This week is  National Child Protection Week (7–13 September).

National Child Protection Week reminds us about the important role we play in keeping children and young people safe.

The theme this year is ‘Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action’. It highlights that while open discussions are crucial, words alone are not enough. We must turn dialogue into meaningful action.

While conversations can raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and spark new ideas, real change happens when we take steps to create safer environments for children that prevent them from harm.

This year, Child Protection Week urges us to focus on moving beyond conversations to concrete actions that prevent harm and to focus on strengthening support systems, and empowering communities to actively protect children.

By shifting from conversation to action, we can ensure that every child not only feels heard but also experiences real safety, care, and protection.

As families, we can also use this week as a catalyst to have meaningful conversations with our children about online safety. The following resource has been developed in partnership with the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) to support parents and carers to have these discussions with their children.

Conversation Cards & Advice Sheet 

As a Catholic School, we are deeply committed to a culture where children are safe, supported and nurtured to grow and develop. In our context, this goes far beyond legal obligations because the protection and wellbeing of children and young people is based upon our belief that each person is made in the image and likeness of God, and that the inherent dignity of all should be recognised and fostered.

In a practical sense, we support child safety through regular staff training in child protection, delivering a curriculum that teaches children about safety, implementing policies and procedures for reporting and responding to safety concerns, and fostering a child-safe culture where children's voices are heard and respected. Most importantly, we strive each day to build the kind of positive relationships that mean young people can feel safe to speak to someone if they are concerned about their own safety or the safety of others. 

If you ever have any questions or concerns about Child Safety matters, please don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with me directly, or alternatively, you can contact the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst for more information.

God bless

Angela Myles | Executive Principal