Behaviour and Expectations

Discipline

When a student fails to meet the expectations of the College, then a number of methods of  discipline will be introduced. Parents/carers will always be informed of these matters and invited to assist in overcoming the problem. Detentions are held during break 1, break 2, or after school on a Wednesday afternoon detention 2:30 - 3:30pm.

• Conduct report cards are used to monitor the progress in class of students who have experienced continual behavioural problems in class.

• Suspension, from school or from class, is used for serious offences or for continuing failure to meet the College’s expectations in behaviour or attitude. Repeated non-attendance of afternoon detention will result in an internal suspension at Nirimba campus.

• Corporal punishment is expressly prohibited.

Drugs, Smoking and Alcohol

• Use of these substances by students at school, whilst in uniform, or when attending official school functions is considered an extremely serious breach of school regulations.

• Breaches of the law will be referred to the local police for investigation.

Hands Off

• Students are to observe the Hands Off rule at all times. Intimidation, bullying and anti-social behaviour often result in great stress and upset for the students involved and can all too easily lead to serious injury.

• Any action that breaks these guidelines for safe and non-violent behaviour will be dealt with firmly.

Out of Bounds

• Staff areas of the Administration Buildings are out of bounds to all students. Contact with staff may be arranged through the office.

• No student should ever be in a classroom without a teacher. This includes breaks and time between lessons. Students should line up in an orderly fashion outside the classroom before each lesson.

• Students should never leave bags or valuables unattended. Students in Years 7 to 10 should use the locker provided. Students outside classrooms during class time should have a note of explanation in the movement log of their planner.

Property

• All property, whether belonging to students or the school, should always be treated with respect. Care should be taken not to damage desks or chairs and no graffiti should appear on books, walls or bags.

• Valuables or large amounts of money should not be brought to school. Students should take every precaution to avoid loss of property, especially by keeping valuable items on their person. When cash is brought to school, such as for fees and excursions, it should be deposited immediately at the school office.

Attendance at School

• It is expected that all students regularly attend school in order to meet educational outcomes. Students are also expected to attend special community days such as St John Paul II Feast Day and athletics carnivals.

• Absences on these special days are recorded specifically in the student’s files for future reference.

• Necessary medical and dental appointments should be made outside school hours wherever possible. Thursday afternoons in particular are to be avoided.

• Due to new legislation, any requests for extended leave must be made in writing to the Principal using the appropriate “Application for Exemption from Attendance at School” form which is able to be downloaded from the College website (In The Loop / School Notes) or available from the College office.

• If a student needs to leave the school during the day, parents/carer should make the request in writing to the appropriate Director of Learning-Stage. At Schofields, parents/carer must collect students at the office.

• Absences must be explained in writing except those where a reason has been provided through SMS. All notes are to be written by parents or carer. They should include: Statement of days and dates of absence and full reason and the signature of parent or carer.

• N.B. A medical certificate does not replace a note for absence or lateness.

The College follows the guidelines set by NSW Health and CSPD (Catholic Schools Diocese Parramatta)

Technology

• Students who bring approved electronic items to school must use them in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy of the College.

• Students who bring these items to school are responsible for their security and should keep them on their person at all times. The school does not accept responsibility or liability for the loss, damage or theft of any electrical items brought to school by a student. Laptops must be carried in the College bag and must be locked in lockers (where provided) at breaks 1 and 2. The College recommends the use of a protective case/bag. Laptops must be charged at home overnight.

• It is expected that students will not disrupt classes by using mobile phones or other electronic devices in any way that has not been authorised by the teacher for the educational purposes of the lesson. Students who are found to be using an electronic item inappropriately will first be warned and subsequently will face the usual consequences for not following reasonable teacher instructions. Students should have their phones switched off and should not be seen or heard during class time. Corded earphones are the only approved personal hearing device on the College property. Bluetooth/cordless devices are not approved for classroom or exam use.

Mobile Phone & Technology Policy

St John Paul II Catholic College recognises that mobile phones and smart devices are a part of modern society. We accept that parents/carers give their children mobile phones to protect them from everyday risks involving personal security and safety. There is also ever-increasing concern about children travelling alone on public transport or commuting long distances to school. It is acknowledged that providing a child with a mobile phone gives parents/carers reassurance that they

can speak or message with their children. The impact of technology can have on learning and wellbeing both positive and negative are now fundamental parts of education and we must work in partnership with families to equip young people with the skills they need to manage their mobile and electronic usage. It is the aim of this policy to enable students to develop important skills, knowledge and values which will set them up to be safe and responsible mobile users both now and into the future.

This policy aims to:

• Ensure we provide a safe, welcome and inclusive environment.

• Promote healthy and positive relationships between students.

• Support the development of each student’s interpersonal and social skills.

• Ensure that the learning environment is free from distraction.

• Reduce the reliance upon technology for communication.

• Relevant CEDP Policies via our College Website

Guidelines

St John Paul II Catholic College has a responsibility to students and staff to mitigate any risk associated with the use of technology at the College

• Students may bring electronic devices such as mobile phones/smartphones to the College. However, they do so at their own risk and the College will not accept any responsibility for loss of, or damage to, any of these devices.

• Mobile/Smart phones are not to be visible from the moment you enter the College site until the final bell at 2:15 pm. They should be switched off or on silent. Smart watches (Apple watches etc.) may only be used as watches. (Only permission at the Canteen window for payment only) Airpods/headphones are not to be visible or used. The wearing of headphones/airpods is the same as the phone being used. Therefore they should not be visible.

• Students may not take photos or videos of teachers or any other students at any time.

• Mobile/Smart phones are not to be used to take and/or send photographs and/or videos of any member of the community without the express permission of the person involved.

School Environment Considerations:

Classroom

Classroom teachers have the discretion to grant permission for students to use a mobile/smartphone or airpod/headphones for educational purposes only. If the device is to be used outside the classroom then the student must have a note from the classroom teacher in their planner and have their planner with them.

Playground (Years 7 - 10 only)

Mobile/smart phones may not be used during recess or lunch at any time whilst on the College grounds. The only exception to this, is at the canteen counter when required to pay.