Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. The most common allergens in school aged children are peanuts, eggs, tree nuts (e.g. cashews), cow’s milk, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame, latex, certain insect stings and medication.

In Australia one in every six children live with asthma, which is a chronic, life-threatening disease. It is therefore important that Yarrawonga Secondary College provides a safe and supportive environment for students with asthma, and that staff members are aware of asthma, its symptoms and triggers, and the management of asthma in a school environment.

Students of school age (six to sixteen years) attending Victorian schools are required to be in full-time attendance at a government or registered non-government school unless they are receiving approved home tuition, have a shared enrolment with a specialist setting, have received exemption from the Regional Director (Schools) or are enrolled in correspondence education.Students are required to attend school on a regular basis in order to maximize their learning opportunities.

Camps are seen as an integral part of the College curriculum as they enable students to explore, extend and enrich their learning and their social skills development, in a non-school setting. Camps may have a cultural, environmental or outdoor emphasis and are an important aspect of the educational programs offered at the College. A camp is defined as any activity that involves at least one night’s accommodation.

DEECD ICT systems must be properly and efficiently used.  DEECD ICT systems are not to be used for inappropriate activities for example, pornography, fraud, defamation, breach of copyright, unlawful discrimination or vilification, sexual harassment, stalking, illegal activity and privacy violations

Yarrawonga College P-12 may become involved directly or indirectly in a tragic or traumatic event involving loss of life, serious injury or emotional disturbance. This may occur inside or outside the school environment and may involve staff, students or those close to them. The College will work with students, staff and parents to provide support and counselling for those who need it, and to assist families through these difficult times.

The Education Maintenance Allowance (E.M.A.) supports the education of students from eligible families, and therefore needs to be sensitively and effectively managed at a school level.

The health and safety of all students and staff at Yarrawonga Secondary College is of major concern, and therefore we are committed to the provision of a safe work and play environment, and to the prevention of injury and illness.  In the case that injuries or illness occur, all students have the right to feel safe and well, and know that they will be attended to with due care when in need of first aid.

Yarrawonga Secondary College is committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment.  Every person at YSC has the right to experience positive and respectful relationships between all members of the school community.  They also have the right to learn and to teach in a happy and safe environment.  Harassment is not acceptable at YSC.

Head lice (pediculosis) are tiny insects that live on the human scalp where they feed and breed.  While they do not carry or transmit disease, they are the most common cause of head itch and scratching which may lead to infection and swollen lymph glands; therefore, they need to be eradicated. Head lice continue to cause concern and frustration for some parents, teachers and children.  Whilst parents have the primary responsibility for the detection and treatment of head lice, our school community will work in a cooperative and collaborative manner to assist all families to manage head lice effectively.

It is expected that teachers at Yarrawonga Secondary College will set home learning and that this work will be completed by students in a set time frame. Home learning includes work to be completed overnight or in the short term, revision of class notes and pre-reading for new work.

Teachers and schools are often asked by parents to administer medication for their children while at school.  It is important that such requests are managed in a manner that is appropriate, ensures the safety of students, and fulfils the duty of care of staff.

Mobile phones have become an important and invaluable part of our modern lifestyle. The school understands there are times when possession of a mobile phone is required for parental contact after school hours.  Mobile phones can also provide a sense of safety and security while travelling to and from school.  There are however, concerns about the use of SMS, photographs and video to harass, bully and threaten others, in addition to the unnecessary interference with teaching and learning.

The protecting of personal and health information of staff and students is a serious moral, professional and legal responsibility of the College, and is to be upheld by all staff. Privacy protects individuals from harm resulting from the misuse of their information.  

Yarrawonga Secondary College is committed to ensuring that all students and staff are protected from over-exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.  Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world and it is estimated that more than 75% of all skin cancers could be prevented by practising sun protection in early childhood and adolescence.  YSC will ensure that our sun protection practices are applied to all school activities from September 1st until April 30th.