Lilydale High School Newsletter

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Term 3 Update

Updated Child Safe Standards from July 1st, 2022

The Child Safe Standards have been in effect in Victoria since 2016.  The standards, that are required to be met by all organisations involving children, have expanded from seven to eleven. We are currently working to ensure our Child Safe Policies and procedures are expanded to address the eleven standards.

 

The changes involve:

  1. greater emphasis to involve families and communities in the efforts to keep students safe
  2. greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people
  3. an expansion to further manage the risk of child abuse in online environments

Over the course of the next few newsletters, I will provide more detail on each standard and how we are addressing them at Lilydale High School.

​​Child Safe Standards

  1. Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued
  2. Child safety and wellbeing are embedded in organisational leadership, governance, and culture
  3. Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
  4. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
  5. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
  6. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
  7. Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused
  8. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
  9. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
  10. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
  11. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people

If you would like to know more about the Child Safe Standards, please visit this link.

 

VCE and Middle School Course Selection

Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the course selection process over the past weeks. Particular thanks to students who have submitted their subject choices for 2023.  

 

Subject selection is now closed to enable us to begin the workforce planning process over the coming weeks.

Gallery Of Achievement

During our centenary celebrations, the LHS Gallery of Achievement was established to recognise those students who had achieved in their area or professional expertise.  Our intention has been to induct alumni every year, however, this hasn’t been possible until now. 

 

The Middle School student leaders have been working towards the next ceremony for our newest  inductees.  This will take place on August 24. 

 

We are looking forward to the event that is being expertly organised by a very capable group of students.

Friday August 12 - Student Free Day

A Professional Development Day for all staff and therefore a student free day.

 

VALE - Archie Roach

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Archie Roach, musician, champion for the First Nations people, great Australian and past Lilydale High School student. 

 

Our thoughts are with his family and friends and this very sad time, the following is an extract from the ABC news:

 

Songman Archie Roach has been remembered as the voice of generations and a truth-teller whose death is a loss to his community and the world. The Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung Senior Elder, songman and storyteller died at the age of 66 after a long illness.

 

His sons said Uncle Archie died surrounded by his family and loved ones at Warrnambool Base Hospital in Victoria. His family has granted permission for his name and image to be used so that his legacy will continue to inspire.

"There aren't adequate words to sum up the loss of Uncle Archie Roach, to the Community, to the nation or indeed the world," the First People's Assembly of Victoria said.

 

Wendy Powson

Principal