08 May 2015
Teachers at The Smith Street Unit lead the way with White Ribbon Program
Danna and Chahla co-teach the social skills program here at the Smith Street Unit.Last year they participated in three training sessions facilitated by the White Ribbon organisation.The motto of the organisation is 'Not violent, Not silent'. After the workshops, they incorporated the White Ribbon values and principles into their lessons. Lessons include a film or YouTube clip, class discussions and to consolidate learning reflection and worksheets.
Topics recently covered have included: teen abuse, gender bias, domestic violence, abuse, human rights issues, and building healthy relationships.Owing to the enthusiastic student participation, it was decided that the Smith Street Unit would become a White Ribbon school.
We celebrated White Ribbon Day last November, with Wollongong High's White Ribbon Ambassador, Doug Hearne. Not only did we feast on white food, the whole student and staff body created an artwork with our pledges to be be 'Not violent, Not silent' . Chahla and Danna have led the way, showing staff how to integrate the values of the White Ribbon program into all lessons.
We were so pleased to hear that their work was sought by the White Ribbon Program. After presenting just a snapshot of their excellent work here at the Smith Street Unit, they were aproached to supply a copy of their program. It will be an example of excellence and available for other schools to teach.