There has been a great deal of work involved in the process of updating policies, documents and practices that are in line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order No. 1359
(MO 1359). At Siena College, we have ensured that we have built on our existing child safety policies and practices to address the eleven Standards that came into effect earlier this year.
A number of new and updated policies have been uploaded to Siena Central and the College website.
Another aspect of our commitment to child safety is ensuring that students are aware of changes and policies that exist to protect them. We are also cognisant of the need to learn from student experience which is why we are so grateful to the students on our Child Safe Committee. In 2023, all students will be required to sign the Siena College Code of Conduct which outlines expected behaviours and inappropriate behaviours. Our 2023 College Captains, Hannah and Majella are currently working with our Child Safe Ambassadors, Amy and Abbey to put together a video to explain the reasons and benefits of this document. It will be shared with all students in early Term 1.
We are also delighted that National Manager Prevention Services (Butterfly Foundation) and Siena alumna (Class of 1995), Danni Rowlands has agreed to join our Child Safe Committee. Danni works for the Butterfly Foundation and engages with schools nationwide. Danni’s area of expertise is around mental health promotion, body image, eating disorders and early intervention of these issues.
It has been a pleasure to work with students and staff in this significant work and we look forward to the dialogue that 2023 will bring.
