Dear Parents and Carers,

Lord Jesus, hear our voices as we pray for your care and protection.

Strengthen and guide us as we strive to make our school a safe place for all.

Give us the courage and wisom to listen with open hearts, see with open eyes, and speak out to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safe, loved, respcted and cared for.

Guide us as we build a commiunmity that that fosters everyone to flousih and be safe.

Amen.

National Child Protection Week (3-9 September)

This year the theme of National Child Protection Week is ‘Where we start matters’. Where we start our lives in terms of where we live, the resources available to us, and the opportunities presented to us make a significant difference to our life outcomes.

Of course where we start isn’t where we finish.

The aim of Child Protection Week is to bring together partners to focus on addressing the significant harms being experienced by children in Australia. By working collectively to change the trajectory of these children and families, we can reduce the number of children who may come in contact with the child protection system. 

At St John's, we are blessed to have two CatholicCare counsellors, Rita and Ima, and a Pastoral Support Worker, Marissa, who can provide targetted support for children who may be feleing vulnerable or unsafe. Also, all our staff are mandatory reporters and undergo annual training to ensure the appropriate procedures are followed if ever a child discloses information to them that may indicate the child is at risk of harm. 

I believe that the children of today are in a better place than previous generations when it comes to them being able to seek help. There is greater awareness, knowledge and advocacy for their safety and wellbeing. It is up to all of us as adults to ensure we are focussing on 'Where we start matters' so that children are given the opportunities to help them flourish and live safely.

Last day of Term 3 for students

You are reminded that the last day for students this term is Thursday 21 September. On the following day our staff will be engaged in our annual Spiritual Formation Day.

Wishing you a great week,

Paul Moroney

Principal