Deputy Principal | Mr Chris Ryan

Child Protection and Safety

In last week’s newsletter, I wrote about the College’s ongoing commitment to and investment in Compliance and Human Resources. A fundamental aspect of this is our commitment to adhering to regulations and legislation concerning working with children, child protection and child safety.

Under ‘About Us’ on the College website, you will find numerous important Edmund Rice Education Australia and College policies; none are more important than those that relate to the wellbeing of young people.

In part, our statement of commitment to these policies reads:

All children have a right to feel safe, and be safe.  St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace is committed to creating an environment where the safety, wellbeing, and participation of all children and young people is paramount.  We have zero tolerance of child abuse and all allegations and safety concerns are treated very seriously and consistent with our robust policies and procedures. As part of EREA, the College has legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously.

In 2019, Edmund Rice Education Australia has appointed Mr Michael Horsley to the inaugural position of National Director for Safeguarding. In particular, Mr Horsley and his team are presently ‘rolling out’ documentation relevant to the National Catholic Safeguarding standards which are being implemented across the country and the subsequent framework being developed by Edmund Rice Education Australia for its 54 schools, including Terrace. Mr Horsley is visiting Terrace next week to discuss this important initiative with key staff and our local implementation of the framework. This work will enhance our practices and procedures and continue to promote the safe, inclusive and proactive program we are blessed to have at the College.

Please visit the College website under ‘About Us’ and preview our policy and process documentation available on the site.