22/11/2017
With so much misleading information regarding "Safe Schools" being circulated, I have contacted all the relevant organisations with a list of questions that many find unclear.
In approaching credible sources to confirm facts which are publicly accessible to validate, there is the assurance of direct impartial information.
I urge people to make educated decisions with compassion and a moral conscience in mind.
1. Who heads up the department concerning this program? Where can people find valid, accurate information that is clear and credible on what exactly the program is and what it is not.
o As of the 1st November we are now funded by the WA Department of Education and Training (previously the Federal Department of Education and Training) and we are managed by the WA AIDS Council. I am the Project Lead for Safe Schools so can answer any questions about the program. All of our resources, member schools and information about what we do can be found at our website: www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au. Our resources are accessible from the Student Wellbeing Hub here! We have also created a resource for parents who want to know more about Safe Schools and I have attached that for you.
2. Is the outcome of the review publicly recorded as consistent with being appropriate and successful?
o The findings of the review can be found here. The review was simply into one of the many Safe Schools resources, All of Us – which is our only curriculum resources, not Safe Schools itself and found that the resource was educationally sound, age-appropriate, relevant and aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
·3. Is it correct to say the program is not part of the curriculum but as tools available to be used as necessary at digression of the school? Do the teachers parents and or students help decide the extent?
o Absolutely, so we do have a curriculum resource which was developed to allow staff to better teach about LGBTIQ+ diversity in the classroom but in order to use this parental consent needs to obtained. In terms of the other supports we provide such as trainings, policy advice, resource distribution, advice and consultation and support to trans and gender diverse students schools can pick and choose what they need from us and to what degree.
4. Can the program be implemented for those in need, yet be abstained from by individuals not interested so as to exist without imposing on those who choose not to?
o For the only resource which may be used in the classroom, All of Us, parents can choose to opt out of their student participating in that class. Much of the work that Safe Schools does is not so much around curriculum and class room teaching but about the culture of the whole school environment.
I'll post in segments over the week as not to overwhelm and will list references, resources and contact information in the comments.
News From a Safe Schools Coalition Australia (SSCA) spokesperson The national program resources do not include posters related to uniforms or include role play activities. Nor do our resources discuss s*x education. September 1, 2017 0
