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.
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/
BRAVEHEARTS - https://bravehearts.org.au
- Bravehearts Day is Australia’s longest-running child protection campaign dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.
- Funds raised for Bravehearts Day go directly to supporting Bravehearts’prevention programs and child sexual abuse support services.
NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK
(1-7 September)
In 2024, the National Child Protection Week message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ will be complemented with the theme ‘Every conversation matters’. Conversations are powerful tools to keep children and young people safe and well.
Conversations can help us understand issues, craft solutions, value community knowledge, and build the brains and social connections of children and young people.
Conversations between
…children and their caregivers matter (from the very earliest days)
…children and their peers matter
…families with teachers, doctors, and other professionals matter
…friends or neighbours matter
…decision-makers and the communities they serve matter.
And, of course, conversations in the public realm and media matter…
So this National Child Protection Week you are invited to speak up – and speak together – about what needs to change for every child in every community to have a fair go.
This theme provides a platform to:
- engage in important conversations,
- promote the value of conversations, and
- equip us to have conversations that keep kids safe.
NAPCAN Brochures for Parents and Carers https://www.napcan.org.au/napcan-brochures/
Child Safety Week - Diocese of Sale
Child Safety Week in the Diocese of Sale runs from 1-7 September, and coincides with National Child Protection Week, and Safeguarding Sunday (September 8).
The theme for Child Safety Week 2024 is: Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.
Every conversation matters.
In conjunction with the Bishop’s Office, the DOSCEL Secretariat supports the promotion of child safety in our schools and parishes by providing resources that can be used by staff to promote the week.
A range of Child Safety Week Resources 2024 are available to from the DOSCEL website Child Safety Week page. This includes:
- a series of posters, banners and social tiles that promote Child Safety in the Diocese.
- an updated educational /teacher resource pack.
- a video message from Bishop Greg Bennet and the Director to share within the community and social platforms.
- a compilation video of students from our schools sharing what makes them feel safe.
Through the resources, the Diocese of Sale and DOSCEL seek to deepen awareness of child safety in our Diocese and promote the participation and empowerment of children. Take a look as a few of our students who are featured in the videos.
Child Safety Week 2024 - The Bishop and the Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Sale send a message: https://bit.ly/46R28B5
Students share a compilation video, 'I feel safe because...' https://bit.ly/3WGmrwo