A Child-Safe School
Success in life, particularly academically and socially occurs best when we feel safe and connected. Therefore a student’s safety and wellbeing are vitally important for us.
Go here to view our Child Safeguarding Policies.
Where can I go for help?
We encourage any student who feels unsafe to confide in a trusted adult or contact the College’s Child Safeguarding Officers:
- Brett Van Berkel – Deputy Principal – Head of Kildare Campus
- Claire Fabris – Deputy Principal – Head of St Paul’s Campus
- Lucas Drew – Assistant Principal – Staff Wellbeing & Development
- Belinda Gathercole – Counsellor Kildare Campus
- Kristen Webber – Counsellor Kildare Campus
- Megan Marks – Counsellor St Paul’s Campus
- Rebbeca McMahon – Counsellor St Paul’s Campus
Anti-Bullying
Bullying is a known threat to wellbeing. The College has a number of anti-bullying initiatives which are consistent with current approaches to promote positive mental health and resilience in young people.
Any student who is being bullied or who has seen bullying should speak to a Homeroom Teacher, Head of House, Head of Wellbeing, College Counsellor, College Nurse, Child Safeguarding Officer, Deputy Principal – Head of Campus or the Principal. If, for whatever reason they feel uncomfortable about this, they can email any of the Child Safeguarding Officers to alert us to any behaviours at school or online that they believe has a negative effect on themselves or another student.
The Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) is committed to ensuring the ongoing safety of children and young people and supporting Catholic school principals, staff and parents in providing a safe and nurturing school environment. As part of this commitment, the VCEA is pleased to advise of the launch of the updated anti-bullying website Bullying No Way! , managed by the Australian Government in partnership with the state, Catholic and Independent education sectors.
Being safe online
At Lavalla Catholic College we promote the ideals of responsible digital citizenship. This incorporates exploring how to present a positive digital footprint as well as how to protect yourself online.
The internet has a wealth of resources for students and parents to access information to support these ideals.
Information for parents, carers and others in the Lavalla Catholic College community
Our staff have a thorough knowledge of our Child Safeguarding Policies which are integral to ensuring that the young people in our care always feel safe.
We always encourage children who are struggling emotionally to discuss their concerns with parents or carers. In addition, we encourage parents and carers to help their children become familiar with available resources if they need someone different to speak to.
As the people who know their children best, we rely on parents’ and carers’ knowledge to help support our work with them and welcome contact from them at significant times of concern, but also when things simply don’t feel right. The first point of call will usually be homeroom teachers, but if the matter is particularly serious or sensitive, contact should be made with the Campus Head of Wellbeing or Child Safeguarding Officer who will access other resources for support as necessary.