A message from the Principal

Since the start of June this year our school has proudly been flying the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags each day. 

This move was a part of a commitment by the Education Department that all government schools in our region would have these flags flying as a way to celebrate our identity and acknowledge and show respect to our First Nations people - creating an inclusive and welcoming first impression.

Not long after these flagpoles were installed, an idea was raised by members of our parent and staff community that our school could extend this message of inclusion and acceptance by also displaying the Pride Flag at a separate location in the school grounds.

Following further exploration of this idea and discussion at our last couple of School Council meetings, last week Council voted to proceed with this plan and a further flagpole will be installed in the coming weeks.

We took this decision to provide a simple and clear message to all of our community that we include, accept and celebrate everyone and to show SKiPPS students, staff and parents who are also a part of the LGBTQIA+ community that they belong at our school. We feel this is a great demonstration of our school value of kindness.

Council felt this was an important step as we know that, despite increasing social acceptance of LGBTIQA+ people in Australia, many young people continue to have experiences that negatively impact their social and emotional wellbeing, and that many Australian young people and families attest to the negative impact of a schooling environment that is not inclusive of this area of diversity.

As Student Wellbeing is a priority area in our School Strategic Plan (as well as the Education Department Framework for Improving Student Outcomes 2.0), Council felt this measure, alongside other actions in class and at a whole-school level, would demonstrate our commitment to inclusion - something that is vital to wellbeing.

I am aware that since this decision to display the Pride Flag at SKiPPS was taken and informally shared within the community, a number of other rumours have emerged which are untrue and seem to be causing division and concern amongst parents.

• I would like to confirm that, whilst our Buildings and Grounds sub-committee are currently getting quotes from builders to complete a much-needed renovation of our student quadrangle toilets to make them a more pleasant place for our students, we will not be creating gender-neutral toilets.

• The decision to fly the Pride Flag will not change any part of our classroom curriculum, lead to the teaching of radical gender theory or us encouraging students to change genders. We will continue to teach the content of the Victorian Curriculum, with the majority of teaching time focused on core Literacy and Numeracy skills. We will also continue to teach the 'Talking the Talk' sexuality, respectful relationships, and consent program each year, based on evidence and best practice and supported by almost 100% of our parents.

Whilst I understand that different views may exist around this decision by School Council, I urge parents and carers to interpret it purely as a simple, positive and inclusive message that all of our students can learn and benefit from. 

As the designer of the Progress Pride flag said;

"I love seeing anyone using the flag in a way that makes them happy and proud to be themselves".

Daniel Quasar

Understood in this way, I feel that this decision perfectly reflects our school's values and ethos.

As always, I am available to answer any further questions that any parents or carers may have on this matter.

Neil Scott

Principal