Child Safeguarding Policy

Policy Statement

St Michael’s College is committed to fostering a culture of safeguarding that recognises and upholds the dignity and rights of all, particularly children, young people, and the vulnerable. The school community has zero tolerance for child abuse. Allegations or concerns about the abuse or safety of a child or young person are taken seriously and reported in line with agreed policies, practices, and legislation. Anyone who brings forward a suspicion, concern, knowledge, or allegation of current or past abuse will be responded to sensitively, respectfully, actively, and in a timely manner.

The College Board and leadership teams are dedicated to implementing and continually reviewing strategies, policies, practices, and systems that support a child-safe culture.

Principles

St Michael’s College aims to:

• Protect all children and young people from harm through legislative requirements, professional duty of care, and pastoral care.
• Promote safeguarding children and young people as everyone’s responsibility.
• Build a culture prioritising and maintaining safe environments through policy compliance and continuous improvement.
• Provide children and young people with opportunities to be heard and participate in the life of the College.
• Respond to the particular needs of children and young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
• Communicate the commitment to being a Child Safe Organisation with zero tolerance for harm, risk of harm, or abuse-related trauma.
• Plan for safe, open, and supportive environments and identify areas of risk.
• Deliver relevant safeguarding training, education programs, and guidance to those engaging with children and young people.

We aim to develop and implement protective systems and safe practices that are both preventative and responsive. Raise, report, and respond appropriately to all signs and indicators of harm, risk of harm, and abuse, including disclosures and concerns of inappropriate behaviour.

Responsibilities

St Michael’s College is responsible for implementing and monitoring procedures and practices that demonstrate a safe environment for all and work collaboratively to ensure effective achievement of a Child Safe Organisation. The College is also responsible for appropriately responding to any allegations or concerns relating to the abuse or safety of a child or young person in accordance with applicable legislation and supporting documents.

For more information or to raise a concern, please contact the Executive Assistant on (08) 8356 5966 or email child.safeguarding@smc.sa.edu.au.