Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing
At Sacred Heart College, the safety and wellbeing of every student is at the heart of all we do. We are committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe culture where students are not only protected from harm but are also respected, empowered, and heard.
We acknowledge that child safety is a shared responsibility, and we actively involve all members of our College community, including staff, students, families, volunteers, and visitors, in ensuring our environment is inclusive, safe, and supportive.
Our approach to child safety aligns with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework and Catholic Education Tasmania (CET) Child Safe Communities, ensuring that our policies and practices uphold the rights of all children and young people.
We uphold our commitment through a range of strategies, including:
- Clear Induction Processes: All new staff, contractors, volunteers, and visitors participate in a thorough induction that details our key safeguarding expectations.
- Ongoing Staff Training: All staff regularly engage in professional learning to understand their responsibilities and respond effectively to any child safety concerns.
- Comprehensive Risk Management: We proactively identify, assess, and manage risks to child safety in both physical and online environments.
- Empowering Students: Students are provided with developmentally appropriate education about their rights, respectful relationships, personal and online safety, and how to seek support if they feel unsafe. We encourage student voice and ensure students are active participants in shaping a safe school environment.
- Structured Support Systems: Our wellbeing framework provides students with access to both informal and formal support. From Peer Support to the guidance of Tutors, Heads of House, Student Wellbeing and Student Support Teams, College Leadership and professional counsellors, support systems are in place to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and connected.
We are committed to regularly reviewing our policies and practices to ensure they remain effective and aligned with best practice in child safety and wellbeing.
Detailed information on the Catholic Education Commission Tasmania (CECT) Child and Youth Safety requirements, processes and practices are accessible via this link to the CECT website, providing detailed information on:
- CECT Child Safety Policy
- CECT Child Safety Code of Conduct
- CECT Mandatory Reporting Policy
- CECT Reportable Conduct Policy
- CECT Working with Vulnerable People Policy
- Link to all CECT Policies & Guidelines