7.

2 Understand Appendix 6 is the email receipt from an online notification to CSS, Child Safety
the implications Service Tasmania, in 2017. I had a student in my grade one and two class who
of and comply had previously been living in unsafe circumstances and over term one and two
with relevant of 2017 I had built a trusting and mutual relationship with. One day she came
legislative, into school and was particularly distressed and later in the day revealed why
administrative, and disclosed a historical recount of abuse to me. I followed school procedure
organisational in the conversation, I listened and did not probe or direct the conversation to
and professional ensure the statements were pure and not influenced. I understood that it was
requirements, my legislative requirement as a mandatory reporter to make a notification to
policies and CSS, my organisational requirement to report the information to my principal
processes. and professional requirement to keep this information confidential. I complied
with each of these policies and processes to ensure I had met every
requirement for my role and to make sure this child’s voice was heard by the
relevant services. I knew that it was my role to report this information and
keep it confidential because of the implications if I did not, this child’s story
needed to be heard so she could get support she needed and to hopefully put
parameters in place so the event could not occur again. I understood the
implications that I may be called upon to provide more information if needed
and work with external service providers to support the child. I also
understood the implication of creating additional notifications to CSS if the
child disclosed more or new information. Understanding the implications of
and complying with requirements, policies and processes impacts students by
providing a safe environment, having trusting relationships and supporting
their whole wellbeing. As a teacher, moments like these remind me that being
a teacher is not only about curriculum content and assessment data. For some
children I realise you are more than a teacher, you can be the most consistent
and reliable person in their lives for a whole year. The moment I had with this
child was one of the most challenging and memorable conversations that I
have encountered in my career so far. I was in a compromising position where
my emotions wanted to take over and cry, but with an understanding of the
implications for my professional requirements I knew I needed to remove
myself from the scenario and follow procedure. I complied with and
understood each requirement, policy and procedure as part of my
requirements as a teacher and also for my own peace of mind. Knowing that I
had done everything I could to support this child so that they could continue to
grow and learn as a person within the security of my classroom, helped me to
go home that night and move on. After this experience, and others similar, I
fully understand the implications of and comply with relevant legislative,
administrative, organisational and professional requirements, policies and
processes in relation to student safety. For future issues around student safety
and their home lives and will fully understand and have the confidence to
follow all processes efficiently and comprehensibly.