Dear Year 5 and Year 6 Parents and Carers, 

‘Respectful Relationships’ Parent Workshop and student sessions (Years 5 and 6)

Dr Tessa Opie is the founder of In Your Skin and is a highly regarded expert in the field of sexuality and respectful relationships education.  On Wednesday 11 June, Dr Opie will run a Parent Workshop to discuss ‘Respectful Relationships’, particularly with respect to consent and communication.

Working from an evidence-based approach, Dr Opie is an advocate for healthy and consenting relationships and has a particular interest in the prevention of sexual violence among young people.  She will address the world of relationships which our boys are attempting to navigate.  She will also discuss what we can do as parents, carers, and role models, to positively encourage our boys to develop healthy and realistic expectations of themselves and others.

Dr Opie will also run workshops during the day with students in Year 5 and Year 6.  Topics covered include:

Puberty
- Developing curious thoughts about sex and puberty and where to find accurate information.
- Changes in emotions and social changes.
Consent
- Consent in everyday lives.
- Rules for consent.
- Being the boss of your body but not the boss of anyone else’s body.
Boundaries
- How to foster trust and respect by checking that the other person is happy and comfortable.
- Discussion around sexual behaviour focussed on hand holding, physical proximity and first kisses.

Please join us in ANZAC Hall from 6.00pm to 7.00pm for the parent session.

While this is aimed at Year 5 and 6 students and families, Year 4 parents are also welcome to attend the Parent Workshop session if they would like to.

Yours sincerely,
Mr Jon Gelsthorpe
Deputy Headmaster / Head of Preparatory School