Catholic schools and parishes across the Diocese of Sale are uniting to celebrate Child Safety Week, with the voices of young people taking centre stage.
Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sale Most Reverend Greg Bennet and Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale Maria Kirkwood applauded the hundreds of children and young people who created posters and video messages to promote child safety in their communities.
Natalie Kokab and Summer Magee of Mary MacKillop Primary School in Narre Warren North were awarded for ‘best entry poster’.
The school also won in the ‘best video entry’ category.
In a video message posted online, Bishop Bennet said the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people was the highest pastoral and moral priority in the Diocese of Sale.
“All children have the right to grow and develop in a safe community and reach their God-given potential. This year’s Child Safety Week theme is, ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’,” Bishop Bennet said.
Bishop Bennet said he was delighted to see the artwork created by young people who responded to the Diocese’s Child Safety Competition asking them, ‘What makes them feel safe and supported in their community?’
“I hope the posters and videos will inspire discussion in schools, church groups, within families and the wider community and build on the great work being done to keep young people safe,” Bishop Bennet said.
Ms Kirkwood said extensive work had taken place to build and implement systems that keep children safe in schools and church communities guided by Victorian Child Safe Standards, which will continue.
“Listening to the voices of young people, and truly hearing them, is so important in guiding the work we do to keep children safe,” she said.
“Everyone has a role in keeping children safe. I encourage parents, grandparents and carers to have conversations with the young people in their lives about child safety. Being aware of the type of websites and apps that young people may access is also important to your child’s safety.”
Catholic schools and parishes will be sharing artwork, lessons, and resources with young people and families during Child Safety Week, from Sunday 4 September to Sunday 11 September.
