Child Safety

Child Safe Standard 5: Equity and diversity

Child Safe Standard 5 requires schools to ensure equity is upheld and diversity is respected in policy and practice.

In the Gospels, we see Jesus continually reaching out to those on the margins of society - the poor, the excluded, and the vulnerable. Whether in his encounter with Zacchaeus the tax collector whom others rejected, or in his welcome of children and those considered “least,” Jesus models a radical inclusivity grounded in dignity, compassion and love. This same Gospel vision lies at the heart of our Catholic identity: each person is created in the image of God and is worthy of respect, belonging and care. 

As a Catholic community, we are called to live out this vision through our commitment to equity and diversity. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the “preferential option for the poor,” which calls us to stand in solidarity with those most marginalised and to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. This is not simply an ideal, but a responsibility that shapes how we build relationships, design learning experiences and support every student to flourish.

Child Safety Standard 5 reflects this commitment by requiring schools to actively create environments that are inclusive, culturally safe and responsive to the diverse needs of all students. It challenges us to ensure that every child - particularly those who may be vulnerable - feels safe, respected and empowered within our community, free from discrimination and harm. 

Together, guided by the example of Christ and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, we continue to work in partnership with families to nurture a school where every student is known, valued and safe.

For a school to be compliant with Child Safe Standard 5 they must meet these minimum requirements:

• the organisation, including staff and volunteers, understands children and young people's diverse circumstances and provides support and responds to those who are vulnerable.

• children and young people have access to information, support and complaints processes in ways that are culturally safe, accessible and easy to understand.

• the organisation pays particular attention to the needs of children and young people with disability, children and young people form culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who are unable to live at home, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex children and young people.

• the organisation pays particular attention to the needs of Aboriginal children and young people and provides/promotes a culturally safe environment for them.

   

 The College aims to uphold equality and respect diversity in all components of our daily operations. The College has multiple policies in place to ensure children and young people are treated equally and diversity is recognised and respected within the school community.

 The College has developed an inclusive education policy which can be found on the policies section of the school’s website along with all our other policies and procedures.