Student Code of Conduct
At Doncaster Secondary College our objective is to create and maintain a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where students are empowered to learn through high expectations and opportunities for growth. When considering behaviour, students are guided by our core values of respect, responsibility, resilience and teamwork.
College expectations ensure effective operations, and that all members of our school community are safe and respected. A more detailed description of rules and responsibilities are provided in our student planner for student and staff reference.
Positive Classroom Management
Planned classroom management creates safe and supportive learning environments for all students. Building positive connections and reinforcing the expectations, routines and rules of the classroom are key to a calm and effective learning environment. At Doncaster Secondary College we utilise an entry and exit routine for all classes. These routines at the start and finish of every class provides a safe, predictable and organised approach to learning.
Teachers use the 5R’s Classroom Management Model in conjunction with school wide positive behaviour supports to create a safer, more purposeful learning environment supporting student learning, wellbeing and behaviour.
Attendance
Doncaster Secondary College is committed to processes that ensures that students and families are supported by the school to maximise learning growth. Attendance is a part of this important work.
Attendance is linked to key educational and life outcomes, and we wish to partner with all families to support each child’s attendance.
We also know that students are healthy and happier when they have the routine of school. Our Wellbeing Team is extensive and here to support students and families that need it to keep attendance percentages positive.
If your child has been away for more than five (5) days, you should expect contact from the respective Year Level Team, regarding supports and interventions.
90% attendance is required for students to achieve a satisfactory result in all units and subjects across Year 10 to 12. The 90% attendance standard is reinforced throughout the academic year. If your child is absent from school, a medical certificate is required.
Students develop good habits by going to school every day – habits that are necessary to succeed after school, whether in the workplace or in further study.
Missing school can have a big impact on students academically and socially. It can affect their learning growth and, just as importantly, it can affect their relationships with other students, and lead to social isolation.
There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind and can affect their educational outcomes
Anti Bullying, Harassment & Child Safety
Doncaster Secondary College is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which individuals respect each other’s rights. All members of the College community have the right to work and study in an environment which is free from harassment.
Our college motto is: Working together, learning together. We do this by respecting that which makes us different and calling out bullying.
Bullying complaints will be taken seriously and responded to sensitively at our college. All reported incidences will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. Students who bully will be expected to modify their behaviour and will be counselled. Interventions, support and disciplinary measures are outlined in the College’s Wellbeing and Engagement Policy. Serious bullying, including serious cyberbullying, is a criminal offence and may be referred to Victoria Police.
Child Safety
All members of our school community have a responsibility to care for children and young people, to positively promote their wellbeing and protect them from any kind of harm or abuse.
If you are worried about child abuse, there are people you can talk to. At Doncaster Secondary College we promote the reporting of any concerns related to child safety. If you have a concern you should report to a parent or relative, a teacher, or someone who works at the school.
Listed below are services that can be contacted for more information, and in some cases, you can speak to somebody about your concerns.
Kids Helpline
For any time and for any reason – free, private and confidential phone and online counselling 24 hrs a day 7 days a week.
Phone: 1800 551 800
counsellor@kidshelpline.com.au https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Headspace Hawthorn
Headspace can help if you are aged 12 or over and you are going through a tough time. You can talk to someone at Headspace on the phone, online or in person.
Phone: 9006 6500
Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (ECASA)
Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault provide services to child and adult victims/survivors of sexual assault. The assault may have occurred recently or in the past.
Phone: 1800 806 292
www.easternhealth.org.au/services/item/174-eastern-centre-against-sexual-assault-ecasa
Youthlaw
Free and confidential legal advice. Phone: 9113 9500
1800RESPECT
A 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line.
Phone: 1800 737 732
1800respect.org.au
The Orange Door (Inner Eastern Melbourne)
A free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence.
Phone: 1800 354 322