Community 

Anti-Racism Working Group Update

At Coburg High School, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, respected and proud of who they are. This term, we are proud to share an update on the work of our Anti-Racism Working Group and our ongoing commitment to implementing the Department of Education's policy on Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools. Coburg High School has been recognised by the Department of Education as a case study in anti-racism practice. This acknowledgement reflects our work across three key areas highlighted in the Department's framework:

  • Building staff capability to understand and address racism

  • Partnering with families, carers and communities in this work

  • Using data-driven approaches to inform our improvement efforts.

Over the past two years our working group - made up of teaching staff, education support staff, and a parent representative - has been laying important foundations for this work. In 2025 we completed a school-audit helping us to better understand strengths and gaps in our policies, practices, and physical environment regarding cultural diversity and anti-racism. 

Also in 2025, our staff completed the year-long Refugee Education Support Program, delivered by Foundation House. This professional learning equipped the group with knowledge, skills and tools to recognise and respond to the needs of students who have refugee or refugee-like backgrounds. This professional learning culminated in the establishment of a student-led group that selects their own projects related to anti-racism and are supported by a mentor external to the school.

WHAT'S NEXT: RESPONDING TO INCIDENTS OF RACISM

Building on these foundations, our next focus will be supporting our whole school community - staff, students and families - to respond effectively and compassionately when incidents involving racism occur. This means developing clear, consistent and restorative processes that carefully consider the experiences of affected students and support everyone involved.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU - PARENT FOCUS GROUP

The voices of our families are essential to this work. We warmly invite parents and carers to join an upcoming focus group to share your experiences, perspectives and ideas on how our school can best respond to racism. Your input will directly shape the approaches we take.

If you are interested in participating, please contact us at brigitte.rogan@coburg.vic.edu.au. The focus group will be held via Google Meet out of school hours.

The Anti-Racism Working Group

Coburg High School