Staff Handbook

Macleod College Code of Practice

The current Macleod P -12 College Charter does not include a specific Staff Code of Practice, instead a generic Code of Practice has been developed for the whole Macleod College community. 

 

Macleod College Code of Practice

The following code of practice clearly reflects the Macleod College guiding principles and is applicable to all members of the college community. This code also acknowledges the Racial & Intolerance Act, 2001, which supports racial and religious tolerance and prohibits vilification on the grounds of race or religion:

  • Treat everyone with respect regardless of ability, age, religious beliefs, cultural background or gender.
  • Act honestly in the best interests of the college. 
  • Embrace change as a vehicle for continuous improvement.
  • Value whole school activities and support and promote these events.
  • Look for the positives in people and value suggestions.  
  • Care for and maximise all resources: physical, human, financial and learning. 
  • Continually expand skills and knowledge in order to achieve full potential.
  • Sustain and further develop links with the wider community. 
  • Contribute to developing and sustaining a productive teaching and learning environment that rewards and acknowledges success and effort and promotes life-long learning. 
  • Maintain a school environment that is safe, orderly and harassment free.
  • Behave in a way which reflects the Macleod College five guiding principles, values and beliefs.
  • Be punctual and meet set deadlines.

The above Whole College Community Code of Practice is enhanced by adherence to the following regulations, guidelines and policies:

  • VIT Teacher Code of Practice 
  • The Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2004
  • The Victorian Government Schools – School Services Officers, Agreement 2001 
  • Schools of the Future Reference Guide
  • Professional Standards as outlined on Performance Review Program 

All Macleod College Policies and Handbooks can be found on google drive/whole school documents.

 

Macleod College Student Code of Conduct

Child Safe 

Macleod College is a child safe environment in accordance with the Victorian Government Guidelines. Macleod College actively promotes the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. 

 

Macleod College has a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the Department of Education's exemplar. 

 

Scope

The Student Code of Conduct is committed to safety and wellbeing of all students in all school environments which also includes school related activities that are outside regular school times. The Student Code of Conduct promotes fair and responsible behaviour. Fundamental to College values is the right of every student to learn without disruption. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure this happens. 

 

Students can expect to: 

  • Enjoy learning in an environment of co-operation 
  • Be able to work in a safe, secure and stable environment 
  • Be treated with fairness, courtesy and consistency 
  • Be treated with respect as an individual 
  • Be free from bullying, intimidation, harassment and discrimination 
  • Be given the support of the College community 
  • Be encouraged to develop their full potential 

Students at the College are expected to value: 

  • Self-respect and self-discipline 
  • Courtesy, respect and sensitivity to the needs of others 
  • Personal safety and the safety of others 
  • Respect and care for the College property and the property of others 
  • Respect and care for the College environment 
  • A sense of achievement and endeavour 
  • Pride in representing the College 
  • Correct wearing of the College uniform 

 Staff at Macleod to see for support 

The following support structures are in place: 

  • Class teachers 
  • Home Group teacher
  • Year Level Student Managers  
  • Wellbeing Team
  • Educational Psychologists (Guidance Officers) and other external agencies 
  • Principal and Assistant Principal 
  • Leadership Team 

Anti-Bullying 

Bullying or harassment of any member of the College community will not be accepted at Macleod College. 

 

This also includes any cyber-bullying. Bullying or harassment includes acts of deliberate exclusion, verbal, physical, telephone and internet abuse, and the withholding of resources or information so as to deliberately isolate. 

 

Staff or students who experience this type of behaviour have both the right and the responsibility to seek support. 

 

Responses and Consequences to Breaches of the Student Code of Conduct 

If the Student Code of Conduct has been broken, responses will depend on the severity of the issue. These may include: 

  • Consultation and counselling 
  • Restorative conversations
  • School detention 
  • Parent/carer contact 
  • Work Progress cards 
  • Parent/carer interview and student contracts 
  • An Official College warning 
  • Suspension and counselling as per DET guidelines 
  • Involvement of other external agencies (including the Police if required) 

The following behaviours are not permitted at Macleod College: 

  • Fighting 
  • Bullying or cyberbullying 
  • Swearing or abusive language 
  • Discrimination based on race, sex, religion, appearance or ability 
  • Possession or use of cigarettes, drugs or alcohol 
  • Destruction or abuse of school property or the property of others 
  • Irresponsible or dangerous behaviour.

Students at Macleod follow a staged approach if behaviour is not acceptable:

 

Stage 1. (INITIAL RESPONSE) 

  • Inappropriate Behaviour that breaches Macleod College Values and Student Code of Conduct
  • This will be a verbal warning from the class teacher

Stage 2 (WARNING STAGE) 

  • If inappropriate behaviour continues you will be spoken to by the teacher with regards to the   
  • cause of the behaviour.
  • A chance to put focus back on your learning.

Stage 3 (SELF MANAGED RESPONSE) 

If your behaviour from stage 2 has not improved or has become worse, the following will take place:

 

ACTION TAKEN:  A hierarchy of Responses and Warning of Stage 4 if non-compliance.

Dependant on the behaviour exhibited by the student a range of choices will be given.

 

A hierarchy of Responses

  • You will be seated elsewhere 
  • A possible Recess /Lunch detention to discuss issue, or catch up on work
  • Possible call home to contact parents/carers
  • Seated elsewhere and student to fill out student reflection + commitment sheet whilst still in class (Based on degree of inappropriate behaviour and your reading of the situation)

Stage 4 (SUPPORT STAGE) 

You will be removed from the classroom and either spoken to by the following:

  • Class teacher
  • Student Manager
  • Assistant Principal/Principal

Stage 5 (SCHOOL BASED SUSPENSION) 

If your behaviour puts a threat on the physical or emotional safety of a teacher or student/s and prevents an orderly and respectful learning environment.

 

At Macleod College student needs to be committed to foster positive relationships and ensure a friendly, safe and welcoming school environment that enhances self-worth, confidence, self-respect and respect for others.