Empowering Students: Saint Ignatius College Geelong's Commitment to Child Safety

Empowering Students: Saint Ignatius College Geelong's Commitment to Child Safety

At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is at the core of everything we do. As part of our ongoing commitment to meeting Child Safe Standards, we place particular emphasis on Standard 3: Empowering children and young people.

Standard 3 emphasises the importance of children and young people being informed about their rights, actively participating in decisions that affect them, and feeling valued and respected in their school community. At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we have implemented various strategies and initiatives to uphold this standard and create a safe and supportive environment for all our students.

Education on Rights:

One of the key aspects of empowering children and young people is ensuring they are aware of their rights. At our school, we integrate education on rights into our curriculum and extracurricular activities. Through age-appropriate discussions, workshops, and resources, we educate our students about their rights as individuals, both within the school community and society at large. This includes their rights to safety, respect, and participation in decision-making processes.

Participation and Decision-Making:

We believe that students should have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. To facilitate this, we actively seek input from students on various aspects of school life, including curriculum development, extracurricular activities, and policies. Our Student Representative Council (SRC) provides a platform for students to voice their opinions, raise concerns, and propose ideas for improvement. Through regular meetings and consultations, we ensure that students are actively involved in shaping their educational experience and that their perspectives are taken seriously.

Creating a Culture of Respect:

Central to empowering children and young people is creating a culture where they feel valued, respected, and heard. At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels safe to express themselves and share their opinions. Our staff are trained to actively listen to students, validate their experiences, and respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns they may raise. By promoting open communication and mutual respect, we empower our students to advocate for themselves and others.

Continuous Improvement:

Empowering children and young people is an ongoing process that requires constant reflection and improvement. At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we are committed to regularly reviewing and enhancing our practices to ensure that we are effectively meeting the requirements of Child Safe Standard 3. Through staff training, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, we strive to create an environment where the rights and voices of children and young people are consistently prioritised and respected.

Saint Ignatius College Geelong is dedicated to empowering children and young people, ensuring they are informed, involved, and valued members of our school community. By upholding Child Safe Standard 3 and implementing proactive measures to support student participation and well-being, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Together, let us continue to work towards a future where all children and young people are empowered to reach their full potential.

Michael Timms

Deputy Principal - Students