St Mary's Primary School is committed to the safety and welfare of all children, within a secure environment. All children have the right to be treated with respect and to be protected from abuse and harm.

🟠 Supporting Families – The Orange Door

Our school cares deeply about the safety and wellbeing of our students and their families. We understand that sometimes things at home or in relationships may not feel right, or families may be concerned about the wellbeing of their children or young people.

The Orange Door is a free service that can help you access support quickly and easily—no referral is required.

What is The Orange Door?

The Orange Door provides support for:

Families concerned about a child or young person’s wellbeing or development
Families needing parenting support
Young, isolated, or unsupported families
Individuals and families experiencing family violence
Adults using family violence
Young people using violence in the home

How The Orange Door Can Help

If you contact The Orange Door, they can assist by:

Helping you identify the support you need
Supporting the wellbeing and development of your child or young person
Assisting you to create a safety plan if you feel unsafe
Connecting you with services such as:
- Counselling
- Accommodation
- Mental health and drug and alcohol support
- Parenting programs
- Children’s services
- Financial and legal assistance
Supporting access to funding for basic living expenses
Assisting individuals to address and change harmful behaviours

Accessing Support

Services are free
No appointment or referral is needed
Visit in person Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

To find your nearest service, visit: The Orange Door –57 View St, Bendigo VIC 3550

PHONE: 1800 512 359

How Our School Connects with The Orange Door

Our school may:

Talk with students or families about The Orange Door
Encourage families to seek advice and support

In some situations, the school may make a referral without consent if:

Informing the family may increase risk
Not connecting to support may impact safety and wellbeing

St Mary's Child Safeguarding Policies

https://www.sminglewood.catholic.edu.au/child-safe-standards

Engagement of Volunteers

At St Mary's the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. To uphold our commitment to child safety, ALL Volunteers are required to review and acknowledge our Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures. Additionally, Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Registration form and successfully complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction before commencing their role as a Volunteer.

We deeply value the contributions of our Volunteers and appreciate your support in maintaining a culture of care and protection. Together, we can continue to provide a safe and nurturing space for every child to thrive.

For more information regarding volunteering contact us or click on the link to complete the Volunteer Registration form.

Volunteer Registration Form

All Volunteers will be asked to:

Complete a Volunteer Registration form (including personal details, Working with Children Check (WWCC) and 2 personal referees, please inform your referees they will be contacted by the school in relation to your volunteering.
Once you have completed the Volunteer Registration form and are approved to Volunteer at the school, you will be sent an email with a link to access the required training: (Please note – Completing this induction replaces the previous onsite induction interview)
CESL School Volunteer Induction; and
Read and acknowledge the Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy and Photography & Video Policy and Procedures.

All Volunteers will be required to update details at the start of each year and inform the school of any changes to your circumstances or updates to your WWCC. All Volunteers will need to complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction and read and acknowledge all relevant safeguarding policies at the start of each school year even if an existing Volunteer.

All information received regarding volunteering and providing referee details will be maintained in line with CESL Privacy Policy.

Pastoral Wellbeing