Staff Essential Information

External Communications

Dealing with the media

When Mazenod College issues a media release or initiates contact with the media we will nominate individuals who are specifically authorised to talk to the media about the issue at hand. No one else is authorised to speak to the media on behalf of Mazenod College except the nominated spokesperson. When the media approach the College for a story or as part of an investigation, we need to be careful the right person responds. The staff authorised to speak with the media is the Principal or a nominated spokesperson delegated by the Principal.

Communication between students and staff

Two-way communication between students and staff is an important aspect of school life. The College welcomes and encourages students to engage in conversation with all members of staff within the school. When communicating with a member of staff students should:

• Stand in front of the member of staff they are speaking with and make eye contact;

• Address the member of staff using their formal name e.g. Fr Harry, never referring to a member of staff by their first name;

• Be respectful, do not talk over, raise voice or walk away before the conversation has ended.

• When communicating with students it is preferred that staff use students’ first names.

• When referring to fellow staff members in front of students, staff should use full names and titles. (Mr Surname and Ms/Mrs Surname).

Students may also email staff on their school accounts in relation to their learning. All students are taught email protocol:

• Complete the subject line.

• Use Ms/Mrs/Mr/Dr and Surname as salutation.

• Use standard English.

• Avoid abbreviations;

• Sign off with Thank you or Kind Regards. Correspondence is to always remain professional. Staff are never permitted to use personal email accounts when communicating with students. Students are expected to check their emails daily and delete/archive regularly.