Non-Government schools are being urged to take up the Department of Education and Training’s (DET) Respectful Relationships initiative following 100 per cent adoption by Government schools.
Minister for Education, James Merlino said the Royal Commission into Family Violence recommended the implementation of the program Respectful Relationships to promote respect, positive attitudes and behaviours, and teach children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.
“It is a Program that is proven to work and change the behaviours of young people,” Mr Merlino said.
“There are no excuses for any school not rolling out a program like this,” he said.
“To date, 309 non-Government schools have signed up to Respectful Relationships, however, the new Expression of Interest opportunity will ensure that the program can be rolled out even further.”
Mr Merlino said the DET program took a whole-school approach to embed respect and gender equality into all aspects of school culture; in the classroom, the playground, the staffroom, and the broader school community.
He said that from Term Two this year, the teaching of consent would be mandatory in all Government schools, in an age-appropriate way.
“The Victorian Curriculum requires schools to teach the focus areas of relationships, sexuality and safety,” the Minister said.
“While Respectful Relationships goes directly to the issue of consent, mandating the teaching of consent will bring focus to this critical issue and ensure consistency across the State.”
Mr Merlino said non-Government schools could apply to take part in the DET program until 31 May.
