Child Safe Framework

CEWA Child Safe Framework

At St Mary’s College, the safety and wellbeing of every child is at the heart of all we do. Guided by the CEWA Child Safe Framework, we are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every student feels safe, valued, and supported.

This framework applies to all Catholic schools across Western Australia, including staff, parents, and volunteers. It is research-informed and aligned with the National Child Safe Organisation Principles, tailored specifically for educational settings.

The framework outlines three Key Practices and nine Elements, providing clear guidance for schools to build and sustain safe learning environments. Each element includes practical actions and indicators of best practice, supporting continuous improvement in child safety.

St Mary’s College offers a range of scholarships to students who display commitment and motivation in the areas of learning, creativity, leadership, collaboration and community.

Living Our Values Through Child Safety- three Key Practices:

Our commitment to child safety is deeply connected to our core values of courage, love, empathy, acceptance, and resilience. These values shape the way we care for one another and create a strong, inclusive community.

Situational Prevention

We demonstrate courage and responsibility by actively reviewing and improving our environments to ensure they are safe for all. Through open, transparent spaces—both physical and online—we promote visibility and accountability, helping every child feel secure and supported.

Extended Guardianship

Inspired by love and empathy, we recognise that child safety is everyone’s responsibility. Every adult in our community plays a vital role in protecting and nurturing the wellbeing of children and young people.

Healthy Respectful Relationships

Grounded in acceptance and respect, we foster positive relationships where every individual is treated with dignity. We model inclusive behaviours and encourage students to build connections based on kindness, understanding, and mutual care.

Child Safety Elements:

The Child-Safe Framework encompasses nine fundamental components, built upon contemporary, evidence-based research in child safety within institutions. It aligns with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

At St Mary’s College, the Child Safe Framework is embedded across our curriculum, ensuring a consistent and developmentally appropriate approach to student wellbeing from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Our teaching incorporates the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum, an evidence-based program developed through collaboration between child protection specialists, educators, and industry professionals. The Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum (KSCPC) is the child safety and respectful relationships curriculum CEWA uses to provide age and developmentally appropriate activities for children and young people from age 3 to Year 12 (age 17+).

At the heart of this learning is our commitment to empowering every student with the understanding that they have a right to feel safe at all times. We support students to develop the confidence, courage, and skills to protect their own wellbeing, including the ability to communicate openly with trusted adults in their community.

Further information about the Child Safe Framework is available on the Catholic Education Western Australia website:
https://childsafe.cewa.edu.au/

Our Commitment

Through the CEWA Child Safe Framework, we continue to build a culture of resilience, where children feel confident, heard, and empowered. Together, we model the values and behaviours that ensure St Mary’s College remains a safe, supportive, and thriving community for all.