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ST PETER’S SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS INDUCTION 2025

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STUDENT PROTECTION IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

Our aim is to give students the sense of being safe and valued as people so that they are secure and ready to learn at their best level. As a volunteer you play a significant role in the work of the school, form part of the school community and assist in providing the optimal learning environment for the students.

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WHAT IS REASONABLE SUSPICION TO SUSPECT HARM?

Reasonable grounds to suspect that harm to a student may have occurred is when:

a student speaks about being harmed or being in danger of being harmed
someone else (perhaps a relative, friend, acquaintance or sibling of the student) informs you that they suspect a student has been harmed
a student tells you that they know a child who has been harmed (often the student is referring to him/herself)
you observe a particular student's behaviour, physical appearance or social relationships that raises concerns of possible harm to the student
you see the harm happening

PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HARM ON OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE - STUDENT PROTECTION: VOLUNTEER INDUCTION

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AS A VOLUNTEER IN OUR SCHOOL

Your reporting responsibilities

In any instance where you either become aware, or reasonably suspect harm to a student has occurred, or there is a risk of it occurring, you must report this as soon as possible to the Principal, Student Protection Contact (SPC) or the staff member in charge of the activity. Please check with your school principal about whom you are to report to if you have concerns about a student.

Peter Smith Principal

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SIGNING IN

OFFICE

Volunteers and Visitors to the school should:

Report to administration building/office
Sign in using Who’s on Location.Be provided with a ‘visitor’ ID badge (to be worn at all times)
Report to the area of prearranged volunteer work.
Upon completion of the volunteer task Sign-out and return pass when leaving.

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FIRE & LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES

The fire alarm can be raised by contacting the school office

The fire alarm is a siren

The assembly point is located at the corner of Henry Street and Ward Street - Poinciana Tree

In the event of the alarm being raised you must go immediately to your designated assembly point to be included in the roll call.

The lockdown signal can be raised by contacting the school office

The lockdown signal is Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”

When the lockdown signal is played, doors are locked, windows closed and lights are turned off. If anyone not in a room, needs to move to the nearest room immediately.

The all clear signal will be given when the situation is resolved.

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WORKPLACE HEALTH SAFETY

FIRST AID

If at any time you require first aid assistance, you should contact the school office.

REPORTING ACCIDENTS

All accidents on the school site must be reported to the school office or Joanna Cornwell before leaving the school site. A Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton Incident Report form for staff, volunteers and contractors should be completed.

RESTROOMS FOR VOLUNTEERS

The volunteers can use the following toilets/amenities located in the staff room or the library.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES/CHEMICALS

Please do not bring in any cleaning products or chemicals. Our school has safe cleaning supplies.

TECHNOLOGY

All volunteers who will be accessing technology in the school environment should be given a copy of the Diocesan ICT policy and sign a Staff Acceptable Use Agreement.

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ESSENTIAL BEHAVIOURS FOR VOLUNTEERS

Avoid any behaviour that could reasonably be interpreted as harassment, inappropriate or harmful.
Ensure that language or actions (including that utilising technology) cannot be interpreted as inappropriate or sexualising a relationship.
Never ridicule, demean or intimidate a student or threaten their sense of personal safety.
Ensure, where reasonably possible, that another person is present or close by when working with a student and avoid situations where students are or may feel isolated.
Avoid, whenever reasonably possible, being alone with a student or students, particularly in sleeping, dressing or bathroom areas.
Take particular care to respect personal space and be mindful of physical contact with students.
Never supply or serve alcohol, any prohibited or controlled substances to a student.
Never smoke, consume or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while working with students.
Never discipline students in any circumstances. The teachers will decide on the disciplinary measures that are required.
Seek advice when there is any sense the relationship is uncomfortable, dysfunctional or unproductive.
Ensure personal appearance and presentation is clean, tidy and appropriate for your role in the school environment / activity.
Report any perceived breaches of professional conduct to the Principal or appropriate staff member.

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THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING AT OUR SCHOOL