14 April 2021

Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV) Executive Director Jim Miles says all Catholic schools use a range of materials and programs in a continuous manner across year levels to meet their local needs and curriculum requirements addressing respectful relationships education.

‘Teaching about respect and consent aligns with the beliefs of our Catholic schools as enshrined in the gospel values, and should not be seen as a one-off or stand-alone exercise.

‘Developing young men and women who respect each other’s fundamental dignity and rights is central to our ongoing education and development approach as a Catholic schooling system.

‘The cross-sectoral respectful relationships and cultural awareness programs are very well regarded by the Catholic sector, and schools are strongly encouraged to consider these options if they are looking to add to their programs in this area.

‘Many Catholic schools currently utilise the state government curriculum package – Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships.

‘Around half [250] of all Catholic schools in Victoria are also involved as lead or partner schools in the “whole of school” cultural awareness and reflection program across staff, students and their community, which runs parallel to the respectful relationships program.

‘We welcome the new “expression of interest” process for this program announced by Minister James Merlino today.

‘Catholic education and its schools are also clear in the belief that parents and families always remain the first educators for their children. On this basis, teachers, schools and system leaders seek to continually work together with families to do all we can to address this issue and prevent future harm to young people’, Mr Miles said.

Media contact: Gerard Delaney on 0413 274 176 or gdelaney@macs.vic.edu.au

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