PLANNING OFF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

An example template that can be used for non-DoE activities provided by an external
organisation/provider/independent sporting club etc. is found at Appendix III. Please note this
has been drafted for a basketball competition but can be adapted to the particular activity as
required. Assistance can be obtained from Legal Services in adapting the form to school
requirements.
When the activity is not a DoE activity and occurs DURING school hours
If, a non-DoE organised activity occurs during school hours it is critical that school have all the
information about the activity as this will be used as part of a principal’s due diligence in risk
assessing the activity. This is because even for non-DoE organised activities that occur within
school hours a principal has a non-delegable duty of care to ensure children/students are safe
and accounted for. Principals must provide all the information about the activity to parents who then
give informed consent as to whether or not their child participates.
An example of such an activity is the All Schools Cross Country conducted by Athletics Tasmania at
Symmons Plains which occurs during the school day. In this situation schools are responsible for
ensuring that parents are aware that their child is participating in the activity and have specifically
consented to their child’s attendance at the race.
Responsibility for student transport in a non-DoE activity that occurs during school hours
Student transport is the responsibility of schools. In regional areas schools may combine together to
transport students on buses hired by schools. Alternatively, parents/volunteers with good character
checks, may transport students.
Schools must ensure that specific parental consent for such transport has been given. Schools will
also be responsible for supervising students throughout the entire day. Schools may use volunteers
to provide this supervision but must seek specific parental consent in this event. Both consents can
be given on the one form.
Contact Legal Services for assistance if required.
Responsibility for medical needs in a non-DoE activity that occur during school hours
Schools are responsible for ensuring that students with particular needs such as medical needs are
planned for and addressed during the day; for example, students with asthma may need their
medications with them during the race. Planning for these students is the responsibility of the school.
Please refer to the online copy of this document (TASED-4-1765), located on the Tasmanian Department
of Education’s website to ensure this version is the most recent. P a g e | 82