We are committed to being a nurturing, child-safe school where children and young people are respected, their voices are heard and where they are safe. Our commitment and responsibility to child safety is driven by Jesus Christ’s message of hope, love and care for all.

Our OLSH Pillar, We are Heart people who Reverence Relationships, has at its core the belief in the inherent dignity of all people. We must always strive to be faithful to this in who we are and how we live.

Our commitment to providing a strong and sustainable child safety culture is articulated in and supported by the application of the three governance documents available below.

OLSH College is a child safe organisation that welcomes all children, young people and their families. We are committed to providing environments where our students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Our child safe policies, strategies and practices are inclusive of the needs of all children and young people.

We have no tolerance for child abuse and take proactive steps to identify and manage any risks of harm to students in our College environments. When child safety concerns are raised or identified, we treat these seriously and respond promptly and thoroughly.

We promote positive relationships between students and adults and between students and their peers. These relationships are based on trust and respect. Particular attention is given to the needs of Aboriginal students, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, students with disabilities, those unable to live at home, students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) and other students experiencing risk or vulnerability. Inappropriate or harmful behaviour targeting students based on these or other characteristics, such as racism or homophobia, are not tolerated at our College, and any instances identified will be addressed with appropriate consequences.

Child safety is a shared responsibility. Every person involved in OLSH College has an important role in promoting child safety and wellbeing and promptly raising any issues or concerns about a child’s safety.

We are committed to regularly reviewing our child safe practices and to seeking input from our students, families, staff, and volunteers to inform our ongoing strategies.

Staff training is delivered at least annually and includes guidance on our child safety and wellbeing policies, procedures, codes and practices.

Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy – supports the commitment of OLSH College to a strong and sustainable child safety culture and provides an overview of our approach to implementing Ministerial Order No. 1359 – Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools and School Boarding Premises (Ministerial Order No. 1359). The policy applies to all OLSH College staff, Board members, volunteers, contractors and other services involved with the College, whether or not they work in direct contact with students. It applies in all physical and online environments used by students during or outside of school hours, including other locations provided by the College for a student’s use (for example, a school camp) and those provided through third-party providers. This policy should be read together with our other child safety and wellbeing policies, procedures and codes.

Child Protection Reporting Responsibilities – outlines reporting responsibilities and processes and provides definitions of key terms in the policy and related guidance.

Child Safety Code of Conduct - sets out the expected behaviour of all OLSH College staff and associates in fostering a culture of child safety in our environments. All OLSH College staff and associates, and any other adult involved at the College in child-connected work, are required to comply with this Code of Conduct. The Code is signed by staff and personnel and applies across all physical and online environments.