Respectful Behaviours

Parents/carers and school staff have a relationship that can last many years. This is an opportunity to work together to create a positive relationship in the best interests of the child.    When this relationship is built on respect and trust, students learn better and feel like they belong in the school. The foundation of a good collaborative relationship is based on:

• open and honest communication

• trust and respect

• working together

• fair and reasonable expectations by all

Positive school environments are important because everyone has the right to be safe and play a shared role in being respectful. Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents/carers, play a role in making school a better place for learning and work.   Respectful behaviours are important in building strong, healthy and thriving school communities.    School staff in Victorian Government schools have to follow the Respectful Workplaces Policy to build and maintain a respectful workplace, including:

• treating each other with respect and consideration

• being inclusive, valuing others and accepting their differences

• recognising the efforts and achievements of others

• considering our impact on others

• calling out and addressing behaviour that can lead to bullying, harassment and discrimination

Parents/carers can create a positive environment for learning and work by:

• modelling positive behaviour to their child/children and to the school community

• communicating politely and respectfully with all members of the school community

• working with the school to achieve the best outcomes for their child/children

• communicating constructively with the school

• making use of the expected processes and protocols when raising concerns  

• following the school's processes for communication with staff and making complaints

• treating all school staff, students and other members of the school community with respect

School staff have a right to be safe at work. Any abuse will not be tolerated.      Parents, carers, advocates and adult members of the school community must engage respectfully with school staff.    Unacceptable behaviour will be addressed promptly. This may include calling the police if required or issuing a School Community Safety Order.    The following behaviours are not permitted in-person, over the phone, by email, text message or on social media:

• rudeness

• insults or offensive communication

• malicious or defamatory communications

• aggression, including raising your voice at a staff member

• harassment

• intimidation

• discriminatory or derogatory comments

• threatening gestures

• threats

• violence

These behaviours are never okay and can make staff and students feel unsafe.    

To learn more about how you can build positive relationships with school staff, please see the department’s Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy. 

By treating everyone with respect, parents/carers and schools can make sure students feel supported and cared for.