Dear Friends,

Historically the Catholic Church has met with many challenges both within its own community and in conflict with the public.  I know that recent media reports of the trial and conviction of Cardinal Pell in Melbourne has caused distress to many.

Whilst the trial is separate and distinct from our area of responsibility in this Catholic school, it focuses us to be particularly mindful of those who have suffered abuse in the past and how these reports will affect them.

I assure you we currently administer an education system which provides the safest possible environment for all our students and staff and, while the trial and media reporting has been extremely difficult to watch, it in no way detracts from the work we are doing.

The safety and welfare of students remains our absolute top priority. The child safety approaches administered by our dedicated teachers and leaders assure we are held to the highest professional and regulatory standards. They are embedded in organisational governance, policy, procedures, practice and culture. It is a key responsibility for everyone who works or volunteers in Catholic education.

Our system already undertakes training on a regular basis in areas of child protection such as reportable conduct, mandatory reporting, privacy and confidentiality, detecting and responding to trauma, conducting investigations and how to identify signs of harm and facilitate child-friendly ways for children to express their views, participate in decision-making and raise their concerns.

The creation this year of the Child Safe Advocate role (Emily Capper has this role at Holy Trinity)  supporting every systemic Catholic school in the Archdiocese, consolidates our commitment to child safety and protection from all sources of abuse. This commitment to child safety in every aspect of school life will continue and we must remain vigilant.

Catholic schools are highly valued because they provide safe learning environments. I am confident this will continue to be the case.

Please remember that every support is available for any members of our community whose suffering and distress may be heightened at this time. As Christian communities, we are called to listen and tend to the needs of the wounded, whatever may be the source of their suffering. We do this with open hearts and open minds, addressing the needs before us.