Purpose
The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to describe minimum standards of conduct in all behaviour and decision making to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
Application
The Code applies to staff, students, volunteers, parents and guardians as applicable. The term ‘parents’ includes guardians.
Introduction
You acknowledge the inherent vulnerability of the students in your care.
You recognise that the safety and well-being of students depends upon your vigilance and diligence and the vigilance and diligence of all adults.
The Code does not give you detailed professional advice on specific behaviour. Rather, it describes the minimum requirements expected of you.
The Guidelines are illustrative and not an exhaustive list of the behaviours covered by the Code.
If your behaviour varies from the standards described in this Code and Guidelines, you should be prepared to explain and justify your decisions and actions.
While mandatory language such as ‘must’, ‘shall’ and ‘will’ is not used throughout the Code, there is a presumption the conduct described is mandatory and therefore not discretionary.
Breaches of the Code must be notified to the Principal and it is a breach of the Code not to do so.
A breach of the Code may constitute a failure to follow a lawful direction from the Principal and therefore the Principal will have the discretion as to what action to take, which may include counselling, professional development or sanctions under any agreement between you and the Principal. If you are a parent, volunteer or visitor, the Principal may take such action as is appropriate in your circumstances to maintain the safety and well-being of students.
The Principal must notify the appropriate authorities of any breach of the Code that was deliberately undertaken with the aim of befriending and establishing an emotional connection with a student, to lower the student’s inhibitions in preparation for engaging in sexual activity with the student.
The Principal expects you to conduct yourself personally and professionally in a way that maintains public trust and confidence in your school and the Church.
You have a responsibility to students and their family, other members of the school community and the wider community to provide and support safe and competent education and care of students.
You will do your best to support other members of the school community to comply with the Code.
In cases of conflict between parts of the Code, between the Code and other school policies, or in any decision making choices, you give priority to the outcome that will be in the best interests of the safety and well-being of the child.
Conduct Statements
I will act safely and competently.
I will give priority to students’ safety and well-being in all my behaviour and decision making.
I will act in accordance with the values of the Gospel as defined in the Code of Ethical Conduct.
I will conduct myself in accordance with laws, agreements, policies and standards relevant to your relationship with the school community.
I will respect the dignity, culture, values and beliefs of each member of the school community.
I will treat personal information about members of the school community as private and confidential.
I will give impartial, honest and accurate information about the education, safety and well-being of students.
I will support all members of the school community in making informed decisions about students.
I will promote and preserve the trust and privilege inherent in my relationship with all members of the school community.
I will maintain and build on the community’s trust and confidence in Catholic schools and the Church.
I will act reflectively and ethically.
I will allow students to have a voice in their education, safety and well-being.
The Code of Conduct can be found on our Policies and Procedures pages on our website.
Any breaches of the Code of Conduct must be emailed to the Principal Mr Paul Watson at principal@emmanuel.wa.edu.au