Handbook

Emmaus Catholic College
87-109 Bakers Lane
Kemps Creek NSW 2171

tel: 9670 4588
fax: 9834 3403
email: emmaus@parra.catholic.edu.au

Emmaus is a co-educational systemic secondary school established in 1988, situated at Kemps Creek, 10 km south-west of St Marys. The College is an initiative of the Parents and Pastors of Our Lady of the Rosary, St Marys; Holy Spirit, St Clair; and representatives of the Catholic Education Office.

The local area has a number of characteristics which has influenced the school curriculum and school life in general:

• The location is in the area of diminishing semi-rural farming and market gardens.
• Situated on 44 hectares, Emmaus shares the site with Emmaus Retirement Village and Trinity Primary School.
• The shortage of general facilities close to the College means an almost total reliance on bus services for sport, and other College activities.
• If and when space allows, the concept of wider community use of the facilities is also considered desirable, as well as drawing on the expertise of the 'retired' neighbours.

Emmaus Catholic College shares in the mission of the Church in that it seeks to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who become part of the College community or deal with it.

At Emmaus we strive in partnership with the parish communities and in co-operation with parents to:

• teach students the values and messages of the Gospel, which is centred on Jesus Christ.
  
  
• hand on the traditions and liturgy of the Catholic Church
  
  
• educate students in religious literacy and community responsibility
  
  
• lead young people to accept their personal strengths and limitations, and those of others
  
  
• create a culture of forgiveness and maintenance of right relationships

School Hours
College hours are from 8:35am to 2:55pm. Students should be in attendance from 8:30am.

Late
If late, students should have a note in their diary and report to student services to sign in on the computer before proceeding to class.

Absences
Notes are required for absences the day the student returns to school. Absences extending beyond three days require the College to be notified and where there is illness, a doctor’s certificate is required. Necessary medical or dental appointments should be made outside school hours, if possible.

Leaving School Early
If a student needs to leave school during the day, parents should make the request in the College Diary to the appropriate Leader of Mission. If permission is granted then the student takes their diary signed by the Leader of Mission and homeroom teacher to the office to be signed out. Students must be signed out by a parent or guardian at the office. In the case of late withdrawal from camps or overnight excursions, a doctor’s certificate is required.

Extended Leave
Leave requests should be submitted to the Principal on the appropriate form found on the 'Notes & Forms' page our our website
Application for Exemption from Attendance
Application for Extended Leave - Travel

Students should not be sent to school when sick.

If a student becomes sick whilst at school, he/she must ask his/her class teacher to sign their diary giving permission to go to the sickbay. The sickbay is not for long term use and in most cases, parents are contacted to collect their children and take them home. No student may enter the sickbay without permission.

Students are not to contact parents directly via their mobile.

For the safety of the students, and the tidiness of the yard, the following directions should be observed:

• No running games are permitted except on the oval at lunchtime.
• No food or drink to be taken onto the oval or basketball courts or across the yellow lines.
• Rubbish is to be placed in the bins provided.
• All students are to observe a ‘Hands Off’ rule during recreation times – no contact sport.
• Visitors are not permitted unless they have first reported to the office.
• All areas to be cleaned thoroughly in the last five minutes of lunchtime.
• The canteen will be closed if the playground is untidy.
  
  

All property - whether one’s own, the school’s or other students’ should always be treated with respect.

Care should be taken not to damage desks or chairs, no graffiti should appear on books, bags etc. computer devices, mobile phones, (See section of ‘Mobile Phone’ further in this handbook). Valuables or large amounts of money, must not be brought to school unless prior arrangements have been made with the Leader of Mission or Subject Teacher.

Students should take every precaution to avoid loss of property, especially by keeping special items such as calculators on their person. 

When cash is brought to school, such as for fees and excursions, it should be deposited at the first opportunity at the School Office.

Students attending the Library are asked to store their bags in the locked storage areas at the front of the Library.

All items of property should be clearly marked. Lost property may be claimed at the office during recess and lunch time.

The College Council consists of the Executive Body:

• The Principal
• Assistant Principals 
• Pastor Representatives 
• Religious Education Coordinator
• Parent Representatives

The aim of this Council is to work with the Principal in ensuring the school is well advised on issues of parental concern. College functions and activities are organised and run by the parent and student community, such as working bees, school ground and building maintenance, sporting facilities and fund-raising. The School Council meets once a term.

The Canteen is available to students from 8:15 am for breakfast.  Students are expected to be quiet and courteous in the canteen area at all times. The canteen will be closed at the discretion of the Principal or his delegate if the College grounds are untidy.

Daily Bulletins are announced at Homeroom time, giving students information of any changes of programs, meetings, sport and student initiated events.

Every second Friday, the school newsletter is distributed to each family via email and website. This is a regular and formal means of contact with parents. It provides an important avenue of communication between the College and the College Community.

Subscribe to our newsletter
You can subscribe to our newsletters to have all the latest school news and events sent straight to your email in-box. Go to the Newsletters page of our website to enter your details.

Sports offered include:

• Venue sports include Flipout, Rock Climbing, AMF Bowling, Ice Skating, Don Bosco and Gymnastics
• School-based sports such as Basketball, Netball, Soccer, Touch football, Art, Creative Justice, Basic Gift and Coding/Robotics.
• Representative sport for the PDSSSC Competition - Sports offered across 3 seasons include AFL, Touch football, Basketball, Soccer, Rugby League, Baseball, Netball, Oz-tag, Cricket, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee and Softball.

Achievements/ Records

• PDSSSC Representative Intermediate Boys Soccer 2016 Premiers
• PDSSSC Representative Touch Football 2016 Premiers
• PDSSSC Representative Touch Football 2016 Runners Up

Shop hours and location

The Uniform Shop is located in the TAS building, which is the first building on the left hand side as you enter the school car park.

During school terms the shop hours are:

• Monday 12pm to 4pm
• Thursday 8am to 12pm

The shop has extended trading hours at the beginning of the school year.

School uniforms are also available to purchase at the School Locker Shop in Liverpool, and online at the School Locker Portal.

School Locker Portal

Other items at the College Uniform Shop

Other items sold at the Uniform shop include:

• art packs
• goggles
• College bags
• sports bags
• calculators
• College caps
• badges
• umbrellas
• all stationery items and
• aprons.

Please donate your second hand uniforms which the schools in turn donates to families in need. Please bring them to the Reception of the Admin building. Thanking you beforehand for your cooperation.

Correct College uniform is to be worn coming to, and going from school.

Summer Uniform (Terms 1 and 4)

Winter Uniform (Terms 2 and 3)

PE/Sports Uniform (Compulsory for all year groups)

If the correct sports uniform can not be worn, the full College uniform is to be worn. Students will then change for sport. The College Uniform only is to be worn. NO variations are accepted.

Clothing - General Guidelines

The College uniform is to be purchased from the College Uniform Shop only

• No commercial logos may be worn as they are in conflict with the College crest.
• The College cap may only be worn with the cap’s peak facing the front.
• Students who tie their hair back must use either ribbons, bands and/or scrunchies in the colour of navy blue. No flowers or other hair adornments may be worn.
• The tie is to be worn over a closed collar with the top button done up.
• Tracksuit pants are to be worn correctly, zipped (if old zipper style) and rolled down.
• During winter, shirts must be tucked in. Sports shirts may be worn out.
• Full Sports uniform may be worn all day on Thursdays only. If a student does not have the full sports uniform, then the full school uniform must be worn and the student changes for the practical activity.
• The knitted jumper may not be worn with sports uniform unless under the tracksuit top.
• A white undershirt may be worn under the full winter or sports uniform, as long as it is not visible in any way.
• The sports uniform and the full school uniform must not be combined.
• In Terms 2 and 3, the College blazer must be worn to and from school, to and from homeroom and at all formal College occasions by all students.
• It is recommended that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with the student’s name and homeroom.

If a student is in breach of uniform guidelines, a note from home explaining reasons for not wearing the correct uniform must be presented to the Leader of Mission. If a student does not have a note, a consequence will be issued. If a student repeatedly breaches the code, he/she will be sent to SLC and the Leader of Mission will contact parents/caregivers to take them home and arrange an interview.

Financial circumstances should not prevent a student from wearing the correct school uniform, Parents/ caregivers should contact the relevant Assistant Principal to discuss the issue.

Bags

• College standard back packs are to be used for all students from 7-12.<
• Sports Bag: Navy Blue Sports bag must be used if a student needs to use another bag to transport uniform or other school equipment.
• A smaller junior back pack is available for students who:
  • present medical documentation from a doctor or relevant health professional justifying reason for a smaller bag
  • whose parent/carer writes a letter of request to the Leader of Mission providing a cogent reason for a smaller bag
  • If approved the Assistant Principal signs the note, which is then presented at the uniform shop. Permission is also recorded by the Assistant Principal on the note.

• The reason the larger backpack remains the standard bag is that it is more functional in holding all school materials and protecting them from rain etc. All belongings fit in the larger bags leaving student’s hands free when catching the bus and minimising trips and loss of belongings.

Shoes

• Black leather lace up shoes are only permitted. Shoes must be regularly polished. No joggers, boots, suede shoes or black skating shoes are permitted.
• Thick soles or high heels are not be worn.
• Sports shoes should be predominantly white and must have laces done up.
• No slip in shoes are permitted.

Rules specific to Girls

• The skirt is to be worn at calf length. It must not be rolled up at the waist.
• No makeup is allowed. If makeup is noticeable, students will be asked to remove it and consequences administered.
• No nail polish or acrylics are permitted - this is a WHS requirement in schools.
• Stockings are to be Navy OR Black.

Rules specific to Boys

• Belts are to be black. The end of the belt should be secured and not hanging down.
• Trousers are not be worn low down on the hips.
• All boys are to be clean shaven.

Hair/ Grooming

• Hairstyles for both male and females must be conventional, uniform in length, tidy and conservative in nature. Hair must be of a natural colour and be off the face. No extremes of fashion, colour or cut are permitted. Male cuts should be no shorter than a No. 2 grade all-round.
• Male hair must not exceed the collar in length at the back or below eye level at the front. Males CANNOT have their hair tied in a bun or similar manner. Gel/wax must NOT be excessive.
• Students are not to have shaved lines in their hair or eyebrows
• Males in all year groups are to be clean-shaven. A medical certificate will be required if a student is unable to shave regularly
• No nail polish or fake/long nails to be worn.
• All girls to have hair tied back, with scrunchies, ribbons or elastics. (Scrunchies, ribbons, pins, clips must be navy blue OR navy blue and white purchased from the Uniform Shop).

Students with an incorrect hairstyle will be given a warning letter to have the hairstyle rectified by that day or by the next day at the latest. If the student returns without having the hairstyle fixed they will receive a second letter indicating that they will not return to the College until the hairstyle meets expectations.

Body Art (Tattoos)

No body art is allowed at any time.

Jewellery

Piercing

• 1 pair of earrings: One stud or standard sleeper (plain silver, gold or consistent colour, pearls) adhering to present guidelines may be worn in each earlobe, for female students only.
• Other piercings: No visible body piercings are to be evident. Tongue and nose rings/studs are strictly prohibited.
• Keeping a hole open will not be accepted as an excuse. This means that ‘clear’ studs/ spacers are NOT to be worn as they are visible.
• A medical certificate will be required if a piercing cannot be removed immediately. No band-aids are to be used to cover piercings.

Other Jewellery

• Simple/discreet gold or silver chain around the neck with an appropriate religious symbol may be worn.Chains should not be visible in winter
• A maximum of TWO (2) plain ring, wristwatch and gold, silver or religious bracelet may be worn.

Removal of Jewellery

For WHS reasons, all jewellery should be removed for sport or practical subjects.

Variations for senior female students

• Hair- half up & half down… off the face, tidy style.
• Light make up- foundation/concealer- There is to be no discernable make-up line.
• A light application of mascara, a clear lip gloss
• Clear nail polish acceptable

The following are unacceptable

• Males having unshaved faces
• Eyebrow, lip or facial piercings
• False nails
• Coloured nail polish
• Leather or string necklaces
• Necklaces with pendants other than religious symbols
• Dangling earrings or studs with patterns/shapes
• Bronzer, blush, eyeliner, lipstick, heavy eyebrows/eyeshadow 

Please refer to our Grooming Policy PDF

Conduct when Travelling

Conduct when travelling reflects the student's respect for herself or himself. It also has bearing on the good name of the College and on the student's reputation.

• When travelling to and from College, or on excursion, the appropriate uniform should be worn.
• When travelling to and from College, students are to use the most direct route and the first available transport Please read fine print on concession tickets for details of travel conditions.
• When returning from an excursion, a student may be permitted to terminate the journey if a note from the parents requesting the same is presented to the teacher in charge.

Drop off and Pick up

• Students travelling to and from school are to be dropped off and picked up in the drop off area outside the College gates and not in any part of the staff car park. This applies all year round in wet or dry weather.
• No students are to be dropped off or picked up in the staff car park between 8:00 am and 9:30 am and 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm. This is for the safety of our students, parents and staff.
• Should a student be physically incapacitated or requires special need, application can be made to the Principal for a drop off and pick up permit.
• Any Parent / Caregiver having business with the College (i.e. school fees, interview etc)during those hours are welcome to enter the staff car park and park his / her vehicle in a parking bay. If no parking bays are available, parking is available in Bakers Lane outside the College gates.
• Parking on the curbside of the staff car park is not permitted.

Bus Travel

• Lost bus passes are the responsibility of the individual students to have replaced. Replacement forms are available from the drivers and a fee to the bus company is involved.
• Students are expected to travel quietly and with courteous consideration for the driver and other travellers at all times.
• Busways provides transport for the majority of students.  Their phone number is Busways 0296258900.

Travelling by Car

• Year 12 students who wish to drive to and from College may do so only with the permission of the Principal.
• Formal application must be sought giving the name of the student and any passengers who may travel with him/her.
• Under no circumstances is any student who is not authorised to travel in a car 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 Principal. Students should not seek permission until such notification is given.

Retreats and excursion opportunities are considered an important part of the Emmaus curriculum and are compulsory for all students, they are inclusive in school fees and non-refundable.

Due to the planning and value around school excursions, appointments and other excuses for remaining at home are to be discouraged at all times except where a situation has been resolved between Parent and the Leader of Welfare.

The Student Learning Planner is to be used daily for the recording of learning preparation, assignments and equipment needed.

The Student Learning Planner is also a means of communication between parents and teachers, and sets out school rules and expectations.

How to use the Student Learning Planner (SLP)

The proper use of a SLP is one of the most important study skills you need to learn in high school. If you are organised properly, you will make it easy on yourself to complete a matter that relates to your responsibility at school.

A Student Learning Planner is your personal organiser. Any information that refers to any school matter, should be put in your SLP.  At the same time, your school learning planner is not a scrapbook, letter pad, scribble pad or graffiti book!!!

There is one golden rule with using the SLP. It is...
‘You must take your SLP to each lesson, every day, as well as taking it home each afternoon. Use it at night, and bring it to school each day’

Here are the SLP skills

• When you write your learning preparation in, write all of the details concerning the homework not just the subject name.
• Mark in at the end of learning preparation item the time it should take to complete it. e.g. 10 minutes.

Here are the 5 points to remember for using your SLP

1. Before you pack your bag of an afternoon, open your SLP and check what you have to take home. Also, add up how much time you need to set aside for learning preparation that night.
   
   
2. At night, when you are doing your learning preparation items, you put a single line through the item when you have completed it properly. When you have completed it, pack your bag as you finish all your work.
   
   
3. If you don't have enough time to finish all of your learning preparation then choose a subject that you do not have the following day, and re-enter that learning preparation in for tomorrow night.  After you have done that, put a line through it for today.
   
   
4. Your learning preparation is only finished when a line is through everything.
   
   
5. Study. All students should study regularly. That means, to revise, test yourself on work you have done and you should know. A good idea is to nominate a subject for each night of each week, and have a 2 week roster.
   
   Example
   
   Week 1:   1M = Maths, T = Science, W = Art, TH = Geography, F = English
   Week 2:   2M = Asian, T = Religious Education, W = Music, TH = Science, F = PE         
   
   Take home your exercise book and do 20 minutes study.

Learning preparation is an important part of the student's school work. It provides the opportunity for the student to work independently and to consolidate information learnt in class. It also provides both the student and his/her parents with feedback on how well he/she is grasping classwork.

Set learning preparation is relevant and necessary for the student's progress. Learning preparation may be written work, practical work, reading and/or revision of work done in class. It may also include work on set assignments.

Suggested appropriate average amount of time spent on learning preparation for each night would be:

It is expected that students should organise their learning preparation and assignment timetable so as to spread their workload evenly. Teachers are conscious of avoiding an overload of work at any one time, and assignment/assessment tasks and examination due dates are programmed accordingly. After an absence from College, it is the student's responsibility to check on missed learning preparation.

The student who fails to do learning preparation may be given a penalty in the form of detention or extra work. Similarly, if family matters prevent a student from doing his/her learning preparation, parents should notify the teacher accordingly.

Role of Parent in Homework

• To provide an appropriate place in the home for the student to complete set learning preparation.
• To consult the diary to monitor the amount of learning preparation set each night.

A copy of these Expectations and Philosophies are to be found in the application form on the 'How to Enrol' page.

Emmaus exists as a Catholic School with a strong emphasis on respect and care for the individual. It seeks to build up an atmosphere of Christian community where all persons can experience the love of God through one another. Within an atmosphere of care, the highest educational goals are set and maintained and students are encouraged to become self directed and effective learners. The school acknowledges the primary role of parents in setting an example of regular worship and prayer and in striving to build up a God centred home life. In this way parents and teachers are partners in the faith journey we share with the students.

Parents who wish to enrol their daughter/son at Emmaus are asked to read and commit to the following:

• The faith development of the students has a priority at Emmaus through quality Religious Education, liturgical celebrations and sacraments, prayer and reflection and Christian service.
  
  
• Politeness and respect for others are a necessary part of the schools' life.
  
  
• Whilst under the school’s authority all students are expected to maintain a high standard of self discipline and to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.
  
  
• While travelling to and from school, students are public representatives of Emmaus and should be polite and respectful towards others. The authority of the school extends from the time the student leaves home until she/he arrives home again.
  
  
• Retreats, camps, excursions and carnivals which are deemed compulsory by the College must be attended by students. Parents / caregivers are expected to support their child’s attendance.
  
  
• The extracurricular activities are a necessary part of the school's program. Students are enrolled on the understanding that they join in activities which interest them and / or will enhance their development as a whole person.
  
  
• The full school uniform is to be worn as designated. Uniform includes: Grooming, requirements on hairstyles and colour, jewellery and overall presentation.
  
  
• Punctuality and regular attendance at the school are essential.
  
  
• The school is a non-profit organisation where expenses are shared by all parents and so all are to pay fees promptly at the beginning of each term (confidential concessions can be arranged with the Principal in particularly difficult circumstances.)
  
  
• As part of the Emmaus community, parents are encouraged to join in the life of the school and take part especially in school activities such as Parent Council meetings, classroom support, social functions, working bees and fundraising activities.
  
  
• The rights of the College to implement appropriate consequences for inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour is accepted and will be supported by parents / caregivers.

In a Catholic community, such as Emmaus, there should be an underlying philosophy of care, based on respect for one’s self and for others. At all times, my behaviour should reflect a caring and respectful attitude to my peers, to the school, our families and the community. This attitude could be identified in behaviour which would be courteous and honest, being aware of others, striving to reach one’s potential, thus resulting in a positive school spirit.

The College curriculum has been developed to challenge every student to reach their potential. Thus, each student has the opportunity to develop talents to the fullest. Within the classroom, as well as in other school activities, you are expected to give of your very best and to take pride in your achievement.

Any behaviour or attitude that limits the opportunity for you or others to succeed is to be avoided. Also, students are expected to be involved in activities which meet their skills, including representing the College.

Every student belongs to one of the following Houses:

• Mamre - Green
• Tabor - Yellow
• Cana - Red
• Jordan - Blue

All students will be divided up into houses based on homeroom groups.

There are many opportunities for students to lead:

• House / Class leaders (Juniors) and Captains (Seniors), Student Representative Council and various College representations and activities.
• Student leadership is encouraged and fostered in all students at the College regardless of an official leadership position or not.

 

The College Pastoral Care policy both supports and challenges students to move towards personal growth and self-discipline. The support structure for students may follow or involve the six stages below:

• Teacher (Class or Homeroom)
• Leader of Welfare (Year Coordinator) OR Leader of Learning
• Curriculum Coordinator
• Assistant Principal
• Principal
• The School Counsellor provides special, confidential support to students and families.

• is the first person informed about a student where there is a concern for or about the student - parents may contact Homeroom Teachers
• is a source of information about the student and the homeroom
• is able to offer on-going support to students because of their daily contact with them
• helps the student to take responsibility for his/her behaviour

The curriculum is divided into Key Learning Areas, (KLAs) each of which has a Coordinator. Specific questions related to subject areas should be directed to the relevant Leader of Learning. The KLAs are:   

• Religious Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Creative Arts/Language
• Human Society and its Environment
• Languages other than English
• Technological and Applied Science.
  
  

The College operates a comprehensive Award and Affirmation System which recognises, at various times throughout the year, the personal endeavours and achievements of its students. The awards are seen as special, and significant and genuine commitment is needed to attain them. Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards make up the Student Award Scheme. Students are eligible for these awards through the attainment of merit awards for academic and personal conduct and in addition, students may receive a positive communication note in the diary.

As a member of the Emmaus community, I have certain rights and responsibilities.  Living these rights and responsibilities will generate an atmosphere helpful to learning and to the physical and spiritual wellbeing of all.

Rights

I have the right to:

• practise my faith
• be treated with understanding
• be treated with politeness and respect
• be a responsible individual
• the best education the community can provide
• be trusted
• be treated considerately and with tenderness
• forgiveness and reconciliation
• have my physical and spiritual wellbeing safe-guarded
• the best environment the community can provide in which to work and play.

Responsibilities

I have the responsibility to:

• respect the Church and its teachings, and others who practise their faith
• treat others with understanding
• care for and be sensitive to the wellbeing of others
• be sensitive to the requirements of the school community and be aware of the authority of the teacher
• co-operate with teachers and other students to make sure that lessons are as effective as possible
• be honest with myself as well as with other people and respect property
• be considerate and tender to others
• be forgiving and promote reconciliation where there is conflict or hurt
• respect my own physical and spiritual wellbeing and that of others
• leave in good order the things and places we have shared.

A student’s behaviour should be based on self-discipline so that responses are appropriate even when no authority is present. When, however, intervention is necessary, it is aimed at assisting students in developing a sense of responsibility for their own behaviour.  For the majority of students, teachers aim at affirming student behaviour that is conducive to learning.

The Student Management Process at Emmaus works through a number of stages. For minor infractions the Class teacher works with the student to modify unacceptable behaviour. If students misbehave in such a way as to interrupt the learning process of themselves or other students in the class, they may be removed from class to reflect upon the problem and come up with a solution.

At this stage, the Class Teacher alone works with the student to devise a plan of action. Later stages involve the Leader of Learning, Leader of Mission, Head of Learning, Assistant Principal or conferring with parents. At all stages, students are encouraged to work out their own solutions, and to come up with some form of restitution. Parents are notified if a student is removed from class. Other aspects of the Student Management Process focus on the general expectations of the school and known consequences if these expectations are not met. 

Detentions are held every Wednesday afternoon. Parents are given twenty-four hours notice of afternoon detention.

Progress report cards are used to monitor the progress in class of students who have experienced continual behavioural problems in class. 

Suspension from school or from class, is used for serious offences or for continued failure to meet the College’s expectations of behaviour.

Jesus walked beside the disciples on the road to Emmaus and helped them to see things for themselves - to understand the uncertainties in their lives, and to help grow through these uncertainties. This Emmaus story provides a model for our discipline policy, which should reflect understanding, tolerance, patience and firmness. 

Just as Jesus challenged the disciples so we should challenge our students. 

Discipline is an integral part of the total Pastoral Care Program and it involves co-operation between students, staff and parents. 

It aims to make the students responsible for themselves and their own behaviour. It should always promote personal growth and self esteem and must be based on justice and forgiveness. 

Discipline must never be vindictive. 

Discipline in this College is based on personal responsibility rather than punishment and on consequences for actions. 

Corporal punishment is against the policy of the Education Department and the Parramatta Diocese as well as against the policy of Emmaus College, however logical consequences will be implemented when students choose to break the Emmaus Code of Behaviour.

At Emmaus, each of us will:

1. Learn all we can

• Be at school on time.
• Arrive at lessons on time.
• Bring the necessary equipment.
• Develop our skills to the best of our ability.
• Not interfere with the learning and work of others.
• Assist each individual to learn.
• Catch up on any work missed.

2. Respect all members of our community

• Be courteous and considerate to others.
• Avoid anything which might cause injury or embarrassment to others.
• Leave other people's property alone.
• 'Hands off' is a policy at this College

3. Care of our environment

• Keep our College clean and tidy.
• Use buildings, furniture and grounds properly.
• Treat textbooks, library books and all learning materials in the correct way.
• Not bring prohibited items to school. e.g. liquid paper, bubble gum/chewing gum, steel rulers, marker pens, iPod, or any other devices for playing music, knives, guns, including real, replica and toy, drugs, cigarettes or other tobacco products, aerosol cans, alcohol, mobile phones (see guidelines) or any other article which may be dangerous to the safety of others or harm the environment.

4. Contribute to our society

• Behave properly on excursions.
• Try to earn our College a good reputation.
• Be honest.
• Speak politely without using bad language.
• Play sport fairly, for enjoyment and to the best of our ability.

5. Dress to the standard required.

School Areas

• On fine days during recess and lunch, all students must leave the classroom and move to the College grounds.
  
  
• Eating or drinking within the College buildings is not allowed. Chewing gum is never permitted.
  
  
• During wet weather, students remain under covered areas.
  
  
• All students have the responsibility to make themselves aware of areas that are designated as 'Out of Bounds'.
  
  
• Students are divided up into Stage Areas for breaks and should not position themselves outside of those areas unless at the canteen, oval or basketball court.

Areas of Responsibility

• Students are required to take care of areas assigned to the respective group. At the discretion of the teacher, this may be done on a roster system.
  
  
• The work involved in completing the charge will be greatly minimised if each student takes pride in their classroom and in the areas which each one uses during the day.
  
  
• Playground cleanliness is the concern of all. Students will be called from class to pick up their rubbish if the playground is not clear of all rubbish.  No food or drink is to be taken to the oval.
  
  
• Accidents are to be reported immediately to the supervising teacher.

Use of these substances by students is considered an extremely serious breach of school regulations. No student may engage in these activities at school, whilst in school uniform or attending official school functions. Where such actions breach the law, police and or the law enforcement agencies will be consulted and involved where appropriate.

The following are restricted in their use:

• Personal music players* (during school hours, if not part of a class)
• Liquid paper      (C.)
• Bubble gum/chewing gum     (C.)
• Steel rulers
• Marker pens      (C.)
• Radios or any other devices for playing music
• Knives
• Guns, including real, replica and toy
• Drugs      (C.)
• Cigarettes or other tobacco products      (C.)
• Aerosol cans      (C.)
• Alcohol      (C.)
• Or any other articles which may be dangerous to the safety of others or harm the environment.

If students are found using any of these, the item will be confiscated. Consumables (C.) will not be returned. Other items will be returned via parents or handed on to the Police.

Emmaus College has a number of school-based policies and procedures that govern various aspects of our School life. These provide the framework within which we operate including:

• Anti-Bullying
• Bus Procedures
• Critical Incident Management
• Evacuation and Shutdown
• Learning Preparation
• Maintaining Right Relations
• NSW Canteen Policy
• Pastoral Nights Protocols
• Road Safety Procedures and Management
• Serious Incidents Flowchart
• Student Award Scheme
• Student Leadership Procedures
• Student Management
• Sun Safe
• Uniform Policy

The Catholic Education Office, Parramatta Diocese also provides advice and recommendations on educational and administrative policies and priorities, and monitors policy implementation.

All policies can be found on the school website (in the 'About Us' section of the site).

If you have any questions in relation to policies or other general enquiries please contact the school by email or phone on 9670 4588 weekdays between 8:30am and 3:30pm.

All students have signed an agreement for acceptable use of technology. Some important aspects of this agreement include:

As a student, I: 

• must not send any threatening, abusive or obscene material or material protected by law
• must obtain permission from teacher before using the Internet
• must not deliberately visit inappropriate Internet sites
• must show teacher Internet history when asked
• must not reveal anyone's personal address or phone numbers
• must not reveal your password or allow others to use your access time

Due to the increased reliance on mobile phones in our society today, many parents make mobile phones available to their sons/daughters for safety reasons. 

Students have the right to have a mobile phone with them at school. This right is contingent upon the students abiding by the protocols below and understanding that damage to or loss of the mobile phone through theft or misadventure, or expenses incurred by unauthorised use of the phone by any other party, are personal costs and not the responsibility of the College.

Parents are reminded that they are NOT to make calls directly to their son/daughter during the hours of 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. 

All emergency calls from parents MUST be directed to Student Services.

Protocols for students carrying mobile phones:

• The mobile phone is to be secured as you would a wallet or purse.
• The phone is to be switched off or diverted to message service during class time.
• Mobile phones, iPods, iPads and MP3s can be used by the students, before school, during recess and lunch and after school (not between lessons).
• Investigation of any loss/theft of a mobile phone will be treated in the same way as loss/theft of a bag or jacket.
• The use of the camera function of all mobile phones is forbidden unless it is specified as part of a lesson.
• Appropriate use of all technology is expected.
• All privacy laws and College expectations must be adhered to at all times.
• Technology is increasingly impacting on the way in which students learn and communicate. Therefore, the only exemption to the guidelines relating to the use of an iPod or MP3 player in a classroom context, is when a student has been given explicit permission to access and use such devices to enhance learning opportunities. In such cases students may use the device for its intended use for the designated lesson and in the designated period.
• Parents are advised that students are not permitted to take photos, film videos on mobile phones or other electronic equipment while at the College as their use/abuse may be a breach of the Privacy Act 1988. Any infringement will be handed over to the Police.
• The College will take no responsibility for lost or stolen phones, iPods, MP3 players, iPads and/or any other similar electronic equipment including laptop computers.
• It is highly recommended that students place a PASS-CODE lock on their mobile phones, iPads, iPods, MP3 players and laptop computers so as to enhance the security of their device.