Child Safety
The Child Safe Standards
At St Joseph's, the safety and wellbeing of all our students is our highest priority. Safety is at the foundation of every child's ability to learn and thrive. We place it at the heart of everything we do and are unwavering in our commitment.
As educators, we have a moral and legal responsibility to act in the best interests of every child and young person, to actively promote their wellbeing and to ensure the safety of every student entrusted to our care.
The Child Safe Standards set out minimum requirements and outline the actions organisations must take to keep children and young people safe.
There are 11 Child Safe Standards, which include requirements to:
- involve families and communities in organisations’ efforts to keep children and young people safe
- provide greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people
- manage the risk of child abuse in online environments.
Here is a link to more information about the standards: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/
Child Safe Standard 6
Throughout the year, our staff dedicate time to engaging with and strengthening our understanding of the Victorian Child Safe Standards. These professional learning opportunities ensure that child safety and wellbeing remain at the forefront of all that we do as a school community.
Over the next few weeks, our staff will be focused on Child Safe Standard 6: This standard recognises that "People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice."
"Children are safest when the adults who work with them are suitable, supported and accountable.
Evidence from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and other accredited research shows that children are better protected when schools prioritise safe recruitment, clear expectations, supervision, and ongoing professional learning for all adults. When staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities and are supported to act with integrity, schools are better able to identify risks early, maintain professional boundaries, and create safe, respectful environments where children can thrive."
Please refer to the MACS Care Parent Fact Sheet on Child Safe Standard 6:
"At St Joseph's Primary School, we hold the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children and young people in our care as a central and fundamental responsibility of our school."
Annabelle Marinelli
Principal