Principal's Reflection - 2 May

DFV Free Matters to Me

On Wednesday 23 April, I was able to attend the Bundaberg Domestic & Family Violence Forum. Those gathered heard from a number of local leaders about the impact of domestic and family violence, and we were very fortunate to listen to Vanessa Fowler OAM, Co-Chair of the Prevention Council and sister of the late Allison Baden-Clay, who tragically lost her life at the hands of her husband.

The growing statistics around domestic and family violence are alarming, to say the least. Over the last few years, I had become increasingly concerned about the scourge of domestic and family violence, and had read about significant acts of solidarity, such as the students of Toowoomba-based schools who started a grassroots initiative to make a stand. Inspired by these acts, I had a desire to do something, but didn’t know what that something was. Very fortunately, I have no first hand experience of domestic and family violence, and to my knowledge, neither have my friends and family. The people that I saw taking a stand all had personal connections that gave weight to their stories, and since I didn’t, and didn’t have any expertise in this area, I was afraid to do anything. I worried that anything I did would seem tokenistic. What if what I did or said was wrong? Could I potentially have a negative impact on the dialogue? Why would people take any notice? Is it something schools can contribute to in a genuine way? All these questions prevented me from doing anything. 

Then I heard Vanessa, and others, speak. The message was reasonably simple - do something that shows you stand against domestic and family violence. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but if everyone does something, that will make a big difference. Vanessa referenced the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ sunscreen and ‘Wear a Seatbelt’ campaigns of the 1980s, and the significant difference these had made in Australian culture. She described a vision for DFV Free being so widespread that, just like we wouldn’t think of going to the beach without sunscreen, or hopping in a car without a seatbelt, society simply didn’t tolerate domestic and family violence.

I do not have any grand gestures to offer, or education programs to recommend that will solve this problem, but I am going to be wearing purple every Wednesday during May. I’ve signed the pledge and I will be at the Candle Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday 7 May at 5.30 pm at the Bundaberg Police Beat in Bourbong Street. I invite you to join me. 

You can pledge your support here.

Your Input Into the Futures of Our School

Parents and carers who are reading this today (Friday) will have just received a letter, via email, about the MMG whole school research survey. I am very aware that we live in an era of survey fatigue, but I strongly encourage you to take the time to complete this one. The School undertakes this survey only every 2 or 3 years, and the feedback our community provides is vital to the ongoing work of St Luke’s. It informs policies, practices, commitment of resources and budgets. In short, this survey is one of the most significant opportunities parents have to influence the future direction of St Luke’s. I hope you will contribute and I look forward to reviewing your feedback.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our School.

Mr Matthew Hughes

Principal