Catholic schools and parishes within the Diocese of Sale are uniting to promote National Child Protection Week this week.
Running from Sunday 3 September to Sunday 10 September, National Child Protection Week aims to engage, educate and empower Australians to understand the complexity of child abuse and neglect and work together to prevent it.
This year, Catholic schools and parishes are sharing their innovative child safety projects through a video and resources.
Bishop of Sale Most Reverend Greg Bennet said schools and parishes are undertaking valuable work aimed at keeping children and young people safe.
“As Christians, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God,” he said.
“It is our responsibility as a Catholic community to ensure they are valued, respected, and protected.
“Everyone has a role in keeping children safe.”
Local projects include Mary MacKillop Catholic Primary School, Narre Warren North, which created a video called ‘My Body Clues’ with Foundation students, St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield with a video showcasing new Child Safety Standards with students and staff presenting, St Peter’s College in Cranbourne with Child Safety workshops for Year 8 students and a Student-led School Safety Audit, Columba Catholic Primary School in Bunyip, with a Child Safety online portal being developed and St Ita’s Catholic Primary School in Drouin, with students assisting with the development of a child-friendly version of the school’s Child Safety Policy and posters.
Diocese of Sale director of Catholic education Paul Velten said the projects complement the work done to build systems that keep children and young people safe in school and church communities guided by the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
“I hope these projects will inspire others and encourage meaningful discussions surrounding child safety within schools, families, parishes, and the broader community,” he said.
“Throughout Child Safety Week, our schools and parishes will actively share resources and conduct various activities covering a broad range of topics, including online safety.
“We strongly encourage families, grandparents, and all individuals to actively initiate conversations about child safety with the younger generation in their lives.”
Most Reverent Greg Bennet said it is not just one’s actions, but also our words and intentions which shape the future.
“May we always choose kindness, compassion, and understanding, for it is through these qualities that we truly bless and protect the innocence of our youth,” he said.
For more information, visit doscel.catholic.edu.au/child-safety/child-safety-week.
