During coming weeks, we have Monash Health workers at school delivering the ‘Feeling Safe Together Program’ to Prep – Grade 5 students and ‘Safety Online and Respectful Relationships (SOARR)’ to Grade 6 students.
The focus of the program is protective behaviours, and the sessions take a proactive approach.

This program has been designed following research into protective behaviour education programs from both Australia and abroad. Schools are in unique positions to be able to reach children to raise awareness on a range of issues that can impact on a child’s learning and development. The program is aimed at raising awareness of safety, our personal safety and the environment around us. The sessions are tailored to be age appropriate. An outline of the program and some information tips for parents and carers is attached.

Research clearly states that children who understand prevention techniques are not only at less risk of being abused or bullied, but they are also more self-confident and better able to judge the safety of situations they meet in daily life. However, we must remember, it is ultimately the responsibility of the adults caring for the child to seek support or report if they are concerned about a child’s wellbeing.

When we talk to children about staying safe in a calm and caring way, we are indicating to the children that if they are confused about something that is happening, they should never feel that something is SO bad that they can’t tell anyone. We all have the right to feel safe!

All SECASA workshops are mapped to relevant State and National curriculum guidelines. 

Feeling Safe Together – Junior Program (Foundation – grade 2)

• Learning to recognise and name emotions.
• Identifying early warning signs when feeling unsafe.
• Creating a personal safety network of trusted adults.
• Understanding the difference between secrets and surprises.
• Understanding of the correct terminology for body parts.
• Developing an understanding of body safety rules.

Feeling Safe Together – Middle Program (Grade 3 & 4)

• Exploring emotions and how they manifest in the body.

• Recognising unsafe situations and knowing when to seek help.

• Knowing the difference between safe and unsafe secrets.

• Understanding of the correct terminology for body parts.

• Learning the rules of body safety and cybersafety.

• Building a personal safety network and knowing how to use it.

Feeling Safe Together – Senior Program (Grade 5)

• Understanding personal rights, including the right to safety, participation, and protection.

• Exploring the fight, flight, and freeze response and recognising early warning signs of danger.

• Creating a personal safety network of trusted adults who will listen, believe, and take action if needed.

• Learning the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviours through scenarios.

• Understanding of the correct terminology for body parts.

• Understanding the impacts of sharing or receiving private images and knowing where to get help.

• Recognising the importance of consent and respecting personal boundaries.

Safety Online and Respectful Relationships (SOARR) – Grade 6 

• Safer online practices and managing their digital footprint.

• Respectful online behaviour and preventing cyberbullying.

• Social media pressures and their impact on self-esteem.

• Sexting, consent, and handling inappropriate content.

• Understanding online grooming and online scammers.

• Encouraging students to seek help from trusted adults.

The SOARR program is endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider. 

Please see attachments which were also sent with the Compass message today for a comprehensive overview of the programs. Also attached was a copy of ‘Our Early Warning Signs poster’ and ‘My Body Rules poster’.
Additionally, you can find detailed information about the program on this website by following this link: Schools Program > SECASA

If parents/carers would prefer their child/children to not participate in this program, please send an email to: emerald.ps@education.vic.gov.au by Monday 14^th October 9:00am to opt out of the program.

Please contact myself, Carice D’Rozario (Assistant Principal) or Bianca Appleby (Student Wellbeing & Inclusion Leader) at school if you have any queries.