Healing & Hope

Members of our Geelong Grammar School community have faced significant challenges from hurt of the past. In recent years, the School has been working to provide an authentic response to survivors of sexual abuse.

In a letter to the School community in June 2018 our Principal, Rebecca Cody, observed: “I have met with survivors and I am deeply sorry for their pain and suffering: to be sorry though, is not enough; complying with new legislation is not enough – we need to set an example and lead. We need to move forward by recognising the devastating impacts and effects of childhood sexual abuse and by never losing sight of the learnings from them.”

Recognition Committee

The GGS Recognition Committee was established in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Childhood Sexual Abuse and comprises dedicated and uniquely experienced volunteers – including survivors, Old Geelong Grammarians, past and current parents, and past and current staff. It continues to collaborate with the School providing advice and feedback to shape a fair and humane response to all.

A unique initiative was set up in 2019, with the support of the Principal and the School Council, to provide support and practical assistance to survivors and those who have suffered trauma. Guidance, including direct input from survivors, their families and from many in the School community, inspired and informed the coordinated response.

The School Council’s Survivor Engagement Committee worked with the Recognition Committee to establish a governance framework that best supports this initiative.

You are not alone

For survivors, for victims of trauma, for those struggling in challenging times – there are options for reaching out and finding support.

You are not alone – you are a valued member of the Geelong Grammar School community – we are thinking of you and we care.

Consider reaching out to one another – call someone that you think may need a chat or some company; this may be another survivor, or someone who might appreciate a connection. The benefits of such acts of kindness should never be underestimated.

Support and assistance

Survivor Liaison Coordinator: Renee Handsaker

Renee Handsaker provides outreach and support for survivors of child sexual abuse at the School. Renee can be contacted by phone on 0414 299 142 or by email: renee@sustainingconversations.com

Renee is a highly skilled practitioner with extensive experience responding to individuals and families who are survivors of abuse and trauma. She specialises in the provision of restorative conferencing, facilitation and mediation. Anyone connected to the School is invited to contact Renee to discuss any matter associated with abuse.

If you are aware of someone who was a survivor of historical child sexual abuse at the School who may not know of this service, you are encouraged to share this with them. By reaching out to our survivors, we wish to offer support to those who have suffered in the past.

Independent Counsellor

The School also continues to provide the services of an independent counsellor, Pauline Ryan. This service is available to those in our community wishing to access counselling or support regarding abuse. Pauline can be contacted directly during business hours by calling 1800 799 139.

Pauline is a therapist who has worked with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse for almost 40 years. During the past 25 years, Pauline has worked as a therapist at a Specialist Unit at the Royal Children’s Hospital with children who have been sexually abused or are displaying harmful sexual behaviours.

Student Safeguarding at Geelong Grammar School today

Geelong Grammar School has in place a Student Safeguarding Strategy, Student Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct together with a suite of Policies for broader obligations including Mandatory Reporting in line with the Victorian Child Safety Standards introduced into schools following the learnings of the Betrayal of Trust Inquiry and the Royal Commission.

The School’s current Student Safeguarding Policy can be found on the School website.

In addition, the School has partnered with Oho. This allows the School to conduct real time Working With Children Checks (WWCC) in order to further safeguard child safety processes. Oho provides email notifications if a WWCC is due to expire, has expired or has been revoked and has allowed for a move away from internal record keeping to an auditable, permanent record of checks. The School’s partnership with Oho assists in its continued prioritisation of the safety of all current students.

Healing & Hope Videos

White Balloon Day, 10 September 2021

White Balloon Day 2022 – Live Stream