Wellbeing

Child Safe Standard 2: Embedding a Culture of Child Safety and Wellbeing

At Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha, we hold the care, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our College. Our commitment is inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the Gospel.

As a Josephite Catholic learning community, we draw on the wisdom of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods to nurture faith, identity, personal excellence, leadership and stewardship. We strive to remember the past, honour the present, and inspire the future of every student, staff member and family entrusted to our care.

Child Safe Standard 2 ensures that child safety and wellbeing are embedded in our leadership, governance and culture. At Mary MacKillop, this means every aspect of our work - from decision-making and staff training to student engagement and community partnerships - reflects our unwavering commitment to creating and maintaining a child-safe and child-friendly environment.

Our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy 

Available on the College website, provides a clear framework for how we implement this commitment. Below are key points for parents and carers to be aware of:

Key Points from Our Policy

• Purpose: Our policy outlines the College’s approach to the Victorian Child Safe Standards under Ministerial Order No. 1359, setting clear expectations for protecting children and managing the risk of harm.
• Scope: It applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and the School Advisory Committee, across all school environments, both physical and online.
• Statement of Commitment: We have zero tolerance for child abuse and take proactive steps to identify and manage any risks of harm. We are inclusive of the needs of all students, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, those with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ students, and others experiencing vulnerability.
• Roles and Responsibilities:
  • The Principal and Leadership Team ensure strong child-safe governance, open communication, and regular professional learning.
  • The Deputy Principal Wellbeing – Students and Staff serves as our Child Safety Champion, assisting with staff training, compliance monitoring, and community communication.
  • All staff and volunteers are required to complete child safety training, uphold the Child Safety Code of Conduct, and report concerns promptly.
• Student Empowerment: Students are encouraged to speak up, share their views, and participate in decisions affecting their lives through forums such as SRC, focus groups, and leadership roles.
• Family Engagement: Families are valued partners. Policies are shared online, updates appear in newsletters, and written materials are available to ensure inclusion for all parents and carers.
• Cultural Safety: The College honours the cultural identity and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families, ensuring their perspectives are respected and visible in our community life.

• Continuous Review: Our child safety practices are regularly reviewed and strengthened, with community input invited to ensure ongoing improvement.

   

As a College in the Josephite tradition, our mission is clear:

“Do all you can to work on the hearts of those placed under your care.” – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Together, we uphold a culture where every child is safe, known, and valued - a community where faith, respect and care guide all that we do.