Southern Cross Primary is a child safe organisation which welcomes all children, young people and their families.
We are committed to providing environments where our students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all children and students.
We have no tolerance for child abuse and take proactive steps to identify and manage any risks of harm to students in our school environments. We promote positive relationships between students and adults and between students and their peers. These relationships are based on trust and respect. We take proactive steps to identify and manage any risk of harm to students in our school environment. When child safety concerns are raised or identified, we treat these seriously and respond promptly and thoroughly.
Particular attention is given to the child safety needs of Aboriginal students, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, students with disabilities, those unable to live at home, children and young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) and other students experiencing risk or vulnerability. Inappropriate or harmful behaviour targeting students based on these or other characteristics, such as racism or homophobia, are not tolerated at our school, and any instances identified will be addressed with appropriate consequences.
Child safety is a shared responsibility. Every person involved in our school has an important role in promoting child safety and wellbeing and promptly raising any issues or concerns about a child’s safety. We are committed to regularly reviewing our child safe practices, and seeking input from our students, families, staff, and volunteers to inform our ongoing strategies.
Child Safety Standard 1:
Culturally Safe Environments
Cultural safety is the positive recognition and celebration of cultures. It is more than just the absence of racism or discrimination and more than cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity. It empowers people and enables them to contribute and feel safe to be themselves. In a child safe, culturally safe organisation, children, young people, family and community members feel that their culture and identity are respected. At Southern Cross Primary School, we use the ATSI Guide to Child Safety to support our organisation to promote and foster a culturally safe environment. SCPS is committed to contributing to the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan and actively participates in and contributes to the termly network meetings. SCPS is located on the lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation. We teach, learn and play on this land, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
ATSI Guide to Child Safety
Inclusion and Diversity Policy
Child Safety Standard 2:
Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in leadership, governance and culture
Child Safety Code of Conduct
Child Safety Risk Assessment
Records Management Policy
Child Safety Standard 3:
Child and student empowerment
Southern Cross Primary School implements the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Curriculum as well as School Wide Positive Behaviour.
Respectful Relationships
School Wide Positive Behaviour
Students participate in weekly wellbeing lessons where they are explicitly taught about their rights, actively engage in decision making, explore the school values and learn about protecting their bodies and where to go to for support.
Child Safety Standard 4:
Family Engagement
Southern Cross Primary School invites families to participate in policy development and review. We regularly seek feedback from the community using surveys and include Child Safety information in packs for newly enrolled families.
Families are informed about school operations and governance of child safety and wellbeing through the Principal Update and School Council Feedback.
Child Safety Standard 5:
Diversity and Equity
To target the needs of the English as a Second Language Community, Child Safety is included in the Termly CHaTS parent support group.
Child Safety Standard 6:
Suitable Staff and Volunteers
Volunteers Policy
Visitors Policy
Suitability for Employment Checks
Child Safety Standard 7:
Complaints Process
Complaints Policy
Responding to Allegations of Abuse
Four Critical Actions
Child Safety Standard 8:
Child Safety Knowledge Skills and Awareness
Staff participate in an annual Child Safety induction to ensure they understand the policies and are aware of their responsibilities and adhere to the code of conduct.
School Council participate in annual Child Safety Standards professional learning, facilitated by the Assistant Principal.
New employees and volunteers receive an Induction Package which includes the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, Child Safety Code of Conduct, Responding to Allegations of Abuse procedures and the Complaints Policy.
Child Safety Standard 9:
Child Safety in the Physical and Online Environment
Digital Learning Policy (Acceptable Use)
Camps and Excursions Policy
Supervision of Students Policy
Mobile Phone Policy
Child Safety Standard 10:
Review of Child Safety Practices
The Child Safety Standards and related policies and procedures are reviewed an updated in accordance with the review cycle of 2 years and after a child safety incident occurs. These updates are communicated to the staff and community through the Principal Update.
The School Improvement Team and Wellbeing Team review data in relation to the Standards and identify changes required to ensure the school is compliant with the standards and students are safe from harm.
Child Safety Standard 11:
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards
To following actions are in place to ensure the implementation of the Child Safety Standards at Southern Cross Primary School:
