Australian Islamic College
139 President Street, Kewdale WA 6105
P.O.Box 252 Cloverdale WA 6985
Ph: (618) 9362 5340
Fax: (618) 9355 2988
HIGH SCHOOL AGREEMENT
A. POLICY ON BEHAVIOUR DEVELOPMENT (Discipline)
The point system has been developed to specifically deal with behaviour management in a productive and effective way. All teachers are urged to utilise this as a means of reward/motivation and punishment/displeasure. Punishment such as exclusion, detention etc serves to promote animosity and rebellion. The point system acts as a personal record of the individual and they are given the opportunity to improve their record at any time. A particular ACTION can earn positive points or negative points. This system does not confront the individual but the ACTION and this should be emphasised every time it is utilised.
Following the Islamic guidelines for Taubah or seeking forgiveness, the Point System and the AIC Behaviour Policy aims to
1. Create regret and remorse for wrong doings.
2. Ensure cessation of the wrong doing
3. Create a commitment to cease wrong doing.
4. Create an opportunity to do good and rectify the wrong.
I urge all staff to keep these points in mind when correcting any transgressions.
Staff should take great care to ensure that they adopt a positive behaviour management technique emphasising the positive and rationalising the negative. Students need to be treated in a firm yet respectful and kind manner.
The best forms of discipline are the practices of positive motivation, good example, rational explanation (relating actions to the pleasure of Allah) and the use of a points system (so that criticism is aimed at a piece of paper rather than at the individual and there is a chance to make amends).
Each students and teacher has the right to:
1. Support and encouragement from others.
2. Respect, good manners and consideration from others.
3. Be comfortable and safe in the school environment
4. Expect punctuality from others.
5. Make genuine mistakes and to have an opportunity to put them right
6. Work uninterrupted in a quiet, peaceful and pleasant atmosphere.
7. Due notice of work deadlines.
8. Reliable meeting of deadlines.
9. Appreciation for work done well and sincere efforts made.
10. A set of school behaviour policies that everyone in the school, teachers and parents are familiar with, follow consistently and respect.
3. BEHAVIOUR DEVELOPMENT TRAINING MEASURES
The measures below have been developed to train the individual into adopting more appropriate behaviour. They are not punishments or penalties. Each of these measures have to be utlised to BENEFIT the individual concerned and make them reflect on the consequences of their behaviour and make positive changes.
POSITIVE MOTIVATION IS OUR KEY TO DISCIPLINE. A PHYSICAL OR NEGATIVE APPROACH IS NOT ALLOWED. FOR ALL THE CONDITIONS BELOW, THE FIRST COURSE OF ACTION IS TO UTILISE THE POINT SYSTEM EFFECTIVELY.
Minor transgressions
If a teacher notes a minor transgression, the form teacher should be notified immediately. The form teacher can then take up the matter.
Exclusion from class
Exclusion from class is considered a poor option. If you choose to exclude a student from class you must ensure they are adequately supervised i.e. that another teacher is looking after them during this exclusion period. The College office or outside your classroom are not acceptable options as there will be minimal, if any supervision of the student.
Recess & Lunch Rubbish Collection
A student may be required to perform Litter Duty during lunch or recess time under supervision. Other in school community work may also performed.
Detention
Detention is defined in our College as the withdrawal of the privilege of lunch time and recess time and after school if necessary. If a student is detained for any period of time, a staff member must be present with that student throughout the period it is in effect.
Daily report card
Students whose behaviour is of concern may have their progress reported on by a daily report card. These are instituted by the form teacher and all teachers coming into contact with the student should report on the student’s behaviour.
Interviews
Parent interviews may be made by a form teacher after consultation with the appropriate Head of Section. These meetings are to be held only in the reception/administration area and preferably in the presence of the Head of Section.
Suspension
In the case of severe breaching of school policy, a student may be suspended by the Principal or Administrator of the Colleges. Suspension is defined as the denial of access to the classroom for a period of time, not in excess of five College days.
Expulsion
A student may only be expelled by the College’s Administrator.
Excursions
A student who values excursions may have them denied to him/her as a punishment. In this instance the child must be allocated to another teacher (through mutual agreement) for that period. The Head of Section and form teacher must both be involved in this action and either may over rule this action if necessary.
Sport
A student who values sport may have sport denied to him as a punishment. In this instance the child must be allocated to another teacher (through mutual agreement) for that period. The Head of Section and form teacher must both be involved and may overrule such a decision if deemed necessary.
Corporal Punishment
No form of corporal punishment is deemed acceptable by the college. Students need to be given respect and care under all circumstances and no humiliating methods of discipline will be tolerated. It is strongly encouraged that the point system be utilised as a means of discipline and correction. However if a student transgresses beyond these means of correction, suspension or expulsion may be considered.
4. BEHAVIOUR DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURE
A reporting individual (e.g. prefect, parent, office staff, grounds staff, teacher) may in the first instance attempt to correct (by rational discussion) a minor action of student misbehaviour. Classroom/Form teachers of the offending student need to know of any infraction as the behaviour may fit into a "wider pattern". The classroom/form teacher will follow up and keep personal records on student minor misbehaviour.
If a student is disruptive, teachers should discuss the matter with the student in the first instance.
If this fails, the teacher can arrange for the student to be escorted to another supervised classroom/ area for that period. At no time should the teacher leave his/her class unattended
After that teaching period the teacher should negotiate with the student over their further attendance in those lessons (subject to improved behaviour standards). In all such actions the classroom/form teacher should be informed. If a prolonged problem of misbehaviour is evident, the form teacher should raise this matter with their appropriate Head of Section who may utilise the Student Welfare Facilitator and then the Principal before any further action occurs.
The Student Welfare Facilitator and/or the Principal will counsel and record on the student’s file any action and reaction (by the student) taken. At no time should a student be left unsupervised, without work to do, or simply left (or sent) to the office area.
If a suspension is required the Principal will discuss the matter with the Administrator and have the details recorded on the student’s personal file. Suspension will always be accompanied by an invitation for the student’s parents to discuss the matter with the Administrator.
Reporting------>Class/Form Teacher------>Head of Section/Student Welfare Facilitator ------>Principal
Individual \___________/
Administrator. <--------------------------------/
5. CONSEQUENCES OF STUDENTS BREACHING SCHOOL POLICIES
The great majorities of students who make a mistake are polite, apologetic and try not to repeat their mistakes. To motivate these students positive points will be rewarded and special certificates/awards will be organized as well.
1. Late to the assembly or to the lessons:
Students who cause inconvenience to their fellow students by not respecting these reasonable classroom requirements must be prepared to face appropriate consequences.
2. Students without correct school uniform at school:
All students are expected to wear all items of the school uniform every day and all day to ensure unity, cooperation and self-esteem.
The uniform for ladies include white school scarf (Must be purchased from the school), black undercap, black school dress, black pants, and school shoes.
Sports shoes are to be use only during the sport lesson, thereafter should be taken off and placed in a plastic bag and kept in the school bag. The school strongly recommends not bringing large amount of cash or any valuables in the school. The school will not be responsible for any lost items.
3. Wasting time, distracting others:
Wasting your time in useless talk or distracting others is self-destructive and against the teachings of Islam.
4. Non-completion of set homework, class work and assignments:
Islam teaches you to be hard working and excel in your learning. If a students refuses to complete work or is late in submitting any assignments, class work and homework there will be consequences.
Students, who are impolite, argumentative/aggressive, refuse to follow reasonable requests from their teachers and keep repeating the same mistakes will face consequences.
Teachers are like your parents. They are the best person to guide you and motivate you. Islam strongly suggests to respect, obey and honor the elders and love the younger ones.
7. Use of Walkman, inappropriate magazines, cosmetics in the classroom:
To have a productive learning atmosphere, each moment of the lesson time need to be used efficiently. Students are not allowed to use the above-mentioned materials at anytime.
Sickbay is there to assist the sick students in the time of need and is located inside the Junior Coordinators work area. All students who are sick need to see any assistant in the ladies office. Ladies office staff will then issue a sick bay pass if necessary.
9. Students engaging themselves in inappropriate acts such as fighting, wagging, bulling etc:
Islam is a religion of peace, and harmony. Best Islamic practice is to develop good moral behaviour. Islam strongly recommends not to be engaged in useless acts. As these are the effects of Shaytan on humans. Students are instructed to avoid all kind of improper behaviour and talk. Anyone engaged any kind of improper activities will face serious penalties.
10. Accumulation of a large sum of negative points:
Students will be constantly encouraged and given opportunities to earn positive points. The following consequences will take place.
a. The Students will be given chances to reduce negative points by putting in behaviour report forms for one week.
b. Also opportunities will be given to earn some positive points through community work.
c. If still the situation does not improve, then parent will be notified and interviewed. Students will possibly face suspension from school until all negative points are paid, at the rate of $2 for each negative points. This policy is to discouraged any inappropriate negative behaviour from the students. Student and parents must remember that we are trying to address the behaviour of a person not the person herself/himself.
We are not prepared to allow small number of uncooperative students to hinder the learning of the majority. Any students who are prepared to consider ways of putting right any inconvenience they have caused others will be able to discuss options with the Headmistress or another member of the student behaviour management team.
a) Staff are expected to maintain a professional yet caring relationship with the students. A warm, friendly, relaxed atmosphere is seen as crucial to the well being of staff and students alike.
b) It is strongly encouraged that new students be warmly welcomed into the classroom on arrival. It is a strong conviction of the College that first impressions need to be positive for all new comers, staff and students like. The teacher is expected to accommodate the student as best as possible with existing resources. The front office should be made aware of any shortage of resources (e.g. desks and chairs) after completion of the lesson.
c) It is an expectation of the College that BOTH staff and students show respect to one another.
d) Staff must be prepared to deal with students from the following academic/behavioral categories;
· Below average
· Average
· Above average
It is encouraged that the below average and average students be motivated and encouraged to raise their standards while the above average students will be praised and encouraged for their efforts. Advanced material will be provided for the gifted students to further enhance their skills. Needs of the students and further assistance in all three areas will be met via the Resource Room.
The Resource Room will be a standard classroom equipped with educational resources in the form of computers, books, computer programs, videos etc. A resident teacher will be present to supervise students while a roster system will provide for another member of staff to be present. There will also be a designated praying area in the room. The Primary school will have one Resource Room and each gender high school will have its individual Resource Room.
The function of the resource room will be to motivate and encourage those students who are either lagging behind in class or being disruptive. In contrast to disciplinary methods of removing the student from the classroom, it is encouraged that the teacher fill out the appropriate slip (outlining the area in which the student needs correction) and send the student to the Resource Room. The resident teacher will then take the necessary correctional action.
The resource room is also to be used for weak students to increase their skills in the subjects, which need more attention. If a student’s progress in a subject is of concern, the student may be sent to the resource room during a class such as sport or art to ‘catch-up’ with the other students.
B. TEACHERS AS ROLE MODELS
DRESS CODE
As teachers are role models for pupils, it is expected the following dress standards will apply. It should be stressed that these reflect minimum standards of dress, not preferred standards.
DRESS EXPECTATIONS FOR FEMALE MEMBERS OF STAFF
Dress standards are for clothing to be worn which reveals only the face and hands, in other words
1) Arms are required to be covered to the wrist.
2) Legs are required to be covered to the ankles.
3) Length of blouses or tops should be worn to the mid thigh.
4) Scarves need to be tight fitting and need to cover all the hair.
5) Style of clothes is required to be loose and conservative and not expose body shape.
6) Cosmetics are not encouraged.
7) Clothing worn should not be 'flashy' or brightly coloured.
8) Clothing should not reveal undergarments i.e. not be sheer in nature.
9) Clothing should cover the collarbone.
DRESS EXPECTATIONS FOR MALE MEMBERS OF STAFF
1) Loose fitting trousers are to be worn as standard dress.
2) Shorts are not permitted in any activity, including sport.
3) Clothing worn should not be 'flashy' or brightly coloured.
4) Track suits (especially pants) should not be worn as normal dress, with the exception being during sporting activities.
5) Shirts are to be collared and should be within formal limits and must be worn fully buttoned.
The covering of the head at prayer time is preferable.
Some liberty on these standards is tolerated with non-Muslim staff, however, it must be understood that liberty with dress standards will be reflected poorly in teacher reviews. It should also be stressed that teachers are encouraged to dress in a manner in keeping with their professional status.
C. STAFF MEETINGS
Staff are expected to attend a staff meeting as requested by their Head of Section during term time. These meetings are to begin no later than 5 minutes after the end of the last teaching time. They are to begin promptly and last (usually) not later than 5 p.m..
All staff are required to attend Monday morning meetings every week (Apologies must be given in writing).
Once a week, all staff attend a religious meeting where matters of an interesting and informative nature are raised and discussed. Here, staff have an opportunity to explore the world of Islam and its teachings, and to be aware of the topics which currently affect the life of the school. An agenda of issues will, where possible, be drafted for each term and provided to the staff.
All staff are expected to attend staff meetings. It is currently proposed that staff from all 3 campuses will attend one meeting every fortnight (Wednesday) at the Kewdale Campus. Individual meetings for each campus will occur every other week.
Travel allowance will be provided to Dianella and Thornlie staff who will make the journey to the Kewdale campus. This travel allowance will be up to $10 per Kewdale session.
A further bonus allowance of up to $15 per week will be provided to those who attend the full meeting period and actively participate/contribute to the meeting. For those who develop and present a project at the Wednesday meetings, the bonus may be up to $100 per session. A ‘sign-in’ and ‘sign-out’ sheet will be provided as an attendance record. Apologies for these meetings must be in writing.
The function of these Wednesday meetings is to;
1. Provide staff with an opportunity to meet with other staff and discuss and explore religious issues which can impact upon the school’s operation and development. It has always been a firm belief of the school that all its staff are a member of ‘one united family’ and unity between its members is of paramount importance.
2. To explore ways and means to implement Islamic integration in academic subjects.
3. A way of improving channels of communication with administration and reception and receiving feedback on weekly activities.
D. ASSEMBLY & STAFF ATTENDANCE
Staff are required to be at school at 8:15 am, 10 minutes prior to the commencement of morning assembly at 8:25 am. Attendance is compulsory however if a teacher is unable to attend the assembly they should give prior notification.
Staff are required to maintain a vigilant presence during the morning assembly whilst accompanying their year/literacy groups for which they are responsible. These teachers should make sure that;
a) The students are lined up on time in their respective grades and genders.
b) The students are all present in correct and neat uniform
c) Students behave during assembly
d) Students are involved and attentive for the duration
e) Students are escorted in an orderly manner by their year/literacy teacher
f) Follow-up late students
- Staffs in and out times are necessary for the calculation of the pay. Attendance sheets are provided in the staff room.
a) Staff members should record their arrival time in morning
b) Teachers should not leave the school until they have escorted their year groups to their buses
g) Staff members should record and sign out prior to leaving the school at 4:10 pm
OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS
· Staff members need to be punctual for Period 3 and Period 6 prayers with classes fully attentive and lined up in an orderly manner.
· Staff need to submit student work for each year group to their respective HOD together with their self-evaluation form on a weekly basis.
· Staff need to submit weekly reports every Thursday by 12pm
E. Policy on Islamic Issues
1. GOAL
Our goal at the Australian Islamic College is to produce strong Muslims in both Islamic behaviour and Secular Knowledge.
2. STRIVING FOR THE BEST
We are striving to promote Islam by making our college as one of the best in
3. UNITY
Unity is of utmost importance. We suggest that the issue of Sunni or Shia Muslims be avoided. If it is discussed, we request that it discussed with respect to each side with a future outlook of co-operation.
4. RESPECT
We request the same mutual respect in regards to different schools of thought. We ask that you acknowledge and respect opinions from other schools of thought eg Halal issues, moon-sighting issues, blood/organ donations issues etc.
5. BUILDING LEADERSHIP
Our goal is to promote participation of our students in all public areas via school visits, assembly attendance, television programs and especially through the full participation in Friday prayers (Arabic and English). Teachers are encouraged to incorporate these activities into their specific teaching area.
6. POSITIVE APPROACH
We strongly encourage all our staff and students to exercise tolerance and understanding when dealing with others. We should all look at improving our own shortcomings and look at the positive points of others. This is applicable when dealing with both staff and students alike
7. ISLAMIC INTEGRATION
Secular subject teachers and Islamic Studies teachers are required to work in co-operation to develop the integration of Islamic material into the mainstream secular subjects. It is required that all Secular Studies teachers provide the Islamic Studies teachers with a copy of their syllabus. In turn the Islamic Studies teachers will be required to provide the relevant Islamic material for integration into the syllabus.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I the undersigned have read, and fully understand the above requirements. I hereby acknowledge that I
will abide by the stated AIC Policy at all times.
Name:
Position:
Address:
What makes the AUSTRALIAN ISLAMIC COLLEGE unique?
The Australian Islamic College is unlike many public schools in
What must be kept in mind is the type of students currently attending the Australian Islamic College. Almost all the students are non-native to the environment and culture that the Australians live in. English for the majority of the students is a second language and not practiced or spoken at home. This diversity and difference in the language and environment alone sets aside the students of the Australian Islamic College as unique. What they need and what we at the College try to provide may therefore be different, however always in the best interest of the students and the future of Islam.
The world today and peoples expectations of life are constantly changing. What has not changed is the value of knowledge and the importance of being educated and the many advantages that come with it.
The Australian Islamic College stresses on curricula studies and entrance into university according to the demand of our society. We want our students to realise the importance of achieving their goals in order to be leaders Islamically, academically and socially.
This not only applies to the high academic students but also to those students who appear to be on a lower level. All students have the capability to enter university; what is needed to achieve this is motivation, time and effort by the student and the school staff. The Australian Islamic College understands this need and as its main mission tries to achieve this goal.
1) When someone is free from all work they are more likely to do that which may be harmful to themselves and to those around them. It would therefore be in the best interest of the student if this free time were limited to some extent. Keeping the student occupied will be most beneficial to them since it will ensure that the Shaitan will not have an influence on their thoughts and hence their activities.
2) What would be given to the students during their break will not be the same as what is taught during the school days.
-Students who are on schedule with their subjects would be given work that is related to the following term. This extra research will help ease the strain and load of work for the following term.
-Students who are at a satisfactory level can be given work, which will help to increase their level. This will make it easier for them to continue on with the new related work the following term.
-Students who need a lot of help can be given work to help them catch up with the remainder of the class, which will give them confidence and help them in the following term.
The student will still be at ease at home in a relaxed environment, an hour or so for one day will not be too much to ask, especially as it will be most beneficial to them.
Giving the students to do some added curricula studies during their holidays will only benefit them and the teachers when they return back to school.
1) Since the majority of the students at the Australian Islamic College have English as their second language, extra time has to be spent to help these students with their language.
2) Religious education is integrated into the curriculum at the Australian Islamic College and therefore needs to have time allocated for the teaching of Islamic studies. Prayers and assembly are also part of the everyday agenda.
3) As the number of students in high school is limited the class cannot be split into groups according to student capabilities. Students may join the classroom coming straight from new arrival classes. One classroom may have a mixture of different ability students. This diversity in student levels in one classroom means the teacher may need to spend more time in order for the students to achieve most from the lesson.
4) Students are more likely to study while at school then when at home. From previous after school lessons, students commented that they are able to study and complete their homework more at school rather than at home because of the many distractions being family, TV etc., which may delay them from their studies.
5) Students can utilise the bus times to revise work and read through notes given throughout the day, this will cut down on their revision and studying when they arrive home.
Its hard to change the times of the school day as this is not something that can be done with a lot of ease, much consideration must be taken into account. Due to the nature of the school and the students attending the College, this extra time is necessary and vital for the improvements and assistance of all students.
1) Weekly evaluations will give the teacher a good indication about the level of each student in his or her classroom. This evaluation will tell the teacher if the topic taught to the students, that week was understood. The teacher will then know whether they can move on to a new topic or whether they must spend a bit more time to better the students understanding.
2) If a student knows that they will be evaluated and tested on, then they are more likely to revise and study for this assessment.
3) Once students are used to answering questions for evaluation purposes, they will get used to answering questions for tests and exam in the future. This practice will help the students and give them experience to answer anonymous questions from work studied.
4) Students will benefit from this evaluation each week, as it will inform them about their levels and amount of effort put in during that week. This will tell the student what level they are on and indicate to them how much extra effort they should put in to do better and improve.
5) Since there is five hours instead of the required three and a half hours directed to each subject, some of this extra hour and a half can be used for such evaluation as teaching time is not limited.
6) After six years of hard work the weekly evaluation has been completed and perfected and should not be seen as a burden for teachers. All of the assessment items have been prepared and are available to be given straight to the students.
In closing, I would like to appeal to all staff, even those who have some reservations regarding the above three points, to uphold and support school policy to ensure an optimal learning/teaching environment and foster an atmosphere of unity and co-operation.