In the final week of Term 2, Ms Kaitlin Young and I had the pleasure of accompanying a group of Year 12 students to a Gender Forum for students, hosted by Xavier College, Kew. This event, which had been planned for 2020, and cancelled twice due to COVID-19 lockdowns, involved student representatives from a range of Kew Schools including Xavier College, Genazanno FCJ College, Methodist Ladies College, Ruyton Girls’ School, Trinity Grammar School, and of course, the only independent co-educational school in our area, Carey.
The purpose of the forum was to begin a dialogue amongst the students of our area about gender equity, and the way in which students and adults in our communities approach this issue.
As I listened to the students, some key themes became clear:
Ms Young and I left the session feeling immensely proud of not only our Carey students, but all the students who chose to use their voice on this day. It was also obvious to both of us that at Carey, whilst of course there is work to do to continue to ensure that we have the most respectful, inclusive and equal culture, we have certainly taken important first steps in this space.
I am pleased to let you know that one of these steps, in response to student, parent and staff feedback, is to engage all our Year 9 to 12 students in a protective and proactive wellbeing activity, entitled When Loves Hurts – Respectful Relationships and Consent. This session, led by Dannielle Miller and Jack Ellis from Enlighten Education, will cover such things as:
Additionally, I am pleased to invite you to a parent session on Thursday 25 August, also led by Dannielle and Jack. This session will pick up on the key themes above and will provide parents with practical strategies to support their teenagers in this space. Further information will be provided, and I look forward to seeing you there.
Kellie Lyneham
Head of Senior School