CHILD SAFETY AND WELLBEING
Child Safe Standards
Our school is safe, student centred and animated by our school values.
We aim to Inspire Hearts and Minds.
"Children are the future of the human family: all of us are expected to promote their growth, health and tranquillity." Pope Francis 2021
At Mary MacKillop Primary School, we believe that ensuring the safety of the students in our care is an integral part of who we are as a Catholic faith community. We adhere to Victorian Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order No. 1359. We embed a culture of child safety and the matter is taken very seriously.
MMPS Child Safe Standards
Child Safe Policy
Child friendly version of Child Safe Policy (updated June 2022) Congratulations to our Year 6 Student Leaders on their creation of the student friendly version of the Child Safe Policy. This policy has been uploaded to our website. Child Safe page and can be found in the following link https://www.marymacnarre.catholic.edu.au/child-safety-standards
Parental Use of Mobile Phones (Privacy Laws)
Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV)
The updated CECV Statement of Commitment to Child Safety - A safe, nurturing and empowering culture for all children and young people in Catholic schools, is attached to this newsletter. This statement has been updated in light of the revised Child Safe Standards coming into effect from 1 July 2022 and the supporting Ministerial Order No. 1359
Child Safe Resources to support Students, Parents/Carers
eSAFETY COMMISSIONER - https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents.
Webinars for parents and carers
Join one of the free webinars for parents and carers.
- The changing face of cyberbullying: Protecting your child in 2025
- Cyberbullying is evolving, with the use of AI-powered tactics, coded emoji language, and the covert manipulation that many adults may miss. This 45-minute webinar helps parents spot the signs, build support at home and guide children on how to respond and stay safe. It’s suitable for parents and carers of primary and high school students. Term 3 (AEST) 5 August at 12.30pm
- Register here - https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2536814565012663130
- Cyberbullying is evolving, with the use of AI-powered tactics, coded emoji language, and the covert manipulation that many adults may miss. This 45-minute webinar helps parents spot the signs, build support at home and guide children on how to respond and stay safe. It’s suitable for parents and carers of primary and high school students. Term 3 (AEST) 5 August at 12.30pm
FOR FAMILIES - https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/parent-resources/online-safety-for-every-family
CCYP - Commission for Children and Young People https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/
School TV https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news
- Multilingual videos now available on SchoolTV!
- Because wellbeing shouldn’t get lost in translation, SchoolTV has introduced a powerful new feature — multilingual videos.
- Until now, families could access written content in more than 60 languages. Now, expert-led videos are also available in Chinese, Hindi and Arabic, with more languages to be added next year.
- This new feature ensures every family can access trusted, practical guidance in a way that feels familiar, inclusive, and easy to understand.
- Explore this feature for yourself by clicking the link below to view SchoolTV content in your preferred language.
- http://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/stv-multilingual-feature
- SPECIAL REPORT: R U OK?Day
- Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.
- R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"
- Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions. Here is the link to your Special Report: https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day
BRAVEHEARTS - https://bravehearts.org.au
Child Safety Week & National Child Protection Week
From 7–14 September, we join with DOSCEL in promoting Child Safety Week, which aligns with NAPCAN’s National Child Protection Week (7–13 September). The 2025 theme “Every Conversation Matters” reminds us that every interaction with children and young people is an opportunity to listen, show care, and build trust. Together, we can create safe and supportive environments where all children can grow, learn, and thrive.
This important focus concludes with Safeguarding Sunday on 14 September, a time for our community to reflect on our shared responsibility to keep children safe. Families are encouraged to continue these conversations at home and to visit the NAPCAN website for ideas and resources that support children’s safety and wellbeing.