Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools

Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools

At North Melbourne Primary we value the diversity of culture, ethnicity, and faith of all our students. We are proud of our diversity, and everyone is welcome at our school.

North Melbourne has been told about some racist incidents that have not supported these values. This has included using racist language/slurs. This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our school. We are taking immediate action as part of our commitment to make our school a safe and inclusive place for everyone.

Celebrating the diversity of our community makes us stronger, kinder and innovative. We are committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel accepted, supported and are empowered to learn.

North Melbourne has taken steps to ensure the school is a place free of racism and where everyone feels welcome, respected and supported. You can read about the school’s effort to prevent and respond to racism on our website here.

To achieve our values and aims, everyone at North Melbourne plays an important role, and we are writing to ask for your support.

North Melbourne asks that you support your child/ren to:

• understand that we celebrate diversity and multicultural inclusion
• understand the importance of everyone at school being treated with respect
• understand that North Melbourne PS takes racism very seriously
• understand that the school will support students if they experience or see their classmates experience this racism
• discuss with your children the impact of using racist slurs and the harm it may cause other students, and the importance of using respectful language at school and in the broader community.

Your partnership in reinforcing these values at home will significantly help create a more respectful and inclusive environment at school.

For more information, please see Racism: talking with children and teens, Raising Children Network.

If you or your child/ren have experienced racism or other unfair treatment, North Melbourne PS is here to help. Talk to a member of the Wellbeing Team. You are also welcomed to reach out to the Executive Leadership Team. They can help you understand the school policies, access support and make a complaint.

If you don’t feel comfortable reporting the incident to school, you can call or email the Report Racism hotline. The Department of Education runs the Report Racism hotline. It is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) on 1800 722 476 or via email at report.racism@education.vic.gov.au.

If you need an interpreter to call the school, please use the details available at: Guide for Families: How to use an interpreter to contact your school

Thank you for your help and support.