Anti-Racism Policy
Waterfall Public School is dedicated to fostering a community that is inclusive, equitable, and free from all forms of racism. Our Anti-Racism Policy reflects our commitment to celebrating diversity, promoting cultural respect, and addressing both individual and systemic racism. We aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where every student can thrive.
Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
At Waterfall Public School, we recognise that:
Racism, in any form, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Anti-racism education is essential to building a culturally inclusive and socially cohesive school community.
The unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal peoples as the First Peoples of Australia are to be respected and celebrated.
Promoting the voices and experiences of those who have faced racism is vital in creating meaningful change.
What is Racism?
Racism refers to prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone based on their racial or ethnic background. Examples of racism may include:
Racist "jokes" or negative comments.
Verbal abuse, including online harassment.
Bullying, harassment, or intimidation.
Exclusion based on race or ethnicity.
Proactive Strategies
Waterfall Public School integrates anti-racism practices into our curriculum and daily activities to ensure a culture of respect and inclusion. Our strategies include:
Explicit Teaching:
Anti-racism lessons are conducted regularly to educate students on how to recognise and address racism.
Cultural inclusion and respectful relationship lessons are embedded across all year groups.
Whole-School Initiatives:
Celebrations of cultural diversity through events, activities, and assemblies.
Partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deepen understanding of First Nations cultures.
Responding to Racism
If racism is observed or experienced, we have a clear and systematic process to ensure the wellbeing of all involved:
Report the Incident:
Students or parents can report incidents to their class teacher or directly to the Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO).
Reports can be made face-to-face or in writing.
Acknowledge and Document:
The ARCO will acknowledge receipt of the report and arrange a meeting to gather details.
All incidents are documented confidentially, including date, time, location, and individuals involved.
Investigate and Act:
A thorough investigation will be conducted, involving conversations with all parties and, where necessary, gathering witness accounts.
Actions may include education for the perpetrator, support for the affected individual(s), and disciplinary measures in line with our Behaviour Support Plan.
Support Mechanisms
We are committed to supporting students and families impacted by racism through:
Counselling services for affected individuals.
Mediation sessions to repair relationships and foster understanding.
Access to external agencies, such as the eSafety Commissioner, for cyber-related incidents.
The Role of the Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO)
The ARCO at Waterfall Public School plays a central role in promoting anti-racism practices by:
Being the primary point of contact for reporting racism.
Providing support and resources to students, staff, and families.
Leading professional development on anti-racism for staff.
Ensuring all incidents are addressed promptly and effectively.
Partnership with Parents and the Community
We believe that collaboration with parents and the wider community is essential to creating a racism-free school. Parents are encouraged to:
Discuss the importance of inclusivity and respect with their children.
Report any concerns about racism within the school community.
Participate in school events that celebrate cultural diversity.
Review and Improvement
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness. Feedback from students, staff, and parents is valued and informs our ongoing commitment to anti-racism.
For more information or to discuss the Anti-Racism Policy, please contact Waterfall Public School or speak with our ARCO.