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 4
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 last few weeks, our staff have focused on Child Safe Standard 4: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing. This standard recognises that creating a child-safe environment is a shared responsibility and that strong partnerships between schools, families, and the wider community are essential in supporting the safety, wellbeing, and flourishing of every child.
During our discussions, staff reflected on the importance of open communication, meaningful engagement with families, and ensuring that parents and carers have access to the information and support they need to actively contribute to a child-safe culture. We also explored ways to strengthen opportunities for families to participate in school life and to provide feedback on matters relating to student wellbeing and safety.
At St Joseph's, we value the trust that families place in us and recognise the vital role parents and carers play in nurturing the wellbeing of children. By working together in partnership, we can create an environment where every child feels safe, respected, valued, and empowered to learn and thrive.
We thank our families for their ongoing support and commitment to helping us foster a safe, inclusive, and caring community for all.
Please refer to the MACS Care Parent Fact Sheet on Child Safe Standard 4:
"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