This Policy can be accessed via The All Staff Google Drive here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X9OrrD136bhi9vZvowadv7SogfzC5pNx/view?usp=drive_link
Northside Christian College is committed to maintaining a child safe environment with zero tolerance for child abuse. The Child Safety Policy, Code of Conduct and Procedure (Nov 2025) makes clear that every adult working in the College shares responsibility for protecting children and young people, whether on campus, online, on camps, excursions or any College-related activity. The best interests of the child are always the highest priority, and all students have the right to feel safe, respected and heard.
The College is committed to the safety of all students, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, culturally and linguistically diverse students, students with disability and those who may be vulnerable or at risk. Students are taught about personal safety, respectful relationships and how to raise concerns. Staff are supported by trained Child Protection Workers — Heather Cootee (Head of Student Wellbeing) and Jared Stocks (Chaplain) — who can provide guidance and support when concerns arise.
All staff have legal and professional responsibilities to report concerns about child abuse. Mandatory reporters, including teachers and counsellors, must report to Child Protection when they reasonably believe a child is being physically or sexually abused and not protected. In addition, all adults must report to Police if they believe a sexual offence has been committed against a child under 16. You do not need proof to report — reasonable concern is enough — and if a child is in immediate danger, 000 must be called.
The College’s Child Safety Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for how adults must behave when working with students. This includes maintaining professional boundaries, using only approved communication channels, avoiding being alone with students unnecessarily, and never engaging in inappropriate, secretive or overly familiar behaviour. These standards protect both students and staff and ensure safe, transparent relationships.
When a concern is raised, the College will act to keep the child safe, notify authorities, record and manage the issue appropriately and provide support to those affected. Staff who raise concerns in good faith are protected and supported. Child safety is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff are expected to speak up, ask questions and act whenever something does not feel right.
