Principal Team Editorial

Across Australia, we have been gripped by the alarming statistics of a woman being killed because of gender-based violence every four days. As we grapple with the scale of these statistics and consider the devastating human stories behind this increasing number, the question that all Australians are facing is - what do we do about it?

We’ve had people marching the streets protesting for something to be done, a National Cabinet meeting called last week to discuss what could be done at government level and, in media broadcasts throughout Australia, it’s been the hot topic of debate.

As a school, there is lots we can do and lots we are already doing. We need to continue talking about, and educating our students on, what quality respectful relationships are, and support students in developing healthy identities so they can foster relationships built on trust, kindness, empathy and trust.

Educating students on respectful relationships and violence prevention is the responsibility of the entire school community and is a pivotal component of our curriculum for the following reasons:

Adolescence is a crucial time when students learn how to foster respectful, non-violent relationships.
Many of our young people are experiencing violence in the home on a daily basis.
Many of our young people are being subjected to, and perpetrating, violence themselves.
There is already a tolerance of violence and aggression towards women and girls.
Violence prevention is an evidence-based strategy that we know works.

Further to the explicit teaching of Respectful Relationships in PE/Health classes, Explore mentor classes and year level programs, is the ‘informal’ curriculum that can have a big impact in challenging gender stereotypes and gender bias.

The relationships our teachers, particularly our male teachers, role model with colleagues and students can have a profound impact on shaping what respectful relationships look like and what’s acceptable. Our informal chats and interactions in the yard, on the sporting field, at the Orchard, walking between classes must be respectful and have a zero tolerance toward misogyny, gender bias, chauvinism and put-downs.

The trend in student survey data across the country suggests that female students have less positive experiences at school than male students which is a concerning trend and means that our girls want and need us to do better.

If we look at schools being microcosms of wider society, and the prevalence of gender bias and disrespect towards women, then I urge our male students, male staff and males in our wider school community to continue stepping up and making a difference - continue being the agents for change we need you to be.

Parent Forum

Tuesday 21 May, 6pm to 7:30pm

General Staffroom

Our focus on Wellbeing – Healthy Identities couldn’t be more timely. All parents/carers are welcome to come along to meet with the Principal team before engaging in a deep dive with our Wellbeing Team on how we can support young people to build healthy relationships and identities. This is a great opportunity to provide feedback and meet with other parents/carers. All parents/carers welcome to attend.

Carrie Wallis

Principal