Statement of Values

Help for non-English speakers

If you need help to understand the information in this policy, please contact the school office on (03) 366 4322.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the values of our school community and explain the vision, mission and objectives of our school.

Policy

Jackson School is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all students, staff and members of our community. Our school recognises the importance of the partnership between our school and parents and carers to support student learning, engagement and wellbeing. We share a commitment to, and a responsibility for, creating an inclusive and safe school environment for our students. 

The programs and teaching at Jackson School support and promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including a commitment to:

• elected government
• the rule of law
• equal rights for all before the law
• freedom of religion
• freedom of speech and association
• the values of openness and tolerance. 

This policy outlines our school’s vision, mission, objective, values and expectations of our school community. This policy is available on our school website, our parent & staff induction handbook and the school website.

To celebrate and embed our Statement of Values and Philosophy in our school community, we 

• display posters and banners that promote our values in our school
• celebrate our values in our termly Achievement Assemblies
• provide Achievement and Value Awards and recognition for students who actively demonstrate the values
• discuss our values with students every day in the classroom through PBIS

Vision 

Jackson School is a collaborative learning community for all. We aim to develop independence through safety, respect and responsibility.

We aspire to offer authentic, quality educational experiences that develop futures, create opportunities and inspire potential; enabling our students to be valued and contributing members of the wider community. We share and celebrate our successes and achievements. 

Mission

Develop Futures – Create Opportunities – Inspire Potential

Objective 

Our school’s objectives are considered as part of the 4 yearly strategic planning process and reflected in the goals listed in our current School Strategic Plan (SSP). We also develop an Annual Implementation Plan to operationalise the goals and key improvement strategies contained in our SSP. 

At Jackson School we value:

• Learning
• Independence
• Safety
• Respect
• Responsibility 

We aim to develop independence through providing and fostering a safe, respectful and responsible community to enable our students to be valued and contributing members of the wider community.  

Behavioural Expectations 

Jackson School acknowledges that the behaviour of staff, parents, carers and students has an impact on our school community and culture. We acknowledge a shared responsibility to create a positive learning environment for the children and young people at our school. 

As principals and school leaders, we will: 

• model positive behaviour and effective leadership
• communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community
• work collaboratively to create a school environment where respectful and safe behaviour is expected of everyone
• ensure all parents/carers are aware of the expectations outlined in the Department’s Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy
• behave in a manner consistent with the standards of our profession and meet core responsibilities to provide safe and inclusive environments
• plan, implement and review our work to ensure the care, safety, security and general wellbeing of all students at school
• identify and support students who are or may be at risk
• do our best to ensure every child achieves their personal and learning potential
• work with parents to understand their child’s needs and, where necessary, adapt the learning environment accordingly
• respond appropriately when safe and inclusive behaviour is not demonstrated and implement appropriate interventions and sanctions when required
• inform parents of the school’s communication and complaints procedures
• ask any person who is acting in an offensive, intimidating or otherwise inappropriate way to leave the school grounds.  

As teachers and non-teaching school staff, we will:

• model positive behaviour to students consistent with the standards of our profession
• proactively engage with parents about student outcomes
• work with parents to understand the needs of each student and, where necessary, adapt the learning environment accordingly
• work collaboratively with parents to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for students with additional needs
• communicate with the principal and school leaders in the event we anticipate or face any tension or challenging behaviours from parents
• treat all members of the school community with respect
• communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community

As parents and carers, we will:

• model positive behaviour to our child
• ensure our child attends school on time, every day the school is open for instruction
• take an interest in our child’s school and learning
• work with the school to achieve the best outcomes for our child
• communicate constructively with the school and use expected processes and protocols when raising concerns
• support school staff to maintain a safe learning environment for all students
• follow the school’s processes for communication with staff and making complaints
• treat all school leaders, staff, students, and other members of the community with respect.
• communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community, in line with the Department’s Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy.

As students, we will:

• model PBIS expectations to other students
• comply with and model school values
• behave in a safe and responsible manner
• respect ourselves, other members of the school community and the school environment.
• actively participate in school
• not disrupt the learning of others and make the most of our educational opportunities
• communicate politely and respectfully with all members of the school community. 

As community members, we will:

• model positive behaviour to the school community
• treat other members of the school community with respect
• support school staff to maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students
• utilise the school’s processes for communication with staff and submitting complaints.

Unreasonable behaviours

Schools are not public places, and the Principal has the right to permit or deny entry to school grounds (for more information, see our Visitors Policy).

Unreasonable behaviour that is demonstrated by school staff, parents, carers, students or members of our school community will not be tolerated at school, or during school activities. 

Unreasonable behaviour includes:

• being violent or threatening violence of any kind, including physically intimidating behaviour such as aggressive hand gestures or invading another person’s personal space
• speaking or behaving in a rude, aggressive or threatening way, either in person, via email, social media, or over the telephone
• sending demanding, rude, confronting or threatening letters, emails or text messages
• discriminatory or derogatory comments
• the use of social media or public forums to make inappropriate or threatening remarks about the school, staff or students.

Harassment, bullying, violence, aggression, threatening behaviour and unlawful discrimination are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our school.

Unreasonable behaviour and/or failure to uphold the principles of this Statement of Values and School Philosophy may lead to further investigation and the implementation of appropriate consequences by the Principal. 

At the Principal’s discretion, unreasonable behaviour may be managed by:

• requesting that the parties attend a mediation or counselling sessions
• implementing specific communication protocols
• written warnings
• conditions of entry to school grounds or school activities
• exclusion from school grounds or attendance at school activities
• reports to Victoria Police
• legal action

Inappropriate student behaviour will be managed in accordance with our school’s Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy and Bullying Prevention Policy.

Our Statement of Values and School Philosophy ensures that everyone in our school community will be treated with fairness and respect. In turn, we will strive to create a school that is inclusive and safe, where everyone is empowered to participate and learn. 

Communication  

This policy will be communicated to our school community in the following ways:

• Available publicly on our school’s website through iNewsletter 
• Included in staff induction processes
• Included in parent & staff handbook/manual 
• Included in transition and enrolment packs 
• Sent out through Seesaw so that it is easily accessible to parents, carers and students 
• Included as annual reference in school newsletter  
• Made available in hard copy from school administration upon request 

Policy Review and Approval