At St Oliver’s we are called to unite in service by living out our mercy values and striving to be quality learners who contribute positively to our community.
At St Oliver’s we are:
We are safe |
- Hands and feet to self
- Move safely
- Right place, right time
- Safe with equipment and belongings
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We are respectful |
- Active listening
- Following instructions
- Using our Mercy values
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We are learners |
- Using our learner qualities
- We are compassionate
- We are collaborative
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Behaviour Management Policy
In line with our Behaviour Management Policy all incidents of bullying will be investigated according to our Procedural Fairness Guidelines.
As a Catholic school we support the Diocese of Parramatta statement that all children have the right to attend a school that is free of illegal substances. When drug abuse is identified the Diocesan Policy will be followed.
Statement of Procedural Fairness
Procedural fairness requires us to act justly in resolving discipline and pastoral situations. 'Processes will be conducted with procedural fairness ensuring fair practice and
equity.' (Maintaining Right Relations, 2003)
The principles on which we base our behaviour management practices at St. Oliver's School demonstrate procedural fairness. We believe that procedural fairness is a basic right of all children when dealing with school authorities. We apply the 'hearing rule' and the 'right to an unbiased decision.' (Through the use of the Collaborative Problem Solving Process)
Students should know the nature of an allegation made against them and any information that will be taken into account in considering the matter. The student should know the process by which the matter will be considered and have the right to respond to the allegation. The student should always be given an opportunity to seek and receive advice. The student should always be given an opportunity to seek a review of the decision made in response to the allegation.
At St Oliver's School, members of the staff make every effort to demonstrate an absence of bias in their decision-making. They believe that children have a right to an unbiased decision and the right to impartiality in an investigation.
Procedural fairness at St. Oliver's School includes making available to students and parents (or caregivers) policies and procedures under which disciplinary action is taken. It also includes providing details of an allegation relating to a specific matter or incident. This will usually involve providing an outline of the allegations made in witness statements while being mindful of witness protection. As part of ensuring the right to be heard, St Oliver's School will provide interpreter services, if required, and make arrangements for such services to be available.
At St Oliver's School the Principal, Assistant Principal, Religious Education Coordinator, Coordinator and/or the Classroom teacher carry out the investigation and decision-making as a team in the school wherever possible.
Whoever carries out these roles at St. Oliver's School undertakes to do so in a reasonable and objective manner. We strive for justice to be afforded to all stakeholders in the investigation.
At St Oliver's School, the principles of procedural fairness underpin:
a) The procedures for management of behaviour
i. In the classroom and
ii. On the playground
b) The management of bullying in the school and the support we give to the
person(s) hurt.
c) The approach to exclusion and suspension of children should we ever have
to manage such situations.
In these cases, we would involve the Catholic Education Office and follow the guidelines for such serious situations found in the Diocesan Policy 'Procedures to be followed in the suspension and expulsion of students from Catholic Schools' .
At all times St Oliver's respects the dignity of each child. We strive to meet the needs of the individual child in a pastoral, Christian environment.
Anti-Bullying Policy
Rationale
St Oliver's does not tolerate bullying in any form. All members of the school community are committed to ensuring that a safe and caring environment is evident at all times. The St Oliver's community supports the premise that self worth and self esteem flourish where the group feels secure.
Aims
a. To provide a safe and pleasant environment for all children who attend the school.
b. To provide empathy and strategies for children who encounter any form of bullying.
c. To provide strategies for children who display bullying tactics in their day to day dealings with other children.
d. To provide parents with advice if bullying occurs.
Implementation
a. Provide parents and staff with an understanding of what constitutes bullying
b. Inform and educate parents on the strategies they can adopt in day to day parenting
c. Inform children as to what constitutes unacceptable behaviour through class, stage and whole school meetings
d. Explain the policy of bullying prevention to children and the parent body
e. Utilise the Student Reflection Form when bullying occurs