What is the Respectful Relationships Initiative?
The Respectful Relationships program is a state-wide initiative across Victoria, involving schools, local councils, and sporting clubs. At McKinnon Secondary College, our Student Wellbeing Team leads efforts to promote a culture of respect and address the gendered drivers of violence. We are dedicated to preventing issues related to respectful relationships and providing support to those affected.
This program encourages open discussions about respect within our community, focusing on positive behaviours that address gender-based violence and inequality. It is a key part of the Victorian Curriculum from Foundation to Year 12, helping students build healthy relationships, resilience, and confidence - leading to better academic and social outcomes.
By challenging gender stereotypes and fostering equality, McKinnon Secondary College is proud to help create a safer and more respectful community for everyone.
McKinnon Secondary College’s Statement of Commitment to Respectful Relationships
McKinnon Secondary College is committed to implementing a whole-school approach to Respectful Relationships and to help combat family violence in Victoria.
We understand that:
- gender stereotypes and gender inequality are one of the lead contributors to family violence.
- our school can generate lasting changes in young people’s attitudes and behaviours and contribute to addressing family violence.
We recognise that we have great potential to create change. Our school is a:
- safe space for young people to learn.
- place where all staff, students and families deserve to feel respected, safe and valued
- community hub with the opportunity to lead, influence and contribute to a healthy community culture.
As part of this commitment:
- We will all actively promote gender equality and oppose gender-based violence in our school in accordance with all relevant College policies.
- Our school staff will continue to build their capacity to promote and implement the Respectful Relationship initiative across the school community as outlined in our School Strategic Plan.
- We will continue to respond to disclosures and incidents of family violence and provide support to impacted school community members.
- Our school will undertake a thorough assessment and planning process to identify gaps and limitations in existing culture, policies and practices in gender equality.
- Our school commits to continual improvement and evaluation of the Respectful Relationships initiative.
- Our school will create an environment where the buildings and grounds are safe and accessible to all students and staff.
- We will celebrate positive demonstrations of respectful relationships in our school community.
We look forward to celebrating our successes with our school community and to enjoying a culture of greater gender equality and Respectful Relationships.
Michael Kan (Principal)
Carly Griffin (School Council President)
