Student Engagement Policy Guidelines

Schools develop policy to make clear their expectations of student behaviour. When reviewing such policy, schools can refer to the following guidelines: Effective Schools are Engaging Schools: Student Engagement Policy Guidelines

These guidelines work on the premise of creating safe, positive and supportive school environments in which students can achieve their greatest educational potential and enjoy academic and social opportunities. 

With the Department introducing new anti-bullying guidelines and policies for all Victorian government schools and renewing its commitment to providing safe, secure and stimulating learning environments, schools were required to review their their policies in this area. At the start of Term 3, 2009, new guidelines were released. The current guidelines for schools are: Effective Schools are Engaging Schools: Student Engagement Policy Guidelines. 

Furthermore with increased use of both mobile and online technologies in classes, schools must now be explicit in their policy about expected cybersafe and ethical behaviours online. Schools will need to describe how they provide an environment and culture which supports: 

• safe and ethical practices online 
• educates students for safe practices beyond the classroom 
• works with parents and the broader community to raise awareness of student safety on the internet.

Some schools may wish to initiate Acceptable Use Agreements to specify how internet and mobile technologies can and cannot be used by students, and to provide strategies to address misuse, including sanctions and support measures. See:

• Secondary School Internet Acceptable Use Kit (Word - 59Kb)
• Primary School Internet Acceptable Use Kit (Word - 77Kb)