PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Michael Gray, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and our Wider School Community;
As a Catholic primary school striving to support high quality learning, faith formation of young people, building respectful relationships and an environment of safety for all, the media coverage of the sex abuse trial of Cardinal George Pell this last week has been confronting. I’m sure this coverage placed many questions in the minds of students, staff, families and the wider community.
With this in mind I did speak with staff on Tuesday and indicated to all teachers that it would be important to be sensitive to our students and families and provide supportive information, with age appropriate discussion of these issues as needed. As a teaching group we are very well trained in supporting students' dialogue and are very conscious of ensuring issues at our school are worked through in an atmosphere of openness and honesty, in a safe and supported environment with the opportunity for dialogue as required.
In 2018 we also embarked on the Respectful Relationships program which supports staff, community and children developing healthy, robust and informed friendships and relationships. While for many students, especially our younger children, media issues can be outside their everyday consciousness, some students and parents will be acutely aware of the broad issues that these discussions can evoke. These would include notions of personal safety, human sexuality, gender identity, trust, wrongdoing, the rule of law in a democracy, our judicial system and trial fairness, feelings of guilt and fair exercise of power.
At this time St. Joseph’s is mindful of those who are distressed by this discussion, including those who have suffered so much because of abuse. St. Joseph’s Parish will continue to offer help to anyone who has suffered abuse. If anyone in our community needs further professional support, please refer to Lifeline 131114; or your local CASA support agency.
At St. Joseph’s Primary School we will also continue our long term commitment to the safety of children. In real terms at St. Joseph’s, this includes health and personal safety curriculum, respectful relationships amongst all, mandatory reporting of emotional, sexual and physical abuse, supporting court parenting orders, support for all agencies including Child First, Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and the Victorian Registrations and Qualifications Agency policies. This commitment includes active engagement with all Government legislation on Child Safety and Catholic Education employment policy which also considers staffing and volunteers.
I thank Fr. John, our staff, parents, guardians and our students for their commitment to a safe and happy environment at St. Joseph’s. Fr. John spoke at all Sunday masses on this topic and also reiterated his commitment to supporting those who need help, the rule of law and active engaged support for all. Attached with this newsletter is the Bishop of Ballarat, Paul Bird’s (CSsR) statement regarding the Cardinals case.
Important Updates: School Programs
This Wednesday the Season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday.
On Thursday our Middle and Senior School Sports Day will take place, see Sports Co-ordinator's Update Reports for program details. All welcome with parking available on the Middle School Oval, entry via Bromfield Street.
On Friday an important whole school mass to celebrate the start of the school year and St. Joseph’s Day will be held at St. Joseph’s Church starting at 10am. Our 2019 School Leaders will also be presented their leadership badges and formally inducted to this important student leadership program.
Community Conversation Update
Parents are invited to participate in a Community Conversation process. Community Conversation is a forum that seeks to listen, understand and explore what is important to the school community.
We were planning to do this Community Conversation as a parent evening but as we have had a small number of registrations we are going to change how this process will work.
Students and staff will still participate on Tuesday 5th March, 2019. We will invite parents to contribute via an electronic form which will be published in a future newsletter.