As I was teaching in a Catholic school, I recognized the importance of adhering to the Catholic Education Code of Conduct. The Catholic School Code of Conduct fosters values drawn from Catholic tradition of faith in order to prepare students for more active participation in the world. I understand that staff SA are expected to uphold appropriate standards of behaviour when interacting with staff and students. As a teacher, I respected the moral and ethical values and teachings of the Church.

Alongside the CESA Code of Conduct, I will also adhere to the Teachers Registration Board of SA code of conduct. It is the aim of this Code to preserve the integrity, respect and responsibility of the teaching profession. As a teacher, I will strive to enact these three pillars of professional conduct and maintain the highest levels of professional practices and standards.

A legislative requirement when working with children is the Responding to Abuse and Neglect training course. Attached above is my certificate of attendance for the course. From this course, I have understood the role working together to keep children and young people’s safety and wellbeing. As a teacher, it is my legal obligation to notify and respond to abuse and/or neglect. I am aware that in lieu suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to call the child abuse report line (CARL). In my classes, I strive to provide a safe environment for my students by developing healthy and appropriate relationships with them. I am familiar with the Children's Protection Act 1993 (SA) - which mandates staff in education and care environments to report child abuse and neglect and requires all organisations providing education wholly or partly for children to comply with principles of child safe environments.

A Working with Children Check is an assessment of whether a person poses an unacceptable risk to children. I have obtained a Working with Children Check and have been deemed acceptable to work with children. These checks are necessary o help ensure that the right people are chosen to work or volunteer with children.

I understand that one of the current administration requirements for teacher registration in South Australia is a HLTAID003- Provide first aid course. Attached above is my certificate of completion of the course. After attending the course, I am now confident in assessing an emergency situation, CPR techniques on adults and infants, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), first aid procedures for bleeding, burns and fractures, managing medical conditions such as anaphylaxis, asthma, seizures and medical emergencies such as snake/spider bites, poisons and choking.

While at Blackfriars, I familiarised myself with the organisational policies outlined in the code of conduct handbook. This policy outlines the school’s commitment to appropriate workplace behaviour and is designed to prevent behaviours that amount to bullying, harassment, victimisation or discrimination (inappropriate behaviour). These behaviours are not acceptable and can be unlawful, exposing the school and the individuals concerned to liability. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to deal with all reports of incidents of inappropriate behaviour seriously, sympathetically, quickly, fairly and confidentially.

Attached above is research I have conducted on engaging with parents confidentially and sensitively. I found that when parents receive communication that is respectful and relevant, they will feel more inclined to engage in educational activities. However, a teacher must also communicate with parents in a timely and sensitive manner especially when responding to parental concerns.

Attached above are examples of emails that were sent by my mentor on behalf of myself as I was not allowed access to SEQTA. I would communicate to my mentor regarding a student's unsatisfactory progress and provide feedback to be sent to the parents. I believe open and honest communication with parents are vital to support student wellbeing. Within the emails, I ensured to communicate feedback appropriately and effectively whilst maintaining confidentiality. I had outlined the students unsatisfactory behaviour which resulted in late submission of work and assured that I would support him in finishing the work.

In Term 3, I attended a Staff Retreat day organised by Blackfriars. As part of the retreat, Father James McEvoy delivered a talk on the psychology and theology of childhood. The talk focused on childhood agency - providing children with making their own choices and decisions. Listening to children and respecting their ideas and voices. As eduactors, we need to support a sense of belonging and independence within out students. This helps students develop positive and appropriate relationships with adults. Throughout the talk, I tried to engage with presenters to further my knowledge on childhood agency.

As part of broadening my knowledge of the profession and engaging with professional communities, I follow a variety of Facebook pages such as WeAreTeachers, Teachers of Adelaide, CSIRO and ABC Science to further inform and progress my teaching practices. Pages such as CSIRO and ABC Science provide great resources for activities and practicals that I can use when teaching. Communities such as WeAreTeachers and Teachers of Adelaide represent support groups for teachers whilst also providing a range of resources for teaching.