Dear parents and carers,

At Buckley Park College, we value the diversity of culture, ethnicity, and faith of all our students. We are proud of our diversity, and everyone is welcome at our school.

Buckley Park College has been told about some racist incidents that have not supported these values. This has included for example using racist language and slurs and drawing/displaying racist symbols]. This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our school. We are taking immediate action as part of our commitment to make our school a safe and inclusive place for everyone.

Celebrating the diversity of our community makes us stronger, kinder and innovative. We are committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel accepted, supported and are empowered to learn.

Buckley Park College has taken steps to ensure the school is a place free of racism and where everyone feels welcome, respected and supported. You can read about the school’s effort to prevent and respond to racism on our website here

To achieve our values and aims, everyone at Buckley Park College plays an important role, and we are writing to ask for your support.

Buckley Park College asks that you support your child/ren to:

• understand that we celebrate diversity and multicultural inclusion
• understand the importance of everyone at school being treated with respect
• understand that Buckley Park College takes racism very seriously
• understand that the school will support students if they experience or see their classmates experience this racism

Your partnership in reinforcing these values at home will significantly help create a more respectful and inclusive environment at school.

For more information, please see Racism: talking with children and teens, Raising Children Network.

If you or your child/ren have experienced racism or other unfair treatment, Buckley Park College is here to help. Talk to the relevant Year level coordinator or sub school leader. They can help you understand the school policies, access support and make a complaint.

If you don’t feel comfortable reporting the incident to school, you can call or email the Report Racism hotline. The Department of Education runs the Report Racism hotline. It is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) on 1800 722 476 or via email at report.racism@education.vic.gov.au.

If you need an interpreter to call the school, please use the details available at: Guide for Families: How to use an interpreter to contact your school (https://go.vic.gov.au/4h9ivgm)

Thank you for your help and support.

Kind regards,

Craig Dunstan

Assistant Principal Buckley Park College