1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct provides parents with Christ Church Grammar School’s (the School) expectations around their conduct at School, at off-site activities and at all School events with the objective of developing effective and positive relationships within the School community.  It is based on the values outlined in Christ Church Grammar School’s Code of Ethics which requires all members to:

 Act with integrity, respect, care and compassion and demonstrate a commitment to excellence

 The School is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all staff, children and young people at the School and is dedicated to protecting them from abuse and grooming by implementing robust policies and procedures to facilitate detection and reporting at the School.  Christ Church Grammar School expects all parents to share this commitment.

2. Scope 

This Code:

• Sets out the ethical obligations and expectations of all parents to act in accordance with the expressed standards of the School
• Underlies the rights of all members of the community to be treated respectfully, fairly and equitably in the school environment
• Provides appropriate avenues for resolving and addressing breaches of the Code, policies, and agreements
• Promotes confidence in the integrity and professionalism of the staff and the services offered by the School
• Demonstrates the School’s commitment to providing a child safe environment
• Maintains public trust and confidence in the School

 3. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, ‘parents‘  includes but is not limited to the following:

• Parents
• Stepparents
• Grandparents
• Extended family and stepfamily members
• Guardians
• Caregivers

 4. Principles

EXCELLENCE

It is expected that Christ Church parents share a common goal with the School to help their sons successfully negotiate the transition from boyhood to manhood.

In choosing Christ Church, parents must demonstrate an understanding of and reinforce the stated aims and values of the School.

Parents are required to encourage their boys to engage actively in the life of the School, to make the most of all academic, sporting and extra-curricular opportunities offered, to strive for personal and collective excellence, and to make choices consistent with School values.

 RESPECT, CARE & COMPASSION

When communicating verbally, in writing or online with members of the School community i.e. teachers, administration staff, other parents or students, parents are required to:

• Demonstrate respect, courtesy and consideration
• Ensure their behaviour is not confrontational, aggressive or threatening
• Where appropriate, provide constructive and specific feedback for continuous improvement, rather than using negative or disparaging language
• In the first instance, parents are to approach their son’s tutor (Senior School) or classroom teacher (Preparatory School) to discuss academic and/or pastoral care matters. Staff will generally respond to emails and telephone calls within 24 hours, Monday to Friday.  In the event of an emergency parents are to phone the School Reception for assistance
• The time available for parents to meet with staff is limited.  Appointments, where necessary are to be scheduled at a mutually convenient time

• The attendance and support of parents for their sons and the School at co-curricular events are welcomed.  Nevertheless, parents are expected to exercise restraint when supporting School teams and they must adhere to the PSA’s Code of Conduct  for  Parents and other Spectators (psa.wa.edu.au/code-of-conduct).
• Parents are not to instruct, direct or discipline students who are not their sons, while these students are engaged in School activities or are in the care of the School.  In these circumstances, instruction and discipline matters are to be handled exclusively by School staff
• Whilst always seeking the best educational outcomes for their sons, parents are required to show compassion and sensitivity to the needs of others, their dignity and their aspirations 
• On campus and whilst attending School activities and events, parents must demonstrate a duty of care to others and comply with any work, health and safety directions, policies and procedures including those relating to alcohol, drugs, smoking and vaping

INTEGRITY

At enrolment and throughout the course of a student’s journey at Christ Church Grammar School parents are required to

• Honestly declare and provide information that is required in compliance with legislation including that which relates to their son’s health, immunisation status and any additional testing, including educational, that may be relevant
• Meet their financial obligations with respect to the payment of fees and related ancillary expenses
• Avoid any fraudulent or corrupt behaviour such as the offer of gifts and/or bribes to gain advantages for their son
• Advise the School in writing of their change in living circumstances
• Accept that the School will observe any orders made by a Court, which specifically references Christ Church Grammar School, in relation to a student or communications with parents. The School will not be involved in any parental disputes
• Wear the name badges provided by the Parents Association on campus to facilitate easy identification and the safety and protection of students
• Adhere to school policies and procedures including the Traffic Management Policy
• Familiarize themselves with the School’s Code of Conduct for Students, rules and regulations that impact their sons and support the School in enforcing the provisions of these policies
• Ensure Parents do not book any events or venues in the name of Christ Church Grammar School unless the event has been sanctioned by a member of the School Executive.  The School expects parents to work as partners to ensure that the high standards and reputation of the School is not compromised

Breaches of this Code of Conduct

The consequences for breaching this Code of Conduct will be determined at the discretion of the Principal, Deputy Principal and/or Chair of Council, the first step being a discussion intended to best support the parent as a member of our community.

Serious or repeated breaches may result in further actions by the School, which include:

• Direction to restrict communications with members of staff/parents/boys through a nominated School representative
• Exclusion from specified activities or entry to School grounds
• Termination of the enrolment of the child of that parent, in the rare event of the partnership between the parent and the School breaking down

Parents may direct any appeal against sanctions applied for breaches of the Code following the process outlined in the School’s Disputes and Complaints  Policy. 

Complaints

Parents with a complaint are asked to address it by following the process outlined in the School’s Disputes and Complaints Policy.

 5. Related Legislation and Policies

Code of Ethics

Code of Conduct for Students

Disputes and Complaints Policy

Enrolment Policy

Traffic Management Policy

Student Behaviour Management Policy

Work Health and Safety Policy

 

 

Date originally approved 7 February 2023	Approving Authority Council
Date this version approved 7 February 2023	Date to be reviewed 7 February 2026
Policy Custodian Principal	Policy Category School Codes