Across Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 May, we hosted Consent Labs at JPC to deliver a Respectful Relationships and Consent Education program for all students, alongside a complimentary session for parents and carers on Monday evening. I had the privilege of attending many of these sessions and was delighted to see our students so actively engaged in the conversations and activities. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to access this valuable information now and as they mature into adulthood.

The modules selected for each year group form a comprehensive program that builds on learning year to year. Each session is evidence-based and developmentally appropriate, designed to support students across Years 7 to 12 throughout their time at JPC.

I also attended the parent and carer session and was reminded of the importance of having ongoing conversations about healthy and respectful relationships. I strongly encourage families to talk with their young people about what they learnt in the Consent Labs sessions at school, and to attend future wellbeing presentations offered to the JPC community throughout the year.

Unfortunately, a small number of students did opt out of participation this year. If that was the case for your young person, I encourage you to explore why—and support their involvement in future opportunities.

Topics Covered:

• Year 7: Healthy relationships, with a focus on platonic friendships.

• Year 8: Foundational aspects of giving and receiving consent, including in the online space.

• Year 9: Consent in the context of technology and the internet, with discussions around digital discernment.

• Year 10: Breaking down gender-based stereotypes and their impact on relationships.

• Year 11: Consent in the context of alcohol and other drugs, including the legal implications.

• Year 12: Understanding and responding to sexual harassment and sexual assault, including where and how to seek help.

Community Feedback

From a Year 12 Student:

“The Consent Labs workshop on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault was a beneficial and interesting session. While many of the concepts were familiar, they were presented in a more graphic and realistic way than ever before.

For many of us, it was eye-opening to realise that we had experienced sexual harassment or assault, but had not recognised it because that behaviour has been so normalised. Learning the exact definitions and being taught how to deal with and report these situations was incredibly important.

On behalf of the Year 12 cohort, I want to thank Consent Labs for equipping us with the tools to understand and respond to these issues.”

From a JPC Parent:

“On Monday night I attended the parent session run by Consent Labs on Respectful Relationships and Consent. Francesca, our presenter, was incredibly engaging and delivered the content to a very high standard.

This session really highlighted for me how vital it is that both we and our children understand consent in all areas of life. I appreciate that the student content is broken down by year group, ensuring it is always age-appropriate.

I strongly encourage all parents to attend future presentations. These events are so valuable in supporting the health and wellbeing of our young people.

Thank you to Ame, Tom, and all JPC staff who arranged this fantastic session. I hope to attend again next year.”

Ame Uidam
School Counsellor