Respectful Behaviours
within the School Community
In Semester 1 and over the holidays, school staff have experienced an increased amount of disrespect from our community. This is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. From Term 3, Principals can now issue School Community Safety Orders as a legislative scheme to protect the school community from harmful, threatening or abusive behaviour from parents, carers and other adults.
Our school community has demonstrated incredible solidarity and resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Being back in our classrooms with extra health and safety measures is another big transition, but it’s the very best one for our children's education. It’s never been more important for adults in our school community treat each other with respect and kindness.
Violence and aggression towards school staff from parents, carers or other adults can have a significant impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of the staff who experience it, and their colleagues. This will not be tolerated whether in-person, over the phone, email or online including SeeSaw.
The Department of Education and Training has released a new policy that describes the positive behaviour expected from parents, carers, and other adults in Victorian school communities. The policy sets clear standards of behaviour to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and adults.
You can find the new policy and these resources here: https://www.vic.gov.au/creating-safer-school-communities
You may also see the new poster up around our school, promoting positive behaviour.
For more information on how to engage positively with our school, please contact Helen Puljak.
Responding to risks or incidents of work-related violence
School staff should report any risks or incidents of work-related violence to their principal and in eduSafe Plus.
The department’s Policy and Advisory Library (PAL) includes all related policy information, guidance and resources under the relevant menu tabs: