Child Protection & Safety
Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox College is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment for all students. The College prioritises the wellbeing of every child, ensuring that all staff uphold their duty of care through vigilance, accountability, and compassion.
Our Child Protection policies and procedures are informed by the standards and legal obligations outlined by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and supported through ongoing training via AISNSW (Association of Independent Schools of NSW).
Our Commitment to Student Safety
- All staff and volunteers undergo comprehensive screening and clearance checks.
- All staff complete mandatory and regular professional learning in identifying and responding to signs of abuse and neglect.
- The College has clear, confidential processes in place for reporting concerns or disclosures.
- We aim to foster a culture of trust, support, and open communication for all students.
About NESA – Child Protection Requirements
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) outlines specific child protection responsibilities for all schools and registered teachers in NSW. These include:
- Mandatory training in child protection for all accredited teachers
- Ensuring school procedures comply with the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW)
- Maintaining clear guidelines for identifying and reporting risk of harm
NESA ensures that all educational staff are aware of their legal and ethical responsibilities to help keep children safe.
Additional Support through AISNS
The College works closely with the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW) to stay up to date with best practices in child protection. Staff participate in accredited training programs to develop skills in early intervention, safe student relationships, and effective reporting procedures.
Working Together to Keep Students Safe
The responsibility of protecting children is one shared by teachers, parents, carers, and the wider community. Saint Mark’s welcomes family engagement and open communication in building a school culture where student safety and wellbeing are paramount.
Contact Us: office@stmarks.nsw.edu.au
School Address: 52 Australis Ave, Wattle Grove, NSW, 2173