From Principal Steve - Respectful Relationships

Whole-School Approach to Respectful Relationships 

As educators, we share a common purpose – to provide every child with the best start to a happy, healthy and successful life. One important way we can achieve this is by teaching and modelling respect, equality, and positive relationships across our whole school community.

The mandatory Respectful Relationships initiative is part of the Victorian Curriculum from Prep to Year 12. It supports schools to promote respect and equality, and to give children the tools they need to build resilience, confi dence, and healthy relationships. 

The need for this work is clear. The Royal Commission into Family Violence highlighted the critical role schools play in changing attitudes and creating a culture of respect. By addressing these issues early and consistently, we can help shape a future where respect and equality are at the centre of every relationship. 

A whole-school approach means that respectful relationships are not just taught in classrooms, but also lived out in the playground, the staffroom, on sporting fi elds, and at school events. It means that every member of our school community—students, staff, parents, and carers—is valued and treated equally. 

This approach has many benefi ts. Research shows that when respect and gender equality are consistently modelled across the school and at home, we see positive impacts on: 

● Students’ learning and academic outcomes 

● Mental health and wellbeing 

● Classroom behaviour 

● The quality of relationships between students and teachers 

Ultimately, this work is about preparing our students not only for academic success but also for life. By building a culture where respect and equality are the norm, we are helping children develop the social and emotional skills they need to thrive at school, at home, and in the wider community. 

Together, we can lead the way in saying “yes” to respect and equality. By working in partnership—school and families—we can create genuine and lasting change so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

If you would like to learn more details about Respectful Relationships education, please visit https://www.vic.gov.au/respectful-relationships

Deb Barden                                                      Steve Meade

Student Wellbeing & Inclusion                  Principal