Welcome to the St Columba’s Adamstown. Whether you are already a parent at the school or considering enrolment for your child, I hope that you enjoy the information offered in this handbook. We believe Columba's is an extraordinary school, made so by a long tradition of delivering quality educational experiences. While we enjoy an attractive school setting close to the city of Newcastle and its beautiful beaches I believe our appeal as a school rests in our strong sense of community, the values we celebrate, and providing a balanced education that addresses the academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of our students' lives. St Columba’s offers education from Kindergarten age to Year 6. Most importantly, you will find a school with warmth, Gospel values and a safe, stimulating educational environment. We value the partnership that we share with parents and understand what we can achieve when we work together. I look forward to our association in the years ahead.

Jenny Howard.
Acting Principal

The Sisters of Mercy established St Columba’s Primary School in the 1890s and the school continues to serve the Catholic community in the local area and several neighbouring suburbs.
Our school motto, Reach Out and Discover, impels us to learn and grow.
At St Columba’s, we emphasise the vital role parents play in the education of their children, and in the life of the school. Parents are involved in a wide range of areas including the Parents and Friends Association, school celebrations, parent assisted learning programs, reading, excursions, classroom assistance, sporting activities, canteen and the provision of transport for school events. Children at St Columba’s can participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities including excursions, incursions, Creative Arts performances, coaching clinics, Public Speaking, debating and social justice initiatives.

• Term 1– Tuesday 1 January to Friday 8 April.

• Term 2 – Tuesday 26 April to Friday 1 July

• Term 3 – Monday 18 July to Friday 23 September.

• Term 4 – Monday 10 October to Monday 19 December

Playground supervision begins at 8.30am. No responsibility is taken for students arriving at school before this time. In the afternoon staff supervise children while waiting for buses or transport home and while walking across intersections. Parents collecting students during class time or arriving late are asked to complete the Sign In /Out Compass Kiosk located in the school office.

Curriculum might be defined as the sum of all experiences that take place within a school. The formalised curriculum is divided into Key Learning Areas:

· Religious Education
· English
· Mathematics
· Science and Technology
· Human Society and Its Environment.
· Personal Development/Health/Physical Education
· Creative Arts

We are currently in the implementation phase of the Federal Government’s Australian Curriculum for English, Mathematics, Science and History K-10.

Religion:

Lessons are approximately 30 minutes per day. The Diocesan Religion Syllabus and the accompanying units of work outline what should be taught in each class. The units of work have been formulated so that they are appropriate for the age, development and understanding of the children. The outcomes cover 4 major strands: Jesus and Scripture, History and Beliefs, Celebration and Prayer, and Justice and Morality. These Outcomes have specific indicators which outline what children are expected to know in each Stage.

Catholic primary schools are a vital part of the parish community as well as a significant presence in the local community. Prayer and sacramental life are integral to the life of our schools. As part of this students will attend parish and school celebrations and masses.

The children attend Masses and Liturgies each term. These focus on seasons and feast days in the Church’s Year, and significant school and Diocesan events. These include Instructional Masses across the year for each stage in terms 2 and 3. We are also involved in occasional weekend celebrations through Family Masses. You will be advised of these dates through the School Newsletter. We encourage all families to join the children for these celebrations. Children’s Liturgy is held on Sundays, during the school term, at the 9.15 a.m. Parish Mass.

Teachers must account for all absences on the Class Roll. It is a legal requirement that an explanation is provided to the school within 7 school days when your child is absent. Notification can be either written or verbal and via phone, Compass App, email, in person or by a written note. Partial absences also require explanation. Partial Absence is recorded at the electronic kiosk in the School Office and should be completed when a child arrives late and/or leaves early to school during school hours, children are to be signed in or out by an adult. You can only enter full day absence on the Compass Site, not partial.

If your child is marked absent on the roll you will receive an SMS by 9.30am advising you of the unexplained absence.

If your child is going to be absent for more than 10 school days you need to apply to the school for exemption from school, application forms are available from the office and you will receive a form home granting approval if approved by the principal.

When accidents occur, the school will provide first aid. In cases where injuries are deemed to need further medical attention you will be contacted on the phone number you have provided. In the case of an emergency, the school will seek immediate medical attention as well as try to inform you as quickly as possible.

The Catholic Development Fund offers the opportunity to save each week with the CDF Savers’ Club. Wednesday is Supersavers Day.

Primary students may ride bikes to school providing they are in road-worthy condition. Given the school is located on the intersection of two busy roads, we recommend walking or other means of transport. Children riding bikes must wear an approved helmet. The school takes no responsibility for bikes left in the school grounds. For safety reasons students must not ride bicycles in the playground and, on arrival, are to walk their bikes into the school grounds. It is also suggested that students lock their bike to the bike rack with their own chain.

The school participates in the Scholastic Book Club program to encourage a life-long interest in reading. Order forms are distributed to students each month. Ashton scholastic provide children’s literature at reasonable prices. Orders should be returned in a clearly marked, sealed envelope or completed online.

The School Canteen is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for snack sales and Friday only for lunch orders. Lunch orders are ordered via the QKR APP. Order close Wednesday night prior to the Friday.

Parent volunteers are still required to operate the school canteen to distribute orders and sell snacks. Any assistance by new parents would be appreciated. Please note all volunteers must be cleared by the diocesan volunteers process prior.

We are committed to providing a safe environment for students. The school is required to meet the statutory obligations of the legislation relating to child protection and the policies and guidelines set out by the Catholic Schools Office. Please take the time to read the information regarding responsibilities for parent volunteers and the importantance of Child Protection at the end of this book.

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has an absolute and abiding commitment to promote the safeguarding of children. In 2019, as a part of that commitment, our Bishop, Bill Wright, articulated his expectations of all those who work for the Diocese. “I expect you to place the safety, welfare and wellbeing of every child and vulnerable adult at the centre of everything you do in the name of our Church,” he said.

Bishop Wright established the Office of Safeguarding, whose director answers to the Bishop’s Office and is charged to oversee the whole of the Diocese’s safeguarding of children, including the students in our system of schools.

As a parent sending your child to a diocesan school, you are expected to be an active participant in safeguarding your child’s wellbeing. To do so, it’s important that you have the best information available to you. The Office of Safeguarding website offers comprehensive details of the Diocese’s approach to safeguarding children. You are also encouraged to be an active participant in the life of your school.

As a parent of a diocesan school student, if you are concerned for:

• the safety, welfare or wellbeing of one or more children in the school
• the conduct of a member of staff, a volunteer, contractor or other adult associated with the school

… you are able to:

• discuss your concerns with a teacher, assistant principal or principal
• talk to an investigator at the Office of Safeguarding (ph 4979 1390, during office hours)
• report your concerns to the Department of Communities and Justice’s (DCJ) Child Protection Helpline (ph 132 111, 24 hrs/7 days) if your concerns constitute a risk of significant harm
• report to NSW Police if you believe a crime has been committed.

Kiss n Drop/Pick-up

Newcastle City Council has installed No Parking and 5 Minute parking restrictions on the southern side of Lockyer St, adjacent to our school grounds. The restrictions provide a balance of parking turnover for pick drop off/pick-up at the school and also short-term parking for school patrons.

The “Kiss and Drop Zone” is intended for parents to be able drop-off or collect their children and then leave the zone immediately. Cars are not permitted to wait longer than a few minutes and drivers are not to leave their vehicles.

To make the “Kiss and Drop Zone” work, we ask that parents who intend to collect their children in the afternoon, aim to arrive at the zone between 3pm-3.10pm. This will allow your child to leave the classroom and be ready and waiting at the “Kiss and Drop Zone” with the supervising teacher to be collected. Parents who intend to use the Pick-Up area on afternoons can contact the school office and request a laminated family-name sign for placement on the car’s dashboard when collecting their child/ren.

Please note if you are travelling towards the zone up Lockyer Street and the line is visibly long then it is suggested you wait at the bottom of Lockyer St and don't join the line until it starts to clear. This will ensure there is no double parking which results in frustration from our neigbours and the community.

Parents are not permitted to use the school driveway or staff parking area. Most importantly, we ask parents to observe road rules carefully and avoid making illegal U-turns outside the school or block driveways.

Please note that if children are not collected by 3.10pm they will be taken to the school office and parent/carer/emergency contact will be called.

Brunker Road Exit

Children who join this dismissal line will be exited via the gate on Brunker Road. A teacher will wait with the children until they are collected unless the arrangement is for them to walk directly home without a parent.

Please note that if children are not collected by 3.10pm they will be taken to the school office and parent/carer/emergency contact will be called.

Top Gate Exit

Children who join this dismissal line will be exited via the top gate under the Cola. A teacher will wait with the children until they are collected unless the arrangement is for them to walk directly home without a parent.

Please note that if children are not collected by 3.10pm they will be taken to the school office and parent/carer/emergency contact will be called.

Bottom Field gate

Children who join this dismissal line will be exited via the gate at the bottom of the field behind the church area. Please note a teacher does not wait with children at this exit.

The Diocese sets the amount of parental contribution towards the running of the Catholic system of education. An account is sent home to parents early in term 1 for the whole year.

School fees are an integral part of our Catholic School system. The school forwards a percentage of fees to the Catholic Schools Office to subsidise the allowance granted by the Government to help pay teachers’ salaries. The remainder is used to cover running costs. We depend entirely on the prompt payment of fees. 

Parents, who experience difficulties with the payment of fees, are asked to make an appointment with the Principal.

Fee Statements are emailed and can be paid via cheque, cash, B-PAY, Direct Debit and EFTPOS facilities are also available. Fees can be paid on a weekly, fortnightly, monthly, term or yearly basis. The first payment for the year is due by the end of March and fees are to be finalised by the end of November.

To assist us with the keeping of accurate attendance records we ask that if your child arrives after 9.00 am, or if you need to take your child home prior to 3.00 pm, that you complete a Late Arrivals / Early Leavers via the electronic kiosk at the office.

St Columba’s offers an inclusive education. The Learning Support Teacher (LST) and school Counsellor work in collaboration with the class teachers to meet the learning needs of every child. The LST assists with assessment, classroom support and in the provision of special programs within the school. Consultancy and support is also provided by the Student Support Unit (SSU) and the regional LS Education Officer.

The teacher-librarian conducts weekly library lessons on Wednesday and Thursday for classes during the term. As well as this a weekly book borrowing time is allocated for classes on Tuesday of each week. Students are required to have a library bag (sturdy) for borrowing. Parental help in the library is always welcomed and appreciated.

When administration of medication is necessary to support children during the course of a normal school day parents must:

1. Complete parent authority forms (available from school office)
2. Provide supporting documentation
3. Label all medication clearly

A policy statement, outlining procedures for dispensing medicines in schools in the Diocese of Maitland / Newcastle, is available from the school. If your child needs medication during the school day, please contact the School Office for the appropriate consent form.

Out of School Hours (OOSH) care is available at St Columba’s operated by St Nicholas OOSH. Please contact 0408 945 163 for more information.

School newsletters are distributed every second Thursday via Compass.

P & F Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month, commencing at 7.00 p.m. P & F Meetings provide an excellent opportunity to be involved in discussion on educational issues, fundraising for the school, and social events.

The Sacramental Programme is coordinated by the Parish Sacramental Team. The school supports this Team through the involvement of the Principal, Religious Education Coordinator and the class teachers. In general, children in Year 3 prepare for Reconciliation. Children in Year 4 will be confirmed and receive First Eucharist.

Parents will often have reason to contact the school during the day to pass on messages to their children—mostly about arrangements for afternoon pick-up. The protocol for messages is that parents should contact the school before 1:30pm (unless it is an emergency). Your message will be passed to the classroom via the class basket and on to your child via the class teacher.

The Catholic Schools Office is now undergoing a review of the reporting process to ensure that parents are well informed about their child’s progress, although the formal report will remain as twice per year. The current process is as follows: Parents will receive reports on their child’s progress as measured against the performance standards twice per year, towards the end of Term 2 and Term 4. Teachers are available to discuss reports if you have any questions. The school report will contain information on your child’s achievement in each of the strands for each Key Learning Area using a 5 - point scale:

A Outstanding Achievement: The student has extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition the student has achieved a very high level of competence and the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.

B High Achievement: The student has thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. In addition the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.

C Sound Achievement: The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.

D Basic Achievement: The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.

E Limited Achievement: The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in a few areas of content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.

St Columba’s has rules to protect rights and encourage responsibility. Fundamental to these rules is the principle of respect. As parents we want our children to develop a genuine respect for themselves, their classmates and for their teachers.

St Columba’s is utilizing the PBL(Positive Behaviours for Learning) framework across the school to promote positive choices and help to develop safe and supportive play and learning environments.

Introducing, modelling and reinforcing positive social behaviour is an important part of a student’s educational experience. Teaching behavioural expectations and rewarding students for following them is both proactive and positive. Each week, as part of the program, the classroom teachers will teach students expected behaviours. The same behaviours are taught across the school to help maintain uniformity and to ensure that all behaviours are taught throughout the year.

Students have a right to learn

                                       Teachers have a right to teach                                         

 Everyone has a right to be safe

All parents enjoy capturing those special moments on their camera or phone, especially at school events. Parents need to be aware that issues can arise around consent and privacy regarding other students who may be captured in a photograph. Legal and safety concerns often exist for certain students and/or families. Schools operate under the Privacy Act, so we seek general consent each year from parents before recording and sharing images of students.

We encourage safe, respectful photography practices. School staff will generally invite parents forward to take photos when it is appropriate to do so. Please remember:

• Crop out other students when posting photographs of school events online to friends    and family.

• Do not tag or name a student without the express permission from the other parents

• Comply with requests not to circulate images.

• Seek the permission of our staff to photograph or record activities at school

• The school may determine that recording at school events is restricted, like at a  school swimming carnival. Where a restriction has been placed on photography at a    school event, failure to comply may result in exclusion from the event or school  premises.

We will continue to be advised on the guidelines for the start of the 2022 school year, due to Covid 19, and will keep you informed as soon as we can.
Starting school is an important step in a young child’s life. Schools can sometimes be challenging places for new students with lots of children of different ages and new routines to learn. Your son or daughter needs lots of support from you before they start school and especially in the first few weeks. It can be a stressful time for parents too – especially if this is your first child attending.

So your child's first day is as enjoyable as possible ensure your family is prepared and allow time for your child to eat a balanced breakfast. Arrive at school 5–10 minutes before the bell so they have time to become settled. To help them to become secure, be positive and reassuring. Demonstrate your trust in the teacher and your enthusiasm about school and learning.

The school has already prepared for your child to attend. You won’t need to purchase anything (like pencils or books) for the first day as we have ordered supplies for your child. Listed below are some helpful tips for parents when preparing for the start of the school year:

Once your child is settled into school, a short and reassuring goodbye encourages independence.

• Be guided by your child's teacher who will use several strategies so that the first day/week is as stress-free as possible for students and parents!
• Look for your child’s Year 6 buddy to assist you when it’s time to leave.
• Choose a good school backpack – not too small. The school now sells good quality ergonomic backpacks in school colours for you to consider.
• Label all your child's belongings ▪ Encourage your child to dress themselves so they can manage things like taking jumpers or coats on and off at school.
• Help them with going to the toilet by themselves and ensure they can make their needs known to the teacher. Accidents can happen so a change of underwear can   help your school manage the accident with the least amount of fuss.
• Most schools enforce a 'no hat, no play policy' and recommend the regular use of broad spectrum water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin when     students are exposed to the sun.
• No umbrellas during wet weather: choose ponchos or raincoats instead as umbrellas can be cumbersome and dangerous in school settings.
  Head lice are a very common problem in schools. Head lice are annoying but not harmful to your child's health. However, to avoid an outbreak across a class of    students, we will request that parents remove and treat children with evidence of head lice. Alternately, parents are requested to notify the school if they notice  head lice when their child gets home.

Each school in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese has an allocated number of pupil-free
days to conduct staff professional development, staff spirituality or to update school
policies. On these days, pupils do not attend school.

A Student Information Update is sent home annually, usually early in Term I. It requests details including home address; home, work and mobile phone numbers; family composition; family doctor and emergency contact(s). It is the responsibility of the family to notify the school of any change in details during the year.

Our school is a Nude Food school! We encourage kids and parents to eat well and live well, and eliminate all unnecessary packaging and wrapping that goes into schools. Essentially, kids bring their food – nude! This will reduce the amount of rubbish that goes into the bins – and that goes into the landfill. It is a very simple concept that works well in other schools and empowers the kids to create change.

During recess and lunch, the students sit to eat their snacks and food and are then sent back to their bags to put away containers and spoons. The advantage for parents is that you can monitor exactly what your child eats or does not eat during the day. See some more tips on preparing school lunches below:

▪ Organise food and drink according to the timetabled breaks and explain to your child  that snack items are
  for the morning break and lunch items for the longer break.
▪ Let your child help prepare healthy lunches and snacks.
▪ Pack food that is ready and easy to eat and not too messy. Pre-cut items such as
  oranges, celery and carrot are ideal.
▪ Use a lunch box that keeps food cool and ensure all items are clearly labelled.
▪ Ensure your child can open containers and packaged food themselves.
▪ Try different types of breads, rolls or muffins for variety.
▪ Limit sweets, chips and treats.
▪ Water could be flavoured with a slice of lemon or orange
▪ St Columba’s is a nut free school, please don’t send nut products with your child

Eligibility for free Government Bus travel is determined using a 1.6km distance
measured on a radius from the centre of the school site, rather than by the nearest
practicable walking route. The only exception is in respect of Infants pupils who are
eligible, irrespective of the distance from home to school, and those pupils who live within the 1.6km radius but who are required to walk more than 2.3km because of the nature of the street system or the terrain. Free bus passes for eligible pupils may be obtained upon completion of an application form which can be obtained from
the school secretary. The loss of a bus pass must be reported to Newcastle Buses. A replacement bus pass will be issued upon payment of a set fee.

To check on the bus routes that service the school, please contact Newcastle Buses or look up on the web under www.newcastlebuses.com.au

Parents would all agree that a well-designed school uniform can have a high visual impact as well as make very positive statement about our school’s values. A uniform also creates a sense of unity among the students.
We encourage our students to take pride in their appearance and to dress in the correct uniform always.
St Columba’s school uniforms are purchased through our supplier, BME based at Broadmeadow. Uniforms are ordered via QKR. There will also be occasions when parents will be prompted and offered orders prior to the changeover of winter and summer uniforms. The garments are of high quality and are supplied at a reasonable cost. We need your support in maintaining the school’s excellent standard of uniform by purchasing all uniform items through this supplier.

General Points about School Uniform:

• Uniforms are ordered via the QKR App . You will be notified in the newsletter of uniform changeover dates (summer/winter). Parents can purchase the school’s  tunics, dresses, shorts, shirts, polo shirts, jumpers, jackets, track suits, trousers, hats and socks. School Backpacks will be made available as an optional extra.
• Students are encouraged to take responsibility for a neat, clean and tidy uniform e.g. polish their own school shoes.
• No nail polish or hair colouring is permitted at St Columba’s.
• Hair is to be neat and well groomed. Hair may not be dyed nor worn in a style that is extreme or inappropriate for school; e.g. words/symbols shaved into the hairline. Long hair must be secured back from the face for safety and hygiene. Hair bands or ribbons in school colours only (navy or gold).
• If ears are pierced ONLY one pair or plain gold or silver studs or sleepers may be worn. A plain watch only is acceptable.
• All clothing and belongings should be clearly labelled.
• Wearing of the school hat is compulsory.
• Shoes: black leather, tongued, traditional-style school shoes that can be polished. Suede or canvass shoes are not acceptable. Sports shoes should be predominantly white.
• Parents are requested to provide a note of explanation should a child be unable to wear part of the uniform for any reason.

SCHOOL HAT: The school hat is compulsory and must be worn as part of our school uniform. Replacement hats are available from the school office at any time. The school employs a ‘No Hat – Play in The Shade’ policy
GIRL’S SUMMER: Blue check short-sleeved dress with Peter Pan collar; Black leather school traditional-style shoes with white ankle-length socks (no sockets) or Grey Skort with Blue Peter Pan collar shirt.
GIRL’S WINTER: Tartan pinafore or Navy Gabardine slacks. A long-sleeved white cotton school shirt (stand-up collar) is worn under the pinafore. Navy V-neck school jumper with navy Microfibre jacket (school logo) over for colder weather. Black, leather, traditional-style shoes that can be polished. White ankle-length socks or navy tights and tie.
GIRL’S SPORT: Navy and sky polo shirt with white trim & and school logo; navy unisex microfiber shorts; predominantly white sport shoes with white laces with white ankle-length socks (no sockets); navy blue microfibre track suit is worn over the top of sports uniform during winter.
BOYS SUMMER: “School Blue” short-sleeved shirt; grey cotton shorts, black leather, traditional shoes that can be polished with ankle-length grey socks.
BOYS WINTER: “School Blue” long-sleeved school shirt stand-up collar; grey permanent-press trousers; navy V-neck school jumper with microfibre jacket (school logo) for colder weather. Black leather traditional shoes that can be polished with ankle-length grey socks and tie.
BOY’S SPORT: Navy and sky polo shirt with white trim & and school logo; navy unisex microfiber shorts; predominantly white sport shoes with white laces with white ankle-length socks (no sockets); navy blue microfibre track suit is worn over the top of sports uniform during winter.

Uniform options are available to all students regardless of gender.

All visitors and volunteers must sign in and out of the school using the Electronic Kiosk at the office. A visitor sticker is to be completed and worn whilst on school grounds.

Parents are partners in the learning journey of their children. St Columba’s Primary School Adamstown welcomes opportunities to work with you in educating your child. Parent support of the teachers by involvement in the classroom, in school excursions and in sport is encouraged.

Volunteers have a significant role in the life of the school but also play an integral role in providing a safe and enjoyable environment for students. When working with children volunteers are expected to model safety, respect, support and ethical standards in relation to conduct and communication. This means that they should behave honestly, act with care and diligence and behave and dress appropriately. Most of all, volunteers should think and act safety.

Volunteers need to also adhere to the visitor process:

All visitors and volunteers must sign in and out of the school using the Electronic Kiosk at the office. A visitor sticker is to be completed and worn whilst on school grounds.

To volunteer at the school you need to complete the Working with Children process with the diocese. Having a working with children check/number does not mean you are cleared to volunteer.
Please see the link below to do this if you are happy to.

https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/families-communities/volunteers/

ST COLUMBA’S CODE OF CONDUCT FOR VOLUNTEERS

To ensure quality of education and the maintenance of the Catholic ethos within our school, we respectfully request that all volunteers abide by the following Code of Conduct:

PLEASE ensure the teacher has informed you fully as to what role you are undertaking.

PLEASE remain within sight of the teacher-in-charge at all times when working with students.

PLEASE inform the teacher of any issues that you consider need to be addressed.

PLEASE enjoy yourself and be assured that your role within the school is highly valued.

PLEASE be positive in your words and actions.

PLEASE respect the confidentiality that is inherent in any role within a school. It is particularly important that parents do not communicate observations about children’s work habits, social behaviour or academic achievement to anyone other than the teaching staff of our school.

PLEASE notify the school if you are unable to attend at a rostered time.

PLEASE be sensitive to the confidential nature of material that may be within the confines of the school office, and check with staff as to appropriate areas of access.
PLEASE refrain from purchasing/giving treats, (e.g. food or drinks), for the children unless requested to do so by the teacher in charge.

DISCONTINUATION OF SERVICES
Although St Columba’s Primary School is not limited to the reasons above, a volunteer can be asked to discontinue their services for the following:

• Breach of confidentiality,
• Violation of school rules, policies, and regulations,
• Physical or emotional stress which incapacitates the volunteer,
• Inability to co-operate and work effectively with school staff and students,
• Erratic or unreliable attendance or behaviour,
• Establishing inappropriate relations with any student.

The Catholic Schools Office promotes an absolute commitment to the safety, welfare and well-being of all children, particularly those attending the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. “Protecting children is one of our most sacred trusts.” (Bishop Bill Wright, 2012) Diocesan schools comply with a range of state legislation designed to protect children, including: The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protect) Act 1998; The Ombudsman Act 1974 (Part 3A) and the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

There are also key Church guidelines that promote the protection of children, including:

▪ Towards Healing: Principles and procedures in responding to complaints of abuse (2010)
▪ Integrity in the Service of the Church: A Resource Document of Principles and  Standards for Lay Workers
 The Catholic Schools Office has specific policies and standards to heighten the  protection of children, including:
▪ Reporting Concerns for Children or People with a Disability Policy No. 2.0,
▪ The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Investigations Policy No. 1.3,
▪ Child Protection Code of Professional Standards for Catholic School Employees

In 2005 the Diocese established a centralised, expert child protection team, now known as Zimmerman Services, which oversees child protection practices across the whole Diocese, including the Catholic Schools Office and all our Catholic schools. The Diocese’s child protection practices include a range of preventative services as well as responding to allegations of abuse. You can find out more about Zimmerman Services at: http://www.mn.catholic.org.au/agencies-services/child-protection

1.PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

1.1 Screening

The Catholic Schools Office is working with the Office of the Children’s Guardian to implement the new Working with Children Check Clearance (‘Clearance’). Before anybody is engaged in ‘child-related work’ (as a paid employee, self-employed contractor or volunteer) they must provide the Diocese with a valid Clearance number. Catholic Schools Office verifies the person’s status through an online service provided by the Children’s Guardian before they are allowed to commence work. The Office of the Children’s Guardian determines whether a potential or current employee poses a risk to children. Anybody who is considered to pose a ‘real and appreciable risk’ to children will be the subject of an interim or final bar from the Office of the Children’s Guardian. People who are the subject of an interim or final bar are not be allowed to work in a Catholic school or other child-related work in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
There is a staged roll out of the new Clearance for existing employees, with schools due to be completed by 31 December 2017.

1.2 Training

The Catholic Schools Office requires that all employed staff complete a full day of child protection training presented by Zimmerman Services. Further, principals and assistant principals provide regular child protection updates and reminders as part of the schools in-service training and professional development. By 2016 the Catholic Schools Office and the Diocesan Child Protection Unit will be introducing on line training for all school personnel to be refreshed annually. Face-to-face training will also continue.

2. RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE IN DIOCESAN SCHOOLS
2.1 Reporting: Staff in Diocesan schools are mandatory reporters. This means they are lawfully required to report to the Community Services Helpline if they have reasonable grounds to suspect a child is at risk of significant harm from abuse or neglect and those grounds are identified in the course of, or from the person’s work. Also the Reporting Concerns for Children or People with a Disability Policy obliges all members of the Diocese to report any child protection concerns to their supervisor or Principal to be assessed as possible risk of significant harm reports to the Helpline. Zimmerman Services or School Principals will contact NSW Police if they believe a criminal act has occurred. As parents of children attending a Diocesan school you are encouraged to discuss any child protection concerns you have with your school’s principal, assistant principal, year advisor or the Parent Liaison Officer. If you believe your concerns are not being addressed appropriately, you have the right to contact Zimmerman Services directly (Ph. 4979 1390 during office hours). As parents you also have the right to report your concerns to the Community Services Helpline or NSW Police at any time you believe it appropriate.

2.2 Investigating: All allegations of child abuse or neglect are taken seriously by the Diocese. Where the alleged conduct involves a person working for the Catholic Schools Office or a diocesan school (including employees and volunteers) the allegations are investigated at a level commensurate with the seriousness of the allegations. When an allegation is made, a thorough risk assessment is conducted and appropriate interim safety measures may be put in place. The Diocese will provide all cooperation to Police or Community Services if the allegation is investigated by statutory authorities. The Diocese will not commence an investigation till statutory investigations are completed. Where the alleged misconduct is deemed minor, the Principal of the school, oversighted by Zimmerman Services, may undertake a local investigation. Where the alleged conduct is more serious, a specialist investigator from Zimmerman Services will conduct the investigation. This investigation may be oversighted by the NSW Ombudsman.
If your child is a witness or otherwise involved in such an investigation, Zimmerman Services will contact you as the parent, explain what is happening and request your permission to interview your child. Zimmerman Services prefers to interview your child at home with you present. Child protection investigations are confidential. As parents you will only be advised of an investigation or the outcome of an investigation if there is a legitimate need to know. As a parent, you will also be expected to respect that confidentiality.

Complaints Resolution for Parents and Carers (2019 Policy & Procedure)
These procedures outline a consistent approach to deal with and manage complaints made to or about school. An information brochure and further details are available from the school or the Catholic Schools Office.
Step by Step
There is a 5-step process to help you and the school reach an outcome that is in the best interests of your child. You must go through each step before progressing to the next. The five steps are:

1. Discuss your complaint with the class teacher
Most complaints should be resolved at the local level. The teacher will make a record of your complaint and report your meeting and any outcomes to the school Principal.
Contact the school to make an appointment with your child's teacher. (You should speak directly to the Principal if your complaint relates to general school matters or school policy. You should speak to the Family Liaison Team if your complaint is about a school Principal.)

2. Discuss your complaint with the Principal or their delegate
If you can't resolve your concerns after speaking to your child's teacher, you can raise your complaint with the school Principal. The Principal, or their delegate, may also be able to help you and the teacher resolve the problem if you were not able to after your initial discussion.
Complaints to the Principal can be submitted in person, by telephone, in writing or via email.

3. Contact the CSO Family Liaison Team
If you have not reached a resolution through steps 1 and 2, you should contact the CSO Family Liaison Team. You can lodge your complaint in person, by telephone, in writing, or online.
Your complaint should outline the steps you have taken to resolve the issue and include your full name and address. You should also sign and date it, and it’s a good idea to keep a copy of any correspondence for your own records.
Your name and the nature of your complaint will be sent to the Principal of your school. A representative from the Family Liaison Team will then work with you and your school to seek a resolution.
Anonymous complaints will only be acted on if enough information has been provided to allow for follow-up with the relevant school Principal.

4. Contact the Director of Schools
If your issue has not been resolved through the above process, or if you would like a review of the complaint outcome because you have information that the complaint outcome was incorrect and/or the complaint handling process was unfair, you can lodge your request with the Director of Schools.
Your request must be in writing addressed to the Director of Schools and must be made within 10 working days from the initial complaint decision. Your request should outline the steps you have taken to resolve the issue, the reasons for the request for review, and include your full name and address. You should also sign and date it, and it’s a good idea keep a copy of any correspondence for your own records.
If your complaint relates to the Director of Schools, you may submit a request for review of the complaint outcome to the Bishop.
5. Independent review

You may seek advice from an external agency where relevant. The Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People provides a useful guide: https://www.acyp.nsw.gov.au/info/making-a-complaint.
The CSO may cease dealing with the complaint while an external process is under way.