Mount Scopus moves to improve students’ safety and wellbeing
Mount Scopus Memorial College principal Rabbi James Kennard and president Amy Hershan have written to the school’s parents, advising them that steps have been taken to improve students’ safety and wellbeing.
Rabbi James Kennard
This follows an investigation undertaken by the school revealing that some students did not feel safe at Mount Scopus or were not “comfortable reporting inappropriate conduct”.
Allegations of grooming by a former staff member resulted in the investigation.
Rabbi Kennard wrote: “Relevant authorities were notified immediately and the staff member no longer works at the school.
We unequivocally regret the damage that has been caused by this misconduct and acknowledge the bravery of those who reported it and thank them for coming forward.
As a result, we commissioned Child Wise earlier this year to undertake a child safety assessment at the school. Child Wise has extensive expertise in child safety and provides advice and training on national child safety standards to many schools.”
Child Wise submitted 49 recommendations following the assessment.
Rabbi Kennard wrote: “Through this review, we have received some very upsetting feedback about child safeguarding, exclusion and inequity at the school.
As a result of this process there have been significant learnings for the leadership and the College Executive.
Child safety is the school’s highest priority and we strive to ensure that all children and young people, regardless of their age, gender, ability, race, or sexual orientation, have the right to be safe and feel safe. We need to increase education for our students in identifying and reporting signs of abuse.
We understand the change that needs to happen and will implement every recommendation from the Child Wise assessment.”
The Child Wise recommendations covered, among others, how Mount Scopus deals with complaints, bullying, governance, inclusion and student wellbeing.
Child Wise describes itself as “the international ‘go-to’ for child safeguarding, products, learning and consultancy”.
