Policy Updates
Self-Harming Behaviours
We have recently updated our policy on Self-Harming Behaviours in our Student Duty of Care Module. Self-harming behaviour, also known as 'deliberate self-harm' (DSH) and Non Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI), refer to the act of someone deliberately hurting or injuring themselves.
All Kambala staff are responsible to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to identify and support students who may be at risk of self-injuring behaviour.
Eating Disorders
We have recently updated our policy on Eating Disorders in our Student Duty of Care Module. Some of these disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder, are serious mental illnesses that often require psychological and/or physical intervention to promote recovery.
All Kambala staff members are responsible to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to identify and support students who may be at risk of an eating disorder.
Counselling Records (Student) Policy
We have recently updated our Counselling Records (Student) Policy in our Student Duty of Care Module based on Guidance from AISNSW. This guidance is consistent with best practice guides on record-keeping from authorised bodies such as the Australian Psychological Society.
School Counsellors are required to keep records of their interactions with students. The Counsellor collects and records information from students in the course of counselling services that is directly related to the School’s objective of meeting the academic, social, emotional and behavioural needs of students, and should not be for any other purpose.
This policy covers key topics such as:
- type of information collected
- security of information
- archiving counselling records
- access to information
- disclosing information
- sharing of information by the Principal or her delegate.
These policy changes ensure Kambala’s compliance with the regulations. It is recommended that all staff familiarise themselves with the new and updated policies.
As always, all staff are welcome to share their news and can make a submission to myself or Anne McFarlane, Dean of Teacher Services. We also welcome any feedback regarding this newsletter: What would you like to read more of? What's useful to know? How often would you like to receive news? Please email here with your feedback.