Safe Schools

Untitled Page

Welcome to Safe Schools, a resource dedicated to the needs to students, their families, teachers and school leaders.

Safe schools is about creating an environment where the entire school community can feel safe, secure and supported. It is about building an environment where the diversity of staff, students and their families is recognised, and where human rights are respected. When every student and staff member is supported, each individual can begin to realise their full potential. Put simply, Equal Opportunity is a Human Right.

This section presents information about equal opportunity law in Victoria and its relevance to students, families, teachers and school leaders so we can have a clear understanding of the responsibilities we have to ourselves and to each other. It also provides some general information about Victoria's new Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and suggests ways that this provides an excellent opportunity for schools to embrace and contribute to a developing a human rights culture in Victoria (which includes a culture of Equal Opportunity).

For teachers and school leaders, here is where you’ll find employer guidelines, strategies and tools for ensuring student well-being, curriculum materials, and professional development opportunities.

For students, this is the place to learn more about what ‘equal opportunity’ means to you and your friends, and where you’ll find fun interactivities! And for parents and families, there is information to help you understand the law and how it works, and how you can support your child.

A safe and inclusive school has:

a principal and other school leaders who are committed to promoting equal opportunity for the whole school community
teaching and learning practices that incorporate the diversity of the school community
processes and systems in place that uphold and communicate these values
strategies to ensure that all are accountable for maintaining the highest standards of behaviour
information on how to prevent discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification or victimisation, and where to seek help if these behaviours occur
mechanisms for complaints to be addressed and resolved in a fair and consistent manner.
respect for and understanding of for human rights and embraces the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities in school activities, education and culture.
a principal and other school leaders who are committed to publicly promoting human rights and equal opportunity to the wider school community.