Creating a safe, respectful and nurturing environment where every child is known, valued and protected.

Our Commitment

At Lumen Christi, the care, safety and wellbeing of every child and young person is our highest priority. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the dignity of every person, we are committed to creating a school where every student is respected, heard, safe and feels safe.

We believe that every child is created in the image and likeness of God and has the right to learn and flourish in an environment that promotes safety, inclusion, respect and belonging. Child Safety is central to our mission as a Catholic school and is a shared responsibility of every member of our community.

Our Child Safe Culture

Creating and maintaining a child safe environment is embedded in every aspect of school life. We actively promote a culture where students are listened to, respected and empowered to speak up about matters that affect their safety and wellbeing.

Our Child Safe culture is built upon the belief that:

• every child has the right to feel safe, respected and protected from all forms of abuse, neglect and harm

• every child has the right to be heard and actively participate in decisions that affect them

• diversity is respected and every child is welcomed, valued and included

• child safety is a shared responsibility of staff, families, volunteers, contractors and the wider school community

• respectful relationships are the foundation of a safe and supportive learning environment.

How We Keep Children Safe

Child Safety is embedded in our everyday practices, policies and decision-making. We are committed to maintaining safe environments through proactive education, strong partnerships and clear processes that protect every child.

Our approach includes:

• implementing and reviewing practices aligned with the Victorian Child Safe Standards

• promoting student voice, participation and respectful relationships

• providing ongoing Child Safety training for all staff and volunteers

• maintaining clear policies, procedures and codes of conduct

• safe recruitment and screening practices

• teaching students about personal safety, respectful relationships and help-seeking

• working in partnership with families to promote child safety and wellbeing

• maintaining effective reporting and response procedures when concerns arise.

Responding to Concerns

Every member of our school community has a responsibility to protect children from harm.

Lumen Christi follows the PROTECT Four Critical Actions and all legislative and reporting requirements when there is a reasonable belief that a child or young person is at risk of harm or that a criminal offence has occurred.

We encourage students, families, staff and members of the community to raise any concerns regarding child safety, knowing they will be listened to respectfully, treated seriously and responded to promptly. Confidentiality is maintained wherever appropriate, while ensuring information is shared with those who have a legal or professional responsibility to protect children.

Working in Partnership

Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility between school, families and the wider community. We value strong partnerships that support open communication, mutual trust and shared responsibility for promoting the safety and wellbeing of every child.

Together, we create a culture where children are encouraged to speak up, trusted adults listen, and every child knows they are valued, respected and protected.

Policies and Resources

Lumen Christi maintains comprehensive Child Safety policies, procedures and practices that comply with Victorian legislation, Ministerial Order No. 1359 and the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

Child Safety Documentation

• We have developed a number of policies, procedures and support documents in response to the Victorian Government’s Betrayal of Trust report and Ministerial Order No. 1359 in order to demonstrate the strong commitment of our school to the care, safety and wellbeing of all learners.

• The Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) have also published their Commitment Statement to Child Safety. The VCEA’s website contains a range of information about child safety in Victorian Catholic schools and the application of the Child Safe Standards.

Our Vision in Action

Child Safety reflects our vision of Called to Learn, Called to Belong and Called to Hope.

As children who are Called to Belong, every student is welcomed, respected and valued within a safe, inclusive and caring Catholic community.

As young people who are Called to Hope, students are encouraged to speak up, seek support when needed and trust that they will be heard, protected and cared for.

Together, these foundations empower every child to be Called to Learn. When students feel safe, connected and supported, they are confident to embrace learning, build positive relationships and flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

Through our shared commitment to Child Safety, we ensure that every child is known, valued, protected and empowered to let their light shine.