Catholic schools and parishes across the Diocese of Sale will unite to celebrate Child Safety Week (4-11 September 2022) with the voices of young people taking centre stage.
Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet and Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale, Ms Maria Kirkwood applauded the hundreds of children and young people who created posters and video messages to promote child safety in their communities.
Bishop Bennet said the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people was the highest pastoral and moral priority in the Diocese of Sale.
“All children have the right to grow and develop in a safe community and reach their God-given potential. This year’s Child Safety Week theme is, ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.’
Bishop Bennet said he was delighted to see the art work created by young people who responded to the Diocese’s Child Safety Competition asking them, ‘What makes them feel safe and supported in their community?’
“I hope the posters and videos will inspire discussion in schools, church groups, within families and the wider community and build on the great work being done to keep young people safe,” Bishop Bennet said.
Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale, Ms Maria Kirkwood, said extensive work had taken place to build and implement systems that keep children safe in schools, and church communities guided by Victorian Child Safe Standards, and this work continues.
“Listening to the voices of young people, and truly hearing them, is so important in guiding the work we do to keep children safe.
“Everyone has a role in keeping children safe. I encourage parents, grandparents and carers to have conversations with the young people in their lives about child safety. Being aware of the type of websites and apps that young people may access is also important to your child’s safety.”
Catholic schools and parishes will be sharing art work, lessons, and resources with young people and families during Child Safety Week.
The winning entries to the Child Safety Week Art competition can be viewed below.
Julia Lindsay, Sam Carmichael and Maya Garlick - Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha
Janine Robinson - Lumen Christi Primary School, Churchill
Mia Varsaci, Morwell Catholic Parish - Sacred Heart Church
Ava Carew - St Laurence O’Toole Primary School, Leongatha
Natalie Kokab and Summer Magee - Mary MacKillop Primary School, Narre Warren North
Other finalists -additional posters and a video be viewed at :www.ceosale.catholic.edu.au/news-and-events/safety-in-the-spotlight-during-child-safety-week
Child Safety Week in the Diocese of Sale will commence on 4 September and conclude on Safeguarding Sunday on 11 September.
Janine, Lumen Christi Primary School, Churchill Natalie and Summer, Mary Mackillop Primary School, Narre Warren North
Mia, Morwell Catholic Parish -Sacred Heart Church Julia, Sam and Maya - Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha
Ava, St Laurence O’Toole Primary School, Leongatha
Resources available to support families: also see our Child Safety Week main page
Child First:
https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/child-first-and-family-services
Victorian Child safe Standards:
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/publications/child-safe-standards
Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL)
https://www.ceosale.catholic.edu.au/child-safety/child-safety
E Safety Commissioner
Victoria Police https://www.police.vic.gov.au/reporting-sexual-offences-child-abuse
24 Hour Services
Victoria Police: 000
DHHS Child Protection: 131 278
