At John Calvin School, we believe that every child is created in the image of God, deeply loved, and deserving of safety, dignity, and respect. As followers of Christ, we are called to protect, nurture, and listen to the children entrusted to our care.
We are committed to providing a child safe and Christ-centred environment where all children and young people are not only protected but also feel safe, valued, and heard. Just as Jesus welcomed and honoured children, we seek to create a community where every student can grow, learn, and thrive under God’s loving guidance.
Our responsibility to safeguard students is not only a legal and ethical obligation but a spiritual calling. The documents linked below outline our child safety policies, responsibilities, and expectations, shared openly with our school community as part of our commitment to transparency and trust.
We invite you to partner with us in this mission, as we work together to reflect Christ’s love in all we do.
Child Safe Organisation Framework
Alignment with the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
At John Calvin School, we believe that every child is a covenant child of God, created in His image and entrusted to our care. In obedience to God’s Word and in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, we are committed to providing a school environment where the safety, well-being, and spiritual growth of all children are safeguarded and nurtured.
The following document outlines how John Calvin School aligns with each of the 10 National Principles, integrating both best-practice standards and a Reformed Christian perspective into our daily operations, governance, and community culture.
1. Child safety and well-being is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
- The School Board, Principal, and leadership team consistently prioritise child safety as a key part of our educational and spiritual mission.
- Leadership sets a clear example of child-safe values rooted in Scripture and reflected in school governance, planning, and staff training.
- All staff required to complete the safeguarding children course run by the Australian Childhood foundation www.childhood.org.au
- Regular reviews and updates ensure our child safety policies meet legal obligations and reflect our Christian values.
“Train up a child in the way he should go.” – Proverbs 22:6
2. Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
- Students are taught, in age-appropriate ways, about their rights to be safe, respected, and cared for, in light of their identity as children of God.
- Structures such as student councils, pastoral care programs, and class discussions provide students with opportunities to voice concerns and be heard.
- Staff are trained to take every concern seriously, responding with empathy and respect.
3. Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and well-being
- We recognise that parents are the primary caregivers and partners in education and safety.
- Parents are kept informed about child safety practices and are encouraged to engage with relevant policies and events.
- Our communication reflects a strong home-school partnership based on mutual respect and shared Christian responsibility.
4. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
- John Calvin School welcomes all students regardless of ability or background, recognising each child’s God-given worth.
- Additional care is provided for students with particular needs, including those from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children with disability.
- Our policies are applied fairly and sensitively, in accordance with both Scripture and legislation.
5. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and well-being values in practice
- All staff and volunteers undergo rigorous screening processes, including Working with Children Checks and reference checks.
- Ongoing training in child safety, Reformed Christian ethics, and mandatory reporting is provided to all staff.
- A clear code of conduct outlines expectations for safe, respectful, and Christlike behaviour.
6. Processes to respond to complaints and concerns are child-focused
- Complaint and reporting procedures are simple, accessible, and child-friendly.
- Staff are trained to manage disclosures with compassion and confidentiality, prioritising the best interests of the child.
- The school works with relevant authorities when necessary, in accordance with both legal and biblical principles.
7. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe
- All new and continuing staff receive comprehensive training in child protection, professional boundaries, and student wellbeing.
- The training includes a focus on Christian responsibility and discernment in caring for the vulnerable.
- Staff are empowered to act when concerns arise, with clear procedures and leadership support.
8. Physical and online environments promote safety and well-being while minimising the opportunity for harm
- School facilities are designed and monitored to support safe supervision and accessibility..
- Online safety education is integrated into the curriculum, and strict policies guide student and staff use of technology.
- Risk assessments are conducted for school activities, excursions, and digital platforms.
9. Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved
- Child safety practices are reviewed annually by school leadership and the Board.
- Feedback from parents, students, and staff is used to continually strengthen our culture of safety.
- Our leadership remains committed to improvement and compliance with changing laws and expectations.
10. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people
- All child safety policies are documented, up-to-date, and accessible to the school community.
- These include clear procedures for reporting concerns, managing risks, and outlining staff responsibilities.
- Policy implementation is monitored and supported through leadership oversight and staff accountability.
Conclusion
At John Calvin School, we see child safety as part of our God-given duty to protect, nurture, and disciple the children in our care. Our alignment with the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations reflects our commitment not only to legal and ethical standards, but to living out the love, justice, and holiness of our Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of school life.
For more information or to view our Child Safe policies and procedures, please check the policies and procedures link.
Policies and Procedures
Child Safe Incident/Concern Reporting
If you believe a child is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, please call 000 immediately.
At John Calvin School, we are committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards. These standards require all organisations working with children to have clear procedures for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse.
The reporting form below can be used by students, parents/carers, staff, volunteers, or any member of the school community to raise concerns related to child safety.
This form should be used to report:
- Suspected Reportable Conduct
- Breaches of the Child Safe Code of Conduct
- Professional Misconduct or inappropriate behaviour by staff or adults in the school community. (This includes the Principal and Leadership Team, teaching and non-teaching staff, casual or temporary staff, volunteers, contractors, external providers, teaching students on placement, parents/carers, and other adult family members or visitors associated with the school).
- Complaints/Issues Form
- Complaints/Concerns Policy
- JCS Responding to Child Abuse and Allegations Policy
- JCS Volunteer Policy
- JCS Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy
- JCS Staff Code of Conduct Policy
- JCS Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Young people
- JCS Safeguarding Children and Young People Commitment Statement
- JCS Safeguarding Children and Young People Governance Statement
- JCS External service provider policy
- JCS Crisis Communication and Management Policy.pdf
- JCS Anti-bullying and harassment policy