Discipline
Mountain View Adventist College aims to meet the needs of every student through its Behaviour Management Policies. The College encourages each student to adopt and develop a core set of values in harmony with Christian ethics.
The two main types of behaviour, positive and negative, are treated through different systems. The under lying focus of each system is restorative justice, where the relationship between the students and staff is restored where possible through necessary means.
The structured system of behaviour management is aimed at encouraging the student to self- discipline. Students will be instructed in appropriate behaviour and where necessary given assistance to develop the skills needed to modify their behaviour.
Copies of Behaviour Policies, Anti Bullying Policies and Child Protection Policies can be downloaded from the College website.
Bullying
Bullying is the systematic abuse of power directed by more powerful individuals or group/s against those who are less powerful. It may be physical (hitting, kicking punching) or verbal (saying nasty things to a person or about a person or their family). It may cause physical and psychological harm.
It is important that all stakeholders acknowledge, that from time to time, bullying does occur. It is important to acknowledge that both boys and girls are bullied and are bullies. Our teachers’ experience and insight will help distinguish between a one-off behaviour (which will be dealt with accordingly) and a repeated and hurtful series of events. Through the different support systems provided, students are encouraged to report any incidences of bullying.
Grievance Policy
From time to time, differences amongst people occur. The College is committed to providing a quality education for its students and working in an open and accountable way that builds the trust and respect of all in our community.
It is believed that this can be enhanced by listening and responding positively to the concerns of our parents and community members, and by putting mistakes right. Any concerns of a serious nature will be investigated by a senior member of the College staff and will be dealt with in a professional and confidential manner.
De-registration Policy
From time to time students may leave the College prior to finishing Year 12. When this situation arises, the College must be provided with one term's notification of their child/ren's withdrawal from the College. Notification must be provided in writing stating which school the child/ren will be attending and any change of address or contact details.
In the event where one full terms notice of withdrawing students from the College is not provided, one terms school fees will be added to the Fee account. All outstanding school fees must be paid in full prior to the student's last day at the College.
Once notification has been provided that the student/s will be leaving the College, students in Years 7 - 12 must see their respective Head of School to receive the appropriate paperwork required to be completed.
For students in Prep - Year 6, there is no additional paperwork required with the exception of the one terms written notice to withdraw.
School Chaplains
The National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. This is a voluntary program that assists school communities to support the wellbeing of their students, including strengthening values, providing greater pastoral care and enhancing engagement with the broader community.
Role of school chaplains
- Provide students, their families and staff with support and/or appropriate referrals, in difficult situations such as during times of grief or when students are facing personal or emotional challenges
- Support students and staff to create an environment of cooperation and mutual respect, promoting an understanding of diversity and the range of cultures and their related traditions
- Support students, their families and staff of all beliefs and not seeking to impose any beliefs or persuade an individual toward a particular set of beliefs
- Attend in-service activities as required by the principal
- Carry out extra-curricular responsibilities as agreed by negotiation with the Principal
- Conduct and/or organise weekly chapels and two weeks of spiritual emphasis each year
- Visit classrooms on a regular basis, both informally and formally
- Mentor students with behavioural and/or emotional needs
- Interact with the students in the playground
- Make themselves available if students need someone to talk to about an issue they may have
- Visit families at home when requested
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
How chaplaincy links to other school support services
Teachers can refer students directly to the chaplaincy service when they see fit. The chaplain can offer referrals to counsellors and outside agencies when and if the need arises.
How do I arrange a one-on-one session?
Students are able to contact the chaplain directly for a meeting.
As a Christian school, parents have sent their children to this school knowing of the religious content that is taught. Therefore, any programs run by the chaplain that involves the whole school are compulsory.
Community Consultation
A report is prepared and presented to the Board of Management each year. The Board endorsed that the program will continue in the following year. Parents and students are also given the opportunity to have their say by completing a survey.
Child Safe Standards
Seventh-day Adventist Schools NSW have made child safety a priority in its response to the new Child Safe Standards.
There are 6 public facing documents on the link below which shares the child safe responsibilities and expectations across our school and college communities.
There is an overarching Child Safe Policy driving the other processes and procedures in our schools and colleges.
Within these documents, you will find codes of conduct and professional boundaries for adults and staff as well as a code of conduct for students.
These documents provide the platform for any member of the school or college community to response to and report a child safe incident or concern. It also provides guidance on how to manage child safe complaints.
With these six public facing documents the school or college community will know what is appropriate and acceptable in relation to child safe matters.
6 public facing documents
Counselling
Counselling services are available for students, parents and staff who wish to discuss any issues of concern.
Examples of possible concerns may include:
- Learning, behavioural or physical difficulties
- Issues with family or friends
- Grief and loss
- Bullying
- Stress management
- Career decisions
- Suicide
How do I make an appointment?
Counselling is offered to students and family members who need support. This is a free service to College parents and students.
Please email [email protected] to book an appointment. Parents will need to sign a permission form.
What can I discuss with the school counsellor?
You may talk about anything that is worrying you such as problems with family and friends, learning difficulties, bullying, how to manage stress, grief and loss, your anger, or how to deal with thoughts of suicide. You may also talk to your counsellor for career advice.
Confidentiality
Anything told to a school counsellor is confidential and will not be reported to anyone else unless the counsellor feels you are in danger or may be planning to put someone else in danger.
Complaints Handling
Please contact Irwin Steyn, School Principal, for a complaints form if required.
