Child Safety

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion: A Commitment to Child Safety

At Huntingtower, inclusivity and acceptance are foundational to our community. With students and staff representing a rich tapestry of cultures, our school thrives on the strength of its diversity. This commitment is not only a reflection of our values but also directly supports Child Safe Standard 5, which requires that equity is upheld and the diverse needs of children and young people are respected.

This term, our community came together to celebrate our multicultural spirit through two vibrant events. The Staff Multicultural Lunch was a joyful occasion where colleagues shared dishes and stories from their heritage, fostering connection and mutual respect. Meanwhile, the Senior School Cultural Diversity Day saw students proudly showcase their cultural backgrounds through traditional dress, food and performances. These events are more than celebrations as they are affirmations of identity and belonging.

By embracing cultural diversity, Huntingtower creates a culturally safe environment where every student feels seen, heard and valued by:

• Ensuring staff understand and respond to the diverse circumstances of students, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Providing opportunities for students to express their identities in ways that are culturally safe, accessible and inclusive
• Promoting a school culture that actively respects and celebrates diversity, helping prevent harm that can arise from discrimination or exclusion.

Our inclusive practices help build a school culture where diversity is celebrated and acceptance is the norm. They also prepare our students to be thoughtful, compassionate global citizens who are ready to contribute to a more understanding and equitable world.

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.

Mr Dean Owens

Head of Wellbeing & Learning Enrichment