Areas of interest

Key policies

Links in this table are to core and optional policies. If any links are inactive, it means that policy doesn't apply to our school or that content is covered somewhere else.

Alcohol and drugs

• Student Breaches of the Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Harmful Substances Policy – We use our student wellbeing and behaviour management policies to guide our response to possible and known student breaches.

Attendance

• Student Attendance – Parents/Caregivers are expected to notify the school as soon as possible if their child will be absent. The school follows up ongoing attendance issues.

Before and after school supervision

• Before and After School Supervision – This policy sets out the time students can be on school grounds, and what time they are expected to be ready for class.

Behaviour

• Behaviour Management – If you have concerns about an incident at school, please contact the school and the school will deal with the concern.
• Bullying and Harassment – Harassment and bullying behaviour by anyone is not tolerated at our school.

Cellphones and personal digital devices

• Cellphones and Other Personal Digital Devices – Our cellphones policy complies with government regulations and our approach to cellphones and other personal digital devices supports student engagement and achievement.

Closing the school (e.g. extreme weather, emergency)

• Emergency Closure – The school may need to be closed for a variety of reasons – we keep parents informed through our usual communication channels.

Concerns and complaints

• Raising Concerns and Complaints – Anyone who has a concern or complaint should raise it as soon as possible with an appropriate person at the school.

Contacting the school (communication)

• Communicating with Parents and Whānau – This policy outlines how the school and parents/whānau communicate and engage with each other.

Digital technology and online safety

• Digital Technology and Online Safety – This policy outlines the issues and challenges associated with our students being competent and confident users of digital technology, and focuses on the safety of students.

Emergency (communication)

• Emergency Management – In an emergency, disaster, or crisis the school contacts parents/caregivers/whānau when it can, using the emergency contact details provided, and releases information to the school community as appropriate.

Enrolment

• Enrolment – This policy outlines our enrolment conditions and process.

EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom)

• EOTC Consent – This policy contains important information about parental consent, risk disclosure, and health information.
• EOTC Supervision – This policy contains information about volunteering for EOTC events.

Food and nutrition

• Food and Nutrition – This policy outlines how we promote a healthy food and drink environment at school.

Getting to and from school safely

• Getting to and from School Safely – This policy outlines road safety at and around school, as well as travelling to and from school safely. If applicable, additional information (e.g. road patrol) is included here.

Head lice

• Head lice – The school regularly reminds parents about checking for head lice (nits) and provides information about treating the problem.

Healthcare

• Allergies – We aim to provide a safe environment for students with allergies. Parents advise the school of any allergies their child has, and provide an action plan as necessary.
• Asthma – Parents should inform the school, if their child has asthma, update this information as necessary, and provide the necessary medication.
• Managing Injuries and Illness – We follow school processes for contacting parents/caregivers or emergency contacts about injuries and illness.
• Infectious Diseases – Students must stay away from school when they are unwell to stop illness from spreading. How long they should be home depends on their illness. Remember to let the school know the student will be absent.
• Medicines – This policy explains how medicines are stored and administered.

Inclusive school culture

• Inclusive School Culture – We aim to create a safe and inclusive school culture where diversity is valued and all students and staff feel they belong.

Learning support

• Learning Support – The policies in this section outline how we support student learning needs, and who provides this support.

Police vetting

• Police Vetting – Police vetting is an important part of our safety checking processes and is relevant to several policies.

Privacy

• Privacy Policy – Our school aims to look after the privacy of everyone associated with our school. Privacy impacts on many school policies.
• Sharing Student Personal Information with Parents and Guardians – We share personal information about a student with their parent/guardian (including in response to parent/guardian requests) when appropriate and in accordance with legislation.
• Sharing Student Personal Information with External Agencies – Before sharing information with external agencies, the designated child protection person discusses any safety and wellbeing concerns with relevant staff.
• Public Sharing of Personal Information – We seek consent to share student personal information publicly. Consent is sought at enrolment, and as appropriate

Religious instruction

• Religious Instruction - We foster an inclusive school community, and respect the right of students and staff to observe their own religions and beliefs.

Reporting

• School Planning and Reporting– The board consults with the school community to develop our strategic goals and annual implementation plans, and to reflect on our performance against our goals and priorities.
• Reporting about Student Progress and Achievement – We report on student progress and achievement to students and their parents/guardians.

Requests for official information (e.g. OIA and LGOIMA)

• Requests for Official Information – We make information available unless there is a good reason to refuse access to information or withhold information (e.g. confidentiality and privacy).

School community

Also see Visitors and Volunteering at school (below)

• School Community and Engagement Policy and School Community Conduct Expectations – Our school is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of our school community.

School donations

• Income – This section contains information about how our school is funded (e.g school donations, fundraising, sponsorship).

Separated parents, guardians, and care arrangements

• Rights of Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers and Parent/Guardian Arrangements – Our school recognises the rights and roles of parents, guardians, and caregivers. We ensure that we comply with all legal requirements while keeping the student at the centre of all our decision-making.

Smoking and vaping

• Smokefree and Vapefree – Our school is smokefree and vapefree, all the time, no exceptions.

Sun protection

• Sun Protection – This policy outlines when our sun protection policy applies, and what this involves.

Student wellbeing

• Supporting Student Wellbeing – We support student wellbeing and recognise that wellbeing directly affects the ability to learn and succeed at St Joseph's School.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi – We recognise our responsibility to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are guided by the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in fulfilling this responsibility.

Use of school property

• Third-Party Use of School Property – School property (buildings and/or grounds) may be available for use by third parties.

Uniform / Dress

• School Uniform/Student Dress Expectations – This policy outlines our uniform/dress expectations.

Visitors

• Visitors – Safety and wellbeing is a key priority for anyone visiting the school.

Volunteering at school

• Volunteer Involvement – This policy contains information about helping with school activities.

Topic Number: 22773

Last Modified Date: 22/01/2026 14:33:56

Topic Version: 1

Published Date: 30/01/2026