Policies

Overall bullying policy

Bullying is repeated oppression, physical or psychological, of a less powerful individual by a more powerful individual or group. Bullying is deliberate. It is the desire to hurt, threaten or frighten someone. It can be with words or actions. Bullying is a significant contributor to anxiety, lowered self-esteem and decreased learning opportunities in our children and young people. If it is not addressed in a timely and sensitive manner, bullying can lead to depression and thoughts of self-harm in later adolescence. Furthermore, research has found that children who bully others may also have higher levels of anxiety, stress, depression and self-harm.

Our message to students, their families and the wider community at St Patrick’s Marist College is that together we must speak out against bullying and work together to reduce the problem. Bullying has no place here, and it must stop. Bullying can include threatening, teasing, name-calling, excluding, ganging up, preventing others from going where they want to, or taking away their belongings. It can be pushing, shoving or hitting and all forms of physical abuse. It includes sending hurtful or scary messages on phone calls, SMS texts or e-mails. It can be one or a number of these, however, verbal abuse is the most common form of bullying.

Who are the bullies?

Children who bully others may have some of the following characteristics:

• they are likely to see violence as power and acceptable ways of solving disputes
• they have little empathy with victims
• they come from home backgrounds which tolerate aggressive behaviour amongst family members and exert inconsistent discipline and inadequate monitoring of the children’s behaviour
• they have personalities that are both dominant and impulsive
• they are more likely to interpret behaviour from other students as being aggressive and therefore respond aggressively, as a method of self defence.

Who are the victims?

Many victims tend to be:

• unassertive and have low self-esteem (however, low self-esteem may result from the teasing or it may act as the trigger for teasing to occur)
• anxious, sensitive, quiet loners
• possibly over-protected at home
• two types: “passive” – do nothing to invite attack or “provocative” – hot tempered, restless, creates attention by irritating others, fights back when attacked.

How can we help?

Parents:

• Watch for signs of distress in your child, unwillingness to attend school, a pattern of headaches, missing equipment, requests for extra money, damaged clothes or bruising.
• Take an active interest in your child’s social life and acquaintances.
• Advise your child to tell a trusted teacher or maybe their Pastoral Leader of Leaning. If possible, allow your son / daughter to report and deal with the problem themselves. They can gain much self respect through taking the initiative and dealing with the problem without Mum and Dad’s involvement, but this is not always possible.
• Inform your child’s Pastoral Leader of Learning or Homeroom Patron if bullying is suspected. Do not encourage your child to hit back.
• Communicate to your child that, as a parent, your involvement will be appropriate so that the problem is not aggravated and so that retribution will not be visited on the child.

What can students do about bullying?

• Be with someone else when the bully is around
• Stay away from the bully – avoid contact
• Be confident, act normal and stick up for yourself
• Avoid the bully’s behaviours – avoid reacting
• Don’t hit back, swear or become upset
• Avoid making negative or ‘smart’ comments
• Be assertive - tell the bully calmly and confidently that it’s wrong, you don’t like it or to stop
• Tell someone about what happened – eg a friend, a teacher, a trusted adult
• Write out what happened in detail and date
• Stay positive, don’t let it get you down.

Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying can be defined as a form of bullying through an internet device such as; email or chat room, discussion room, instant messaging, and web pages. Cyber bullying can also include bullying through mobile phone technology such as; text messages, pictures/video clips and phone calls. The NSW Crimes Act of 1990 states that intimidating a person for the purpose of causing the person to fear physical or psychological harm to himself / herself (including family members) constitutes a penalty of 5 years imprisonment and / or a $5500 fine.

Where to get further help or information

Useful websites for parents and students include:

• www.police.nsw.gov.au
• https://esafety.gov.au
• www.netsmartz.org
• www.getnetwise.org
• www.netsafe.org.nz

College acknowledges that sometimes people may have a complaint about a decision, behaviour, act or omission that they feel is unacceptable.  We follow the CSPD Complaints Managing Policy and Procedures.

The underlying principles in managing complaints are that:

• Complaints will be investigated in a fair and impartial manner
• A person facing a complaint is entitled to know detailed information about the complaint and given the opportunity to respond
• Confidentiality will be observed
• Respect will be provided to all parties
• It is expected that complaints are made in good faith are not vexatious
• Complaints will be addressed in a timely manner.

Options available for those with a complaint include:

• Discuss the issue directly with the parties concerned
• Contact the College through reception, Leaders of Learning, Assistant Principals or the Principal
• Contact the Catholic Education Office.

The Intake Process involves the following steps:

• Recording the complaint/enquiry
• Assessing how the complaint will be managed
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records.

Addressing complaints will be managed in a timely and appropriate manner where the rights of all parties are respected. If an individual is not satisfied that a matter has been resolved appropriately, then an appeal may be lodged with the Principal or the Catholic Education Office.

Further information is also available from the Parramatta Catholic Education website (www.parra.catholic.edu.au)

Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of a student’s learning and it is used by teachers to collect evidence about a student’s progress towards the achievement of outcomes listed from the subject syllabus. Assessment also helps students know and recognise the standards they are aiming for and this is reflected in the marking guidelines. It also provides evidence that students have satisfactorily completed a course.

Why have an assessment policy?

• It will ensure consistency across the College curriculum
• It will ensure fairness and justice to all students
• It will enable parents and students to be better informed of College procedures on assessment.

What is the responsibility of the student?

• It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that they know the date of the formal Assessment Tasks and know what is being assessed and how.
• Every student must follow the procedures regarding submission of formal Assessment Tasks.
• Formal Assessment Tasks are to be submitted to the subject teacher unless otherwise directed.
• If any queries about the tasks or procedures arise students should check with the subject teacher or Leader of learning-Curriculum to seek clarification. Students are encouraged to seek help to enable them to fully understand the requirements and obtain a creditable level of achievement in all Tasks.
• Seek help and advice early and plan effectively.
• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the Task is submitted to their subject teacher only. Tasks may not be submitted at the office or be given to another teacher to pass on.
• It is the responsibility of all students to return marked assessment tasks to their parents/guardians for their signature.
• Students need to ensure that they complete all informal tasks in class. Students need to understand that information collected from both their formal and informal tasks will be used to determine a grade for their Semester Reports.

What happens if a student is absent for a formal task or examination?

A letter from a Parent/Guardian (year 7-9) or medical certificate (10-12) explaining the absence is to be given to the Director of Studies on the first day of return to the College. The letter also needs to indicate that the Parents/Guardians were aware a task was due on the day of absence. The letter also needs to be separate from the normal diary entry. A phone call can be made out of courtesy but does not replace the letter. Failure to hand in the letter or medical certificate as required may result in a detention and the normal penalty.

If a student knows they will be absent on the due date of a formal Assessment Task a letter must be submitted to the Director of Studies prior to the due date.

What happens if a student submits a formal task late?

First day an Assessment Task is late will result in a 30% penalty (thereafter a zero mark is awarded); an Assessment Task is assumed to be one day late if not received by the designated time on the due date; Each day of a weekend is regarded as part of the late total; (every day of the weekend is counted) and even if the Assessment Task is a late, student must still submit the work to meet the course requirements.

A Notice of Penalty (year 7-10) or Warning Letter (year 11-12) will be sent home to indicate award of a penalty.

What happens if a student fails to submit a formal task?

Students are required to submit all formal Assessment Tasks. After the second day, a detention will be arranged and a Notice of Penalty (year 7-10) or Warning Letter (year 11-12) will be sent home to indicate award of a penalty. The Notice of Penalty or Warning Letter will indicate that the student will still be required to submit the Assessment Task and notifies the Parent/Guardian of a zero mark.

Can I get an extension of time?

In the case of illness or misadventure, extensions of time may be given but will depend on the circumstances. If a student realises that the Assessment Task will not be completed on time the student must approach the Director of Studies for an extension of time well in advance of the due date. Extensions will not be granted on the due date.

What happens if a student copies work from another student or from a text or electronic source without acknowledgement?

Plagiarism: Taking and using another person’s work and claiming it as your own is plagiarism. If direct words are used, they must be referenced; i.e. they must be placed in quotation marks and the source and page number acknowledged. If a student copies someone’s work exactly and claims it to be his or her own, this is plagiarism. Parents/Guardians will be informed and some disciplinary action may result. Notice of Penalty (year 7-10) or Warning Letter (year 11-12) will also be sent home to indicate a penalty.

What happens in the case of computer or printer breakdown?

No extensions of time can be given. Students will incur a penalty if the Task is late. Students who use the computer for Assessment Tasks are strongly advised to:

• Regularly back up their work on a external drive such as a USB flash drive.
• Print a draft version prior to the due date.
• Complete the final copy of the assignment at least 24 hours before the due date (not on the night before or on the morning of the due date).
• Students are advised they can use the library printing facilities.
• Not to rely on emailing assessments to the College on the due date.

Who should I see if I have a problem?

Students should talk to their subject teacher first. If the problem is not resolved, he or she can then discuss it with the Leader of Learning- Curriculum or Leader of Learning- Pastoral. For major issues, an appointment to speak to the Director of Studies should be made.

Advice for Parents

Parents can take an active interest in the education of their children by encouraging them to:

• Keep up to date of all assessment activities (Calendar, Subject Assessment Outlines).
• Start tasks early, so that they have time to ask for help if they need it.
• Break tasks into a series of smaller steps and set deadlines for completing each step.
• Record the sources of information they use as they find them, so that acknowledgements do not become major tasks at the end.
• All sources need to be acknowledged.
• Frequently save and back up. Failure of technology is not an acceptable excuse for late submission.
• Keep a copy of all tasks.
• Ask their teacher if in doubt.
• Students should not be sharing their own work with others. Who knows where the work could end up?
• Parents are not encouraged to complete the task for their child!
• Parents are required to sign every assessment task after it has been marked. This is a way parents can monitor and account for their daughter/son’s learning.

College Formal Assessment Tasks

This is to be read to students before the commencement of any formal assessment task from Years 7 to 12.
“If you have accidentally brought into the room any books, notes, paper or any equipment other than the specified aids, please hand them to the supervising teacher before the assessment task commences. Mobile phones or other electronic devices must not be taken into the room under any circumstances. If you have accidentally brought a phone or electronic device in the room please hand them to your supervising teacher now. Any student found with notes, phones or unauthorised material in the room will have a penalty imposed, such as zero for the task. There will be no penalty if any such material is handed in now to the teacher before the task commences.”

Examination Procedures

The examination procedures and rules below apply to all examinations and assessment tasks. Students should read them carefully, as it is essential that each student understands them. It is assumed that all students have familiarised themselves with these procedures.

• Where applicable a copy of the examination timetable for each year will be distributed to all students and posted on the student notice boards.
• Students should note carefully the STARTING TIME of examinations, LENGTH of the paper and the LOCATION of examinations. No allowance will be made for candidates who arrive late or do not attend an examination session because they misread the timetable. Students should ensure they are present at least 15 minutes prior to the posted starting time.
• A reading time of FIVE minutes is generally allowed prior to each examination. Some papers have TEN minutes.
• Full College uniform is to be worn throughout the examination period. Failure to do so may result in a student NOT being permitted to sit an examination.
• In the event that a student is late due to misadventure they should report the matter to the Director of Studies as soon as the examination is completed. A determination will then be made as to any consideration that will be given or action needed. If a student is prevented from sitting an examination due to illness a telephone call should be made as soon as possible to the Director of Studies informing them of the reason. The student must bring a Medical Certificate (Years 10-12) or a note from parents (Years 7-9) to the Director of Studies on the first day they return to the College. Failure to do so will lead to a no result being awarded for the task.
• Prior to the examination, students are required to assemble quietly in lines outside the examination room. Orderly and silent entry into the examination room is compulsory. Similarly, when leaving the examination room under instructions, students must remain silent until they have left the room.
• Students must NOT take into the examination room any bags, books, notes, folders, mobile phones, electronic devices, equipment or anything which may be perceived as an attempt to gain an unfair advantage. Pens and other permitted materials must be in a clear plastic sleeve. Calculators will be checked.
• Students must NOT take any writing booklets or examination pads, whether used or not, from the examination room. Examination question papers may only be removed from the examination room under the instruction of the examination supervisor.
• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they have been provided with the correct examination paper and in the reading time you should check the question papers to ensure there are no pages missing.
• Students must not begin writing until told and when the supervisor tells them to stop writing, do so immediately.
• Students must write in black ink. Pencil may be used only where specifically directed. Liquid paper is not to be used in any examination.
• Students may NOT leave an examination prior to the official completion time. If you complete your examination before the expiration of the allotted time you must remain seated and silent.
• Students may NOT leave the examination room, except in an emergency. If you have to leave, you must be under supervision during your absence from the examination room.
• If a student does not make a serious attempt at an examination, they may be ineligible to receive a mark for that course.
• Misconduct during examination or failure to comply with these rules will be reported to the Principal. If the allegations are substantiated the student may receive no marks for the course.

Personal Study Programme

As students mature and progress through the College they will be expected to assume more responsibility for their own education. This responsibility should be met by way of homework and set study.

Homework

Students at St Patrick’s Marist are expected to do homework. Homework is important because:

• it reinforces learning that occurs in the classroom
• it increases the amount of time available for learning and so enriches the student
• it encourages students to develop independent study habits.

Usually homework will be set by each teacher after each lesson. Students must record their homework in their Diary and work systematically to complete each task by the date required. If no formal homework is set by a teacher, students should still work at that subject by revising the day’s lessons, researching and working on assignment tasks, reading the textbook and looking for other books or resources.

Homework not done

If a student does not complete an assigned task on time, without adequate reason or if a student submits work that is sub-standard, then the teacher will write a note in the student’s Diary or a homework letter will be sent home with the student. Parents are asked to co-operate with the teacher by signing the Diary or letter and responding in the space provided if it is deemed necessary. There will always be occasions when students are justifiably unable to do their homework and we ask parents to write a brief note in the student’s Diary to explain the situation.

Hours of Homework/Study

These guidelines indicate the amount of time students should spend on set homework/study.

• Years 7 & 8 1 ½ hours / day totalling approx. 10 hours / week
• Years 9 & 10 2 hours / day totalling approx. 12-14 hours / week
• Years 11 & 12 3 hours / day totalling approx. 20-21 hours / week

NB: Before examinations students should increase their study by at least ONE hour each day.

Assessment Tasks not done

Students will be given assessment tasks that must be completed by a set date. If a student cannot complete and submit the task then:

• for Years 7 – 9 a note from parents
• for Years 10-12 a medical certificate must be produced to their Director of Studies. This procedure is in keeping with the College’s Assessment Policy.

Technology and Homework

The College encourages the use of technology to solve or enhance homework tasks or assignments. Care should be taken to use appropriate technology wisely. Much time can be wasted searching the internet or formatting a typed assignment. Computer or printer failure will not be accepted as an excuse for failure to present tasks.

Study

Study is best done when the subject matter is fresh in your mind and you are fully alert. To this end, the following points should be considered:

• Study Timetable:
  • Set up a study schedule for each day of the week (including weekends)
  • This schedule should include family life, work commitments, meal times, sporting interests and social time eg. TV programmes
  • There must be appropriate times for homework / study / assignments
  • All subjects must be given adequate time
  • Once you have organised your timetable
  • YOU MUST KEEP TO IT.

     

• Place to Study:
  • A student should have a suitable location at home in which to do their study
  • This location should be quiet – exposure to noise from television, radio, and computers will distract a student from their task
  • Keep your study equipment handy and make sure your folders are well organised.

     

• Time for Study:
  • Plan your study periods to be 50 minutes with a 5 minute break between each session. During the break take a walk, have a drink and relax.

     

Illness and Misadventure

If a student is unable to sit for, or complete an assessment or examination due to illness, leave or other unforeseen circumstances, they are required to complete an online form and supply a parent letter (Year 7-10) or Medical Certificate (Years 11-12)

The College has a series of forms on our website under 'Assessment'.

Approved Leave:

• An application for “exemption from attendance at school form” must be completed and submitted to the Principal prior to leave
• Once written confirmation is provided from the College the student must complete the online assessment variation form (specific to approved leave)
• Once the form is submitted the Director of Studies will liaise with the relevant Leader of Learning to determine the most appropriate path of action students will then be notified of the outcome via email.

Illness /Misadventure:

• Parent/Guardian must contact the Leader of Learning
• A parent letter (year 7-10) or medical certificate (11-12) or evidence of misadventure must be obtained and handed to the Director of Studies on return to school. Alternatively this can be emailed to the Director of Studies
• The student must complete the online assessment variation for specific to:
  • Illness
  • Misadventure
  • Illness prior to examinations
• Once the form is submitted the Director of Studies will liaise with the relevant Leader of Learning to determine the most appropriate path of action students will then be notified of the outcome via email.

Subject Changes

Parents and students are advised that if they wish to change subjects. The cut-off date is Friday 13th February. This request should be made in writing, signed by the parent/guardian and handed to Ms Ellison (Director of Studies).

Year 9 and 11 students were given ample time to prepare for and make subject choices regarding their subjects, during the lengthy subject selection process last year. Year 10 students should be aware that changing electives after one year is not recommended, and students should be completing 200 hour courses at stage 5. Year 12 students must consider the number of units they have. Particularly when needing and an ATAR.

Students wishing to change classes or subjects must:

• See the Director of Studies with a note form their parents requesting the change
• Get relevant Leader of Learning and class teachers to sign the form
• Get the forms signed by the Finance Officer (office)
• Return completed form to the Director of Studies.

If approved confirmation will be a new timetable. Please note students cannot change classes until they receive a new timetable specifying the new class allocation.

Cut off dates for each year groups are:

• Year 12: End of week 5 (Term 4)
• Year 11: End of week 4 (Term 1)
• Year 10: End of week 4 (Term 1)
• Year 9: End of week 4 (Term 1)

Procedural fairness requires the person to be informed of concerns, complaints or allegations being made about him/her.

The alleged person will within a reasonable timeframe:

• be informed of the content of the concern, when it is clear what the issues are and who will be required to respond to them
• treated impartially: interventions or investigations will be conducted impartially and decisions will be made without bias
• given an opportunity to respond where concern has been raised that may have a detrimental effect on the person
• be informed of the complaints process and reviews process that may be followed.

Policy

The College endeavours to work with the student and parents to reach outcomes beneficial to all concerned. There are various procedures and practices within the College to ensure students adhere to its expectations. The College prohibits the use of corporal punishment in any situation by any of its staff.

White Slips

Teachers submit ‘White Slips’ to the Pastoral Leader of Learning informing them of inappropriate behaviour. In issuing a white slip a teacher will also impose his or her own sanctions when misbehaviour is persistent. The white slip is a form of communication and not a sanction in itself.

Detentions

The Leaders of Learning may issue the student with an after school detention. In more serious situations the Assistant Principal may issue a Saturday detention.

• Lunchtime Detentions: A student may be given a detention during the lunch break. The student will be given sufficient time to eat lunch and to use toilet facilities.
• After School Detentions: An after school detention is not given lightly and is always the result of a serious matter. We ask parents to support the College Student management Policy. The Leaders of Learning may place a student on detention after school on any afternoon. A detention always begins at 3.20pm and parents will be given 24 hours notice. A deliberate non attendance at a school detention will result in an automatic Saturday detention.
• Saturday Detention: At the College’s discretion a student may receive a Saturday Detention.

Student Behaviour Monitoring Cards

The aim of this reporting system is to monitor a student’s behaviour at the College for a period of time determined by the Pastoral Leader of Learning. This initiative enables a student to monitor and reflect upon her /his classroom actions with a view to improving their achievement within the College community.

Reasons for being placed on a 'Monitoring Card' may include:

• The student accumulates “Misconduct Reports”
• The student’s behaviour is of concern to the College
• The student has continued to ignore the rights of other people in the College
• The student has not shown an interest in advancing her or his own education.

Suspension

In-School Suspension
In situations of continual misbehaviour or where an incident occurs endangering the safety of others or seriously disrupts the good order of the College, a suspension may be issued. It may be issued for overt and deliberate breach of College rules that impinge on the safety, rights and well being of others.

An in-school suspension means that a student’s right to attend classes has been withdrawn for a period of time. The Assistant Principal authorises the in-school suspension after discussion with appropriate members of staff and the student.

Whilst on an in-school suspension, a student will:

• Report to the Assistant Principal’s office at Administration
• Complete set written work
• Be allocated time for recess and lunch which will precede or follow the normal day’s recess and lunch
• At the end of the day the student will be dismissed by the Pastoral Leader of Learning.

Suspension from the College
A suspension from the College means that the student’s right to attend school has been withdrawn for a period of time. The Principal authorises a suspension after discussion with appropriate members of staff and the student and is satisfied that procedural fairness has been applied.

Suspension allows a period of time where the College and the family can work together towards the resolution of the problem.

Whilst on a suspension from the College a student will:

• Not be allowed on the College premises (or attend College events)
• Complete set written work
• Report to the Assistant Principal on return to the College.

Serious Breaches of Discipline

The Parramatta Catholic Education Office has an explicit policy and procedure for suspension, negotiated transfer and exclusion of students which is adhered to by the College. This policy is on the CEO website. If a student is involved in illegal behaviour the College will assist the police in its investigations.

The following regulations regarding the possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, unlawful drugs and breaches of the “hands off” policy apply to students: while at the College, on the way to and from the College, during excursions, retreats, socials, or College based activity.

Alcohol/Tobacco
The consumption and/or possession of alcohol or tobacco in any form is strictly prohibited. Any student whilst involved in any College based activity who is found to be under the influence of or in possession of alcohol or tobacco will face automatic suspension from the College.

Unlawful Drugs
Under no circumstances will the use or possession of unlawful drugs of any kind be permitted. Any student who disobeys this rule will face severe penalties. This may mean police intervention, a suspension from the College or termination of enrolment.

Breaking “Hands Off” Policy

The College has a “Hands Off” policy that no student should break. This includes: fighting, hitting, pushing, wrestling, or any other physical contact. It also includes physical contact between “girlfriends” and “boyfriends”.

• The College enforces this rule for the safety and well being of all its students.
• Students who are violent at the College will be suspended.

Weapons

Having possession of a weapon is strictly forbidden. This action will lead to significant consequences by the College and police intervention.

Referral to the Police and Other Authorities

The College has the right and responsibility to refer serious issues to the police and/or other authorities including Child Protection and Social Welfare authorities.

Matters referred could include:

• Using technology to send threatening or sexual messages
• Continual and/or serious bullying
• Physical violence
• Carrying any item that could be used as a weapon
• Carrying illegal drugs and being associated with the usage and/or distribution of illegal drugs.

Purpose

• With increased ownership of mobile phones and electronic devices school administrators, teachers, students and parents need to take steps to ensure that such items are used responsibly. This Acceptable Use Policy is designed to ensure that potential issues can be clearly identified and addressed, ensuring the benefits that such devices provide can continue to be enjoyed by our students.
• St Patrick’s Marist College has established the following Acceptable Use Policy for mobile phones and electronic devices that provides guidelines and instructions for the appropriate use of mobile phones and electronic devices during school hours.
• In order for students to carry a mobile phone or electronic device during school hours, students and their parents or guardians must first read and understand the Acceptable Use Policy. This policy also applies to students during school excursions, camps and extra-curricular activities.

Rationale

Personal Safety and Security
St Patrick’s Marist College accepts that parents give their children mobile phones to protect them from everyday risks involving personal security and safety. There is also ever-increasing concern about children traveling alone on public transport or commuting long distances to school. It is acknowledged that providing a child with a mobile phone gives parents reassurance that they can speak with their children quickly at any time.

Young People and Mobile Phones
The scientific evidence does not indicate the need for special precautions for either adults or children in the use of mobile phones. This view is supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other leading experts and health authorities internationally. Mobile phones sold in Australia are required to comply with the Australian Communication Authority’s Electromagnetic Energy (EME) safety standard, which is for all people, including children. The safety margins on national and international guidelines are significant and already take into account any differences in exposure that could be experienced by children due to conductivity and head size.

Responsibility
It is the responsibility of students who bring mobile phones or electronic devices on to school premises to adhere to the guidelines outlined in this document.

Acceptable Uses
Mobile phones are to be switched off (power off, not on ‘silent’) once the 8.20am bell sounds. They can only be turned on and used when off the property at the end of the day. Exceptions may be permitted in special circumstances, should the parent/guardian specifically request it. Such requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis, and should be directed to the student’s Pastoral Leader of Learning. Parents are reminded that in cases of emergency, the College office remains a vital and appropriate point of contact and can ensure your child is reached quickly, and assisted in any appropriate way. If a student needs to use their mobile phone they must gain the permission of their Pastoral Leader of Learning before using it.

Unacceptable Uses
Unless express permission is granted to the contrary, mobile phones should not be used to make calls, send SMS messages, surf the Internet, take photos or any other application during the school day.

Theft or Damage

• The school accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged phones or electronic devices.
• The school accepts no responsibility for student mobile phones or electronic devices lost or stolen while travelling to and from school.
• It is strongly advised that students use passwords / pin numbers to ensure that unauthorised phone calls or uses cannot be made on their phones or electronic devices (e.g. by other students, or if stolen).

Inappropriate Conduct

• Any student who uses vulgar, derogatory, or obscene language while using a mobile phone or electronic device will face disciplinary action.
• Students with mobile phones or electronic devices may not engage in personal attacks, harass another person, or post private information about another person using SMS messages, taking / sending photos or objectionable images, and phone calls. Students using mobile phones to bully other students will face disciplinary actions as sanctioned by the Principal.
• Failure to observe these guidelines may result in withdrawal of this privilege and/or confiscation of the phone or electronic device.

St Patrick’s Marist College is committed to the goal of freedom from racial discrimination, harassment and vilification within its working and learning environment. The College aims to ensure that individuals and groups will not be disadvantaged because of race (including but not limited to nationality, descent, ethnicity and ethno-religious or national origin). Racial Discrimination, harassment or vilification of students, staff members or any member of the general public will at no time be tolerated on College premises

The purpose of the St Patrick’s Marist College Information Technology Network is to support education and research within the College. As such the College allows full access to the Internet. It is the responsibility of each individual user to display a level of maturity and social responsibility that will allow for the appropriate use of this resource.

Information Technology resources are to be used solely in the spirit of the educational aims and objectives of the College and the Catholic ethos, which underpins all that occurs within the College. The Acceptable User Policy includes (but is not necessarily limited to) the following elements:

Privacy and Security

• Computer passwords are not to be revealed to anyone. User names and passwords are unique to each student and they identify the student as the person using a computer terminal.
• There is to be no interference with another person’s files or the network
• It is each student’s responsibility to make backup copies of their work
• Each student is to report any security problems, damage or malfunctions to the teacher in charge
• The use of personal storage devices is limited to the transfer and backing up of individual data files
• No student is to reveal private details, or the College’s details, to any other person eg name, address or phone number
• No student is to enter any chat rooms or use personal messaging on the College computers
• No student is to make contact with any organisations, or groups of people, that are involved in illegal or anti-social activities.

Consideration of Other Users

• College education and research has priority
• The smooth running of the network is not to be intentionally disrupted (e.g. by downloading large files from the Internet during busy times or by printing large documents)
• Graphics or text that could cause offence to others are not to be viewed or displayed, e.g. pornography, violence, etc. Unintentional access to sites containing such material is to be disconnected and the supervising teacher is to be informed
• Appropriate language is to be used in all communications
• The learning environment is not to be interrupted by inappropriate behaviour
• The College, or any individual, is not to be defamed.

Appropriate use of information

• Any plagiarism work from the Internet is unacceptable
• The rights of copyright owners is to be respected.

Care of computer resources

• The computer equipment and furniture are to be respected
• Eating or drinking near any computer resources is not permitted
• Only equipment, software and/or materials assigned by a member of staff is to be used by students.

Breaches of the Acceptable Use of Information Agreement

Breaking this agreement may result in any of the following consequences being applied depending upon the severity of the violation:

• Student disciplinary action according to the Student Diary
• Individual access privileges to equipment may be revoked for a set period
• Interview with parent or guardian and, pending the nature of the misdemeanour, this will result in the offence being recorded on student’s record
• Appropriate legal action may be taken on any illegal activities
• Other action as deemed necessary in the situation.

The College cannot guarantee the accuracy or quality of information that students can obtain through the College’s IT resources. Individual students need to apply information skills to assess the validity of any information.

The Information Technology Acceptable User Policy is signed by each student and his/her parent. It is then kept on file at the College.