In the Know

From the Leadership Team

Matt Brinson, Head of Senior School 

Student safety and wellbeing - A shared responsibility

Student and child safety is a paramount concern for schools and communities alike. The school environment should be a sanctuary where students can learn and grow without fear or worry. Student safety is the collective responsibility of schools, parents, and the community in safeguarding our young learners’ wellbeing.

 

With recent reports in the media of a number of incidents compromising student safety, it is timely to bring student wellbeing to the forefront of our thinking. A key aspect of student wellbeing at school is ensuring physical safety. Through well-maintained school facilities, robust emergency protocols and policies in place to protect our community, we have created a secure environment where students can focus on their studies without worry.

 

Student wellbeing extends beyond physical and online realms. At Kilvington, we prioritise the mental and emotional wellbeing of students. Some of the ways we promote a positive school culture are through Junior School GEM time, the Senior School Mentor Program, all our classes, and the Character Initiative, as well as providing access to counselling services and encouraging open communication. 

 

In recent weeks, we have had a guest police officer visit the School to speak to Senior School students about personal safety, as well as another guest speaker speak on the topic of vaping. Junior School students participate in the KidsROAR Protective Behaviours program. Parents should also maintain an open dialogue with their children, creating a safe space for them to discuss their feelings and concerns.

While we take every precaution to ensure safety within our school, we also want to empower students to make safe choices when they are outside our grounds. As young people, navigating public spaces can sometimes feel daunting, but with the right knowledge and mindset, they can take steps to ensure their safety and peace of mind.

 

We encourage you to have open discussions with your children about safety in public spaces, including:

  • The importance of staying aware of their surroundings.
  • Avoiding distractions like excessive smartphone use or walking around with air pods. 
  • The significance of traveling in groups, especially during late hours.
  • The necessity of sharing their plans and whereabouts with a trusted adult.
  • The value of trusting their instincts and seeking help when needed.
  • How to use emergency contacts and dial local emergency services.

In today's digital age, ensuring online safety is equally crucial. Students are educated about internet safety, the responsible use of social media, and the potential risks of cyberbullying throughout their schooling. 

Parents, too, are encouraged to be vigilant and involved in their children's online activities, setting guidelines to protect them from online threats. For example, be cautious about sharing personal information with strangers, especially on social media; remember to maintain privacy to reduce the risk of being targeted; and, never arrange to meet up with people met online.

 

By prioritising personal safety, cybersecurity, mental wellbeing, and other aspects, we can create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally and feel safe in their journeys to, from and out of school. 

Staffing news

In Term 4, we will have Dee Broughton, Dean of Wellbeing-Year 8, and Fiona Radford, Junior School Music Coordinator, take Long Service Leave. 

 

Ashleigh Cavalin will be Acting Dean of Wellbeing-Year 8 for the term. We will welcome Antonietta Vatta as a replacement English teacher to cover Ms Broughton’s classes. Antonietta has worked at a range of schools, including Mentone Girls Grammar, OLSH, and Kilbreda, and has a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education (Arts). 

 

Amy Potts will be replacing Fiona Radford’s classes in Term 4.  Amy has worked in a range of replacement roles in the Performing Arts Department at Kilvington for over 12 months.

 

On Monday, we will welcome Wayne Phillips to the IT Team as Network and Systems Administrator.  Wayne has worked in a similar role at John Paul College in Frankston for several years.