Policies – Geraldton Senior High School

Every organisation, being a work place or school, has a set of policies to guide the internal actions of those involved. Geraldton Senior High School is no different. We understand that the text can be lengthy but we feel it is important to provide you with this information so that you understand the way we operate and what is required of your child in regards to behaviour and education. Policies are reviewed year to year and will be updated when required. Please take the time to become familiar with the policies and procedures to know what to expect if a related situation arises.

Parent Information Booklet 2022

Student Mobile Phones

Commencing in 2020, the Education Department has announced a new ‘off and away all day’ policy that doesn’t permit the student use of mobile phones in public schools unless for medical or teacher directed educational purpose.

At Geraldton Senior High School mobile phones are banned for all students from the time they arrive at school until the conclusion of the school day.

Students are only permitted to use a mobile phone during the school day to monitor a health condition as part of a school approved documented health care plan.

Students at Geraldton Senior High School are permitted to be in possession of their mobile phone during the school day, however, mobile phones must be turned off and neither seen nor heard; ‘Off and away all day’ includes before school and at break times.

For the purposes of this policy, ‘mobile phones’ includes smart watches, other electronic communication devices, and associated listening accessories, such as, but not limited to, headphones and ear buds.

Smart watches are required to be in ‘aeroplane mode’ so phone calls and messages cannot be sent or received during the school day.

All communication between parents and students, during school hours, should occur via the school’s administration.

Breaches to the Mobile Phone Policy have consequences which are determined by the offence.

Please find ‘Breaches of Mobile Phone Policy‘ here

BYOD – Bring You Own Device

Geraldton Senior High School allows students in all year levels to bring their own laptop or tablet device to connect to the school network. Please note: Mobile phones are not considered a device in this program and fall under a separate policy.

Student and Parent / Carer Responsibilities

Students to be reminded that BYOD is an amendment/appendix of the Network Usage Agreement at Geraldton Senior High School and that the Network Usage Agreement must be strictly followed at all times.
Ensure the BYOD device is a supported device and meets the minimum Geraldton Senior High School BYOD standards of requirements.
Ensure the device is properly looked after and stored securely. Please note that Geraldton Senior High School does not provide secure storage for devices.
Ensure the device’s system is current and up to date (all current updates installed, and patched correctly)
Ensure the device has some form of anti-virus software installed.
It is the student’s responsibility to maintain a backup of all-important data used on their device.
Students to ensure that the device has the appropriate student office software installed, including Microsoft Office or equivalent (Pages, Keynote, Numbers, Open Office etc.). At no times will the school provide any licensed Department of Education software.
Students must ensure the device is fully charged prior to the commencement of school each day.
Students must sign the amended Geraldton Senior High School Network Usage Agreement which outlines the terms and conditions for BYOD.
Students must be aware that devices are to be used only under strict guidance from the teacher and should only be switched on when asked to do so. Moreover, devices are not to be used inappropriately during break times or in breach of the school rules.
Students must understand that they are solely responsible for the device and that lost, stolen or damaged devices are not the responsibility of the school.
Students to ensure that the only connection used on campus is the Geraldton Senior High School Wireless or Wi-Fi network and that no cellular (mobile data) or ‘tethering’ connections are to occur.

Misuse of Devices

If the student’s device has been misused or any of the BYOD protocols have been broken the device may be confiscated and handed in to the Deputy Principal/Student Services for the student to collect after school.
Further breaches will result in a consultation with staff which could lead to revoking of network or BYOD privileges.

Platform and Device Support
Laptops
o Mac OS X 10.7 or higher
o Windows 7 or higher

Tablets and Smart Devices
o Apple iOS devices
o Android 4.0 or higher
Speak with Mr Puzzar in Student Services for more information and the paperwork required to be signed up to BYOD!

Assessment

All aspects of assessments comply with guidelines established by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. The assessment policy covers:

requirements to complete courses and what happens in the event of an unforseen circumstance
how students can show reliability of their work and consequences of plagiarism and late submission
procedures regarding transfer of courses and school during the year
modification to course assessments based on ability and cultural beliefs
assessment review and appeals process

Please refer to the Parent Information Booklet for the full policy wording. If you require any clarification or would like to discuss a particular case, please contact the school on 08 9965 8400.

Homework

Homework and home study improve performance and foster success. At a senior school level it is appropriate that both be undertaken.

Homework is set by teachers for students to:

Complete work started in class
Work on and complete assignments
Practice work already dealt with in class
Cover certain sections of a course on their own

Home study is set by students. It involves:

Practice
Extension
Memorisation

By completing homework and home study a student can develop independent learning skills and produce higher levels of achievement.

Please refer to the Parent Information Booklet for more information about homework and home study expectations and how to develop great habits.

Excursions

Excursions are a great tool to enhance learning in a stimulating environment. There are many benefits including gaining life experience and personal development. The possibilities are endless.

A wide variety of excursions are conducted at the High School. Each excursion is carefully planned by teachers and approved by the principal. Safety is paramount and a comprehensive plan is put in place. All excursions follow Department of Education guidelines.

Costs of excursions are kept at a minimum and parental consent is required for all excursions. Communications regarding the details of the excursion are provided in writing.

Please feel free to contact the school or the appropriate teacher to discuss the particulars about an excursion.

Dress Code

Uniforms are available from Total Uniforms (2B Jensen St, Geraldton).

Please note the new uniform policy states the requirements of our daily uniform:

(Year 7-10) Navy and sky blue polo shirt with GSHS logo
(Year 11-12) Navy and white polo shirt with GSHS logo
Navy shorts with GSHS embroidery
Navy tracksuit pants with GSHS embroidery
Navy jacket with GSHS logo
Navy trousers (defined style/brand from Total Uniforms)
Enclosed shoes, suitable for sport and practical classes
Program specific shirt (i.e. Midwest Clontarf Academy, STEP, Music Ensemble) with GSHS logo
Leavers jacket of current year
Religious dress in school colours
Broad brimmed hats recommended when outdoors but must be removed indoors (navy blue broad brimmed hat – optional and available from Total Uniforms)
Appropriate sporting shirt, shorts or pants and shoes for Physical Education classes
Appropriate personal protective equipment is to be worn where required

Year 12 formal uniform (can be worn everyday but required for formal events including assemblies and Valedictory):

White collared shirt
School tie
Navy blue trousers (defined style/ brand from Total Uniforms)
Black shoes preferred

Items that are not permitted to be worn at school include:

GSC uniforms
Hoodies
Extra jumper under the school jacket
Beanies
Board shorts or beach wear
Thongs and other non-enclosed shoes
Visible, coloured undergarments such as t-shirts, bathers, boxer shorts, bras
Denim clothing

It is inappropriate for students to wear excessive make-up, jewellery or piercings at school. Any jewellery or piercing must comply with the occupational health and safety requirements of the environment.

Upon enrolment students, who for religious or health reasons, may apply to modify the school Dress Code. Please speak with the enrolment officer for further details.

The Dress Code is monitored on a daily basis. Non-compliance can affect whether a student is eligible to attend or participate in school events. Unless otherwise instructed, students are asked to wear school uniforms on excursions. Students refusing to follow the dress code will not be permitted to enter the school cafeteria – students can access an external service window for purchases. Students not in full school dress code will be directed to a designated part of the school for their recess and lunch break times. Ongoing non-adherence to the dress code will require a parent/student meeting with the college administration.

If you require any clarification or would like to discuss a particular case, please contact the school on 08 9965 8400.

Complaints

All complaints are resolved in a prompt and efficient manner with a high standard of professionalism.

Complaints can be made verbally or in writing. Written complaints should be addressed as follows:

“Private and Confidential”
Ms Emma Walker, Principal
PMB 10100
GERALDTON WA 6531

Please describe the complaint including your name and address. Include what a possible resolution could be along with copies of any relevant documentation.

In the case of a verbal complaint, where you do not want to be identified or to lodge the complaint in writing, we will endeavour to work directly with you to resolve the matter.

If you are not satisfied with our attempts to resolve your complaint, you may wish to express your concerns to the Regional Executive Director. To do this contact:

Regional Executive Director
Mid West Regional Education Office
PO Box 63
GERALDTON WA 6531

If you require any clarification or would like to discuss a particular case, please contact the school on 08 9965 8400.

Bullying

At Geraldton Senior High School we look to establish a culture of openness where students who are feeling bullied can come and speak with appropriate links at the school.

Orientation days are held at the beginning of each year for incoming Year 10 students where they meet members of staff who are trained in this area and can help all students throughout the year to diffuse situations.

We operate with a pastoral care model to provide students with support from Form Teachers, Student Services, School Psychologist, Chaplain, Nurse and Aboriginal & Islander Education Officers. All staff engages in professional learning to develop their skills and knowledge of behaviour management techniques.

Our staff are passionate about working with young adults at a senior school level and are available to help whenever someone needs a hand.

“I’ll stop doing what I’m doing to help,” says Kim Treffone, Deputy Principal. “If you’re not here to tell me, I don’t know that there is a problem. It’s our job to help.”

Bullying can take many forms such as:

• Physical bullying, such as hitting, pushing or punching
• Verbal bullying, such as teasing, name-calling or swearing
• Nonverbal or emotional bullying, such as intimidating someone through gestures, spreading rumours, making threats and exclusion
• Cyber bullying, by sending insulting messages by phone, SMS, e-mail, or social media

Please click on the link for the complete GSHS Plan for the Prevention and Management of Bullying which includes the following information:

• What to do if you are being bullied and the effects of bullying
• What to do if you see someone being bullied
• What role staff plays and what will be done about it
• Parental involvement and what can be done
• Consequences for those who are bullying

If you require any clarification or would like to discuss a particular case, please contact the school on 08 9965 8400.