Should you require more information about this or any other policies
please contact the Principal at
principal@westeyreton.school.nz

School Policy Index

Crisis Management Procedure

 

Guidelines:

  1. The school will provide a crisis management plan so that staff are able to function effectively in a crisis.

  2. The Principal or Acting Principal will make the decision to implement the crisis management plan.

  3. Copies of the crisis management plan will be kept in the Principal’s office and in procedures folders. Staff will be familiar with the plan, their role and how they will be involved in it. The staff will be informed of cultural perspectives and given culturally appropriate information to assist them in dealing with trauma situations.

  4. The plan will be implemented at times of crisis. The crisis may involve death eg. suicide, accident, misadventure, or illness, other crisis situations like fire or other situations that may impact on the emotional well being of the school. (see Emergency Procedures).

  5. The plan will reflect cultural sensitivity on handling death and dying as it affects the school community.

  6. The plan will be flexible enough to respond to a wide variety of crisis situations.

  7. The plan will establish a crisis management team that can be functional immediately a recognised crisis occurs. The crisis management team will be responsible for co-ordination and communication, providing an action plan for teachers and working with students.

  8. In order to provide support for student and families affected by the crisis the plan will identify helping professionals and community figures from outside the school who will be called in to help as required.
     

School Closure:

In the case of “Crisis” situations such as flood, fire, heavy snow etc the decision to close the school will be made between the Principal and BOT Chairperson. Should one of these people not be available the Deputy or Assistant Principal will have input into the decision.

The Ministry of Education need to be advised as soon as possible and an application under section 65E 2) of the 1990 Education Amendment Act will be made for a reduction in the number of half days the school must open for that year.

In all circumstances of school closure every attempt will be made to notify parents/guardians. The radio stations used will be 3ZB and 92 More FM.
 

Page updated May 6th 2006