At John Paul College, every child and young person has the right to feel safe, valued and supported. Creating a child-safe environment is a shared responsibility, and everyone who works with or around students has an important role to play. As part of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools’ ongoing Child Safe Standards newsletter series, families are invited to learn more about Child Safe Standard 6 and the importance of ensuring adults who work with children are suitable, supported and committed to child safety and wellbeing.
Child Safe Standard 6 focuses on ensuring that people who work with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice. This includes staff, volunteers, contractors and other adults involved in school life. Schools have a responsibility to ensure appropriate processes are in place to support adults to understand their responsibilities, follow clear expectations and act with professionalism, integrity and care.
As a Catholic school community, our commitment to child safety is grounded in our moral, mission-driven and legal responsibility to protect and promote the wellbeing of every student entrusted to our care. At the College, this commitment is supported through robust policies, processes, professional learning, supervision and clear expectations for everyone who works with our students.
Families and carers also play an important role in supporting Child Safe Standard 6. Families are encouraged to be aware of the staff, volunteers and other adults involved in their child’s learning and care, stay informed about the College’s child safety initiatives, and ask questions where they would like further information. Families can also share observations, concerns or ideas that may help strengthen child safety and wellbeing across our community.
When staff, volunteers, families and the wider community understand their responsibilities and work together, students experience consistent, safe and respectful interactions. This shared commitment helps create an environment where children and young people feel safe, valued and able to thrive.
Parents and carers are encouraged to read the full MACS Parent/Carer Newsletter below to learn more about Child Safe Standard 6 and how schools, families and communities can work together to ensure everyone who works with children is suitable, supported and committed to child safety and wellbeing.
Child Safe Standard 6 - MACS Parent/Carer Newsletter