Enrolment Policy

The Sydney Archdiocesan Enrolment period usually takes place in the May of the year prior to enrolment. St Joseph's School adheres to the Sydney Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Board Policy on the enrolment of pupils. Enrolment priorities favour Catholic families who worship in this parish.

Enrolment Policy for Schools within the Archdiocesan System

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1.1 The Catholic school is a precious instrument for education in the faith and for the integration of faith and culture in the development of each child.
1.2 The Australian Catholic community has contributed to the establishment and maintenance of its schools with the specific intention that they promote the continuance of that community and the development of each child through an active process of catechesis.
1.3 The Archdiocese of Sydney, within its saving mission, develops Catholic schools which are founded on the person of Jesus Christ and enlivened by Gospel values in order to highlight the relevance of our faith to life and contemporary culture.
1.4 The Archdiocese of Sydney, through the Sydney Archdiocesan Catholic Schools (SACS) Board, encourages parish communities to establish Catholic schools which are committed to the development of the whole person and embedded within the community of believers, and share in the evangelizing Mission of the Church.
1.5* The SACS Board acknowledges the Church's exhortation to Catholic parents to send their children to Catholic schools whenever it is possible. It accepts a concomitant responsibility on the part of Catholic education authorities to ensure that quality1 Catholic education, which caters for all enrolled students, is provided in each school.
1.6* The responsibility for admitting children to a systemic Catholic school is one that is ultimately shared by the whole Catholic community. While immediate responsibility is delegated to individual school communities, their decisions must be:
a) informed by the Gospel values of inclusiveness and equity;
b) in accord with Archdiocesan policy as well as Commonwealth and State legislation; and
c) subject to an appeals procedure.
1.7* The Catholic systemic school strives to cater for the needs of all students at each level, and to meet individual needs over a wide range of learning abilities. These objectives must be equitably achieved within the constraints of the available teaching and material resources and recognise the rights of all students to educational opportunities which expand life choices.
1.8* SACS Board acknowledges circumstances may arise subsequent to enrolment (such as a student suffering deterioration in health or behaviour) which compromise a school's capacity to adequately cater for the altered learning needs of a particular student.

MANDATORY PROVISIONS

2.1 All parents seeking to enrol children in Catholic schools should be assisted to understand the ideals and principles, upon which the Catholic school is based, in accordance with the “Vision Statement” SACS Board in September, 1988.
2.2 Each school within the Archdiocesan system shall formulate an enrolment policy which is consistent with the Archdiocesan policy. A school may adapt the Archdiocesan Enrolment policy to cover specific local circumstances, provided that such adaptations have the approval of the Regional Director. A School Enrolment Policy shall not come into force until it has been approved by the Regional Director.
2.3* All duly completed applications for enrolment received before the official closing date shall be treated equally in accordance with the School Enrolment Policy. Where an application indicates that a student has a special educational need2, it will be referred to the Regional Consultant responsible for the particular school, who will assess whether or not the school can provide the facilities, resources and suitably trained personnel to support the educational needs of the applicant. The Regional Consultant will then meet with the Principal and the applicant's parents/caregivers to discuss the prospective enrolment prior to the application being considered, along with all other applications, by the School Enrolment Committee.
2.4 The formulation, implementation and ongoing evaluation of the School Enrolment Policy shall be the responsibility of the School Enrolment Committee.

Parish Primary Schools
2.5* The School Enrolment Committee for each parish Primary school shall consist of:
2.5.1 The Principal;
2.5.2 The Parish Priest;
2.5.3 A representative of the Parish community on which the school depends. The Parish Priest and Principal shall together arrange for the selection of the Parish representative.
The Committee shall be convened by the Principal and instructed as to its duties under Commonwealth and State Anti-Discrimination Legislation.

Regional Schools
2.6* The School Enrolment Committee for each school dealing with clusters of parishes shall consist of:
2.6.1 The Principal;
2.6.2 The Principal, or Assistant Principal of one Feeder School as invited by the Regional Director;
2.6.3 One Parish Priest elected by the Parish Priests of the designated Feeder Parishes;
2.6.4 Two parents, one elected by the Parish Priest (as in 2.6.3 above) and one elected by the Principals of the Feeder Schools;
2.6.5 One nominee of the Regional Director.
The Committee shall be convened by the Principal of the regional school and instructed as to its duties under Commonwealth and State anti-discrimination legislation.
In addition, the Regional Director has the discretionary power to require Chairpersons of School Enrolment Committees whose enrolments overlap to attend a meeting chaired by the Regional Director in order to resolve enrolment conflicts across the cluster.
2.7 Children from all families who are prepared to support Catholic ideals and principles may be considered eligible for enrolment. Priority in enrolment is to be given in the following order, except in special circumstances (see Bases of Discretion 3.1):
Children of Catholic families3, such families being actively involved in the parish community or communities on which the school depends;
Children of Catholic families residing in other parishes, such families being actively involved in their home parishes;
Children of families affiliated to churches in communion with the Roman Catholic Church who, for reasons deemed sufficient, seek enrolment in the school;
Children of Catholic families residing within the parish/parishes on which the school depends;
Children of Catholic families residing in other parishes;
Children of Orthodox or other Christian families;
Children of families with other religious convictions.
2.8 In cases of poverty, disability4 or special needs a child may, and if possible should, be given a higher position in the priorities listed in Provision 2.7 than would otherwise apply.
2.9 It is expected that normally, Catholic students shall make up approximately 90% or more of the enrolment of the school. Permission to allow any significant departure from this norm would have to be sought from the SACS Board through the Executive Director of Schools.
2.10 Appeals against the decision of the School Enrolment Committee shall be made, in the first instance, to the School Enrolment Committee, then to the appropriate Regional Director.
2.11 The Executive Director of Schools shall determine, as part of the effective operation of the system, the minimum age for enrolment in the first year of Primary schools, and shall determine and publish dates for the enrolment period in all schools within the Archdiocesan system.

BASES OF DISCRETION

3.1 With regard to the criteria for enrolment as outlined in 2.7 above, special considerations may be given to individual cases, as determined by local circumstances, for the following reasons:
3.1.1 Parents' intentions with regard to their own and their children's search for education in the faith';
3.1.2 Family situations necessitating a pastoral approach or requiring the exercise of compassion;
3.1.3 The enrolment of siblings of children already attending the school;
3.1.4 Family circumstances regarding mobility;
3.1.5 The desire to balance the enrolment of boys and girls in a co-educational school.
3.2* It is recognised that the provision of appropriate educational opportunities for all students, but especially for those students with special educational needs, involves a partnership between school staff and parents/caregivers. In keeping with this principle, the educational progress of students with special educational needs will be regularly evaluated by the school staff in consultation with the parents/caregivers. In conjunction with Regional Office staff, the school staff will periodically review the school's continuing capacity to provide quality educational opportunities to particular students with special educational needs. Where it is determined that, despite a school's best attempts to accommodate a child's special educational needs, the continued enrolment of that child compromises both his/her right to appropriate educational opportunities, and the school's human and material resources, then the Principal may request approval from the Regional Consultant to notify the parents/caregivers of the situation. The Principal, Regional Consultant and other specialist staff will then consult with the student's parents/caregivers as to what course of action should be taken in order to best meet the altered educational needs of the student.

* These sections have been amended with regard to students with special needs.


Notes:

1. For the purpose of this document, quality Catholic education is defined as education that conforms to the NSW Education Reform Act (1990) and the requirements of the Catholic Education Office, Sydney.
2. A student may be deemed as having special educational needs if, in endeavouring to offer the student equitable access to educational opportunities, modifications need to be made to curricula, assessment procedures, school premises or modes of course delivery, or, if the provision of special equipment or suitably trained staff is required.
3. Catholic families are defined as families in which at least one parent is a Catholic or in which the children have been baptised Catholics. This presupposes that there will be no discrimination against Catholic children of marriages of mixed faiths or single supporting parent families, and poses a challenge to schools to take into account the particular needs of such children.
4. For the purposes of this document, the term “disability” has the meaning ascribed to it under the New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 and the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act, 1992.

b) SCHOOL PASTORAL CARE POLICY


1. Rationale/Position Statement.

  • At St Joseph's Oatley we view quality teaching and learning, high expectations of student performance, good discipline and the development of quality relationships between teachers and students as crucial for good pastoral care.
  • Learning activities should be comprehensive and inclusive to cater to the individual needs of students.
  • Pastoral programs represent a specific and planned means of helping students to value themselves and experience well-being.

2. Religious Dimension.

At St Joseph's, Oatley we believe that a strong Christian community can be fostered through a supportive and nurturing environment.

With a spirit of hope, we commit ourselves to the centrality of Christ within the Catholic community of St Joseph's.

With a spirit of renewal, we continue the traditions of Catholic education inspired by optimism, enthusiasm and an all-embracing celebration of the uniqueness of each child.

3. What is the Policy?

  • The publication Pastoral Care: Guidelines for Catholic Schools informs school policy with regards to student management.
  • Pastoral care is the responsibility of all staff, with members contributing in appropriate ways according to their roles and responsibilities.
  • Shared responsibility is maintained through early intervention, which is consistent, and effective communication with parents.
  • The student Behavioural Management Flowchart and Special Needs Identification Flowchart are used to address the individual needs of students.
  • The school Code of Conduct outlines the community's expectation with regards to student, teacher and parent behaviour.
  • The school Code of Conduct exists to foster students' self-discipline and responsibility based on William Glasser's Reality Therapy.
  • Mentors assist classroom teachers' with the implementation of the student Behavioural Management Flowchart and Special Needs Identification Flowchart.
  • Procedures exist to identify students at risk.
  • All teachers ensure records of Interviews are stored in student white files.
  • Individual Teaching Plans exist to cater for students with identified social, emotional, academic or physical needs.
  • Teaching and Learning programs in Religion, Human Society and Its Environment and Personal Development develop students Knowledge and Understanding of interpersonal relationships.
  • Teaching Programs document modifications to teaching and learning strategies to cater for individual needs of students.
  • Assessment and Reporting comments are objective and indicate Where to from here?
  • Opportunities exist within the curriculum and extra curricular activities for students to represent St Joseph's Oatley
  • Students are encouraged to use the three - step process to positively assert themselves.
  • A social skills program exists to assist students to develop effective interpersonal skills. Appendix 5
  • Teachers use the time out folder to document playground misdemeanours and action taken.
  • The Assistant Principal monitors playground incidents and uses the Code of Conduct letter to inform parents of serious or repeated offences.
  • Classroom teachers and Mentors use the code of conduct letter to communicate misdemeanours that are classroom based to parents.
  • Students who continually fail to meet community expectations are placed on a One Day at a Time Contract in consultation with parents.
  • The Principal will implement CEO Pastoral Care Guidelines in relation to management of students who commit serious offences or are repeatedly misbehaving.
  • The Regional Consultant will be informed of impending suspension of students.
  • In all dealings with children staff are legally required to adhere to the Child Protection Professional Code of Conduct.

4. Evaluation.

  • Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of Pastoral care programs occurs on an annual basis. The evaluation informs decisions about:

o The contribution made as a result of the implemented actions.
o The progress of the implemented strategic plan.
o The achievement of outcomes and goals.
o Future action.

5. Rationale/Position Statement.

  • At St Joseph's Oatley we view quality teaching and learning, high expectations of student performance, good discipline and the development of quality relationships between teachers and students as crucial for good pastoral care.
  • Learning activities should be comprehensive and inclusive to cater to the individual needs of students.
  • Pastoral programs represent a specific and planned means of helping students to value themselves and experience well-being.

6. Religious Dimension.

At St Joseph's, Oatley we believe that a strong Christian community can be fostered through a supportive and nurturing environment.

With a spirit of hope, we commit ourselves to the centrality of Christ within the Catholic community of St Joseph's.

With a spirit of renewal, we continue the traditions of Catholic education inspired by optimism, enthusiasm and an all-embracing celebration of the uniqueness of each child.

7. What is the Policy?

  • The publication Pastoral Care: Guidelines for Catholic Schools informs school policy with regards to student management.
  • Pastoral care is the responsibility of all staff, with members contributing in appropriate ways according to their roles and responsibilities.
  • Shared responsibility is maintained through early intervention, which is consistent, and effective communication with parents.
  • The student Behavioural Management Flowchart and Special Needs Identification Flowchart are used to address the individual needs of students.
  • The school Code of Conduct outlines the community's expectation with regards to student, teacher and parent behaviour.
  • The school Code of Conduct exists to foster students' self-discipline and responsibility based on William Glasser's Reality Therapy.
  • Mentors assist classroom teachers' with the implementation of the student Behavioural Management Flowchart and Special Needs Identification Flowchart.
  • Procedures exist to identify students at risk.
  • All teachers ensure records of Interviews are stored in student white files.
  • Individual Teaching Plans exist to cater for students with identified social, emotional, academic or physical needs.
  • Teaching and Learning programs in Religion, Human Society and Its Environment and Personal Development develop students Knowledge and Understanding of interpersonal relationships.
  • Teaching Programs document modifications to teaching and learning strategies to cater for individual needs of students.
  • Assessment and Reporting comments are objective and indicate Where to from here?
  • Opportunities exist within the curriculum and extra curricular activities for students to represent St Joseph's Oatley
  • Students are encouraged to use the three - step process to positively assert themselves.
  • A social skills program exists to assist students to develop effective interpersonal skills. Appendix 5
  • Teachers use the time out folder to document playground misdemeanours and action taken.
  • The Assistant Principal monitors playground incidents and uses the Code of Conduct letter to inform parents of serious or repeated offences.
  • Classroom teachers and Mentors use the code of conduct letter to communicate misdemeanours that are classroom based to parents.
  • Students who continually fail to meet community expectations are placed on a One Day at a Time Contract in consultation with parents.
  • The Principal will implement CEO Pastoral Care Guidelines in relation to management of students who commit serious offences or are repeatedly misbehaving.
  • The Regional Consultant will be informed of impending suspension of students.
  • In all dealings with children staff are legally required to adhere to the Child Protection Professional Code of Conduct.

8. Evaluation.

  • Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of Pastoral care programs occurs on an annual basis. The evaluation informs decisions about:

o The contribution made as a result of the implemented actions.
o The progress of the implemented strategic plan.
o The achievement of outcomes and goals.
o Future action.

Homework Policy
Rationale:
• Homework benefits students by complementing classroom learning, fostering good study habits and providing an opportunity for students to be responsible for their own learning.

Aims:
• To support and extend classroom learning.
• To develop positive study habits.
• To develop a responsibility for self-learning.

Implementation:
• The school's homework policy will be distributed to parents at the commencement of each school year.
• Classroom teachers will set homework appropriate to each child's skill level and age.
• Homework activities should be interesting, challenging and where appropriate, open-ended.
• Each set task must be purposeful, meaningful and relevant to the current classroom curriculum.
• All homework activities will be assessed with verbal and/or written feedback and support provided by teachers.
• Homework is expected to be completed. Parents are requested to communicate with classroom teachers if their child has been unable to complete the set tasks.

Early Years (Kinder) 15 minutes duration
(Year 1-Year 2) 20-30 minutes duration
(Year 3-Year 4) 30-40 minutes duration

Homework will consist mainly of:
• reading activities to, with and by parents.
• numeracy skill development-counting,recording, estinmating
• Religion
• spelling
• simple extension tasks associated with classroom activities.
• gathering of additional information or materials

Middle Years (Years 5,6) 50- 60 minutes duration
Homework will consist mainly of:
• independent reading on a daily basis
• Religion
• spelling
• Numeracy skill development-problem solving, reasoning
• tasks such as continuation of classroom work, essays and research

• It is acceptable for teachers to assign unfinished classroom activities as homework tasks.

Evaluation:
• This policy will be reviewed each year.

UNIFORM

On accepting a position at St Joseph's Oatley all parents agree to ensure that their child wears the correct school uniform as described by the school. School uniform includes school hat, bag, summer, winter and sports uniform.
Cut off socks, coloured runners or non-school hats are not part of the uniform and should not be worn.
Jewellery is not to be worn at school, with the exception of earrings. These may be worn in both ears as studs or sleepers. No other jewellery is acceptable.
Further uniform details are available at the office on request.

c) SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES

• For over one hundred and eighty years Catholic schools have provided education for young Australians and have supported parents and carers in their role as the first educators of their children. In choosing a Catholic school for their children parents are very conscious that this will involve making a significant financial contribution towards the cost of providing that education.
• The schools of the Archdiocese have been established over many years by the generosity of parents, parishioners and the religious and staff in our Catholic schools.
• This school is one of one hundred and forty eight primary and secondary schools that form the Sydney Archdiocesan system of Catholic schools. There are over 62,000 students enrolled in these schools. The Catholic Education Office has the responsibility of leading and managing the system of schools.
• The funding of these schools is a shared responsibility between Commonwealth and State Governments, parents and parishes.
• The Commonwealth Government provides about 55% and the State Government about 22% of the income needed to fund the system of schools. The contribution of Governments to the running costs of our schools needs to be recognised, appreciated and also guarded.
• Parents contribute over 20% to the funding of the parish primary schools and regional secondary schools of the Archdiocese. This financial contribution is essential to providing the best possible educational opportunities for the students. The continuing support of parents is greatly appreciated.
• The fees charged at this school are made up of:
i) The Archdiocesan Tuition Fee. This fee level is set each year by the Sydney Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Board. The school retains a portion of this fee to assist with operating costs. The balance is returned to the Catholic Education Office to assist with the payment of salaries, workers compensation, public liability, student accident insurances and other operating costs.
ii) The Parish School Levy. The income from the levy assists in the repayment of loans for school buildings, repairs and maintenance and building insurance.
iii) Local fees and charges. These are set by the school finance committee and are used to pay for school resources, educational activities, subject charges and other operational costs such as electricity, water, council charges and contents insurance
For families with more than one child, or with children attending other Catholic schools within the Archdiocesan system of schools, sibling and family discounts apply to the Archdiocesan Tuition Fee and to the Parish School Levy.

• The following charges/fees apply:

Tuition Fees

  • 1st Child $834 pa
  • 2nd child $625.50 pa
  • 3rd Child $417 pa

Resource Fee

  • $115 per student

Cleaning & Hygiene Fee

  • $171 per family

P & F Levy

  • $120 per family

Sports Fee

  • $70 per student

Excursion Fee

  • $60 per student

Technology Levy

  • $120 per family

Swimming Program

  • T.B.A.

Parish School Levy - Annually per family

  • 1 school $495 ($165 x 3 terms)
  • 2 schools $247.50 ($82.50 x 3 terms)
  • 3 schools $165 ($55 x 3 terms)

This fee applies to the number of Catholic schools attended by students in a family.

School Tuition Fees - Terms 1,2,3
Resource Fee - Term 1
Cleaning Fee - Terms 1,2,3
P & F Levy - Terms 1,2,3
Sports Fee - Term 1
Excursion Fee - Term 1
Technology Fee - Terms 1,2,3
Swimming Fee - Term 3
Parish Levy - Terms 1,2,3
Preferred Payment Modes: Bpay, Cheque, Cash.

Accounts for School Tuition Fees, Parish School Levy and other local fees and charges are issued early in each of Terms 1, 2 and 3.

It is expected that accounts will be paid within 28 days of issue of the statement.

Accounts may be paid by Bpay, Cheque or Cash.

If any family is experiencing genuine financial difficulty in meeting any of the fees please contact the school to seek an appointment with the Principal.

• An application for enrolment fee of $30.00 should be lodged at the time of application.
• This application for enrolment fee is non-refundable.
• Enrolment fee preferred Payment Modes: Bpay, Cheque or Cash.

SPECIAL NEEDS ENROLMENT PROTOCOLS

• Copies of all information relative to the specific learning needs of the student applying for enrolment must be disclosed to the school. Examples include any of the following:

  • paediatric reports related to medical conditions
  • therapeutic interventions
  • psychometric assessments
  • speech and language clinical reports
  • occupational therapy reports

If the enrolment application is successful-
• The above documentation must be updated as further assessments occur or as additional information becomes available.

• It is essential that parents/carers co-operate when the school Principal or delegated teacher when they may need to discuss the educational support of the student with the relevant practitioner.

• In the case of Kindergarten enrolments the Principal or delegated teacher may visit the preschool of the student applying for enrolment to discuss educational matters.

• This information may be forwarded to the Catholic Education Office in order to ascertain possible additional education support.

• The special needs information supplied during the course of enrolment within a Catholic school will be forwarded to another Catholic school, if enrolment is sought at that school (eg when moving from Primary to Secondary school or moving from one primary to another etc.).

• It is essential that parents/carers co-operate with the Principal in obtaining appropriate medical /educational/behavioural assessments or advice in relation to the student's educational progress.

SCHOOL INTERNET USE POLICY


Rationale:
• The internet provides students with unprecedented opportunities to obtain information, engage in discussion, and liaise with individuals, organisation and groups world-wide so as to increase skills, knowledge and abilities.

Aims:
• To improve student learning outcomes by increasing access to world-wide information.
• To develop skills in discriminate and effective internet usage.

Implementation:
• Our school actively supports access by students to the widest variety of information resources available, accompanied by the development of the skills necessary to filter, analyse, interpret and evaluate information encountered.
• All students and staff at our school will have censorship filtered internet and email access. All students and staff will have their own password protected internet account and log on. Such access is a privilege that infers responsibility, and not simply a right to be expected.
• The Technology Coordinator will liaise with staff and technicians to manage all email access, maintenance of the school's web site, web filters, and all other issues related to internet access by students.
• The school undertakes to ensure that information published on the internet by students or the school is of a high standard, and meets legal requirements and standards of general practice within the community in relation to copyright, safety and decency.
• Students email access will be through a class mailbox under teacher supervision.
• All email accounts will be password protected and users will be responsible for clearing their mailboxes regularly.
• Guidelines on access rights will be defined for different user levels. Restricted access shall be available to guest users (eg: parents) for specific purposes only (eg: inservices).
• All students shall be responsible for notifying their teacher of any inappropriate material so that access can be blocked.
• All staff shall be responsible for notifying the coordinator of any inappropriate material so that access can be blocked.
• Consequences of publishing, accessing or failing to notify the coordinator of inappropriate material shall include the removal of access rights.
• Signed parent and student consent (see below) is required to be completed in order to gain access to the internet, or to publish work, photos or videos on the internet.
• Privacy of students, parents, staff and other users must be recognised and respected at all times. When identifying students, only the student's first name and last initial will be used.
• Teachers shall be responsible for making sure all work is screened for accuracy, appropriateness, grammar and spelling prior to publishing.

Evaluation:
• This policy will be reviewed annually as part of the School's Technology Plan.

St Josephs Primary School Oatley

INTERNET / EMAIL - STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

POLICY STATEMENT:

The use of electronic devices and access to e-mail and internet services (school devices and services) in Catholic Education Office (CEO)Sydney schools are provided to students in order to support their educational and administrative needs. These school devices and services are necessary educational tools and must be used in a responsible manner. This policy can never anticipate all possible advances and uses of technology and therefore students who are unsure about their usage should seek clarification from a teacher as soon as possible.

This Policy is intended to inform parents and students of our school’s expectations when students are using the devices and services provided by the school and when using their personal equipment to communicate to or about members of the school community. If a student acts in a way that is against the contents of the policy, he or she will be subject to consequences according to the school’s Pastoral Care Policy and if necessary offending material may be supplied to the police. The school reserves the right to capture, store and review all internet browsing and emails across our school network. Devices may be taken or accessed if it is believed that:

  • There has been or may be a breach of the school rules or policy
  • There may be a threat of harm to a student or others or system security.

STUDENTS ISSUED WITH SCHOOL OWNED LAPTOP COMPUTERS

The Australian Government has funded schools to purchase laptop computers for the personal educational use of some secondary students while enrolled at the school. Students and their families who receive a laptop computer have the following additional responsibilities:

  • To care for the laptop to the best of their ability.
  • To keep the laptop secure and protect it from any malicious damage.
  • To bring the laptop to school each day in readiness for use in the classroom – this includes having the battery charged and electronic files effectively managed.
  • To replace or repair any damaged, lost or stolen laptop at their own cost
  • To return the laptop computer (and any inclusions such as power cords and carry case) in good order when leaving the school

CYBERSAFETY REQUIREMENTS

This policy addresses the particular use of these technologies that has come to be referred to as ‘Cyberbullying’ (See No 4 below). The school will investigate and take action where this kind of bullying occurs in school and outside of school when it causes significant harm to the relationships between students and or teachers, or is criminal in nature.

1. When using the school devices and services students will:

  • ensure that communication through internet and email services is related to learning.
  • keep passwords confidential, and change them when prompted, or when known by another user.
  • use passwords that are not obvious or easily guessed.
  • log off at the end of each session to ensure that nobody else can use their e-learning account.
  • promptly tell their teacher if they suspect they have received a computer virus or spam (i.e. unsolicited email) or if they receive a message that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • seek advice if another user seeks excessive personal information, asks to be telephoned, offers gifts by email or wants to meet a student.
  • ensure that copyright permission is gained before electronically publishing the works or drawings of others.
  • Always acknowledge the creator or author of any material published.
  • keep personal information including names, addresses, photographs, credit card details and telephone numbers, of themselves or others, private.
  • ensure that school services are not used for unauthorised commercial activities, political lobbying, online gambling or any unlawful purpose.

2. When using the school services or personal mobile phones (or similar personal equipment) students will not:

  • disable settings for virus protection, spam and filtering that have been applied by the school and not attempt to evade them through use of proxy sites.
  • allow others to use their personal accounts.
  • deliberately use the electronic identity of another person to send messages to others or for any other purposes.
  • enter ‘chat’ or ‘social networking’ internet sites without the permission of a teacher.
  • use unauthorised programs or intentionally download unauthorised software, graphics or music that are not associated with the learning activity as directed by a staff member.
  • damage or disable computers, computer systems or networks.
  • disclose personal information about another person (including name, address, photos, phone numbers)
  • distribute or use information which is copyrighted without proper permission.
  • take photos or video of members of the school community without their consent.

3. When using school services students will never knowingly initiate or forward emails or other messages containing:

  • a message that was sent to them in confidence.
  • a computer virus or attachment that is capable of damaging recipients’ computers.
  • chain letters and hoax emails.
  • spam, eg unsolicited advertising material.

4. When using school services or non school services students will never send or publish either through internet sites, e-mail or mobile phone messages:

  • unacceptable or unlawful material or remarks, including offensive, abusive or discriminatory comments.
  • threatening, bullying or harassing material or make unreasonable demands.
  • sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material or correspondence.
  • false or defamatory information about a person or organisation.
  • the school name or crest without the written permission of the Principal.

Students need to be aware that all use of internet and email services can be monitored and traced to the accounts of specific users.

The misuse of school services may result in disciplinary action which includes, but is not limited to, the withdrawal of access to services.

Policy Update

This policy will be updated as necessary. All attempts will be made to adhere to the above policy, but particular circumstances (such as technological advancements) may require the Principal to depart from the stated policy.

Internet/email Student Acceptable Use Agreement Form [download, 36Kb]

SCHOOL PRIVACY POLICY/STANDARD COLLECTION NOTICE/ USE OF STUDENT IMAGES POLICY

COMMONWEALTH PRIVACY AMENDMENT (PRIVATE SECTOR) ACT 2000
Standard Collection Notice- This statement is provided to you by the school and specifically itemises the reasons for collecting information about students and their families and the way in which that information will be used by the school. Please refer to the Parent Information Brochure for further explanation.

1. This School (and the Catholic Education Office, Sydney) collects personal information, including sensitive information about pupils and parents or guardians before and during the course of a pupil's enrolment at the School. The primary purpose of collecting this information is to enable the School to provide schooling for your son/daughter.

2. Some of the information we collect is to satisfy the School's legal obligations, particularly to enable the School to discharge its duty of care.

3. Certain laws governing or relating to the operation of schools require that certain information is collected. These include Public Health and Child Protection laws.

4. Health information about pupils is sensitive information within the terms of the National Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act. We may ask you to provide medical reports about pupils from time to time.

5. The School from time to time discloses personal and sensitive information to others for administrative and educational purposes. This includes disclosure to other schools, government departments, Catholic Education Office Sydney, the Catholic Education Commission, NSW, your local diocese and the parish, Schools within other Dioceses/other Diocesan offices, medical practitioners, and people providing services to the School, including specialist visiting teachers, coaches, volunteers and counsellors.

6. If we do not obtain the information referred to above we may not be able to enrol or continue the enrolment of your son/daughter.

7. Personal information collected from pupils is regularly disclosed to their parents or guardians. On occasions information such as academic and sporting achievements, pupil activities and other news is published in School newsletters, magazines and on our website.

8. Parents may seek access to personal information collected about them and their son/daughter by contacting the School. Pupils may also seek access to personal information about them. However, there will be occasions when access is denied. Such occasions would include where access would have an unreasonable impact on the privacy of others, where access may result in a breach of the School's duty of care to the pupil, or where pupils have provided information in confidence.

9. As you may know the School from time to time engages in fundraising activities. Information received from you may be used to make an appeal to you. We will not disclose your personal information to third parties for their own marketing purposes without your consent.

10. We may include your contact details in a class list and School directory (where, in general, access is limited to school staff).

11. If you provide the School with the personal information of others, such as doctors or emergency contacts, we encourage you to inform them that you are disclosing that information to the School and why, that they can access that information if they wish and that the School does not usually disclose the information to third parties.

USE OF STUDENT PHOTOS AND VIDEO IMAGES

Photos and video footage of students are used regularly by schools for a number of purposes and under current legislation this practice can continue.

a) Situations covered by the Standard Collection Notice. The Standard Collection Notice covers schools for the use of photo images in school or system-based publications. In the following cases the school is NOT required to collect any permission from students/families for the use of students images :

  • the school magazine
  • school newsletters
  • About Catholic Schools
  • school notice boards
  • photos taken by an authorised member of the press e.g. when a local politician visits the school and brings a press photographer along.
  • photo or video images taken by families at school functions.

These situations are generally for the purpose of praising or promoting the efforts of the student or the school, are not for the purpose of direct marketing and are a reasonably expected use of students images when enrolling at a school. However, any photos or video taken by families must be for personal use only and not posted in any public places outside of the school.

Principals will :

  • inform the school community of the impending use of photo or video via the newsletter
  • afford families the right to inform the school of any issue that would negate the use of their child's image in such a way.

b) Situations requiring specific permission. Any use of photos or video for the direct marketing of the school or system or for use in the public domain, require the school to obtain specific permission from families. Some examples include:

  • paid advertisements in local newspapers
  • any images that could be accessed via the world wide web.

These situations are, in most instances, for the purpose of directly marketing the school or for another purpose for which the school is required to obtain permission.

Parents/carers should notify the Principal immediately if any circumstance arises that would prevent the school from using their child's photo or video images as outlined above.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

• This school complies with all requirements of the NSW Child Protection Legislative Reform Package 1998. This includes:

  • Requirements to collect declarations from all paid employees and volunteer helpers who undertake tasks on behalf of the school that may involve unsupervised contact with students. If you wish to volunteer for such tasks at this school you will be required to sign such a declaration.
  • Undertaking the Working with Children Check (employment screening) for paid employees of the school.
  • Making notifications of ‘risk of harm' or abuse to students to the Department of Community Services as per mandatory reporting laws (see attached brochure).
  • Managing allegations of child abuse against employees of the school according to the requirements of the NSW Ombudsman and the Commission for Children and Young People.
  • Ensuring that all paid employees or volunteers are appropriately informed of their obligations under the legislation.

• This school also applies curriculum and pastoral practice to ensure the safety and well being of students attending the school.

VOLUNTEERS

• Child Protection legislation requires that all those who undertake volunteer tasks on behalf of the school, where those tasks may involve unsupervised contact with students, must sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration.
• This means that the volunteer must not be a prohibited person (i.e. have been convicted of a serious sex crime) and must sign the declaration accordingly.
• This school will require you to sign the declaration if you are intending to volunteer to undertake tasks on behalf of the school where unsupervised contact with students is possible.

EXCURSION POLICY

• From time to time educational excursions, sporting carnivals, camps and retreats are organised for the students at this school.

• The school aims to keep the costs of these experiences to a minimum and no student should miss out as a result of financial hardship. Parents/carers are asked to contact the Principal to discuss this on a confidential case-by-case basis.

• When excursions, sporting carnivals, camps or retreats are organised by this school, students will be expected to participate as part of fulfilling the curriculum and pastoral requirements of the educational program.

• When these experiences are arranged parents/ carers can expect due notice in writing detailing the venue, dates, times, nature, cost, transport, requirements etc of the specific experience. This will be in the form of an information/consent form and individual consent must be provided by the due date for the student to participate.

• This school fully considers the Occupational Health and Safety implications when taking students off the school site and any necessary details are included in the parent/carer information/consent form.

• This school will take all reasonable care in the event of a student suffering accident or illness. However, it does not accept responsibility for the costs of any medical or dental attention or treatment administered to the student, nor will it be responsible directly or indirectly for any act or omission of any medical or dental practitioner or medical officer treating the student.

• This school is in an Ambulance Fund, which provides full ambulance service from the school to the nearest Public Hospital.

• In any incident of accident or illness (either on excursion or at school) a parent/ carer, or if unavailable a nominated emergency contact, will be informed as soon as possible.

• This school provides some personal and accident insurance coverage to students for accidents that may occur during school time and on authorised school activities such as excursions, camps, retreats and work experience. More information is available at the Catholic Church Insurance Ltd. Website:

http://www.ccinsurances.com.au/church_ins/school-care.asp

• Information about additional student insurance that can be purchased is also available on the website.