Last week, our Year 12 students engaged in the Loves Me Not programme, delivered in partnership with the Waikato Police. This full-day workshop is designed to empower rangatahi to build respectful, healthy relationships and take action to prevent relationship abuse in their own lives, schools, and communities.
Loves Me Not is a national programme created by the Sophie Elliott Foundation. Sophie was a bright and ambitious 22-year-old who was tragically killed by her ex-partner. Her mother, Lesley Elliott, believed that if Sophie had access to a programme like this in school, she may have recognised the signs of an unhealthy relationship sooner. The programme was developed as a legacy to Sophie, to ensure other young people are better equipped to understand the dynamics of safe, respectful relationships.
The programme takes a whole-school, inquiry-based approach to learning and includes six key focus areas. Students explore the qualities of healthy relationships, learn to recognise early signs of abuse, understand the importance of consent, challenge harmful societal myths, and are encouraged to become active bystanders. Most importantly, they are inspired to take action for change to help create safer communities for all.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Waikato Police for their ongoing commitment to the wellbeing and safety of our students. Their presence and leadership helped ensure the day was meaningful, thought-provoking, and impactful.
