Code of Conduct: Parents, Carers, Volunteers and Visitors
At Kempsey South Public School we believe in giving all of our students the best opportunity to achieve their aspirations. Parents and carers are vital in the partnership with our school to support our students. It is necessary to have procedures and protocols to maintain a harmonious and safe school environment. The best results are achieved from working together.
Parents and visitors are expected to:
· treat all persons associated with the school respect and courtesy
· Make appointments in advance of expecting to obtain an interview
· allow staff to supervise and manage students without interference
· never approach students in the school with a view to making allegations against or threatening students
· discuss issues or concerns about the school, staff or students through correct procedures( as outlined below)
· follow school procedures governing entry and behaviour on school grounds.
· use language that is appropriate at all times in the presence of students, staff or visitors.
· please note that it is a work health and safety requirement for all persons entering onto the school grounds to first obtain a visitors pass from the Administration office.
Occasionally parents or guardians may need to approach the school in order to:
· discuss the progress, health or welfare of own child(ren), or family issues
· express concern about alleged actions of own child(ren) or other students
· enquire about school policy or practice
· express concerns about the alleged actions of staff or volunteers.
Concern: regarding academic progress of own child
· Appropriate action: directly contact the child's teacher by note, email or by phone to arrange an appointment. For concerns across a range of subjects contact the Assistant Principal.
Concern: regarding the welfare of own chilren
Appropriate action:
· for minor issues, directly contact your child's class teacher.
· for more serious concerns, contact the relevant stage Assistant Principal and give an overview.
· to convey information about change of address, phone no., emergency contact, custody details, health issues etc, please contact office staff.
Concern: actions of other students
Appropriate actions:
· contact the class teacher for a classroom problem.
· contact Assistant Principal for serious concerns.
Concern: school policy or practice
Appropriate actions:
· contact Office. State nature of concern and make an appointment to see the Assistant Principal or Principal.
Concern: actions of a staff member
Appropriate actions:
· for minor matters, contact the staff member or the Assistant Principal directly to clarify concerns.
· for more serious matters, contact the Principal and state concerns.
In those cases, where people wishing to express concerns do so in an offensive, aggressive, threatening or violent manner, the Principal (or nominee) has the legal authority to:
· terminate any phone conversation or meeting
· direct the person to immediately leave the school grounds
· call the Police to remove the person should he/she refuse
· withdraw permission (by letter) for the person to enter the grounds without the Principal's permission and/or subsequently limit that person's contact with school staff.
· seek further legal avenues.
· Your cooperation is sought in maintaining an effective, safe and happy school.
Any person contravening this Code of Conduct is advised that the provisions of the “ nclosed Lands Protection Act (1909) and its Amendments” will be followed if any of the following occur:
· Actual physical assaults or threatened physical assaults on students, staff, parents or community members at the school or during the course of school activities.
· Behaviour in the presence of students, staff or visitors to the school that causes alarm or concern to the students, staff, parents or other visitors.
· Use of offensive language(ie swearing) in the presence of students, staff or other visitors to the school.
· Any interruption to the learning environment of the school such as entering classrooms without permission.
· Persistent entry to the school site without permission or a legitimate reason.
· Entering the school grounds without permission between 9.00amd and before 3.00pm without presenting to the front office to sign in.
Please note:
Under no circumstances should a parent directly approach another person’s child