Sustaining an Environment Where All Can Thrive
Recently, the importance of the School’s strategic commitment to sustaining a ‘supportive, caring and inspiring environment where all can thrive’ has been highlighted.
Firstly, Anzac Day was commemorated across each campus of the School through formal assemblies. The guest speakers, currently serving members with Australia’s defence forces, each spoke of the continued resonance of the Anzac spirit in our culture, including notions of resilience, respect, accountability, and care for self and others. I am proud to say that these tenets of the Anzac spirit are lived out by Hume’s community and supported by the School’s values.
Secondly, Tuesday 17 May marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, which aims to raise awareness of the rights of all people. As with any anti-discrimination efforts, days such as this have resonance in their attempts to prevent discrimination and promote respect, diversity, care for self and others, and inclusion; again, they are promoted through and supported by the School’s values.
Finally, at the moment the Senior Leadership Team is working towards the implementation of the new Child Safe Standards, which come into effect from 1 July 2022. The new standards, while not significantly different to the current standards, place a greater emphasis on upholding diversity and equity as we teach and respond to the students in our care. The new standards more clearly articulate the School’s responsibility in acknowledging, celebrating and responding to students’ diverse circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, encouraging expression of culture; empowering students to know, understand and exercise their rights; and removing all forms of racism and other discrimination.
When children feel valued - irrespective of their circumstances or backgrounds - they are more likely to fulfil their potential, more likely to speak up when they have an issue, and more likely to themselves contribute to a learning culture where ‘all can thrive’. I thank all in the community - staff, students and parents - who continue to live out the School’s values in order to promote a positive culture and ultimately keep our children safe.
More information will be forthcoming about the new Child Safe Standards Policy and associated procedures, when they come into effect from 1 July 2022.