Good Samaritan Education (GSE) is entrusted to share in the mission of the Church through the ministry of Catholic education. The charism of GSE requires it to sustain and nurture communities of learning that uphold the teachings and mission of Jesus Christ and that draw on the essential values of the Rule of Benedict: love of neighbour, stewardship, community, discipline, hospitality, justice and peace.

GSE holds the care, safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults as a central and fundamental responsibility of its apostolic work. Every person who shares in the work of GSE – the GSE Governing Council, religious, employees, Borad Directors, GSE school staff, contractors, parents and volunteers – is responsible for promoting the inherent dignity of children and vulnerable adults, and for upholding their fundamental right to be respected and nurtured in a safe school environment. 

GSE commits to providing a safe and nurturing culture and learning environment for all children and vulnerable adults. At all times, the ongoing safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults in their care will be the primary focus of care and decision-making, with particular attention paid to the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and vulnerable adults, children and young people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children and young people with a disability. GSE takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.

GSE also commits to:

• taking into consideration the views of children and vulnerable adults about decisions that affect their lives
• empowering children and vulnerable adults by taking their views seriously, and addressing any concerns they may have
• acknowledging the cultural diversity of families and being sensitive to how this may impact on the wellbeing and safety of children and vulnerable adults
• taking proactive steps to prevent child abuse, and identifying risks early so that such risks may be removed or reduced
• staying abreast of and meeting legislative requirements to protect the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults
• continuously reviewing and improving systems and practices to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse
• taking prompt action when allegations of abuse are raised and ensuring that they are appropriately referred and investigated
• providing children and vulnerable adults with the knowledge and skills to understand and maintain their own personal safety
• applying robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff, contractors and volunteers.

Creating and nurturing child-safe school environments is a dynamic process that involves active participation and responsibility by GSE. It is marked by collaboration, vigilance and proactive approaches across policies, procedures, curriculum and operational practices.

To this end, GSE commits to:

• providing regular training and education to all GSE employees on safeguarding;
• implementing the GSE Code of Conduct: Safeguarding, policies, procedures, training to support the acheivement of effective safeguarding practices;
• assisting every person involved in GSE to understand the important and specific role they play, indivdually and collectively, to ensure safeguarding of children and adults.

Moira Najdecki
Chair: GSE Governing Council
August 2021