Boarding Student Code of Conduct
The following Boarding Student Code of Conduct is to be signed by the student upon enrolment to the Scotch College Boarding Community.
Introduction
At Scotch College we recognise that effective learning and development can only occur in a secure environment where rights and responsibilities are known and respected, and where standards and rules are fairly and consistently applied.
This Code of Conduct has been developed to clearly set out the standards of behaviour to which boarders are expected to abide.
Managing the Boarding Student Code of Conduct is a shared responsibility between the boarder, parents/guardians and the College’s boarding service. All boarders and families have ready access to support offered by boarding staff.
Values
Boarders are expected to uphold the values of Scotch College.
As a Christian College these are our core values and tenets:
- Integrity – adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
- Service – acts of helpful activity; assistance and support; to do someone service.
- Stewardship – using talents, abilities and resources in a responsible and honorable manner.
These values are to be upheld in the way you conduct yourself not only in the boarding service, but also the community.
Rights and Responsibilities of Boarders and Boarding Staff
Boarders are expected to observe and uphold this statement of rights and responsibilities.
You have the right to:
- Reach your full potential in a safe and supportive boarding environment;
- Live in a healthy environment;
- Be safe;
- Expect that your property will be safe;
- Privacy;
- Be treated with respect, courtesy and kindness;
- Be an active part of, and contribute positively to the community;
- Be treated fairly and justly;
- Have your human rights, and other legal rights respected;
- Learn without disruption from others; and
- Expect other boarders to maintain a high standard of hygiene and personal appearance;
- Approach appropriate people within the school if you need to raise an issue;
- Have a say, provide feedback or make a complaint.
You have the responsibility to:
- Enable others to learn in a safe and supportive environment;
- Abstain from smoking, alcohol or prohibited drugs (Refer to our Alcohol (Student Use of) Policy and Drugs – Illicit (Student Use of) Policy);
- Follow the College boarding service policies, procedures and the directions of boarding staff at all times;
- Ensure that you do not put your property at risk through carelessness and respect College property and the belongings of other boarders and staff;
- Respect the designated private areas throughout the boarding facilities;
- Treat others with respect, courtesy and kindness;
- Represent Scotch College positively in the community;
- Accept and consider the consequences of your actions;
- Respect the human rights and legal rights of others;
- Respect the privacy and human dignity of other students and boarders;
- Cooperate with supervising staff and fellow boarders to ensure that prep sessions and individual study time is not disrupted; and
- Participate in Residential Community activities and programs; and
- Abide by the College regulations regarding correct uniform and grooming.
Communicating Concerns or Providing Feedback
You have the right to communicate your concerns or provide feedback about anything that occurs within the Residential Community. You can do this through;
- Speaking with a staff member;
- Speaking with a member of the Boarders Student Council;
- The digital online Boarding Feedback form (located on the Boarding Blog);
- Sending an email to complaints@scotch.wa.edu.au;
- Using the “Tell Us” function on the College’s public website.
Damage or Loss
Any student who is deemed to have lost or deliberately caused damage to another person’s personal property or the buildings, fixtures or resources of the Boarding Community will be expected to pay for their maintenance or replacement.
Boarder Leadership System
The College boarding service promotes student leadership. Our leadership program focuses on the values espoused in this Code of Conduct.
College Rules and Policies
Boarders are expected to abide by the College’s boarding service rules and the policies of the College, as well as the directions of boarding staff.
Bullying, harassment and other forms of peer-to-peer abuse are strictly prohibited.
Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons.
Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. However, these conflicts still need to be addressed and resolved.
Harassment is behaviour that targets an individual or group due to their identity, race, culture or ethnic origin; religion; physical characteristics; gender; sexual orientation; marital, parenting or economic status; age; ability or disability and that offends, humiliates, intimidates or creates a hostile environment.
Harassment may be an ongoing pattern of behaviour, or it may be a single act. It may be directed randomly or towards the same person/s. It may be intentional or unintentional (i.e. words or actions that offend and distress one person may be genuinely regarded by the person doing them as minor or harmless).
Breach of Code of Conduct
Any student, staff or community member may notify a member of College staff of a possible breach of the Boarding Student Code of Conduct.
Consequences for inappropriate behaviour may vary due to the developmental stage of the individual (age) and will be dependent on the nature, severity and, the frequency of the inappropriate behaviour and if there has been other previous unacceptable behaviour. Any consequence imposed will be at the discretion of:
- The Head of Residence
- The Head of Boarding
Where possible Scotch College supports restorative practices when responding to inappropriate behaviour.