COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
Child Safety at St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School
At St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School, we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our students, recognising that child safety is a collective responsibility. We strive to create a secure and supportive environment, where every student feels valued, respected, and protected.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
We believe that every person is made in the image of God, and it is our moral obligation to provide a safe environment for our students. Our commitment to child safety is built on the following principles:
- Zero Tolerance to Child Abuse: We have a zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse and neglect, and we take all allegations seriously.
- Listening to and Empowering Children: We encourage our students to express their concerns and feelings, and we empower them to make informed decisions about their own safety and wellbeing.
- Keeping Children Safe: We take proactive measures to prevent harm and ensure that our students are protected from physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
Our Framework for Child Safety
We operate under the guidelines set by the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), which provides a comprehensive framework for child safety. Our policies and procedures are designed to ensure that:
- All students feel safe and supported
- All allegations of child abuse are investigated promptly and thoroughly
- All staff and volunteers are trained in child safety procedures
- All parents and caregivers are informed and involved in child safety initiatives
By working together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment that allows our students to thrive and reach their full potential.
Child Protection
Protection of children and young people is based upon the belief that each person is made in the image and likeness of God, and that the inherent dignity of all should be recognised and fostered.
DOSCEL is committed to child protection strategies and procedures to ensure the care, safety and protection of all children and young people in Catholic schools in the Diocese and safeguarding children and young people against sexual, physical, psychological and emotional abuse and/or neglect.
Victorian Child Safe Standards
St Josephine Bakhita is committed to implementing and embedding the Child Safe Standards and requirements of Ministerial Order No. 1359
Child Safe Standard 1 – Establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued
Child Safe Standard 2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
Child Safe Standard 3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
Child Safe Standard 5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
Child Safe Standard 6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
Child Safe Standard 7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused
Child Safe Standard 8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
Child Safe Standard 9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
Child Safe Standard 10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
Child Safe Standard 11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people
Prevention and Response
Preventing and responding to child abuse requires a whole of community response to bring about broad cultural change. To this end, the Victorian Child Safe Standards apply to a broad range of organisations that provide services for children, including schools, churches, sporting clubs and youth services.
Ensuring we have child safe communities goes to the heart of our faith and core purpose. Therefore, we are dedicated to upholding the values and practices that create safe learning environments for students.
Reporting and Contacts
If you have any concerns or questions regarding Child Safety please contact our Child Safety Officers
Kathryn Pepper principal@sjbclydenorth.catholic.edu.au
Pamela McKillop pamela.mckillop@sjbclydenorth.catholic.edu.au
Phone: (03) 59 53 9100
