Student Wellbeing

The Victorian Government and indeed Concord School are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.

The Child Safe Standards introduced last year are compulsory minimum standards for all Victorian early childhood services and schools, to ensure we are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect. [The attached pdf provides an overview.]

Most children are protected and cared for within their own families. However, there are times when parents, carers or guardians may have difficulty providing care for, or are unwilling or unable to protect their children from harm. In these circumstances, it becomes the responsibility of the wider community to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of the child.

School staff are mandated to report to DHHS or Victoria Police if they form a belief on reasonable grounds that the child has suffered or is likely to suffer, significant harm as a result of physical injury, abuse or sexual assault.

Police or DHHS will then assess the report and take appropriate action. From time to time this may mean the student being interviewed at school. Well-being staff or one of the school principals will be present during any such interviews and will provide support to the child.

In such circumstances school staff will follow the direction of police and/or DHHS as to who will inform parents that an interview has taken place. More often than not the police/DHHS will take responsibility for contacting the family.

While this can be very stressful for families should a report be made, please be aware that it is our “Duty of Care” to do so and is always done in the best interests of the child.

Colin Simpson

Assistant Principal