From the Head of Senior School

White Ribbon Breakfast

Domestic violence remains a significant issue across Australian society in 2024. There are many initiatives aimed at addressing it. Notably, the Queensland Government has chosen May as Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Unfortunately, the rate of incidents is increasing. Led by Grenfell House, Churchie hosted our annual White Ribbon Breakfast in Week 5, with Year 11 students from Churchie, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School and Somerville House in attendance. A Year 11 representative from each school presented clear messaging about the importance of keeping the conversation open. Matthew Crossley, our guest speaker and Community Partner from White Ribbon Australia, provided students with key strategies to help them call out concerning behaviour. Matthew emphasised not only calling out poor behaviour but also directing individuals to the range of support services available. These approaches aim to educate and empower individuals to break the cycle of behaviour.

Darkness to Daylight

This year, 20 staff members from Churchie’s Senior School are taking a stand against domestic violence by participating in the 11th annual Darkness to Daylight challenge. We are aware of the devastating impact this issue has on Australians. In our country alone, an average of 110 lives are tragically lost each year due to this form of abuse. The Darkness to Daylight Challenge, a symbolic 110-kilometre run or walk, held at Parliament House in Brisbane on 29 and 30 May, represents one life lost per kilometre on average from domestic and family violence per year—a tragic reminder of the impact domestic violence has on families and communities.

The Churchie team will undertake this challenge in a relay format, with each staff member contributing to the total distance. Their participation aims to raise critical funds for organisations fighting domestic violence and to raise awareness within the Churchie community. By participating, our staff sends a strong message: domestic violence has no place in Australia. We stand united in our commitment to a safer future for everyone.

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month

At Headmaster’s Assembly, Dr Alan Campbell addressed the scourge of domestic violence in Australia. He highlighted the increased number of individuals and families dealing with such behaviours in their homes—places that should be safe spaces. Dr Campbell spoke to the fact that society fundamentally rejects violent behaviour, whether domestic or otherwise, and the important responsibility we all have in taking a stand against such behaviours by calling them out. With this in mind, he introduced the White Ribbon ‘STOP’ toolkit as a starting point for all community members, encouraging everyone to:

• See
• Talk
• Offer support
• Prevent violence

In summary, we are united as a community against violence in all its forms, and we will continue to challenge such behaviours and raise awareness—violence in our community is not acceptable.

Dr Alex Krzensk
Acting Head of Senior School