No matter how small your question or concern, if you are worried about something you should speak to your parents, your Head of House, a teacher, the Overseas Student Manager, your homestay family or another adult you trust. It is important you feel safe, happy and supported during your time in Australia.
Student Safeguarding Commitment
You can expect to be safe and to feel safe, wherever you go and whatever you do. A fundamental responsibility of GGS and its staff is student safeguarding – the safety and wellbeing of our students is of paramount importance.
At GGS we demonstrate this commitment by providing information, support and processes to you, to other students, and to staff and homestay families to provide for your safety and wellbeing, and to help create child safe environments appropriate for diverse backgrounds.
If you feel unsafe or someone is making you feel uncomfortable or unhappy, or you just don’t feel something is right, you must speak immediately to a trusted adult. This may be your parents, homestay provider, Head of House or Unit, the Overseas Student Manager or a teacher or House staff member. They must listen to your concerns and take action.
Emergencies
In an emergency (including a life-threatening situation or for serious injuries) you should call 000 immediately, and request the Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade. Once you have called 000, you should also arrange for someone trusted to be called, whether that is the Overseas Student Manager, your parents/guardians, your homestay provider or another trusted adult. Your homestay provider or parents will also notify GGS, so they will be able to assist you.
You should also download the “Emergency Plus” app on your phone. This app gives direct call access to 000 and also the Police non emergency line, and provides details to you on your extract location, to give to the 000 operator.
https://www.emergencyplus.com.au/
Sun Safety
Sun safety is incredibly important in Australia. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer. Even on a cool day, UV can damage our skin without us knowing, which is why it is important not to rely on temperature to decide whether sun protection is needed.
On days where the UV is above 3, we recommend that you do the following, to protect yourself:
- wear clothing that will protect you from UV rays;
- wear a hat, preferably broad-brimmed;
- wear sunglasses;
- apply SPF 50 sunscreen before going outside; and
- seek shade outside.
The GGS Sun Safety Policy details how GGS addresses sun safety for its staff and students. For further information, please see the Cancer Council’s SunSmart resources.
Water Safety
Australia has over 10,000 beaches, along with various other rivers, lakes and waterways available for swimming. You may come from a country or location with many beaches and you may be a confident swimmer or you may instead live in a big city, not be close to beaches in your home country, or not be a confident swimmer. You should consider your capability and confidence before getting into the water; conditions at beaches (and other places) can potentially be dangerous or there may be unseen hazards.
Always choose a patrolled surf beach for swimming, where lifesavers are on duty.
Swim between the flags
When you see the red and yellow flags on a beach, it indicates that there is currently a lifesaving service operating on that beach. The lifeguards have chosen a section of the beach that’s best for swimming and they’ll closely supervise this area.
If you can’t swim, tell your homestay family or the friends who invite you to the pool or beach so they can keep you safe.
Be aware of rip currents
Rip currents are the number one hazard on our beaches. Avoid getting caught in a rip current by swimming at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.
Read the safety signs before you go on to the beach
Safety signs are put in place to warn you about the permanent and occasional hazards such as large waves or even marine stingers. Swim with others and be aware of changing conditions such as tides; wind strength and wave height/strength.
If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 000 for help and seek assistance from those nearby to assist (lifeguards or a surfer) – do not jump in if someone has been washed into the water.
Don’t mix swimming and alcohol
Your judgment and reflexes while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are significantly impaired.
There’s more information about beach safety online at Surf Lifesaving Victoria.
GGS Water Safety Policy
The GGS Water Safety Policy details how GGS addresses water safety for its students, including swimming competency assessments which are undertaken at the start of each year at Corio and Timbertop campuses.
The ability to swim and be safe around water is an important part of life at the School. Students at Corio Campus have access to the indoor pool at the Handbury Centre, and also may participate in water based sports (rowing, sailing and swimming). Timbertop students swim in the Dam at the Timbertop campus. Students at Toorak and Bostock House campuses will undertake swimming lessons annually as part of their curriculum program.
Safe Partying
While at GSS, you will likely attend events and parties alongside your peers and friends. Some may be School events, and other may be personal birthday parties, or other personal events.
The legal drinking age in Victoria is 18 years. Child under the age of 18 years are not permitted to buy, be served or drink alcohol. This may be the same or different to your home country, however, while you are in Australia you need to ensure you comply with these laws. At School events you will never be served alcohol, regardless of whether you are over or under 18 years old.
To ensure you have a fun time and stay safe, some tips are as follows:
- Plan how you’ll get home afterwards;
- Look after each other, stick together in large crowds, don’t leave a friend alone;
- Ensure your phone is charged;
- If aged over 18 years, set a limit on any alcohol you consume;
- To prevent risk of drink spiking, don’t accept a free drink from someone you don’t know; and
- Give your body time to sober up, your body needs approximately 1 hour to process ¾ of a standard drink. Anyone driving on a Learner or Probationary (red P1 or green P2) licence is required to have a 0.00 reading for blood alcohol concentration.
There’s more information available about safe partying at Youth Central and Headspace, or on the HIVE Safeguarding Hub.
Online Safety
Please see below some online safety tips, to keep yourself safe while online:
There’s more information available on the HIVE Safeguarding Hub.
Remember, if you are being targeted, attacked, harassed, or bullied online, you should talk to a trusted adult so they can assist you. It’s important to know you will not be in trouble, you’ve done nothing wrong and you can make it stop.
Personal Safety
While Victoria is a relatively safe location, when you are out in Geelong or Melbourne you should ensure you take care of yourself and your personal belongings (including keeping watch over your bag and phone), to prevent loss or theft.
Unless you need to do so (because you are intended to travel) you should not take your passport with you when out and about. It should be safely held by your parents (if they are in Australia) or otherwise held in your House or Unit safe until required.
If any of your belongings are ever lost or stolen, you should tell your parents and the School, so we may assist you.
Further Information
For further information about how you may stay safe while in Australia, please see the GGS Safeguarding Hub.
Student Safety Card
When you arrive at the School, you will receive a copy of the GGS Student Safety Card, which has phone numbers to call in an emergency. You should include these numbers on your phone, and keep the card in your wallet.
If you need to contact the Overseas Student Manager anytime – while at the School, on exeat or School holidays – please call or text the mobile number or send an email using the details on the Card.
This includes if you feel unsafe or worried at any time or for any reason – your safety and wellbeing is our top priority. Your parents or homestay provider can also contact the Overseas Student Manager on your behalf.