From the Assistant Principal

Child Safety at Park Orchards Primary School

The safety and wellbeing of children is our top priority at Park Orchards Primary School. Under the Victorian Child Safety and Wellbeing Act, all schools must follow compulsory Child Safe Standards to protect children from harm.

We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where every child can fully participate in school life. This includes:

• Zero tolerance for child abuse – all forms of abuse are unacceptable.
• Clear policies and processes – our child safety policies are regularly reviewed and strengthened. Once ratified by the School Council, these are shared with parents via the newsletter and on our website.
• Boundaries for adult interactions – adults in our school follow the Child Safe Code of Conduct. 

A Child Safe Policy sets out the school’s commitment to keeping children safe. It underpins procedures, practices, and decision-making, and guides the culture of the school in relation to child safety. The policy outlines the values and principles that drive our actions and demonstrates how we protect children from harm.

Embedding a culture of child safety requires leadership from the school governing authority and open, transparent communication with the whole school community. The Child Safe Policy is accessible, publicly available, and meant to be understood by all members of our school community.

How Parents Can Help Keep Children Safe

• All adults entering the school during school hours must report to the office, except at drop-off or pick-up times.

• Delivering items or messages:

✅ Please report to the office if your child has forgotten something; staff will ensure it gets to them.

❌ Do not go directly to the classroom.

Speaking to teachers:

✅ Speak outside at the beginning or end of the day, or make an appointment for personal matters.

❌ Do not enter the classroom when the bell has gone or is about to go.

ICT and communication:

✅ Reinforce your child’s adherence to the school ICT agreement.

❌ Do not message or phone your child during school hours, or expect them to respond.

Together, we can ensure Park Orchards Primary is a safe, positive, and supportive place for all children.

To ensure that everyone is well informed about all relevant information please read the attached documents: