Year 9 Forum

Year 9 Respectful Relationships Forum

The Year 9 Respectful Relationships Forum followed on from the Parent/Carer Consent Workshop, presented by Elephant Ed earlier this term. The parent/carer session provided families with an opportunity to develop their understanding of consent and respectful relationships and offered practical strategies for continuing these important conversations with young people at home. The student forum provided an opportunity for our Year 9 students to further explore these topics in an engaging, age-appropriate and supportive environment.

On Friday 28 August, our Year 9 students came together with students from Salesian College for a meaningful and engaging day focused on building positive, respectful and healthy relationships.

The day began with a range of icebreaker activities, giving students the opportunity to meet new people and feel comfortable working together in mixed-school groups. Through activities including Speed Networking, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and develop their communication skills.

Students then heard from Victoria Police about safe partying and making responsible choices. The presentation provided practical information about staying safe, looking out for friends, understanding risks and making informed decisions in social situations. Students were encouraged to consider how their choices can impact both themselves and those around them.

Our College Counsellors also facilitated a workshop focused on respectful communication, providing students with practical strategies to communicate effectively and navigate different interpersonal situations. Students worked through a range of interactive group activities and scenarios that encouraged them to listen actively, express themselves clearly, consider different perspectives and respond respectfully.

A key component of the day was a series of Elephant Ed workshops, which explored important topics including consent and sexual relationships. These workshops provided students with a safe and supportive environment to ask questions, challenge misconceptions and develop a deeper understanding of what respectful and healthy relationships look like.

The forum provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage in open conversations and connect with their peers from another school. Most importantly, the day reinforced the importance of respect, communication, consent, safety and looking out for one another.