College Policy and Updates

 Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy  

Dear Parents and Carers,

Now that we are well into Term 2, I thought I’d take the opportunity to address some expectations around how, as a school community, we treat each other.  

We all share a responsibility for making Heathmont College a positive, respectful and safe environment for our students to learn and thrive. As adults, it is particularly important that we role model positive behaviour for our students. I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on this and consider ways to model kindness and respect.  

Seeing, hearing and dealing with angry people can be extremely upsetting for both children and adults. Please take the time to consider our school values of Curiosity, Compassion and Community, as these are the foundation of how we want to work together and communicate.  

Late last year the Department of Education and Training published its new Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy, which promotes the importance of respectful and collaborative relationships between parents, carers and school staff in order to build strong, healthy and thriving school communities. When a small number of parents and carers behave unacceptably towards a staff member, or another member of the school community, this can affect their health, safety and wellbeing. The impact of this type of behaviour can also be felt by the wider school community.  

Discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence, threatening or aggressive behaviour, whether in person, in writing, or over the phone, is never acceptable at our school and I’m pleased to say that most members of our school community treat each other with kindness and respect. 

The staff and I are always striving to provide the best possible educational experience for your children. However, we know there may be times when you have concerns, disagree with a decision or feel that a particular issue should have been handled differently. This should never be a reason to mistreat staff or to undermine our school culture by spreading negativity or anger. Whilst all feedback is important, such an approach is neither respectful or productive. Thankfully, this is a rare occurrence and I’m proud of the supportive and respectful relationships we have as a school community.  

I want to emphasise that I’m always open to respectful feedback as well as constructive criticism about how we can improve. 

Thank you all for partnering with us to support your children in their learning and in creating a positive and caring school community. 

Kerryn Sandford 

College Principal 

Stay Home if Unwell 

At this time of year, it is common for colds and flu to start becoming more prevalent. In the best interests for our community, we ask that any student who is sick and/or displaying any symptoms of a cold, flu, Covid or any other illness, to not to be sent to school. We appreciate that in some circumstances this may difficult but again, it is best for everyone that your child stay home.