Addressing Historic Harm
At Mentone Grammar, we acknowledge that harm has been experienced by members of our community in our School’s history.
We have been working to address those instances of historic harm with genuine care and compassion for those former students who are affected. We acknowledge the strength of those who have come forward to share their experiences.
As a result, we have learned a great deal from listening to survivors, and we are sorry for any pain that may have arisen from your time at Mentone Grammar.
We are here to listen
The School today, and its community, condemn any past unacceptable acts, child abuse and other behaviours which cause children and young people harm. We also acknowledge that we are responsible for how we respond to any harm that may have occurred in the past.
Mentone Grammar treats all allegations of child abuse and other behaviours which cause children and young people harm with the utmost seriousness and appreciate the sensitivities involved. We make every effort to remain people-focused and trauma-informed in our communications and interactions to help bring some degree of comfort where we can.
First and foremost, we are here to listen, and reassure you that you are not alone.
Reporting
Mentone Grammar is an active participant of the National Redress Scheme, which was established after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to assist survivors. If you, or someone you know, has experienced institutional child sexual abuse at the School and may not know of this service, we encourage you to share this with them.
In addition, we have established confidential channels for any former students who wish to report possible instances of historic abuse. All disclosures will be handled with the utmost care and sensitivity. Please refer to the School’s Student Safety and Wellbeing – Raising and Responding to Concerns Policy as well as the Historic Harm Policy for more information on how to make a notification to the School regarding historic harm.
Safeguarding our students
As we learn from the past, I would like to assure our community of our unwavering commitment to ensure that our School is a safe and supportive environment for our students. Our extensive suite of current policies and practices, including the School’s student safety and wellbeing framework (accessible here Child Safe Standards webpage), which we are continually reviewing, reflects this commitment to protect the children and young people in our care from all forms of child abuse and other harm. This includes strategies which demonstrate how the School remains eternally vigilant about managing the risk of betrayal of trust, and will respond to concerns and reports about child abuse and other harm.
Mentone Grammar School has a zero tolerance for child abuse and reportable conduct. We have codes of conduct and policies in place to set clear standards regarding acceptable and unacceptable behaviours by all members of our community (including employees, contractors, volunteers, students and parents).
We believe that student safety and wellbeing is a collective responsibility, and every staff member plays a role, supported by a professional team of psychologists, counsellors, chaplains, and nurses. In addition, our classroom teachers and Mentors provide the structured support students experience each day. Students are encouraged to confide in a trusted adult or one of the School’s dedicated Student Safety Officers if they feel unsafe or have any concerns about their or others’ safety and wellbeing.
Our commitment
We remain committed to working with survivors, together with advisors and specialists in this area to bring peace and solace to those who have experienced harm while at Mentone Grammar. Having learned from the past, we constantly review our practices to ensure we provide the safest environment possible to protect current and future students.
Sincerely,
Andy Müller
Principal