5.600 Student Welfare

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    Board Policy: Student Welfare

    1. Purpose

    The purpose of this policy is to affirm the School Board’s commitment to the welfare, safety, and well-being of all students. The school seeks to provide a supportive, inclusive, and secure environment that promotes students’ physical, emotional, social, and academic development.

    2. Scope

    This policy applies to all students enrolled at the school and to all school-related activities, whether conducted on or off campus, during or outside regular school hours.

    3. Guiding Principles

    The school is committed to:
    • Acting in the best interests of students at all times
    • Providing a safe and respectful learning environment
    • Promoting student dignity, inclusion, and belonging
    • Responding promptly and appropriately to welfare concerns
    • Complying with applicable laws and safeguarding obligations

    4. Duty of Care

    The school acknowledges its duty of care to take reasonable steps to protect students from foreseeable harm while under the supervision of the school or engaged in school-sponsored activities.

    5. Student Well-Being

    The school shall support student well-being through:
    • Pastoral care and guidance programs
    • Access to counseling or support services as appropriate
    • Clear expectations for behavior and mutual respect
    • Programs that promote resilience, mental health, and healthy relationships

    6. Safety and Protection

    The school shall implement policies and procedures to promote student safety, including but not limited to:
    • Supervision of students
    • Emergency preparedness and response
    • Bullying prevention and intervention
    • Safeguarding and child protection measures
    Concerns relating to student safety or protection shall be addressed immediately in accordance with school procedures and legal requirements.

    7. Reporting Welfare Concerns

    Students, parents, staff, and volunteers are encouraged to report any concerns relating to student welfare. Reports may be made to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or designated safeguarding officer.
    The school shall:
    • Take all reports seriously
    • Respond in a timely and appropriate manner
    • Maintain confidentiality to the extent permitted by law

    8. Roles and Responsibilities

    School Board
    • Establishes policy and provides oversight for student welfare
    Administration
    • Implements procedures and practices that support student welfare
    • Ensures staff are trained and informed regarding welfare responsibilities
    Staff and Volunteers
    • Act in accordance with school policies
    • Report concerns relating to student welfare
    Students
    • Are encouraged to seek help and support when needed

    9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

    Information related to student welfare shall be handled sensitively and shared only with individuals who need to know, except where disclosure is required by law or necessary to protect student safety.

    10. Non-Retaliation

    The school prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, raises a concern related to student welfare.