Great Scot 162_April 2021_T_ONLINE | Page 8

PRINCIPAL

The Principal , Tom Batty , sent this letter to Scotch parents and guardians on 2 March 2021 , in response to recent allegations of sexual abuse by students from boys ' schools .

MR TOM BATTY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

The Principal

1 Morrison Street Hawthorn Victoria 3122 Australia

ABN 86 852 826 445

2 ^nd March , 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians ,

Addressing inequity in society and the abuse it fosters requires strong voice . The first step is often the hero step and , with many , Scotch applauds the young women who have recently spoken out about the sexual abuse and distress they have suffered . Such frankness brings light into darkness and onto crime .

Schools and other institutions must rethink steps taken . It is clear what has been done is not enough . It is also clear we are stronger when acting together . With the family unit , the school plays significant role in forming attitudes . We need to consider what more the School can do to educate boys and support families .

Abuse is linked to power . While seeking equity , we must be cognisant of environments and behaviour that exacerbate existing power imbalances and put young people at risk : access to alcohol , availability of illicit drugs , online pornography , unsupervised gatherings , choosing not to see or hear .

Real change , however , comes from the values established and prosecuted within and amidst our key social units : the classroom , the family home , the friendship group , the online chat group , the sports team , the workplace .

The School has a number of programmes addressing respectful relationships with women . The particular issue of consent is addressed in our Year 8 Respectful Relationships programme , which includes talks by our School Psychologist , workshops with an external provider and targeted presentations as part of the Big Ideas Lecture Series . In Year 9 , it is central in our Christian Education unit ‘ Respect for Women ’. In Year 10 , it is a recurring theme of the Respectful Relationships programme run in collaboration with Methodist Ladies ’ College that includes a talk by a former Police Officer , small group discussion and a parent forum . Year 12 boys assemble for a presentation by our Police Youth Liaison Officer regarding responsibility and the Law .

By mandatory responsibility and through values , the School will pursue any allegation of abuse with relevant authorities .

In 2019 , boys , parents and staff were invited to participate in a global research project , Responsible Sexual Citizenship , sponsored by the International Boys ’ Schools Coalition and led by Associate Professor Ada Sinacore of McGill University . The study sought to determine boys ’ knowledge and understanding of gender and sexuality , sexual health , consent , healthy and unhealthy relationships , ethics and responsibility when online , and the School ’ s culture in respect to these . It also sought to learn from parents and teachers how information is provided to boys , and garner recommendations for action . Following publication of the research report last year , the School , under the leadership of our School Psychologist , has embarked on implementing the findings within the Scotch context , involving boys , teachers and parents .

It is clear we must do more and we will . Respect for the inherent dignity of each person is the human challenge of our times .

Your sincerely ,

I Tom Batty Principal

8 Great Scot Issue 162 – April 2021