School Community Conduct Expectations
At St Joseph's School, the board as the 
PCBU has a primary responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all workers, and others who may be affected by our school operations (including students and our wider school community) (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015). St Joseph's School is committed to providing a physically and emotionally safe place for all students and staff and takes all reasonable steps to eliminate racism, stigma, bullying, and any other forms of discrimination within the school (Education and Training Act 2020, s 127). See Inclusive School Culture.
The Education and Training Act 2020 (s 10) defines the school community as:
- the parents, families, and whānau of the school's students
- the Māori community associated with the school
- any other person, or group of persons, who the board or a sponsor considers is part of the school community for the purposes of the relevant provision.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 defines and outlines the health and safety responsibilities of different types of duty holders within a workplace.
A PCBU is a "person conducting a business or undertaking". At St Joseph's School, the whole board is the PCBU, including the principal. If events, activities, or services involve more than one PCBU, then PCBUs work together to establish responsibilities and actions for health and safety.
Conduct expectations
At St Joseph's School, school-related activities and events, and in all communications, we expect members of the school community to:
- comply with New Zealand legislation and regulations
Members of the school community must comply with New Zealand laws. Specific examples include:
- Smoking and vaping is prohibited at schools under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 (s 7A).
- It is an offence under the Education and Training Act 2020 (s 241) for an adult to intentionally insult, abuse, or intimidate a teacher or staff member within the presence or hearing of any student of the school and on school premises or in any other place where students of the school are assembled for school purposes.
- It is an offence under the Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Act 2013 (s 6) to display gang insignia at any time on school grounds.
- follow any reasonable requests or instructions from the school
- treat school staff and other members of the school community with respect
- support student learning
- respect our special character
- take reasonable care of their own health and safety
- take reasonable care that their behaviour does not negatively affect the health and safety of others
- follow relevant school policies and procedures, including but not limited to:
- supporting our inclusive school culture and school values
- respecting the privacy of others (e.g. sharing images)
- using digital technology and social media safely and responsibly
- complying with school expectations about smoking, vaping, and using alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances
- protecting school property and resources.
For conduct expectations applying to specific groups, see Board Responsibilities, Staff Conduct, Behaviour Management, and Visitors.
Managing concerns and incidents
Our school is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of our school community. Anyone who wants to bring a matter to the attention of the school is encouraged to follow our concerns and complaints procedures, including contacting an appropriate person at the school. We expect concerns and complaints to be raised respectfully, constructively, and with a willingness to work collaboratively to resolve the matter. If a member of the school community has a concern or complaint about a student who is not their child, they should contact the school. They should not contact the student or their parents/caregivers directly. See Raising Concerns and Complaints.
If there is a concern or complaint about community conduct, or an incident occurs, we aim to address the matter promptly and effectively. This includes meeting the principles of natural justice. See Assessing and Responding to Concerns and Complaints ("Matters involving other members of the school community").
Certain incidents may require immediate action:
- If a person is on school grounds without permission or a legitimate reason and/or refuse to leave when requested, they may be considered a trespasser. See Trespasser or Attacker on School Grounds.
- If gang insignia is worn on school grounds, the person wearing it may be asked to remove the gang insignia or leave.
- If necessary, staff contact the police.
Related policies
Legislation
- Education and Training Act 2020
- Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990
- Gangs Act 2024
Term 3 2025, Term 2 2025, Term 4 2024, Term 3 2024, Term 4 2020, Term 3 2020
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