Keeping Our Kids Safe – Undertanding the Child Safe Standards
At Elevation Secondary College, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. All children have the right to feel safe, be respected, and be supported – everywhere, especially at school.
To help make this happen, all schools in Victoria must follow the Child Safe Standards. These are 11 important standards designed to keep children safe from all forms of harm, including abuse, discrimination and neglect. They guide how we create a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all students, regardless of their background or needs.
This means we:
- Listen to and empower children to speak up if they feel unsafe
- Make sure staff and volunteers are trained and know how to keep children safe
- Create a school culture where everyone feels welcome, respected and included
- Work in partnership with families and the community
- Respond quickly and appropriately if concerns are raised
We want families to understand these important standards and how they shape the way we work. That’s why, in each school newsletter, we’ll highlight one Child Safe Standard, explaining what it means and how it helps protect children.
Together, we can make our school a safe and supportive place for every child.
Natalie Conboy
Assistant Principal – Community Engagement, Inclusion & Wellbeing
Supporting VCE Stress
Dear Families,
VCE is one of the most challenging stages in a young person’s education. It’s a time of high expectations, which can feel overwhelming for both students and families. Your support is vital—not only for academic success but also for helping your teen stay healthy and balanced.
Healthy Routines
Simple, nurturing habits provide the foundation teens need to thrive. Offer balanced meals and snacks, encourage a consistent bedtime routine with limited screen time, and supporting regular physical activity to ease stress and lift mood.
Managing Stress
Managing stress is as important as managing study loads. Mindfulness apps like Smiling Mind or Headspace, calming background music, and avoiding overscheduling all help. A peaceful, low-pressure home atmosphere also makes a difference.
Staying Connected
Listening without judgment and acknowledging how tough this year can be reassures your teen that their best effort is enough. Open communication shifts the focus from pressure about results to overall wellbeing.
Social Needs
Positive friendships reduce stress and build resilience. Downtime with friends isn’t wasted—it strengthens focus, motivation, and balance.
Study Habits
Good study habits prevent last-minute stress. Encourage breaking tasks into chunks, using active strategies like self-quizzing, and writing down worries before exams to clear the mind.
Positive Mindset
Setbacks can be reframed as opportunities to learn. Praising effort, normalising mistakes, and encouraging reflection nurtures resilience and motivation.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your teen through this important year. Together, we can help them face VCE with strength, balance, and hope.
Wellbeing Team
Support Numbers
If you are a young person or are supporting a Young person, and need emergency support over the school holidays time, please contact:
· Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
· DirectLine: 1800 888 236 (Free Call)
· FrontYard Crisis accommodation support: 9977 0077
· Lifeline: 13 11 14
· Griefline: 1300 845 745
· eheadspace: 1800 650 890 or https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
· Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au
· Head to Help: 1800 595 212
· Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au