Assistant Principals' Report

Early Finish next week 

As we head into the last week of Term 2 (next week) just a reminder that on Friday 26th June we early at 2.30pm.

Responding to Incidents of Racism

At Whittlesea Primary School, we value the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and faiths of all our students. We are proud of our diversity, and everyone is welcome at our school.

Whittlesea Primary School is aware of some racist incidents, including 'casual' racism, that have not supported these values. This has included using racist language and slurstowards students. 

Casual racism refers to everyday comments, jokes, assumptions, stereotypes, or behaviours that may seem minor or unintentional but are based on a person's race, ethnicity, culture, or background.

It often occurs in ordinary conversations and may be dismissed as "just a joke" or "not meant to be offensive," but it can still make people feel excluded, disrespected, or judged. This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our school. 

Celebrating the diversity of our community makes us stronger, kinder and innovative. We are committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel accepted, supported and are empowered to learn.

Whittlesea Primary School has taken steps to ensure it is a place free of racism, where everyone feels welcome, respected and supported. You can read about the school’s effort to prevent and respond to racism on our website HERE. 

To achieve our values and aims, everyone at Whittlesea Primary School plays an important role, and we are asking for your support.

Whittlesea Primary School asks that you support your child/ren to:

• understand that we celebrate diversity and multicultural inclusion
• understand the importance of everyone at school being treated with respect
• understand that Whittlesea Primary School takes racism very seriously

• understand that the school will support students if they experience or see their classmates experience this racism

   

Your partnership in reinforcing these values at home will significantly help create a more respectful and inclusive environment at school.

For more information, please see Racism: talking with children and teens, Raising Children Network.

If you or your child/ren have experienced racism, Whittlesea Primary School is here to help. If you don’t feel comfortable reporting the incident to school, you can call or email the Report Racism hotline. The Department of Education runs the Report Racism hotline. It is available 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) on 1800 722 476 or via email at report.racism@education.vic.gov.au.

Thank you for your help and support.