Type: Policy
Classification: Operational
Policy Number: SCS2025033
Released: 1 September 2025
Review Date: 1 September 2028
Rescinds/Replaces: N/A

All students at Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) have the right to feel safe, protected and included. SCS is committed to creating a child safe environment to foster student learning, and growth. This is communicated publicly by the Child Safety Statement. Guided by the SCS Mission, Vision and Values, and the Magis commitment to Excellence for Mission, SCS promotes the Integral Formation for Human Excellence by nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of every child and young person in its care. This commitment is communicated publicly through the Child Safety Statement.

The Child Safeguarding Policy (the Policy) aligns to the Office of the Children’s Guardian’s Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.

This Policy outlines the obligations of all staff in creating a child safe culture which keeps children and young people safe from harm by ensuring safeguarding measures are implemented across the organisation. Through a culture of stewardship, dignity, respect and shared responsibility, SCS is committed to safeguarding every child and young person so they can flourish, participate fully and achieve their potential. The Policy forms part of a comprehensive approach to prevent harm to students.

This Policy applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers, Religious Clergy, parents and carers when taking part in activities, services or school related events that involve children.

All staff are expected to carry out the requirements specific to their role to keep children safe.

3.1 SCS Ltd Board and its Committees
SCS Ltd Board (the Board) and its Committees are accountable to the Archbishop for upholding SCS’s commitment to safeguarding and protecting all students. They are responsible for ensuring that SCS’s actions align with child safeguarding principles.

3.2 Executive Director
The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring there are …

Type: Policy
Classification: Operational
Policy Number: SCS2023018
Released: 24 July 2023
Review Date: 24 July 2025
Rescinds/Replaces: N/A

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) aims to foster a safe, respectful, and innovative learning environment that prepares students for the digital world. SCS is committed to supporting our students in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital society. In alignment with the SCS Mission, Vision and the Magis Strategy, SCS promotes excellence, innovation and ethical stewardship in the use of technology to support student learning and wellbeing.

The Student Use of Digital Devices and Online Services Policy (the Policy) guides SCS communities on managing student use of all technology resources, digital devices and online services.

Digital Devices include approved devices by the school like desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, glasses, wearables and other communication-enabled devices

Online Services encompass any internet usage within school-related settings, specifically on school grounds, during school-related activities, and outside of school, where there is a clear and close connection between the school and student conduct Technology resources: a collective term for digital devices and online services, including web-based tools and educational software.

The policy informs parents/carers and students about the use of digital devices and services provided by SCS for educational purposes, whether at school, at home, or in other learning environments. It promotes respectful, responsible and ethical engagement, consistent with the SCS values of dignity, respect, and integrity.

It also provides guidance for student use of personal devices and school-provided internet and technology services for school-related activities and when communicating to, with or about members of the wider school community.

This policy applies to all SCS staff and students. In this policy, staff means all SCS employees, members of religious orders engaged in schools, volunteers, trainees, interns, and committee members.

This policy applies to school supervised events including (but …

Type: Policy
Classification: Operational
Policy Number: SCS2023013
Released: 15 May 2023
Review Date: 15 May 2025
Rescinds/Replaces: N/A

Regular school attendance is important for every student’s learning, wellbeing and success at school. Attendance at school each day enables students to maximise learning opportunities, develop positive relationships and actively participate in the life of the school community. Absences can affect a student’s academic progress, engagement and sense of belonging. Consistent attendance also supports the holistic development of each student, reflecting the SCS Mission, Vision and Values through a commitment to service, participation and cura personalis.

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) recognises that attendance and wellbeing are closely connected. Difficulties with attendance may be linked to wellbeing, learning, disability, family or social circumstances. SCS schools will work collaboratively with students and parents/carers to identify barriers to attendance and support regular engagement in learning.

Under the Education Act 1990 (NSW), children must attend school from the age of six until they reach the minimum school leaving age of 17 years, unless an exemption applies.

This policy sets out the requirements for the attendance of students enrolled with SCS to ensure compliance with these legal obligations. In line with the SCS Magis Strategy, it provides a framework for responsible decision-making and shared accountability, supporting informed actions that promote student engagement, wellbeing and learning.

This policy is in alignment with Standard 1 of the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, where Child Safety is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

This policy applies to SCS staff and parents/carers of students enrolled in an SCS school. In this policy, SCS staff means all employees or members of religious orders engaged in schools.

The following principles guide this policy:

3.1 Regular school attendance is essential for student learning and wellbeing.

3.2. Parents/carers of a child who is of compulsory school age (between …