Code of Conduct

Community Code of Conduct

Purpose

The Montessori School Kingsley (TMSK or the School) aims to provide the members of its community (students, staff, parents, caregivers, and board directors) with a safe, supportive and non-violent surrounding, conducive to a positive learning environment. The purpose of this Community Code of Conduct (Code) is to contribute to this aim by:

providing a clear standard of behaviour for adult members of the School community; and
specifying the consequences for not complying with the standard of behaviour.

Core Value

This Code is based on the School’s core value of ‘peace, openness and respect’ (the Core Value).

Peace: We behave in a manner that contributes to the creation of a peaceful and safe environment for all members of the School community, and particularly our children.
Openness: We value our diverse community and welcome points of view that are different from our own. We refrain from actions and behaviour that constitutes harassment, discrimination or vilification.
Respect: We respect the rights, beliefs and practices of each member of the School community and treat each other in a way that demonstrates this respect, especially when we disagree.

Standard of Behaviour

All members of the School community are required to demonstrate a standard of behaviour that is consistent with the Core Value. Failure to comply with the standard of behaviour is a breach of the Code.

The following list provides guidance as to the standard of behaviour required from the School community. It is not an exhaustive list of the behaviour covered by the Code, but is intended to provide examples of the standard of behaviour expected from members of the School community.

Members of the School community should:

Practise grace and courtesy when communicating with other members of the School community and in all communications regarding the School. No insulting, harassing or aggressive language may be used;
advocate respect at all times to teachers, school staff, parents and others in the school community. Refrain to engage in malicious or judgmental gossip.
Keep discussions on social media involving the School, other schools or members of the School community respectful. School-related issue should be dealt directly with the school staff as per the Complaints Policy;
Adhere to school policies that support the safe and effective operations of the school and its community;
Be responsible for any person outside of the School Community that they bring on to the school grounds and ensure that person acts at all times in a manner consistent with this Code;
Abide by all applicable State and Commonwealth law; and
Resolve conflict through mature, calm and respectful dialogue with the other parties directly involved and, where applicable, in accordance with the School Complaints Policy.

Consequences for Breach of the Code

For minor breaches that are not a part of a pattern of ongoing breaches, the Principal shall bring the breach to the attention of the member of the School community who is in breach, and remind them of this Code. If the breach continues, or is of a particularly serious nature, the Board shall bring the breach to the attention of the member in breach, by written notice of the breach. The written notice may state any consequences that have been determined by the Board as a result of the breach.
If the breach is by a staff member and the breach continues, or if the breach is of a particularly serious nature, the breach should be dealt with in accordance with the Staff Code of Conduct.
If the breach is by a member of the Board and the breach continues, or if the breach is of a particularly serious nature, the breach should be dealt with in accordance with the Board Code of Conduct and the Constitution.
The School Enrolment Contract allows the School to terminate the enrolment of a student for a number of reasons, including if the School is of the reasonable opinion that a parent or caregiver:
- has not complied with the terms of the Enrolment Contract;
- do not support the School and its staff in all facets of the School’s educational program; or
- are obstructive, uncooperative or divisive such that there is an irretrievable breakdown of the trust required in the working relationship with the School, its staff, or other members of the School community.
A breach of the Code may provide the basis for the School to form any or all the opinions above and may also be a breach of the terms of the Enrolment Contract.
The consequences listed above do not restrict the School’s ability to take any other action it deems appropriate to address a breach of the Code.

You can download a PDF version of the Community Code of Conduct here:

Community Code of Conduct (Website) 16.05.2022