TWO APPOINTMENTS : COORDINATORS , GROWTH OF SCOTCH BOYS
WORKING TOGETHER TO CREATE REAL AND LASTING CHANGE
ABOVE : MELANIE PIVA , TREMAINE PAVLOVSKI
Over the past few years we have witnessed progressive actions aimed at creating greater equality . Through collective activism we are changing the way we talk , think and act every day . This ripple effect will benefit everyone . In Australia this year , we have ushered in a focus on sexual violence , consent and gender equity .
Now , more than ever , our schools and home environments need to accommodate the process of this cultural socialisation . The acquisition of prosocial behaviours and values is derived from adult role models and peers . Schools are the places where , in partnership with families , the foundations are laid for being good citizens .
Our education systems are rapidly changing to meet the needs of the wider community . The implementation of the ' Growth of Scotch Boys Junior and Senior School Program ' is a welcomed initiative . The premise of our collective action will be to align with the common goal ; to create a society in which people respect one another ’ s fundamental rights and equality for all groups .
In Phase One of the process , we are reviewing our curriculum , targeted programs and staff development that are actively in place . The focused action will continue to embed aspects of the Respectful Relationships Program , which is an initiative of the Victorian Government in our curriculum and pastoral care programs . Respectful Relationships education will support our families and community to ensure our boys understand how to interact positively with others and to develop respectful relationships as they grow and become adults themselves .
Our role as coordinators is to create the right conditions for the delivery of a sustainable and comprehensive sequenced journey of growth from Prep to Year 12 . While we recognise that at Scotch our boys are fortunate to experience a wealth of opportunities , we also acknowledge the growing global discussion of current issues around sexual violence , consent and gender equity . To this end , we have a responsibility to create a school climate that promotes respectful relationships and gender equity .
Our teaching staff continue to be engaged in professional development opportunities relating to respectful relationships and equality . To date , we have had staff participate in the following learning opportunities : the International Boys ’ Schools Coalition ’ s 2021 Virtual Conference and Responsible Sexual Citizenship in Today ’ s World ; the Challenges Facing Boys course ; and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competencies course .
Most recently , pornography education expert Maree Crabbe has worked with our Junior and Senior Schools , offering evidence-informed recommendations for development of whole school programs relating to consent , appropriate online behaviour , image-based abuse , and developing heathy and respectful relationships .
As coordinators we are passionate about engaging the whole School community in
this charter . The respectful relationships whole-school approach recognises that Scotch is a workplace , a community hub and a place of learning . Everyone involved in our School community deserves to be respected , valued and treated equally .
We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes , behaviours and equality are lived across the School community , and when classroom learning is reinforced by what is modelled in our School community . The best relationships are respectful ones . By working together , we can create real and lasting change and help to address the issues that create inequity , disharmony and injustice in our community .
We want the boys in our care to experience healthy and positive relationships and to respect others and themselves . We feel privileged to walk alongside your sons as they become agents of change . Through this commitment to the growth of Scotch boys , we anticipate that your sons will be able to identify social challenges and injustice in their community , large or small , and have the skillset to act for substantial change .
MEL PIVA – COORDINATOR , GROWTH OF SCOTCH BOYS , SENIOR SCHOOL
TREMAINE PAVLOVSKI – COORDINATOR , GROWTH OF SCOTCH BOYS , JUNIOR SCHOOL
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 21