed 21st – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Sat 24th – Pansexual Visibility Day

Mon 26th – National Sorry Day

Tues 27th – Tue 3rd June – Reconciliation Week

IDAHOBIT Day - 17th May 2025

1. What is IDAHOBIT?

IDAHOBIT is the anniversary of May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. While we celebrate this milestone and other advancements in LGBTQIA+ equality, the unfortunate reality is that these are all too recent in our history.

 

The first Mardi Gras pride march was held in Sydney in 1978, which was met with violence from police. Those who marched were beaten inside police cells and had their names published by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Tasmania was the last jurisdiction in Australia to decriminalise homosexuality in May 1997. The majority of Australians today were alive during a time when it was illegal to be gay. 

The Marriage Equality plebiscite was held in 2017. While marriage equality was passed, 38.4% of Australians who voted (4.8 million people) voted against it.

 

The first IDAHOBIT was held in 2005 and is today acknowledged by millions of people globally. While IDAHOBIT has evolved over these years, the purpose remains the same - celebrate the progress we have made while also raising awareness for the discrimination that LGBTQIA+ people still face today. 

 

2. What does IDAHOBIT stand for?

IDAHOBIT has had many names and meanings around the world since 2005 when the day was first acknowledged.

 

2005 - the day was known as IDAHO, standing for International Day Against Homophobia

2011 - The name was updated to IDAHOT, standing for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

2018 - The name was updated to IDAHOBIT, standing for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia.

2022 - IDAHOBIT grew to be referenced to as the Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination to specifically include those of us who are lesbian, queer and asexual.

 

You can refer to the day as any of the above - all are correct. You may refer to the most up-to-date version if you wish, or simply IDAHOBIT.

 

3. Why is IDAHOBIT Important Today?

The recent nature of the LGBTQIA+ human rights movement means that stigma and discrimination are still prevalent across the world. This is also true in Australia, where:  

68% of LGBTQIA+ employees are not out to everyone at work (1) 

2 in 3 LGBTQIA+ youth experience abuse due to their identity (2)

35% of LGBTQIA+ Australians have experienced verbal abuse in the past 12 months (3)

 

While experiences of discrimination most commonly occur in public and at work, there are also many instances where inequality and discrimination are still protected by government. In Australia:

  • LGBTQIA+ people can be discriminated against by religious organisations, including LGBTQIA+ teachers and students being expelled from religious schools.
  • Many intersex people experience medical procedures performed on their bodies that modify their sex characteristics without their consent. 
  • LGBTQIA+ people are not adequately included in the census and other government research. This results in less data 
  • Trans and gender diverse people in most states experience harsh and unnecessary barriers to updating their birth certificates, and therefore other legal documents.

These are just some of the issues LGBTQIA+ people face in Australia today. An up-to-date list can be found via Equality Australia. 

Manningham Council Events 

Blak In – Justice: Incarceration and Resilience – Art Exhibition Heide Museum of Art

This groundbreaking exhibition calls attention to the pressing issue of Indigenous incarceration in Australia and the crisis of deaths in custody. 

 

Guest-curated by Kent Morris (Barkindji), it presents works by leading First Nations artists including Vernon Ah Kee, Gordon Bennett, Destiny Deacon, Jimmy Pike, and Judy Watson.

 

Their powerful responses are shown alongside the remarkable creative achievements of former and current prison inmates, many of whom have connected with their culture and Country through The Torch program, such as Thelma Beeton, Stacey Edwards, Robby Wirramanda and Sean Miller.

 

The exhibition is showing until 20 July 2025 in the Heide Main Galleries.

 

Visit the Heide website for opening hours and information about how to plan your visit.

Image credit: Trevor Nickolls, Brush with the Lore, 2010, Art Gallery of South Australia, acquisition through Tarnanthi: Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art, supported by BHP 2018.

All Aboard Skateboarding Sessions

Sun 4th May 11- 12.30pm

Sun 11th May 11 – 12.30pm

Sun 18th May 11 – 12.30pm

Sun 25th May 11 – 12.30pm

 

Swanston Reserve, Bulleen Skate Park 

Cost: Free

 

These workshops are led by experienced instructors to create a fun environment that involves games with a social focus.

During a Learn to Skate session, children and young people build confidence by learning about skate skill development, injury prevention, skate park etiquette and equipment maintenance.

 

Suitable for beginners to intermediate skateboarders.

All genders and all abilities are welcome to participate.

 

Equipment available to use at the session or bring your own if you have it!

 

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/vsa/events/list to book your tickets. 

IDAHOBIT 2025 and Beyond: Championing LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

Tuesday 13th May 2025 

10 – 11.30am 

Manningham Function Centre

 

Join us in recognising International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). 

 

IDAHOBIT raises awareness of the violence and discrimination still faced by LGBTQIA+ people across the globe. This year’s IDAHOBIT theme is The Power of Communities.

 

After raising the rainbow flag outside the Manningham Civic Centre, we’ll head inside to the Manningham Function Centre to enjoy morning tea and hear from guest speaker Charlie, from LGBTQIA+ youth charity Minus18. Charlie will share some of the barriers and challenges that LGBTQIA+ young people experience, along with practical tips for supporting your LGBTQIA+ friends and family. This is a free event; however, registrations are essential. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/idahobit-beyond-championing-lgbtqia-inclusion-tickets-1257676527349?aff=oddtdtcreator

Practical Allyship for LGBTQIA+ Youth

Thursday 29th May 6.30 – 8.30pm Online Free

To reserve a spot https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/building-belonging-practical-allyship-for-thriving-lgbtqia-youth-tickets-1319614445329?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

An Allies session aimed at parents, carers, families, teachers, and others to build their understanding of LGBTQIA+ youth experiences. The session will give participants the opportunity to ask questions, without judgement, and show them ways to be a better ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.

 

This session will be facilitated by Dr Tina Dixson (she/her) and Kochava Lilit (they/them) from Women’s Health East.

 About the session

 

Topics covered include:

  • building belonging, practical allyship for thriving LGBTQIA+ youth 
  • information for carers, parents, grandparents, family, teachers, and other allies in the community 
  • increasing knowledge of sexual, gender, and bodily diversity and equipping participants with strategies to support LGBTQIA+ youth to flourish socially, emotionally, and personally 
  • how to have conversations about topics like gender, sexuality, and consent in a respectful and affirming way, and how to speak up for and with LGBTQIA+ young people as effective allies 
  • practical advice, with a focus on listening to and understanding LGBTQIA+ young people and forming stronger community connections 
  • practical tools to foster belonging and build stronger connections with LGBTQIA+ youth, recognising their diversity.

 About the facilitators:

Dr Tina Dixson (she/her) is a queer Ukrainian feminist, academic, and social policy professional who sought asylum in Australia with her partner, Dr Renee Dixson. She has worked across LGBTIQA+ equality, refugee protection, and gender-based violence. Tina completed her PhD at the Australian National University, exploring the lived experiences of queer and trans refugee women. She co-founded the Forcibly Displaced People Network, Australia’s only national LGBTIQA+ refugee-led organisation.

 

 Kochava Lilit (they/them) is a queer Disabled advocate and educator who has worked in queer, trans, and youth peer support and advocacy spaces. Kochava is the project coordinator for Get the Go-Ahead at Women’s Health East, an affirmative consent education project codesigned by a group of disabled Young Experts. Get the Go-Ahead includes resources on discussing consent, relationships, and sexuality with young people and shares experiences from LGBTQIA+ disabled young people.

 

Manningham Council is committed to creating a community that embraces inclusiveness and equality.

Women's Only Swimming Evenings at Aquarena

Next Session: 

Sunday 25th May, 8.15 – 10.00pm 

 

These sessions provide women exclusive access to Aquarena 's facilities, ensuring privacy and cultural sensitivity while promoting physical well-being and community engagement. 

 

Supervised by female staff, entry includes access to a private heated pool and spa. 

Sessions are held on the last Sunday of every month from 8.15pm to 10.00pm, after the centre's normal operating hours.

 

Entry is between 8.15pm and 8.30pm, after which the doors will be locked and set to exit only.

 

More information at Active Manningham.

All Abilities Disco

May 17   SUPERHEROES

June 28  MOVIE CHARACTERS

Aug 9     FLOWER POWER

Sept 13   FOOTY

Nov 1     HALLOWEEN

 

Come get your groove on, bring your carer for free, or buy an extra ticket for your friend, and move to the funky beets at the foot of Doncaster Hill.

 

Avoid disappointment. Bookings essential. 

Sales will close one week before each event.

Book for one at a time, or pre-purchase all at once.

 

Your ticket is redeemable for one drink and something to eat at the canteen on the night.

Your ticket is not transferable but is fully refundable if you let us know in advance.

 

Dress in your best themed costumes, or just your comfiest dancing clothes.

 

Tickets can be purchased through this link 

https://events.humanitix.com/2025-all-abilities-good-vibrations-discos

RR Documentary of the Week

SEEN 

Seen is a ground breaking feature-length documentary that not only explores the transformative power of personal healing for parents but also delves into the scientifically supported effects of such healing on parenting and its impact on child brain development.

 

By focusing on the unexplored aspect of parents confronting their own childhood coping mechanisms, Seen is poised to fill a significant gap in current narratives. It promises not just compelling storytelling but also the potential for profound societal impact, making it an appealing proposition for those looking to invest in content that drives change.

 

Our vision was to craft a film that deeply resonates with audiences, sparking a flame of self-reflection and personal growth. Through the unfiltered and authentic narratives of real parents, we reveal the remarkable potential of addressing trauma and attachment styles.

 

Together, we are illuminating the path toward emotional liberation and healthier connections—with both ourselves and our children.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZPQXpw6kT0

 

Visit the website for more information and screenings in your area

https://seenthefilm.com/

Rebecca James

Respectful Relationships Coordinator

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