Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Catholic Education Office

School Review and Development Program

Related Policies:

Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Minimum Curriculum Requirements K-12

Purpose:

The School Review and Development Program integrates a cyclical model for school development with the statutory requirements for the Registration of Archdiocesan schools.

Policy:

It is the responsibility of the Principal in an Archdiocesan school to ensure that the school meets the statutory and Catholic Education Office requirements for Registration and Accreditation as outlined in the School Review and Development Manual 2005.

Principles

A high quality education is based on the following principles:

1. school education provide a foundation for a democratic society;
2. school education should:

   2.1 aim to develop every child's potential and maximise educational achievements;
   2.2. promote children's enthusiasm for lifelong learning and optimism for the future;
   2.3 encourage parents to take part in the education of their children, and recognise their right to choose a suitable educational environment;
   2.4 promote respect for and tolerance of others;
   2.5 recognise the social, religious, physical, intellectual and emotional needs of all students;
   2.6 aim over time to improve the learning outcomes of students so that the outcomes are free from disadvantage because of economic, social, cultural or other causes;
   2.7 encourage all children to complete their senior secondary education;
   2.8 provide access to a broad education; and
   2.9 recognise the needs of Indigenous students.

3. innovation, diversity and opportunity within and among schools should be encouraged;
4. effective quality assurance mechanisms should be applied to school education;
5. government funding should be directed to children through their schools or school system;
6. the partnership between the home, community and educational providers should be recognised;
7. school communities should be given information about the operation of their schools.

Catholic schools are committed to:

• developing the spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual welfare of its students;
• innovation, diversity and choice;
• maximising student outcomes;
• teacher, parent and student participation in all aspects of school education;
• promoting the partnership between home and school; and
• preparing students for their full participation in all aspects of a democratic society.

Definitions:

Registration

Compliance with the ACT Education Act 2004 by ACT schools and the NSW Education Act 1990 by NSW schools.

Accreditation

Compliance with the NSW Education Act 1990, Section 94, for the School Certificate, or Section 95 for the Higher School Certificate, allowing entry of candidates in NSW schools for the award of these certificates.

Procedures:

1. The Principal of a school will apply for Registration to the Director, Catholic Education Office in accordance with the Archdiocesan Registration Schedule.

1.1 The Principal of a school in the ACT will apply for Registration every 5 years in accordance with the Archdiocesan Registration Schedule.
1.2 The Principal of a school in NSW will apply for Registration, and where applicable Accreditation, every 5 years in accordance with the Archdiocesan Registration Schedule.

2. The Principal will submit a Strategic Plan and an annual Management Plan to the School Review and Development Officer, Catholic Education Office.

3. The Principal will complete an annual Attestation in relation to compliance requirements and submit it to the Head of Human Resources, Catholic Education Office.

4. The Principal will develop a schedule that allows for the self-review and validation of all Curriculum Key Learning Areas within the timeframe of a Registration cycle.

5. The Principal must set up procedures -

• to encourage children to attend school regularly;
• to help parents to encourage their children to attend school regularly.

References:

ACT Department of Education, The Non Government section. (2005). Manual for Compliance and the Registration of Non Government Schools in the Australian Capital Territory.

Board of Studies NSW. (2004). Registration Systems and Member Non-government Schools (NSW) Manual.

Catholic Education Office, School Review and Development Manual 2005.

Forms:

Principal's Attestation

Application for Registration and Accreditation

Last updated on April 15, 2008