Monday 1 September 2025
At Catholic Education Sandhurst, we are committed to building safe, supportive and nurturing environments across all our schools. This year we join communities across Australia in marking National Child Protection Week (September 7-13) with the theme 'Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action'.
For the Safeguarding Team at Catholic Education Sandhurst, this isn’t just a theme, it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that safeguarding is not something we do only when there’s a crisis. It’s something we live, every day, in every interaction, no matter how small. A smile in the hallway, a moment of active listening on a phone call, a word of encouragement to a colleague. These are not just gestures, they are threads that weave together a culture of safety, trust and care.
This year, we are encouraging our community to engage with the newly released documentary Seen - The Film. It’s a powerful film that speaks to the heart of our mission: that every child deserves to feel noticed, valued and understood. It challenges us to put aside distractions, be present in the moment and truly connect — not just with the children in our care, but with each other.
For many of us, our connection to safeguarding runs deeper than our professional role. We are parents, grandparents, carers, aunties, uncles or mentors. This week is an invitation to pause and reflect: In our own homes and families, are we giving the kind of time, attention and safe space that we want for the students in our schools? Are we modelling the love, patience and presence we hope our young people will experience every day?
Even if we don’t work face-to-face with students, the work we do at Catholic Education Sandhurst directly shapes the culture and safety of all 51 of our schools. Every policy we write, every decision we make, every piece of advice we give has the potential to protect and empower children.
As we enter Child Protection Week, let’s choose to make every conversation count. Let’s be intentional in our words, generous in our listening and bold in our actions. Together, let’s commit to the small but powerful actions that help every child feel safe, seen and supported.
Explore resources curated by the Catholic Education Sandhurst Safeguarding Team - prayers, social captions, newsletter inserts, classroom activities and podcasts - designed to help every school community act on the theme 'Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action'.
Quick Links
- National Child Protection Week website - https://www.napcan.org.au/ncpw/
- National Child Protection Week digital assets - https://www.napcan.org.au/get-involved-2025-2/
- Seen: The Film - https://seenthefilm.com/
Statistics
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In Australia, nearly 180,000 children came into contact with the child protection system last year.
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Safety and connection matter more than ever with almost 45,000 children living in out-of-home care.
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We must stay alert and engaged following a 45% rise in online exploitation reports last year.
Child Protection Week Prayer Resource 2025
Opening Reflection (Secondary/Whole School)
This week we celebrate National Child Protection Week, a time to remember that every child is precious in God’s eyes.
The theme this year is: “Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action.”
The theme this year is: “Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action.”
As a school community, we are called to make sure our words and actions help every person feel safe, respected, and seen.
With trust in God’s love, we now bring our prayers for children, families, and communities everywhere.
With trust in God’s love, we now bring our prayers for children, families, and communities everywhere.
Opening Reflection (Primary/Child-Friendly)
This week is Child Protection Week.
It reminds us that God loves every child and wants us all to feel safe and cared for.
Let us pray together for children, families, and our school community.
It reminds us that God loves every child and wants us all to feel safe and cared for.
Let us pray together for children, families, and our school community.
General Prayer (Adult/Staff Use)
Loving God,
You created each child in your image,
precious, valued, and worthy of love.
You created each child in your image,
precious, valued, and worthy of love.
We pray for our schools, families, and communities:
may they be places of safety, respect, and kindness,
where every young person feels seen and heard.
may they be places of safety, respect, and kindness,
where every young person feels seen and heard.
Bless the conversations we share this week.
May our words build trust,
our listening bring healing,
and our actions protect the most vulnerable among us.
May our words build trust,
our listening bring healing,
and our actions protect the most vulnerable among us.
Through the example of Jesus,
who welcomed children with open arms,
may we always place the dignity and safety of children at the centre of our care.
who welcomed children with open arms,
may we always place the dignity and safety of children at the centre of our care.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Amen.
Classroom Prayer (Primary/Student-Friendly)
Dear God,
Thank you for loving us and keeping us safe.
Help our families, friends and teachers
to always listen, care, and protect us.
Thank you for loving us and keeping us safe.
Help our families, friends and teachers
to always listen, care, and protect us.
Bless our school,
so it is a place where everyone feels welcome,
happy, and seen.
so it is a place where everyone feels welcome,
happy, and seen.
May we use kind words,
help each other,
and make our world safe for every child.
help each other,
and make our world safe for every child.
Amen.
Classroom Prayer (Secondary/Student-Friendly)
Loving God,
You see each of us and know us by name.
You give us voices to speak, ears to listen, and hearts to care.
You see each of us and know us by name.
You give us voices to speak, ears to listen, and hearts to care.
During this Child Protection Week,
help us to use our words to build trust,
our actions to protect others,
and our listening to understand those who feel unheard.
help us to use our words to build trust,
our actions to protect others,
and our listening to understand those who feel unheard.
Remind us that even small conversations can bring comfort,
and that standing up for what is right makes a difference.
Give us courage to notice when something isn’t safe
and to seek help when we or others need it.
and that standing up for what is right makes a difference.
Give us courage to notice when something isn’t safe
and to seek help when we or others need it.
Bless our school community,
that it may always be a place where every person feels valued, respected, and seen.
that it may always be a place where every person feels valued, respected, and seen.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Amen.
Prayers of the Faithful (Mass or Assembly)
Leader: Trusting in God who sees and loves every child, we bring our prayers before Him.
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For the Church
That our communities may always be places of welcome, safety and care, where children know they are loved as precious gifts of God.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer. -
For children and young people
That they may feel seen, heard, and respected, and know that their voices matter.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer. -
For parents, carers and families
That God will strengthen them to nurture children with patience, kindness, and open hearts, and to find support when they need it.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer. -
For our schools
That every classroom and playground will be a place of safety, friendship, and encouragement, where conversations build trust and hope.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer. -
For our leaders and communities
That we may work together to protect the vulnerable, uphold justice, and act with compassion in all we do.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: Loving God, You see each of us and call us by name. Hear our prayers and help us to act with courage and love, so that every child may grow in safety and peace. Through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
All: Amen.
Social Media Post
This week we’re recognising National Child Protection Week and its theme 'Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action'.
At [insert school] we are committed to ensuring every child feels safe, seen and supported.
Let’s take this week to reflect on the small conversations that make a big difference in our children’s lives.
Let’s take this week to reflect on the small conversations that make a big difference in our children’s lives.
We invite all parents and carers to watch the powerful documentary Seen: The Film. It’s a moving reminder that even a few minutes of undivided attention can make all the difference in a child’s world.
Let’s make every conversation count in our homes, schools and communities.
Newsletter Inserts
Ready-to-use pieces for weekly newsletter
This year’s Child Protection Week theme is 'Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action'.
At [school name], we are committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for children and young people. This Child Protection Week, we’re reminded that every conversation has the power to protect, encourage and heal. The documentary Seen - The Film is a moving reminder of how being truly present with our children – even for just a few minutes – can change their sense of safety and belonging. We encourage all parents and carers to watch Seen - The Film and reflect on how the simple act of listening can shape a child’s future. Together, let’s turn our conversations into lasting action.
At [school name], we are committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for children and young people. This Child Protection Week, we’re reminded that every conversation has the power to protect, encourage and heal. The documentary Seen - The Film is a moving reminder of how being truly present with our children – even for just a few minutes – can change their sense of safety and belonging. We encourage all parents and carers to watch Seen - The Film and reflect on how the simple act of listening can shape a child’s future. Together, let’s turn our conversations into lasting action.
Start the conversation - online safety at home
Launching a regular series for parents, this first A4 insert helps families start regular chats about respectful online behaviour, privacy, app age restrictions and where to find trusted advice from the eSafety Commissioner.
Classroom Activity Guide
Early Years Guide (Ages 4–7)
Opening discussion/reflection
Objective: Understand what it means to feel safe, valued and seen.
Prompt questions:
Prompt questions:
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What does it mean to feel safe at school and at home?
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Can you share a time someone listened to you and cared?
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Why do our conversations with others matter?
Activity idea
Safe and Seen brainstorm – students draw or write one way they feel safe and one way they feel truly noticed. Share in small groups or on a class wall.
Mini less/resource
Video: Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson – Early Years (Daniel Morcombe Foundation)
Discussion points:
Discussion points:
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Knowing the difference between safe secrets and unsafe secrets
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Telling a safe adult if something feels wrong
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We can all make others feel safe
Activity ideas
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Role-play conversations: 'What was the best part of your day?'
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Class poster: 'Safe Secrets vs Unsafe Secrets'
Art/creative expression
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Draw or collage: 'I feel safe when...'
Conversation starters
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When did someone make you feel safe this week?
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What is one thing I can do to help a friend feel seen?
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Why does it matter to listen before we speak?
Parent engagement
Send home a 'Conversation Card' asking: 'What was one part of your day that made you feel proud or happy?'
Upper Primary Guide (Ages 8–12)
Opening discussion/reflection
Objective: Understand the role of trusted adults in keeping safe.
Prompt questions:
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Who do you talk to when you feel unsafe or unsure?
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What makes someone a 'safe helper'?
Activity idea
'Safe Helpers' brainstorm - students draw or list trusted adults in their life.
Mini lesson/resource
Video: Safety Helpers (Daniel Morcombe Foundation)
Discussion points:
Discussion points:
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Identifying safe adults and building a safety network
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Speaking up if you feel unsafe
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Helping friends find a safe helper
Activity ideas
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Create or update a class 'Safe Helpers' poster
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Role-play asking a safe helper for help
Art/creative expression
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Draw or list your personal safety network
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Design a poster on 'Ways we can help each other feel safe'
Conversation starters
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Who is someone you trust and why?
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What could you do if you didn’t feel safe?
Parent engagement
Send home a 'Safe Helpers' activity for families to complete together.
Secondary Guide (Years 7–12)
Opening discussion/reflection
Objective: Understand how online conversations and actions impact safety.
Prompt questions:
Prompt questions:
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How do online interactions shape our relationships?
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What can we do if someone is treated unfairly online?
Mini less/resource
Video: Tagged – When it all gets out of hand (eSafety Commissioner)
Discussion points:
Discussion points:
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The impact of cyberbullying and online rumours
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The role of bystanders in preventing harm
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How to be an 'upstander' online
Activity ideas
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Create a 'Digital Respect Pledge' as a class
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Brainstorm practical steps to support someone targeted online
Art/creative expression
Design a digital safety poster or social media graphic that promotes respectful online behaviour
Conversation starters
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What would you do if something hurtful about you was shared online?
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How could you support a friend who is being cyberbullied?
Parent engagement
Send home a conversation prompt: 'Ask your teenager: What do you do when someone shares something upsetting about you online?'
Podcasts
Closing the Net (Australian Federal Police & ACCCE)
Why it matters: This award-winning series dives into the serious issue of online child sexual exploitation, offering insight into how predators groom and target children, and what communities can do to combat it.
Why it matters: This award-winning series dives into the serious issue of online child sexual exploitation, offering insight into how predators groom and target children, and what communities can do to combat it.
Click here for more details.
Stories from Berry Street (Berry Street)
Why it matters: Hosted by ABC’s Richelle Hunt, this podcast humanises the realities of child protection, focusing on trauma, family violence, early intervention and healing. It blends hard truths with hopeful solutions your whole community can learn from.
Click here for more details.
Child Safeguarding Podcast (Poynting Consulting & Advisory)
Why it matters: An interview-style podcast tailored for professionals in child-serving organisations. Featuring conversations with leaders in child safety, it highlights how to embed National Child Safe Principles in practice.
Listen to the podcast
Listen to the podcast
Your Law Talk: National Child Protection Week (JOY Drive radio)
Why it matters: A concise and engaging segment (~18 min) that discusses current child protection issues with a legal expert. Thought-provoking and suitable for educators, leaders and anyone concerned with children's rights.
Listen to the podcast
Listen to the podcast
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