Governance Areas

Our anti-bullying policy is rooted in core Buddhist principles such as non-harming (Ahimsa), compassion (Karuna), and ethical conduct (Sila), aiming to foster a safe and respectful environment for all. It defines bullying as repeated, harmful behaviour encompassing physical, verbal, social, cyber, and psychological forms, all of which contradict Buddhist teachings. The policy emphasizes prevention through mindfulness education, compassion cultivation, ethical training, clear reporting procedures and restorative intervention methods that prioritize repairing harm and promoting understanding. It further outlines the responsibilities of students, staff, parents, and administration in upholding these values. It includes a detailed implementation plan involving awareness building, preventative practices, responsive actions, and sustained cultural reinforcement.

Our attendance policy at Pal Buddhist School is rooted in our commitment to cultivating a mindful, compassionate, and supportive learning community. We believe consistent presence and active participation are essential for students to fully engage in their learning journey, connect with peers and teachers, and build a strong foundation for future success. This policy emphasises punctuality, regular attendance (at least 80% of scheduled hours), and active participation, shared responsibilities among students, parents/guardians, and school staff. We promote mindful attendance, encouraging students to be fully present, and approach attendance challenges with empathy and support, offering counselling and personalised plans when needed. We aim to create an inclusive environment where students feel a sense of belonging, celebrating positive attendance and employing engaging teaching practices to foster a love of learning.

Following this law and our values, our staff practice Right Action (Samma Kammanta) by reporting any suspected child abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities. To create a safe environment filled with wisdom and care, we provide annual training for all staff. This training cultivates Right Mindfulness (Samma Sati), teaching staff about their legal responsibilities, our school's child protection policies, understanding the causes of suffering in this context, and how to recognise and respond to potential risks to children. We also follow the ten Child Safe Standards, integrating non-harming and loving-kindness into our leadership, governance, and culture, ensuring we proactively protect children from harm.

Our school, guided by the Buddhist principles of loving-kindness (Metta) and compassion (Karuna), places the safety and wellbeing of every student at the heart of our ethical and legal responsibilities. This dedication aligns with non-harming (Ahimsa) and is supported by the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW). This law requires all individuals and organisations working with children to uphold a duty of care, reflecting our understanding of our interconnectedness and shared responsibility.

Complaints Handling Policy outlines a commitment to addressing concerns with clarity, efficiency, and fairness, adhering to legal standards and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children. The school ensures transparency and accessibility by providing clear information about the process, offering support to those raising concerns, and maintaining confidentiality. Guided by principles of objectivity, responsiveness, and continuous improvement, the school aims to create a supportive environment where all voices are heard and respected, with a particular emphasis on empowering children to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect them.

Pal Buddhist School's (PBS) student enrolment policy ensures compassionate and clear management of enrolment changes, aligning with National Code 2007, Standard 13. We support students requesting deferral, temporary suspension, or cancellation for compassionate and compelling reasons, such as illness or bereavement, while also addressing situations where student behaviour necessitates suspension or cancellation, maintaining a fair and respectful process throughout. The Principal and Deputy Principal oversee these processes, ensuring policy adherence and clear communication, prioritising student well-being and a safe, supportive learning environment for our community.

Expectations for enrolment and admission, emphasising a partnership with parents grounded in Buddhist values to support each student's holistic development. It details policies regarding attendance, including required daily attendance, participation in school activities, procedures for requesting leave, and uniform standards. The document also addresses conduct and schoolwork, highlighting the importance of respectful behaviour, academic progress, and parental communication. It further clarifies financial procedures, including fee structures and withdrawal policies, and provides general information regarding communication and policy changes. Lastly, it outlines consent for emergency medical treatment and participation in school excursions and activities, prioritising student safety and well-being.

Pal Buddhist School is committed to identifying and nurturing gifted and talented students, who demonstrate exceptional potential and require tailored learning experiences to thrive. Recognising their diverse abilities and needs, the school employs a balanced assessment approach, combining objective and subjective methods, to ensure accurate identification. Strategies to support these students include school-wide streaming for differentiated instruction and individualised programs encompassing enrichment, extension, and acceleration, with a focus on challenging work, collaboration, and alignment with student interests. These methods aim to cultivate their strengths and foster their full potential within our community.

Guided by principles of ethical conduct and responsibility, Pal Buddhist School operates with mindfulness within the legal structures of New South Wales. Our registration with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), as required by the NSW Education Act 1990, reflects our commitment to upholding standards and providing a trustworthy foundation for our learning community.

Furthermore, as we support our students' development through secondary education pathways like the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and the Higher School Certificate (HSC), our separate NESA accreditation confirms the quality and integrity of these offerings. This dedication ensures the educational journey we provide is both valuable and recognised.

At Pal Buddhist School, we see homework as a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their learning, reflect on concepts, and nurture independent study skills. We provide guidelines for homework time, roughly 2.5 hours nightly for Years 7-10 and at least 3 hours for Years 11-12, encouraging extra study for assessments. We ask students to record homework in their diaries and parents/guardians to support them by providing quiet study spaces and assistance, especially in younger years, while fostering independent learning as students mature. Ultimately, all assigned work should reflect the student's own effort, supporting their effective learning journey.

The Pal Buddhist School prioritises a safe and healthy learning environment through its immunisation policy, which aligns with New South Wales legislative requirements. This policy details enrolment procedures, particularly emphasising the necessity of approved immunisation certificates for preschool, while acknowledging the different requirements for primary and secondary levels. It outlines how the school manages unimmunised students during vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) outbreaks, facilitates school-based vaccination programs, and communicates effectively with parents and guardians. Guided by principles of community health, respect for parental rights, and equitable access to education, the school ensures adherence to NSW Health guidelines and promotes immunisation as a crucial public health measure.

Pal Buddhist School's International Students Policy outlines a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and well-being of international students under 18. It details the school's commitment to providing suitable accommodation, guardianship, and welfare arrangements, adhering to relevant legal and regulatory standards. The policy assigns clear responsibilities to the Principal and the Student Services Officer, emphasising thorough screening, monitoring, and communication with guardians, Homestay providers, and parents. It also establishes procedures for selecting and monitoring Homestay arrangements, including pre-arrival, arrival, and post-arrival support, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing care for international students.

Our Out-of-School-Hours Care (OOSH) service at The Pal Buddhist School offers a nurturing environment for school-aged children, extending our school's commitment to wisdom, morality, and discipline beyond regular school hours. Aligned with the "My Time, Our Place" framework and underpinned by Buddhist values of compassion and mindfulness, our program fosters social-emotional growth and a strong sense of community. We prioritise safety, child protection, and engaging, play-based activities, ensuring compliance with all NSW legal and regulatory standards. Through clear communication, collaborative partnerships, and a focus on continuous improvement, we aim to provide a supportive and enriching experience for every child, reflecting our school’s dedication to their holistic development.

The Pal Buddhist School is dedicated to cultivating a safe, respectful, and equitable learning environment for all, guided by principles of fairness and positive behaviour. This policy outlines the school's commitment to fostering a community free from bullying and intimidation, where students feel valued and supported. Teachers actively guide student behaviour through clear expectations and respectful interactions, while the school implements strategies to promote positive conduct, including clear communication, recognition of good behaviour, and detailed record-keeping. Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited, and procedural fairness is ensured in all behaviour guidance actions. When students do not adhere to school rules, a range of consequences may be applied, and individual behaviour guidance plans are developed for significant breaches, with suspension and expulsion reserved for serious cases. The policy is implemented through staff training, clear communication, and regular evaluation.

Our commitment to non-harming extends to our entire community. We are legally required to comply with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all staff, students, volunteers, and visitors. This involves applying mindfulness and wisdom (Panna) in our policies and procedures to identify and reduce potential hazards (causes of suffering). We provide safety training and ensure our facilities and activities embody Right Action by minimising the risk of injury or illness, fostering a secure and respectful environment for everyone.