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
Parent Education - Rescources to support parents and carers
- eSafety Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents.
- For Families https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/parent-resources/online-safety-for-every-family
- Online safety for every family
- Express learning for busy families
- eSafety's express learning series provides parents and carers with practical tips and advice on common online safety concerns. The videos are 5 to 10 minutes long and cover four important topics, including
- Setting up parental controls
- Digital technologies and mental health
- Cyberbullying and online drama
- Online sexual harassment and image-based abuse
- eSafety's express learning series provides parents and carers with practical tips and advice on common online safety concerns. The videos are 5 to 10 minutes long and cover four important topics, including
- Express learning for busy families
- 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
- Respectful Language Special Report
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This month on SchoolTV - Respectful Relationships
Fostering a nurturing environment of respectful relationships within your family holds the key to not only harmonious living, but also improved academic outcomes for your children. As parents and caregivers, embracing the art of teaching children about respect at a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy interactions and empathetic understanding. It will help cultivate a positive environment where communication flourishes, conflicts are resolved constructively, and bonds are fortified.
Teaching children to respect themselves and others will open up avenues for both personal growth and academic achievement. Fostering an environment where respect is not just a word, but a practiced behaviour, will empower young people with essential life skills. Effective communication, active listening, and the art of compromise, will provide your child with a solid foundation that will transcend family interactions and help them collaborate effectively with peers, teachers and the broader community.
Equipping children with an understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships is an important aspect of their development. It will guide them to make informed choices, foster positive connections, and set boundaries that contribute to their emotional wellbeing. Understanding the nuances between healthy and unhealthy relationships provides children with the essential tools to navigate their social world, build self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful relationships.
In this edition of SchoolTV, learn how to empower young people in healthy interactions to embrace differences and forge connections that honour their self-worth. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report https://marymacnarre.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/respectful-relationship
- Bravehearts https://bravehearts.org.au/
- Happy Families https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/mmnwn
- Password: happymmnwn
- Your Insight article for this week: The How-to's of Healthy Parental Involvement
Child Safety & Wellbeing
Child Safety will be the focus of the upcoming week's classroom activities as we approach National Child Protection Week. All families have received information today describing upcoming events and activities that prioritize the health and safety of children and young people.
Bravehearts Day is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the prevention of child sexual abuse. Held annually since 1997, Bravehearts Day (previously White Balloon Day) has changed the way Australians think about and respond to the crime of child sexual abuse.
- In support of Bravehearts day and raising awareness, students and families are invited to wear a splash of purple on Wednesday 30th August. Each Year 6 student will be provided with a Bravehearts wristband. GIFT A BRAVE HEART by donating to this very worthy organisation https://www.braveheartsday.com.au/event/2023/donation
Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson (ABCSL) is all about consent! Proudly produced by Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
- All classes will view the live stream on Tuesday 5th September 2023 - [Parents/Carers are welcome to join classes]
- Communicating about consent in a respectful way can help children assert their right to stay comfortable and enforce their right to stay safe.
- Early Years and Lower Primary from 9am AEST
- Upper Primary from 10am AEST
For more information, please see the letter that was sent via PAM to every family. Additionally, each Level will send letters to families early the next week describing its participation in the ABCSL and other child safety-related content included in its program.
For more information please visit www.danielmorcombe.com.au
National Child Protection Week is happening across Australia from Sunday 3 to Saturday 9 September 2023. It’s an opportunity to recognise and promote the safety and wellbeing of Australian children with the message that ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’. To support National Child Protection Week 2023, eSafety has learning activities for students in Years 3 to 6, our students will participate in a virtual classroom that explores how students can identify boundaries and support each other to be safe online. Students in these levels will be participating in the e-Safety Commissioners session on Be an eSafe Kid: Protect yourself.
R U OK? Day 2023 is Thursday 14 September. Wear a splash of yellow
It is a national day of action, when we are all reminded that every day is the day to ask, are you OK?
- R U OK? Day encourages people to stay connected and to let the people in your world know you are really there through meaningful conversations. A simple conversation could change a life.