Dear Parents and Friends,
I am sure that recent media reports of the trial and conviction of Cardinal Pell in Melbourne have caused distress to many. Whilst the trial is separate and distinct from our area of responsibility, it focuses us to be particularly mindful of those who have suffered abuse in the past and how these reports will affect them. We offer every support to members of our community whose suffering and distress may be heightened at this time. As Christian communities, we are called to listen and tend to the needs of the wounded, whatever may be the source of their suffering. We must have open hearts and open minds and address the needs before us.
We administer an education system which provides the safest possible environment for all our students and staff. Whilst the trial has been difficult to watch, it in no way detracts from the work we are doing. The safety and welfare of students remains our absolute top priority. The child safety approaches administered by our dedicated staff assures we are held to the highest professional and regulatory standards. They are embedded in organisational governance, policy, procedures, practice and culture. It is a key responsibility for everyone who works or volunteers in Catholic education. Our system undertakes training on a regular basis in areas of child protection such as reportable conduct, mandatory reporting, privacy and confidentiality, detecting and responding to trauma, conducting investigations and how to identify signs of harm and facilitate child-friendly ways for children to express their views, participate in decision-making and raise their concerns.
The creation this year of the Child Safety Advocate role supporting every systemic Catholic school in the Archdiocese, consolidates the commitment to child safety and protection from all sources of abuse. This commitment to child safety in every aspect of school life will continue and we will remain vigilant. Catholic schools are highly valued because they provide safe learning environments. I am confident this will continue to be the case. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss any aspect of this matter.
Walkathon and Catholic Schools Netball Carnival
Please take note of the fact that the date for the Walkathon has been changed and moved forward in our calendar so that there is some separation between the two significant fundraisers for our school this year – the Walkathon and the Catholic Schools Netball Carnival. The new date for the Walkathon is the last day of Term Two: 5th July.
Please also claim the date for the Catholic Schools Netball Carnival: Saturday 19th October. This is a once in a 20 year opportunity for our school to raise significant funds as the responsibility for hosting this carnival is shared around our Catholic schools. Please be aware that this is not a fundraiser for netball – it is a fundraiser for the school and the carnival is the medium through which the funds are raised. This is a huge event on the calendar for the Catholic schools in our system and requires a great deal of support from staff and parents to make it a success. It can be thought of in terms of a sports carnival and a fete all in one! A committee of key personnel is being put together at the moment and soon parents will be asked to join the committee to form a wider group in preparing the event. Please give this serious consideration as we really do need ‘all hands on deck’ to achieve optimum results.
Car Park Safety
Please be aware that the speed limit in the car park is 5k/ph. If you do not plan to accompany your child into the school quad in the morning, please use the drop off zone. The purpose of the drop off zone is to allow students to alight safely from vehicles directly onto school grounds without having to cross the car park. In the afternoon, this zone is not in use as it impedes pedestrian safety as parents and students make their way to parked vehicles on the asphalt. Students who leave vehicles which are parked in marked bays need to be accompanied across the car park by an adult to enter through the gates to the supervised space in the morning. Likewise, when parents park in marked bays in the afternoon, students need to be collected from inside the quad and accompanied by an adult to the vehicle.
I ask all drivers to be mindful of the car park rules and to adhere to them on every occasion for the safety of the children and all others in our community. Please take note of the sign which is located on either side of the entry to the courts and which I have copied for you here. There is also a new stop sign at the exit gate to remind drivers to stop and look out for persons who may be crossing there.
Bicycle safety
Please ensure, for your child’s safety, that a bicycle helmet is worn – and buckled up – to and from school if he or she cycles. Please speak to your child about bicycle safety and making sure their bike is in good working order before they start their ride. They may need some instruction to show them what to check and how to perform basic maintenance.
Catholic Leaders’ Retreat
From Wednesday morning next week, I’ll be in Bowral with all of the Principals from the 56 Archdiocesan Schools at our annual Director’s Day and Catholic Leaders’ Retreat. The Retreat provides an opportunity to network with others, to share ideas and understandings and to invigorate the soul through spiritual development. However, the first day is a meeting day organised by the Catholic Education Office to discuss system priorities and initiatives for the Archdiocese. Mr O’Brien will lead the school in my absence with the support of the Executive Team.
Kind Regards
Vicky van der Sanden