Student Code of Conduct.

The School Discipline Policy incorporates the Department of Education Guidelines and the values expressed in the School Profile. The support and cooperation of parents in carrying out the policy of the school are expected.

In order to make the most of their educational opportunities, students should expect to:

• be given access to a broad range of school activities

• be able to learn without distraction or interference from others

• have an environment which provides an atmosphere and facilities which will enhance their prospects of success

• be shown respect, concern and interest from their teachers

• feel safe from discrimination, harassment or indoctrination

• be encouraged to participate in the school’s decision-making processes

• receive regular communication about their progress

• have ready access to assistance in resolving school-related problems.

Students are expected to:

• behave at all times in a respectful and courteous manner which shows regard for their own safety and that of others

• conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times when representing the school

• attend all scheduled classes and remain within the school boundaries throughout the school day unless authorised to be elsewhere

• come to class prepared for work and be responsive to guidance and advice

• interact courteously with teachers and with each other

• respect the rights of other students to have equal access to information resources

• place the highest value on honesty in their dealings with teachers and with each other

• respect their personal health and comply with the legal prohibitions associated with the use of cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs

• care for their own property and respect the property of fellow students and the school

• care for the environment and assist in keeping the school grounds clean and tidy

• wear the school uniform correctly.

Responses to breaches of this Code of Conduct include:

• resolution of the problem, without recourse to sanctions, by consultation between student, teacher and the Level Coordinator

• sanctions including a conduct card, detention and/or daily attendance reporting

• interviews which may involve parents, Student Wellbeing Coordinator, Director of School or an Assistant Principal

• suspension or exclusion from the school at the discretion of the Principal, for repeated or serious breaches of the Code, in accordance with Student Discipline Procedures, 1994 and Ministerial Order No. 1 “Discipline of Pupils”.

The Code of Conduct is based upon the values expressed in the school profile - self-respect, pride in achievement and in the school, respect and tolerance for others and responsible citizenship. As indicated by the motto “Potens Sui”, self-discipline rather than regulation by a set of rules is the preferred approach to discipline. This code applies equally at school and when students are travelling to and from school. It is expected that on public transport girls will behave courteously, willingly give up their seat to those adults standing, and ensure that their conversation and behaviour do not cause annoyance to other travellers.

Promoting Positive Relationships.

The Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School is committed to the promotion of a healthy, safe and respectful environment, recognising the ethnic, social and cultural diversity of the school. The Student Code of Conduct encourages positive relationships within the school community. Should bullying or harassment occur, the behaviour needs to be addressed for the well-being of all concerned.

The school identifies bullying as any spoken, written or physical behaviour that is unwelcome by the recipient, whether or not the offender intends or understands it to be unwelcome. Bullying can be carried out by an individual or by a group and causes pain, discomfort or embarrassment to another.

Bullying may be subtle, explicit or criminal, and includes:

• repeated name calling, teasing or persistent personal or belittling comments

• purposely leaving someone out of activities

• damaging, removing or hiding belongings

• demands for money or possessions

• physical violence or threatening comments

• sending or publishing offensive or obscene messages.

What the school will do:

• any complaints will be treated seriously and confidentially

• both parties will be supported to resolve the issues through counselling and mediation

• incidents of bullying will be kept on record

• where appropriate, relevant disciplinary responses, outlined in the Code of Conduct, will be implemented.

Anti-bullying strategies and initiatives contributing to the development of positive self-esteem are promoted within the curriculum. They will continue to form an important part of the extensive co-curricular program of the school and are implicit in well-being programs, such as the Links Leader and Peer Support programs, the Support for Success (Case Management) System and the many Leadership Training programs available to all students. The Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School does not tolerate bullying/cyberbullying. 

Avoid Cyber Bullies:

• Tell somebody about any cyberbullying

• Record dates and times, save printouts and messages

• Block messages or calls from cyber bullies

• Police need to know about any threats

• Avoid responding to cyber bullies

• Change contact details, email accounts and phone numbers

• Be there for others who are being cyber bullied; stand up for them.

Communication Protocols.

Our staff love to help you and love hearing your curious questions. We do, however, need to manage how and when those questions are asked and answered, in an effort to balance staff work demands. 

Please make it a priority to communicate face to face with staff members - ask your questions in class, or make time outside of class to do so. Face to face communication allows the staff member to understand your questions fully and address them efficiently. If you do need to email staff, please ensure you schedule send it, so they receive it during work hours (8:20am - 4:20pm, Monday to Friday). Staff may choose to respond to your emails outside of their work hours, but you should not expect them to do so. 

A response within 2 working days (if a staff member is not absent) is the expected time frame. Staff members will activate an ‘Out of Office’ message if they are absent from work, so that you are aware their response may be delayed and it will direct you to where you can seek assistance for urgent matters.

Lockers & Care of Property.

Each student is assigned a locker at the beginning of the year which must be secured with a sturdy combination lock (supplied by the school) and maintained in good order throughout the year. Students are responsible for the cleanliness of their locker and the surrounding locker area. Items should not be left outside the lockers and the front of the locker should not be decorated.

All items of clothing, books and bags should be clearly marked with the student's name.  Musical instruments should also be clearly identified and not left lying on top of lockers.  The music practice rooms are available for storage purposes.  Although every effort is made to locate lost property, students are ultimately responsible for their own belongings.

Money and Valuables.

If students need to bring large sums of money or valuables to school, it is important these are kept secured in their locker for safekeeping. Students may keep their mobile phone on them but it must be off, otherwise it should be kept in their locker.