Child Safety Policy

How St Mary's College keeps children safe: our commitment under Ministerial Order 1359 and the Victorian Child Safe Standards, who our Child Safety Officers are, and how to raise a concern.

Updated 18 August 2026

St Mary's College is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of every child in our care. In the tradition of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, we hold that every child has the right to feel safe, be heard and be protected from harm. This policy explains what that commitment means in practice and how anyone can raise a concern.

Purpose

To set out how the College meets its obligations under Ministerial Order 1359 and the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards: our zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, the systems we use to prevent, identify and respond to harm, and the steps anyone can take if they are worried about a child.

Scope

Applies to all students from Prep to Year 12 and to every adult who works with or around them: staff, casual relief teachers, volunteers, contractors, OSHC staff, parish personnel, visiting coaches and tutors, and College Advisory Council members. It applies on campus, at camps, excursions and fixtures, online and at any College-related activity.

Policy statement

The College has zero tolerance for child abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse, neglect, grooming and family violence. We are committed to:

placing the best interests of children first in every decision;
listening to students and giving them a genuine say in how they are kept safe;
being culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and inclusive of children with disability, from diverse backgrounds, who are LGBTIQ+ or unable to live at home;
recruiting, screening, inducting and supervising all adults carefully;
reporting all allegations and concerns promptly to the appropriate authorities.

Every staff member, volunteer and contractor signs the Child Safety Code of Conduct before commencing and renews it annually. The College is governed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and follows MACS child safety procedures.

Procedures

Child Safety Officers

Our Child Safety Officers are the first point of contact for any concern:

Mrs Siobhan Reilly (lead) – Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Mission
Ms Priya Natarajan – Head of Junior School (Prep–Year 6)
Mr Tom Brennan – Head of Senior School (Years 7–12)

All are reached on (03) 9555 0100.

Raising a concern

Anyone who believes a child is in immediate danger calls 000 first.
Concerns are reported the same day to a Child Safety Officer in person, by phone or via office@stmaryswc.vic.edu.au (marked "Attention: Child Safety Officer").
The Officer records the concern on the confidential Child Safety Incident Register within 24 hours and, with the Principal, Dr Helen Carmody, decides on reporting obligations.
Staff follow the PROTECT protocols (Four Critical Actions) and their mandatory reporting duty to Child Protection (DFFH) and/or Victoria Police; no permission is needed to report.
Allegations against a staff member, volunteer or contractor are reported by the Principal to the Commission for Children and Young People under the Reportable Conduct Scheme within 3 business days, and to MACS.
Where safe and appropriate, the family is kept informed of the process and available support.

Screening and induction

All staff hold current Victorian Institute of Teaching registration or a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC). Volunteers and contractors hold a WWCC and complete the online Child Safety Induction first — see Volunteers & Visitors.
Reference checks include child safety questions; all visitors sign in at the Junior or Senior office and wear a lanyard.

Risk management and education

A Child Safety Risk Register is reviewed each term by the College Leadership Team, and a specific risk assessment is completed before every camp and overnight excursion.
Every year level takes part in age-appropriate protective behaviours and respectful relationships education.
Student voice on safety is gathered through the Student Representative Council, the annual wellbeing survey and regular teacher check-ins.

Responsibilities

Parents and carers

Talk with your child about the trusted adults they can go to at school.
Report any concern promptly to a Child Safety Officer, however small it may seem.
Hold a valid WWCC and complete the induction before volunteering.

Students

Speak up to a trusted adult if you or a friend feel unsafe, at school or online.
Treat others with respect; you will always be listened to.

Staff

Sign and follow the Child Safety Code of Conduct; complete annual child safety training.
Act on the PROTECT Four Critical Actions and mandatory reporting obligations without delay.
Maintain professional boundaries, including online.

Review

Policy owner: Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Mission. Approved by the College Leadership Team March 2026; ratified by the College Advisory Council; next review March 2028.

Frequently asked questions

Who do I contact if I am worried about my child's safety at school?

Contact any Child Safety Officer on (03) 9555 0100 or email office@stmaryswc.vic.edu.au marked "Attention: Child Safety Officer". Your child's teacher will also pass a concern on the same day. If a child is in immediate danger, call 000.

Do I need a Working with Children Check to help in the classroom or at sport?

Yes. Every volunteer needs a valid Victorian WWCC (free for volunteers) and must complete our online Child Safety Induction first. See Volunteering and WWCC.

Will I be told if a report is made about my child?

In most cases, yes. A Child Safety Officer will contact you unless doing so could place the child at further risk or is not permitted by Child Protection or Victoria Police.

What happens if I am unhappy with how a concern was handled?

You may raise it with the Principal, Dr Helen Carmody, and then with MACS, following the Complaints & Grievances Policy.