Policy and Code of Conduct

Anti-Bullying Policy

Every student has the right to feel safe from bullying at school.

Bullying behaviour in schools should be addressed as part of a school's duty of care to provide a safe and supportive school environment.

All schools are required to develop and implement a Student Code of Conduct that identifies goals and standards for student behaviour.

The Student Code of Conduct must include safe school and specific anti-bullying strategies that aim to promote positive student behaviour, prevent anti-social behaviour, and encourage respect, compassion and cooperation.

To effectively prevent bullying, schools need to take a whole-school approach that focuses on safety and wellbeing throughout all school practices.

It is important, therefore, that school safety is not viewed as a separate policy, but as a central component of an effective school.

The key success factors that help make schools parallel the eight characteristics contained in the Effective Schools model, which underpins all Blueprint for Government Schools strategies and initiatives.

Student Code of Conduct

As part of the Safe Schools are Effective Schools strategy, and the Department's commitment to providing safe, secure and stimulating learning environments, schools will be required to review their Student Code of Conduct by end of Term 2, 2008.

The Department will provide schools with further information regarding this process.

For more information about developing a code of conduct, see Effective Schools are Engaging Schools Student Engagement Policy Guidelines (PDF - 876Kb).