Pink Fun Bun Fundraiser

On Tuesday 21st May, our School Captains and SRC organised a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness.

The pink fun buns were donated by Bakers Delight and all money raised was donated to Breast Cancer Awareness. We proudly raised $622.50 and we thank everyone for their support.

Child Safety Standards

This week our school captains discussed the 11 Victorian Child Safety Standards to ensure that students know their rights.

Here's what they discussed;

Standard 1: Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.

We think this means to welcome everyone who comes through the door, being respectful to all people and being fair to everyone. We demonstrate this by doing 'Welcome to Country' at our school assemblies and flying the Aboriginal flag.

We learn about Aboriginal culture through; art, PE, classroom activities and reading books in the library.

Standard 2: Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

Examples include; keep teachers equal to students and not using their power. Following PBL and our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. School rules such as; not hitting or hurting others. Encourage children to speak to an adult. Having expectations and consequences for students who don't do the right thing- reflection sheets for misbehaviour. Clipboards to monitor behaviour on the yard.

Standard 3: Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

Providing space for children; Wellbeing room, Passive Play. Having someone to talk to; teachers, school counsellor. Teachers responding to things that happen. We can talk to our friends and trusted adults.

Standard 4: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

We inform parents via newsletters, assemblies, Seesaw, emails, phonecalls, parent teacher interviews.

Standard 5: Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

The school has Co-Educators and Learning Enhancement Leaders to help students learn. Other support includes: Leveled (red, orange, green) activities and student choice for learning, teachers allow children to use technology if they can’t write, children can to use disabled toilets, use the lift. Students can go to sickbay if they feel unwell.

Standard 6: People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.

Teachers track student behaviour on the playground. All teachers are responsible for the safety of children. Issues are reported to Leadership.

The school has emergency evacuation procedures and everyone needs to know what to do if there is a threat.

Teachers ask children if they are ok. Teachers show care and concern.

Standard 7: Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.

Children might complain about bullying. They should talk to Mr Johnstone. Mr Johnstone would then talk to the children involved. Teachers will check if children being bullied are ok.

Parents can voice voice concerns.

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.

Teachers might notice physical marks (bruises, cuts), a sad face. Teachers have to do training every year so they know what to do.

Standard 9: Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

Everyone signs a code of conduct, inappropriate websites are blocked, online safety talks, teachers look at computers if necessary, teachers do roll call, parents give permission to go on excursions, places do risk assessments, teachers take medication on excursions.

Standard 10: Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

Mr Johnstone and the office staff check this. Visitors sign in and out at the office and wear a lanyard.

Standard 11: Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

St Mary's policicies are located on the school website.

SMFASS

St Mary's Fathers Association