Child Safety

From 7-13 September 2025, communities across Australia came together to mark National Child Protection Week. The message behind the week was clear: every child, in every community, deserves a fair go, and keeping children safe is a responsibility shared by all of us.

The theme for this year, “Every conversation matters: Shifting Conversation to Action,” reminds us that while talking about child safety is important, it is the steps we take afterwards that truly protect children and young people. Real change happens when words are backed up by actions that create safer environments for children to learn, grow and thrive.

Why Conversations Matter

Children and young people often give us clues about how safe they feel in the environments around them. A simple conversation can be the starting point for understanding their experiences and concerns. When adults listen closely and act on what children are telling us, we show that their voices matter and that we are committed to their safety and wellbeing.

Conversations also matter in the wider community. By talking openly about child safety with families, friends and colleagues, we normalise the idea that protecting children is a collective effort. These conversations can spark actions such as checking in on a family who may be struggling, reporting concerns, or simply being a consistent and trusted adult in a child’s life.

Turning Words into Action

To bring this year’s theme to life, everyone can consider small but meaningful steps that add up to safer communities. Some examples include:

• Taking the time to ask children what makes them feel safe and involving them in decisions that affect them
• Making sure our community spaces, including schools, clubs and activities, are welcoming and respectful to all children
• Supporting families by offering practical help or simply listening without judgment
• Reflecting on our own roles and asking, “What is one thing I can do this week to strengthen child safety?

The Role of the School and Community

The School plays an especially important role in creating safe environments for children and young people. By embedding child safety into everyday practice, the School helps to ensure that children know they are valued, listened to and protected. National Child Protection Week is an opportunity for our school community to reflect on how we work together with families, staff, volunteers and students to maintain a culture of safety and respect.

Let us each make a commitment to turn conversations into meaningful action. Families can take simple steps such as talking with their children about what makes them feel safe, encouraging them to speak up if they are worried, and reminding them that trusted adults will always listen. Together, we can create a culture where every child feels safe, supported and valued.

Inspiration Through Art

This year’s official artwork, created by Aboriginal artist Karina Jeffrey, illustrates the ripple effect of conversations and actions. It symbolises the idea that every small step we take can create lasting change, nurturing safer and stronger futures for children.

This initiative supports Child Safe Standard 2, 3, 4, 8 and Standard 10 by raising awareness of National Child Protection Week and encouraging the whole school community to take action.

Child Safety at Huntingtower

At Huntingtower we are committed to providing a nurturing school environment where our students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all students. The welfare of each child and young person studying at Huntingtower is the School’s paramount concern. Huntingtower has a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse and is committed to promoting child safety.

Everyone employed or volunteering at Huntingtower has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure a child safe culture in which the wellbeing and safety of all students is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make. We encourage any student who feels unsafe to contact one of the School’s Child Safety Champions. Huntingtower’s Child Safety email address for parent and community feedback – ChildSafety@huntingtower.vic.edu.au. We look forward to hearing from you.