Deputy Principal's Update

Safeguarding Our Children: Listen In; Lean In...as the Way Opens

The School theme for 2026 is 'Listen in; Lean in...as the Way Opens'. These words from the Quaker tradition provide a powerful compass for how we approach the safety and wellbeing of our children.

Safeguarding is not just about policies; it is about the quality of our presence. When we listen in to our children’s quietest concerns and lean in with curiosity and support, the way opens for a safer, more transparent environment for every child.

At Friends’, child safeguarding, along with the associated mandatory reporting policies, guidelines, and processes, is at the forefront of all we do. We believe that student safety is our highest priority. Staff, volunteers, and contractors undertake induction and annual training, and complete a series of courses that continue to strengthen student safety.

Most parents who do not work with children are not exposed to the same level of training and awareness that Friends’ staff receive. To help you “lean in” at home, we have curated reputable Australian resources designed to empower parents with practical tools.

Start the Conversation: “One Talk at a Time”

The National Office for Child Safety offers a toolkit that moves away from the “scary talk” and towards open, healthy dialogue.

The Resource: Child Safety Conversation Toolkit

How to Lean In: Use age-specific tips to talk about body boundaries and “early warning signs” (like that fluttery feeling in the tummy) during everyday moments such as car rides or dinner.

Expert Insights for Modern Challenges

The Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) provides resources that address the complexities of the digital age, including consent and online safety.

The Resource: SASS Information Hub

Listen In: We highly recommend their “Sticky Q’s” podcast. It is designed for busy parents to listen to on the go, offering simple ways to answer the “tricky” questions children often ask.

Playing Your Part in the Community

NAPCAN (National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) reminds us that “protecting children is everyone’s business.”

The Resource: NAPCAN Webinar Series

The Way Opens: By engaging with their expert-led webinars, you can build confidence to advocate for child safety not only in your home, but also in local sports clubs and community groups.

Support for Every Stage of Development

From toddlers to teenagers, the Raising Children Network offers evidence-based advice for every milestone.

The Resource: Raising Children Network – Safety

Accessibility: Easy Read versions and translated resources are available, ensuring that safety information is accessible to every family in our diverse community.

A Quick Guide to Body Safety at Home

• Correct names: Use anatomical names for body parts; this removes shame and helps children communicate clearly.
• Surprises vs. secrets: Teach children that a surprise is something fun that everyone eventually finds out about. A secret is something that feels “heavy” or “wrong” and should always be shared with a trusted adult.

There are many online resources available and, while we have provided four proven and well-respected websites, there are many others to explore. We believe that effective child safeguarding is grounded in open conversation - bringing these important discussions into the open. Families who engage in clear, ongoing conversations about expected behaviours, safe and unsafe situations, and who create opportunities for children to ask questions, help foster a truly child-safe environment.

We are already planning to participate in and highlight National Child Protection Week from 1–6 September 2026. During this time, we will support age-appropriate conversations and provide activities that promote an environment where everyone feels comfortable to raise questions, concerns, and feedback.

Child safety is most effective when the whole community works together in strong partnership. We also recognise the importance of continually reviewing our policies, processes, and procedures, and we are grateful for the valuable feedback and ideas shared by our community. Thank you for taking child safety so seriously.

Your Next Step: Lean In This Week

We invite every family to take one small action this week. Choose just one resource above to explore for five minutes. Whether it is downloading a conversation starter or listening to a podcast episode, your engagement helps open the way for a safer community.

If you have questions about the School’s safeguarding practices or need assistance navigating these resources, please do not hesitate to contact the School, either through your child’s section or directly with me. We are here to listen in and lean in alongside you.

Yours Faithfully

Shaun O'Rourke - Deputy Principal

Other Resources

• Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS): http://sass.org.au/resources
• National Office for Child Safety: https://www.childsafety.gov.au/having-conversations/having-conversations-children-and-young-people#tips-for-starting-conversations
• Raising Children Network: https://raisingchildren.net.au/
• Easy Read Conversation Toolkit: https://www.childsafety.gov.au/resources/conversation-toolkit-easy-read

Term 2 Parent Sessions

More details will be shared closer to the time via What’s On:

• Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS)
• Growing Up Program (GUP)
• Cyber Safety – ThinkUKnow
• Supporting your child to transition
• Tas Surf Life Saving Water Safety Program