A Culturally Safe Environment

The article below was published by the College Principal in the August 2022 (p. 9) school newsletter.

A Culturally Safe Environment

Northside Christian College is continuing to review and update policy and procedures in response to the new Victorian Child Safe Standards. The College is committed to supporting child safety and the wellbeing for all students at Northside.

The new Child Safe Standards and the associated Ministerial Order build on the previous Child Safe Standards introduced in 2016. The Standards have always highlighted the importance of developing a culture of child safety for all students, with the first version articulating the importance of promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, promoting the cultural safety of children from culturally and or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and promoting the safety of children with a disability.

The new Standards provide further guidance on the need for schools to support a diverse range of students. Child Safe Standard 1 in the new Standards requires organisations to establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued. Child Safe Standard 5 states that school must maintain equity at all times. Furthermore, school communities need to respect the diverse needs of students in policy and practice. In complying with Child Safe Standard 5, schools must demonstrate an awareness and attention to the needs of children and young people with disability, children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who are unable to live at home, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex children and young people. The Standards require schools to support and respond to vulnerable students in our school communities.

In Romans 15:7, we are encouraged to be inclusive of all people. The Bible says, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

The diversity of our school community has long been a feature and strength of Northside Christian College. Our policies and procedures support our growth and continuous development in this area.

Northside Christian College is committed to providing a safe environment for all students. This commitment to safety is documented in the College’s Student Code of Conduct in the College’s Behaviour Management Policy (Policy No. 36) and in the student diary.

Recently, the College has commenced developing a Cultural Safety Policy, highlighting our desire to celebrate and affirm the cultural diversity within our College community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and traditions. The College welcomes input and feedback from the College community on this policy.

The College’s Pastoral Care Policy (Policy No. 12) outlines our commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all students. This policy notes the desire of Northside to promote and provide a supportive environment for all students so they can expect to feel safe, supported and respected. We recognise the need for clear, transparent and explicit programs and policies to ensure students’ physical, social, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing” (p. 2).

Obviously all of these policies and practices flow from our Biblical understanding of human flourishing and what will provide the best outcomes for young people.

We continue to work together to provide a safe environment for all students at Northside to support their wellbeing and to minimise the risk of child abuse.

Michael Bond Principal

Northside Christian College’s commitment to maintain a safe environment for all students is outlined in the College’s Student Code of Conduct.

Student Code of Conduct

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Principle 1

Students have the right to feel safe and secure within the College environment, free from intimidation, bullying and harassment, and to be treated with love, justice and equity according to the Scriptures. Students have the responsibility to behave in a considerate and thoughtful manner, and to treat others with love, justice and equity.

Principle 2

Students have the right to work and play in an environment free from interference or damage to personal property. Students have the responsibility to respect all property, including that of other students, and to do nothing that would harm another’s well-being.

Principle 3

Each student has the right and responsibility to receive Biblical counsel and correction when needed from members of staff.

Principle 4

Each student has the right to be valued and treated with respect. Courtesy, consideration of others, cooperation and honesty are essential to the proper functioning of a Christian community. Each student has the responsibility to treat others with respect and courtesy, to be honest and co-operative in all aspects of College life, and to respect authority.

Principle 5

Each student has the right not to be exposed to harmful substances, influences or immoral behaviour in the College environment. Each student has the responsibility not to behave in a manner that could negatively influence others.

Principle 6

Parents have the right to expect that their child will be treated fairly, reasonably and consistently by the Principal and staff in the implementation of the Code of Conduct and to expect that their children will be educated in a loving and disciplined environment in which love for God and others is encouraged. Parents have the responsibility to support the College in its efforts to maintain a positive teaching and learning environment, and to provide a loving and disciplined home environment in which love for God and others is encouraged.

Principle 7

Each teacher has the right to be able to teach in an orderly and cooperative environment. Students have the right to learn in an orderly and cooperative environment and to be able to develop their God-given talents and abilities. Each teacher has the responsibility to maintain an orderly and co-operative environment. Students have the responsibility to develop their God-given talents and abilities for His glory and to do nothing that would prevent others from learning.