Dear members of the Ravenswood Community

Ravenswood School may be the subject of media commentary over the coming days as a result of a speech made at the Secondary School Speech Day ceremony last week.

This is unfortunate because it detracts from the Year 12 celebrations but it is seemingly unavoidable.

As this relates to a matter before the Courts, it is not possible for us to comment on the specifics other than to say this relates to a disagreement about disciplinary action taken against a number of students following an incident of alleged bullying.

We have deliberately limited any comment to the media as we do not want to compromise the girls, their families or the legal system.

I wish to share with you the response that I made, at the time, to those present at the Secondary School Speech Day. Ravenswood has an overriding obligation to provide a safe and respectful learning environment for every student—and all our girls have the right to feel valued. This applies not only to the way girls behave towards one another but also to allowing their freedom to express individual opinions in speeches or otherwise.

This is a very exciting time for the whole of Year 12, and we do not want to take away from their celebrations as they graduate and continue their journey into adulthood in a post–school world.

We again wish all parents, students and staff the very best Christmas break and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Yours sincerely

Mark Webb
Chair, Ravenswood School Council