1 general conditions of employment - Department of Education and ...

2 STAFF WELFARE AND SUPPORT SERVICESWithin the first monthΧΧarrange a memorial service, if appropriate;where appropriate, encourage parents to participate in meetings to discuss students' welfare;Χ identify ongoing behavioural change which may indicate the necessity for counselling orreferral and refer students to NSW Health area contacts or, in the case of staff, to the EAPprovider;Χcontinue to ascertain the progress of hospitalised staff or students; andΧ be aware that the physical and mental health of helpers may be affected and provideappropriate support.In the longer termΧ be aware of behavioural change among staff and students, which may indicate a need forspecialised treatment - refer as appropriate (for schools, through the Department=s EAP or thedistrict guidance officer);ΧΧprovide support if needed;consider including grief and/or loss as a topic of study or discussion in appropriate courses orclass sessions; andΧ plan for and be sensitive to the disturbing influences of anniversaries, inquests and legalproceedings.2.3.4 VIOLENCEIf an incident of violence occurs in a school or during school activities at a non school location, it isessential that the safety and welfare of staff and students are addressed. This includes theprovision of support and counselling immediately and in the longer term. Schools may also find thekit Resources for Teaching Against Violence (issued to all schools in 1996) and Strategies forSafer Schools are useful resources in developing strategies to prevent violence and in dealing withsituations where an incident of violence has occurred.If an incident of violence occurs, the principal and other key personnel should:ΧΧΧΧΧΧensure appropriate intervention to minimise additional injury (contact emergency services ifnecessary);attend to any persons injured - provide emergency first aid;move staff and students not involved to a safe area;advise staff and students to remain calm;provide a private space for distressed staff, students and visitors to gather;identify an appropriate staff member to speak to distressed visitors such as parents arriving atthe school to seek information after the incident;Handbook for non teaching staff in schools Page 2 - 6