Medical Welfare Policy

Medical Welfare of Students

At Merici College we follow the attached Catholic Education’s Medical Welfare of Students Policy. Please familiarise yourself with this policy so that parents, carers, and school staff can work collaboratively to ensure your student’s medical welfare during school hours.

Forms

  • Listed below are forms for completion for students requiring medication/s at school.   These forms are attached to this email.
    • Individual Response Plans – usually supplied and completed by the medical practitioner
    • CE Individual Medical Response Plan – to be completed by the student’s parent/guardian (attached)
    • CE Medication Authorisation – to be completed by the student’s parent/guardian (attached)

Individual Medical Response Plan/s

  • Schools require up to date, and medically endorsed Individual Response Plan for any student:
    • diagnosed with severe asthma, type 1 diabetes, epilepsy or anaphylaxis
    • diagnosed as being at risk of an emergency, or
    • who requires ongoing administration of health care procedures.
  • All Individual Response Plans should be renewed every 12 months, or as deemed appropriate by the medical practitioner, and the review date listed on the Individual Response Plan.
  • Section 5.5 of the Policy states “If a student requires an individual medical response plans but a current one is not in place, the school will inform parents that a plan completed and signed by a medical practitioner must be completed and returned to the school within 21 days. Up until that time, the student may continue to attend school but the parents will be responsible for providing all medical intervention whilst the child is at school (in a designated room when required). If a medical plan signed by a medical practitioner is not in place within 21 days, the student cannot attend school until one is received. The school will follow all mandatory requirements regarding recording and reporting lack of attendance and duty of care..”

Medications and Equipment

  • Parents and carers must authorise the school to administer medication by providing the school with the completed forms listed above.
  • Parents and carers must supply and maintain any appropriate medical equipment.
  • All medication must be supplied to the school in the packaging in which it was dispensed by the pharmacy. It must be clearly labelled with:
    • the child’s name
    • the drug’s name
    • the dosage and frequency to be given, and
    • the prescribing doctor’s name and phone number.
  • The School holds all medication in the Student Office, however, we recommend an extra EpiPen and Asthma Inhaler be held by any student requiring these items.
  • Students whose medical plan and/or medication are not current may not be able to attend offsite school activities such as camps, excursions, sporting days.

Please refer to below links for specific information on action plans.

Medical Welfare of Students Policy

Individual Medical Response Plan

Medication Authorisation

Use and Procurement of Alcohol

Rationale

As part of our responsible duty of care to provide a safe workplace, students, staff and visitors must be protected from the physical and behaviour risks associated when the is alcohol provided. Laws around the supply and service of alcohol and well as societal norms demand a minimum level of care and responsibility is taken concerning alcohol to protect the well-being of all.

Related Merici and CE Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with Student Safety and Wellbeing, https://www.merici.act.edu.au/school-policies/student-safety-and-wellbeing with specific respect to alcohol, referenced below:

Use of Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco

13.1 Workers are responsible for ensuring their capacity to perform their duties is not impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs, and that the use of these substances does not put them or any other person’s health and safety at risk.

13.2 Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while the worker is ‘on duty’ could affect their ability to work safely and efficiently, especially when they have a responsibility to supervise students or work in close proximity to them.

13.3 Workers must not attend work under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or non-prescribed and/or restricted substances.

13.5 Workers must not purchase for, offer, supply, give or administer to students, including those over the age of 18:

i. illegal drugs
ii. restricted substances
iii. prescribed or non-prescribed medication (unless dealing with or administering medication in accordance with relevant policy)
iv. alcohol
v. tobacco.

13.6 Workers must not encourage or condone the use of or use by students of:

i. illegal drugs
ii. restricted substances
iii. alcohol
iv. tobacco.

13.8 Workers must not consume tobacco on school premises or at any school-related activity where students are present.

Alcohol is not to be consumed during school hours at school whenever students are present at the school. In the absence of a policy specifically prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on school premises, at any school-related activity or any time students are present, workers (including volunteers) should be mindful of the following:

  • safety of students and others
  • supervisory responsibilities and duty of care towards students and
  • professional boundaries with students, colleagues and community
  • modelling appropriate behaviour for students
  • work health and safety
  • not driving under the influence of alcohol
  • reputation of the school and the CEO
  • professional reputation

Workers who are concerned about any person at work that may be affected by alcohol or drugs, or may have engaged in the behaviours outlined above, should consult their Principal/Supervisor/Manager.

Children and young people have a greater vulnerability to alcohol than adults.

To provide alcohol to any person under the age of 18 years is against the law.

Please refer to the full policy attached.

Social Action and Fundraising

Related Merici Policies

Healthy Eating/Drinking Policy

Rationale/Purpose

Merici College has a long tradition of active involvement in charity work. The ethos of the College involves a culture of service to others in the local, national and global communities.  Social action and fundraising are opportunities for the College community to show concern for injustice and express our faith through action.

The aim of this policy is to clarify the College’s role in supporting a number of charities, in order that:

  • the burden of fundraising and associated events is equitably maintained and
  • to allow for some flexibility so the College community can respond to changing needs and acute events (such as bushfire or flooding crises).

Definitions

A fundraising activity is defined as an organised activity to raise money or goods.

Fundraising by the College for charitable organisations will:

  • Raise awareness about the charitable organisation and the nature of its work;
  • Have a plan for action with a ‘whole’ school or a ‘House’ focus that can involve all students at the College and the wider College community.

Policy

It is Merici College’s policy to have a consistent process for the College to consider all fundraising activities. All proposals for fundraising activities must be submitted to the Head of Mission and Community and approved by the College Executive, with the ultimate decision being at the discretion of the Principal.

The College supports charities on a number of levels. The College’s main charity is Caritas. Other social awareness raising and fundraising falls into three categories.

Please refer to the full policy attached.

Gifted and Talented Students

Related Merici Policies

Inclusion
Languages
Teaching and Learning Core Document

Rationale/Purpose

Merici College recognises gifted and talented students have unique educational needs. Merici College is committed to ensuring that the needs of gifted and talented students are catered for in the school for them to reach their educational potential.

This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of the College and staff in implementing identification procedures and appropriate educational provisions and strategies to meet the needs of all gifted and talented students. The policy recognises the diverse abilities, and broad range, of gifted and talented students in Merici College.

Gagne’s (2003) Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (see Appendix A) informs the key educational approaches and definitions contained in this Policy.

Please refer to the full policy attached.

Positive Peer Relations

Related Merici Policies

Behaviour Management

Suspension and Exclusion of Students

Technology

Rationale/Purpose

Merici College is a Catholic school which is committed to promoting Christian values where all members of our community are to be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.

We believe that all members of the school community have the right to a learning and work environment free from intolerance, harassment and humiliation.

We all share a responsibility to create a culture of caring.  This ideal is embedded in our ethos and is fostered by our Pastoral Care Policy and Practices.

Definitions

Bullying behaviours are a social problem involving an imbalance of power, where there is a deliberate intent to cause harm or distress.  These behaviours are sustained over a long period of time are aggressive, repetitive and malicious causing embarrassment, pain or discomfort to others.

Bullying behaviours diminish the life of our community and are NOT tolerated in any form. These behaviours include:

Verbal:

Using offensive names, making threats, teasing, spreading rumours, telling secrets (personal information), using put-downs, persuading another person to unfairly criticise or insult someone, making abusive phone calls.

Non-verbal:

Rude gestures, ‘greasies’/menacing looks, staring, following or stalking, refusing to sit with someone, negative body language, text messaging.

Physical:

Deliberate or intimidating physical contact (eg: shoving/pushing, hitting, punching, and tripping).  Stealing, hiding, or damaging property or threatening to do so.

Relational:

Hurtfully excluding others from a group, manipulating friends, rejecting, dismissing or deliberately ignoring others.

Social (bullying based on difference):

Targeting students because of appearance and possessions; background; racial, cultural and religious traditions; physical and intellectual differences.

Electronic:

Offensive use of social network sites, email, chat rooms, blogs and mobile phones( text or speak) and misuse of any part of the Merici Technology Policy

Please note: Normal adolescent development can include periods of social conflict, friendship difficulties and peer group change.   It is important to remember that these do not necessarily constitute bullying behaviours.Anchor

Please refer to the full policy attached.

Communication and Use of Mobile Phones

Related Merici Policies

Nil

Rationale/Purpose

Mobile phones and technology are now a key part of modern life. Most students own a mobile phone with access to the internet and for safety reasons students will carry a mobile phone to contact home after or before school. However, mobile phones can and often do lead to several problems in school such as bullying, filming, disruption to lessons and inappropriate usage of the internet and social media leading to potential safeguarding issues.

Here at the Merici, we strongly encourage our students to develop socially and emotionally. This development is just as important as any academic progress or grades. Improving social skills and emotional development can best be done by talking to each other, interacting and developing real connections at break and lunchtime, as opposed to using their mobile phones.

Policy

The process for the use of mobile phones on the school site during school hours is as follows:

It is our policy that:

  • Mobile phones are brought to the College by students at their own risk. The College does not accept responsibility or liability for lost or damaged student property and does not have insurance which would cover such loss or damage.
  • Mobile phones or other electronic devices must be turned off during a fire evacuation or lockdown procedure as use could pose significant risks, including students lack attention in following staff direction.
  • Phones and other electronic devices must be turned off when students are in class, moving between classes, at assembly or involved in any formal school activity in which the use or activation of the phone or device would interrupt the program, unless given specific permission from their teacher, or pre-approval has been given by the College e.g. to manage medical conditions.
  • Parents are reminded that in cases of emergency, Student Services remains a vital point of contact and can ensure students are reached quickly and assisted in the appropriate way.
  • Students must not use their mobile phone to contact their parents and/or arrange to be collected from school if they are unwell. Students should go to Student Service and staff will then contact parents if appropriate.
  • Mobile phones are NOT permitted in exam rooms, unless given pre-approval has been given by the College e.g. to manage medical conditions.

Year 7-10

  • During the school day, during lesson time, students must not, under any circumstances, use mobile phones to make calls, send text messages, access the internet, access social media sites, take photos or use other applications.
  • Students can access their phones to check messages and respond briefly via text message during recess and lunch while at their locker. Students are not to use their phones in any other part of the school grounds at recess and lunch.
  • During class time, must store their Mobile phones in a secure locker. Students are not to access or use their mobiles phones during class time unless given specific permission from their teacher, or if approval has been given by the College, e.g. to manage medical conditions.

Year 11-12

  • Senior Students can access and use mobile phones during recess and lunch breaks and study periods only. Phones should be switched off during class time and Students are not to access or use during class time unless given specific permission from their teacher, or if approval has been given by the College, e.g. to manage medical conditions.
  • Failure to follow the above points will result in the mobile phone being confiscated. The student will be required to hand in their device to Student Services, in which it will be sealed in an envelope and kept in a secure location for the remainder of the day. The student will collect their phone at the end of the school day.
  • Suppose a student fails to follow teacher instructions or hand in their device. In that case, they will be referred to the Deputy Principal Wellbeing, who will contact parents and organise a reflection afternoon.

References

Nil

Forms

Nil

Approved by:               Merici Executive

Implementation Date:  January 2022

Policy last Updated:     July 2022

Merici Contact Officer:  Deputy Principal Wellbein

Student Safety and Wellbeing

Please refer to the Catholic Education Student Safety and Wellbeing policies https://cg.catholic.edu.au/parents/policies/ which include:

  • Guidelines for Professional Conduct
  • Mandatory and Voluntary Reporting Policy ACT
  • Mandatory and Voluntary Reporting Policy NSW
  • Reportable Conduct Policy ACT
  • Reportable Conduct Fact Sheet ACT
  • Reportable Conduct Policy NSW
  • Reportable Conduct Fact Sheet NSW
  • Working with Vulnerable People Check Policy (ACT)
  • Working with Children Check Policy (NSW)
  • Family Law and Related Issues Policy
  • Student Acceptable Use of Computer Facilities and External Networks Policy
  • Behavioural Support Policy
  • Bullying and Harassment Policy
  • Management of Infectious Diseases in Schools Policy
  • Medical Welfare of Students Policy