We all have the right to learn and work in a safe, respectful and supportive school environment that values diversity - an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence. We all have the right to be treated with fairness and dignity.
Canberra public schools strive to provide safe, respectful and supportive environments. For further information about processes and policies to address bullying, harassment, violence, management of complex and challenging behaviour please refer to the ACT Education Directorate website.
Online Etiquette and Cyber Safety
Cyber safety is important for all users of online platforms and linked devices. UC SSC strives to provide safe, respectful, supportive environments and students agree to abide by our College Student Code of Conduct. This extends to the online world and includes such things as sexual/physical/personal harassment; and, the sharing of material that is denigrating, bullying, illegal, unwanted or of a questionable nature, either about others or oneself. Whilst at school or engaging in school activities students, staff and other stakeholders must comply with ACT Government policies.
The internet is an essential part of young people’s lives – for learning, keeping in touch with friends and having fun.
You can help them explore their digital world while educating them about how to avoid harmful experiences online, and how to deal with them if they arise.
Talk to young people early, and often, about what they are doing online. For tips and advice about how to help children to stay safe online there are some useful sites:
Office of the Safety Commissioner
The Office provides audience-specific content to help educate all Australians about online safety including young people, women, teachers, parents, seniors and community groups. Their goal is to empower all Australians to explore the online world safely.
https://esafety.gov.au/start-the-chat
The eSafety Commissioner also provides support when things go wrong online. If you or your young person have experienced or are experiencing an issue online, report it here https://www.esafety.gov.au/report
ThinkUKnow - in conjunction with Australian Federal Police (AFP)
ThinkUKnow is an Internet safety program delivering interactive training to parents, carers and teachers through primary and secondary schools across Australia using a network of accredited trainers. https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/
UC SSC Lake Ginninderra Multi-purpose, Prayer Room
All are welcome to use the multi-purpose, prayer room to care for mental or spiritual well-being. You may use the space for calm contemplation, prayer, or meditation. The room is open during the opening hours of the college. The space is available to members of the school community.
E109 is the current dedicated multi-purpose, prayer room.
To use:
- Please go to student services to ask someone to let you in
- Please place the Occupied Sign on the front of the door so your privacy can be respected.
- Once you have finished using the room, please remember to change the sign over to vacant.
- Please bring the things you require with you.
- You are responsible for your items and the care of the space provided.
- Restroom facilities are also nearby.
Please be considerate towards others who use the room.
Remember that activities in this room must comply with the school’s values and show respect for equality between genders, cultures, religions and convictions.
If you have any questions about the multi-purpose, prayer room, please contact Student Services.
Safe and healthy work environments
UCSSC Lake Ginninderra is committed to the provision of a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, volunteers, contractors, and visitors in line with relevant Workplace Health and Safety legislation, compliance codes and appropriate standards, by:
- Providing an environment that promotes and supports the physical and psychological health and wellbeing of employees in the workplace in line with ACT Public Service values of Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Collaboration and the Code of Conduct;
- Maintaining a process of continuous improvement and processes ensuring safety practices are maintained and the school is compliant;
- Ensuring staff are appropriately trained and educated in the area of WHS in line with position accountability and responsibilities including individual obligations to personal safety;
- Providing facilities, equipment, resources and services to enable employees to perform their role safely;
- Regularly communicating with staff in relation to WHS initiatives and programs that support a workplace health and safety culture.
- Ensuring WHS is an integral part of all management systems and core operations
Commitment to actions: This involvement of all employees at every level is required to achieve workplace health and safety objectives.
Electronic cigarettes/vaping
In keeping with maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, the College has guidelines around electronic cigarettes/vaping:.
- Neither vaping nor smoking is permitted on ACT government premises, including schools. This includes toilets and outside areas.
- If a student is found to be vaping on school grounds, parents or carers will be contacted in the first instance.
- If a student is caught vaping a second time, they may be suspended for non-compliance.
- If a student needs support with quitting vaping or smoking, a year coordinator or Executive Teacher in Student Services can inform them about strategies, resources and programs to assist to break the habit.
ACT Health has up to date information on their website. The link is below.
Factsheets
UC SSC Lake Ginninderra Code of Conduct
For policy information regarding Computers, Devices and Internet use, please see ACT Education Directorate website here: https://www.education.act.gov.au/publications_and_policies/policies
Communities Online: Acceptable use of ICT – Parents and Students Policy is here: