Page 1233 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 3 April 2019
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• ACT schools take part in the annual National Day of Action (NDA) against Bullying and Violence. In 2019, 74 of government schools participated, involving approximately 35,190 students.
• In partnership with Our Watch and through Respectful Relationships Education, the government is working to change student attitudes towards and tolerance of violence, including primary prevent of gender-based violence.
• Efforts to strengthening parental engagement in recognition of the important role that parents and carers have in developing positive attitudes towards learning for children. This has occurred through, for example, a partnership with the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth to develop resources for parents and schools, and a partnership with the ACT Parents and Citizens Association to deliver a series of workshops about preventing bullying and other violent behaviours in public schools.
• The Minister’s Student Congress, comprised of government school student leaders who discuss contemporary issues and give advice to the Minister, are currently examining the topic of bullying. The congress is a mechanism for student voice to the Minister and provides a unique opportunity for student perspective on the underlying drivers of bullying in all its forms.
Safe and Supportive Schools Advisory Committee
On 19 March 2019, the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Yvette Berry MLA, established the Safe and Supportive Schools Advisory Committee as School Education Advisory Committee for the Education Act 2004, section 126. Broadly, the Committee will provide advice to the Minister on opportunities for strengthening safe and supportive school culture in every ACT government school and opportunities to strengthen practises in schools and the Education Support Office that give effect to the Safe and Supportive Schools Policy.
The purpose of this committee is to ensure that the government is doing all it can to manage bullying and violence in schools, and minimise its occurrence wherever possible.
The Committee is independent of the Directorate and, within its Terms of Reference, will provide independent advice to the Minister and government. It may, within its Terms of Reference, conduct its proceedings as it considers appropriate.
The Committee draws together eminent people with expertise and interests from a range of perspectives and is chaired by Ms Sue Chapman. The Terms of reference also require the Committee to engage external expert advice in fulfilling its role and functions. The Terms of Reference and further information on the Committee can be accessed on the Education Directorate website at https://www.education.act.gov.au/about-us/minister/school-education-advisory-committees.
Request for public inquiry
The government willingly acknowledges the need for transparency and accountability in its management of schools.
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