RIPPONLEA PRIMARY SCHOOL

CHILD SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY 

GETTING TO KNOW THE CHILD SAFE STANDARDS & WHAT RPS DOES

Child Safe Standard 4: Families and Community Engagement

Ripponlea Primary School’s Commitment to Child Safe Standard 4: Families and Community Engagement

 

At Ripponlea Primary School, we actively uphold Child Safe Standard 4 by recognising the vital role families and the broader community play in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child. Our practices are guided by the belief that open communication, shared decision-making, and inclusive engagement create a strong foundation for a child-safe environment.

Standard 4.1 – Families participate in decisions affecting their child

We prioritise family involvement in decisions impacting their children through both formal and informal channels:

  • Parents and carers are engaged in parent-teacher interviews, three-way conferences, student support group meetings and invited to share information via You Tell Us conferences at the start of the year.
  • Informal conversations at school pick-up/drop-off and consistent communication through Seesaw and Compass keep families connected with classroom happenings.
  • When concerns or complaints arise, families are included at every stage of the process, ensuring respectful and transparent collaboration.
  • We create a welcoming environment in our school and host community-building events like the school fete, trivia nights and welcome picnic to strengthen connections and foster trust.
  • The school promotes child safety awareness through visibility of the PROTECT poster in public areas and regular sharing of Respectful Relationships curriculum via newsletters and digital platforms.

Standard 4.2 – Open communication and accessible information

Ripponlea Primary School maintains clear and transparent communication with families regarding our child safety approach.

  • Key policies and child safety information are shared in accessible language through our website, newsletters, Compass notifications, and school council updates.
  • Updates on wellbeing initiatives, protective behaviours programs, and child safe practices are regularly included in school communications.
  • Staff are approachable, and parents are encouraged to raise questions or concerns at any time.
  • The school has expanded its wellbeing team, which supports families on matters related to child safety and other approaches, such as disability and inclusion. 

Standard 4.3 – Family and community input into policy and practices

We involve families and the broader community in the development and review of policies through:

  • Consultation with School Council, including elected parent representatives who contribute to policy review and approval.
  • Opportunities for feedback on draft policies or practices shared via newsletters, surveys, and forums.
  • Ongoing engagement with cultural and local community representatives to ensure inclusive and reflective policy development.

Standard 4.4 – Informing families about operations and governance

Transparency is a cornerstone of our school governance:

  • School operations, decision-making processes, and child safety responsibilities are communicated through School Council minutes, Principal updates, and Annual Reports.
  • Families are invited to attend School Council meetings as observers and to participate in sub-committees.
  • Major initiatives and strategic directions are shared in community forums, curriculum information sessions, and via Compass.

Through these practices, Ripponlea Primary School ensures that families are respected partners in creating a child-safe environment and that our school culture remains inclusive, transparent, and accountable.