Student Policies & Procedures
Please click on the headings to read the College’s student policies. Policies can be renewed or updated at any time so if you have any queries contact the College Administration Department directly for the latest information.
Student Attendance
The attendance of students enrolled at the college is to be documented as required under the 鈥楨ducation Act 1990鈥 Education Amendment (School Attendance) Bill 2009 and as required by the Minister from time to time. School attendance is essential to ensure that educational outcomes for College students are met. It is important that students and their parents are made aware of the necessity for regular attendance and that any failings in this regard are followed up promptly with the family concerned. Please refer to the SM调教社区 Attendance Enrolment Policy below.
For more information please read the
Sick Leave and short term non-attendance
Attendance Rolls are marked in morning administration or assembly time 8.42 鈥 8.57am.
Students are marked absent or present by their Homeroom Pastoral Care Teachers on the Sentral timetable. Subsequently an email to the nominated parent鈥檚 address is generated if the absence has not been explained by mid-morning.
Parents should therefore contact the College to explain any student absence, at their earliest opportunity, and preferably before roll call, by:
- Ringing and leaving a message on the Attendance line:听 9414 4377
- Emailing The Attendance Roll Manager: [email protected]
- Using the Sentral portal to explain an absence : 听 Instructions Below
- Providing a written/printed note explaining the absence on the next available opportunity.
To add an explanation for your son’s absence, please log into the Sentral Parent portal and navigate to the absence tab.听听
- Click on the absence you want to send an explanation for.听
- Enter the absence reason in the text box provided.听
- Please note this will only be available for 7 days from the absence.听
Please address the communication appropriately to the College staff and include the student鈥檚 full name, date/s of absence, student鈥檚 year and class group, reason for absence, likely return date, your signatory鈥檚 details, relationship to the student, and return contact means.
If a student is absent for more than two consecutive days, or a pattern of concern arises, Pastoral Care staff should ensure that contact is made with the parents of the student to seek clarification and express our concern.
Application for Leave/Exemption from Attendance at School
This form is to be completed preemptively where a student is planning to be absent from the College for three or more days. Complete the following Application for Leave/Exemption from Attendance at School Form and return to the relevant Year Coordinator or Head of Junior School for his/her signature.
Student Development - Discipline Policy and Procedures
Homework
It is the policy of this College to set regular homework in all subjects. Homework tasks usually involve one or more of the following:
- Set work based on the daily work in the subject.
- A task related to revision of the day鈥檚 lesson and/or some past work 鈥 this might be revision for a test for example.
- Major assignments and tasks which need to be worked on over a lengthy period. The student needs to budget his time for such a task and record this in the diary, otherwise rushed last-minute efforts are made with little benefit to the student.
Work that is poorly presented or reveals little effort on the part of the student may be required to be presented again.
A consistent disregard of homework tasks will be considered a serious matter.
Assessment details for Years 10, 11 and 12 are given by each Subject Department at the start of courses and reminders issued at appropriate times.
A Guide to Recommended Times for Homework
These times indicate the amount of time the average student would need to spend on home study if he wished to keep up with his work.听 Parents are encouraged to communicate with subject teachers via the diary when issues about homework arise.
Years 5 and 6 | 45 minutes to 1 hour (4 times a week) |
Years 7 and 8 | 1 1/2 hours (5 times a week) |
Year 9 | 2 hours (5 times a week) |
Year 10 | 2 1/2 hours (5 times a week) |
Years 11 and 12 | 3 hours plus (6 times a week) |
Mobile Phone and Digital Equipment Policy
Introduction and Purpose
The College acknowledges the reality of mobile phones and like apparatus as pieces of modern day technology.听 They are effective communication tools and provide, particularly for parents, peace of mind when it is necessary to contact their son(s) while travelling to and from school.
Notwithstanding this, mobile phones (and like apparatus) must be handled in a mature and responsible fashion and听not听interfere with, or run counter to, the education process or the values of the College.
The College has included into the Student Code of Conduct, the following Principles supported by the听 NSW State Government, along with medical recommendations around the management and usage of mobile phones while at school.
Principles
- Students must put their phones in their locker when they arrive at school and only take them out when they leave the school. The Junior School students must place their phones in the designated Phone locker in their home room.
- Any messages for students from parents should be through the College Office. In the case of an emergency, if there is a need to use a phone or device, a student should gain prior approval from the relevant Year Coordinator.
- If students are found with their phone during the school day, the phone will be taken from them and handed in to the office to be held for safekeeping by the Deputy Principal, Mr Casey or Assistant Principal 鈥 Pastoral Care, Mr Brannan.
- The phone will be returned at the end of the day and students will receive a 陆 hour detention and parents will be notified. Any further breaches will result in further detentions and other consequences.
At SM调教社区, our听Guiding Principles for the Use of Technology听and 鈥Phone Away All Day鈥听Policy give our students the best possible chance for correct use of electronic devices, phones and interruption-free learning.
Internet Policy
All students regardless of what year level have access to the computer resources that are available at SM调教社区.
However before they can access the computer resources available at SPX they must agree to the Acceptable Use Policy for Students and Technology. Each student is entitled to use the resources
for educational purposes only. Users are responsible for their own actions with computer resources. They should be aware that access may be reduced or other consequences applied for any misuse of the computer resources.
Cyber bullying is not acceptable in any form. (See end of document for detailed description of Cyber Bullying.)
It is each user鈥檚 responsibility to ensure:
- His password is kept unique and confidential
- That any computer he is using is completely logged off when finished
- A current backup of his own files are maintained (Personal Drive)
- No use is made of programs, simulations or games of a non-educational content (i.e. those not provided by your teacher)
- That he is responsible for the data on his own media (i.e. USB Thumb Drives, CD/DVD听ROMs and any other media)
- That the discovery of a virus or any malicious software is reported to the teacher or IT staff immediately
- That they inform teachers or IT staff immediately of any inappropriate files on the network
- He is not in a computer room without supervision
- That he does not take food or drink into any of the computer rooms
- Computer failures are reported to teachers or IT staff
- Printing is not misused and the use of printer paper is kept to a reasonable and responsible level for the听completion of stipulated educational activities and, where possible, the paper is recycled
The following activities are not acceptable:
- Cyber Bullying in any form
- Attempts to access, harm, modify or delete the data not belonging to you
- Using another student鈥檚 or teacher鈥檚 user account, with or without that user鈥檚 permission
- Sharing your password with other students
- The changing of another鈥檚 password
- Disrupting computer resources through vandalism or electronic means
- Movement of any computer resources without a teacher鈥檚 permission
- Contaminating the computer resources with a virus or malicious software
- Transmitting or deliberately accessing data that is threatening, obscene, bigoted, abusive, defamatory,听racist, sexist or discriminatory
- Commercial use of the college resources
- Breaching copyright laws (http://www.copyright.org.au)
- Using materials without due acknowledgment
- Gaining access to computer systems that you are not entitled to. (i.e. Hacking)
- Undertaking any other illegal activities as defined under the Australian Commonwealth GovernmentTelecommunications Act 1989
Email Guidelines:
- Email communication can only be initiated by a teacher
- Emails to other teachers or students must relate to school work
Notebook Usage Guidelines:
- School Notebooks should be treated with care, any damages will be the liability of the student (student鈥檚 family) and repair charges may be incurred. The Notebook is the property of St. Pius X College
- Students are responsible for getting Notebooks from trolleys and placing them back in the trolleys, ensuring the power cable is plugged in
- The use of Notebooks within particular lessons is at the discretion of the subject teacher
- A student who is allocated a Notebook is responsible for it; they are not to allow any other students to use it
St. Pius X College makes no guarantee of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the computing services it provides. The College will not be responsible for damages a user suffers, including but not limited to the loss of data.
The provision of computer resources at St. Pius X College is made for the benefit of all. Users identified as being a security risk, who create problems for other users or with the system, as indicated above, will be penalised. The College reserves the right to review any material to determine whether specific uses of resources are appropriate.By signing this policy in you diary you are agreeing to the above rules for the use of technology at SM调教社区.
Cyber Bullying
The National Crime Prevention Council鈥檚 definition of cyber-bullying is 鈥渨hen the Internet, mobile phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.
Cyber-bullying can be as simple as continuing to send e-mail to someone who has said they want no further contact with the sender, but it may also include threats, sexual remarks, pejorative labels (i.e. hate speech), ganging up on victims by making them the subject of ridicule in forums, and posting false statements as fact aimed at humiliation.
Cyber-bullies may disclose victims鈥 personal data (e.g. real name, address, or workplace/schools) at websites or forums or may pose as the identity of a victim for the purpose of publishing material in their name that defames or ridicules them. Some cyber bullies may also send threatening and harassing emails and instant messages to the victims, while others post rumours or gossip and instigate others to dislike and gang up on the target.
Though the use of sexual remarks and threats are sometimes present in cyber-bullying, it is not the same as sexual harassment and does not necessarily involve sexual predators.
(Information taken from http://www.ncpc.org/topics/cyberbullying/what-is-cyberbullying)
Complaints Procedure
SM调教社区 welcomes feedback from all members of the College community and takes all complaints or concerns that may be raised seriously. This Complaints Handling Guide is designed to assist in understanding our complaints handling process.
EREA Complaints Handling Policy
Bullying and Harassment
Hair Policy
Students must have their hair cut according to SM调教社区 requirements as follows:
鈥 Hair should be neatly cut and maintained at all times.
鈥 Hair must be tapered at the back, sides and above the ears blending with the hairstyle. It must be cut and groomed so that the bulk of hair on the top of the head decreases gradually, blending with the tapered back and sides.
鈥 It must be worn short enough that no hair touches the collar or extends below the top of the eyebrows. A short all-over hair cut may be acceptable to a minimum No 2 cut.
鈥 Extreme hairstyles, including mohawks, step-cuts, under-cuts, radical cuts, dramatic layering, tracks, mullets, dreadlocks, strands of hair or lines are not permitted under any circumstances.
鈥 Colouring or dyeing, tinting, bleaching or overuse of product are not permitted.
鈥 If the haircut is too short, the student may be asked to wear a hat until the length is appropriate.
鈥 When a student鈥檚 haircut does not meet school expectations, parents of those students will be contacted, and the students may be asked to leave school to rectify it. Students may return once their haircut adheres to school policy. Other sanctions may also apply.
The Deputy Principal, Assistant Principal Pastoral Care and Wellbeing or the Head of Junior School, at their discretion, may make an exemption for a student from complying with the haircut policy. Such grounds for exception may be due to the student鈥檚 health, religious beliefs or cultural grounds.
Parents/caregivers of the student seeking an exemption are required to make an application in writing to the College Principal, Deputy Principal or Head of Junior School.
At the resumption of Term 2 2024 the above policy will be implemented. Each student鈥檚 haircut will be inspected by members of the College Leadership Team to ensure they adhere to the above policy.
The College remains the final arbiter of what is an acceptable standard of haircut.
Safety Incident and Sports Injury
SM调教社区 maintains a register of all injuries and near misses relating to Staff Members, Students, Volunteers, Visitors or Contractors whilst they are at school or undertaking a school related activity .
Student Accidents and Sporting Injuries
Recording of injuries and 鈥渘ear misses鈥 is central to SM调教社区鈥檚 obligation to take such measures as are reasonable in all the circumstances to protect students, staff, parents, volunteers and contractors from risks or harm that reasonably ought to be foreseen.听The recording of these incidents is key to ensuring that risks of further injury are effectively mitigated and corrective actions can be implemented.
The recording and analysis of data relating to injuries/harm over time provides key information as to the types of safety hazards that exist within the College and assists us in continuing to develop a safe environment for all.
Reporting Safety Incidents and Sporting Injuries
Any injuries or near misses relating to a Student, Parent, Staff Member, Volunteer, Visitor or Contractor whilst they are at school or undertaking a school related activity should, as soon as possible, be reported听online via the听.听 The incident may have resulted in an injury or have been a near miss with or without property damage, regardless we need it reported.
This form can be completed by anyone i.e. a parent, teacher, coach, student, first aid officer, volunteer etc just click on the link above.
Student Accident Insurance
In the case of a student accident 鈥 parents/guardians making an insurance claim against the Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance School Care policy please download and read the following documents then complete the claim form and gather the supporting documentation required for the claim.
Please attach the receipt for items being claimed (and keep a copy for your records) and forward to:
Business Manager
SM调教社区
35 Anderson St
Chatswood NSW 2067
For further information or clarification contact the Business Manager on 02 9411 4733
Travel and Transport
In regard to student travel the College has a strong tradition of policy and practice in pastoral care and student management. On this point we remain ever vigilant and alert in our management.
The College rule is students 鈥渃ome straight to school/go straight home鈥 after school.
Students need signed Exit Passes to be out of the College and/or access the Chatswood CBD for medical appointments etc. They are obtained from the Front Office, endorsed by the relevant Year Coordinator and are approved on the basis of a parent letter/note of request.
At the beginning of the year all Junior School students are shown where to catch their respective mode of transport and those who need to pass through the Interchange are escorted and shown the most direct routes to take.
Common courtesy and Christian values dictate behaviour whilst traveling, e.g.听 giving up a seat for an adult etc.
OPAL CARDS
All students (subject to certain conditions) are entitled to free travel between their home and the College. To qualify for a free travel pass Years 5 and 6 students must either reside outside a 1.6 km radial distance circle from the College or be required to walk more than 2.3 km by the shortest practicable route. Years 7-12 students must either reside outside a 2.0 km radial distance or be required to walk more than 2.9 km. Appeals should be directed to the Ministry of Transport.
Parents are responsible for applying for a school Opal Card.
To apply for a new card or to replace a lost/stolen or damaged card
Go to听
Further information about The School Student Transport Scheme can be found at:听
Please note that any change of address requires a new application to be submitted.
The transport operators charge a fee to replace lost or damaged passes.
For general enquiries and information on timetables and routes, phone 131500 or visit听.
Update Family Contact Details
To Update your Family Contact details please email [email protected]
The following information is required:
- Full name and year of the oldest student attending the College.
- Mother/ Parent/ Guardian 1: Full name, email, phone and address.
- Father/ Parent/ Guardian 2: Full name, email, phone and address.