Child Safeguarding Corner

The Child Safe Standards provide us with tangible guidance about how to create cultures, adopt strategies and act to put the interests of children first, to keep them safe from harm. Each fortnight, I present one of the standards, and ask you to reflect on how you think we’re addressing the recommendations. We welcome ideas and feedback from our families and community!

Child Safe Standard 6: Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse (or other concerns) are child-focused

The aim of this standard is to ensure that our students are the priority when responding to complaints of abuse. This standard is important because children are safer when complaints are addressed quickly, thoroughly and transparently, and where the family and community are supported. When the complaint process is child-focused, children feel more comfortable and empowered to make a complaint.

Our aim is to prioritise this standard for child safety in what we say and do:

• We have created a culture where complaints are taken seriously and all adults take responsibility for the safety of children. 
• Leadership have clearly explained the Code of Conduct.
• Complaints are handled confidentially. 
• Complaint handling procedures are publicly available. 

If we are addressing this standard successfully, we would expect our children to say: 

• I know who to talk to if I feel uncomfortable, unsafe or unhappy. 
• I know who to talk to if someone asks me to do something I don't want to do. 
• I will be believed if I speak up about something that is concerning me, and action will be taken because of it. 
• I will not get in trouble if I speak up. 

We now have a page on our school website dedicated to Child Safeguarding, and we encourage you to view it. 

If you have any questions or feedback about how we are addressing this Standard, or about our new Child Safeguarding page, please email me (petra.cole@cg.catholic.edu.au). 

Proudly supporting Bullying No Way: National Week of Action

This year, St Matthew’s will be participating in the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, 11 to 15 August 2025.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying. 

The theme for this year's campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.

It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.

Students can be bold, kind, and speak up to support others who are being bullied, while trusted adults are there to help children and young people learn how to be kind to each other and report bullying.

This Bullying No Way Week, we’re asking you to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone. Be proud to speak up against bullying.

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

Petra Cole

Assistant Principal