Policies

Education policy

Education policy is the means by which the State improves its education system and ensures that the learners of the land are protected and receive quality schooling. The transformation of South African society has necessitated a great deal of legislation to redress the imbalances of the past. Schools are faced with a myriad of policy and legislative change. To assist both schools and owners to cope with the changes and to develop sound policies for Catholic schools, the CIE established the Policy Unit in 2000. In the development of new legislation and policy, the State has consulted widely, and the Catholic Institute of Education in addition to other stakeholders has participated actively in this process.

Relationships with decision makers are developed in order to engage them positively not only for Catholic schools but also for the ‘Common Good.’ The Policy Unit monitors and comments on education change, disseminating to schools information that will assist them to continue to offer quality education and to comply with statutory requirements.

How we do our work:

As new education policies are developed or changed they are analysed and submissions on behalf of the network to the relevant department are made.
Catholic polices are developed and disseminated on behalf of the owners of the schools Catholic Schools Proprietors’ Association (CaSPA).

• Policy Briefs on key issues keeps schools and the owners informed and assist in the development of School Policies.
• Schools are assisted in understanding the legal implications of new policies.
• Liaison with key educational decision makers is undertaken in order to advocate on important issues.
• Schools, department officials and teachers unions are assisted in their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of Public Schools on Private Property.
• Research and comment on education issues on behalf of the Catholic education network is delivered. These two objectives are the main focus of the education, advocacy researcher.

The unit also serves as the secretariat for CaSPA.

Developing a Substance Misuse Policy

The following guidelines provide a checklist for formulating a school Substance Misuse Policy. Remember that schools vary, and face different issues and that this should be kept in mind when developing the policy.

Elements of a substance abuse policy

1. A statement of the schools attitude towards the use of illegal substances. The schools philosophy and it’s substance abuse programme should be included. Include issues like the possession and illegal use of drugs, solvents, tobacco, alcohol and prescribed medicines.
2. Include a definition of where, when and to whom the policy applies. Consider issues like the limits of the school site, school trips, after hours at school, out of school but in uniform. Also consider who it applies to:  learners, staff, support staff, etc.
3. Include a section on how parents and guardians will be involved. Provide opportunities for parents to comment on the policy, to be educated about substance abuse and how they will be involved when misuse is expected.
4. Include a statement of disciplinary sanctions that will be applied when the policy is breached.  Consider issues of exclusion, possession for own use and supplying substances.
5. Liaison with the police and when the police will be called in to deal with incidents and in what situations.
6. Liaison with organisations like SANCA.
7. The attitude of the school to admitting learners who may have been excluded from another school after being involved in substance misuse.
8. The appointment of a key staff member who will be responsible for managing substance related instances.
9. Training of staff in managing substance abuse incidents.

Policies:

• Anti-bullying policy - The purpose of this policy is to set out the school's stance to bullying, and outline how schools will respond to incidents of bullying.
• Substance abuse policy - This policy has been drawn up in order to confront the reality of substance abuse in a responsible and  constructive manner. Where substance abuse occurs, the underlying aim is to change behaviour rather than enact punitive measures, and in so doing develop and maintain healthy levels of self-confidence and self-worth.
• Developing a Substance Misuse Policy - The following guidelines provide a checklist for formulating a school Substance Misuse Policy. Remember that schools vary, and face different issues and that this should be kept in mind when developing the policy.
• Public access to information for Catholic Schools in South Africa - This manual is a joint manual on behalf of all Catholic Independent Schools. A list of the names and addresses is appended. The CIE NSO Information Officer will be the contact person for these schools.
• Policy process on the system of Provincial & Local Government: This background document sets out the policy process on the review of provincial and local government. It is a guide to the background of the process, the key questions about the process and the way in which the public can get involved. This process has begun because the dplg was mandated by Cabinet to undertake the review of the work of provinces and of local government.
• Department of Education call for comment on the Education Laws Amendment Bill (2007)
• Substance Abuse Policy – This policy has been drawn up in order to confront the reality of substance abuse in a responsible and constructive manner. Where substance abuse occurs, the underlying aim is to change behaviour rather than enact punitive measures, and in so doing develop and maintain healthy levels of self-confidence and self-worth.
• Public Access to Information for Catholic Schools in South Africa – The CIE National Schools Office (NSO) represents all Catholic Schools in South Africa of which 95 are Independent Schools according to the South African Schools Act (SASA)1996 Section 45. This manual is a joint manual on behalf of all Catholic Independent Schools. A full list of the names and addresses of these schools is appended. The CIE NSO Information Officer will be the contact person for these schools.