Child Safety at Julia Gillard Community College
At Julia Gillard Community College, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our top priority. We are dedicated to providing an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and heard. Our commitment to child safety is grounded in the principles outlined by the Child Safe Standards of Victoria, as well as national standards and regulatory requirements.
Our Approach to Child Safety and Wellbeing
We take a proactive and preventative approach to child safety. This means that every aspect of our school environment, from planning and decision-making to daily operations, is focused on safeguarding students and ensuring their physical and emotional wellbeing. We have a no tolerance policy for child abuse and are committed to creating a school culture where students are respected and their voices are listened to, particularly in decisions that affect their lives.
We also recognise the unique needs of students who may face additional risks. This includes students from Aboriginal backgrounds, those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, students with disabilities, children and young people in out-of-home care, and students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and gender diverse, intersex, or queer (LGBTIQ+). We are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.
Our Responsibility to Child Safety and Wellbeing
Every person involved with Julia Gillard Community College, whether staff, volunteers, or contractors, has an essential role to play in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children. We are committed to continuous professional development, ensuring that all staff members are well-equipped to respond to the needs of our students, as well as to identify and address any concerns promptly.
To meet this responsibility, we:
- Prioritise a participatory approach to child safety, empowering students to take an active role in decisions that affect them.
- Foster a culture of openness where students and staff can safely report any concerns or risks related to child safety.
- Ensure that all staff members adhere to clear, written guidelines on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children and young people.
- Hire only the most suitable and qualified people to work with our students, ensuring high standards of supervision and ongoing professional development.
- Encourage and support students in knowing who to speak to if they feel unsafe or worried about their safety.
Reporting and Support
If a child or young person is concerned about their safety, we ensure that they know who to approach and that they are encouraged to voice any concerns. We have clear, accessible reporting procedures in place, and we work in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure that any suspected abuse or neglect is dealt with promptly and appropriately.
Our Child Safety Officer (CSO), the Assistant Principal, is the key point of contact for anyone with concerns or questions related to child safety. The CSO undertakes regular professional development to stay informed on best practices and can provide guidance and support to students, staff, volunteers, and families.
Ongoing Commitment to Improvement
We are committed to continuous improvement in child safety practices, and this is reflected in our regular reviews of policies, procedures, and practices. We also keep families and the school community informed about child safety through our Child Safe Newsletter, which highlights key issues and shares success stories and initiatives that promote safety and wellbeing for all students.
Contact Information
For any child safety concerns or to speak with our Child Safety Officer, please contact the Assistant Principal on 8372 0000.
Relevant Policies and Procedures
To learn more about the Child Safety Standards and how they apply to schools,
please visit the Child Safety Standards page on the Victorian Government website.
At Julia Gillard Community College, we are committed to ensuring that every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.