It is a very clear expectation at Shalom that everyone in this community is treated respectfully, 24/7 and 365 days a year. For students, there will undoubtedly be those that are easier to like than others. Regardless, expecting respect, at all times, must be the norm. If we take Jesus seriously, there is no other option. In that vein, bullying has no place in our community. On Thursday 4 May at 7pm, in our theatre, we will welcome former Australian boxing champion, Jeff Horn, to Shalom. Jeff will speak to parents about this issue and the work his group, Bullyproof Australia, will begin with our students.

All parents are welcome to attend. Earlier in the day, Jeff will talk at our Assembly and, after that, will introduce the Bullyproof Australia program to all of our Year 7 and 8 students who will begin a ten lesson program developed by the organisation. This program is backed by the Australian Government and comes at no cost to Shalom. Prospective parents often ask me if there is any bullying at Shalom. I always respond that there is. I don’t think people can be put together anywhere without some wishing to exert power – bullying – over others. That said, I always assure parents that if bullying is brought to our attention, our processes are robust, prompt and effective.

The biggest problem we have in dealing with incidents of bullying is parents and young people buying into the lie that ‘if I say something, things will get worse.’ That only aids and abets bullies. House Coordinators, Mr Robinson and Mr Brown will do an outstanding job dealing with incidents of bullying as long as they are aware of them.

Related to our Harmony Day assembly last week, is the issue before the Australian people of the ‘Voice’ referendum. This is a really important issue and one that all of us should work hard to reflect upon in order to make an informed decision. There is a lot of commentary, on both sides of the debate, at the moment. I believe that one of the preeminent voices on this issue is that of Fr Frank Brennan SJ. Fr Frank has spent his life living and working with First Nations people and with the law. He is a lawyer himself and his father was a Judge on the High Court of Australia. There are few people worth listening to more than Fr Brennan. He had an article published in a Sydney paper recently that is worth a read (link below) as you come to a decision on whether or not to support this pending referendum.