Policies & Guidelines

Child Safeguarding

The Friends’ School Child Safety Statement:

“A deep and continuing commitment to child safety is at the very core of The Friends’ School. Respect and concern for each individual in the School’s care is driven by a foundational belief that there is that of God in everyone. Thisis fundamental to Quakerism and The Friends’ School. We strive to develop a culture which promotes child safety and the prevention of harm, where all members of the community feel comfortable speaking up. We commit to seeking and listening to the voices of children and cultivating an environment which is nurturing, open and aware. All forms of abuse and neglect are in opposition to the School’s Purpose and Concerns. The School has an enduring moral and legal obligation to report and act upon any concern counter to the wellbeing of children.”

While these sentiments have always been at the heart of the School’s ethos and culture, the Board of Governors’ formal adoption of the Child Safety Statement, Safeguarding Children Policy and Expectations, Mandatory Reporting Policy Standards and Expectations and the Feedback Form: Compliments, Suggestions, Complaints and Child Safeguarding Concerns served to further enshrine the School’s position in writing.

To this end, the Safeguarding Children Policy and Expectations, Mandatory Reporting Policy Standards and Expectations and the Feedback Form: Compliments, Suggestions, Complaints and Child Safeguarding Concerns all became effective as of 1 March 2022 and can be viewed below.

These policies and expectations apply to students, staff, parents/guardians, volunteers, contractors and community members who participate in School life and/or visit the campus. Student/child safety is the number one priority of the School and these policies and expectations serve to articulate why and how we provide a safe environment for our students/children of the School.

The Friends’ School Mandatory Reporting Policy Standards and Expectations

Feedback Form: Compliments, Suggestions, Complaints and Child Safeguarding Concerns

The Friends’ School Safeguarding Children Policy and Expectations

For more information, view The Friends’ School Child Safeguarding webpage.

Rights & Responsibilities

All members of The Friends’ School community have the right to gain new knowledge and

to develop social and academic skills. All members of The Friends’ School community have the responsibility to ensure that this right is respected.

Our Rights

All members of The Friends’ School community have a right to:

·    make the most of their educational opportunities;

·    be safe and free from harassment;

·    be treated with respect;

·    expect fair and reasonable behaviour, and

·    a clean and pleasant environment.

Our Responsibilities

All members of The Friends’ School community are responsible for:

·    respecting the rights of others;

·    treating others with respect;

·    behaving in a fair and reasonable manner;

·    respecting property;

·    maintaining a clean and pleasant environment, and

·    acting with integrity 

Supportive School Environment

The establishment of a supportive school environment, in which students, parents and teachers are positive about themselves and each other, is fundamental to the quality of teaching and learning. At the core of the supportive school environment are relationships between students, families and teachers.

These relationships are dependent upon some basic values and beliefs:

·    the worth of each individual and their capacity to contribute to our School is recognised and valued;

·    every member of our School community should contribute to the wellbeing of all other members;

·    students should develop responsibility for their own actions, and

·    the rights of others to learn should be respected by all.

Where a student behaves in a way that goes against the principles stated above, action will be taken as described below.

The School’s approach to classroom management focuses on some fundamental principles:

·    when a problem arises between a teacher and a student, both must be involved in the solving of the problem – however, other people may be involved in that process

·    the process is a step-by-step approach, which allows those involved time to stop and reflect before problems worsen

·    at all steps, teachers try to help students to make a commitment to the proper functioning of the classroom and to developing, where appropriate, a positive action plan that helps the student move towards responsible behaviour.

The aim of such a positive discipline approach  is to cultivate self-discipline as the means of upholding the standards of behaviour. This is achieved by encouraging students to realise that they are responsible for the outcomes or consequences of their actions.

Classroom Agreement

Each classroom teacher has the opportunity to negotiate with their subject classes a Classroom Agreement  that flows from the general principles as set out under the Behaviour Management section below.

Students have the opportunity to discuss the Classroom Agreement with their teachers.

Behaviour Management

Behaviour management is used to promote learning, safety, and harmonious interpersonal relationships. The Quaker values outlined in the Purpose and Concerns statement encourage the development of self-discipline, respect and tolerance in all members of our School community. With this in mind, students are expected to show courtesy and consideration for others at all times.

Students at The Friends’ School are expected to work independently, be able to self-regulate, carefully consider their behavioural choices and work cooperatively within the School’s systems practice and ethos. It is expected that students are self-directed and accepting of their responsibilities in managing their day-to-day learning, and that they are cooperative and follow all reasonable requests. In keeping with our ‘Purpose and Concerns’, we expect our students to be able to think clearly, act with integrity, make decisions for themselves and be sensitive to the needs of others.

To support an effective learning and positive social environment,  students who are not meeting these expectations will be counselled by their teacher, Key Teacher and/or Head of Campus as appropriate. 

Students are always expected to accept the consequences of their actions. This might include making up for missed work at lunchtimes or at home; paying for any damage to property caused by their negligence ; apologising or otherwise repairing relationships damaged by thoughtless behaviour; or contributing their service by way of restitution for actions which have damaged their own or the School’s good name.

Persistent or serious difficulties either academically or socially may result in disciplinary action being taken. This involves a series of consultations and meetings of the student, parents, Head of School and ultimately, the Principal.

Behaviour Contracts and Disciplinary Action

Where a student continues to display a lack of cooperation with the School’s expectations of behaviour or work ethic, it may be necessary to take formal disciplinary action.  The disciplinary process regarding work ethic is triggered when a student’s attitude, and approach to study across a range of learning areas becomes an ongoing concern to their teachers.

Following a series of discussions with the student concerned, the first formal step is generally  when parents are invited to meet with the Head of Campus to discuss the difficulties. The student and their parents will be asked to attend an interview with their Key Teacher and Deputy Head of Pastoral Care or Head of Campus to work out ways in which the necessary improvements can be made.

A record of interview will be kept so that the student and their family clearly understand the changes required, along with  the consequences that flow from those changes not occuring. If a subsequent check or report does not show the necessary  improvement, a further interview in the parent's/guardian’s  presence will take place, and, with the knowledge of the Principal or Deputy Principal, a Behaviour Contract will be drawn up. A Behaviour Contract will clearly define the behaviour in question and the steps that the student is to take to rectify the situation.  The contract will state the length of time for which it will be in place and be signed by the student, a parent / guardian and the Head of Campus or Deputy Principal or Principal. The Contract will include notice that the student’s enrolment at Friends’ may be terminated if the Contract is breached. If the Contract is in fact breached, after a final interview with the Principal, the student may be asked to leave the School.

Generally, the duration of a Behaviour Contract is set as one term to allow time for the requested improvement to occur. A Resolution Meeting will be held at the conclusion of the life of the Behaviour Contract to allow for recognition of improvement.

Suspension for a period of time may occur to reinforce the seriousness of the situation or as a result of a student showing disregard for school policies, guidelines and expectations (such as bullying and harassment, use of motor vehicles, unexplained absences or demonstrated inappropriate classroom behaviour). Immediate suspension may occur for serious breaches of the School’s policies, guidelines and expectations such as the Computer Ethics statement, physical violence or theft. Please refer to the Directions for Students to Stay at Home, Suspension, or Termination of Enrolment Policy for further details.

Students should also be aware that they may be excluded from individual classes if their ongoing behaviour or attitude is detrimental to others in the class. This is particularly serious as it may mean that an award or other assessments may not be made. Parents and students should note that, as per the Enrolment Contract, the Principal may expel or suspend a student for any adequate cause determined by them. This  is not dependent on a Behaviour Contract first being put in place.

Guideline on Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination 

The Friends’ School is strongly committed to being a safe, supportive environment that respects the rights of the individual, and acknowledges each person’s responsibility to the rest of the School community. This is a reflection of our Purpose and Concerns, which states that the School values ‘the need to establish peace and justice’. Harassment, discrimination and victimisation threatens the safety, peace and justice of our School environment and will not be tolerated.

Direct discrimination is the unfair treatment of someone because of factors such as age, disability, gender, sexuality, race or religion or association with others.

Indirect discrimination is the use of rules and requirements which unfairly exclude certain people or groups.

Harassment is bullying. It is an act of aggression causing embarrassment, pain or discomfort to another.

It can take a number of forms:

·    physical, verbal, written, gesture, extortion and exclusion

·    it can be planned and organised

·    individuals or groups may be involved

·    it is unwanted, unwelcome, unsolicited and usually persistent

·    it is an abuse of power.

Some examples of harassment include:

·    any form of physical intimidation such as fighting, pushing, shoving, gestures and invasion of personal space

·    verbal abuse such as name calling, offensive language, putting people down or belittling their achievements, spreading rumours, making degrading remarks about another’s race, gender, religion or characteristics

·    visual materials such as offensive notes ore-mail, text messages, graffiti or damage to the possessions of others

·    victimisation of others by stand over tactics, picking on others, hurtfully excluding others, sexually oriented comments and other forms of sexual abuse, ridiculing someone’s body shape or appearance.

There are many ways in which someone can be harassed and often these overlap.

Who may be involved?

·    students harassing other students/staff/ parents

·    staff harassing students/other staff/parents

·    parents harassing students/staff/other parents.

If you are harassed, you can get help. You could:

·    tell the person/s that you don’t like it and that you want them to stop it and leave you alone

·    talk it over with friends, colleagues or a parent

·    talk to a teacher.

You may decide to follow one or more of these avenues. It is your choice.

What will happen if I tell someone?

Someone will listen to you, and if you wish, will help you consider the options available to you.

What are your rights in such a situation?

Both victims and their alleged harassers have rights that the School is obliged to observe and protect.

Persons alleging harassment have a right to:

·    be taken seriously

·    be helped to feel safe – this may be assisted by the presence of a support person when discussing the unwanted behaviour

·    have their privacy and confidentiality observed

·    have the policies and procedures in circumstances of harassment explained to them

·    be kept informed of the investigation’s progress

·    be included in any resolutions arising out of an investigation of the complaint.

People accused of harassing have the right to:

·    be informed of the complaint made against them

·    have the policies and procedures in circumstances of harassment explained to them

·    make a response

·    be supported and advised by persons of their choice prior to responding and during the course of an investigation

·    have their privacy protected and confidentiality observed

·    be treated fairly and without bias.

What are the responsibilities of those who observe any harassing behaviour?

·    refuse to participate in the behaviour

·    don’t support a ‘code of silence’

·    report the incident.

View the Guideline on Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination and  Feedback Form: Child Safeguarding Concerns, Compliments, Suggestions and Complaints.  For more information, please visit The Friends’ School Child Safeguarding webpage.

Drugs and Medicines

We believe in providing consistent and clear expectations and practices to the School community so that appropriate action can be taken to address issues in terms of both prevention and intervention. In order to support this position, the School reserves the right to search a student’s bag where there is a suspicion that it might contain an illegal, unsafe or harmful item.

These practises establish and clarify The Friends’ School community’s expectations regarding:

·    medications

·    legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco

·    illegal substances.

These practices and expectations  apply to all members of the school community – students, staff, visitors, parents and friends – while on all programs, activities and official functions in any way connected with The Friends’ School.

Prevention

The School has a preventative drug education program, as an integral part of the Kindergarten– Year 12 Health and Wellbeing curriculum, which aims to:

·    promote a sense of high personal worth

·    develop attitudes and social skills that will minimise the harmful consequences of drug use

·    develop an understanding that the effects of drug use can vary in different circumstances

·    develop effective methods of resisting social and emotional pressures to use drugs

·    promote awareness of the legal, health and social implications of drug use.

In support of these aims, The Friends’ School asks all adult members of the School community to be aware of their influence as role models. We encourage parents to be partners in the educational process.

School Expectations

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, all students are required to provide the School with all relevant, current medical information and to update it as the need arises. Due to our concern for the health and wellbeing of Friends’ students, the following applies:

Analgesics

Friends’ expects that analgesics (non-prescribed e.g., aspirin and paracetamol) will not be used inappropriately. Analgesics may be taken only in special situations such as fever, injury or where alternatives have been tried and parents have given permission on the medical form.

Analgesics will only be supplied by the School where students are off site on a camp or excursion.  When this occurs, the date, time and dose must be recorded in the student’s file on the student database and on the medication administration register.

Prescribed Drugs and Other Medicine 

Friends’ expects that both prescribed and over- the-counter medicines will not be used inappropriately. Students requiring medication are encouraged to take the medication at home, whenever possible rather than at School.

When students require medication for short-term illnesses, their Key Teacher/Head of Campus must be notified in writing by the parents/guardian if the drug is to be used during school hours. Medication for short-term illnesses must be held and administered by staff members designated with this responsibility by the Head of Campus. Whenever medication is administered to students, the date, time, dosage and brand are recorded.

Parents should ensure that children know how to use their own medicines responsibly. Students should on no account pass their medicines on to other students.

Tobacco & Vaping

As we recognise the health risks associated with tobacco use and the use of e-cigarettes or “Vapes”. Consequently The Friends’ School is a smoke- free and Vape-free zone. Studentsare not permitted to smoke tobacco or Vape during School hours, at School-related activities or while travelling to or from School.

After a warning, a student who continues to smoke or Vape while on School premises, attending any School-related activities, wearing School uniform, or travelling to or from School, will be suspended for a period of time at the Principal’s discretion. Quit smoking programs will be made available to students.

Adults are asked not to smoke or Vape while on campus or at off-campus School-related activities.

Alcohol

We recognise the legal sanctions on drinking in this State and that alcohol abuse is a major problem in Tasmania. We promote the idea that alcohol is not needed to make a social activity enjoyable. Students are not permitted to use or possess alcohol at School or School-related activities. Staff and other adults may not consume alcoholic drinks while responsible for the safety of students.

If, in the teachers’ opinion, a student has arrived at a School-related function under the influence of alcohol or other substances, their parents/guardians will be called to collect their child.

Alcohol is not permitted on School premises except where permission has been granted by the Principal.  This will generally be restricted to the serving of alcohol drinks to adults in particular places on the School premises, on specified occasions, at adult only functions. Non-alcoholic drinks will always be available at such occasions.

We encourage fundraising activities without an emphasis on alcohol consumption. 

Other Drugs

We recognise the potential harm of illicit drug use and therefore the School prohibits the:

·    use, possession, distribution or sale of illegal drugs such as marijuana;

·    inappropriate use, or distribution of solvents and other chemical; agents;

·    possession of bongs or other drug-related objects not specified as medically required or on medical records;

·    inappropriate use of prescription or non- prescription medication, and

·    inappropriate use of drugs in sport.

Intervention

If these practices are breached, the student’s parents/guardians will be informed, appropriate help will be sought for the student and action appropriate to the breach will be taken. Students may also be required to stay at home while the situation is resolved.

Where intervention is required, the School supports a positive and supportive approach that will endeavour to modify inappropriate student behaviour. 

If a student is found to be providing, buying, selling or involved in any transaction for prescription or illegal drugs and/or alcohol while in School uniform, at School, involved in any School related activity or travelling to or from School, their enrolment may be terminated, whether there has been any previous warning or not. Termination of enrolment may also occur if, after a period of suspension with its formal, final warning, a student persists in breaching the School’s practices, policies and expectations.

Stay at Home, Suspension or Termination of Enrolment

Under the Conditions of Enrolment signed when an offer of a confirmed place is accepted, parents/guardians and students agree to uphold and be accountable to the School’s Learning Partnership Understanding and to support a purposeful relationship between students, parents/guardians and staff, to achieve the aims articulated in the Purpose and Concerns.

All community members understand that the School’s policies and expectations are to be followed both during and outside of school hours. Behaviour and actions of all community members are required to be of a high standard and to not negatively affect the safety, emotional wellbeing or learning of themselves or other community members or to bring the School into disrepute. Under the Directions for Students to Stay at Home, Suspension, or Termination of Enrolment Policy a student who is repeatedly in violation of School policies or guidelines or who has committed a significant inappropriate action may be:

-     directed to stay at home and not be on campus;

-     suspended from the School, and/or

-     have their enrolment contract terminated

Please refer to the Directions for Students to Stay at Home, Suspension, or Termination of Enrolment Policy for full details.

Academic Honesty

The Friends’ School policy on academic integrity promotes the principles of honesty, independent thinking and respect for one’s own work and the work of others. It recognises the need for students to understand the meaning and significance of the concepts of authenticity and intellectual property.

We believe that all students need to be taught, as an integral part of the learning process across all subject areas and school sections, what it is to show academic integrity.

Academic integrity is an important aspect of teaching students information literacy skills and guides students towards producing work that acknowledges the work of others, though is not derivative or plagiarised. It is also important

for students to understand that not showing integrity and respect for another person’s work is not in keeping with the School’s Purpose and Concerns.

Principles to Support Implementation of this Policy

We believe that:

·    Academic integrity is a core aspect of information literacy knowledge, skills and understandings;

·    Students, parents/guardians and staff have a responsibility to understand and follow our school policy on academic integrity and relevant guidelines;

·    Teachers across all disciplines are responsible for implementing our school policy and incorporating guidelines into their teaching practice;

·    Developing academic integrity knowledge and understanding is a shared responsibility across all faculties and sections of the School, and

·    Breaking large tasks down into manageable progressions helps students with their information literacy skills and to meet their responsibilities with regards to academic integrity

Purpose of Academic Integrity K-12

A student showing academic integrity:

·    Understands and abides by the School policy and guidelines concerning academic integrity;

·    Submits work that is their own;

·    Understands how to collaborate effectively and submit work that is their own, and support their peers to do the same;

·    Completes an honest or agreed share of the work undertaken in group or team work situations;

·    Acknowledges when help is given by others such as parents, private tutors, other students or friends;

·    Cites source materials (which may include words, images, music and ideas) using appropriate referencing conventions;

·    Uses a recognised form of referencing as expected in line with faculty and/or sectional expectations, and

·    Abides by all regulations applying to assessments

Teachers support academic integrity by:

·    Teaching recognised methods for paraphrasing source material;

·    Giving specific guidelines that encourage students to develop their own ideas through questioning, using inquiry processes, problem solving, comparisons, analysis and synthesis;

·    Teaching students research, summary and note-making techniques

·    Teaching students to actively re-organise and interpret gathered information and synthesise findings into their own words;

·    Implementing processes to support planning, drafting and showing work in progress;

·    Working in collaboration with the school teacher librarians when relevant, to develop appropriate research and information literacy skills;

·    Teaching students how to cite all sources which may include (but are not exclusive to) books, journals, musical references, images and internet sites;

·    Encouraging the use of citation software such as the SLASA Online Reference Generator or Citemaker;

·    Modelling best academic integrity in their own practices, and

·    Referring students and parents/guardians to the School’s policy and guidelines

Parent/Guardian responsibilities with respect to academic integrity

Parents/Guardians support academic integrity by:

Encouraging their children to see the importance of putting significant effort into their learning experiences

Support students with their learning at home by:

·    Asking questions of the student to provoke their thinking;

·    Working alongside the student to develop a plan of how to approach prioritising tasks and breaking larger tasks into smaller chunks;

·    Helping create an ideal physical environment for learning at home;

·    Communicating with relevant staff any significant absences and/or changes in family circumstances as soon as possible;

·    Working alongside the student when managing larger learning tasks by having a clear idea of major deadlines and planning family engagements accordingly;

·    Giving tips to the student around appropriate self-management techniques to support organisation;

·    Encouraging the student to make direct contact with their teacher if there are significant challenges being experienced by the child in completing learning at home;

·    Affirming successes and progress that the student makes with their learning, and

·    Providing the necessary materials and resources for students to learn comfortably at home

School responsibilities with respect to academic integrity

It is the School’s responsibility to:

·    Embed opportunities within the school curriculum so students develop the habits and skills to support practices that promote academic integrity;

·    Support the development of teachers’ knowledge, skills and understanding of academic integrity;

·    Communicate our school policy and guidelines relating to academic integrity clearly to students, parents, and staff, and

·    Treat incidents that could breach our policy and guidelines on academic integrity in a manner appropriate to our School Purpose and Concerns as well as any other relevant external organisation.

Computer Ethics

The Friends’ School has extensive computer technology facilities and all users are asked to work with these in accordance with the School’s ethos and Purpose and Concerns. To support our belief in the ethical use of computing devices, the School has established a set of common conditions that apply to all users of our facilities.

Each user from Years K – 12 is required to sign an agreement accepting these conditions and also the consequences of breaching the agreement. The agreement for children from Kinder – Year 4 is very simple, relating mainly to safe use of equipment and respect for other people’s work. Students will renew their agreement every year. The Digital Citizenship Guide and Computer Use Agreement Years 7-12 is used to support this.

We ask parents for support in promoting our expectations and ethos in the use of computing devices at home. We ask parents to carefully consider the nature of the software that children use, particularly any violent or inappropriate games. Our program at school focuses on the use of computing devices as learning enablers for such purposes as research, constructive and creative purposes, and communication.

As members of the School community, it is expected that students respect and care for their computing devices. The School expects students to accept the consequences of their actions, including paying for any damage to property caused by their negligence.

While the School carries insurance coverage for loss or damage to computing devices, our policies carry significant claim excesses and do not provide cover for wilful damage or neglect.

School computer devices cannot be taken outside Tasmania without the explicit consent of the School. Families are responsible for all damage or loss of School computing devices outside Tasmania. Consent requests should be made to the Information Services Manager.

The School has a flat rate excess charge per repair for all non-warranty repair jobs. Full details are outlined in the Digital Citizenship Guide and Computer Use Agreement Years 7-12 that students and parents sign. This excess will apply regardless of fault, as it is the School’s expectation that students will take full and proper care of their computing devices at all times.

To minimise delays in providing students with replacement power packs[SO1]  (cables and charger) in the case of non-warranty loss or permanent damage, power packs stocks are held in the Friends’ School Shop for purchase by students.

In the case of faulty power packs, students should seek advice from the relevant Help Desk to determine the possibility of repair or a warranty claim before purchasing a new unit. This arrangement is in lieu of the excess charge (as above) with respect to power packs.

In addition to the above, the School will continue with the current practice of requiring families to bear full uninsured costs in the event of loss or damage caused through willful damage. Details of these arrangements will be discussed with parents on a case-by-case basis should the need arise.

Parents will be advised by letter from the Accounts Office when the excess is to be charged. Payment options will be outlined in keeping with the School’s usual procedures.

Consequences for breaches of computer ethics, ranging from warnings to withdrawal of the right to use the computing device will occur if children deliberately misuse them.

The guidelines will be regularly reviewed by the Information Services Strategic Committee in consultation with the School community to make sure they express the School’s ethical position in relation to our rapidly changing technology.

The user understands that the:

·    School’s Purpose and Concerns must be respected in relation to the use of the School’s computer facilities

·    School’s facilities are for educational purposes

·    School has ownership of all equipment and may withdraw access to, and use of the facilities, at any time

In particular, the user will:

·    actively care for the School’s computer equipment and facilities

·    not change the set-up of hardware or the configuration of software in any way without permission from a member of the technical support staff

·    respect copyright laws

·    respect the privacy of another’s work

·    respect the rights of others to fair access and use of facilities

·    protect the security of the School’s facilities and networks

·    safeguard themselves in using the School’s computing devices

·    use the School’s computer resources economically

·    try to prevent any breaches of these conditions by others

The Friends’ School on the Internet

The Friends’ School web site (friends.tas.edu.au) presents general background and prospectus information to a worldwide audience as well as information for students and their families.

The site continues to evolve and its content and structure changes over time.

The following guidelines are provided to help staff, students and other members of the School community who want to publish or communicate on behalf of the School via the internet:

·    Staff and students wanting to publish Friends’ School events or activities on the internet should first discuss their ideas with the Information Services Manager.

·    Staff and students wanting to publish material on the internet that refers to The Friends’ School and is available to the general public are asked to discuss this content with the Director of Community Engagement.

Immunisations

Immunising your child provides effective protection against preventable illness and disease. Many childhood vaccines are available free of charge to children of eligible ages.

Some vaccinations are provided to your child on school premises by a doctor or health professional. These will be arranged by the Department of Health (DoH). Others will be given by a doctor or health professional and are your responsibility as a parent to arrange. For further information, please see the Department of Health website.

The Friends’ School strongly encourages all families to fully immunise their children (appropriate for their age) prior to their commencement at the School and to keep immunisations up to date. The Friends’ School caters to approximately 1200 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 across two campuses and students are often in close contact with each other and with teaching and support staff. Immunising your child keeps them and those around them safe from easily preventable illness and disease.

If your child does become ill we ask that you please keep them home until they are fully recovered.

If you have any queries, please contact our Risk & Compliance Manager, Mark Natoli.

Sunsafe Policy

At all times The Friends’ School is mindful of the need for students and staff to protect themselves from the damaging effects of over- exposure to the sun. We aim to ensure that students and staff are well-informed and that the School provides an environment with due regard to Sunsafe practices.

We encourage students to take responsibility for their own Sunsafe behaviour in a variety of ways including:

·    education about Sunsafe practices and the risks of over-exposure

·    provision of outdoor areas with plentiful shaded spaces

·    active discouragement of sunbathing

·    encouraging students to wear a school hat in summer

·    providing free sunscreen in the School offices and at outdoor events

·    advising students to ‘slip, slop, slap’ when outdoors for extended time, such as at sports matches, trainings, school carnivals or Outdoor Education activities

·    making hats an essential component of Outdoor Education clothing.

Safe and Fair Play Policy

The School’s playground spaces, including grass and all weather areas on Commercial Road, Argyle Street and Bell Street campuses, are provided for safe, appropriate and equitable use by all students. We require students at all times to comply with rules and instructions given by staff that relate to safety and to fair play.

In the interest of safety, rough play is not allowed, and climbing is permitted only on those structures and equipment provided for the specific purpose of student recreation. Students are not permitted to climb on trees or school infrastructure such as buildings and fences, and are to remain within designated areas during free play.

Student Attendance at Rallies

In keeping with Quaker practice, we support students taking appropriate action on matters of concern including social justice and peace issues. The School on occasion will arrange for a group of students to attend events such as Harmony Day or International Human Rights Day. In this case, parents will be notified by the School in advance, transport will be arranged and a teacher will accompany the students.

If a student wishes to attend a political event or rally during school hours as a matter of individual choice, this is a decision for the child and parents. The School is unable to take responsibility for their safety, security or transport arrangements. We therefore require written permission from parents, a day or more in advance, addressed to the Head of Campus. Students must sign out at the reception office of their campus prior to leaving the School grounds, and also sign back in if they return to School prior to the end of that school day. In this case, where students are attending as individuals, not representative of the School, we also ask that they wear plain clothes. For further details please refer to Student and Staff Agency Guidelines.

Uniform Policy

Expectations

At The Friends’ School we believe that the wearing of the School uniform by students is a fundamental part of students’ and their parents’ commitment to the School Community. Wearing the School uniform is a visible way of establishing a student’s identity as part of The Friends’ School community.

It is expected that Friends’ students’ general appearance and the manner in which they wear the uniform, both at School and in public, will be of a high standard. We expect students’ appearance to be neat and tidy at all times and consistent with School requirements. The School workplace guidelines for dress and skirt length are recommended to be a minimum length of no less than two-thirds of the total length between hip and knee.

Seasonal uniform changeover is not required. Students may choose to wear the options of uniform in which they feel comfortably suited. Students in Years 7-10 are strongly encouraged to wear a sunhat for outdoor activities.

Students are required to wear hair tied back for subjects where there is a health or safety requirement (for example Science, Foods, Design Technology, Art, PE) and in any other class where a teacher requires hair to be tied back for a particular activity. At other times students may wear their hair out as long as it is clean, neat and tidy. Students are expected to wear their hair in a style and colour acceptable to the Head of School (this colour should be natural tones – not bright pink, blue or green as an example). Beading and dreadlocks, for example, are not acceptable. Beards (including stubble) are not permitted unless permission is given by the Head of Campus.

School shoes are to be polished black leather (or vegan alternative) lace-ups with heels of a height acceptable to Heads of Campus. Shoes are to be kept clean and in suitable repair. Gym shoes are not to be worn with formal uniform.

The blazer may be required for certain school events and when representing the School (this can also include excursions and teachers will let students know).

Jewellery can be worn, a watch and a ring, as well as up to a maximum of two single plain sleepers or studs in each ear. Piercings in the nose are acceptable but must be a single small stud - all other face piercings are not permitted. Students are permitted to wear blemish control make-up only. Clear nail polish is acceptable with School uniform - all other options are not permitted. Visible tattoos are not acceptable at any time.

If a student does not wear the uniform appropriately or present themselves correctly, they will be counselled and their parents informed of the School’s concerns. If there is no improvement, the parents of the student will be contacted to formulate a resolution with the Head of School.

Current uniform requirements are detailed in the Uniform Price List which can be found on the School website.

Sports Uniform for Competition

Students representing the School in school sports teams need to wear appropriate uniform as advised by the person in charge of the activity. Generally, this will be the standard sports uniform.

However, sports with special requirements will be indicated by the particular sport coordinator. These include long socks and boots for hockey and soccer, bathers, athletic tops and rowing suits, all of which need only be purchased as necessary. Some sports teams have a specific set of uniform that is to be hired via the School Shop for the duration of a season or competition. Details will be advised by the person in charge of the activity.

Outdoor Education

Appropriate outdoor wear is required by all students when engaged in Outdoor Education and field trips. Students will be advised what is necessary by the teacher in charge. At times, some local suppliers offer discounts to Friends’ students with suitable ID. Outdoor equipment may also be borrowed from the High School.

Student Fundraising

Student fundraising of any sort on the School campus should be for School events and always need approval from either the Head of Campus or the Service Committee.

Privacy Policy and Guidelines

The School has developed a Privacy Policy and Privacy Guidelines in accordance with the

Australian Privacy Principles, to explain how we manage personal information.

You can access the policy on our website or by contacting the School’s Privacy Officer on (03) 6210 2200.

Complaint Resolution Policy and Guidelines

The School has developed a Complaint Resolution Policy and Complaint Resolution Guidelines to provide the School community, and others who interact with the School, a fair and objective way to raise and review issues and complaints without bias. 

You can access the policy and guidelines on our website, or by clicking the links above.