Guest Speaker 

The Conversation

Creating a Safer, More Respectful School Community

What does it take to create a school community where everyone feels safe, respected and included? This was the focus when Narrandera High School welcomed behavioural scientist and speaker Dave Kramer on Wednesday 16 September.

Dave worked with students from Years 7–12 across a series of age-appropriate sessions exploring safe and respectful relationships, friendship, challenging perspectives, bullying and making positive choices.

Rather than simply telling young people to “call each other out”, Dave encouraged students to think about the power of connection. He challenged students to consider the people they trust, the friends who demonstrate positive values, and how these relationships can help them navigate difficult situations.

Students were also introduced to Dave’s Conversation Stairway – Listening, Empathy, Rapport, Influence and Behaviour Change. The message was simple: meaningful change often begins by taking the time to listen, understand and build trust.

A practical highlight was the SAFE Framework, which gives young people different options when they witness disrespectful or harmful behaviour: Step in Now, Ask for Help, Formal Reporting or Explore Later. Importantly, Dave emphasised that students should always consider their own safety and that creating a safer community is about encouraging positive behaviours, rather than shaming or isolating others.

Dave also joined staff during our staff meeting, providing an opportunity for teachers and support staff to explore the same ideas and consider how we can use curiosity, empathy, connection and respectful conversations to support our young people.

Dave’s message connected strongly with Narrandera High School’s values of Respect, Responsibility and Ready to Learn, reminding us that everyone has a role to play in shaping our school culture.

A special thank you to the Narrandera High School P&C for generously funding Dave’s visit. Their support enabled our students and staff to participate in this valuable and thought-provoking experience.

We thank Dave for an engaging day and for challenging us all to consider how small choices, strong connections and respectful conversations can make a big difference.

Mrs Beth Chappell 

PDHPE Teacher