And now a word from
Mrs Richards...
Racism
Recently, we have had to deal with a small number of incidents where students have made racist comments towards others.
As educators, it is our responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and families regardless of their race or background. Racism is a serious issue that can have a lasting impact on children, both those who experience it and those who witness it. It is crucial that we work together to educate our students about the importance of respect, empathy, and understanding towards people of all races.
One of our school values is ‘Respect’ and we actively teach our students about the importance of diversity, tolerance, and acceptance of all. We encourage open dialogue and education on the harmful effects of racism. All teachers deliver, through the Respectful Relationships program, lessons related to respect and bullying.
We want to make it very clear that racism, in any form, is not acceptable at our school. Comments, gestures or behaviours that make someone feel targeted or disrespected because of their race, culture, or background are considered serious breaches of our school values and theAnti Racism Policy which you can find on our website. This policy outlines that every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and included at school, and that racist behaviour will not be tolerated.
Over the coming days, teachers across all grade levels will be speaking with their classes about racism — what it means, why it is harmful, and the serious consequences it can have. These discussions will reinforce our expectations around kindness, respect, and inclusion, and help students understand that words and actions matter.
We encourage you to continue these conversations at home and to reinforce these important messages:
At Parkdale Primary we celebrate diversity and multicultural inclusion.
We understand the importance of everyone at school being treated with respect.
Racism is taken very seriously at Parkdale Primary.
Racist slurs or name calling that refers to a person’s race, colour or religion are never acceptable, regardless of the situation.
Racist comments are never acceptable and serious consequences, including suspension, will follow any racism that is reported at school.
Thank you for your ongoing support in reinforcing the following important messages. Your partnership in reinforcing these values at home will significantly help create a more respectful and inclusive environment at school. Together, we can ensure our school remains a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
For more information, please see Racism: talking with children and teens, Raising Children Network.