Policies & Guidelines

All aspects of assessments comply with guidelines established by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. The assessment policy covers:

• • requirements to complete courses and what happens in the event of an unforeseen circumstance

• • how students can show reliability of their work and consequences of plagiarism and late submission

• • procedures regarding transfer of courses and school during the year

• • modification to course assessments based on ability and cultural beliefs

• • assessment review and appeals process

Please refer to the Parent Information Booklet for the full policy wording. If you require any clarification or would like to discuss a particular case, please contact the school on 08 9965 8400.

At Geraldton Senior High School, we look to establish a culture of openness where students who are feeling bullied can come and speak with appropriate links at the school.

Orientation days are held at the beginning of each year for incoming Year 7 students where they meet members of staff who are trained in this area and can help all students throughout the year to diffuse situations.

We operate with a pastoral care model to provide students with support from Form Teachers, Student Services staff, School Psychologists, Chaplains, School Health Nurse and Aboriginal & Islander Education Officers. All staff engage in professional learning to develop their skills and knowledge of behaviour management techniques.

Our staff are passionate about working with young adults and are available to help whenever someone needs a hand.

Bullying can take many forms such as:

• Physical bullying, such as hitting, pushing or punching
• Verbal bullying, such as teasing, name-calling or swearing
• Nonverbal or emotional bullying, such as intimidating someone through gestures, spreading rumours, making threats and exclusion
• Cyber bullying, by sending insulting messages by phone, SMS, e-mail, or social media

Please click on the link for the complete GSHS Plan for the Prevention and Management of Bullying which includes the following information:

• What to do if you are being bullied and the effects of bullying
• What to do if you see someone being bullied
• What role staff plays and what will be done about it
• Parental involvement and what can be done
• Consequences for those who are bullying

If you require any clarification or would like to discuss a particular case, please contact the school on 08 9965 8400.

All complaints are resolved in a prompt and efficient manner with a high standard of professionalism.

Complaints can be made verbally or in writing. Written complaints should be addressed as follows:

“Private and Confidential”
Karena Shearing, Principal
PMB 10100
GERALDTON WA 6531

Please describe the complaint including your name and address. Include what a possible resolution could be along with copies of any relevant documentation.

In the case of a verbal complaint, where you do not want to be identified or to lodge the complaint in writing, we will endeavour to work directly with you to resolve the matter.

If you are not satisfied with our attempts to resolve your complaint, you may wish to express your concerns to the Regional Executive Director.  To do this contact:

Executive Director Education
Mid West Regional Education Office
PO Box 63
GERALDTON WA 6531

If you require any clarification or would like to discuss a particular case, please contact the school on 08 9965 8400.

Connect and respect – Expectations

Connect and respect – Engagement

Excursions are a great tool to enhance learning in a stimulating environment. There are many benefits including gaining life experience and personal development. The possibilities are endless.

A wide variety of excursions are conducted by the High School. Each excursion is carefully planned by teachers and approved by the principal. Safety is paramount and a comprehensive plan is put in place. All excursions follow Department of Education guidelines.

Costs of excursions are kept at a minimum and parental consent is required for all excursions. Communications regarding the details of the excursion are provided in writing.

Please feel free to contact the school or the appropriate teacher to discuss the particulars about an excursion.

Homework and home study improve performance and foster success.  At a senior school level, it is appropriate that both be undertaken.

Homework is set by teachers for students to:

• • Complete work started in class

• • Work on and complete assignments

• • Practice work already dealt with in class

• • Cover certain sections of a course on their own

Home study is set by students.  It involves:

• • Practice

• • Extension

• • Memorisation

By completing homework and home study a student can develop independent learning skills and produce higher levels of achievement.

Please refer to the Parent Information Booklet for more information about homework and home study expectations and how to develop great habits.

The Department of Education does not permit student use of mobile phones in public schools unless for medical or teacher directed educational purpose.

At Geraldton Senior High School Mobile phones are banned for all students from the time they arrive at school to the conclusion of the school day.

Students are only permitted to use a mobile phone during the school day to monitor a health condition as part of a school approved documented health care plan.

Students at Geraldton Senior High School are permitted to be in possession of their mobile phone during the school day, however, mobile phones must be turned off and neither be seen nor heard. “Off and away all day” includes before school and at break times.  

For the purposes of this policy, ‘mobile phones’ includes smart watches, other electronic communication devices and associated listening accessories, such as, but not limited to headphones and ear buds. 

Smart watches are required to be in ‘aeroplane mode’ so phone calls and messages cannot be sent or received during the school day.

All communication between parents and students, during school hours, should occur via the school’s administration.

Breaches of Mobile Phone Policy

Loss of Good Standing will make students ineligible for any non-curricular event, until the period of loss has been served and the student has applied to have Good Standing restored.