St John's Primary School, Heidelberg Newsletter

Child Safety

Child Safety 

This segment will be a regular feature in our newsletters, aiming to broaden the awareness of Child Safety in our school community. We will provide information about the Child Safe Standards and share how these are actioned and reflected in our work with the students at St John’s.

 

 St John’s learning community is committed to the wellbeing and safety of all children. Our interactions with all in our community is founded on respect for each person. Within a Catholic Community this respect of each individual is rooted in the belief that each person is made in the image and likeness of God. As outlined on the Catholic Education Commission Victoria website www.cecv.catholic.edu.au we commit to providing a safe and nurturing culture for all children in our Victorian Catholic schools through;

1. Upholding the primacy of the safety and wellbeing of children and young people 

2. Empowering families, children, young people and staff to have a voice and raise concerns

3. Implementing rigorous risk-management and employment practises

 

There are many ways that our school promotes safety and respect for all.  Some of these include the  promotion of student voice, learning and teaching programs that promote living safely with others and our Better Buddy days. 

 

A nationally consistent approach to child safe standards has seen the formulation of 11 Child Safe Standards that apply to our school and other child related organisations. The 11 standards are listed below.

  • Child Safe Standard 1- Organizations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
  • Child Safe Standard 2 - Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organizational leadership, governance and culture.
  • Child Safe Standard 3 - Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
  • Child Safe Standard 4 - Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
  • Child Safe Standard 5 - Equity is upheld and diverse needs are respected in policy and practice.
  • Child Safe Standard 6 - People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
  • Child Safe Standard 7 - Processes form complaints and concerns are child focused.
  • Child Safe Standard 8 - Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.  
  • Child Safe Standard 9 - Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed. 
  • Child Safe Standard 10 - Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
  • Child Safe Standard 11 - Policies  and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

This week, our focus is on Child Safe Standard 3—ensuring that children and young people are empowered about their rights, actively participate in decisions affecting them, and are taken seriously. This is especially relevant as we prepare for students to nominate for the Student Representative Council (SRC). Each class will select a representative, providing students with a meaningful voice in school matters and fostering a culture of leadership and participation. Please ask your child if they are thinking about making a speech. 

 

We have included the CECV Statement of Commitment to Child Safety document, for your

information. Please access the link below to view the document.

CECV-Statement-of-Commitment-to-Child-Safety-A4.pdf

 

St John’s Primary School is committed to the care, wellbeing and protection of children, young people and vulnerable people in our community.