Statement of Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing

At Westbourne Grammar School, we have zero tolerance for child abuse, racism  and discrimination. We are committed to acting in a child’s and young person’s best interest, wellbeing and in keeping them safe from harm. The school regards its child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance and as such, is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws, regulations and maintaining a child safe culture.

Westbourne Grammar School is committed to the protection of children and young people from all forms of child abuse and demonstrates this commitment through the implementation of comprehensive Child Safety and Wellbeing Programs designed to keep children and young people safe.

Westbourne Grammar School is committed to embedding a respectful and inclusive culture,  creating environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is authentically acknowledged and celebrated, where children and young people, families and community members are welcoming and included.

To achieve this, the school will:

  • Include an Acknowledgement of Country at school assemblies, staff meetings, performances and events.
  • Consult with families and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to identify opportunities to promote indigenous culture and practices in our learning and teaching programs.
  • Provide opportunities for children and young people to share and freely express their cultural identity.
  • Celebrate NAIDOC week and acknowledge significant events including National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week.
  • Include indigenous history, cultural programs and studies in our curriculum framework.
  • Provide indigenous cultural awareness training opportunities and experiences to staff.

Westbourne Grammar School is committed to embedding an inclusive and respectful environment where diversity and equity of all children and young people are valued.

To achieve this, the school will:

  • Actively promote the importance of inclusion in our school community.
  • Welcome and support the participation of children and young people including; children and young people with disabilities, children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children and young people that identify as LGBTIQA+, children and young people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
  • Provide opportunities for children and young people to share their stories and experiences (student voice), freely express themselves.
  • Acknowledge and celebrate important diversity and inclusion dates and cultural and religious dates.
  • Have zero tolerance of racism and other forms of discrimination and take action when identified.
  • Educate staff and students in celebrating diversity and equity and recognising and addressing racism and discrimination.

A Child Safe School

  • Has zero tolerance for child abuse
  • Actively works to listen to and empower children
  • Has systems to protect children from abuse, and will take all allegations and concerns very seriously and responds to them consistently in line with the School’s policies and procedures
  • Is committed to promoting physical, emotional and cultural safety for all children
  • Is committed to providing a safe environment for all children.

Child Safe Responsibilities

Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. All members of the School Board, Staff, Homestay families as well as Direct Contact Volunteers have a shared responsibility for contributing to the safety and protection of children and young adults

At Westbourne Grammar School, we have a zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to acting in a child’s best interest and in keeping them safe from harm. The School regards its child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance and as such, is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and maintain a child safe culture.

The School has developed the following Child Safe policies and procedures in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards:

Child Safety Officers

A number of senior staff members have been nominated as Child Safety Officers. They are the first point of contact for raising child protection concerns within the School. They are also responsible for championing child protection with the School and assisting in coordinating responses to child protection incidents.

Contact details for our Child Safety Officers are listed below:

Head of Senior School

Deputy Head of Senior School

Director of Yr. 9

Head of Junior School

Deputy Head of Junior School

Head of Campus Yr. 3-6

Head of Amici/Winjeel

Head of Campus, Williamstown

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