Policies

POLICY INTRODUCTION 

The policies of Onehunga High School will comply with:

• All relevant Acts and regulations of New Zealand
• National Learning and Education Priorities (NELPs)
• The School’s Charter (link)
• The School’s NZQA Accreditation Document
• The Collective and Individual Contracts of the employees of Onehunga High School

The policies give the Board guidelines in relation to the management and governance of the school and a code of conduct for staff, students and visitors under its jurisdiction. The policies are supported by procedures that are used in the day-to-day running of the school.

The procedures will be regularly reviewed by the Senior Leadership Team in conjunction with the Board of Trustees policy review cycle.

Procedures

(a)  Charter Strategic and Annual Plan 2022 - 2024

Section A – Board Administration

A1 GOVERNANCE

1. Onehunga High School Board of Trustees will comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Education and all relevant legislation.
2. The Board of Trustees will be representative of its parents, caregivers, students and staff, and contain a range of skills necessary for the effective governance of the school.
3. A schedule of all of the delegations made by the board will be tabled at the first meeting of the board each year.

 A2 ENROLMENT

1. Enrolments at Onehunga High School will be in accordance with the requirements of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Procedures

(a) Enrolment Scheme

A3  COMPLAINTS 

1. All complaints, whether verbal or written, will be dealt with justly and efficiently, to ensure that the rights of all parties are respected.

Procedures

(a)  Complaints procedure

(b)  Protected Disclosure procedure

(c)  Privacy Policy

Section B – Curriculum Compliance

B1 CURRICULUM

1. Onehunga High School will provide a curriculum that meets the needs of all students, and meets the aspirations of the school’s Vision Statement.
2. Onehunga High School will provide a curriculum that complies with the New Zealand Curriculum.
3. A timetable will be created annually through consultation with students and staff. This process will be fair and transparent and ensure the needs of students are the first and key priority. The timetable will be in compliance with the conditions of the Secondary Teachers Collective Agreement (STCA).

Procedures

(b)  Assessment Manual Staff

(c)  Assessment Manual Student

B2 TEACHING AND LEARNING

1. Onehunga High School will provide programmes of teaching and learning that will enable success for all.
2. OHS will track and monitor progress to support student achievement.
3. OHS will report to families and the wider school community in accordance with the National Administration Guidelines.
4. The Board recognises the value to the intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of students of providing curriculum based learning experiences within and beyond the environments of the school.
5. The Board recognises the value of Community Education in its commitment to life-long learning. All Community Education programmes will be delivered within the framework required by the Tertiary Education Commission and the Onehunga High School ACE Investment Plan.

Procedures

(a)  Teaching and Learning Guidelines

(b)  E-Learning  Internet agreement

(c)  Reporting to parents

(d)  Copyright

B3 ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY 

1. In accordance with the Education and Training Act 2020 all students are required to attend school during normal school hours.

Procedures

(a)  Attendance procedures

Section C – Health, Safety & Welfare Compliance

C1 HEALTH AND SAFETY

Policy

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Purpose

To ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the school and school activities are without risks to health and safety of all workers, students, visitors and contractors, while they are at work.

To comply with relevant health and safety legislations, regulations, New Zealand standards, and approved codes of practice.

The board of trustees is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all persons affected by our operations by complying with relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, New Zealand standards, and approved codes of practice.

The board of trustees is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all workers, students, and other people in the workplace. We will achieve this through:

·         making health and safety a key part of our role

·         working with our workers to improve the health and safety system at our school

·         doing everything reasonably possible to remove or reduce the risk of injury or illness

·         making sure all incidents, injuries and near misses are recorded in the appropriate place

·         investigating incidents, near misses and reducing the likelihood of them happening again

·         having emergency plans and procedures in place

·         training everyone about hazards and risks so everyone can work safely, including adherence to the Code of Practice for School Exempt Laboratories and the Code of Ethical Conduct for the Use of Animals in Research and Teaching in Schools.

·         providing appropriate induction, training and supervision for all new and existing workers

·         helping workers who were injured or ill return to work safely

·         making sure contractors and subcontractors working at the school operate in a safe manner.

All workers are encouraged to play a vital and responsible role in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace through:

·         being involved in improving health and safety systems at work

·         following all instructions, rules, procedures and safe ways of working

·         reporting any pain or discomfort as soon as possible

·         reporting all injuries, incidents and near misses

·         helping new workers, staff members, trainees and visitors to the workplace understand the safety procedures and why they exist

·         reporting any health and safety concerns or issues through the reporting system

·         keeping the workplace tidy to minimise the risk of any trips and falls

·         wearing protective clothing and equipment as and when required to minimise your exposure to workplace hazards.

Others in the workplace

All others in the workplace including students and visitors are encouraged to:

·           follow all instructions, rules and procedures while in the school grounds

·           report all injuries, incidents and near misses to their teacher or contact person at the school

·           wear protective clothing and equipment as and when required to minimise exposure to hazards

Students are provided with basic health and safety rules, information and training and are encouraged to engage in positive health and safety practices.

Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. 

(a)  Visitors Procedure

C2 ACCESS TO STUDENTS  

1. The provision of information about a student is subject to the need to preserve the student’s privacy in terms of the Privacy Act 2020.
2. Contact with a student at school will be subject to relevant court orders and instructions from legal guardians.
3. If there is a dispute about the rights of the parent, it will be necessary for the school to see any order to verify the arrangements. Parents contesting, altering and/or developing arrangements outside of guardianship care, must provide the school with legal verification of these.

Procedures

(a)  Exeat Procedure

C3 ABUSE AND HARRASSMENT 

1. The abuse or harassment of others is unacceptable at Onehunga High School.

Procedures

(a)  Dealing with abuse and harassment of students

C4 SEARCH AND SEIZURE

1. Search and seizure may be carried out to recover stolen property, to detect illegal substances or weapons or to uncover any matter reasonably believed to be a threat to the learning and working environment of the school in accordance with the law.

Procedure

(a) Search and Seizure

C5 SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND SMOKING 

 A Controlled Drugs

i. No person shall while under the jurisdiction of the school:

a) be under the influence of;

b) have in their possession;

c) use;

d) sell or supply; or

e) purchase or receive

any controlled drug as the term defined in section 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 or any amendment thereto, or conspire to do any of (a) or (e) as listed above.

B Other Substances

ii. No person shall while under the jurisdiction of the school:

a) be under the influence of;

b) have in their possession;

c) use

otherwise than for the purpose intended by the manufacturer, any substance or thing which when inhaled, imbibed or taken in any other way has the effect or is capable of having the effect of modifying the taker’s behaviour or to conspire to do any of (a) or (c) above.

C Alcohol

iii. No student (including those students aged 18 years and over) or person shall while under the jurisdiction of the school:

a) be under the influence of;

b) have in their possession;

c) use:

d) sell or supply; or

e) purchase or receive

or conspire to do any of (a) to (e) above.

D Tobacco

iv. No student shall while under the jurisdiction of the school:

a) have in their possession;

b) use

d) sell or supply; or

e) purchase or receive

or conspire to do (a) to (e) above.

For the purposes of this policy, the things which a person has in their possession includes anything subject to their control which is in the custody of another.

v. In compliance with the law, Onehunga High School is a smoke-free environment and no smoking shall take place on the school grounds.

C6 TRAUMATIC EVENTS

1. The school will manage any traumatic incident in a comprehensive and sensitive manner.

Procedures

(a)  Crisis Procedure

C7 UNIFORM AND GROOMING

1. Students attending the school, travelling to and from school, and attending school functions away from school must, where specified, wear the uniform, and maintain a high level of grooming, as prescribed in the Onehunga High School uniform code.

Procedures

(a)  Onehunga High School uniform code

C8 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

1. The school values the contribution international students make to the learning community.
2. The school will abide by the conditions laid down in the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

Procedures

(a)    Code of Practice

(b)    Fees Protection Policy

(c)     Accommodation Policy

(d)     Group Students Policy

(e)     Refunds Policy

(f)      Medical and Travel Insurance Policy

(g)     Managing Recruitment Agents Policy

C9 USE OF FORCE

1. Any use of force, other than in an emergency, is prohibited. 
2. An emergency situation is one in which a teacher or authorised staff member reasonably believes that there is a serious and imminent risk to the safety of the student or others.
3. The force used must be reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.

Procedure

(a)   Physical Restraint Procedure 

C10 CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Policy

This policy should be read in conjunction with the:

• Children and Young Persons Act 1989
• Children's Act 2014

Purpose

The Board of Trustees has an obligation to ensure the wellbeing of students in our care.  The board is committed to the prevention of abuse and neglect and to the protection of all students. 

This policy applies to all staff members, including contractors and volunteers.

Any person in our school who believes that any student has been, or is likely to be, harmed (whether physically, emotionally, or sexually), ill-treated, abused, neglected, or deprived must follow school procedures and may also report the matter to Oranga Tamariki or the police.

(a)  Child Protection Procedures 

C11 CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM (CCTV) POLICY

Policy Purpose

Onehunga High School has installed Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras inside and around our school facilities to monitor any unwanted or unsafe activity. In accordance with the Privacy Act 1993, Onehunga High School must ensure that these CCTV cameras do not unnecessarily impede on our Staff, Students or visitor’s privacy. We have created this policy to govern the collection, use and disclosure of images captured by CCTV cameras.

 This policy is designed to inform you of our reasons for installing CCTV cameras and where personal information has been collected, your rights in relation to that information. Nothing in this privacy policy limits or excludes your rights under the Privacy Act 1993.

 Overview

 This policy sets out:

1. what information is being collected;
2. the purpose of the information’s collection;
3. whether we intend to pass this on to others, and who they may be;
4. whether the collection of this information is authorised or required under a particular law;
5. the rights of the individual to access and correct the information; and
6. who will have access to the information.
7. CCTV footage security.
8. contact details for further information.

What information is being collected?

 We have placed CCTV cameras within the school facilities to monitor the common areas for security and safety purposes. These cameras may from time-to-time record footage of staff, students and visitors as they pass through the CCTV camera area. We consider this footage to be your personal information so we will ensure that it is managed as set out in this policy.

 What is the purpose of the information collection?

 Onehunga High School is taking steps to ensure the safety and security of our staff, students and visitors, as well as making sure that our facilities are monitored to prevent damage in any way. We view CCTV cameras as a means to carry out these steps with minimal imposition on all users of our facilities. The CCTV cameras are a way to help achieve that objective. We may use this footage when conducting internal investigations relating to staff concerns, damage and illegal activity.

 Will we be passing this information on to other parties? Who will they be?

 In the event of some unlawful activity being carried out at the premises, and it being recorded on our CCTV cameras, we may pass that footage over to Police for the purpose of an investigation. Likewise, if the Police believe some unlawful activity was carried out at the school then they may view or ask us to hand over, any footage that may help. We are obliged by law to hand over CCTV footage in the event that court order is made for us to do so.

 Is collection of this information authorised or required under a particular law?

 It is our right to install and operate the CCTV cameras in our facilities. We also view it as a way to fulfil our responsibility under the Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Act 2002. This act makes us responsible for complying with all requirements in respect of buildings, health, and safety under any enactment so far as they apply to the facilities and users. It is our view that the CCTV cameras are one way to comply with this responsibility.

 What rights do individuals have to access and correct the information?

 Any individual who is recorded by our CCTV cameras has the right to access that footage and to make any corrections so long as that information relates to that individual. These are principles of the Privacy Act 1993. The length of storage of footage may vary from time to time and so there is no guarantee that this information will still be held by Onehunga High School at the time the individual wants access. The individual has no right to access footage that does not relate to the individual. Also, we are bound by law not to breach another

individual’s privacy. So, in the event that more than the individual is seen in the CCTV footage we cannot give access to that without their consent. Onehunga High School will comply with all requests in line with the Privacy Act 1993.

Who will have access to the information?

 The Privacy Officer, Senior Leadership Team and Property Manager will have day to day responsibility for the CCTV network and will have access to all CCTV footage. The Privacy Officer will have access to the CCTV footage as required for them to fulfil their duties in relation to the Privacy Act 1993. The Senior Leadership Team and Property Manager may be required to access the CCTV footage in relation to their duties. Onehunga High School’s Board of Trustee’s Chairperson may also be required to access the CCTV footage. Any of the people listed above may as required show CCTV footage to other parties as and when this is required in the event of an investigation. All of the above listed people will abide by this policy, the Privacy Act 1993 and any other relevant Act.

 How secure will the CCTV footage be?

 Onehunga High School will install the CCTV system on a separate network within the

school’s facilities. This will make the system more secure from access by day-to-day users of the school’s current IT network. All devices within the CCTV network will have secure passwords which will be changed on a regular basis. A regular audit of the CCTV system network will also be undertaken.

 How do you get in contact with us?

 If you have any queries about this policy you can contact the Principal of the school or the Board of Trustee’s Chairperson.

Section D – Personnel

D1 STAFFING

1. Onehunga High School is dedicated to staffing the school with the best possible teaching and support personnel available.

D2 EMPLOYMENT

1. The Board is committed to being a good employer as defined in the Public Service Act 2020 and comply with the conditions contained in employment contracts applying to teaching and non-teaching staff.
2. The Board is committed to the equality of employment opportunities and will ensure that all personnel activities are conducted in a manner whereby all people are treated fairly and have equal prospects for appointment, job satisfaction and success as specified in the Public Service Act 2020 and the Human Rights Act 1993.
3. The Board is committed to ensuring the safety of students as specified in the Children's Act 2014.
4. The Board is committed to ensuring personal information is collected, stored, used, accessed and disposed of in accordance with the principles of the Privacy Act.

D3 STAFF CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE

1. All teaching and non-teaching staff will comply with Onehunga High School’s policies and procedures.
2. All teaching and non-teaching staff will meet the expectations of their respective employment contracts.
3. All teaching staff will meet, or be working towards meeting, the criteria for Teacher Registration, as prescribed by the Education Council.
4. All teaching staff will meet the Professional Standards as determined in the STCA.
5. The Board of Trustees requires the performance of all staff to be subject to annual review. The process will ensure on-going improvement to performance in order to provide the best possible opportunity for student success.
6. The Principal will have a Performance Review on an annual basis to ensure:
   a) accountability for effective leadership and management and the delivery of quality teaching and learning in the school
   b) the on-going personal and professional growth and development of the Principal.
7. At least once every three years, the Principal’s performance review will be conducted by an external appraiser, mutually acceptable to the Principal and the Board.
8. Staff disciplinary procedures should be carried out with regard to the relevant employment agreement.
9. All staff members at Onehunga High School are expected to present themselves in a professional way through their personal presentation and demeanour, in accordance with the code.

Procedures

(a) Staff Dress Code

D4 STAFF APPOINTMENTS

1. The Board is committed to employing the best person suited to the position.
2. All applicants are to be considered according to their skills, qualifications, abilities and aptitudes, without regard to any irrelevant conditions.
3. The Board will abide by “good employment principles” when making an appointment according to:

• State Sector Amendment Act 1988 s77A 2© - 2 (h)
• Human Rights Act 1993
• Privacy Act 1993
• The school’s EEO Policy
• Employment Relations Act 2000
• The current collective agreements covering staff at the school

D5  DISCRETIONARY LEAVE

1. Leave will be granted subject to the conditions set out in the relevant employment contract(s).
2. Short Term Leave (leave up to and including two school weeks) may be granted at the discretion of the Principal.
3. Long term Leave (leave for more than two school weeks) will only be granted by the Board.

Section E – Financial & Asset Management Compliance

E1 FINANCE

1. All financial resources shall be allocated so as to maximise student achievement and the well-being of the school community.
2. All finances will be compliant with the Crown Entities Act 2004, Education and Training Act 2020, Financial Reporting Act 1993, Public Finance Act 1989, and the Crown Entities (Financial Powers) Regulations 2005.
3. Onehunga High School shall keep appropriate records evidencing all relevant financial transactions so that the financial position of the school can be determined with reasonable accuracy at all times.
4. The accounting records will comply with generally accepted accounting practices and include necessary explanations and such additional information to ensure that the accounts give a true and fair view.

E2 ASSET MANAGEMENT

1. All assets shall be managed so as to maximise student achievement and the well-being of the school community.

E3 PROPERTY PLANNING

1. The school will implement a 10 Year Property Plan and a 5 Year Property Programme.

E4 MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS

1. All Onehunga High School buildings will comply with the Ministry of Education Property Occupancy Document.

E5 SPONSORSHIP / FUNDRAISING 

1. The Board is committed to ensuring that funds raised for or on behalf of the school are managed in an equitable manner for the benefit of students.
2. Sponsorship should be for the purpose of enhancing programmes at the school.
3. All sponsorship and fundraising proposals will be aligned to the school’s values and goals.