Topic Spotlight

Update on Work Relating to Historic Abuse at Beaumaris Primary School

I wanted to update you all on some important work that I will be starting with the Department of Education this term. 

One of the recommendations from the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse at Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools was the creation of a memorial to acknowledge the historical abuse that occurred at Beaumaris Primary School. The Victorian government accepted this recommendation and committed to working alongside victim-survivors, secondary victims, and affected community members to co-design both the location and form of the memorial. 

Recently, I met with the Department of Education’s Restorative Engagement, Information and Support team, who are leading the co-design process for the memorial as well as supporting the implementation of a range of other Inquiry recommendations. I will be working closely with the team over the rest of this year as we progress the work to co-design a memorial. Members of the team are coming to speak to our staff and school council on Wednesday next week, to provide more information and answer any questions. 

As Principal of Beaumaris Primary School, I am deeply committed to ensuring that we do not shy away from this deeply painful and distressing part of our history. Acknowledging it openly, thoughtfully, and respectfully is a vital part of honouring those who were affected and supporting healing within our community. 

This term, I look forward to meeting and listening to victim-survivors who were former students of our school, along with their families, loved ones, classmates and anyone else impacted. It is so important that their voices are heard and reflected in the future co-design process for a memorial.

If anyone you know would like to be part of these informal morning/afternoon teas, or to request another meeting, please encourage them to contact either me or the Department’s Restorative Engagement team directly (reis@education.vic.gov.au). There are a few dates we have locked in for morning/afternoon teas on 19 May (10:30-12:30), 26 May (10:30-12:30) and 23 June (1:30-3:30) at the Highett Neighbourhood Community House. RSVPs are essential so that we can ensure appropriate group numbers. Please RSVP by SMS to 0473 847 503 or email: reis@education.vic.gov.au.

The Department has also recently published a survey on the Engage Victoria website, inviting community feedback on several of the Inquiry’s recommendations. Anyone in the community is welcome to complete the survey, and you are encouraged to share it with others who may be interested. The survey will remain open until 6 June 2025. 

I will continue to keep our school community updated along the way.  

For more information, including updates on the implementation of the Inquiry’s recommendations, please visit: Board of Inquiry implementation progress. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact me any time. 

David Tapp

Principal