PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians and Students,

Press reports, and information from groups such as the Anti-Defamation League of Australia, indicate that anti-Semitism is again on the rise in Australia and around the world.

I am writing to you today that say that our school and its values leave no space for such attitudes and behaviours within our community.

I am worried that the lessons of the past are being forgotten. We seem to be living in a time when rigid nationalism is the new normal, and the post-war sprit of co-operation and tolerance, borne from the bitter lessons of global conflict, is being consciously eroded for cheap and short-sighted political gain. I fear that young people in particular, do not fully appreciate the horrible impact that such attitudes and behaviours can have on others.

I have been so concerned that I have spoken at year level assemblies about our need to be intolerant of intolerance. In particular, to be vigilant of, to renounce, and to reject Anti-Semitism in all its forms.

This school has proudly served the Jewish community for decades and will continue to do so.

I have asked students to be upstanders, not bystanders when it comes to all forms of intolerance and bigotry, but particularly to Anti-Semitism. 

I urge all members of our community to speak against and report any instances of this repugnant behaviour whenever you become aware of it.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Minack

Principal