VPRS 20619 School Policies

This series is comprised of school policy and strategic planning files from Gruyere Primary School (School No. 2956) (VA 5497). These files are distinct from the general policies and operational guidance distributed to all government schools by the Department of Education III (VA 5283) or its predecessors.  School policies are developed by the school council, which is responsible for reflecting the school’s values and support the school’s broad direction, as outlined in its Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan replaced the School Charter.  The Strategic Plan is a 4-year plan for school improvement, completed by schools after their school review.   It is a document which outlines the school’s vision and values, sets goals and targets for improved student outcomes, lists the key improvement strategies that will help achieve these goals and targets and is sensitive to local needs of the school community.  Some policies are required by legislation or Departmental directives, while others may be created by the school council to address local needs. Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic), all Victorian government schools are required to have a Strategic Plan as part of their registration with the Victorian Qualifications and Registration Authority. These policies cover a wide range of topics common to most schools, including camps, excursions, and outdoor activities; canteen and other school food services; community use of school facilities; dress code; homework; inclusion practices; strategic plans; and student behaviour management. Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) and Ministerial Order 1359: Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools, government schools are mandated to create policies that comply with Victoria’s Child Safe Standards. As of 2024, the Department of Education (VA 5283) required schools to have policies about certain topics, for example education maintenance allowance, investments, parent complaints and payments, student engagement and wellbeing, visitors to schools, criminal record checks, and anaphylaxis management.  Prior to the legislative establishment of School Councils, records of schools’ governance may be contained in the records of other committees, including school committees, advisory committees, welfare clubs or parent committees.