From the Deputy Principal - Child Safe Standards @ SICG

Saint Ignatius College: Embraces The Victorian Child Safe Standards: Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment for Every Student

At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we prioritise the safety, happiness, and overall development of every child in our care. As part of our dedication to this cause, we have implemented the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards to ensure that our school remains a secure and nurturing environment for all.

The Victorian Child Safe Standards were introduced to enhance the safety and well-being of children in various organisations, including schools. These standards cover a range of important areas, from leadership commitment to creating a child-safe culture, and from ensuring clear policies and procedures to promoting the participation and empowerment of children.

Here's a brief overview of how Saint Ignatius College Geelong is actively incorporating these standards into our daily operations:

1. Leadership commitment to child safety:

Our school leadership is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for every student. This commitment is reflected in our policies, practices, and communication.

2. Child safe policy and code of conduct:

We have developed a comprehensive child-safe policy and code of conduct that outlines our commitment to child safety. These documents are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain effective.

3. Human resources practices:

Our staff recruitment processes include thorough background checks and comprehensive training to ensure that every member of our team is equipped to create a safe environment for our students.

4. Training and supervision of staff and volunteers:

All staff and volunteers undergo regular training sessions to increase their awareness of child safety issues and their understanding of how to create a secure environment.

5. Child empowerment and participation:

We actively seek the input of our students, valuing their opinions and perspectives. Student voices are heard through various channels, including student councils, surveys, and regular feedback sessions.

6. Family engagement and communication:

We maintain open and transparent communication with parents and guardians, keeping them informed about our child-safe initiatives and encouraging their active participation in creating a safe school environment.

7. Responding to and reporting suspected child abuse:

Our school has clear procedures in place for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse, ensuring a swift and appropriate response to any concerns that may arise.

8. Cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children:

We are committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all students, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

9. Inclusive and accessible services for children with disabilities:

Our school strives to provide inclusive and accessible services to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, can fully participate in school life.

10. Strategies to identify and reduce or remove risks of child abuse:

We regularly assess and review our practices to identify and address any potential risks to the safety of our students, implementing strategies to reduce or remove these risks.

11. Monitoring and reviewing of child safety practices:

Our commitment to child safety is an ongoing process. We continually monitor and review our child safety practices to ensure that they remain effective and responsive to the evolving needs of our school community.

By actively implementing the Victorian Child Safe Standards, Saint Ignatius College Geelong is not only meeting regulatory requirements but, more importantly, creating an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and supported in their educational journey. Together, as a community, we can ensure the well-being and success of each and every student at our school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Michael Timms