Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships

2024: A Year of Growth and Recognition for Respectful Relationships at Hamlyn Views School

What an incredible year it's been for our Respectful Relationships and Sexuality Education program at Hamlyn Views! As we reflect on 2024, we're proud to celebrate the remarkable progress our students have made and the meaningful connections we've built across our whole school community.

The Nest, our fortnightly drop-in space, has become a valuable meeting point where parents and carers can access resources, share experiences, and develop confidence in having important conversations about body safety, consent, and relationships with their children. I have enjoyed these sessions immensely and I'm thankful to all the parents, carers and support workers who have come along this year.

Throughout the year, I've had the privilege of sharing our inclusive approach to Respectful Relationships education with schools across the Barwon region. Through professional development sessions and workshops, we've been working to ensure that these vital programs are accessible and meaningful for students of all ages and abilities in every educational setting.

In November, I was deeply honoured to receive the 2024 PASS Outstanding Specialist Teacher Award for my work in Respectful Relationships and Sexuality Education. This recognition represents years of dreaming, planning, and believing in change. Every student has the fundamental right to comprehensive and inclusive education about their bodies, boundaries, consensual and respectful relationships, sexual health, and personal agency - yet historically, students with disability have been disproportionately disadvantaged in these essential learning opportunities. By creating inclusive programs, empowering families through The Nest, and building safe spaces for learning, we're transforming education in this vital space.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Hamlyn Views community. To our dedicated staff who have embraced and supported these programs with enthusiasm, to our parents and carers who have shown incredible trust and openness in engaging with these vital conversations, and to our Allied Health team for their invaluable collaboration - thank you all for being part of this journey. Together, we're not just making a difference in our students' lives; we're creating a model for inclusive education that shows what's possible when a whole school community works together.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday and I look forward to seeing you next year!

Mim Papinniemi