There has been much written in the media recently about the need for schools to focus on building a culture of respect, integrity, authenticity, and empathy amongst young people. As a school, we comprehensively and explicitly teach students how to relate to each other in a healthy, non-threatening, caring, respectful and supportive manner. This article provides a snapshot into how respectful relationships are fostered throughout a child’s educational journey at Hume Anglican Grammar.
The notion of respect underpins our approach to the way in which we expect all at Hume Anglican Grammar to treat one another. At Hume, we are committed to promoting and modelling respect, positivity, and behaviours to help our students build healthy relationships, resilience, and self-confidence. We explicitly teach aspects of respectful relationships across all year levels, as well as provide several extra curricular programs to support students in their personal and social development. We have also several policies and procedures which provide guidance and safeguards for all within the community to protect them from abuse, harassment, and misconduct. I recently conducted an audit of how we address respectful relationships and am happy to share a copy of this document with you. I can be emailed at dp@humegrammar.vic.edu.au for those that are interested.
Student Wellbeing Program Prep to Year 6
Our student wellbeing program from Prep to Year 6 is underpinned by our School Values and an age and stage appropriate approach to teaching about respectful relationships. Integral to the wellbeing program is the incorporation of activities designed to equip students with the skills and attributes to form healthy and productive relationships.
Secondary Wellbeing Program Year 7 – 12
A comprehensive student wellbeing program is run in our Secondary school which focuses on the personal and social development of students as they journey through their Secondary years. The Secondary school student wellbeing program covers topics related to the physical, social, and emotional development of students as they go through adolescence.
Respectful Relationships Across the Prep – Year 6 Curriculum
Many topics related to Respectful Relationships are taught across the Primary school curriculum and contained within a number of different subject areas. Topics which fall under the umbrella of Respectful Relationships are founded on the Australian Curriculum under the social and emotional learning domain.
Respectful Relationships Across the Secondary School Curriculum
Topics related to Respectful Relationships are taught across a range of subjects within the Secondary school. All Secondary students undertake a compulsory study in Health in Year 8, which incorporates units on relationships, sexual harassment, sexting and consent. Secondary school elective studies cover a wide range of topics including gender stereotypes, identity and self-esteem.
Reflecting Our Commitment to Respectful Relationships in Policy
Hume Anglican Grammar maintains several comprehensive policies which outline the expectation that all within the community uphold respectful, supportive and constructive relationships. We have a range of policies that specifically prohibit behaviour that undermines the dignity of an individual. We also have a number of policies aimed at upholding and respecting the rights of all to be safe from harm and ensure everyone has the same rights and responsibilities. Even though some of our policies are mandated by law, our commitment to upholding the rights of all is very much part of our vision and values as a school.
Student Behaviour Guidelines
The qualities of trust and respect between students, as well as between staff and students, contribute greatly to developing a culture of respectful relationships. Respectful relationships give a sense of belonging and encourages cooperation, confidence, and positivity. Our Student Behaviour Guidelines clearly outline behavioural expectations in terms of rights and responsibilities. A restorative practice is our approach to dealing with conflict because it is fair, offers high levels of support and challenges poor decision making. This approach requires students to reflect upon their behaviour, the impact it has on others and resolves ways to mend relationships in a positive manner.
Other Programs that Support Respectful Relationships
We have a number of programs that enhance our approach to teaching students about respectful relationships such as the Buddy Program, Elevate, Project Rockit, Peer Support Program and Butterfly Foundation Workshops.
Robert Tassoni - Deputy Principal