Handbook

Our College enjoys the distinction of being associated with the first Marist Brothers' School in Australia. Brother Ludovic founded St Patrick’s at Harrington Street, The Rocks, on 8th April, 1872. The school catered for boys only. Due to the diminishing inner-city population, the school was transferred in 1962 and a primary school for boys in Years 4, 5 and 6 was established at Dundas.

The new school at Dundas continued the name St Patrick's, thus maintaining the tradition of the original school at Harrington Street. The founding Principal at Dundas was Brother Thomas More Davidson. The school was established as a Demonstration Secondary School in 1965 and was named St Patrick's Marist Brothers High School. The secondary school, catering for boys in Years 7 - 10, was officially opened on 2nd October, 1966.

The Primary School closed in 1985 and in the same year coeducation was introduced into Year 11 when the school became a Senior School. Another major change in the school's direction occurred in 1991 when the decision was taken to introduce coeducation into Year 7 the following year.

A change in the school's name accompanied the introduction of coeducation and the school was re-named St Patrick's Marist College. "St Patrick's" was retained in view of the very strong historical link to our first school in Australia, St Patrick's at Harrington Street. The name "Marist" not only indicates the physical presence of the Brothers in the College but also says something of the history, tradition, Marist spirit and ethos of the College.

The original school crest from Harrington Street days remains unchanged.

The 'Sub Tuum' is a hymn to Mary and is especially significant to the Marist Brothers. The translation is:

“We fly to your patronage,
O Holy Mother of God.
Despise not our prayers in our necessities,
But deliver us from all dangers,
ever glorious and blessed Virgin.”

The Mission of St Patrick’s Marist College is to lead young people in the way of Mary, to know and love God in the belief that they can all become good Christians and good citizens. Inspired by the Gospel, we commit ourselves as disciples of Jesus, and in the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat strive to help all people grow to their full potential.

The College is a family focussed on the formation of young people with strong minds and gentle hearts. Our quality teaching and learning experiences nurture and challenge each student to become an informed, thinking person who acts with the compassion of Jesus and the reflective heart of Mary in creating a more just world.

The environment in which students interact with other students, staff, parents and friends of the College is warm and friendly, yet ordered and disciplined, where relationships are characterised by a mutuality of respect. The partnership established when a student enrols at the College includes an engagement of parents, parish and the wider community to provide a supportive and challenging pastoral structure that promotes growth.

Like Mary at Pentecost, we believe in a future filled with hope, a hope that we can make real.

The structure and composition of the College’s administration is developed at the local level with the Principal determining the best advisory structure to suit the College’s needs.

There are three groups that govern the administration of the College:

• the College Leadership Team
• the KLA Leaders of Learning (Heads of Faculties), and
• The Pastoral Leaders of Learning (Year Coordinators).

The College Leadership Team (CLT) is an advisory body to the Principal. In a Catholic School, the CLT is challenged to create and sustain an educational environment in which individuals can not only achieve their academic potential but also be affirmed and nurtured in their faith journey. The CLT achieves this by:

• exercising leadership and supervision to ensure excellence in teaching and learning
• ensuring the effective management of the College’s plant and resources
• setting directions for the College’s programme, timetable and curriculum
• developing and implementing policies, procedures and practices that reflect Gospel values
• ensuring that the climate and ethos of our school is decidedly Catholic;
• developing staff both professionally and spiritually
• receiving, discussing and deciding on suggestions from members or groups from the school community.

The primary role of the CLT is to plan and implement strategies, both long and short term, that allow the College and its members to achieve their potential in a safe and educationally challenging environment.

Submissions from staff members and parents will be discussed and dealt with by the CLT.

The CLT, at present, consists of the Principal, the two Assistant Principals, the Director of Mission, the Director of Studies, the Business Manager, the High Support Needs Coordinator and the Principal’s Secretary.

As a Marist College we are committed to a partnership with parents in the education of their daughters and sons within the Catholic tradition. We aim to

• Preserve, enrich and develop our Catholic identity, tradition and culture.
• Support parents as the primary educators of their children in terms of faith, values, morals and beliefs.
• Make religious education meaningful and relevant, challenging students to live Gospel values in today's world.

Pastoral Care at St Patrick’s Marist College encompasses everything the school community does to meet the personal, social and learning needs of the students. It is achieved through the total school curriculum and the way it is delivered. It incorporates effective discipline which encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and behaviour. It stresses the value of collaborative early intervention when problems are identified. It recognises the diversity within the school community and provides programs and support which acknowledge difference and promote harmony.

It provides opportunities for students to:

• enjoy success and recognition
• make a useful contribution to the life of the school
• derive enjoyment from their learning.

The Pastoral Care at St Patrick’s Marist College aims to provide:

• an atmosphere based on the dignity of each person
• a place where each student can learn and grow in confidence
• an environment which is safe and caring.

The Pastoral Care emphasis is on CONNECTEDNESS, that is, relating to students in a way where they feel they are known by name, considered positively as an individual, and respected.

The Pastoral Care of students is the responsibility of all staff, but is facilitated in a particular way by the Leader of Learning Pastoral and the Year/Pastoral team for each year group.

It is expected that students experiencing difficulties in pastoral or management matters will be dealt with promptly and with compassion and forgiveness. The involvement of parents is to be considered as a standard step and contact should be made sooner rather than later.

School term dates and holidays are generally the same as government schools.

*School development days occur at the beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3 and the last two days of the school year. Check with your school, as schools may vary some of these dates.

St Patrick’s Marist College offers a variety of extra-curricular activities that add to the cultural and holistic development of the individual. These include:

Students at the College compete in two representative competitions. Metropolitan Combined Catholic Schools (MCCS) for the girls and Metropolitan Catholic Schools (MCS) for the boys. The College is represented in:

There is a long tradition of representative sport at St Patrick’s Marist and the College is a member of two of the strongest school sports associations in New South Wales - the Metropolitan Catholic Schools (MCS) and the Metropolitan Combined Catholic Schools (MCCS). It is a great honour to be selected to represent the College at sport and it is expected that, if a student is selected, she or he will be available to play and train at all the relevant times. Tuesday afternoon is when all teams train so students must arrange other commitments around this. Representative players are required to purchase the correct attire. Students who violate our sporting behaviour code will not be selected to represent the College in sport.

From time to time students who participate in College sporting teams are expected to travel to compete in various carnivals and competitions and may arrive back to the College after school finishing times. It will be the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for getting home from the College if arriving back after time.

It is an expectation of the College that students who are regular team members take part in such excursions and that if, for some valid reason they cannot compete, they notify the respective team coach well in advance.

Students playing contact sports should take care to wear suitable protective gear: shoulder pads, mouth guard, head-gear and the like. Students must be correctly attired both while playing their particular sport and in wearing their sports uniform.

Metropolitan Combined Catholic Schools (MCCS)

The objects of the MCCS Association, according to the Constitution, are:

• To promote, organise and control inter-school sporting activities for girls in Years 7 to 12 at affiliated schools. Only students who are bonafide pupils of the member schools may participate in the competition.
• To encourage and promote competition and school spirit.
• To foster enthusiasm and interest in sport.

There is little doubt that a great deal of dedication - involving time, effort and money - is exercised by all member schools of the Association, in the pursuit of these stated goals.

So that as many students as possible continue to gain the most desirable advantage through the avenue of sport and other MCCS activities, it is vital that this extra-curricular thrust of our schools be appreciated for what it is and developed appropriately. It is hoped, for example, that contact with other students will lead to the formation of friendships and to meaningful contact at other levels amongst the MCCS schools.

Clearly, it is desirable that all MCCS competition and activities should be characterised by a truly Christian spirit of involvement. Participation, rather than winning at any price, ought to hold pride of place.

In an attempt to encourage the proper enjoyment of games and other activities by participating students, the following Code of Behaviour has been adopted by the schools of the Association. Whilst it is acknowledged and accepted that each school has specific regulations concerning conduct, it is hoped that the Code will be observed on a uniform basis throughout the Association.

Players’ Responsibilities

• Teams will be punctual and at all times appropriately attired.
• The home team should make a sincere effort to receive any visiting team courteously.
• Competing teams are encouraged to recognise, by applause or otherwise, good play or sportsmanship on the part of individuals or groups of players.
• Care should be taken to support the Referee or Umpire in the exercise of her / his duties, regardless of whether that person is an adult or student.
• Where interpretation of a decision is required, a respectful request to the Referee or Umpire is permissible if it is believed that this approach may eliminate any misunderstanding with regard to implementation of rules.
• Play may be hard and vigorous but should never be foul or illegal or such as to endanger the person of an opponent. Ill-temper or spite should never be shown.
• Negative play and deliberate time-wasting are unacceptable.
• Assistance for opponents when it is obviously necessary should be given promptly and in the true spirit of good sportsmanship.

Conduct Of Supporters

• It is assumed that barracking may be enthusiastic but it should never be fanatical or designed to heckle, belittle, or disturb opposing team members. Booing, whistling, playing or beating musical instruments are in bad taste and unacceptable. Any disturbance of this kind during say, an attempt at goal, must always be regarded as bad sportsmanship.
• Vocal support for any team should never encourage or incite violence or rough or illegal play.
• Special attention needs to be given to spectator behaviour when large school groups (which may or may not include Parents, Ex-students, etc) are attending Swimming or Athletics Carnivals, or Grand Finals.
• At all times, the supporters (as well as participants) of sports and other activities are expected to ensure that their assigned area (or change room etc) is tidy and free of rubbish before leaving the venue.

College Sport

Sport plays an integral part in the total education of our students at St Patrick’s Marist College. This is evident through the amount of time and resources put into both our representative and internal sport programmes. All students, except those who are medically unfit, are expected to actively take part in the College’s sport programme. Those who are temporarily unable to take part must follow the procedure in the “Non-Sport Procedure” section.

A comprehensive range of sports is offered, including: Aerobics, Athletics, Basketball, Circuit Training, Cricket, Golf, Gymnastics, Indoor Soccer, Netball, Rugby League, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Touch Football, Volleyball and Weight Training.

Students will be allocated to a College sport, the venue for which may involve bus transport. Students should ensure they know their sport for each week and come suitably prepared. Students engaged in outdoor sports should be prepared with a College hat, sun screen and a water bottle.

Rolls are taken at the beginning and end of sport. It is the student’s responsibility to see that they are marked present.

Sports day lesson and dismissal times are listed at the front of the Diary.

Non-sport Procedure

Any student unable to participate in sport on a Thursday must bring a completed NON-PARTICIPATION NOTE (located at the back of the Diary) and present it to their Pastoral Leader of Learning before 8.40 am. The student is required to wear full College uniform for the whole day and report to the Library at the end of lunch. They will study privately under the supervision of the Librarians and will be dismissed at the conclusion of College sport.

Failure to adhere to any of the above will result in the student being placed on Sports Detention.

Appointments should not be made during sport time. However, if these are unavoidable parents must fill in a Notice of Appointment (located at the back of the Diary). Students must present this to their Year Co-ordinators on Thursday before 8.40 am.

Sports Detention Procedure

Any student who has misbehaved while at sport will be suspended from playing sport the next week and placed on Sports Detention. Students with incorrect equipment, and those who miss their bus will be placed on Sports Detention.

Students told in advance of their Sports Detention must wear full College uniform. All students must report to room C102 at the conclusion of lunch. Students are dismissed from Sports Detention at 2.30 pm.

Hours of Opening

• 8:15 am - 4:30 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday)
• 8:15 am - 3:00 pm (Thursday); Closed during Recess on Friday

Facilities

• Seminar Rooms 1 and 2 – class use / small group work / room may be joined together to form a larger space.
• Study Rooms 2, 3 and 4 – small group work / individual use.
• Recreational Reading area – class use / large group use / senior study.

Students and staff need to check with Library Staff about availability of the Seminar and Study rooms due to the number of permanent bookings.

Loan Items/ Loan time

• Students: Years 7 – 11     3 Fiction books / 4 Non-Fiction items
• Students: Year 12            3 Fiction books / 6 Non-Fiction items

Items

• College Laptops (1 period)
• iPads (1 period)
• Student loan laptops (2 nights)
• Cameras (1 period)
• Fiction books (3 weeks)
• Non-Fiction books (2 weeks)
• Periodicals (Overnight loan)
• Student Reserve materials (2 days)
• Reference books (Not available for loan)
• Teachers Reference (4 weeks for staff; overnight for students. N.B All loan periods can be modified depending on need.)

Overdue Items

• Notes will be generally sent out via homerooms weekly.
• Prompt returns are appreciated.
• Lost and damaged books must be paid for. Please note that students are liable for at least half of the replacement costs of lost or damaged electronic devices. More may be charged depending on the circumstances of the damage or loss.
• Students with overdue items will not be allowed to borrow any more items until the overdue material is returned.

As laptops are in high demand, students who do not return them on time may be barred from borrowing for a period of time.

Library rules

• School bags are to be left in the designated areas so that they do not block walkways. Valuables should not be left in the bags.
• Speak quietly and behave in a manner consistent with study. No running or shouting out in the library.
• Eating and drinking are not permitted in the library.
• Take care of all the library’s resources –books, furniture, computers, etc.
• Be polite and courteous to the library staff and other library users.

Use of computers in the Library

• Students must return a completed "Information Technology User Agreement" form to the College before they can use the computers in the College.
• Individual students are responsible for the Internet sites visited during their login time. Students who:
  • visit inappropriate sites, or
  • use the computers inappropriately will be banned from using the computers for a period of time to be determined by the IT Coordinator / Teacher Librarian.

Photocopier

• A student colour photocopier is available in the Library.
• The cost of each colour photocopy page is 50 cents (A4) and $1.00 (A3).
• The prices for black and white photocopies are 10 cents (A4) and 20 cents (A3).
• Students need to purchase a plastic photocopy card from the Library front desk for $2.00.
• The photocopy card may have money added to it by using the coin operated card refresh machine in the library.
• Students are able to print from the Library Computers to the Library's black and white printer. The cost of an A4 page is 10 cents which is payable to the front desk.
• Students are advised not to place large amounts of money on their photocopy card as, if it is lost, the card may be used by anyone.

Equipment

Equipment available from the library includes: Laptops, iPads, Video Cameras and Digital Cameras.

College ID Cards

All loans require a student ID card. Students who need to replace lost or damaged cards need to see Ms Ellison. The cost of a replacement card is $10/

The Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta provides advice and recommendations on educational and administrative policies and priorities, and monitors policy implementation. These provide the framework within which we operate.

St Patrick's Marist College also has a number of school-based policies and procedures that govern various aspects of our School life.

Please refer to the ‘Policies’ page under ‘About Us’ on our school website for all system policies and further school-based information concerning:

• Bullying
• Complaints Handling
• Curriculum, Assessment and Examinations
• Procedural Fairness
• Mobile Phones/ Electronic Devices
• Racial Discrimination
• Use of Technology

Administration of Non-Prescribed Medication

• No medication will be given to a student without the written or verbal permission of a parent / guardian
• Parents are discouraged from providing children with medication at school, unless on a Doctor’s advice
• All medication is to be kept in the College office clearly labelled with all the relevant information for the child for whom it has been provided
• A Medication register is maintained at the College office.

Administration of Prescribed Medication

• No medication will be given to a student without the written permission of a parent / guardian
• Parents are discouraged from providing students with medication at school unless on a Doctor’s advice
• Medication must be supplied by parents in the original container, clearly marked with the student’s name, the name of the drug, dosage, frequency of administration and prescribing doctor’s name
• Appropriate equipment for administration, e.g. medication measures, are to be supplied by parents
• All prescribed medication is kept under lock and key in the College office until the time of administration
• In Secondary school it is reasonable to expect students to present themselves at the appropriate time and place for their medication.

The unauthorised taking of images or recording sound of any student or member of staff is strictly forbidden. This applies to all College activities, both on the property or elsewhere. Explicit permission must be obtained from the Principal prior to any photographing or recording.

Exceptions to this requirement would include formal College events and sporting events.

The posting of images and/or sound recordings of any student or staff member on the internet is not permitted. Explicit permission must be obtained prior to any publication.

The breaching of these expectations will be considered a violation of a person’s privacy and incur consequences.

Commendation Notes

The aim of this reporting system is to acknowledge and record a student’s achievement in any aspect of school life, particularly in studies and conduct.

The Teacher writes out the commendation in the space provided. These accumulate to a hierarchy of awards.

Parents and teachers should be able to see at a glance the positive achievements of the students.

Expectations and Responsibilities

The St Patrick’s Marist College community has expectations for each of its members. Each member also has clear responsibilities towards others. Where all expectations are respected and responsibilities are carried out our College will be truly Christian. The following represents these expectations and responsibilities.

Services Provided by the College

A qualified counsellor is available each day for student support. The College counsellor will meet with students for a variety of reasons.

Students are able to meet with the counsellor by:

• Self-referral
• Referred by the Pastoral Team (Principal, Assistant Principal, Leaders of Learning)
• Referred by a parent.

Matters discussed at these meetings are treated as confidential.

Services Provided by Community Agencies

There are times in our lives when challenges and difficulties arise and we do not know where to turn. Often our parents, guardians or teachers can provide us with the best support and advice but at times we need to seek other assistance. Perhaps the College Counsellor could help.

These web sites are designed for students to help themselves with issues and depression. Click on:

• http://beyondblue.org.au is the National Depression Help site if you feel depressed or anxious a lot.
• http://www.kidshelp.com.au (Also the Kids Help Line at freecall 1800 551800 is available 24 hours a day for young people who need to talk over problems)
• https://www.lifeline.org.au
• http://headspace.org.au
• http://www.somazone.com.au
• High Street Youth Health Service in Harris Park, 9687 2544, can assist young people with counselling and advice on problems
• http://www.parentline.com.au (Parentline at 132055 assists parents especially with child behavioural concerns). 

• The amount of School Fees in respect of a student is determined on an annual basis by the Diocese and the School and is subject to variation. School Fees comprise Diocesan and School Based Fees and are payable within 28 days of the statement date. The parents (father/ mother/ carer/s) of a student are jointly responsible for the payment of fees.
  
  
• The Diocesan Tuition Fee and School Building Levy are annual fees billed in Terms 1, 2 and 3. A pro rata fee based on weeks enrolled for the year is made for students entering the School part way during a term. If a student leaves the School during a term, no refund will be made in respect of the remaining portion of that term. Other School Based Fees for items such as camps, excursions, materials or technology may be charged to a student’s account and are payable under the same conditions as Diocesan Fees. A term’s notice in writing must be given to the Principal before the removal of a student or a full term’s fees will be payable. The same applies to withdrawal from an extra subject.
  
  
• If difficulties arise in meeting payments within the above time frame then special arrangements are to be made and agreed with the School Principal. In the absence of an agreed payment arrangement the School may charge an appropriate administration fee on overdue fees to defray collection costs incurred by the School.
  
  
• Where school fee accounts are unpaid and no prior arrangement has been made with the School, or arrangements made are subsequently not adhered to, then a Debt Collection Agency may be engaged to follow up any outstanding monies. In such cases all expenses reasonably incurred in pursuing recovery of overdue amounts, including (but not limited to) legal fees, location administrative costs and any fees and commissions payable to debt recovery agents are recoverable from parents. Any default debts and/or legal judgements may be reported to a credit reporting agency.
  
  
• The School recognises that at times, parents/carers may experience financial hardship and have a genuine inability to pay School Fees. Diocesan policies exist for such circumstances and parents/carers in financial hardship should discuss the situation with the school Principal to make alternative arrangements for payment. If you do not make alternative arrangements the school will have no choice but to take steps in accordance with the above debt recovery procedures.

For further information please refer to the 'School Fees' page of our website under the 'Enrolment' section.

• I/we have read and agree to the conditions set out in this Application and Agreement.
• I/we have read all of the information in the enrolment package including the Standard Collection Notice and the Fees Schedule and understand the policies that we will need to abide by should this enrolment application be successful.
• I/we understand that if any misleading information has been provided, or any omission of significant, relevant information made in this application for enrolment, acceptance will not be granted, or if discovered after acceptance the enrolment may be withdrawn.
• I/we understand that I must advise the school of changes to the information I have provided in this Application throughout my child’s attendance at the College.
• I/we will provide such other information which may be required by the College to meet the educational interests of my child.
• I/we consent to the provision of all school services to our child, including the provision of counselling where appropriate.
• I/we do not owe any outstanding fees or charges, in relation to my child’s attendance at any other school.
• I/we agree to pay all school fees in a timely manner as set out in the Fees Schedule. In the event of difficulty I/we agree to request a special arrangement as outlined in the Fees Schedule.
• I/we give permission for photographs/video footage of my/our child to be taken at the College and at College events. These may be used in College or diocesan newsletters, brochures, advertising, newspapers, websites or publications/video footage.
• I/we agree to support and participate in the life of the College/Parish at parent/teacher meetings, liturgical celebrations, social and practical activities offered at the College.
I/we agree that our son/daughter is available to represent the College in sport if selected.

Lockout is a procedure which prevents unauthorised persons from entering the school and is used when the threat is general or the incident is occurring off the school property. This procedure allows school activities to continue as normal during the outside disruption.

All perimeter gates of the College are closed from 9.30am to 3pm. The only access during this time is via a push button at the gate connected to the Office. The Office then makes decisions on whether a gate is opened or not.

Lockdown is a procedure used when there is an immediate threat to the school e.g. school intruders. Lockdown minimises access to the school and secures staff and students in rooms. As part of this procedure, everyone must remain in their room until the situation has been declared safe by an authorised person e.g. Principal or Police Officer. The most important thing is Common Sense.

Steps to implement Lockdown:

• Lockdown signal is given – a unique audible sound (‘Alert’) from PA speakers in with announcement over the PA from Principal, Assistant Principal or designated staff member, Activate lock-down procedures immediately.
“All students, staff, and registered guests please proceed to the nearest classroom. Staff, secure your rooms and students. An intruder is located (location given) and is wearing (description) OR the reason for the lock-down is… (where it is appropriate to give such information). Authorities have been notified and are enroute. REPEAT: Activate lock down procedures immediately. All students, staff, and registered guests please proceed to the nearest classroom.”

• Principal or the designated staff member calls 000.
  
  
• If safe to do so, the Principal or designated staff member will wait outside the main entrance of the school to direct emergency services if they are involved. Only authorised personnel should be allowed access to the school premises.
  
  
• All outside activities should cease immediately. Students and staff should immediately return to the nearest school building or classroom. If at lunchtime or recess staff & students on the oval should go into the La Valla Centre, staff and students on the basketball courts should go into the Theatre, staff and students in the Harrington Courtyard should go into BG06, BG07 & BG08, staff and students in the Senior Courtyard should go into AG05, AG06, AG07, staff and students in the library should remain there.
  
  
• Staff should follow rehearsed instructions to seat students and any other staff on the floor out of line of sight of doors and windows if possible – A poster could be placed over the window. Staff should ensure students remain calm and quiet.
  
  
• Staff should check grounds and walkways outside their classrooms for students who may not have heard the signal. Advise them of the lockdown and direct any students into the nearest classroom. Staff should not leave the classroom to get students.
  
  
• Close windows and blinds and lock all external doors. DO NOT open the door to any person other than a student or member of staff.
  
  
• Teachers should sit the group in the most non-visible spot (door wall) and keep them calm and quiet until “all clear” is provided by the Principal/Assistant Principal or designated staff member that the lockdown is over.
  
  
• Do not allow students to use any electronic devices, especially mobile phones, during the lockdown time.
  
  
• Teachers who are not on class should lock themselves in staffrooms.
  
  
• No one should leave the room during the Lockdown time.
  
  
• Where the lockdown lasts an extended period of time or extends beyond normal school hours, the Principal/Assistant Principal should notify parents via local media and with the assistance of local police.
  
  
• In conjunction with local police, the Principal should arrange for parents to pick students up from school at a designated safe area.

For Parents

Usually the lockdown situation will be declared on the recommendation of police or emergency personnel. If this occurs, parents will be notified as soon as it is practical to do so. However parents are requested not to come to the school, as students will not be released to parents during Lockdown. Parents are also asked not to call the school as this may tie up emergency lines that must remain open. Parents should not expect their child to call them, nor should they call student mobiles, as the Lockdown situation requires silence in order to not alert an intruder to the presence of students and staff in classrooms. If your child’s stay is extended beyond the regular time, you will receive information about the time and place that you can pick up your child.

Application

This Plan is to be applied in the following circumstances:

• Fire
• Bomb Threat
• Major Gas Leak
• Earthquake
• Any other serious situation that may arise that requires evacuation.

Procedure

Stage 1: Emergency declared

• It is vital that the first person to realise an emergency situation reports it to the Office
• The Principal, or Assistant Principal if Principal is absent, is informed and a decision is made whether to evacuate or not
• If evacuation is required an announcement is made over the PA:
  “All staff and students need to evacuate the school as quickly and as carefully as possible. Students, follow your teacher’s instructions and move in an orderly and calm manner to Number 1 Oval.”

Stage 2: Evacuation

• Teachers take firm control of the class situation (i.e. the PA announcement is not a signal for uncontrolled rush for doors).

Stage 3: Assembly & Attendance check

• See duties below.

Duties

Principal

• Oversees and manages Emergency Site

Assistant Principal – Innovative, Teaching and Learning

• Oversees access and coordination of emergency vehicles

Assistant Principal – Pastoral

• Manages Marshalling Area

Director of Mission

• Opens gates leading to Bus Bay from the path at the front of the College

Teachers who are teaching at the time

• Main responsibility is to take the class to the Marshalling Area – No. 1 Oval
• Follow evacuation route indicated in classroom
• Ensure students are quiet and sensible at all times; Do not panic; do not run; and, do not make any excessive noise
• Tell students to leave their belongings in the room. They can take their wallet and mobile phone (if they have one).
• If possible, have students shut the windows
• Pick a responsible student to lead class to Oval
• Send students ROW-BY-ROW to prevent ‘log jam’ at door and to help set a tone of orderliness and calm. Ensure no one is left in the room
• Shut (not lock) the door after you leave
• Take class to their allocated Year Area and have them sit in their Homeroom Group.

Teachers who are not teaching at the time

• Go directly to Marshalling Area - No. 1 Oval

Homeroom Patrons

• Your responsibilities begin at the Marshalling Area - No. 1 Oval
• Obtain Homeroom Sheet from the Secretaries and take a roll call
• Take Homeroom Sheet back to Secretaries and enquire about absentees, if any
• Tell your Leader of Learning when your Homeroom is accounted for or if student(s) is/are missing
• Report to Assistant Principal (Pastoral) when all are accounted for, or any missing or unaccounted for students.

Leaders of Learning - Pastoral

• Go to No. 1 Oval and marshall your Year Group in the area allocated
• Students are to sit alphabetically and with a walking gap between each Homeroom
• Oversee attendance check for Year Group.

Support Staff

• Office Staff: Alert relevant emergency authorities.
• Lock Workplace: e.g. Office, Canteen, Printroom
• Move to Marshalling Area – No. 1 Oval and immediately record your presence with assigned secretary.

Student Attendance Secretary

• Distribute emergency Homeroom Sheets to Homeroom Patrons at the Marshalling Area – Number 1 Oval
• Distribute a copy of Daily Absences to Pastoral Leaders of Learning.

Staff Attendance Secretary

• Record staff attendance
• Take First Aid Kit to Marshalling Area.

Marshalling Area

In NSW school attendance is compulsory for children over the age of six years until the minimum school leaving age of 17 years. Students must complete Year 10 and after Year 10, until they turn 17 years of age, students must be:

• in school or registered for home schooling, or
• in approved education or training (e.g. TAFE, traineeship, apprenticeship)
• in full-time, paid employment (average 25 hours per week) or in a combination of work, education and/or training.

What if my child has to be away from school?

If your child has to be absent from school, you must tell the school and provide a reason for your child's absence. To explain an absence parents and carers may:

• send a note, fax or email to the school
• telephone the school, or
• visit the school

Your school will inform you of the required procedures for notifying them. A small number of absences may be justified if your child has to:

• go to a special religious ceremony
• is required to attend to a serious and/or urgent family situation (e.g. a funeral)
• is too sick to go to school or has an infectious illness.

Children need to arrive on school and class on time. Lateness to school or leaving early from school must be recorded as a partial absence. Your school will inform you of the required procedures for late arrivals and early departures from school.

Application for exemption

If you consider that it is in your child's best interests to be exempted from the legal requirement to attend school for any length of time, you must apply to the principal for an exemption. The school will provide an Application for Exemption from Attendance at School form, and assist you to complete it, if necessary. The principal will consider your application and decide whether to grant a Certificate of Exemption from Attendance at School.

Responsibilities of the school principal

Principals help to ensure the safety, welfare and wellbeing of your child. They must also keep accurate records of student attendance. Principals are able to question requests for a child to be absent from school and are also responsible for deciding if the reason given for an absence is justified.

Guidelines for monitoring of at risk students

Current legislative requirements and attendance research underpin both the College and CEDP policies and guidelines on attendance. Research indicates that there is no safe level of absence in terms of a student’s academic achievement and even sporadic absences can affect academic achievement. Student’s attendance at key events including camps, retreats and carnivals, along with daily attendance at school helps to promote strong connections with peers and staff which in turn promotes more positive student outcomes.

Checking student absences is now done via an SMS procedure.

In the case of a student being absent frpm school, the parent/carer will receive an SMS message advising the parent /carer of the absence. Parents/carers are requested to respond to the SMS as soon as possible and to include some comment of explanation. If an SMS is not responded to and no explanation received, then after 7 days it will be marked and reported as an ‘Unexplained’ absence.

It is an expectation that students arrive at school by 8:30 am. School commences at 8:40 am. Any student who arrives at school after 8:45 am must report to the Office, give a reason for being late and have their Diary stamped. Students arriving after 9:00 am must have a written note signed by their parent / guardian. On the fourth occasion that a student is late for school without a satisfactory excuse, he/she will receive a Leader of Learning Detention. A Saturday detention will be given to a student who is late five times in a term.

Parents / guardians are requested to avoid making appointments for their daughters / sons during school hours. This includes Thursday sport, which is integral to the curriculum. Sport is organised between 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m each Thursday.

If an appointment is unavoidable during school time, the student is to complete the appropriate section of the Diary and have it signed by a parent or guardian. This is to be shown to the Leader of Learning Pastoral before Homeroom for endorsement. Students should show courtesy to teachers by informing them if they are to be absent for a particular lesson. Before leaving the College, students are to present with their Diary at the Office and be signed out. Under no circumstances are the students to leave the College without signing out. If applicable, upon returning, students are to return to present to the front office to be signed in.

So as to avoid disruptions to classes students are not permitted to receive telephone calls. Should a parent / guardian wish that an urgent message be passed on to a student, we request that it be short and clear.

Students who are ill during class time are to see their Pastoral Leader of Learning who will sign the appropriate section of the student’s diary. The student should then report to the office before being admitted to the Sick Bay. Where it is deemed necessary students will be sent home and transport arrangements will be negotiated with their parents. The Pastoral Leader of Leaning’s permission is required if a student is to go home. Parents / guardians will always be contacted in the case of serious illness.

There are staff members qualified to administer first aid. In the event of serious injury, an ambulance will always be called and the student will be taken to hospital. Parents / guardians will be notified immediately and given full details.

If it is necessary for a student to bring any form of medication to school, the student must have the appropriate section of their diary completed and signed by their parent / guardian.

On arrival at school, students should remain in the Harrington Courtyard (Years 7 to 10) or the Barbecue area (Years 11 and 12). Staff will be on supervision from 8.20 am. After this time the Basketball Courts can also be used.

The classrooms are locked by the teacher at recess and lunchtime and will be re-opened at the end of the break. Students are to carry their school bag and be responsible for it. We strongly discourage students from bringing expensive items to school. Students are encouraged to use their lockers to store their valuables in. All clothing should be labelled with the student’s name and appropriate identification. Students are reminded that it is essential to respect other people’s property. Students who interfere with or steal other students’ possessions face serious sanctions.

The College’s expectations regarding students driving have been compiled in the interests of the safety of our students and the community. There has been significant concern from the Australian public about the number of accidents involving inexperienced drivers over the past few years. Some of these accidents have led to serious injury and death.

The expectations for student drivers at St Patrick’s Marist College are as follows:

• Students are only permitted to drive to and from the College from the beginning of Term 4 in Yr.11 once a completed Permission Form has been personally given to the Year 12 Pastoral Leader of Learning.
• Students are only permitted to drive to and from school. They are not permitted to drive to other College events or activities, including; sport, retreats, excursions, etc. unless specifically approved by the Principal.
• Drivers are only permitted to carry one passenger, unless direct permission has been given by the Principal to carry more than one passenger. The passenger’s name must be included on the Permission Form.
• The nominated passenger must have written permission from their parents/guardian. The written permission is to be personally given to the Year 12 Pastoral Leader of Learning.
• Any student driver who is involved in illegal, dangerous or irresponsible behaviour while driving will have their permission revoked.
• Students are to consider the College’s neighbours at all times ensuring they do not park across driveways, be quiet and do not litter.

If any of the above expectations are breached, then the student will face significant disciplinary consequences (including suspension from the College). If any student (other than the nominated passenger) is a passenger in the car then he/she will also face significant disciplinary consequences (including suspension from the College).

The expectations listed above apply at all times that the College deems to have its Duty of Care (including before school and after school).

The College takes its responsibility to ensure the safety of the students and the public seriously. It presumes that parents/guardians also take their responsibilities in a similar serious manner. Accordingly, the College would expect the support of parents/guardians when dealing with matters of driver safety.

If parents wish to make contact with their child they are to go to the Office and request this to take place. Under no circumstance is a parent to just walk into school, or a school event, and approach a student without first gaining permission from the school authorities.

The following items are banned from use at the College or any College activity:

• alcohol
• tobacco
• any unlawful drug
• collector cards
• skateboards
• steel rulers
• marker pens
• bubble gum
• chewing gum
• laser pointers
• knives
• fireworks, etc.
• aerosols
• imitation weapons
• e-cigarettess
• and any articles which may be dangerous to the safety of others.

The College Diary is not to be used as a personal diary. The Diary is used for school matters only. It is to be kept clean and tidy. Students who deface or graffiti their Diary will be required to purchase a new Diary from the College. The cost of a replacement Diary is $20.

Students are required to bring their College Diary to school each day. Students who forget their Diary are to see their Pastoral Leader of Learning before school to obtain a diary sheet.

• The Diary is for the recording of the student’s daily school activities, set homework and project and assignment work. Additional study and revision should be entered each lesson.
  
  
• Students are to bring their Diary to all classes, detentions, and interviews, and must present the Diary to any teacher when requested.
  
  
• The student must immediately report the loss of the Diary to the Pastoral Leader of Learning. The student will be required to purchase another Diary.
  
  
• The Diary should be an effective form of communication between parents and teachers regarding their child, but does not replace direct contact with the teacher. Parents / guardians are to sign the Diary weekly.
  
  
• Parents are asked to check that homework is placed in the Diary for all subjects. If homework for a particular subject has not been recorded over a period of time, parents should write a note in the Diary to the teacher to ask if homework has been set.

Any time a student leaves a class the student will require a note of explanation and initial by the teacher (written in the Student Diary in the relevant Period). The Diary is to be carried by the student at all times.

Food and drink may only be consumed at recess and lunch. Food or drink is not to be consumed inside College buildings nor on the basketball courts or ovals.

Out of bounds areas around the College are clearly defined by yellow lines around College buildings. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the out of bounds area.

A condition of enrolment at the College is the wearing of correct school uniform. All students are expected to have the correct full College uniform and to wear it with pride. If, on a particular day, a student is unable to wear any part of the uniform, an INCORRECT UNIFORM NOTE (located in the rear of the Diary), must be completed by the student’s parent / guardian and presented to the Pastoral Leader of Learning. This is to be signed by the Pastoral Leader of Learning before morning administration. This is a basic courtesy and the student will not be penalised in any way.

In addition to the above requirements, the following points apply to the wearing of the College uniform

• Boys shirts must be tucked in at all times. • Jumpers must not be worn around the waist.
• In terms 2 and 3 the College blazer must be worn to and from the College and to morning Homeroom.
• Students are not allowed to write or draw anything on themselves, other people or on their College bag.
• Any garments (for example, singlets, underwear, T-shirts) worn under blouses or shirts are to be plain white or skin colour so as not to be obvious and detract from the uniform.
• Hats are to be worn when on the ovals, basketball courts and in the senior yard where students can be exposed to the sun.
• Only clear nail polish is allowed. Acrylic nails are not permitted.

The following dress regulations pertain to ALL students in the College.

• College sports shorts (unisex)
• White polo shirt with College crest (embroidered)
• White, over the ankle, sports socks
• College tracksuit
• Hat with College insignia
• Running/cross-training shoes (predominately white, white laces, not slip-on)

Students are required to wear full, correct sports uniform when they are coming to the College and when they are going home.

On any Thursday if a student does not have the correct sports uniform he or she must wear the normal uniform to the College and change into sports clothing at Sport. A note to this effect should be completed in the Diary. Students placed on Sport Detention are required to wear their normal school uniform to School on Thursday.

Any student who is wearing incorrect sports uniform without a note will be placed on Sport Detention for that week.

In winter, students may wear their College jumper but only under their College tracksuit jacket.

Students are permitted to wear:

• one ring
• a plain thin, gold or silver chain that may be adorned with a Christian symbol
• a thin silver or gold bracelet

Girls may wear one set of plain studs or sleepers in their ear lobes. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings. Transparent sleepers are not permitted.

The wearing of any jewellery, other than that listed above, is in breach of College regulations and may be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of each term.

Students are expected to be neat and well groomed at all times.

Students who are unsure about what hairstyle is acceptable should consult their Pastoral Leader of Learning before going to the hairdresser. If there is any doubt regarding the suitability of a student’s hairstyle the Assistant Principal’s judgment is final.

Hair is to be neatly groomed, of natural colour and all extremes of style are to be avoided. Styles known as “undercuts”, “layers”, “lines”, “tracks”, comb-cuts less than a No.3, spiked haircuts, marked contrasts of length, colour or shape, long fringes, multiple braids, with or without beads, and the use of excessive hairstyling products are all unacceptable. This list is by no means exhaustive.

Any disregard of the above expectations will result in an automatic detention or possible suspension.

Boys hair must not cover their eyes and must not go beyond the collar of their shirts.

Girls with shoulder-length hair or beyond must have it tied back at all times. Hair must be either plaited or tied back in a ponytail with bottle green, gold, white, navy or black ribbons.

The wearing of make-up with the College uniform is not permitted. Boys must be clean-shaven when they come to school each day. Beards, moustaches and sideburns are not permitted.

Apart from earrings all other body piercing and body decorations (eg: tattoos) which may be visible or exposed while in uniform or at a College event are prohibited.

The College backpack with the College crest is the only bag to be carried. These are available from the College Office. There is also available a College Sports Bag which is only to be used as an extra bag to carry sporting gear for PDHPE lessons on non-sport days. Students are not permitted to write, draw or affix stickers to their College Bag. All students should have their bags clearly marked with their name, preferably on the inside. This is to be done appropriately so that the bag is not defaced in any way.

During examinations all normal uniform expectations apply including bags.

On Thursday sports uniform may be worn.

The principles of Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness underpins all levels of the College Student Management. The purpose of the College’s Student Management Policy is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students. It also provides a mechanism to promote effective teaching and learning practices in all classrooms.