Assistant Principal Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are pleased to welcome Constable Renee Penitani, Youth Liaison Officer from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command, to speak with our community about important issues relating to online and cyber safety.

This session will expand on the below issues and offer practical advice and support. Topics will include:

• The current challenges police are facing with young people and online platforms
• How police can support families in keeping children safe
• Safety measures you can put in place at home
• Responding to issues like unwanted contact or exposure to inappropriate content
• How young people are being targeted online and what to watch out for

We encourage all parents and carers to attend this vital session. Let’s work together to ensure our children are safe, informed, and responsible digital citizens. Please RSVP Via the link here for the parent session.

This week we be our last fortnight of sharing a range of resources with you that Sydney Catholic Schools have provided. These articles offer valuable tips and support and we hope they have been of some assistance to help guide you on your parenting journey.

Understanding Mandatory Reporting Obligations

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students is a top priority. In New South Wales, schools have a legal obligation to report any concerns about the safety, welfare, or wellbeing of children and young people. This process is known as mandatory reporting.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is Mandatory Reporting?

Mandatory reporting is a legal requirement for certain professionals, including school staff, to report any concerns about a child or young person being at risk of significant harm. This includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence.

Who are Mandatory Reporters?

In NSW, all school staff are mandatory reporters. This means that teachers, principals, and other school employees must report any concerns about a child’s safety to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) or the NSW Police.

When is a Report Made?

A report must be made when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a child or young person is at risk of significant harm. This can include: 

Neglect: Basic physical or psychological needs are not being met. 

Abuse: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

Domestic Violence: Exposure to domestic violence that risks serious harm.

Medical Neglect: Failure to arrange necessary medical care.

Educational Neglect: Failure to provide an education in accordance with the law.

Confidentiality and Support

All reports made by school staff are confidential. The identity of the person making the report is protected, and the information is only shared with those who need to know to ensure the child’s safety. Schools also provide support to students who are the subject of a report, including counselling and referrals to external support services.

Role of Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting the safety and wellbeing of their children. Here’s how you can help:

● Communicate: Share any concerns about your child’s safety with the school.

● Support: Engage positively with the school and any recommended supportservices.

● Respect Confidentiality: Understand that the school cannot share details of reports made to DCJ or the police.

Further Information

If you have any questions about mandatory reporting or need further information, please contact the school or the Child Safety Team at Sydney Catholic Schools. By working together, we can ensure that our children are safe, supported, and able to thrive in their learning environment.

Please see below a friendly reminder about Safe School Travel that has been shared with us via Sutherland Shire Council.

Mrs Louise Fairhall

Assistant Principal