An outline of the responsibilities of parents/guardians

Communication Charter for Parents/Guardians

The Christian heritage of Barker is the inspiration for our values and purpose. We are a school that, through these values, encourages all members of our community to thrive and we aim to create an environment that ensures connectedness, a sense of belonging, engagement and positive, respectful relationships. This Community Charter has been developed to outline the responsibilities of all parents, grandparents, carers, and other visitors to the School to ensure our learning environment is collaborative, supportive, cohesive and aligns to the Barker College values.

The Role of the School

Barker College is committed to working together in partnership with parents and families to create a positive environment for students, staff and the wider school community. The School is responsible for establishing and administering policies, procedures and rules which govern the operations of the School and at all times, we prioritise the wellbeing of our students and staff.

Communication and Interaction

There are scheduled parent-teacher meetings (between staff and parents) throughout the year where the student’s progress can be discussed. There may be other times when a parent or a staff member requests a meeting to discuss particular issues that may arise. These communications will usually be coordinated via class teacher (Junior School) or the Head of House (Middle and Senior School). • Parents should avoid contacting a staff member on their mobile number, unless the staff member has requested this, and has the express permission of the Head. Our staff will always find time to respond to any parent’s questions or concerns regarding their son or daughter. It is important that parents and carers understand that while our staff are in class, or dealing with other matters, they may not be available to answer your emails or respond to your phone calls immediately. The School does not expect our teaching staff to respond to emails after 6.30pm or before 7am during week days, or at all over weekends (the expected response time for email communication is within 48 hours). Communications, whether verbal or in writing with members of the School community, including teachers, administration staff, other parents or students should show respect and courtesy, not be confrontational and not use immoderate language. Should there be an occasion when this protocol has not been appropriately followed, please have a discussion with your son or daughter’s class teacher (Junior School) or Head of House (Middle and Senior School).

Social Media

It is important that parents show respect for staff and not publicly criticise them or seek to undermine their authority. • It is expected that social media will be used for the purposes of building community and contributing to a positive dynamic amongst parents and families. • Parents should respect the privacy of other students and not post photos or videos of any students, other than their own, on their personal social media platforms. • Social media should not be used to criticise or denigrate the School, the School leadership, staff, parents, students, or others in the School community. Expectations around the use of social media aligns with the School’s Social Media Policy. • Social Media should be respectful in terms of how we respond to posts, comments and images.

Sport

Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend sporting events. Students are selected for teams based on merit and the most appropriate selection at the relevant time. From time to time, students are moved to a different team, based on performance and team composition (please respect the decisions of the Sports coaches). • It is expected that at all times, parents and carers encourage students to give their best effort and applaud good play • It is not acceptable for parents to abuse, threaten or criticise a match official • Please respect the decisions of the Sports Coaches If a parent has a concern about a sports game, coach or member of staff, they can raise this with the Director of Sport - Operations - DirectorSportsOperations@barker.nsw.edu.au

Vehicle Use on School Access Roads and Car Parking

For the absolute safety of our students and staff, it is essential that parents adhere to the speed limit of 10km/h when driving within the School grounds and in the car parks. Please ensure that there is no speeding, overtaking or parking illegally. Please ensure all behaviour is courteous at all times and always choose safety over convenience.

Confidentiality

The School values the contribution of parents with respect to volunteering. The School maintains its discretion in approving or declining volunteers and at all times will be a decision maker in relation to the conditions of volunteering. When parents volunteer in certain roles, such as in the Junior School classroom or tuckshops, they may come across confidential information regarding another student. It is important that information remains confidential and is not discussed with other parents. It is recommended that this is reported to the class teacher. There are legislative and policy requirements in relation to volunteering which all volunteers must adhere to eg Working With Children Check.

Carer or Guardian

These Communication Guidelines apply to carers and guardians in the same way they apply to parents.

Failure to Observe these Communication Guidelines

In all workplaces people have the right to feel safe and respected. Unacceptable and offensive behaviour has no place in our School. To ensure the wellbeing of students, staff and the community, steps will be taken to address unacceptable behaviour. This may include limited access to staff, sporting events, School events or the School premises. In more serious cases, unacceptable behaviour may impact the enrolment of the student/s.

Volunteering at Barker

Volunteers are an important part of our School community. They share their skills and time, generously helping others. They foster links in our School and local community. Whether it is helping on one of the Saturday BBQs or volunteering to assist in one of the School’s tuckshops, we warmly welcome the assistance of our parents and guardians. The School simply could not function without our many volunteers. Their support is greatly appreciated. To volunteer at one of the School’s tuckshops, please follow the link to: Become a Parent Volunteer at Tuckshop Throughout the year, our Learning Support Department seeks the support of volunteer readers and scribes to support students, particularly during exam periods. Training and direction is provided by the Learning Support team. If you are able to assist please contact our Learning Support team. The School warmly invites those who are able, to assist the children of Darkinjung Barker and Ngarralingayil Barker, our schools for Indigenous children located at Yarramalong on the Central Coast and Wollombi, respectively. Please Note: It is a mandatory requirement at Barker that all volunteers hold a current Working with Children Check Clearance (WWCC). This can be completed at: www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au and then sent to community@barker.nsw.edu.au.