Parent Handbook - Marian Catholic College

MARIAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE
185 Wakaden Street GRIFFITH
Phone: 69692400 Fax: 69625597
Email: mcc-admin@ww.catholic.edu.au
Web: www.mccww.catholic.edu.au
HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS
"Since parents have given
children their life, they are
bound by a most serious
obligation to educate their
offspring and therefore
must be recognised as the
primary and principal
educators…"
Pope Paul VI October 28 1965
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Welcome to the Marian Family
Marian Catholic College prides itself on being a ‘community school’ where each individual is
valued and their contribution is recognised and appreciated. It is, therefore, with great
pleasure, that I formally welcome you as new members to this community.
I hope that you will be surrounded by this community which
has great love and care for its students. I am confident that our
motto “ The Way, The Truth, The Life” will be fulfilled daily, as
together, we give expression to Christ’s love and example by
striving to fulfill our potential.
The College’s student support and welfare programs are
designed to ensure a safe, caring and supportive environment
in which all students have the opportunity to achieve their best.
We are proud of our College and of its students. The students
work very hard and they achieve very good results both in the
classroom and in extra-curricular activities. Some of these
include Tournament of Minds, Music, Drama, Public Speaking, Art Club, Duke of Edinburgh
Award, MUNA and representative sport.
The main thing that teachers at Marian want to do is to support students’ learning. We will
help students to build upon their strengths as well as to try to overcome their weaknesses.
If students work hard in their lessons and with their homework, if they take up the wide
variety of opportunities in front of them, they have every chance to find great success at
Marian.
I look forward to working closely with you and your
child over the years to come. We will strive together
to provide a learning environment that will allow
your child to grow and develop as an individual and
to reach his or her full potential.
Mr Alan Le Brocque
Principal
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MARIAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Our Purpose
At Marian Catholic College, Griffith, we value a faith-centred
approach to life, offering to all people in our diverse community a
Catholic Education which reflects our belief and trust in God.
Our College spirit comes from Gospel values and emphasises
prayerful reflection and the development of the whole person their uniqueness, integrity and dignity.
We prize a caring environment where there is equity and justice,
and where talents, responsibilities and resources are shared. We
believe that everyone should reach their full potential.
Education in Faith
As the philosophy of Marian Catholic College is based on growth in
spirituality, Religious Education is a compulsory study, as is a
positive and active participation in retreats, religious ceremonies,
liturgies, worship and community service which are part of the
everyday life of the College. There is daily prayer during
Homeroom and assemblies begin with prayer.
Our History, Crest and Motto
Mother M. Dominic, Sisters Benedict and Dorothea came to Griffith in 1921, to take over St Patrick’s,
then a small, struggling school. The new school opened on September 4, with a roll call which
included names still common at the school.
In 1950, four Marist Brothers, Brothers Oliver, Francis, Richard and Phillip came to Griffith and
opened St Brendan’s School for boys in the old Griffith Hospital building.
In 1970 St Brendan’s School and the secondary department of St Patrick’s School combined to
become Catholic High School at the current site, initially a Year 7-10 school, with Brother Clement
Terry as founding Principal and Sr Rita Savage Assistant Principal.
The school was extended to include Years 11 and 12 with the first Higher
School Certificate class in 1984. From 1991, when the Marist Brothers left
Griffith, until 2006, the Sisters of Mercy continued to appoint Sisters to the
position of Principal. On the departure of the Sisters of Mercy in 2007, the
first lay principal was appointed.
The College’s crest features the chi-rho, the first two letters of the Greek
word Kristos (Christ), our Saviour who brings us into the Life of God. Rays of
light reach from Christ to the world at his feet. As Christ came to the world
to bring life, we too are to carry the Life of Christ to the world. The star
beside the chi-rho represents Mary, the patroness of both religious
Congregations, under whose protection the College has been placed. In 2006
to recognise her patronage, “Marian” has been added to the school name.
“College” has been adopted because we have students from Years 7 to 12, in
keeping with our sister colleges in the Wagga Diocese.
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THE FOUR COLLEGE HOUSES
McAuley House is named for the venerable Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters
of Mercy Congregation in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831. The McAuley House banner has
the cross of the Sisters of Mercy, who started a Catholic school in the new town of
Griffith in 1921. The background to the banner is blue, one of the traditional colours
associated with Our Lady. The feast of Our Lady of Mercy is September 24.
Patrick House is named for St Patrick’s School, which the Sisters of Mercy established
in 1921 in Griffith. The Patrick House banner has the logo of St Patrick’s School. It
features a celtic cross, the symbol of Irish Catholicism. St Patrick worked in Ireland
during the 5th century to bring the good news of Christ. The cross has a circle: some see
this as a representation of eternity. It is also another way of drawing the Chi-rho, which is
also shown in the Marian Catholic College logo. The background to the banner is green,
the traditional colour associated with St Patrick and Ireland, the ‘Emerald Isle’. The feast
of St Patrick is March 17.
Marcellin House is named for Saint Marcellin Champagnat, a Marist Father, who
founded a Congregation of teaching Marist Brothers, in Lavalla in France in 1817. The
Marcellin House banner carries the logo of the Marist Brothers, who in 1950 began a
separate school for boys in Griffith. The logo is a made from the letter M, the first letter of
Mary. Above the symbol are a circle of twelve stars which also represent Mary. The
background to the banner is red. Red and gold are the two Marian Catholic College
colours. The feast of Saint Marcellin is June 6.
Brendan House is named for St Brendan’s, the school begun by the Marist Brothers in
Griffith in 1950. The Brendan House banner features a ship’s steering wheel. St
Brendan, called ‘the Voyager’, was a 5th century Irish priest who spent more than sixty
years in Ireland and Wales teaching the Gospel and setting up monastic communities.
Legend has it that he set out by ship in search of a Land of Promise in the oceans west of
Ireland, hence his symbol of the ship’s wheel. He is a reminder of the pioneering spirit of
the religious Sisters and Brothers who came across the world to minister to
Australian Catholics. The background to the banner is gold. The feast of St Brendan is
May 16.
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MARIAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE STAFF 2013
Principal: Mr Alan Le Brocque
Assistant Principal-Learning & Teaching: Mrs Frances Robertson
Religious Education Coordinator: Mrs Lucia Dickie Liturgy Coordinator: Mr Bernie Maginnity
Director of Administration: Mr Mel Blanco
Business Manager: Mrs Joanne Smith
Year 7 – Miss Louisa Raso
Year 9 - Mrs Lora Segrave
Year 11- Mrs Toni Griffiths
English – Ms Rebecca Kroek
Science - Mr Sunil Prasad
HSIE - Ms Clare Thorpe
TAS - Mrs Maureen Shannon
VET – Mrs Libby Trembath
Sport – Mr Andrew Holloway
Pastoral Coordinators:
Year 8 – Mr Andrew Holloway
Year 10 – Mr Damien Herb
Year 12 - Mr Bernie Maginnity
Other Coordinators:
Mathematics - Mrs Evelina Blanco
CA/LOTE – Mr Matt Segrave
PDHPE – Mrs Giulia Calabro
Careers – Mrs Betsy Farrugia
ICTL – Mr Lee Summerville
College Counsellor- Mrs Tracey Febo
OTHER TEACHING STAFF
Mrs Belinda AVENTI
Ms Kelly BANNISTER
Mr Peter BAKER
Ms Petra BORN
Ms Joanne BURTON
Mr Zillur CHOWDURY
Mrs Rosanna COX
Ms Lisa DAVIS
Mrs Balinder DHANOA
Ms Lara CALABIA
Mr Christopher DOYLE
Mrs Esther DUMBLETON
Mrs Julie DUNCAN
Mr Jamie GIBBS
Mr Rick GOOCH
Mr Don HILLAM
Mr Vinnay JATAN
Miss Sarah KEANE
Mr Aaron LAWLER
Mr Ivan MASON
Mr Heath NEVILLE
Mrs Wendy OLSEN
Mrs Belinda PANEBIANCO
Mrs Joanne ROBB
Mr Kevin SALTAN
Mrs Renae SAVAGE
Miss Nadine SCARFONE
Mr John SEERS
Miss Kathy SPARKES
Mrs Patricia STAR
Mr Malakai TAWAKE
Mrs Rose TURUNEN
Ms Laura VARDANEGA
SUPPORT STAFF
Mr Simon AVENTI
Mrs Gisella BARBER
Mr Warren BOCK
Mrs Maureen BURLEY
Mrs Elda CAPPELLO
Mrs Raeleen CECCATO
Mrs Grace CODOGNOTTO
Ms Evelyn CUNIAL
Mrs Tracey DAVIDSON
Mrs Betsy FARRUGIA
Mrs Rina FISHER
Mrs Nicole FORREST
Mrs Sue HONE
Mrs Tori McINTOSH
Mrs Julieanne O’KEEFFE
Mrs Yvette PASTRO
Mrs Sonya PRIEST
Mrs Michelle QUADE
Mr Garry ROBERTSON
Mrs Gerry ROHAN
Mrs Jenny SARTOR
Mrs Alison SEXTON
Mr Rishan WICKRAMASURIYA
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Proposed Term Dates for 2014
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Term 4
Tuesday 28-1-14 to Friday 11-4-14
Monday 28-4-14 to Friday 27-6-14
Monday 14-7-14 to Friday 19-9-14
Tuesday 7-10-14 to Friday 18-12-14
Professional learning days for staff do not have scheduled lessons for students and these dates will
be available on the College’s website.
PREPARING FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
One of the most pivotal stages of schooling is the transition from primary school to the more
complex and challenging world of secondary school. This transition can be difficult for some
students and Marian Catholic College actively support students as they make this educational and
social shift.
As part of the transition from Year 6 to Year 7, students participate in an orientation day at the
College. This Oh!Day is held in Term 4 of Year 6 and may include:
• a school tour
• meeting fellow students and teachers
• taking part in special lessons and activities.
As a parent, there are many ways in which you can help your
child prepare for the transition to secondary school.
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Talk to the Principal, Assistant Principal or Coordinators
Look at the information on the College website
Obtain information about enrolment requirements
Discuss your choice of school with your child
Attend College tour sessions with your child
Ensure your child attends the orientation program
What you can do to help your child thrive at Marian Catholic College
Faith development
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Attend College and parish liturgies and Masses together
Participate in and discuss religious education learning activities and social justice initiatives
Support the College’s Pastoral and Well-Being Program, including the attendance of your
child at all of the retreats and community days
Learning
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Encourage your child to take increasing responsibility for his/her learning and
organisational skills
Discuss your child’s school work and progress with him/her
Contact the relevant teacher to discuss any problems your child is having with his/her
classwork or home learning tasks
Encourage reading by setting an example – reading yourself
Read texts (e.g. novels, plays) set by your child’s teachers
Discuss your child’s response to the texts and ask to see work s/he completes on these texts
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Wellbeing
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Encourage healthy eating, sufficient sleep and regular physical activity
Encourage positive attitudes, values and behaviours like courtesy, confidence, persistence
and doing your best
Celebrate your child’s successes
Help your child balance the amount of time spent completing home learning tasks, watching
television, playing computer games and engaging in other leisure or recreational activities
and part-time employment
College activities
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Attend College events, displays or productions in which your child is involved
Become actively involved in school community activities such as the College Council, Parents
and Friends group, parent education programs, curriculum information evenings and Stage
Six Support Evenings.
PARENT GROUPS
Marian Catholic College Council
The College Council advises and supports the Principal in the
Christian formation and education of the students, as well as on the
overall management and forward planning for the College. Although
the Council does not involve itself directly in the internal operations
of the College, it is an important way in which the expectations of the
parent community can be communicated to the Principal and staff.
Meetings of the Council are on each last Monday of the month during
school terms.
There are five parent representatives, elected for a two-year term.
Elections are in February/March.
Parents and Friends Association
The Parents and Friends Association offers an opportunity for
parents to gather and become involved in the life of the College in
areas such as:
• social functions for the school community
• maintenance of grounds, buildings and equipment
• fundraising for particular needs in the College
• voluntary support for educational programs.
The meetings for the P&F are an opportunity to promote the development of community spirit
among the staff and parents. Meetings are held each third Monday of the month and you are
encouraged to be involved.
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THE CURRICULUM
Overview of Courses
There are eight KLAs mandated by the Board of Studies for all secondary schools in NSW. They
are English, Mathematics, Science, Human Society and its Environment, Creative
Arts, Languages, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education and Technological
and Applied Studies.
Links to the NSW Board of Studies syllabuses can be followed from www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au
Students study for the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and Higher School Certificate according
to the rules of the Board of Studies.
Special programs run for students with particular needs. Disability Provisions will be sought and
applied according to the guidelines of the Board of Studies.
At the beginning of Years 9 and 11, students receive a handbook with details of courses and
requirements for that Stage of learning.
Years 7-10 Curriculum Key Learning Areas (KLAs)
1.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES (RE)
Years 7-10
Sharing our Story Diocesan program
2.
ENGLISH
Years 7-10
English
3.
MATHEMATICS
Years 7-8
Years 9-10
Mathematics
Mathematics ( 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 courses)
4,
SCIENCE
Years 7-10
Science
5.
HUMAN SOCIETY AND
ITS ENVIRONMENT (HSIE)
Years 7-8:
Years 9-10:
History/Geography
Aust History, Aust Geography,
Commerce & Elective History
6.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT,
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL
EDUCATION (PDHPE)
Years 7-10
PDHPE
Years 9-10:
Physical Activity and Sports Studies
7.
TECHNOLOGICAL AND
APPLIED STUDIES (TAS)
Years 7-8:
Years 9-10:
Technology
Food Technology
Information and Software Technology
Industrial Technology- Timber
Industrial Technology- Metal
Textiles Technology
8.
CREATIVE ARTS
Years 7-8:
Years 9-10:
Visual Arts, Music
Music
Visual Arts
Drama
9.
LANGUAGES OTHER
THAN ENGLISH (LOTE)
Year 8:
Years 9-10:
Italian
Italian
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Religious Education
Religious Education (RE) is an additional and compulsory KLA for all students in Catholic schools.
Students in Years 7-12 are invited into a deeper and more personal relationship with God through
their exploration of the sacred Scriptures, their participation in personal and communal prayer, and
their living out of Catholic social and moral teaching through works of ministry.
The secondary RE curriculum provides opportunities for young people to act in response to Jesus’
great commandment to love God and love others and thus, follow ‘the way, the truth and the life’.
Assessment and Evaluation of Learning
Teachers will continually observe and assess students’ learning in class. According to a planned
schedule, a task or test may be set to gain a clearer idea of how well your child understands what has
been taught. Clear transparent criteria will be set, so that students can work towards achieving their
best. Assessment assists the teacher to fine-tune teaching strategies for the individual student and
feedback supports students as they better manage their learning.
Various opportunities are provided during the year to let you know your child’s progress.
National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and
Numeracy (NAPLAN), which tests English (reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation) and
numeracy skills. The results of these tests, in conjunction with a range of other assessment strategies
and data collection, give you information on how your child is progressing and where s/he could
benefit from greater challenges or extra help.
Parent Information Nights – Curriculum
The Parent Information Nights are for parents and students at transition points in the curriculum:
Year 6 parents (March)
Year 8 parents and students (August)
Year 10 parents and students (July)
Dates of these meetings are on the College calendar which you receive by mail in February or can be
viewed on the College website.
Reports and Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences
The College recognises the importance of effective communication between parents and teachers.
You are welcome to discuss your child’s progress at any time during the year. Formal opportunities
to discuss progress take place at the end of the first term with interim reports for Years 7-11 and
second and fourth terms for all years, when student/parent/teacher conferences are scheduled.
These conferences allow you and your child to focus on progress and achievements and set learning
goals for the future. Interviews are short, but you can arrange a follow-up appointment if needed.
Written reports are issued at the end of Terms 2 and 4.
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Student Work outside of Class Time
Home Learning is a key element in the establishment of an efficient study program and effective
time management schedule. Because young people are learning from their vast variety of
experiences, a preferable term for the word Homework, is Home Learning. It is part of the
partnership between home and school.
It is designed to:
 motivate student to become active participants in their own
learning
 develop the capacity to work independently
 foster an orderly approach to work and self-directed successful
study
 provide an opportunity for consolidation, revision and extension of
course work undertaken during the day
 enhance academic progress, self-confidence and satisfaction in
learning.
It is an expectation of the College that students will receive and complete
regular Home Learning tasks in all courses studied. However, Home
Learning varies within and across subjects and according to the students’
age and stage of learning. Assignments and projects that call for long term planning are included.
Also, students should realise that study needs to be regular and constant, regardless of whether
specific Home Learning has been set.
Home Learning has four major roles to play:
• Completing unfinished learning from the school day.
• Doing further subject material to reinforce and consolidate the concepts in the students’ minds. If
they can do it at home on their own, then they know it.
• Connecting and applying new knowledge learned to new situations, mentally storing information
and revising for exams/tests.
• Summarising and completing notes from class.
The balance needed between Home Learning, family commitments and leisure time is
acknowledged.
There must be a continual increase in the number of Home Learning sessions that students complete
as they progress through the year levels, to cope confidently with the workloads in Years 11 and 12
and beyond. These sessions vary in time and intensity according to the year level and are very much
dependent on the students’ concentration spans.
Research shows that the following suggested weekly time allocation is most beneficial:
Years
7 and 8
9 and 10
11and 12
Hours per week
5-7
9-11
15-18
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Home Learning Sessions
10-14 x30min
12-14x45min
15 -18 x60min
If students consistently neglect the work set for them outside school hours, teachers will inform
parents by writing a note in the student’s diary, calling a parent for an interview, or sending a Letter
of Concern home.
The College Diary
Students receive a diary each year and are required to regularly use the College diary and bring it to
every lesson. It is for managing learning, recording timetables, dates for assignments, tests/exams,
tasks to be done, revision and set home learning. The diary is not for recording personal messages
or social activities. It should be kept free of graffiti and in a clean and tidy state. The diary may be
used for communication between parents and teachers. Parents are encouraged to monitor and sign
it each week.
The Library
The College library is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm each day, and during lunchtime. Apart from
books, it also contains audio/visual material and computers to which the students have access. In
Year 7, students are taught how to make the best use of the library for reading and for research.
Students may borrow books for two weeks. Reference books may be borrowed on period loans only.
If students lose a book they will be asked to replace it. The Library also houses and distributes all
textbooks.
College Hours
Classes commence each morning at 8.45am and conclude at 3.25pm on Mondays to Fridays. The
College grounds are open to students from 8.30am each morning and remain open to students until
3.30pm (or when the last bus leaves) each afternoon. At all times outside the period from 8.30am to
3.30pm on Mondays to Fridays, the College grounds and buildings are out of bounds to all students.
The College office hours are normally 8.30am to 4.30pm during school term.
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Lesson Times
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8.50 – 9.05
Wednesday
Homeroom
8.50 – 9.00
Assembly
9.00 – 9.35
9.05 – 10.08
Period 1
9.35 – 10.23
10.08 – 11.11
Period 2
10.23 – 11.11
11.11 – 11.51
Lunch
11.11 – 11.51
11.51 – 12.54
Period 3
11.51 – 12.54
12.54 – 1.57
Period 4
12.54 – 1.57
1.57 – 2.22
Recess
1.57 – 2.22
2.22 – 3.25
Period 5
2.22 – 3.25
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STUDENTS’ WELLBEING AND PASTORAL CARE
Philosophy
The philosophy of Marian Catholic College is one of the development of the whole person, and the
fostering of people who are just, loving, tolerant and forgiving.
At Marian, we aim to work with parents in enabling all students to reach their full potential as children
of God, as human beings and as responsible citizens of the community. An important aim of these
guidelines is, therefore, for students to develop moral autonomy, self-discipline and acceptance of the
need for legitimate authority. Such an aim can only be achieved in a climate characterised by mutual
respect between staff, students and parents.
Students’ Rights
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To learn in a Christian environment which recognises the dignity of each person
To be treated with respect, courtesy and justice in a non-discriminatory manner
To receive an up to date, well-resourced, engaging education that meets Board of Studies
curriculum requirements
To engage in a learning pathway that prepares for future life roles
To have access to curricular and co-curricular activities
To be recognised for achievements and accomplishments
To receive respectful, just and appropriate discipline if
necessary
To expect that personal property is safe at school
To have balanced assessment
To have effective regular feedback on academic progress
Students’ Responsibilities
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To commit to the Catholic ethos of the College
To act in a Christian manner and recognise the dignity and rights of others
To be a loyal ambassador of Marian Catholic College in the community
To attend school regularly and punctually
To participate fully in College activities and learning opportunities
To bring correct, tidy books and materials to lessons
To cooperate with teachers so as to allow everyone in the class to learn
To be honest
To wear uniform correctly and with pride at all times
To listen to announcements and to take notes home to parents
To care for their environment
To follow the ‘hands-off’ guidelines
To ensure that all correspondence and notes are taken home and returned promptly
To take care of personal property and the property of others
To speak courteously to all members of the College community
To relate positively with others and, if necessary, to make amends and restore relationships
To make visitors welcome to our College
To behave respectfully and sensibly while travelling to and from school or on excursions
To abide by all College rules and accept consequences for breaches of them as an opportunity to
learn.
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The consequences of inappropriate behaviour are determined by the seriousness of
the breach of expectations and are dealt with at four levels:
Level 1
Student behaviour at this level may include being late for class, not completing work, damage to
property, being out of uniform, using offensive language and bringing prohibited articles to the
College, or non-compliance.
The teacher in the classroom or on duty deals with inappropriate behaviour at this level and may
contact the parents (usually by phone).
Consequences may include extra work, moving the student’s position in class, short lunchtime
detention, confiscation of property (which is handed to the Assistant Principal), mending property,
cleaning graffiti or removing chewing gum.
Level 2
Student behaviour at this level often includes repeated or more serious examples of level 1
behaviour or may involve more serious breaches of expectations, for example, assessment tasks not
done, dangerous behaviour, defiance or repeated non-compliance, verbal abuse or intimidation to
staff or peers, bullying, bringing alcohol to school, smoking, or being out of bounds.
If the inappropriate behaviour is subject-related, the KLA Coordinator will manage the response to
it. General misbehavior will be dealt with by the Pastoral Coordinator. Parents will usually receive
a letter of concern and may be asked to come to the College for an interview.
Consequences may include warning letters, completing a daily behaviour contract sheet, restitution
made for damage, loss of some privileges, exclusion from representing the College, Tuesday or
Saturday detention, in-school suspension, or following a behaviour management plan.
Level 3
Student behaviour at this level is usually repeated or more serious examples of level 2 behaviour but
also includes any action (including not handing in assessment tasks after the first warning) which
risks an N award, truancy, violence towards other students, major or ongoing theft or vandalism,
offensive personal or intimidatory comments to staff or peers, serious bullying or cyber-bullying,
bringing illegal drugs, weapons or fireworks to school, drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs at
school.
Parents will be contacted by the Assistant Principal and usually interviewed with the student.
Consequences include those listed for level 2 as well as second and subsequent N warning letters,
loss of major privileges, exclusion from representing the College, suspension for up to three days and
a level 3 behaviour management plan.
Level 4
This is the most serious level of breaches of student expectations, and usually involves repeated or
more serious examples of level 3 behaviour but also includes violence or threats to staff or selling
illegal drugs to other students.
Consequences may include an N determination for a subject or course, non-award of the School or
Higher School Certificate, long suspension, contract to the Principal, conditional enrolment or
exclusion from the College.
The Principal contacts parents and formally notifies them of the consequences of inappropriate
behaviour at this level.
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Restorative Justice at Marian
A restorative approach in a school shifts the emphasis from just managing behaviour to focusing on
the building, nurturing and repairing relationships. The aim is to centre on the justice and a provide
compass for interactions with others when things have gone wrong. This encourages young people
to be accountable for their actions.
Developing the language is central to this. A restorative approach to conflict or wrongdoing consists
in asking four key questions:
- Who has been affected by what has happened?
-How can we ensure that everyone’s perspective is heard?
- What can be done to make things right or better for all concerned?
- What can be learnt so something like this can be avoided in the future?
This approach is based on the notion that people need to take responsibility for the impact of their
behaviour on other people and that the consequence of harmful (ie upsetting/distressing/
disruptive/destructive) behaviour is that relationships are damaged and people get disconnected.
Through the facilitation of restorative meetings, relationships can be restored.
Contact with Parents
An important part of student development is collaborating with parents. You are encouraged to
contact your child’s Pastoral Coordinator at any time if you have a concern.
The Pastoral Coordinator aims to give each student extra interest and care as well as a sense of their
own dignity and self worth, and to help each student become responsible and independent in their
learning and study habits. The Pastoral Coordinator, therefore, keeps track of each student, in terms
of academic progress and personal welfare.
This involves allocating the student to appropriate classes and checking the student diary and the
student’s report. The Pastoral Coordinator is available if students have any concerns and may also
organise whole year group activities.
The Pastoral Coordinator will also deal with general discipline matters, incorrect uniform or
unexplained absences from school or classes.
The KLA (subject) Coordinator will support learning and promote positive behaviour within the
classroom. He/she will deal with any learning matters in their own subject area, such as assessment
tasks not completed, inappropriate behaviour in class, absences from class or concerns about
students managing their learning.
The Homeroom teacher takes interest in students and notices absences, sickness or injury. Parents
send written notes about these to the Homeroom teacher and let the teacher or the Principal know if
they have other concerns.
Students also have the opportunity to see the College Counsellor or the Pastoral Care Assistant.
The Principal and Assistant Principal are also available for consultation.
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College’s Merit System
Merits
Teachers award Merits in their subject classes, Homerooms and year level or whole College
activities.
The criteria for awarding merits are for consistency in:
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coming to class prepared to learn
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co-operating with teachers and classmates
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displaying positive and helpful behaviour
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showing initiative/leadership
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involvement in service activities
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demonstrating a desire to improve
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showing outstanding improvement
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producing quality work
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striving for personal best
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following sunsafe procedures
BRONZE AWARDS
Curriculum
When a student receives five Merit Awards, he/she will be
eligible for a Bronze Award which will be issued by the KLA
Coordinator.
Citizenship
When a student receives five Merit Awards he/she will be eligible for a Bronze Award which will be
issued by the Pastoral Coordinator.
SILVER AWARDS
Curriculum
When a student has three Bronze Awards from any subject he/she will be eligible for a Silver Award
which will be issued at a whole College Assembly by the Assistant Principal.
Citizenship
When a student has three Bronze Awards from the Year Coordinator, he/she will be eligible for a
Silver Award which will be issued at a whole College Assembly by the Assistant Principal.
GOLD AWARDS
A Gold Award is presented to a student who has received two Silver Awards in any subject, or three
Silver Awards for Citizenship. These awards will be presented by the Principal at a whole College
Assembly.
17
Classroom Expectations
Be Prompt!
Arrive to class on time. If late, quietly give an explanation to the teacher.
Hand in homework and assignments by the due date.
Return notes by the due date.
Be Prepared!
Come to class with the correct equipment and all required tasks
completed.
Catch up on any missed work.
Use your student diary.
Be Positive!
Come to class prepared to learn.
Be open-minded and tolerant of different viewpoints.
Be on task for the whole of the lesson.
Reflect on your learning.
Wear your uniform with pride.
Be Polite!
Greet others politely.
Cooperate with your teachers and other students.
Follow College guidelines, as set out in the student diary and handbooks.
Treat others with kindness and understanding.
Speak to others with respect and courtesy.
Choose appropriate times to speak.
Be honest.
Use appropriate language.
Participate!
Attend all scheduled classes.
Follow directions given by staff members.
Recognise the right of others to learn.
Participate in class activities and contribute to discussions.
Ask questions to assist with your learning.
Be Safe!
Keep all personal equipment secure.
Leave bags in the designated areas.
Follow OH&S requirements and teacher’s directions for the use of
equipment.
Be aware of the safety of others.
Follow the ‘hands off’ policy.
Use sporting equipment at appropriate times or under the direction of a
teacher.
Respect the safety of others when moving between classes.
Be Responsible!
Leave the room clean and tidy.
Take care of all personal business before entering the classroom at bell
time.
Look after all College property.
Respect the property of others.
18
Promoting Healthy Relationships
At Marian, our goal is to maintain and develop relationships based on
Gospel values and in the spirit of the College motto “The Way, The
Truth and the Life”. All students have the right to feel safe, secure and
welcomed in their school learning environment.
Bullying and harassment are any form of behaviour directed towards a person that is unwanted
and uninvited, which humiliates threatens and/or frightens a person and creates a risk to mental
or physical health and safety. It includes contact that is direct, indirect, through a third party, by
telephone, texting, in writing, by email, through social networking on the web, to individuals or to
groups.
This may include:
 Physical harassment such as hitting, kicking, pushing
 Social harassment such as exclusion, spreading rumours
 Verbal harassment such as threats, put-downs, pranks, teasing, stand-over tactics, name-calling
 Economic harassment such as stealing money or property, not paying debts, ridiculing clothing
or property
 Sexual harassment such as inappropriate touching, gestures or comments about another
person’s moral or private life
 Cultural harassment such as racist remarks, language, insults or gestures
 Spiritual harassment such as ridiculing beliefs and practices.
The Marian community expects:
 students to show respect for each other, in words and actions
 friends and observers of victims and bullies to speak out against bullying, harassment
and anti-social behaviour
 all acts of bullying, harassment and anti-social behaviour to be reported.
When bullying, harassment and anti-social behaviour are reported:
 The student/s will be listened to
 The situation will be assessed
 A negotiated plan of action will be developed, which may involve disciplinary action or
counselling
 The appropriate people will be contacted
 There will be follow-up for an agreed amount of time
 Disciplinary action will be taken if students continue to demonstrate bullying, harassing or
anti-social behaviour.
Other support options
Students are always welcome to seek support from their Homeroom Teacher, Pastoral Coordinator,
Assistant Principal or the College Counsellor. Other options include:
Kids Help Line
Lifeline
www.reachout.com.au
1800 551800
DOCS helpline
132 111
131 114
Griffith Community Health 0269669900
www.depressionet.com.au
www.beyondblue.org.au
19
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS
Normal supervision of students by the College will be undertaken between 8.30am and 3.30pm on
Mondays to Fridays. No supervision will be provided other than during those hours and no
responsibility will be taken by the College for any consequences of the activities of students outside
those hours.
In the interest of the students’ safety, parents need to ensure that students do not attend or remain
in the precincts of the College outside the hours of 8.30am to 3.30pm on Mondays to Fridays.
The College will not be responsible for supervising or caring for students outside the College
premises unless the students are engaged in a College-sponsored activity, such as an excursion or a
sporting event. The College will not be responsible for supervising or caring for students on their
journey to and from the College. In particular, the College will not be responsible for supervising
students on buses, either on their way to the College or on their way home from the College. Each
student’s journey to and from the College shall be the responsibility of each student’s parent or
guardian.
Special arrangements will be made in relation to authorised College activities which require the
attendance of students at the College outside the College hours listed above.
Attendance at School
The importance of regular attendance at school
cannot be emphasised too strongly. When a
student has to miss school, even for one day, a
note of explanation is required and this must be
supplied within seven days. A note is also
required if a student is to be arriving late or
leaving early.
If a student is absent for more than two (2) days,
you are asked to contact the College. In the event
of a student being away from classes, it is their responsibility to find out about any work they may
have missed.
Leaving the College Premises During the Day
It should be rare for students to have to leave the College during the day, as it interrupts their
classes. If students need to leave, please write a note which the student gives to the Homeroom
teacher during morning Homeroom time. The Office Staff prepare a permission slip which the
student collects from the office. The student must leave the College and return to the College
VIA THE FRONT OFFICE to let Front Office staff know.
Visitors to the College
Child Protection legislation requires that all visitors to the College are required to check in at the
office before having any contact with students.
Students are not normally allowed out of class to see visitors. However, parents/guardians who wish
to see their child on some urgent matter during the day, need to call at the Front Office and wait
there. The student will be brought to the office to speak with them.
Visitors to the College who need to go to areas other than the Front Office or canteen, must sign the
Visitors’ Record Book on arrival and when leaving.
Visits to Marian Catholic College by young people, such as students from other schools or students
who have recently left school, need the approval from the Principal or Assistant Principal.
20
Excursions
Pastoral Coordinators organise year-level excursions and community days to build year group spirit
and community awareness. These are considered an essential aspect of the College’s education.
Students’ attendance is expected.
Excursions organised by KLA Coordinators and teachers (for particular subjects) during the school
week are part of the course, and students are expected to attend.
Permission slips and payment are returned to the Front Office prior to the commencement of the
excursion in a sealed envelope with student’s name on it.
Parents may be invited to assist with excursions. Guidelines from appropriate legislation and from
the Catholic Schools Office will be used to protect staff, parents and other volunteers, and the
students in the care of these adults.
TRANSPORT
Buses
In the morning, students are to move directly from
the bus to the College grounds. They should not visit
local shops. In the afternoon, students wait for buses
in the bus area (not on the other side of the road).
While on buses, students obey the code of conduct for
bus travel.
Bikes
Students need to lock their bikes in the bike racks. Helmets can be left in the office. Bikes are not to
be ridden on the College grounds.
Skate Boards
Students who bring skate boards to school need to check them in at the Front Office before
Homeroom and can claim them back after the end of the day.
Cars
Senior students who have a driver’s licence may drive a motor vehicle to school on the following
conditions:
1. Application forms must be completed and signed by the Principal;
2. A car driver may carry two passengers only and the driver’s parents and the passengers’ parents
must give written permission for this;
3. Students are not permitted to ride or carry passengers on motor bikes to or from any activity
associated with the College;
4. Motor vehicles are to be parked in the allocated places outside the College grounds during the
school day;
5. No student may act as a driver on a College organised excursion.
COLLEGE SOCIALS
These are usually organised by the Student Representative Council, and are supervised by parents
and staff. Students need written permission to be at socials. Socials are school functions, so College
rules apply.
21
SCHOOL and REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Marian Catholic College endeavours to create a wide range of sporting opportunities for its students.
It aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and the benefits associated with participating in a variety of
sporting situations. It is the College’s goal to continually assess the range of sporting options
available to our students and pursue a broader range of activities, which cater for the interests of the
College community and allow all of the students to achieve.
Skills in a range of sports are taught in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
(PDHPE). Within normal school time, sport is incorporated as extra practical lessons in the PDHPE
program and the College allocates 400 hours total in Years 7-10 for the full program. This is
compulsory for Years 7 to 10 as part of the School Certificate course. All students are expected to
participate regularly in order to meet the Board of Studies requirements.
Sports Carnivals
All students are expected to attend and participate. They should be in full sports uniform, unless
advised otherwise.
Talented athletes at MCC are able to proceed to Diocesan, state and national level through our
participation in the Border Independent School Sports Associations (BISSA), NSW Combined
Catholic Colleges (CCC), NSW All Schools and, at national level, the Pacific School Games.
College commitment to sport
Marian Catholic College is committed to the following sports. The pathway to state representation is
listed after each sport.
Swimming: School carnival – BISSA- NSW CCC – State representation.
Athletics: School carnival – BISSA – NSW CCC – State representation.
Cross Country: School carnival – BISSA – NSW CCC – State representation.
Netball: School team – CCC carnival – NSW CCC – State representation.
Basketball: School team – CCC carnival – NSW CCC – State representation.
Touch Football: School team – Riverina carnival – NSW CCC – State representation.
Soccer: School team – Riverina carnival – NSW CCC – State representation.
Golf: School team – Riverina carnival – NSW CCC – State Representation.
Australian Rules Football: Nomination – Riverina carnival – NSW CCC – State representation.
Cricket: Nomination – Riverina carnival – NSW CCC – State representation.
Rugby: Nomination – Riverina carnival – NSW CCC – State representation.
Hockey: Nomination – Riverina carnival – NSW CCC – State representation.
Marian Catholic College also involves itself in a number of local sporting competitions that cater for
those not offered by CCC.
22
Representing the College
 Interschool Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country students are chosen to represent
the College on the basis of their performance at the College’s carnivals. It is compulsory for
students who do qualify, to represent Marian Catholic College to fulfill this interschool
commitment.
 Students who do qualify to represent Marian Catholic College beyond interschool level may
choose whether or not to pursue continued representation.
 For representative teams other than those mentioned above, students nominate to join
training squads and are then chosen for teams according to criteria set down by the coach of
that team.
 Any student whose academic progress is disrupted because of the time given to
representing Marian Catholic College shall have their commitment to representation
reviewed by the relevant Pastoral Coordinator, in consultation with the Sports Coordinator.
 Any student chosen to represent Marian Catholic College may be excluded from this privilege
if their in-school behaviour suggests they would not be able to do this in an appropriate
manner. Such a decision would be at the discretion of the Principal and Pastoral
Coordinators, in consultation with the Sports Coordinator.
 In order to relieve the financial burden on families, students are encouraged to be selective
in choosing those representative opportunities they wish to pursue.
 Failure of any student to fulfill their commitment to represent Marian Catholic College at the
interschool Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country, without a proper excuse, may result in
exclusion from representing Marian Catholic College at any other event in that school year.
 Any student failing to represent Marian Catholic College in the appropriate manner will incur
immediate, long term exclusion from this privilege. The length of this exclusion is to be
determined by the Principal, in consultation with the Pastoral and Sport Coordinator.
Payment
 Marian Catholic College will meet the cost of the three compulsory school carnivals
(Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country). These expenses include the hire of equipment and
facilities.
 The cost of all other sporting excursions is to be met by the participating student. It is not the
responsibility of the College to raise money for individuals or teams to compete at a higher
level.
 Payments are to be made to the College office prior to the date of the excursion, unless
alternative arrangements have been made with the Business Manager or the coach of the
team.
Uniform
 Students representing Marian Catholic College must wear the College sports uniform for all
events unless a different uniform is provided as part of the representative team’s policy for
sporting involvement (such as NSW CCC Athletics Squad).
Team Training Sessions
 Teams/athletes, where availability permits, will have trained prior to representing Marian
Catholic College, during lunch times or after school.
 Training sessions are compulsory. Students unable to attend should notify the coach prior to
that session, stating reasons. Repeated failure to attend may result in the student being
excluded from the team.
23
ADMINISTRATION
College Calendar
The calendar for the year is mailed in February and can also be viewed on the College website.
Changes to calendar dates are notified in College newsletters.
Newsletter
This is emailed to families each Friday.
Telephone
Students are not permitted to leave class and come to the phone, but Office staff will pass on
messages to them from parents or family. Mobile phones are not permitted to be used at the
College and will be confiscated if seen or used. Repeated offences will result in longer confiscation
and parents being contacted to come to the College to collect the mobile phones.
Lost Property
Lost property is left at the Front Office. Unclaimed property is given to St. Vincent de Paul Society at
the end of each term. All clothing and books should be clearly marked with the student’s name so
that lost items can be returned to owners.
Money and Valuables
The College takes no responsibility for students’ money and valuables (eg. jewellery, calculators,
iPods) which students leave in bags. Students should not leave money or valuables unattended.
Valuables may be left in the Front Office for safe keeping.
Cleaning Up and Care of Property
Students are expected not to litter the grounds, and to keep their classrooms and playground areas
clean. Regular clean-up times will be scheduled. If students have caused damage to school property,
they will be expected to pay for repair or replacement.
Front Office
Our office staff are most central to our College community. It is to them that students report when
sick, hurt or late, or in need of despatching any urgent message. Office staff with first aid
qualifications supervise sick students and contact parents by phone when a sick or injured student
presents at the Front Office.
Canteen
The Canteen operates each day at recess and lunch time. Price lists for lunches and other items are
sent home via the College newsletter and are also available on the website. Parents are welcome to
take a turn on the canteen roster.
Fees
Full details about the College fees are in the College Prospectus.
Textbooks and Materials
Textbooks are provided to the students. The annual non-refundable textbook fee covers this.
Students are to have their own folders, exercise books, writing tools, calculators and USB sticks.
College Magazine
A committee of staff and students coordinates this annual publication. It provides an opportunity to
record the year’s events.
Dangerous Items
Aerosol cans, knives, weapons, matches, fire-crackers and other implements which can cause harm
to individuals or damage to College property are banned from the College.
24
UNIFORM CODE
At Marian, the uniform is a symbol of the College and a public declaration of its values,
standards and beliefs. It creates a sense of collective pride and demonstrates equality and mutual
respect amongst students. Full College uniform is to be worn correctly to and from the College,
during the school day and to any arranged events, unless parents have been notified otherwise by an
official College letter.
Students out of full uniform are expected to have a written note from a parent, which is to be
presented to and signed by the Homeroom teacher.
For practical Physical Education lessons and other sporting activities, the official sports uniform is to
be worn. Students, who do not have correct sports uniform, wear the College uniform to and from
school and change for the appropriate activity.
Students in Years 7-10
Summer Girls:
Maroon and blue check dress, white piping
(length below the knee); ankle-length white
socks, fully enclosed black polishable leather lace
up school shoes; maroon College jumper or vest
with College crest.
Students in Years 11 and 12
Summer Girls:
Blue and black check dress with blue piping
(length below the knee); fully enclosed black
polishable leather lace up school shoes; anklelength blue socks; maroon College jumper or
vest with College crest.
Summer Boys:
Long grey College trousers or grey tab style
school shorts; short-sleeved, open-necked white
MCC shirt with crest; grey socks with gold and
maroon stripes; fully enclosed black polishable
leather lace up school shoes; maroon College
jumper or vest with College crest.
Summer Boys:
Long grey College trousers or grey tab style
school shorts; sky- blue open-necked MCC shirt
with crest; grey socks with gold and maroon
stripes, fully enclosed black polishable leather
school shoes; maroon College jumper or vest
with College crest.
Winter Girls:
Tartan skirt (Length mid-calf); long sleeved
white MCC blouse with crest, junior maroon
crossover tie; black opaque tights (without
patterns), fully enclosed black polishable leather
lace up school shoes; maroon College jumper or
vest with College crest, maroon blazer with
College crest. MCC jumper and/or blazer may be
worn during the day. However, the blazer MUST
be worn to and from the College.
Winter Girls:
Tartan skirt (Length mid-calf); pale blue MCC
long-sleeved blouse with crest, senior maroon
crossover tie; black opaque tights (without
patterns), fully enclosed black polishable leather
lace up school shoes; maroon College jumper or
vest with College crest, maroon blazer with
College crest. MCC jumper and/or blazer may be
worn during the day. However, the blazer MUST
be worn to and from the College.
Winter Boys:
Long grey College trousers; long-sleeved white
MCC shirt with crest, junior maroon College tie;
grey socks with gold and maroon stripes, fully
enclosed black polishable leather lace up school
shoes; maroon College jumper or vest with
College crest, maroon blazer with College crest.
MCC jumper or vest and/or blazer may be worn
during the day. However, the blazer MUST be
worn to and from the College.
Winter Boys:
Long grey College trousers, sky blue MCC shirt
with crest, senior maroon College tie; grey socks
with gold and maroon stripes; fully enclosed
black polishable leather school shoes; maroon
College jumper or vest with College crest,
maroon blazer with College crest. MCC jumper or
vest and/or blazer may be worn during the day.
However, the blazer MUST be worn to and from
the College.
25
PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORM
Girls: College maroon shorts or ‘skort’, maroon and yellow sports top with embroidered College
crest, short white socks, lace up, predominantly white sports shoes ( not canvas).
Boys: Maroon shorts, maroon and yellow sports top with embroidered College crest; MCC football
socks or short white socks, lace up, predominantly white sports shoes ( not canvas).
Boys’ and Girls’ Tracksuit: Maroon tracksuit with gold piping on both jacket and pants.
Track suit jackets are compulsory. Jumpers may only be worn under the sport jacket and must not
be visible. The jacket has the College emblem.
JEWELLERY
For safety reasons, jewellery is not to be worn, with the exception of a watch, sleepers or small studs
(two per ear), signet ring and short neck chain. Bracelets, facial piercings and chunky jewellery pose
an OH&S risk and, therefore, are not to be worn.
SHOES
For safety reasons, fully enclosed black polishable leather school shoes are to be worn at all times.
Slip-on or canvas shoes are not safe nor appropriate, especially for sport and practical classes and,
therefore, are not allowed at MCC.
HATS and SCARVES
The maroon College cap or broad brimmed hat should be worn. In winter, the College beanie may
only be worn with the sports uniform. Hat and sunscreen are compulsory for practical PDHPE
classes and representative sport activities in Term 1 and 4. Maroon College scarves may only be
worn in Terms 2 and 3.
OTHER
Make-up is not permitted. Nail polish, other than clear, is not permitted. Any acrylic nails must be in
a natural colour.
Hair colour is to be close to natural; extremes of cut or style are not permitted. Hair is to be neatly
presented, away from the face. Any hair ties or head bands are to functional, rather than decorative,
and to be College colours (white, gold, maroon, blue, black or white).
Boys’ facial hair is to be clean shaven.
Girls’ dresses and skirts are to be below knee length.
Ties are expected to be worn up to and covering the top button of the shirt.
Belts should be black or dark brown.
Non-uniform garments (such as T-shirts, singlets, boxer shorts and/or leggings) are not to be
visible.
Some Key Learning Areas (subjects) have special requirements concerning dress, e.g. aprons or
uniforms for Technological and Applied Studies; long hair tied back for PDHPE, Science, Design and
Technology and Visual Arts. These regulations must be followed.
26
PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS
WHAT HAPPENS IF…
YOU ARE LATE FOR
SCHOOL
Report to the Front Office. A late note will be issued which you show
to the teacher of the class you go to. If you know in advance, bring a
note; if not, bring a note the next day.
YOU ARE ABSENT
FROM SCHOOL
If you know you will be away from school for a good reason, bring a
note in advance and give it to your Homeroom teacher. If the
absence is unexpected, bring the dated and signed note from your
parent when you return to school or within seven days. If the
absence is unexpected and for more than one day, the College should
be notified by phone. This still needs to be followed by a written
note. Extended known absences (such as holidays) need the
permission of the Principal prior to leaving.
YOU NEED TO LEAVE
THE SCHOOL DURING
THE DAY
This should be a rare occurrence and for a substantial reason.
You need to bring a note from your parent/ guardian to your
Homeroom Teacher and call at the office to collect a permission slip.
When leaving, show the permission slip to your teacher, call at the
office on the way out, call at the office on the way back and then
show the slip to your teacher when you return to class.
Parents need to pick you up from the Front Office.
YOU ARE ABSENT
FOR AN ASSESSMENT
TASK
Your parent needs to ring the College before 8.45am on the set day
and explain the circumstances. You may need to supply supporting
evidence (such as a doctor’s certificate) upon your return.
YOU ARE SICK OR
HURT AT SCHOOL
Get a note from your teacher if you are in class or let the teacher on
duty know if you are hurt on the playground, then go to the sickbay
at the Front Office.
YOU REQUIRE
MEDICATION DURING
SCHOOL TIME
YOU WISH TO GO TO
THE TOILET DURING
CLASS TIME
YOU DO NOT HAVE
CORRECT UNIFORM
You need to bring a note from your parent giving full details. The
medication should be dispensed from the Front Office under
supervision.
Ask your teacher for a blue slip and go to the Front Office to use the
sickbay toilet.
YOU LOSE
SOMETHING
Lost property is kept in the Front Office. Unclaimed property is
given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the end of the term. All
clothing and books should be clearly marked so that lost items can
be returned to owners.
It is essential that the Front Office has accurate records. You need to
bring a note from your parents, indicating the changes that have
taken place to your contact details or family situation.
YOU HAVE CHANGED
YOUR ADDRESS,
HOME PHONE
NUMBER OR FAMILY
SITUATION
If there is any good reason for you not to wear the full uniform at any
time, your parents should send a note of explanation to your
Homeroom Teacher, who will sign it and then you keep it for the day
to show any teacher or Coordinator who asks to see it.
27
YOU WANT TO CHECK Bags, heavy books and other articles can be checked in and out of the
AN ARTICLE IN AT
Front Office before and after school and at recess and lunch time.
THE OFFICE
Students are given a printed number which they use to get their
belongings back.
Students should not be going to the Front Office during class time to
collect items.
YOU NEED TO BRING
MONEY OR
VALUABLES TO
SCHOOL
YOU NEED TO MAKE
A PHONE CALL.
The College takes no responsibility for students’ money or valuables
unless they have been checked in at the Front Office. Do not leave
money or valuables unattended.
SOMEONE WANTS TO
GIVE YOU A MESSAGE
Students are not permitted to come to the phone, but Front Office
staff will pass on messages from family members to them at the next
available break.
If you need to contact parents, you can ask permission at the Front
Office to use the office phone.
Mobile phones are not to be brought to school as they can be a
security risk, can compromise the safety of others in an emergency,
can be used inappropriately, can be an intrusion to the learning in
the classroom and can be used to harass and bully others.
If a student has a mobile phone, it will be confiscated and taken to
the Front Office. For a first offence, it will be returned by the
Assistant Principal at the end of the day. For a second offence, it will
remain in the office for a week. For subsequent offences, parents will
be contacted.
28
YOU HAVE VISITORS
TO THE SCHOOL
All visitors to the College are required to check in at the school
office, sign the visitors record book on arrival and when
leaving. Students are not allowed out of class to see visitors.
Family members wait in the office and students are sent to the
Front Office to see them there.
YOU HAVE A BIKE OR
A SKATEBOARD
Students need to lock their bikes in the bike racks. Helmets can
be left in the Front Office. Bikes are not to be ridden on the
College grounds.
Students who bring skate boards to school check them in at the
Front Office before morning Homeroom and can claim them
back after the end of the last lesson of the day.
YOU WISH TO DRIVE
TO SCHOOL
Senior students who have a driver’s licence may drive a motor
vehicle to school on the following conditions:
 Application forms must be completed and signed by the
Principal
 A car driver may carry two passengers only
 The driver’s parents and the passengers’ parents must
give written permission for this
 Students are not permitted to ride or carry passengers
on motor bikes to or from any activity associated with
the school
 Motor vehicles are to be parked outside College grounds
during the school day
 No student may be a driver or passenger in a student’s
vehicle on a school organised excursion
 No student is to drive through the school yard during the
school day.
YOU DAMAGE
SCHOOL PROPERTY
If students have caused damage deliberately or carelessly, they
will be asked to pay for repairs. The payment may be
negotiated over time.
YOU WANT TO TAKE
A PHOTO OR VIDEO
RECORDING
YOU LOSE YOUR
STUDENT DIARY
Permission must be sought from the Principal.
See the Assistant Principal. Replacement may incur a cost.
29
PRIVACY POLICY
Rationale
The College is bound by the National Privacy Principles contained in the Commonwealth Privacy Act.
The College may, from time to time, review and update this Privacy Policy to take account of new
laws and technology, changes to schools’ operations and practices and to make sure it remains
appropriate to the changing school environment.
Collection of personal information
The type of information the College collects and holds includes (but is not limited to) personal
information, including sensitive information, about:

pupils and parents and/or guardians before, during and after the course of a pupil’s
enrolment at the College;

job applicants, staff members, volunteers and contractors; and

other people who come into contact with the College.
Personal information you provide: The College will generally collect personal information held
about an individual by way of forms filled out by parents or pupils, face-to-face meetings and
interviews, and telephone calls. On occasions, people other than parents and pupils provide
personal information.
Personal information provided by other people: In some circumstances the College may be
provided with personal information about an individual from a third party, for example a report
provided by a medical professional or a reference from another school.
Use of personal information provided to the College
The College will use personal information it collects from you for the primary purpose of collection,
and for such other secondary purposes that are related to the primary purpose of collection and
reasonably be expected, or to which you have consented.
Pupils and Parents: In relation to personal information of pupils and parents, the College’s primary
purpose of collection is to enable the College to provide schooling for the pupil. This includes
satisfying both the needs of parents and the needs of the pupil throughout the whole period the
pupil is enrolled at the College.
The purpose for which the College uses personal information of pupils and parents include:

to keep parents informed about matters related to their child’s schooling, through
correspondence, newsletters and magazines;

day-to-day administration;
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looking after pupils’ educational, social, spiritual and medical wellbeing;
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seeking donations and marketing for the College,
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to satisfy the College’s legal obligations and allow the College to discharge its duty of care.
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In some cases where the College requests personal information about a pupil or parent, if the
information requested is not obtained, the College may not be able to enrol or continue the
enrolment of the pupil.
Volunteers: The College also obtains personal information about volunteers who assist the College
in its functions or conduct associated activities, such as ex-students’ associations, to enable the
College and the volunteers to work together.
Marketing and fundraising: The College treats marketing and seeking donations for the future
growth and development of the College as an important part of ensuring that the College continues
to be a quality learning environment in which both pupils and staff thrive. Personal information
held by the College may be disclosed to an organisation that assists in the College’s fundraising, for
example, the College’s ex-students’ organisation.
Parents, staff, contractors and other members of the wider school community may from time to time
receive fundraising information. College publications, like newsletters and magazines, which
include personal information, may be used for marketing purposes.
Disclosure of personal information
The College may disclose personal information, including sensitive information, held about an
individual to:
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another school;
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government departments;
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medical practitioners;
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people providing services to the College, including specialist visiting teachers and sports
coaches;
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recipients of College publications, like newsletters and magazines;
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anyone to whom you authorise the College to disclose information.
The College will not send personal information about an individual outside Australia without:
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obtaining the consent of the individual (in some cases this consent will be implied); or
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otherwise complying with the National Privacy Principles.
Management and security of sensitive information
In referring to ‘sensitive information’, the College means: information relating to a person’s racial or
ethnic origin, political opinions, religion, trade union or other professional or trade association
membership, sexual preferences or criminal record, that is also personal information; and health
information about an individual.
Sensitive information will be used and disclosed only for the purpose for which it was provided or a
directly related secondary purpose, unless you agree otherwise, or the use or disclosure of the
sensitive information is allowed by law.
The College staff are required to respect the confidentiality of pupils’ and parents’ personal
information and the privacy of individuals.
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The College has in place steps to protect the personal information the College holds from misuse,
loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure by use of various methods including locked
storage of paper records and pass-worded access rights to computerised records.
Updating personal information
The College endeavours to ensure that the personal information it holds is accurate, complete and
up-to-date. A person may seek to update their personal information held by the College by
contacting the secretary of the College at any time. The National Privacy Principles require the
College not to store personal information longer than necessary.
Consent and rights of access to the personal information of pupils
The College respects every parent’s right to make decisions concerning their child’s education.
Generally, the College will refer any requests for consent and notices in relation to the personal
information of a pupil to the pupil’s parents. The College will treat consent given by parents as
consent given on behalf of the pupil, and notice to parents will act as notice to the pupil.
Parents may seek access to personal information held by the College about them or their child by
contacting the College’s Principal. However, there will be occasions when access is denied. Such
occasions would include where release of the information would have an unreasonable impact on
the privacy of others, or where the release may result in a breach of the College’s duty of care to the
pupil.
The College may, at its discretion, on the request of a pupil grant that pupil access to information
held by the College about them, or allow a pupil to give or withhold consent to the use of their
personal information, independently of their parents. This would normally be done only when the
maturity of the pupil and/or the pupil’s personal circumstances so warranted.
Access to the personal information the College holds
Under the Commonwealth Privacy Act, an individual may seek access to personal information which
the College holds about them. There are some exceptions through their Parents, but older pupils
may seek access themselves.
To make a request to access any information the College holds about you or your child, please
contact the College Principal in writing. The College may require you to verify your identity and
specify what information you require. The College may charge a fee to access and will advise the
likely cost in advance.
Enquiries
If you would like further information about the way the College manages the personal information it
holds, please contact the College’s Principal.
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POLICY FOR USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY STUDENTS
Rationale
Marian Catholic College through our varied curriculum, provides students with access to up-to-date
technology.
Marian Catholic College believes that students should have the opportunity to access the Internet to:
 prepare our students for further education, employment and social awareness.
 provide access to a range of resources to obtain information.
 enable electronic communication, both on a local and global level.
Our aim is to develop independent learners who are able to:
 define the purpose for which information is required
 locate appropriate sources of information
 understand and appreciate information from several sources
 present work in an appropriate fashion
 acknowledge the work of others through quotations and citations, while being honest about
what has been personally contributed
 evaluate their own learning.
While the use of technology makes a positive contribution to learning at Marian Catholic College, it
must take place according to the College guidelines for appropriate use. These guidelines are based
on the need for safety for each student, as well as courtesy and respect for others. However they are
also based on laws that have been established to protect against such things as:
 invasion of privacy
 harassment or bullying of others
 breaking copyright.
Students are responsible for their own actions and face disciplinary action if rules are broken.
Access
Students sign the contract regarding internet usage for the period of their enrolment. Each student
has credit allocated to their account for printing. Students may add additional credit to their account.
General guidelines for the use of the information and communications technology
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All internet searches are conducted at Marian Catholic College must be directly related to
school studies.
Internet searches and emails are not private and can be monitored.
In the case of inappropriate Internet use, students may lose their rights to access the College
intranet and the internet.
Students are not to publish any works on the web that are school-related without permission
from the appropriate teacher
When students log onto the internet with User Name and password they are responsible for
the sites visited. Students must never log on with another’s username and password or give
their password to others.
Student must keep their password confidential. Students must not reveal it to other
students. If a password becomes known by others, students must notify the office and
complete a form to change their password.
Students must recognise that downloading of some materials, for example music files,
breaches Copyright Legislation.
Students must acknowledge all internet sources, using the Harvard System outlined in the
Student Diary. Failure to do so is plagiarism and will result in a zero being given to any
assessment tasks.
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Students must obtain permission from individuals whose
photographs they use in an assignment, e.g. designing a web page
for an assignment in a course. The photograph should be removed
from the database once the assignment is completed.
The College Network does not permit open access to chatrooms. If
students’ incorrect or inappropriate use of chatrooms outside
school impacts on school life there will be consequences.
Castnet Forums are only to be used for educational purposes under
teacher supervision.
Students may not use the Internet:
 for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contacts
 for financial or commercial gain
 to degrade or disrupt equipment, software or system performances, including the
introduction of any viruses
 to vandalise the data of another user
 to gain unauthorised access to resources
 to invade the privacy of individuals
 to post anonymous messages
 to down-load stored print files or messages that are profane, obscene or that use language
that offends or degrades others.
Web authoring
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No personal information about a student will be allowed. This includes home telephone
numbers and addresses, as well as information regarding the specific location of any student
at any given time.
All students work must be signed with the student’s full name within the web document.
Individuals in pictures, movies or sound recordings may be identified only by initials. No first
or last names may appear in reference to any individuals in any image, movie or sound
recording.
No texts, images, movie or sound containing pornography, profanity, obscenity, or language
that offends or tends to degrade others will be allowed.
All graphics used need to be acknowledged regards ownership (copyright)
Email
Students may access email only in relation to their courses of study. No personal email is permitted.
Students need to be aware of the following:
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Student’s email messages are both permanent and public. Each of the emails is a public
document and may be subpoenaed by a court.
The laws relating to written communication apply equally to email messages, including the
laws relating to defamation, copyright, obscenity, fraudulent misrepresentation, freedom of
information, and wrongful discrimination.
Email is not to be used in an inappropriate manner, for example to bully, harass or threaten
someone.
Sanctions
The College expects that all students using the computer network and internet facilities will display
a high standard of responsible behaviour.
Irresponsible behaviour includes, but is not limited, to:
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Violation of copyright, or failing to acknowledge the source of material;
Deliberately accessing, creating or manipulating material that may be offensive to anyone.
This may include information that is racist, sexist, pornographic, irreligious or containing
abusive language;
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Violating the privacy of others, including using the password or login script of others,
interfering with, altering, harming or destroying the work of others;
Failure to report any violation of privacy, including sharing logon script and passwords;
Posting anonymous messages;
Damaging equipment;
Corrupting data;
Wasting finite resources;
Making personal downloads of movies, games or music, emailing or engaging in chat lines; or
Any other behaviour that contravenes College policies.
Irresponsible behaviour will result in the withdrawal of the privilege to use MCC computer network
and internet facilities.
Network users should be aware that monitoring of individual usage is carried out as a routine
maintenance measure.
The internet user is held responsible for his/her actions. Violations may result in:
 Loss of access for a period of up to 20 school days,
 Additional disciplinary action in line with the Discipline Policy. This may include detentions
or suspension from school or, if applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.
Non-Liabilty
Marian Catholic College makes no guarantees of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the
service it is providing. The College is not responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of
data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence, errors or
omissions. Use of any information obtained via the College is at the user’s own risk. The College is
not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained.
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Marian Catholic College
Agreement for Use of Computer Network and Internet Facility
Student Name
Year
I agree to:
1. Follow the ‘Policy for Computer use by Students’;
2. Show respect for the computer resources and fellow users of these resources;
3. Limit the downloading of files, materials and/or site details to those that are directly related
to the curriculum, and are appropriate and inoffensive;
4. Only use my personal CASTnet email facility for school related purposes;
5. Respect the sensitivity of others in my access, downloading and/or printing of materials
and/or site details.
6. Respect the copyright of the creator of any material that I use, and acknowledge the source
of all such work, using the Harvard System for referencing, as outlined in the Student Diary.
I will not:
1. Infringe copyright law by copying and/or redistributing another person's work, without the
appropriate acknowledgement;
2. Disclose any personal and/or financial details to any person, group or business.
Should my use of the computer network and internet facility be deemed to be inappropriate,
damaging and/or offensive, I understand that I may face disciplinary action including loss of
computer access. In more serious breaches of the guidelines, detention, suspension or expulsion may
be considered. I understand that the infringement of copyright and licence agreements, or accessing
of some inappropriate sites, may lead to criminal charges being laid against me.
I certify that I have read and understood the Policy for Use of Technology and the
above statements.
I agree to abide by this Policy and Agreement. I understand that sanctions may be
imposed on me for any breaches.
Student’s name
Signature
Date:
Parent/Guardian/Caregiver:
I certify that I have read the Marian Catholic College's Policy for Use of Technology (in
the Parent Handbook)and the Agreement for Use of Computer Network and Internet
Facility, which my child has signed. I understand that the College wishes to protect my
child and its network from exposure to inappropriate and undesirable material.
I accept the conditions of the Agreement.
Parent’s Name
Signature
Date
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Policy on Anti Cyber-bullying
RATIONALE
All members of the community deserve to work and learn in a positive learning environment, free
from hurtful behaviours. Students have the right to be treated with respect and dignity and have the
responsibility to treat others with respect and dignity. Every student has the right to feel safe from
bullying, whether it be physical, verbal or cyber.
Cyber bullying is when someone is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed, or
otherwise targeted by another person using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or
mobile phones. Examples of cyber bullying behaviour are:
 Teasing and being making fun of others;
 Spreading of rumours or passing on gossip when online;
 Taking photographic images without permission and/or posting inappropriate photographic
material or animation;
 Sending unwanted messages.
Students at Marian Catholic College have a responsibility to ensure that they:
 guard their user name, password and contact details
 do not participate in cyber-bullying
 do not use mobile phones, cameras or other digital devices to record audio and visual
material that is not authorised as part of the school curriculum program
 do not breach the privacy of students, staff and members of the school community through
any unauthorised recording, filming or dissemination
 do not store or disseminate inappropriate information or offensive images through digital
media or other means
 report incidents of cyber-bullying to a member of staff
 advise students being victimised by cyber-bullying to talk to an adult
 offer to speak to an adult on behalf of the student who is being victimised by cyber-bullying
Many incidents of cyber-bullying are initiated in the home, and therefore, contact with the parents of
all the students involved is often necessary. Students who are found to have used digital
technologies to bully or harass another student or staff member at any time, including the holidays,
weekends and after school, must accept that they may face any or all of the consequences outlined
below, at the discretion of the Principal:
 Access to the external web at school may be limited or terminated
 Email usage and access to the web may be monitored
 Direction for community service
 Detention
 Counselling
 Suspension from the College
 Exclusion from the College
 The police may be involved and criminal charges may result
It is an expectation of the school that parents will support the College in such situations.
37
SAFE SCHOOLS POLICY
(CHILD PROTECTION)
DIOCESE OF WAGGA WAGGA
© Cat h ol ic Sc h ool s Of f ic e, Di oc es e of Wagg a Wag g a
Introduction
The community has clear expectations of its schools in matters relating to child protection and child abuse. It
expects that its children, while at school, will be protected from all forms of abuse, including sexual, physical
and emotional abuse and neglect.
It also expects that its children, while at school, will be taught how to protect themselves and to seek help if
they are concerned about abuse. The community supports programs that give students the skills to develop
positive, non-coercive relationships.
The Catholic Schools Office Wagga Wagga takes on these responsibilities to ensure that students within the
Diocese of Wagga Wagga are protected from all forms of abuse and neglect - sexual, physical and emotional.
This document is written in the light of recent legislative changes in NSW. These include Part 3A Ombudsman
Act 1974; the Child Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2003, the Child Protection (Prohibited
Employment) Act (1998); Commission for Children & Young People Act (1998) and the Children & Young
Persons (Care & Protection) Act (1998).
Statement of Principles
Within schools/colleges in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, procedures will be followed in handling allegations of
reportable conduct and concerns that children may be at risk of harm. These procedures are based on the
following principles:
 All children have the right to safety and to be protected from any kind of abuse.
 Persons involved in situations where abuse is disclosed or suspected should be treated with
sensitivity, dignity and respect.
 In any preventive and/or protective action related to child abuse, the total well-being of the child is
the primary concern.
 The value of the family unit is respected but not to the detriment of the well being of the child.
 As the Principal is responsible for the administration and conduct of the school/college and all that
relates to it, the Principal (or designated delegate) is to be informed promptly of suspected or
disclosed incidents of reportable conduct as well as serious matters concerning the welfare of
students. All school staff, including teachers, school support staff and authorised volunteers, share this
obligation.
 As the Director of Schools is responsible for the administration and conduct of the schools within the
Diocese of Wagga Wagga, and all that relates to it, the Director of Schools (or designated delegate) is to
be informed promptly of suspected or disclosed incidents of reportable conduct. All Principals share
this obligation.
 Information regarding suspected or disclosed reportable conduct shall be made available only to
those personnel who have a genuine need to be informed. Personnel who have access to such
information have the obligation to observe appropriate confidentiality in relation to this information.
 School personnel are expected to avoid any false, exaggerated or unjustified assertions that may
infringe the good name of another person.
1. Definitions
1.1 Risk of Harm
Section 23 of the Child and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 states the following:
“a child or young person is at risk of harm if current concerns exist for the safety, welfare and well being of the
child and young person because of the presence of one or more of the following circumstances:
(a) the childs or young person’s basic physical or physiological needs not being met or are at risk of not being
met;
(b) the parents or other care givers have not arranged and are unable or are unwilling to arrange for a child or
young person to receive necessary medical care.
(c) the child or young person has been, or is at risk of being, physically or sexually abused or ill-treated.
(d) the child or young person is living in a household where there has been incidents of domestic violence and,
as a consequence, the child or young person is at risk of serious physical or physiological harm.
(e) a parent or other caregiver has behaved in such a way towards the child or young person that the child or
young person has suffered or is at risk of suffering
serious physiological harm.
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1.2 Reportable Conduct
Reportable Conduct includes child sexual assault, physical abuse, psychological abuse and ill treatment and
neglect.
1.2.1 Child Sexual Assault
Child sexual assault is any sexual act or sexual threat imposed on a child. Adults who perpetrate child sexual
abuse exploit the dependency and immaturity of children. Coercion, which may be physical or psychological, is
intrinsic to child sexual abuse and differentiates such abuse from consensual peer sexual activity.
1.2.2 Physical Abuse
Physical abuse refers to any unwelcome hostile contact or threat of such contact including nonaccidental
injury or injury caused through recklessness to a child by a parent, caregiver or any another person. It is
unwelcome contact, discipline, as well as threatened abuse, pushing, physical restraint. The child does not
have to suffer injury to have experienced physical abuse.
N.B. Corporal punishment is illegal in N.S.W.
1.2.3 Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse is behaviour by a parent or caregiver, teacher or another person responsible for a child,
which can destroy the confidence of a child resulting in significant emotional deprivation or trauma. It involves
impairment of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, intellectual development and/or disturbance of a child’s
behaviour.
It includes excessive demands; failure to provide psychological nurturing and affection necessary for a child’s
physical and emotional growth and development; scapegoating or rejecting; severe verbal abuse and threats of
abuse.
Witnessing domestic violence can have a profound effect on children and constitutes a form of emotional
abuse.
1.2.4 Neglect or ill-treatment
Child neglect occurs where a child is harmed by the failure to provide the basic physical and emotional
necessities of life. Neglect is characterised as a continuum of omissions in caregiving. Ill-treatment occurs
where an employee disciplines or corrects a child in excess of what is reasonable or appropriate for the
situation.
1.3 Sexual Misconduct
Misconduct of a sexual nature is behaviour on the part of a staff member, which exploits the privileged
position of the staff member within the staff-student relationship. Sexual misconduct relates to inappropriate
behaviour of a sexual or potential sexual nature.
Examples of sexual misconduct may include any of the following forms:
 Sexual touching either over or under clothing
 Inappropriate discussion of matters of a sexual nature with students; (Appropriate discussions
 may include personal development/pastoral care lessons and the discussion with senior students of
prescribed curriculum material in which sexual themes are contextual)
 Sexual exhibitionism
 The development of an intimate relationship, incompatible with the staff-student relationship,
between a staff member and a student, initiated by either, whether of the same or opposite sexes
 Exposure to students of pornographic material in any medium
 Watching children undress when supervision is not required or justified
 Kissing accompanied by some suggestion of a sexual nature (e.g. kissing on the lips).
1.4 Misconduct that may involve reportable conduct
Is where the behaviour suggests there may be a pattern of behaviour or the behaviour may indicate
misconduct that poses a risk to children. This may include a breach of boundaries such as taking a child home
in an employee’s car, or giving gifts to a child.
2. Mandatory Requirements of Schools
2.1 Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
Mandatory notification of children who are currently perceived to be at risk of harm is covered
under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.
This Act requires mandatory reporting of cases of suspected concerns about risk of harm of a child
or young person under 18 years of age by person occupying the following positions in State and
Non-Government schools:
 School principals
 School deputy principals
 School teachers
 Teacher Assistants
 Early childhood teachers who are employed in a school
 School counselors
 School social workers.
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Additionally, the Catholic Schools Office requires that all employees and voluntary workers must inform the
Principal of the school in which they are working of any genuine concerns that they have about children in
their care and that they believe are currently at risk of harm. It is however, the ultimate responsibility of the
employee/voluntary worker to ensure that such matters are notified to the Department of Community
Services.
In circumstances where a discrepancy exists between the employee/voluntary worker and that of the
Principal, the matter must be brought to the attention of the Department of Community Services.
Such notifications may either be made by the Principal or the employee/volunteer worker. It is an expectation
that the Principal is informed that such action is intended to occur.
2.2 Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998
This act prohibits persons with convictions for serious sex offences from working in child related employment
where that employment involves direct unsupervised contact with children.
There is an obligation on the part of the employer to establish that existing employees are not prohibited
persons. Further to this there is an obligation on the employer to only employ persons who are not prohibited
persons.
Employees are obliged by law to disclose to their employer their status relating to the definition of a
prohibited employment under Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998. If the employee is a
prohibited person they are obliged by law not to apply for or remain in child related employment.
2.3 Pt 7 Commission for Children and Young People Act
Part 7 of this Act mandates the employment screening of preferred applicants for child related
employment in schools.
An employer is required to conduct employment screening by an approved screening agency for employing
staff. An employer is required to notify the Commission for Children and Young People of relevant disciplinary
proceedings taken as a result of an allegation/conviction of abuse by an employee. The employer is also
required to notify the Commission for Children and Young People of applicants who have not been offered
child related employment as a result of an employment screening risk assessment.
2.4 Ombudsman Act 1974
This act requires the Director of Schools to report to the New South Wales Ombudsman within 30 days, any
allegations or convictions of reportable conduct made against employees of the schools within the Diocese of
Wagga Wagga.
The Director of Schools is also required to ensure that investigations of such allegations of reportable conduct
are conducted and that appropriate actions take place as a result of the findings of these investigations.
There is an obligation on the part of employees to inform the principal of the school/college in which they are
working of any reportable conduct allegation or conviction against an employee, which occurs either within or
outside the workplace.
There is an obligation on the part of the Principal to then inform the Catholic Schools Office Wagga Wagga.
3. Relevant Procedures
3.1 Procedures for investigating Matters Relating to a Concern that a Child is at Risk of
Harm
3.1.1 Preliminary Information Gathering
The gathering of some preliminary information, which may lead to an investigation, may take the
following forms:
i.) A student tells any staff member that he/she is at risk of harm
ii.) Someone else tells a staff member that a student is at risk of harm
iii.) A student tells a staff member he/she knows someone who is at risk of harm (the student can be referring
to himself/herself)
iv.) A staff member’s own observation leads her/him to suspect the student is at risk of harm (some indicators
of risk of harm are: marked changes in behaviour; withdrawal; depression; changes in application to work,
attendance patterns or attention to personal appearance; pregnancy; anorexia or over-eating; self destructive
behaviour such as drug dependency, suicide attempts or self-mutilation injuries to breasts, buttocks, lower
abdomen and thighs).
A staff member is advised to discuss his/her concerns with the principal of the school/college in which they
are working. These discussions will be treated as strictly confidential.
3.1.2 Action to be taken by the school re: Reports relating to students of the school.
v.) Any staff member who has reason to believe that a student is at risk of harm is expected to report the
concern to the Principal so that further action may be decided upon.
vi.) Unless otherwise directed staff members are expected to maintain the confidentiality of such matters. It is
therefore expected that such matters are not discussed or reported to colleagues (except for the Principal – or
his/her delegate) or other persons including family members of the child who is regarded as being at risk of
harm.
vii.) If it is decided that reasonable grounds exist to investigate matters relating to a concern for the welfare of
students, the Principal is obligated to notify DOCS
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viii.) The initial notification is expected to be followed up in writing and faxed to DOCS.
[Appendix A]
ix.) If the staff member is aware that the Principal has not made a notification to DOCS and believes that
reasonable grounds for notification still exist, then the staff member is obligated to notify DOCS directly.
x.) DOCS needs to know the following information: Name, address and age of the student, name of the
school/college, whether there are other children in the family and their ages, notes of the events, conversation,
observations which have led up to the notification.
3.1.3 Action by the Department of Community Services
xi.) It is the statutory obligation that DOCS inform the parent(s)/caregiver(s) of the notification.
The school/college must not inform the parent(s)/caregiver(s).
xii.) The DOCS officer and the Principal meet to discuss the necessary procedures. In the meantime, the
Principal ensures that the student is supported at school/college.
xiii.) If DOCS request an interview with the student, the Principal informs the student of his/her right not to be
interviewed and to nominate a supportive person to be present at the interview if he/she wishes. Unless
otherwise advised or directed by DOCS, parents would be informed of DOCS intention to interview the child
and if possible the interview would be postponed until a parent is able to attend.
xiv.) The Principal consults with DOCS about post-interview support for the student
xv.) If DOCS officers consider it necessary to interview other students who attend the school/college, the same
procedures apply.
3.1.4 Removal of an Alleged Victim by DOCS Officers
xvi.) A child who is an alleged victim may be removed from the school /college only on the authority of the
DOCS District Manager, Assistant Manager or delegated officer or of the Children’s Court.
xvii.) The Principal must inform the local DOCS office that the above action has taken place
xviii.) The Principal must keep a written record of the action and include the following details:
 Name of the DOCS Manager
 Names and titles of the DOCS officers
 Date and time of removal
 The reason for the removal
 The intended place of lodgment of the student
 Take a photocopy of the notice served.
xix.) The Principal must gain an assurance from the DOCS officers that they will immediately inform the
parent(s)/caregiver(s) of the student of the action taken. The Principal must not inform the
parent(s)/guardian(s) of the action.
3.1.5 Reports relating to children who are not students of the school.
Where a staff member of the school/college, in the course of his/her duties (e.g. short term attendance at a
‘host’ school, school excursions, through a student’s siblings or peers) has reasonable grounds to believe that a
student from another school is at risk of harm, she/he must report this directly to the Principal of the
school/college at which they work who must notify, as soon as possible, the Principal of the school the
particular student attends.
If the Principal of the student’s school has reasonable grounds to believe that the student is at risk of harm,
she/he should be advised to notify DOCS as soon as possible.
The Principal of the school the student attends should be requested to inform the Principal who informed
them whether or not the notification has been made to DOCS.
If the Principal knows that the notification has not been made and the Principal still believes that reasonable
grounds exist, he/she must notify DOCS directly.
3.1.6 Protection of the Notifier
Notification of risk of harm attracts the following safeguards:
xx.) Notification shall not, in any proceedings before a court, tribunal or committee, be held to constitute a
breach of professional etiquette or ethics or a departure from accepted standards of professional conduct
xxi.) No liability for defamation is incurred for the person making the notification
xxii.) The notification shall not constitute a ground for civil proceedings for malicious prosecution or for
conspiracy
xxiii.) The notification shall not be admissible in evidence in any proceedings before a court, tribunal or
committee, or to disclose, and no evidence of its contents shall be admissible
xxiv.) A person shall not be compelled in any proceedings before a court, tribunal or committee to produce the
notification, or to disclose, or give any evidence of, any of the contents of the notification.
3.2 Procedures where Allegations of Reportable Conduct Involve a Staff Member
Allegations of reportable conduct involving staff members must be investigated and reported to the
Ombudsman’s Office pursuant to Part 3A Ombudsman Act 1974.
The primary concern of the Catholic Schools Office, at all times, is the safety and care of the students.
There is no intention that these procedures be punitive towards staff members or that they prejudge the
outcome of any legal processes.
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Confidentiality must be contained to the appropriate personnel to protect the identity and the reputation of all
involved.
At all times the Catholic Schools Office will observe the Protocols Agreement between the Catholic
Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) and the Independent Education Union (IEU). [To
be revised and updated. August 2005]
3.2.1 Action by the Principal
 Contact is made with the Catholic Schools Office as soon as the report is made.
 The Director of Schools is informed.
 The Director of Schools confirms the investigation team
 If the complaint falls within an exemption then the complaint is not notified to the Ombudsman.
 an allegation that on the face value is reasonable for the discipline and management of a child, and
consistent with the code of conduct,
 an allegation that is one of physical force, and that is of a trivial and negligible nature in all the
circumstances, or
 an allegation of conduct that falls within a class or kind determination.
 Although not reported to the Ombudsman, these complaints are still investigated following the
process outlined below.
 A member of the investigation team meets with the staff member to give written notice of the report
and the details of the investigation
 The investigation team collects relevant information and delivers a preliminary finding to the Director
of Schools
 The head of the investigation team meets with the staff member to deliver the finding.
If the finding is sustained:
 an appropriate action plan/disciplinary action is discussed and given in written form
 the Catholic Schools Office completes the required documentation and forwards it to the Ombudsman.
 If the finding is not reportable conduct, not sustained due to insufficient evidence, misconceived, false
or vexatious:
 the staff member is informed of the finding
 the Catholic Schools Office completes the required documentation and forwards it to the Ombudsman.
 At the conclusion of the investigation, the Ombudsman informs the Diocese of Wagga Wagga
 (Head of Agency) of closure.
 The Catholic Schools Office informs the staff member in writing that the matter has been concluded.
If, during the course of the information gathering process the Catholic Schools Office develops the view that
the alleged victim or any other child is currently exposed to a risk of harm they are obliged to take steps to
ensure that a notification is made to DOCS without delay. Ref. 3.1 xxv.) The Catholic Schools Office Wagga must
inform DOCS that the office will need to take immediate action which may involve informing the staff member
of the general nature of the complaint and the process for proceeding with any steps to be taken.
xxvi.) A representative of the Catholic Schools Office Wagga must inform the allegedly offending staff member
in person that the complaint has been made and that DOCS have been informed.
This meeting is held at the Catholic Schools Office Wagga or at some other suitable location. The staff member
is encouraged to be accompanied by a support person. The staff member is invited to respond to the
allegations. The representative of the Catholic Schools Office Wagga determines the work status of
the staff member. The options would include: leave with pay pending investigation by DOCS/police or
dismissal, where the facts of the case warrant that continuing employment is inappropriate.
The representative informs the staff member of the choice of work status.
The staff member is encouraged to contact the IEU if he/she is a member and/or to seek advice and
representation if he/she chooses.
The Catholic Schools Office Wagga informs the IEU of the date/place of the interview.
xxvii.) The representative must inform the complainant of the determination made and the action taken.
xxviii.) The representative of the Catholic Schools Office must inform the parent(s)/caregiver(s) of the student
that a complaint has been made
xxix.) While the investigations are in progress, if necessary, the representative of the Catholic Schools Office
Wagga maintains liaison with DOCS/police
3.2.2 For Matters of Serious Misconduct
xxx.) Upon conclusion of the investigations by DOCS/police the following will occur:
If charges are laid by the Police, the Director of Schools will:
 Suspend the employment of the staff member without pay, pending finalisation of the proceedings. (If
the charges are not upheld the staff member may be reinstated if appropriate)
 Dismiss the staff member where the facts of the case and a finding based on the balance of
probabilities are of a kind that would cause continued employment to pose an inappropriate risk of
harm to children.
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if charges are not laid, to:
Reinstate
Dismiss the staff member (where the facts of the case and a finding based on the balance of
probabilities are of a kind that cause continued employment to pose an inappropriate risk of harm to
children).
xxxi.) In the event of a court verdict, the Director of Schools will make a further decision to:
 Dismiss, if the staff member is convicted.
 Reinstate, if appropriate and dependent upon the circumstances and the findings made pursuant to
the Ombudsman Act investigation, in the event of acquittal.
 Dismiss the staff member if, despite acquittal, the facts of the case and a finding based on the balance
of probabilities are of a kind that would cause continued employment to pose an inappropriate risk of
harm to children.
xxxii.) The Director of Schools will consider all available information and base the decision regarding ongoing
employment around that.
xxxiii.) The representative of the Catholic Schools Office Wagga will convey the outcome of the decision to the
staff member
xxxiv.) The Investigation Team shall determine follow-up processes at school level, confidentiality being
preserved at all times All documentation is held in a secure location at the Catholic Schools Office Wagga.
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4. Pastoral Care of Students who Experience Abuse
Child protection is a big responsibility. It is important to share this responsibility, because no one person can
guarantee a student complete safety. It is nevertheless important that confidentiality is respected and that only
those with a legitimate need to know of specific child protection concerns are informed.
Good pastoral care practices help to make the schools within the Diocese of Wagga Wagga a place where a
student at risk of harm will feel safe enough to talk to staff members. As abuse is a critical incident for those
involved, reference to the Critical Incident Policy is helpful.
4.1 Supporting A Student Who Has Disclosed Risk Of Harm or reportable conduct by
an employee.
Students generally disclose with great hesitation and often with feelings of fear and guilt. It is therefore
important for the staff member to remain calm and supportive. Active listening without probing is required.
 Staff members help disclosing students by:
 Listening to them
 Telling them that they are doing the right thing in disclosing
 Emphasising that what has happened is not their fault
 Avoiding a display of shock or personal distress
 Acknowledging that it is hard to talk of such matters
 Telling them that the best way to stop it happening to them is to tell the right people
Staff members do not help disclosing students by:
 Making promises which cannot be kept
 Probing students in such a way that they cease talking freely.
4.2 Helping the Student at Risk of Harm in the Classroom
The school environment can offer security and stability for students at risk of harm in a time when other
environments may be unstable.
Teachers, through their normal daily contact with students, have an opportunity to make a significant
contribution to the adjustment of students who are at risk of harm.
These students, above all, need to feel normal. By treating these students as naturally as possible, the teacher
can contribute to meeting their special needs. The consistency, structure and routine of the classroom help to
maintain normalcy. Students also can feel supported and at home in an atmosphere where their self esteem is
preserved. Additionally, their being in the classroom can give them some personal space while being with
others.
4.3 Support for the Staff Member to Whom a Disclosure has been made
Many staff members find listening to a disclosure overwhelming and it may arouse strong feelings
of disbelief, helplessness, protectiveness or sadness. While listening, staff members need to be
aware of their own feelings, control them and deal with them in an appropriate way after the disclosure. Staff
members are encouraged to seek the assistance of the Principal after the disclosure for personal support. This
may involve accessing the Diocesan Employee Assistance Program.
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5. Permissible Physical Contact with Students
The Child Protection Code of Professional Standards for Catholic Schools Employees document sets out
principles and standards for employees working in Catholic Schools in New South Wales.
5.1 Legal bases for Permissable Physical Contact
5.1.1 Duty of Care
The Child Protection Code of Professional Standards outlines the duty that is owed to employees and students
by the school. All employees are expected to contribute towards fulfilling this duty of care that is owed to each
student in providing a school environment that is free from risk of harm. In meeting this duty of care risk
management processes may need to be employed to ensure that the welfare of all students and employees is
met.
5.1.2 Assistance
There are occasions when a staff member needs to give practical assistance to a child who is hurt or who, for
some other reason, requires physical assistance. In such cases touching is unavoidable if the school’s/college’s
duty of care is to be fulfilled. When physical contact with a student is necessary for activities involved in
teaching and learning activities, all employees must ensure that the contact is appropriate and acceptable for
the duty being performed. (Child Protection Code of Professional Standards – page 8).
Physical interventions to contain or control the behaviour of a student should only be employed as a last resort
to ensure that the safety and protection of employees and students is met. This would be restricted to
situations in which any member of the school community is at risk of being harmed, or being harmed.
The Child Protection Code also outlines that any contact that fits within the above is only acceptable if the
contact is reasonable for the purpose of discipline, management or care of the children.
5.1.3 Comfort, Encouragement and Congratulations
There are times when a staff member may feel it appropriate to respond to a student with touch, to give
comfort or consolation, to give a ‘pat on the back’, to give encouragement or to offer a gesture of
congratulations. It is possible to respond warmly and sensitively without compromising professional
boundaries by the use of affirming language, by using socially unambiguous gestures such as a handshake, a
hug or a kiss on the cheek and by developing a habit of asking a student before touching him or her.
5.1.4 Good Practice
Where responsible for a single student, maintain visibility into a room, and where possible interact with the
student in an area open to observation.
Do not presume that a hug, kiss or touch is accepted or welcomed as a gesture of comfort, support or
congratulations. A student may find such a gesture intrusive. Never touch a student in a way that you know is
unacceptable to him or her.
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