St John's Primary School, Heidelberg Newsletter

Child Safety

This week, we highlight Child Safe Standard 1: Culturally Safe Environments. 

Standard 1 focuses on establishing culturally safe environments in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children, young people and students are respected and valued. 

 

Below are the policies and processes in place at St John's Primary School, that support the implementation of Child Safe Standard 1.

 

Policies

● Student Behaviour Policy

● Bullying Prevention Policy

● Engaging Families in Child Safety Policy

● Pastoral Care of Students Policy

How St John's implements Standard 1

Acknowledging and Celebrating Cultural Diversity

  • Acknowledgement of Country at assemblies, events, and in classrooms.
  • Celebration of cultural events such as NAIDOC Week, Harmony Day, and Lunar New Year dscussions oin classrooms.
  • Multicultural days where students share their heritage through food, clothing, and stories.

2. Embedding Cultural Awareness in the Curriculum

  • Incorporating First Nations perspectives into learning across all subjects.
  • Using diverse texts and resources that reflect different cultures and experiences.
  • Inviting guest speakers and cultural representatives to share their knowledge.

3. Ensuring Representation and Inclusion

  • Encouraging diverse student leadership in SRC and other school programs.
  • Providing access to culturally appropriate support services for students and families.

4. Staff Training and Awareness

  • Regular cultural safety training for staff.
  • Building understanding of unconscious bias and inclusive teaching practices.
  • Establishing safe spaces where students can express concerns about cultural safety.

5. Partnering with Families and Communities

  • Encouraging family involvement in school decision-making.
  • Seeking feedback from diverse cultural groups to improve inclusivity.

At St John’s, we are committed to fostering a culturally safe environment where all students feel seen, heard, and respected. By embedding cultural safety into our everyday practices, we ensure that every child feels a strong sense of belonging at our school.