Dear Families,

Here we are in August already. I’m sure we are all looking forward to the winter months coming to an end and the brighter Spring weather that should be coming in the next few months.

Thank you to all of our families for attending Parent Teacher Interviews. It’s an important part of our assessment and reporting here at school. I also appreciate the feedback we have been given in regards to our reports. And also, thank you to families for being understanding in regards to changes to the 4/5 and 3/4 Interview times and dates.

I would like to inform the school community that there have recently been changes to the Child Safety Standards. These are a framework outlining the actions that schools must take to keep children and young people safe.

The protection of children and young people is based on 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. 

Lumen Christi is committed to child protection strategies and procedures to ensure the care and protection of all children and young people in the school and safeguarding children and young people against all forms of neglect and/or abuse. 

There are now eleven Child Safety Standards.

1. Establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal people are respected and valued.
2. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
3. Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
4. Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
5. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
6. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
7. Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
8. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
9. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
10. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
11. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

These new standards came into effect on 1 July this year. Further information can be found at: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/news/new-child-safe-standards-start-in-victoria-on-1-july-2022-to-better-protect-children/

Have a wonderful week ahead everyone,

Sally