Please Note:
The 'Use of Student Image - Annual Opt-Out Statement' is contained at the end of this policy
At Footscray High School we respect the right of all students to have control of their individual digital footprint therefore in each case where an images is to be published via social media the student's right to opt-out will override parent/carer opt-in
To explain to parents/carers how Footscray High School will collect, use and disclose photographs, video and recordings of students, how parent/carer consent can be provided and how it can be withdrawn.
This policy applies to the general collection, use and disclosure of photographs, video and recordings (images) of students. It does not cover the use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). The use of CCTV is covered in our school’s CCTV policy.
This policy outlines the practices that Footscray High School has in place for the collection, use and disclosure of images of students to ensure compliance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). It also explains the circumstances in which Footscray High School will seek parent/carer consent and how consent can be provided and/or withdrawn.
As a general rule, use relates to images which are shared and distributed only within the school for school purposes (i.e. ID photos, Compass), whilst disclosure is used for images which are shared and distributed outside of the school staff and are available to other students, parents/carers and the wider school community.
Footscray High School will ensure that parents/carers are notified upon enrolment and at the commencement of each school year of the ways in which our school may use images of students.
There are many occasions during the school year where staff photograph, film or record students participating in school activities or events, for example performing arts events, sports days, assemblies, camps and excursions. We do this for many reasons, for example, to celebrate student participation and achievement, to showcase particular learning programs, to document a student’s learning experiences, and to communicate with our parents and school community through the school website and social media channels.
Footscray High School will use student images reasonably, appropriately and sensitively, consistent with our obligations under the Child Safe Standards and our school’s Child Safety Standards & Code of Conduct and Child Safety Officer Policy
If at any time a parent/carer or student has a concern about the use of any images they should contact your child's campus principal via phone on (03) 9112 9500 or email via info@footscray.vic.edu.au
In addition to the processes outlined below, parents/carers can email publicity@footscray.vic.edu.au at any time to withdraw their consent for any future collection, use or disclosure of images of their child. However:
if the images have already been published and are in the public domain, it may not be possible for consent to be withdrawn.
There may be occasions when the school will record whole of school or large group events for publication via our website or social media channels for example the school play, speech nights or sports events and if your child participates, they may appear in these recordings which will be available to the whole school community. For these occasions FHS has developed a set of guidelines and etiquette for photography which must be adhered to.
The school can still collect, use and disclose images in circumstances where consent is not required (see below for more information).
The following sections (4a-4d) explain the ways Footscray High School may use photographs of students. Please read each one and if you are not comfortable with any of these methods you may opt out via the form linked at the end of this policy.
Each year Footscray High School will arrange for a professional photographer to take official school photographs of students This will generally involve individual photos being taken which are then also compiled into a class photo.
Official school photographs may be:
purchased by parents/carers
used for school identification cards
stored on CASES21 for educational and administrative purposes.
Footscray High School will notify parents/carers in advance of the official school photographs being taken to give them an opportunity to decide whether their child will be included in the official school photographs.
Parents/carers who choose to opt-out of having their child participate in official school photographs must also contact the General Office of their child’s campus on (03) 9112 9500 or by email via info@footscray.vic.edu.au before the date photos are scheduled to be taken to advise that their child will not participate. There is no obligation on any parent or carer to purchase any photographs taken.
From time-to-time Footscray High School may photograph, film or record students to use within the school community, including:
in the school’s communication, learning and teaching tools (for example, emails, classroom blogs or apps that can only be accessed by students, parents or school staff with passwords eg Compass, Google Sites, Google Classroom etc)
for display in school classrooms, on noticeboards, digital displays etc
to support student’s health and wellbeing (eg photographs of pencil grip to assist in OT assessments)
An Annual Consent Form and Collection Notice will be distributed to parents/carers on enrolment and also via Compass at the beginning of each school year
There are many occasions during the school year where staff photograph, film or record students participating in school activities or events, for example performing arts events, sports days, assemblies, camps and excursions. We do this for many reasons, for example, to celebrate student participation and achievement, to showcase particular learning programs, to document a student’s learning experiences, to communicate with our parents and school community through the school website and social media channels.
Footscray High School will use student images reasonably, appropriately and sensitively, consistent with our obligations under the Child Safe Standards and our school’s Child Safety Standards & Code of Conduct and Child Safety Officer Policy
If at any time a parent/carer or student has a concern about the use of any images they should contact your child's campus principal via phone on (03) 9112 9500 or email via info@footscray.vic.edu.au
FHS Photographing, Filming & Recording Students Policy // Version 3.0 //May 2022