Thursday, 2 May 2019

Northern Metropolitan Region

In reply to Mr ELASMAR (Northern Metropolitan) (19 March 2019)

Mr MERLINO (Monbulk—Minister for Education):

The tragic events in Christchurch on Friday 15 March have had a profound impact, and I take the opportunity to extend my condolences to the people of New Zealand.

I am proud that Victoria is a state that values and celebrates diversity. Following the tragic events, I contacted the principals of each of Victoria’s Islamic schools to express my condolences, and offer the principals and students support during this time. I reinforced the Department of Education and Training’s commitment to working with each principal to provide advice and support through this difficult time.

The supports offered include:

• access to the Department’s Student Support Services workforce

• access to counselling support for school staff

• advice on supporting students in the wake of tragedies

• connection to Departmental Area Executive Director for ongoing support.

In addition to my contact, the Department’s Area Executive Directors have reached out to each of the principals identifying themselves as a key contact, and providing further information regarding available support for the principals, for students and for the broader school community.

These supports are also available to all government schools across Victoria who may be impacted by the events in Christchurch.

The Department is considering further actions to support cross-cultural collaboration within and across our schools. As part of the condolence motions on Tuesday 19 March, I announced that I will hold an Islamic Schools Roundtable with principals in April.