At Mount Carmel, student and staff safety is our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure and supportive environment where everyone feels safe and respected. Our safety efforts focus on several key areas:

• Physical Safety: We regularly review and update our school building’s security features, including secure entrances, surveillance systems, and well-trained staff to monitor the campus. Emergency drills, such as fire and lockdown drills, are conducted regularly to ensure everyone is prepared in case of an emergency. The college has already conducted its mandatory emergency and lock down drills this term in the last fortnight.
• Hands-Off Rule: To ensure all student’s personal space and dignity is respected, the College enforces a hands-off rule where physical contact with peers is not allowed. This includes but is not limited to wrestling, play fighting, tackling, pushing, through to any manner of threatening or physical contact with intent.
• Mental and Emotional Well-Being: We understand that safety goes beyond physical security. Our counselling services and peer support programs help students cope with stress, bullying, and mental health challenges. We strive to foster an inclusive environment where all students feel supported and valued.
• Digital Safety: In today’s world, online safety is just as important as physical safety. We educate students on responsible internet use, cyberbullying prevention, and data privacy. More recently we have provided parents access to online webinars to help assist in digital safety at home. Our IT department also ensures secure networks and online learning platforms to protect students from digital threats.
• Visitors to the School: To ensure the safety of our students, all visitors to Mount Carmel are required to sign in at the main office reception and wear an identification badge while on campus. We also conduct thorough background checks on any individuals who interact closely with students, including volunteers and guest speakers.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection: The well-being of every student is paramount. Our staff undergoes regular training in child protection policies and procedures to identify and respond to signs of abuse or neglect. There is designated safeguarding training for leadership team members who are available to support students and address any concerns. We also encourage parents and students to report any safety concerns to ensure a safe learning environment for all.

We encourage all members of our school community to report concerns, ensuring we can address any issues quickly and effectively. Please do not hesitate to direct any concerns or further clarifications regarding any of our safety policies, procedures, or guidelines to any member of the College Leadership Team.

Together, we are building a safe space for learning and growth.

Stay safe, keep well, go gently.

Ms Samantha Giles