ANTI-DOMESTIC violence charity White Ribbon went into liquidation on October 3, but Newbery Park Primary School continues to spread the message of respect between genders.
The school has actively participated in White Ribbon’s Breaking the Silence school program, which is a professional learning initiative to provide foundation knowledge, tools and strategies to implement respectful relationships.
“We see the value of White Ribbon’s message continuing to be implemented through key strategies in schools,” Newbery Park Primary School principal Stuart Miller said.
“It’s also a credit to the White Ribbon ambassadors over the years who have embodied these messages in communities.
“We do not see the program disappearing currently and for us it’s not only about saying no to violence against women, but having respect for all genders.”
Mr Miller said the school would continue to focus on White Ribbon’s 2019 theme, Fostering Respectful Relationships.
“For us the program has been a great vehicle to engage students and the community in what White Ribbon represents,” he said.
“It’s about changing attitudes and behaviours and having these conversations so that our students become respectful citizens in society.
“We see it as a generational change, with schools at the forefront.
“Domestic violence can still be considered a taboo subject and across communities we’re trying to break down these barriers and create education opportunities in that space.”
Mr Miller said everyone had the right to be respected and safe at school and students such as Hayley and Lukas agreed.
“I let my friends sit next to me and talk to me and also play with me,” Hayley said.
“Respect is about using appropriate language,” Lukas said.
In a statement, Social Services Minister Michelle Lensink said the State Government would remain committed to tackling the scourge of domestic, family and sexual violence.
“White Ribbon Australia should be commended for their commitment in this space and we will ensure their message continues until all violence stops,” she said.
