Student Expectations
Behaviour Management
St Francis Xavier College adheres to the CECG Behavioural Support Policy which sets out the expectations and procedures for schools to support and respond to students exhibiting challenging behaviours. It includes the range of possible responses from behavioural support within schools to restorative and behaviour management options outside of school, in line with ACT laws.
Our behavioural expectations are aligned with the core values of respect, responsibility, and kindness. These expectations are co-constructed with students to ensure their voice is valued and to promote shared ownership of our school culture. Students conduct themselves in a manner that shows respect and support for staff, their peers and the environment.
At St. Francis Xavier College we are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that promotes the wellbeing and learning of every student. The College seeks to affirm students whose conduct is responsible and redirect those whose behaviour is inappropriate.
At SFX, students are expected to uphold and embody the College’s values and vision: Living the truth, Leading with courage, and Learning for life. While students have the right to be treated with respect and fairness, they also carry the responsibility of demonstrating self-discipline and understanding that poor choices and inappropriate behaviour have consequences.
Management of inappropriate behaviour includes:
- Communication with parents and guardians.
- Consultation with relevant staff such as classroom teachers, Heads of Department, Year Coordinators, Director of Student Wellbeing, Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing, Principal.
- The option of counselling and/or engaging with a wellbeing mentor.
Consequences for inappropriate behaviour may include:
- A report of the incident recorded on Compass.
- Meetings with relevant stakeholders.
- Withdrawal from the playground or classroom.
- Detention – during or after school.
- Internal Suspension.
- Exclusion (as per CECG policy).
Physical altercations, the use of offensive language, vandalism, bullying, harassment, or any form of intimidation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Students are prohibited from possessing weapons of any kind on school grounds or during any school-related activities.
Additionally, the possession of illegal substances, alcohol, vapes, or cigarettes is not permitted at school, while travelling to or from school, or during any activity where students are representing the school, including sporting or extra-curricular events.
At St. Francis Xavier College, we are committed to nurturing a respectful and responsible community where every student feels safe, supported, and valued. Our approach to behaviour management is not only about enforcing rules, but about fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and mutual respect. Through clear expectations, consistent support, and restorative practices, we aim to guide students in making positive choices that reflect the College’s values. By working in partnership with families and the wider school community, we strive to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish as compassionate and resilient community members.
Attendance
The College, under the auspices of Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn (CECG), has a legal obligation to record and encourage student attendance at school. CECG has developed an Attendance Policy to provide a consistent approach to meeting these obligations across all CECG schools. St Francis Xavier College adheres to the attached CECG Attendance Policy which can be accessed via the following link: Attendance Policy.
There are legal requirements relating to school attendance for all students in the ACT under the age of 17. Students under 17 years must attend school on a full-time basis unless the student has attained an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate or an exemption has been granted by the ACT Education Directorate.
Parents of students who cannot attend on a full-time basis due to mental health concerns, medical issues or for other reasons, must seek an exemption from the ACT Education Directorate and provide the College with all the required documentation to support the exemption request. This is because the Education Act 2004 requires compulsory schooling to make sure children and young people are safe and receive a quality education. Students, therefore, are required by law to attend on all school days. All absences must be accounted for including all of the required documentation to support the exemption request.
CECG identifies the following levels of attendance:
| Excellent Attendance | 95% and above (e.g 2.5 days absence in a term or 10 absences over a year) |
| Regular Attendance | 90%-94.9% (e.g 2.6-5 days absence in a term or 10.1-20 absences over a year) |
| Emerging Absenteeism | 80%-89.9 (e.g 5.1-10 days absence in a term or 21.1-40 absences over a year) |
| Chronic Absenteeism | Less than 80% (e.g more than 10 days absence in a term or 40 absences over a year) |
Explaining Absences
All absences must be explained promptly.
Absences can be explained via the methods below:
- Compass Parent Portal
- Via email to attendance@sfx.act.edu.au. Please state the student’s full name, year group, date of absence and reason.
- Responding to the SMS: Parents/carers who do not notify the school will receive an SMS throughout the day seeking information about the absence. Please ensure your contact information is current.
Short-term Leave/Planned Absences
Should a student need to be absent for 5 or more school days for reasons other than sickness, prior approval must be sought in the first instance from the Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing as the delegate of the Principal.
Approval must be sought in writing via an email stating the student’s name, pastoral class, intended days absent and reason for absence. This includes where a student is absent due to their participation in representative sporting teams and competitions. The request needs to be submitted in sufficient time, at least 10 school days in advance of the absence, so that arrangements regarding missed schoolwork and assessment can be made.
Leave applications, once acknowledged in writing by the College, do not form a justification for extensions of assessment items. Any tasks due during a leave period must be submitted beforehand. If this is not feasible for any reason, alternative assessment arrangements must be coordinated with the Director of Junior Studies (Years 7 – 10) or the Director of Senior Studies (Years 11 – 12). Alternative work cannot be provided for students on leave. Canvas is the source of learning materials at the College, and students should be proactive in their engagement with their Course pages to ensure continuity of learning.
Impact on Academic Programs
Years 7 – 10
Students are required to attend all school days and activities, including those designated for community events such as carnivals, community days or other activities. If a student is absent on the day of an assessment, appropriate documentation can be provided to the College to avoid late penalties. If a student is absent for 2 or more days, they are encouraged to obtain medical documentation and provide this to the College.
Years 11 – 12
As per the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies Policy (4.2.8 Attendance/Participation), it is expected that students will attend and participate in all scheduled classes/contact time/structured learning activities for the units in which they are enrolled, unless there is due cause and adequate documentary evidence is provided. Any extended absences from school may have an impact on the student’s ability to be assessed even if all the assessment tasks for the unit are completed. Any student whose attendance falls below 90% of the scheduled classes/contact time or 90% participation in structured learning activities in a unit without having due cause with adequate documentary evidence will be deemed to have voided the unit.
We appreciate your support in helping your child meet attendance requirements, as regular attendance plays a vital role in their learning and success.
Use of Technology
Families are reminded that students in Years 7–10 are not permitted to use mobile phones during the school day, including recess and lunch. This also applies to the use of ear buds and headphones.
Students in Years 11 and 12 are also expected to refrain from using mobile phones, ear buds, or headphones during formal class time. However, senior students may use their devices in the Senior Common Room and during study periods in designated study spaces, provided this use does not disrupt others’ learning.
Students who do not follow these expectations will be addressed accordingly, and parents/carers will be contacted by the College. We appreciate the cooperation of our students and families in supporting these guidelines, which help us maintain a safe and focused learning environment for all.
