Student Code of Conduct
Student Code of Conduct
Introduction
Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School (the School) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all members of our community
Students are expected to understand that all behaviour has consequences Unacceptable behaviour may result in responses such as reminders, warnings, loss of privileges, suspension or expulsion and may involve communication with parents and additional support for students.
Breaches of this Code may be managed in accordance with the School’s Behaviour Development Policy. The School aims to respond to all matters fairly, consistently and in consideration of individual circumstances
All members of the School community are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, respect others and act in line with the School’s Lutheran values
This Code outlines the expectations for student behaviour when at school, participating in school activities, and engaging with members of the School community.
The School is committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all students and has zero tolerance for child abuse, bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Scope
This code applies to all students currently enrolled at the School (students).
This Code applies at School, at School-related activities, when travelling to and from School, in the School’s digital environment, and at any time where a student’s behaviour may impact the safety, wellbeing or reputation of the School community
To the extent of any inconsistency between this code and any of the School’s other policies, procedures and rules, the expectations and processes set out in this code shall prevail In this respect, this code should be regarded as an overarching summary of the School’s expectations of students.
Roles and responsibilities
Students, parents and staff are responsible for supporting this code to enable students to develop positive attributes and core values.
Staff members are also responsible for promoting positive attributes and core values to students and staff through educating and modelling those behaviours and enforcing the School’s codes of conduct
Acceptable conduct
The School is focused on helping students develop behaviours which contribute positively to the communities they belong to, including the school community Students are expected to demonstrate the School’s values of Excellence, Service, Compassion, Confidence and Community when interacting with staff, other students, parents and the wider School community
Students are expected to:
• treat all students, staff, contractors, volunteers, parents and visitors with respect, courtesy and fairness
• value and respect the individual differences, abilities, cultures, beliefs and perspectives of others
• communicate in a clear, friendly, responsible and respectful manner at all times, including in online environments
• listen respectfully and be open to the views of others
• act with integrity and take responsibility for their own behaviour
• positively participate in all aspects of school life and support the learning of others
• aspire to achieve their personal best and meet assessment requirements to the best of their ability
• cooperate with teaching and learning processes in the classroom and approach their studies seriously
• seek assistance when needed and respond constructively to feedback from staff
• comply with all reasonable directions given by School staff
• use School facilities, services and resources appropriately
• respect the property of the School and the property of others
• behave in a sensible and safe manner that does not endanger themselves or others
• comply with all School policies, including those relating to safety and wellbeing
• be punctual and attend all classes and required activities
• wear the School uniform correctly and maintain appropriate standards of personal presentation and hygiene
• behave in a manner that upholds and promotes the reputation of the School, including when wearing uniform or representing the School in public
• uphold the School’s core values at all times
• respect the privacy of others
• listen respectfully during classes, assemblies and all School activities, events and public occasions
• act as a positive role model to others within the School community
• speak up and report unsafe, inappropriate or concerning behaviour, and act as an upstander rather than a bystander
Students must not:
• engage in behaviour that is unsafe, aggressive or harmful to themselves or others, including any form of violence, intimidation, bullying or harassment
• consistently disrupt teaching, learning or School activities, or fail to follow reasonable directions from staff
• treat others unfairly, disrespectfully or in a derogatory or offensive manner, including in online environments
• exclude others or act in a way that undermines the dignity, wellbeing or inclusion of any member of the School community
• use technology or social media inappropriately, including taking or sharing images, videos or content without consent, or posting material that may harm individuals or the School
• breach the privacy of others, including sharing personal information without consent
• possess, use or be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or vaping products at school or school-related activities
• bring weapons or unsafe, dangerous or inappropriate items to school
Use of phones and technology
Phones, smart watches and other electronic devices with connectivity capability such as phone calls or messaging must be given to a staff member at the start of the day and collected at the end of the day Wearable devices like smart watches, can be worn throughout the school day, if connectivity is disabled during school hours 8:50am–3:30pm.
Wearable devices are not to be brought to school camps when students are participating in school activities outside of regular school hours.
When using social media
Students recognise the potential for damage to be caused, directly or indirectly, to the School and others as a result of their personal use of social media, especially in circumstances when they can be identified as a student of the School
The school supports that children under the age of 16 are not to engage in personal social media use that conflicts with current wellbeing and safety recommendations
When using social media and online accounts, students must:
• show respect, kindness and care towards others in all online interactions
• act with honesty and integrity in everything they post, share or say online
• communicate in a way that reflects the School’s values and supports a positive online environment
• use social media responsibly and in line with the School’s policies and expectations
• respect the privacy of others and keep personal or confidential information safe
• ensure that anything they post or share does not harm others or the reputation of the School
• represent the School appropriately when they can be identified as a student
• not create accounts or content that suggest they are officially representing the School without permission
• seek support from a trusted adult rather than using social media to raise concerns or complaints about the School
• speak up or report online behaviour that is unsafe, inappropriate or harmful
Students must not post on social media defamatory, offensive, inappropriate or other material that may damage the reputation of the School This includes not disparaging the School’s Christian teaching or acting in a manner which is disrespectful or contradictory to the School’s Christian ethos. Students understand that the School may remove or report to the eSafety Commissioner any post on social media that breaches this requirement.
Making a complaint
When making a complaint to the School, students are required to act in a manner consistent to the Student Code of Conduct.
Disputes between students and the School are dealt with on an individual case basis. The normal procedure is through the School’s Complaints and Grievances Policy If a student is unable to resolve a grievance, he or she may seek resolution through discussion with the Assistant Principal –Operations and Student Management
If a respondent or their parents are unhappy with the application of this Code, they should raise the issue in accordance with the procedure set out in the School’s Complaints and Grievances Policy.
Breaches
Students should report any cases of behaviour in breach of the Student Code of Conduct to a teacher or staff member in confidence.
Any person may notify the Principal of a possible breach of the Student Code of Conduct.
The Assistant Principal – Operations and Student Management (or their representative) will investigate the complaint in line with the School’s Student Behaviour Development Policy to determine whether there has been a breach of the Student Code of Conduct or other policy Any investigation conducted will provide procedural fairness as detailed in the School’s Student Behaviour Development Policy. This includes giving students and those involved an opportunity to respond and consideration of evidence The School’s general response process involves:
• understanding a concern
• investigating the concern
• imposing outcomes (where applicable)
• monitoring or reviewing areas for improvement (where applicable)
If satisfied that a breach has occurred, the Principal, Assistant Principal – Operations and Student Management, or their representative may implement disciplinary action against the respondent such as a warning, direction to provide an apology, exclusion from extra-curricular programs, suspension from the School grounds for a period of time, or termination of enrolment. Any decision made under this clause will be made in line with the School’s Student Behaviour Development Policy
The School reserves the right to vary disciplinary procedures for a particular misdemeanour by weighing the interests of individual students against those of the wider School community.
The School keeps records of student behavioural concerns for its internal purposes. Records can include a range of documents, including records of interviews, meetings with parent(s), internal correspondence with other staff and relevant images or documents that may be obtained during the course of the investigation
In accordance with applicable legislation, the police or relevant government department will be informed of any unlawful breaches of the Student Code of Conduct
Related policies and procedures
• Student Behaviour Development Policy
• Enrolment Contract (including the Enrolment Terms and Conditions)
• Enrolment Policy
• Managing Complaints and Grievances Policy and Procedure
• Privacy Policy
• ICT and eSafety Policy
Review
This policy will be reviewed every three years, or as required by legislation
Date approved: June 2026
Date for review: June 2029
Reviewed by: School Board