Review of Civics and Citizenship Curriculum

Catholic School Parents Victoria provide opportunities for parent perspective to contribute to major reviews in education through our connections with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessement Authority and various Universities who approach us seeking parent voice.

This year we have already sought parent feedback on the review of the Civics and Citizenship Curriculum undertaken by Monash University to be presented to VCAA.

You can read our submission below that was written based on feedback from parents of children in Catholic schools.

Review of school boarding premises

CSPV sent out a request to parents of children in boarding schools to contribute to this reform.

From 18 June 2021, the VRQA will begin regulating school boarding premises in Victoria.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse identified school boarding facilities as high risk environments for children. It found that a disproportionate amount of abuse has occurred in school boarding premises, and recommended they be regulated to ensure they meet the Child Safe Standards.

In response, the Victorian Government has expanded the VRQA's remit to include the regulation of school boarding premises.

Conversion Practices Bill 2020

Catholic School Parents Victoria became aware of a Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020 earlier this year and responded with concerns for parent rights in supporting their children when it comes to gender dysphoria and sexuality.

CSPV wrote to several MPs and independent members expressing concern about the legislation and the grey areas surrounding the rights of parents to support their children through a process of discernment and to be able to seek advice should their child present with gender dysphoria. There were thousands of letters sent to prevent the Bill in its' current form from being passed with concerns about the rights of parents and professionals to be able to adequately support children who have questions about their gender.

Despite thousands of concerned voices, including those of parents and psychology and other professionals, the legislation was passed in February. CSPV continue to investigate and advocate for the rights of parents under this new legislation and will seek further clarification on this. 

As a parent representative organisation we are exploring further information about some of the concerning trends that are occurring in the US and UK and what you need to be aware of in relation to this sensitive area. 

Jordan B Peterson recently interviewed journalist Abigail Shrier about concerning trends amongst teenage girls. In the interview they discuss identity, gender dysphoria, the increased rate of gender fluidity and transitioning procedures among young female adolescents, details of these procedures, de-transitioning, and her personal experiences writing her book, “Irreversible Damage.” Abigail suggests every parent should be aware of these trends and understand the impact on the safety and wellbeing of their children.

CSPV believe that parents should know what their rights are and who to turn to should your child need support and guidance if presenting with gender dysphoria. This is a very real challenge for families and understanding who is able to support families through a discernment process is critical.

Catholic schools provide specialist pastoral care support for students and their families and have developed policies to respond to the unique pastoral and learning needs of gender dysphoric children and young people. CSPV were involved in the development of these policies in 2018. Click on the link below to read the policy so you are aware of the approach of Catholic schools. Should you have any concerns or questions, you may wish to contact your relevant diocesan office for wellbeing support.

Further opportunities for your feedback and contribution

Catholic School Parents Victoria provide opportunities for parent perspective to contribute to our four key advocacy areas of parent engagement in wellbeing, child safety, curriculum and Catholic Community. The following opportunities are coming up soon and you have the opportunity to provide your feedback:

Review of the new Victorian senior secondary school certificate - VCAA

The Victorian Government is introducing significant reforms to vocational education in schools, including a new integrated end-of-school certificate that will give students the opportunity to develop the skills needed to succeed in life. A new pathways certificate to replace Foundation VCAL will also be created to formally acknowledge student achievement and facilitate clear pathways to the reformed senior secondary certificate.

The senior secondary certificate reform aims to lift the quality and perception of vocational education in our state and help more students access high-quality applied learning programs.

Draft certificate designs and study designs for the new Vocational Pathways qualification (which will replace Foundation VCAL) will be provided for public consultation soon.

Review into the use of school buses in regional Victoria

The Victorian Economy and Infrastructure Committee have launched an inquiry into:

(1) an independent analysis of the transport disadvantages experienced by regional and rural Victorians, specifically youth, the elderly and low-income households;

(2) investigating the potential social and community impacts of improving mobility options by widening the mainstream school bus system and an analysis of the examples and trials from other jurisdictions both locally and overseas;

(3) investigating technology and systems that would be effective in ensuring child safety on mainstream school buses;

(4) identifying any existing or potential barriers to allowing public access to the mainstream school bus network;

(5) identifying the spare capacity of existing assets in the school bus program and how that might be used to enhance public transport options in regional and rural Victoria; and

(6) investigating the costs of extending mainstream school buses to the general public and how a fare system would function.

Review of the Australian Curriculum - ACARA

It has been 12 years since the Australian Curriculum has been reviewed. Your feedback is now invited on proposed revisions to the current Australian Curriculum. Responses will help ensure the Australian Curriculum continues to remain world-class and meets the needs of students.

Please advise by 30th May if you are interested in providing your feedback on any or all of these areas of reform.