Heavenly Father,

We come to you today with hearts full of love for our children and gratitude for the gift they are in our lives. We lift up all the children in our school community and throughout the world.

We ask you to watch over them and protect them from all harm, both seen and unseen. Surround them with your divine grace and guidance. Strengthen their spirits and give them the wisdom to make good choices. Help us, as parents and guardians, to be vigilant protectors of their innocence and well-being.

Grant us the courage to speak up when necessary and the humility to seek help when needed. May our school be a safe haven, a place where every child feels secure, cherished, and respected.

We pray for all those who work tirelessly to protect children—teachers, staff, and community leaders. Fill their hearts with your love and their minds with your wisdom.

We entrust our children to your loving care, knowing that you are their ultimate guardian.

Amen.

Dear Parents/Carers,

The prayer above intentionally acknwoledges that we are in the midst of National Child Protection Week which runs from September 7th to 13th. The theme this year is "Every conversation matters: Shifting conversation to action." This powerful message reminds us that while open discussions are essential for creating safer environments, they are not enough on their own. We must translate our words into meaningful, concrete actions to protect the children in our care.

For our Catholic school community, this week is an important opportunity for us all to reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of every child. Our faith calls us to be vigilant protectors, following Jesus' example of welcoming and cherishing children.

Our school is dedicated to fostering a child-safe culture that aligns with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. This includes:

• Ongoing Staff Training: Ensuring all staff and volunteers are equipped to recognize and respond to concerns about a child's safety.

• Clear Policies and Procedures: Having strong protocols in place for identifying, reporting, and responding to abuse and neglect.

• Promoting Student Voice: Creating safe spaces where students feel comfortable to speak up, knowing their concerns will be heard and taken seriously. This is a core part of the "Shifting conversation to action" theme.

As parents, you are a child's first and most important protector. Here are some ways you can put this week's theme into action:

• Talk to Your Children: Have regular, age-appropriate conversations with your children about personal safety. Help them identify trusted adults—both within the family and outside of it—they can turn to if they ever feel unsafe, worried, or upset.

• Teach "Body Clues": Encourage children to listen to their "early warning signs," such as a knot in their stomach or a racing heart, and to trust their feelings and instincts.

• Be a Good Listener: When your child comes to you with a concern, big or small, stop what you're doing and listen without judgment. By being a responsive and attentive listener, you reinforce that you are a safe person to talk to about anything.

• Utilize Resources: The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) has excellent resources for parents, including tips on how to talk to children about personal safety.

Let us all commit to not just talking about child protection, but actively working to create a world where every child feels safe, supported, and loved.

Wishing you a blessed week,