At Whittlesea Primary School we celebrate and advocate for Inclusive education. This means that all members of every school community are valued and supported to fully participate, learn, develop, and succeed within an inclusive school culture. We aim to create safe and inclusive school environments for students with disabilities and additional needs.
At Whittlesea Primary School, we have many students who identify as and celebrate their Indigenous culture. We draw on the knowledge and insight of our regional Koorie Education Support Office (KESO) to help support these students in any way we can. We proudly fly three flags at the front of our school (Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander). Through the support of our school council environmental sub-committee, we are very proud of our indigenous garden. This garden contains native plants, shrubs, grasses, stories, and artworks that remind us of the land on which we gather daily to attend school.
Our staff and families collaborate to support the learning of our Koorie students through Individual Education Plans and Student Support Group meetings. Our Koorie students are invited to celebrate their culture on special school days and events such as NAIDOC week and Harmony Day.
Whittlesea Primary School ensures everyone provides a culturally safe and inclusive learning and playing environment for our Indigenous students. We have a strong commitment to Child Safe Standard 1: Establishing a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
See Cultural Tip Sheet
For more information, please see: Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated's Community Understanding and Safety Training.
Whittlesea Primary School is transitioning from the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) to Disability Inclusion in 2024. Disability Inclusion is a Victorian Government initiative designed so that schools can provide extra support for students with disability. It is a strengths-based approach with a focus on student voice/agency and parent collaboration.
Some of the ways we support students with additional needs at Whittlesea Primary School include:
RACISM IS NOT TOLERATED IN WHITTLESEA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Whittlesea Primary School is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where racism is not tolerated. Racism harms students’ mental health, learning and sense of belonging. We celebrate the diversity of cultures, ethnicities and faiths of all our students. It is up to all of us at Whittlesea Primary School to make our school a place that is free from racism and where everyone feels respected and can learn in a safe, inclusive environment.
WHAT WHITTLESEA PRIMARY SCHOOL IS DOING TO PREVENT RACISM
Whittlesea Primary School follows the Department of Education’s Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools Policy. We are building a culturally safe school with inclusive learning for everyone by working with staff, students, families, carers and communities. We will:
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD EXPERIENCES OR WITNESSES RACISM AT SCHOOL
If your child experiences or witnesses racism or religious discrimination at school, please let us know. You can tell your child’s classroom teacher or any of the following school staff members: Kaylene Kubeil (Principal), Rae Gittos & Matt Kirkright (Assistant Principals)
Report Racism Hotline
If you don’t feel comfortable reporting racism to the school, or you are not happy with the school’s response, you can report racism to:
For additional support following an incident of racism:
- First Nations students, staff, or families can contact Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. (VAEAI)
- Jewish students, staff or families can contact the Jewish Community Council of Victoria
- Muslim students, staff or families can contact the Islamic Council of Victoria
For more information on reporting racism to the school and accessing resources in community languages, visit this website: Report racism or religious discrimination in schools.
HOW WHITTLESEA PRIMARY SCHOOL WILL RESPOND TO RACISM
When you report a racist incident, Whittlesea Primary School will:
