Canberra schools attend the Safe Schools Coalition National Symposium

Written by Erin Smith on 10 August 2015.

Tim Bavinton safe schools 2015

Pictured above: Althea Mackenzie from Safe Schools Coalition NSW speaks at the Safe Schools state and territory manager panel, facilitated by Monique Schafter (far left), and featuring (from left to right) Roz Ward (SSCV), Natalya Giffney (SSCSA), Tim Bavinton (SSCACT) and Susan Ditter (SSCTas).

The cold and frosty 4.00am start could not suppress the excitement of the Safe Schools Collation ACT Crew as we boarded a bus headed to the Safe Schools Coalition Australia National Symposium.

SSCACT was delighted to accompany forty high schools and college students from Safe Schools Coalition member schools attending the Safe Schools Coalition Australia National Symposium. More than 320 participants from across the country joined the event to celebrate the work of Safe Schools Coalition Australia and share ideas for making our schools safer and more inclusive of same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students, staff and families.

ACT students shared stories and ideas with other young people on creating positive change in their school communities. Delegates heard inspirational speakers, musical acts and watched short films focused on the importance of safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. Delegates attended workshops a number of workshops focused on capacity building and up skilling young people be able to create the change they want in their school. The voice of young people was the focus of the event, Narrabundah College student Peter Alliot spoke beautifully on the importance of having strong allies and being supported in school. ACT students felt inspired and ready to put their new knowledge and skills into action in their schools.

National Safe Schools Symposium

The 2015 National Safe Schools Symposium on 30 July at the University of Sydney was filled to capacity and jam-packed with engaging speakers, panel discussions and workshops.

ACT students deserve to congratulated for their exemplary conduct! Our young people contributed to all aspects of the day and belaboured with maturity and respect.

SSCACT would like to thank our community partners AIDS ACTION Council and Encampment for their support if this event and amazing teaching staff from member school. Without their hard work and commitment to the SSCACT project the trip would not had been possible.