Child Safeguarding at Marist College Canberra
One of the most powerful lessons with my Year 12 “Exploring Meaning” classes is taking a tour of the College and visiting a range of special and significant places. We explore the Junior School, Oval Number 1, the different House areas, and the Hall of Fame among other sites, and discuss the variety of ways that these places or symbols can create meaning or significance for an individual or groups.
There is one place we visit which has a particular significance and importance – the plaque in remembrance of the students who were victims of sexual abuse at the school. It is poignant stop for our class tour. The atmosphere when we stop and discuss the plaque and what it means demonstrates that our boys understand the significance of remembering this part our College history. It really is a powerful lesson for our boys, one that the College has had a history that we should always remember and acknowledge.
After the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Marist College and the Marist Brothers have committed to the healing process and reconciling our past with our hopes for the future. As a Marist College, we have a deep understanding of the hurt and impact of institutional child abuse, and as an organisation, we have committed to building an institution where all members are safe. The plaque, which is placed at the front of the College, is just one small demonstration of our commitment to safeguarding all in our care. We know of course, that platitudes will never distinguish or reduce the hurt of those who suffered.
Our safeguarding approach is guided by the Australian Child Safeguarding Principles, and affects all levels of our governance, policies, and operations. The development of the Australian Child Safeguarding Principles was a response to the growing recognition of the need to better protect children from abuse and harm. The ten principles are designed to provide guidance for all institutions that work with children, including schools, to effectively commit to ensuring the safety of children in their care and to prevent institutional abuse. The framework helps promote child safety, ensures we prevent harm with concerted and conscious effort in policies and processes, and ensures appropriate responses occur when any issue arises.
In many ways, my role as Chief Safeguarding Officer is the most important role I have at the College. I have oversight of each of the domains and regularly investigate how each principle is being applied in the College setting. The ten principles are intwined in our pastoral care system, our codes of conduct for teachers and students, in our philosophies of teaching, and even present on the sidelines of our sporting fields. The policies guide our approach to employment, and behaviour management. Our commitment to these principles is not about compliance, instead, our philosophy of loving all within our care and doing everything we can to support and protect them from harm.
Our Child Safe Program and Policy are linked below, and parents are welcome to familiarise themselves with the documents. It provides some detail into the governance the College has over ensuring we meet the principles and standards of being a child safe organisation.
Child Safe Program
Child Safeguarding Policy
I welcome feedback or questions, or if you have any concerns regarding the policy. If you would like to provide feedback, please click here or email me directly at liamstakelum@mcc.act.edu.au.
Servo Fidem,
Liam Stakelum
Acting Headmaster
