St Ives High School launches student behaviour programs in response to reports of racism, anti-Semitism, misogyny, vandalism

Reports of racism, misogynistic behaviour, anti-Semitism and vandalism have prompted a Sydney high school to launch “positive behaviour” programs, as religious leaders express concern.

Claims of racism, misogynistic behaviour, anti-Semitism and vandalism have prompted a public high school to launch “positive behaviour” programs on Sydney’s north shore, where religious leaders say “children are afraid to express who they are”.

The NSW Department of Education says it is working to address the behaviour of some students at St Ives High School through mentorship and wellbeing programs aimed at improving attitudes among its student population.

It is understood parents have raised concerns over the behavioural issues of some students, including vandalism in the boys’ toilet, reports of anti-Semitism and misogynistic behaviours directed at teachers and fellow pupils.

A Department of Education spokesman said it was “concerned about any such behaviour” and “does not tolerate racism”.

“There have been a small number of isolated incidents, and the school has taken action, including discipline and wellbeing support,” a spokesman said.

St Ives High School.

“This behaviour does not reflect the student body (and) the school is actively looking at anti-Semitism programs they can implement as a priority.”

The school’s P&C president Sarah Gibbons, said parents, the school and the department had worked on a targeted approach to promote positive behaviour among all students.

“I don’t think these issues are unique to our school and in many ways the school is a microcosm of the real world,” she said.

“Some people would say it’s driven by social media or peer pressure and we’re working very closely with the school to address the issues.

“We’ve had programs where students are given information about racism and there are also targeted wellbeing programs for each year group.”

The school has launched programs to promote positive behaviour.

Ms Gibbons said there were particular challenges around social media, including stopping harmful content being shared among young people.

“A lot of the things young people see on social media are unfiltered and it’s very hard to police that,” she said.

“From my personal perspective, the social media companies need to do more to filter content.”

The Daily Telegraph has been told issues relating to student behaviour are not unique to the school, with similar attitudes reported at many other schools across the public and private sectors.

Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, of Chabad North Shore, said there had been concern about an increase in reports of anti-Semitism in schools across the north shore.

“I’ve had parents contact me who are very concerned and upset about antisemitism in school,” he said.

“In some cases, children are afraid to express who they are.

“We’re tired of the double standard. When any other group is vilified, immediate steps are taken to address it and nip it in the bud.”

Religious leader Rabbi Nochum Schapiro.

A Department of Education department spokesman said any allegation about student behaviour was treated seriously and investigated, with support offered to affected students or staff.

It is understood the school is working to address student behaviour through discipline, mentorship and wellbeing programs, as well as plans to deal with vandalism.

“Students found to have acted inappropriately are disciplined according to the behaviour policy,” the department said.

“We take all reports of religious intolerance extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring students, parents, carers and staff feel safe in their school community.

“Like all NSW public schools, St Ives High School has no tolerance for religious discrimination, abuse or violence.”

The incidents follow the NSW Government’s establishment last month of a religious intolerance hotline, allowing students and staff to report incidences of religious bullying.

The latest Census figures show St Ives has a significant Jewish population, with 8.1 per cent of total residents registering Judaism as their religion. This is 16 times higher than the state-wide average.