Policy Update 

Policy update, June 2026

Policy committee met in June to review the following policies: Anaphylaxis, Bullying Prevention, Complaints, Digital Learning and the Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA). The Bulllying Prevention, Complaints and AUA are offered for community consultation.

The Anaphylaxis policy details what anaphylactic reactions look like and procedures to help support students exhibiting these symptoms. One of the big updates is the inclusion of two new ways to medicate anaphylactic reactions including Jext and Neffy. The policy also talks about staff training and procedures for an emergency.

The Bullying Prevention policy talks about Parkhill’s practices for minimising disrespectful behaviours in an environment with zero tolerance for bullying. There are clear definitions for what bullying is and is not, initiatives the school puts into place to enhance bullying prevention, as well as a clear procedure for dealing with a bullying incident. This policy is offered for community consultation.

The Complaints policy details procedures to follow in the case of a complaint against school staff. It suggests alternative processes already available, expected behaviours of parties, as well as what to do for resolution or escalation of the issue.

The Digital Learning policy is now a state-wide Department of Education policy. The school’s responsibility is to ensure the Digital Learning policy is followed, but also to ensure the Acceptable Use Agreement is suitable for the school’s needs. The policy committee assessed the AUA and now the agreement is offered for community consultation. The AUA is designed to detail student behaviour expectations using technology, including respect for self, others and devices, as well as minimal expectations for conducting self-online. We ask families to agree to the AUA each year before students are permitted devices. Coming up next year, the Department will impose restrictions on use of BYOD devices, and limit device time to minimal use (YF-2) and 90 mins maximum (Y3-6).

Don’t forget you can join us at any time - we always welcome new members. We meet about once or twice a term, in virtual meetings. Our next meeting will be in July. Send me a note via email on michelle.smith@education.vic.gov.au and I’ll add you to the list!