Welcome to the Start of Term 1:
Our Ongoing Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing
As we begin the 2026 academic year, I warmly welcome back all students, families, and staff. This is always a time filled with anticipation and renewed focus, and it offers the perfect opportunity to reaffirm one of our most important responsibilities at Antonine College, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every young person.
In my role as Deputy Principal and Child Safety Officer, I remain committed to fostering a culture where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. This term, we continue strengthening our practices in line with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
Highlighting Child Safe Standard 1
Alongside this article, you will find a Child Safe Standard 1 poster from the latest MACS Parent/Carer Newsletter. I encourage all families to take a moment to read it.
This poster summarises how schools create culturally safe environments where the identities and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are honoured and valued. It outlines practical examples, such as celebrating culture, taking a clear stance against racism, working in partnership with families, and ensuring staff engage in ongoing learning that help guide our approach here at Antonine College.
By drawing attention to this resource, I hope families gain a deeper understanding of the essential role each of us plays in upholding a community where every child feels they belong.
Our Child Safety Commitment
Antonine College continues to uphold:
The right of every student to feel safe, respected, and protected
A culture where child safety is a shared responsibility
Clear and accessible reporting processes
Engagement with students so their voices guide our decisions
These commitments are reflected in our Wellbeing for Learning Expectations, which reinforce behaviours and relationships that nurture safety, readiness, and respect which are all essential components of Child Safe Standard 1.
Upcoming Wellbeing Initiatives This Term
This term, students will engage in a range of initiatives that support their wellbeing, confidence, and learning success, including:
Health and Wellbeing lessons, focused on motivation, managing procrastination, building self efficacy‑efficacy, and developing strong study routines
Careers and VCE guidance, helping students set clear goals and understand future pathways
Year-level wellbeing activities that strengthen peer relationships and belonging
A focus on calm and structured learning environments across classrooms
These initiatives reflect our belief that wellbeing is foundational to academic growth and personal development.
Policy Reminders
At the start of term, families are encouraged to revisit the following policies on our website:
Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
Child Safety Code of Conduct
Complaints Handling Policy, including steps for raising child safety concerns
Together, these documents outline how we uphold our legal and ethical responsibilities to protect every child in our care.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in ensuring Antonine College remains a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all.
MACS Care CSS 1 Parent Carer Newsletter Final PDF January 2026
Wellbeing for Learning Expectations
- Ms Helen Diab