Child Safe Standards

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, we’ll present one of the standards and ask you to reflect on how you think we’re addressing the recommendations. 

Child Safe Standard 3: Families and communities are informed and involved

The aim of this standard is that the school actively engages with our families and community to support children. This standard is important because children feel more valued when schools involve families and community members in decisions that affect them. 

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

• Families have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development of their child, and participate in decisions affecting the child
• The school engages in open, two-way communication with families and communities about our child safety approach.
• Relevant information is accessible.
• Families and communities have a say in our policies and practices.
• Families and communities are informed about our operations and governance. 

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

• My family is welcome here.
• The adults at school talk to my family about me.
• The special days of my community are celebrated. 

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

Stranger Danger

We encourage you to promote Stranger Danger safety tips with your children about travelling to and from school. Talking about stranger danger with your child can feel tricky, but it’s an important conversation to have—one that helps keep them safe while building their confidence to trust their instincts. 

Keep the message simple and age-appropriate: Explain that a stranger is anyone they don’t know, even if they seem friendly. Have your child list or draw a picture of their safety network/ safe adults.  Encourage your child to always check with a trusted adult from their safety network before going anywhere, accepting gifts, or speaking with someone they don’t know. 

You might like to role-play different situations at home by playing the ‘What if…?’ game. What if you were walking home and someone told you they were sent to pick you up? What if you were approached in the park?   Help your child to practise how to say "No", move away, and find help if they ever feel unsure or unsafe. Remind them that they can always talk to you or another trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right. These chats don’t need to be scary—just calm, regular reminders that help children feel prepared and supported.

Petra Cole

Assistant Principal

Child Safe Advocate