STATEMENT OF VALUES AND SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to outline the values of our school community and explain the vision, mission and objectives of our school.

POLICY

Pascoe Vale North Primary School is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all students, staff and members of our community. Our school recognises the importance of the partnership between our school and parents and carers to support student learning, engagement and wellbeing. We share a commitment to, and a responsibility for, creating an inclusive and safe school environment for our students.

The teaching programs at Pascoe Vale North Primary School support and promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including a commitment to:

elected government
the rule of law
equal rights for all before the law
freedom of religion
freedom of speech and association
the values of openness and tolerance.

This policy outlines our school’s vision, mission, objective, values and expectations of our school community. This policy is available on our school website, our staff induction handbook, student diary and enrolment/transition packs.

To celebrate and embed our Statement of Values and Philosophy in our school community, we

include our vision and values on our website
celebrate our values in our school newsletter throughout the year
provide awards and recognition for students who actively demonstrate the values
discuss and highlight our values in meetings and assemblies
discuss our values with students in the classroom on a regular basis along with our start of the year Program – ‘Leap into Learning’

MISSION

Pascoe Vale North Primary School’s mission is to provide a caring and stimulating environment where we involve children in their learning. Together, we strive for excellence as we develop life-long learners within our diverse community.

VISION

Pascoe Vale North Primary school’s vision is to see everyone happy to be at school and learning, proud of what we achieve, and caring for and respecting all members of our diverse community.

VALUES

At Pascoe Vale North Primary School, we value;

Excellence in Learning

This means – having high standards, always being ready to learn new things, trying our best in EVERY area of school life and being proud of what we achieve.

A Safe, Caring Environment

This means – looking after our buildings and grounds, making sure everyone is happy to come to school and valuing EVERY member of our community.

Community

This means – wanting to be a member of Pascoe Vale North PS, having open and honest relationships between parents, teachers and students, behaving only in ways that are best for the school, and being accepting of others.

Responsibility

This means – being an excellent role model for others at PVNPS, always having a positive attitude, wearing our uniform with pride, and remembering that the school belongs to ALL of us.

Respect

This means – using our very best manners at all times, being loyal to our school and listening to everyone’s point of view.We invite you to participate in the activities of our school and look forward to a happy association with your family as we work together for the educational needs of your child.

BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS

Pascoe Vale North Primary School acknowledges that the behaviour of staff, parents, carers and students has an impact on our school community and culture. We acknowledge a shared responsibility to create a positive learning environment for the children and young people at our school.

As principals and school leaders, we will:

model positive behaviour and effective leadership
communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community
work collaboratively to create a school environment where respectful and safe behaviour is expected of everyone
behave in a manner consistent with the standards of our profession and meet core responsibilities to provide safe and inclusive environments
plan, implement and review our work to ensure the care, safety, security and general wellbeing of all students at school
identify and support students who are or may be at risk
do our best to ensure every child achieves their personal and learning potential
work with parents to understand their child’s needs and, where necessary, adapt the learning environment accordingly
respond appropriately when safe and inclusive behaviour is not demonstrated and implement appropriate interventions and sanctions when required
ask any person who is acting in an offensive, intimidating or otherwise inappropriate way to leave the school grounds.

As teachers and non-teaching school staff, we will:

model positive behaviour to students consistent with the standards of our profession
communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community
proactively engage with parents about student outcomes
work with parents to understand the needs of each student and, where necessary, adapt the learning environment accordingly
work collaboratively with parents to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for students with additional needs
communicate with the principal and school leaders in the event we anticipate or face any tension or challenging behaviours from parents
treat all members of the school community with respect.

As parents and carers, we will:

model positive behaviour to our child
communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community
ensure our child attends school on time, every day the school is open for instruction
take an interest in our child’s school and learning
work with the school to achieve the best outcomes for our child
communicate constructively with the school and use expected processes and protocols when raising concerns
support school staff to maintain a safe learning environment for all students
follow the school’s processes for communication with staff and making complaints
treat all school leaders, staff, students, and other members of the school community with respect.

As students, we will:

model positive behaviour to other students
communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community.
comply with and model school values
behave in a safe and responsible manner
respect ourselves, other members of the school community and the school environment.
actively participate in school
not disrupt the learning of others and make the most of our educational opportunities.

As community members, we will:

model positive behaviour to the school community
treat other members of the school community with respect
support school staff to maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students
utilise the school’s processes for communication with staff and submitting complaints.

UNREASONABLE BEHAVIOURS

Schools are not public places, and the Principal has the right to permit or deny entry to school grounds.

Unreasonable behaviour that is demonstrated by school staff, parents, carers, students or members of our school community will not be tolerated at school, or during school activities.

Unreasonable behaviour includes:

speaking or behaving in a rude, manipulative, aggressive or threatening way, either in person, via electronic communication or social media, or over the telephone
the use or threat of violence of any kind, including physically intimidating behaviour such as aggressive hand gestures or invading another person’s personal space
sending demanding, rude, confronting or threatening letters, emails or text messages
sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or derogatory comments
the use of social media or public forums to make inappropriate or threatening remarks about the school, staff or students.

Harassment, bullying, violence, aggression, threatening behaviour and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our school.

Unreasonable behaviour and/or failure to uphold the principles of this Statement of Values and School Philosophy may lead to further investigation and the implementation of appropriate consequences by the school Principal.

At the Principal’s discretion, unreasonable behaviour may be managed by:

requesting that the parties attend a mediation or counselling sessions
implementing specific communication protocols
written warnings
conditions of entry to school grounds or school activities
exclusion from school grounds or attendance at school activities
reports to Victoria Police
legal action

Inappropriate student behaviour will be managed in accordance with our school’s Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy and Bullying Prevention Policy.

Our Statement of Values and School Philosophy ensures that everyone in our school community will be treated with fairness and respect. In turn, we will strive to create a school that is inclusive and safe, where everyone is empowered to participate and learn.

POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL

Policy last reviewed	June 2021
Approved by	Principal
Next scheduled review date	June 2026

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