Opt your child out of objectionable classes

How to find the policy about opting your child out of classes where gender identity is taught

Our template letters have been prepared to help you opt your child out. You can simply download one of the letters and modify to suit.

Method

The channel for opting your child out of these types of classes depends on the school your child attends.

Start with the policy

Start by finding out what the opt-out policy is at your child’s school so you can work within the requirements of that policy.

What does the policy say?’

Some policies allow for a simple withdrawal letter. Others require you to identify the “sensitive” or “contentious” content that you object to and how it might harm your child.

Parent expectations

If your school does not have a specific objection or opt out policy your letter should reflect the basic premise of the importance of parental expectations

Victorian State Schools
NSW State Schools
Independent Schools
Catholic Schools

Victorian State Schools

Below are the two relevant policies for Victorian government schools:

  • The Sexuality and Consent Education Policy provides a simple opt-out for “sexual education”
  • The Selecting Appropriate Materials Policy provides a framework for raising objections about teaching materials eg. Resilience, Rights & Respectful Relationships. Even though teaching about respectful relationships is a part of the Victorian Curriculum, schools have flexibility in how to teach it and you can object to any content you believe is harmful to your child.

We have prepared templates letters for both Sex Education and Respectful Relationships based on each policy.

NSW State Schools

NSW State Schools are subject to the Controversial Issues in School Policy.

The Implementation Procedures also provide direction for the management of controversial issues in schools.

Our NSW withdrawal form has been prepared to reference this policy.

Independent Schools

If your child is at an Independent School you should find out if they have a specific policy for raising concerns about teaching and learning resources.

Even if your child’s school does not have a specific policy, they may have a policy about which senior member of staff you should contact before escalating to the Principal. 

Who to contact is crucial as you are looking to influence decision-makers to act in the best interest of your child – work within the system as much as you can.

Choose from our template letters and adapt to the specific requirements contained within your school’s policy for raising concerns.

Created and Loved_Final_2022Download

Catholic Schools

Find out the policy for raising concerns about teaching and learning resources within your school’s diocese.

If your child is at a Catholic School and being taught gender identity theory, you should reference “Created and Loved – A guide for Catholic schools on identity and gender” in your objection letter. It contains a sound policy which you should push your child’s school to adhere to.