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

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 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

Child Safe Standards and Parent use of Mobile Phones, Privacy Laws

We ask all parents to be mindful of their mobile phone usage, child safety and privacy laws when visiting our school.  During such times as morning Prayer time, Mass, Assemblies and school events/gatherings, we ask parents to turn off or put away their mobile phones and to respect the privacy of all students.  Photographs and video footage cannot be taken of students without parental permission.  Reminders of safe mobile phone usage will be shared with the school community at morning prayer times and assemblies.  On special occasions such as student awards at assemblies or student graduations, space will be made available for parents to photograph their child in a child safe way.  We thank you for working in partnership with us to respect the privacy of all our students.

Child Safe Resources to support Students, Parents/Carers

• eSafety Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents.
• FOR FAMILIES https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/parent-resources/online-safety-for-every-family
• NEW online safety for every family. The ‘Online safety for every family’ resources will give parents and carers the confidence to talk with their children about online safety. The resources also have important links and information to help if something bad does happen online. 
• The videos and advice sheets cover:
• Helping your family stay safe online
• Getting started with social media 
• Safer online gaming 
• Getting help when your child is being bullied online
• Downloadable resources to help you start the chat about online safety issues and strategies with your child.
• CCYP - Commission for Children and Young People https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/
• School TV https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news
• Bravehearts https://bravehearts.org.au/
• Parenting Ideas

Upcoming Term 1 Event 

 What is Safer Internet Day? Save the date: Tuesday 7th February 2023

Safer Internet Day is a global event that brings together communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 200 countries to help create safer online spaces.

This worldwide initiative is celebrating 20 years in 2023, making it a great time to reflect as well as look forward. 

Technology has evolved dramatically in the past two decades and the benefits have been huge. These developments have also exposed us to many risks with real-world impacts, making online safety awareness even more important.  

 That's why we are calling on Australians to Connect. Reflect. Protect. 

Connect safely and with purpose – by keeping apps and devices secure and using social media in positive ways. 

Reflect before we act – by taking a moment to consider how what we do and say online may affect others. 

Protect ourselves and others by taking action – by telling family, friends or colleagues about eSafety and how we can help.  

Mary MacKillop School is proud to support Safer Internet Day on 7 February 2023. Together, we can all #ConnectReflectProtect. Our school is committed to raising online safety awareness and helping students build positive online relationships. By using eSafety resources, our school is helping our students have safer, more positive experiences online.

All families at Mary MacKillop School are encouraged to take an active part by doing these simple things - Connect Reflect Protect. We can work towards making every day a Safer Internet Day. Further information can be found in a separate letter sent to families via email.

SCHOOL TV – a wellbeing rescource

Today parents face a multitude of modern day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.

SchoolTV addresses this as a new online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies.

All SchoolTV topics are divided into series. The number of topics relating to a series will differ and over time new topics will be added. Every month from February to November, a new topic is published for you to review. Take the time to explore each series and topic and make sure you visit the resources section. Here you will find useful factsheets, apps, books, websites and other additional videos - all on one single topic!

School TV link can be accessed via our school website - see link below: