By Colin MacGillivray
LEADERS of Kilmore’s Assumption College have moved to reassure the school community that student welfare is their highest priority after details emerged of what they termed a ‘serious incident of violent and disrespectful behaviour’.
The Age last week reported that three Assumption College students had been expelled and 18 others suspended after videos surfaced showing students being held down and whipped with belts.
Police are investigating the incident.
In a statement to the Review, Assumption College principal Kate Fogarty confirmed the incident, saying the college had moved swiftly to investigate and respond once becoming aware of the videos.
“Three victims received immediate support and this support has continued, tailored to the needs of each student,” she said.
“Three students had their enrolment at the college withdrawn as a result of the incident. A number of other students who were involved as bystanders were suspended.
“Both the police and the eSafety Commissioner were immediately advised and video footage of the incident was provided to them by the school as quickly as possible.
“This type of behaviour goes completely against the values, ethos, and beliefs of Assumption College and will not be tolerated.”
The Age’s report listed the victims of the incident as year 10 students, but Ms Fogarty said students from ‘several year levels’ were involved.
Ms Fogarty said the college had clear procedures in place to address and respond to bullying and other anti-social behaviour, including a student code of conduct.
“These documents are available on the college website and are supported by training for staff and students. Any reports of bullying are taken seriously and there are clear prevention and response strategies in place,” she said.
“A culture of continuous improvement is built into all operations and practices at Assumption College. This includes a quarterly review of the college’s child safeguarding practices by the child safeguarding team which includes parents, students, and senior staff. These reviews are informed by surveys of students, staff, and families, and de-identified student wellbeing data.
“The college’s child safeguarding procedures and promotion were also validated by external review agencies in both 2021 and 2022.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed there was an investigation into the whipping incident.
“Police have been made aware of an incident involving several students an educational facility in Kilmore in November and are investigating,” the spokesperson said.
“We have engaged with the victims and their families and the investigation is ongoing.”
Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant did not comment on if the commission was investigating but encouraged all victims of bullying to reach out and make their voices heard.
Ms Inman Grant said bullying incidents that gained wider circulation online, such as the Assumption College videos, could be particularly harmful.
“When a student is the target of en masse bullying and ridicule, it can take a serious toll on their mental and emotional wellbeing,” she said.
“When that bullying extends into the online world, those negative impacts are frequently exacerbated because the targeted student can feel as though there is no escaping the abuse – even when they’re at home.
“If you’re a parent or carer, be sensitive to any changes in your child’s behaviour that might suggest they’re struggling and keep reminding them that you always have their back if things go wrong online.
“If you are the child or young person being targeted, reach out to your parents, carers, teachers or another adult you trust for support.
“Don’t face this alone: lean on people you trust and who care for you. If you don’t feel confident talking to someone you know, contact online mental health organisations, like Kids Helpline, headspace or ReachOut.com for confidential support.”
Ms Fogarty said Assumption College was offering support to the victims of the whipping incident, as well as their families and the wider college community.
“While we have worked hard to make clear our expectations to all students, we intend to re-double our efforts into 2023, including and beyond the My Being classes, which include the Respectful Relationships curriculum,” she said.
“The college wellbeing team and counsellors are always available to support and advise students and families.
“I have also asked parents to continue conversations with their young people reminding them about the expectations they have, that the college has, and that society has, regarding respectful behaviours, always.”
Ms Fogarty encouraged parents to contact her to discuss any ongoing concerns stemming from the incident. People can contact Ms Fogarty by emailing principal@assumption.vic.edu.au or calling the college on 5783 5000.
