School Rules Quick Links

UNIFORM, HAIRSTYLES, GROOMING, SCHOOL BAGS

top of page

1. Correct College uniform is to be worn coming to, at, and going from school. School uniform is to be worn to sport and other College functions. All articles of clothing are to be clearly labelled.
2. The ‘WINTER UNIFORM’ comprises: College coat or College blazer is worn by students in Years 11 and 12 as an alternative to the College coat; grey College trousers; (Year 10 may wear the blazer as an alternative to the College coat to sporting fixtures only); blue school shirt; College tie; black belt; black socks; black leather school shoes.
   
   The ‘SUMMER UNIFORM’ comprises: Short sleeve blue school shirt; grey College trousers; College tie; black belt; black socks; black leather school shoes; (the pullover must not be worn without the College coat or blazer when travelling to and from school in cooler weather).
   The ‘JUNIOR SCHOOL UNIFORM’: as per ‘Winter’ and ‘Summer’ uniform but with grey College short trousers; grey College walk socks; College Cap with College crest.
   
   Change from ‘Winter’ to ‘Summer’ uniform is printed in the College Calendar and it will be announced by the Headmaster.
3. ‘Hats, Caps, and Jewellery’
   Boys should wear the College Cap when out of doors at school. No other baseball Caps or hat is permitted. Such hats are only to be worn at school. They are not to be worn as part of the College uniform when travelling to and from school (this does not apply to the blue Junior School cap).
   Boys are not to wear items of jewellery which are visible when wearing College uniform other than a normal wrist watch. Boys are not permitted to wear rings, bracelets or similar, and earrings.
4. Shoes are to be kept clean and polished. No shoes other than black leather school shoes are to be worn except where written permission has been received from the Year Master in advance for documented medical reasons. Suede leather shoes, steel capped shoes are not permitted. Boots are forbidden.
5. Socks which are not black in colour in the secondary uniform are forbidden.
6. The top shirt button is to be done-up and ties are to be worn unless there has been specific direction from the Deputy Headmaster or Year Master(s) to the contrary. Students are still required to wear full College uniform to and from school, i.e. top buttons done-up and tie on.
7. Shirts should be in good repair (as should all articles of College uniform) and of an appropriate size to allow top buttons to be done-up and shirt tails to remain tucked-in.
8. Spectators at College Sporting or extra-curricula fixtures are to wear full College uniform or, at sporting fixtures, Sporting uniform.
9. During the period of Winter Uniform coats and blazers are to be worn to College assemblies.
10. Boys are expected to keep their hair well-groomed, and should carry a comb for this purpose. Hair is to be clean and neatly cut, off the collar, of natural colour, of even grade and all extremes of style avoided. Styles are expected to be reasonably conservative and guided by common sense. Examples of unacceptable styles include what are known as "undercuts", "layers", "steps", "lines", No. 1", "No. 2", or No. 3" grades, pony tails, marked contrasts of length or shape, long fringes, excessive gel. Action will follow against those boys who are not complying with College rules and no correspondence will be entered into. This list is not exhaustive. If there is any doubt then consult before you have your haircut. The Deputy Headmaster’s judgement is final. Boys are expected to be clean shaven at all times.
11. College backpack or crested College bag is required, no others being permitted. It is to be kept in good condition with no stickers attached or graffiti displayed. It must be clearly labelled with the student name and address.

CONDUCT AND DEPORTMENT

top of page
Where interaction between boys is concerned the College operates what is known as the hands-off rule. Stated simply, this means that there are essentially no occasions (except for a friendly handshake or in certain required situations during sport or similar activities) where one boy need touch another boy. This rule applies in all situations and at all times while under the jurisdiction of the College. All boys are familiar with this rule and must strictly adhere to it.

The good name of your College is in your hands, therefore, the following will be regarded as offences, particularly while travelling to or from school or attending school functions:

1. Noisy or risky conduct on trains or buses.
2. Eating or drinking or chewing gum either in classrooms, stairways, public transport or in the street.
3. Blocking of passages or doorways of buses or trains or jostling people (including fellow students).
4. The use of unseemly (profane, obscene, degrading) language.
5. For students to remain seated while adults are standing on public transport.
6. Spitting in public.
7. Jumping on or off moving vehicles; riding in the driver's or guard's compartment of trains.
8. Excessive shouting or other noise in the playground, stairways, corridors and verandahs, or near tuckshop area.
9. Rough and reckless activity in the playground or classrooms.
10. Smoking.
11. Defacing any part of the College, or other persons' property.
12. Talking when entering, within, or leaving the Chapel.
13. Bullying.
14. Back-talk to any staff member, or failure to obey a staff member's directions and to address staff in an appropriate way or to obey reasonable directions from College Prefects.
    

Stealing and involvement with alcohol and drugs are to be regarded as very serious offences and will be dealt with accordingly. The use of illegal substances by any student will not be permitted at any time while he is under the jurisdiction of the College.

ENTRY AND EXIT

1. top of page
   Whilst waiting for buses, students will assemble in orderly lines; the Junior School students will always be allowed at the front of any bus-line. These will form single file in the designated places. Similarly, at Strathfield Station students will assemble in orderly lines outside the station and are not to loiter in other areas or obstruct entrances and the free movement of other persons.
2. Once a student has gained a place in a bus-line, he is to stay in that position, keeping his school bag with him. School bags must not be placed so as to obstruct others or to be used for the purpose of ‘reserving’ a place for another student. No student is to push in on any bus-line.
3. Students must keep off the "nature strips" on the footpaths outside the College premises.
4. Students must cross Edgar and Francis Streets only at the marked pedestrian crossings. They must walk and not run.
5. When the bus arrives, students will be directed to move to the appropriate bus stop. When boarding the bus, students must move in an orderly manner and as far as possible move down the bus so that the maximum number may board.
6. Prefects are appointed to supervise buses. Their function is to:

   1. maintain orderly bus lines;
   2. supervise boarding and disembarking from the bus;
   3. ensure that students are dressed in full College uniform and behave in a manner worthy
      of the College's name;
   4. to report misbehaviour to the Deputy Headmaster.
      
7. Students not using public transport must not cross ovals on arrival to and departure from the College.
8. Year 12 students who wish to drive to and from school may do so only with the permission of the Headmaster. Formal application must be sought giving the name of the student and details of the vehicle to be driven. Students wishing to travel as passengers in a vehicle driven by another student are required to submit written acknowledgement from their parents that this arrangement is permitted. Under no circumstances is any student who is not authorised to travel in a vehicle with a particular Year 12 student to do so. There will be no exceptions. Notification that Year 12 students may drive cars will be given by the Headmaster. Students should not seek permission until such notification is given.
   

LATENESS POLICY

top of page

1. All boys are expected to be on the College premises by 8.35am and ready for the commencement of the day's activities.
   Persistent lateness, without reasonable excuse will be penalised. Only in exceptional circumstances will problems with Public Transport be accepted as an excuse. Boys should catch buses or trains which are scheduled to arrive to give them ample time to be at school by 8.35am.
2. Boys arriving after 8.52am. are to report to the office of the Pastoral Care Co-ordinator to have their Diary stamped and their lateness recorded.
3. For a justifiable lateness to school (determined by the Homeroom Teacher/Class Teacher if arriving during homeroom, or by the stamp in the diary if arriving after the completion of morning homeroom) there will be no punishment.
   For a justifiable lateness to class (determined by the Subject Teacher if arriving late for class) there will be no punishment. Boys who are late for teaching periods are expected to have an acceptable written explanation.
4. For an unjustifiable lateness to school (determined by the Homeroom Teacher/Class Teacher if arriving during homeroom or by the stamp in the diary in arriving after the completion of morning homeroom) or an unjustifiable lateness to class (determined by the Subject Teacher) the following actions will follow:-
   1. On the occasion of the first unjustifiable lateness in a calendar year an indication is
      given in the student diary informing the parents. In addition the student is advised by the
      Homeroom Teacher/Class Teacher/Subject Teacher about the consequences of any
      subsequent unjustifiable lateness.
   2. On the occasion of the second unjustifiable lateness in a calendar year a demerit slip is
      issued by the Homeroom Teacher/Class Teacher/Subject Teacher. The student is advised
      about the consequences of any subsequent unjustifiable lateness.
   3. On the occasion of the third unjustifiable lateness in a calendar year a College detention
      is standard punishment.
   4. On the occasion of the fourth or subsequent unjustifiable lateness in a calendar year the
      Year Master or member of the Executive utilises the level monitoring reports system and
      considers other steps to rectify the problem.

DRIVING POLICY

top of page
Driving to the College is a privilege and not a right. At the core of this policy is the safety and wellbeing of all persons. There are numerous responsibilities of the driver and passengers of motor vehicles. The conditions of driving to and from the College will be explained to all students at a Year assembly. Some of these include legal implications, consideration for the public, allowable passengers, areas available for parking and the unacceptability of arriving late. A driver who intends to carry passengers in his vehicle has added responsibilities and passengers must provide written acknowledgement from their parents.

Students who may apply to drive a motor vehicle to and from the College are those enrolled in Year 12. Year 11 students may apply following the end of the second week of the Higher School Certificate examinations in any given year. Applications to drive are considered from eligible students by the Year Master on behalf of the Headmaster. Permission for students to drive to and from certain College-endorsed activities will not ordinarily be given where transportation is provided by the College.

Students should not seek permission to drive prior to the times indicated above. Under no circumstances is any student who is not authorised to travel in a vehicle with a particular student to do so. There will be no exceptions. No student is to ever park his car in Hydebrae Street. Students who are in breach of any aspect of the driving policy may have their driving privileges revoked.

LEAVE

top of page

1. Requests for leave for a period of up to one day should be directed to the Junior School Pastoral Care Co-ordinator or the Year Master. Ordinarily appointments should be made out of school hours.
2. Extended leave requests should only be made in exceptional circumstances. In these cases, a letter addressed to the Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, ordinarily well in advance, should be sent with a request for consideration of the period of leave. The College reserves the right to decline such requests depending upon the circumstances.
   

CORRESPONDENCE

top of page

A letter, presented in a sealed, marked envelope, from parents or guardians, is to be tendered without delay to cover:

1. absence or lateness;
2. absence due to sickness;
3. leave from school;
4. exemption from Sport or Physical Education;
5. homework;
6. requests for permission to vary from College uniform;
7. request for permission to be absent from compulsory College functions, (e.g. Speech Night);
8. intention to terminate enrolment at the College. Such correspondence must be in writing and be tendered in advance.

When a student is absent from school and such absence was unforeseeable then the College Office should be informed as promptly as possible by telephone. However, a letter explaining the absence must still be tendered on the return of the student to the school.

OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE

top of page
Many letters, circulars and other written information are placed in the hands of students to be taken home to parents - these should be taken home without delay and in good order. A student who fails to hand parents such correspondence from time to time should be queried - you are probably not being kept informed of important matters concerning you and the College. It is the expectation of the College that letters addressed to parents remain unopened until opened by the addressee.

TELEPHONE MESSAGES

top of page
Parents are advised that it is neither feasible nor convenient to pass on telephone messages to students except where the situation is clearly an emergency.

MOBILE TELEPHONE USE AT THE COLLEGE

top of page

The College does not deem it to be a right for boys to have a mobile telephone on its premises. Families are advised that the College expects that if boys bring mobile telephones to school they do so with the full knowledge and authority of their parents. Parents are therefore advised to take appropriate measures to insure such telephones against loss, damage or theft.

Mobile telephones are to be stored in student lockers or given to Year Masters or class teachers during the course of a normal time-tabled school day. Mobile telephones may not be switched “on” during the course of a normal time-tabled school day, including both at Recess and Lunch times. Boys are to use the standard public telephone facilities that are available at the College during this time. Boys found to have mobile telephones switched “on” or on their person at these times can expect to have them immediately confiscated. No mobile telephone is to be brought to excursions, camps and retreats unless written permission has been sought in advance and, if approval is granted, then permission from the supervising staff member is to be sought before the use of any telephone.

Students who possess a mobile telephone which has a digital camera as one of its features are not to use the camera function of that telephone at any time while under the College’s jurisdiction; this includes times outside the normal timetabled school day. The taking and storing of such images is a potential breach of Privacy legislation and therefore is not permitted. Such behaviour will be considered a serious offence.

DATA STORAGE DEVICES

top of page
The College does not deem it to be a right for boys to have data storage devices on its premises. Families are advised that the College expects that if a boy chooses to bring a data storage device to school they do so with the full knowledge and authority of their parents. Parents are therefore advised to take appropriate measures to insure such items against loss, damage or theft.

Students may have USB and Hard Disk storage devices at the College but only in restricted and regulated circumstances. Devices such as MP3 and hard disk music players (e.g. iPods) are not to be used during the course of a normal timetabled school day, including Study Periods and both Recess and Lunch times. During the timetabled school day they are to be stored in student lockers or given to Year Masters or class teachers.

USB flash drives and other digital data storage devices may only be used for legitimate storage and transfer of files that are part of the accepted and normal College curriculum. They may not be used to store or transfer audio and video files downloaded from the internet on College computers. No student, while under the College’s jurisdiction, is to download any material which may be considered a breach of any Copyright legislation. Such behaviour will be considered a serious offence.

USE OF COMPUTER ROOMS

top of page
Computer Rooms contain specialist equipment which is available for all to use. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that computers are correctly used, cared for, and kept secure. In the computer room, boys take full responsibility for the computer and the accessories they use and are only to use hardware and software as directed by their teacher.

Irresponsible use may result in exclusion from the use of computer room facilities or removal from a class where the computers are used.

Use of the Computer Rooms must be in accordance with the Computer Usage Agreement and School Rules as set out in the Student Diary.

Entry procedures:

1. Bags are not to be brought into the room, only books and pencil cases.
2. No food or drink is to be brought into the room.
3. Boys must always go to the workstation which has been allocated to them by their teacher.
4. Boys must inspect their workstation for damage or changes, including damage to fittings and furniture. You may be held liable if you fail to do this.
5. If present, gas-lift chairs are only to be adjusted once-only, at the beginning of the lesson. Boys are not permitted to roll around the classroom on these chairs.

Exit procedures:

1. Chairs are to be returned to their full height and then placed under the desk.
2. No chair is to be wedged under the desk.
3. Keyboards should be placed neatly in front of the computer with the mouse to the right.
4. Ensure the room and your workstation is left clean and tidy.
   

PORTABLE STORAGE MEDIA (USB FLASH DRIVES)

top of page
USB Flash drives are becoming an important technology that allows students to store and transport work files easily and efficiently. There are, however, inherent risks in the technology and students should be aware of these. The use of Portable Storage Media must be in accordance with the Computer Usage Agreement and School Rules as set out in the Student Diary.

• Work should be saved regularly.
• USB Drives should only be used as a transport medium. Students are encouraged to store work in their own network areas and copy files to a USB drive for transportation only. Do not save directly to a USB drive making it the only copy of important work.
• Students should not share USB drives or use them in a manner described in the Computer Usage Agreement.
• Students are reminded about the College’s rules regarding plagiarism.
• The College will take no responsibility whatsoever for the reliability of USB Flash drives. This responsibility rests with the student. The College encourages students to apply normal backup procedures to important work files to cover the event of hardware failure.

USE OF THE CLASSROOMS

top of page
Boys in the Junior School may not enter classrooms before the commencement of school. Boys in the Secondary School may not use the classrooms unless there is a teacher present in the room. Boys who wish to use the classrooms for any reason must first seek permission to do so.

USE OF THE STUDY CENTRE

top of page
The Vera Wilson Study Centre is available for private, self-directed study by boys in Year 11 and 12 during their timetabled Study lessons or at other times by arrangement with the Year Master. Boys may also have access to the McGlade Library during timetabled study lessons.

THE LIBRARIES

top of page
Each boy is a full member of the St Patrick's libraries. Resources, both print and electronic are being added all the time and boys are encouraged to use these resources for research and recreational reading.

McGLADE LIBRARY
HOURS: 8.30a.m. - 3.45p.m. - Monday and Friday
8.30a.m. - 4.30p.m. –Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Every Recess and Lunchtime except Friday Recess.

When using the Library students must observe the following -

1. A two-week loan period for most book resources.
2. No food OR drink is permitted in the Library.
3. Bags are to be left neatly outside the Library in the bag racks provided.
4. Boys are to return books by the due date.
5. Boys will be charged the replacement cost and an administration fee for lost or damaged books.
6. Noise Level -
   1. There should be silence in the Library during class times and study periods.
   2. Quiet discussion is allowed during Recess and Lunch times.
   3. Silence is to be maintained in the Library Foyer at all times.
7. Library Computers
   The Internet can be accessed through the Library both for class and individual educational research. The Library contains specialist equipment that is available for all boys to access the Internet, CD- ROMs and search the Library catalogue. Each boy has the responsibility to ensure the equipment and the areas are correctly used and maintained.
   Boys should immediately report any problem to the Library staff.
   Only one boy is to use a work station at any one time.
   To use the Internet boys must have signed “The Computer Use Agreement”, a copy of which is found in this Diary.
8. Computer Printing: Boys must pay for any printing at a rate of 10c per page for black and white and $1.00 per page for coloured photocopies.

RAYMER LIBRARY
HOURS: 8.30a.m. - 3.10p.m. - Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
The expectations of boys using the Raymer Library are the same as those for boys using the McGlade Library.

HOME STUDY

top of page
There is more to 'Home Study' than doing set, written homework: your home study should include the following:

1. Set, written homework;
2. Revision of all that you have been taught during the day;
3. Memorisation of facts, formulae (in some subjects);
4. Regular revision of past work.

The minimum times for Home Study, on the basis of five times per week, should be:
Year 7 - 1½ hours Year 8 - 1½ hours
Year 9 - 2 hours Year 10 - 2½ hours
Year 11 - 3-4 hours

Year 12 study time should be limited only by the legitimate demands of family and College life.

YEAR RESPONSIBILITY

top of page

1. There is to be no loitering or unnecessary noise during the change of periods. The changes of periods are not to be regarded as 'free times'. Boys must only be out of classrooms if they are changing rooms.
2. All boys are to assist in keeping their classrooms tidy. Furniture, woodwork or paint work must not be defaced.
3. At the end of the day it is the responsibility of the last class to see that:
   1. all rubbish is off the floor;
   2. the board is cleaned;
   3. all chairs are on the desks;
   4. lockers and desks are free of rubbish;
   5. the lights are switched off;
   6. windows are closed and locked.
4. Desks and chairs should be left in an orderly fashion at the conclusion of each period. The board should be cleaned at the conclusion of each period.
5. At the conclusion of Recess break, and after Lunch time, boys are to move quietly and directly to classrooms without stopping to visit the toilets or to buy food or drinks. These matters should be attended to during the breaks.
6. Any damage to furniture, walls and fittings is to be reported to the Year Master immediately, and normally the student responsible will pay for such damage, except in the case of accidental damage.
7. Students should not treat times when they have no classes as 'Free Periods'. They are intended as, and are to be used as, 'Study Periods'.
   

AREAS OUT OF BOUNDS

top of page

1. Students are not permitted to walk on any grassed area within or around the College boundaries.
2. The telephone on the corner of Francis and Edgar Streets adjacent to the Brothers' Monastery is out of bounds during school hours. Boys may only use the blue telephone outside 'sickbay' and in the Dynes Building foyer during school hours.
3. Students may not leave the College grounds during school hours without the permission of the Headmaster, members of the Executive, or the Year Master.
4. No student is permitted to go home for lunch, or to the Australian Catholic University Canteen or grounds at any time.
5. Students who use the ovals between the Australian Catholic University and the John Rewi Crichton Building at lunch time may do so only under the following conditions:
   1. no food or drink is permitted on the 'back ovals';
   2. students may not wear College uniform, but must be suitably attired, including
   3. footwear;
   4. students are to change in the dressing rooms, or areas nominated by coaches, and are to
      be dressed in the College uniform and ready for class by the first bell, marking the end of lunch time.
   5. a staff Member must be present to supervise.
6. Years 7 to 9 are not permitted on the walkways around the College Chapel or in any areas around the Brothers' Monastery. They are not permitted in the Junior School yard. Year 7 is to remain in its designated play area and Year 9 are not permitted to use the Junior Canteen. Junior Toilets are used by students in Years 5 - 8 inclusive.
   
   Students in Years 7 to 9 are not permitted in the Year 10 to 12 areas. This includes the area around 29 Francis Street. Students are not permitted on the footpath in Francis Street, nor are they permitted on Breen Oval without permission of a member of staff. Loitering around the Toilet Block and Change Rooms is not permitted.
   Lab "Prep" rooms are out of bounds.
7. OVALS & COLLEGE GROUNDS - DANGERS
   No boy is to be close to any work that involves mowing or edge trimming and other mechanical reparation of College ovals or other grassed areas. Where applicable, directions on warning signs are to be strictly observed. No boy is to be on, or near, any oval that is being mowed or where the grass is being cut using other types of machinery. This especially applies to the ‘back Ovals’ when boys are moving to and from the Gymnasium, Duffy Music Centre or Fatima Oval and to Breen Oval. Failure to follow signs and instructions will be considered a serious breach of school rules.
   

OTHER

top of page
Changing of Classes, Subjects, Courses
For a boy to alter his course of study he must first obtain the approval of the Curriculum Co-ordinator, who, in turn, will liaise with the relevant Studies Co-ordinator(s) and Year Master. In Year 9 to 12, specific Change of Subject forms are required to be completed prior to any subject change occurring. Full details of the required signatories are outlined on this form. These forms are obtained from the Curriculum Co-ordinator.

Emergency Procedures
When the fire alarm is heard, boys must leave whatever they are doing, leave the building by the closest exit, and assemble in an orderly fashion (in Years) on Breen Oval. Students in classes must leave under the direction of their teacher.

Students observing a fire on the College premises should immediately report the matter to a teacher.

No student may use either a fire extinguisher or a fire hose without the express permission of a teacher, and only when a teacher is present.

Sick Bay
Except in exceptional circumstances, for a boy to enter sick bay during timetabled lessons he must gain the permission of his teacher and have this noted in his Diary. At other times the permission of the Year Master or Junior School Pastoral Care Co-ordinator must be obtained. The Sick Bay attendant will, in consultation with the Year Master or Junior School Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, determine the appropriate course of action to be taken for any boy who is referred to Sick Bay. No boy ever contacts his parents directly requesting that they come and pick him up. That responsibility resides solely with the Sick Bay attendant.

Lockers (Secondary)

1. Lockers may be used only at times approved by Year Masters.
2. Students' requests to visit lockers during lessons will not be granted, except in exceptional
   circumstances; no lesson should be interrupted by a disorganised student.
   

School Functions
Boys are encouraged to take an active role in all College functions. Attendance is compulsory at certain functions, as determined by the College.

Excursions
The normal dress for excursions is full College uniform, including black leather school shoes. Boys may only wear alternative attire if specific instructions have been given by a member of staff or the College. Boys who arrive for excursions in incorrect attire will either remain at the College and not be permitted to attend the excursion, or can expect to be sent back to the College from the excursion.

Boys who misbehave or are uncooperative on school excursions can expect to be asked to return to the College.

General

top of page

1. Boys should stand when an adult enters the room, unless otherwise directed.
2. Visitors should be addressed as 'Sir', 'Miss', 'Madam', 'Father', 'Sister', 'Brother' and so forth, as appropriate.
3. Students must follow any reasonable direction given by a College Prefect.
4. Covers on students folders and books must be of an appropriate nature. Illustrations or text which may be deemed offensive by staff or other boys are forbidden. Photographs which may be considered to be sexist or overly explicit are forbidden. It is recommended that if boys choose to cover folders or books that they do so with material of a particular colour or non-pictorial pattern. Folders and pencil cases should not be disfigured with graffiti.