School Law Series 2021
Gain 10 hours of critical legal information across 3 half days so you can minimise & navigate legal risks at your school . Develop effective strategies to deal with staff mental health, family law & managing aggressive parents. Get on top of privacy issues, child safety, supporting students online & the role of the school psychologist. Gain information on the new workplace sexual harassment laws & what they mean for your school. Attend live online or watch on-demand recordings at your convenience. WEB218N02
Description
Teachers attending the entire series earn 10 Professional Development Hours (NSW, VIC) / CPD Points (QLD, WA, SA)
Lawyers attending the entire series earn 10 CPD units in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
If you register for the full series as a live online product after the date of an individual session, you will be sent the recording for the sessions that have passed. Alternatively, you can register for individual sessions by following the links below.
Session 1
School Law: 3 Key Legal Issues for School Leaders
Tuesday, 17 August 2021
With so much happening, what school leaders need is timely information delivered with minimum fuss. Walk away with practical guidance on key legal issues you are navigating right now – student mental health, aggressive parents and the problems that take up so much of your time, family law issues. WEB218N02A
Chair: Henry Grossek, Principal, Berwick Lodge Primary
9.00am to 10.00am Aggressive Parents: Who Is in Charge?
- Complying with school policies
- Communications by email, phone or in person
- How and when to answer curly questions
- ‘Good behaviour ' directions
- Restraining orders
- Contract termination or family expulsion
- Ethical considerations
Presented by
10.00am to 11.00am Family Law Intensive: A Guide for School Leaders
- Parenting arrangements and party non-compliance
- Passing notes through the school to the student
- Accessing student records
- Collecting the student from the school (not on ‘their day’)
- Parents nominating people to collect their student: What if the other parent doesn’t approve?
- Enrolment contracts and single parent enrolments
- Dealing with withdrawals, duelling applications and fee responsibility disputes
- Complex worked examples
Presented by Robert Rooney, Partner, Swanwick Murray Roche Lawyers
11.00am to 11.10am Break
11.10am to 12.10pm Effectively Managing Staff Mental Health
- A school’s duty to staff to support mental well-being
- Factors affecting staff mental wellbeing and how to manage them
- Tips for best practice and practical responses
Presented by Samantha Young, Managing Director, Human Psychology
For Teachers:
Attend and earn 3 Professional Development Hours (NSW)
Completing this conference will contribute 3 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority PD addressing 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW
Attend and earn 3 CPD points (QLD, WA, SA)
Attending this conference will contribute 3 hours of CPD addressing the standards as listed from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining teacher registration
7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements: understand the implications of, and comply with, relevant legislative, administrative, organisational and professional requirements, policies and processes.
Attend and earn 3 hours of PD (VIC)
Attending this conference will contribute 3 hours of PD addressing the standards as listed from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining
Proficient Teacher registration in Victoria.
7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements: understand the implications of, and comply with, relevant legislative, administrative, organisational and professional requirements, policies and processes.
For Lawyers:
Attend and earn 3 CPD units in Substantive Law
Register here for Session 1 only
Session 2
Law for School Counsellors, Psychologists and Guidance Officers: Privacy and Information Sharing, Online Risks and Child Protection
Thursday 19 August 2021
Put to sleep your concerns regarding issues that keep you awake at night. Join solicitors and school wellbeing staff and take an in-depth look at the law in relation to privacy and information sharing that in you need to correctly navigate. Plus examine the legal issues of young people navigating life online and your involvement in building a child safe school. WEB218N02B
Chair: Daniel O'Sullivan, Barrister, Denman Chambers
9.00am to 10.00am Privacy Law and Information Sharing
- Understanding the information privacy principles and how they apply to schools
- How to prevent and address privacy breaches
- Dealing with tricky situations that School Psychologists and Counsellors may encounter
- Learnings from the relevant legislation and case law
Presented by Nathan Croot, Director, exm law
10.00am to 11.00am A Connected Life: Supporting Young People to Manage and Navigate Life Online
Navigating life has always been fraught with challenges and for young people today growing up, making friends, dealing with the unpredictability of relationships and developing their own voice and identity is happening online. Increasingly their lives, relationships and support networks exist and flourish via devices and online spaces.
Those working directly with young people and supporting them as they navigate life online are often the first port of call for advice and guidance when issues arise.
In this session you will unpack:
- What online challenges schools are seeing and the impacts of these on student wellbeing
- Recent local and international research around young people’s activities and behaviours online
- Approaches for schools when managing online harm
Presented by Cecelia Irvine-So, Principal, Moores
11.00am to 11.10am Break
11.10am to 12.10pm Your Role in Building a Child Safe School
- Creating a child safe culture in your school including reporting and sharing information
- A counsellor’s role once the decision is made to submit a child protection notification
- How counsellors can assist in the ongoing planning and support for students at school
- Review of case studies
Presented by Michelle Becroft, Senior Child Protection Advisor and Investigator and Fabienne Arora, Education consultant and psychologist, Student Services Team, The Association of Independent Schools of NSW
For Psychologists:
Attend and earn 3 CPD points
For Teachers:
Attend and earn 3 CPD points (QLD, WA, SA)
Attending this conference will contribute 4 hours of CPD addressing the standards as listed from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining teacher registration
7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements: understand the implications of, and comply with, relevant legislative, administrative, organisational and professional requirements, policies and processes.
Attend and earn 3 Professional Development Hours (NSW)
Completing this conference will contribute 4 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority PD addressing 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW
Attend and earn 3 hours of PD (VIC)
Attending this conference will contribute 4 hours of PD addressing the standards as listed from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining
Proficient Teacher registration in Victoria.
7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements: understand the implications of, and comply with, relevant legislative, administrative, organisational and professional requirements, policies and processes.
For Lawyers:
Attend and earn 3 CPD units in Substantive Law
Register here for Session 2 only
Session 3
Dealing with New Workplace Sexual Harassment Laws in Your School
Friday 3 September 2021
The Government is changing the law to ensure that workplaces are safer and to reduce the incidence of sexual harassment. What are the proposed changes? What should schools do to comply with the new laws? What must you do to ensure your school is safe? How should you manage sexual harassment complaints and conduct an investigation? Can you summarily dismiss employees who engaged in sexual harassment? The answers will be canvassed in this comprehensive analysis from leading lawyers in the area. WEB219N02C
Chair: Marg Blythman, Principal, St Joseph's College, Mildura
9.00am to 10.00am Applying the Respect@Work Report: Key Legislative Changes
- Key recommendations for schools to be aware of
- Legislative changes including the Fair Work Act and Sex Discrimination Act
- The impact for school leaders managing the workplace
Presented by Georgina Alexandrou, Special Counsel, Corrs Chambers Westgarth
10.00am to 11.00am Ensuring your Workplace is a Safe Place
- Proactively setting up the right policies and procedures
- Building a workplace culture based on respect and inclusivity
- Encouraging active bystander intervention
- Positive duty for schools
Presented by Jennifer Parkes, Partner, Hickson Lawyers
11.00am to 11.10am Break
11.10am to 12.10pm Managing the Workplace Pre and Post a Complaint of Sexual Harassment
- Best practice in handling public scrutiny
- Providing safe avenues and complaint pathways
- Protective factors for staff and encouraging bystander intervention
Presented by Christa Lenard, Partner, Kingston Reid
12.10pm to 1.10pm Managing Workplace Investigations into Complaints
- What court decisions tells us about what makes a good or a flawed investigation
- Vicarious liability: When can a school be responsible for staff misconduct?
- Resolving the issues post-investigation: when to opt for disciplinary action, coaching or mediation
- Workplace misconduct vs criminal conduct
- Guidance for schools when the investigation results in litigation
Presented by Paul O’Halloran, Partner, Colin Biggers & Paisley
For Teachers:
Attend and earn 4 Professional Development Hours (NSW)
Completing this conference will contribute 3 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority PD addressing 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW
Attend and earn 4 CPD points (QLD, WA, SA)
Attending this conference will contribute 3 hours of CPD addressing the standards as listed from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining teacher registration
7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements: understand the implications of, and comply with, relevant legislative, administrative, organisational and professional requirements, policies and processes.
Attend and earn 4 hours of PD (VIC)
Attending this conference will contribute 3 hours of PD addressing the standards as listed from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining
Proficient Teacher registration in Victoria.
7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements: understand the implications of, and comply with, relevant legislative, administrative, organisational and professional requirements, policies and processes.
For Lawyers:
Attend and earn 4 CPD units in Substantive Law
Register here for Session 3 only
Presenters
Henry Grossek
Henry Grossek is the founding principal of Berwick Lodge Primary School, having opened the school in 1990. During his 45 year career with the Victorian Department of Education he has taught in over 50 schools and been a principal for the past 28 years. During his career in teaching he has served on various educational bodies including Regional Boards of Education, chairing several Standing Committees. Henry is the author of 'Game On: Building the Education Revolution', has a regular educational column, 'Grossek's View' in Themes Education magazine and hosts a weekly current affairs program, 'Viewpoints' on Casey Radio 97.7FM
Alistair Macpherson
Alistair Macpherson is the Managing Director of Corney & Lind Lawyers, where he focuses on legal issues affecting schools, non-profit entities and other corporate clients. Prior to working in private practice, Alistair was employed as an in-house solicitor with a number of government organisations (including the Australian Federal Police). He has also worked as a criminal prosecutor with the ACT DPP and the Queensland DPP. Alistair is the Vice Chair of the Board of Queensland Baptists which, through its care arm, is responsible for over 800 staff delivering services through retirement villages, aged care, schools, hostels, and other charitable activities.
Robert Rooney
Robert commenced working as a solicitor at Swanwick Murray Roche after working in the family business of mustering, droving, fencing and yard building both prior to and after completing his law degree at Bond University. He is an active member of the Central Queensland Law Association and holds board positions with the Finance Council for the Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Rockhampton, Rockhampton Museum of Art Philanthropy Board, Central Queensland University Rockhampton Regional Engagement Committee, End Loneliness Inc all while maintaining an interest in an array of other organisations.
Samantha Young
Samantha brings a unique combination of senior management and commercial experience, psychological intervention skills and Masters- level formal education in both business and psychology to her clinical and coaching work. She has led large teams, advised CEOs and Boards on strategic issues and routinely provides consulting advice to client organisations on human resources, industrial relations and operational matters. Samantha is an experienced and engaging trainer, having designed and delivered training programs for organisations such as IPAA, UniSA, Auditor General's Department, City of Salisbury, Adelaide City Council, PwC and SAFECOM.
Nathan Croot
Nathan Croot is a solicitor and the Principal of Jefferson & Shea Legal. He has a particular interest in the education sector and has advised non-government schools for over a decade. He has advised schools on a wide range of issues including privacy, school enrolment, child protection, discipline, the relationship with parents and the school’s duty of care.. He has represented education clients in a wide range of legal proceedings involving debt collection, contract disputes, employment litigation and property proceedings. He regularly conducts investigations for clients, including investigations relating to the reportable conduct scheme and student misconduct.
Cecelia Irvine-So
Cecelia is a Practice Leader and commercial lawyer specialising in privacy, regulatory compliance and education law. Cecelia is in demand not only from clients, but also from industry bodies seeking her expertise for speaking engagements, training and contributions to boards and advisory groups. As well as being editor in chief of Portner Press’ Data Privacy Report, Cecelia holds two specialist accreditations. In her role as a leader at Moores, Cecelia has represented the firm in corporate fundraising. Cecelia’s demeanour is always professional, but with the slightest edge of quirky humour which makes Cecelia an engaging advisor and speaker.
Michelle Becroft
Michelle Becroft is a Senior Child Protection Advisor and Investigator at the AISNSW. Michelle has been with the AISNSW since 2018. Michelle has extensive experience in the area of Child Protection, having worked as a New South Wales Police Detective within the Joint Child Protection Response Program Chatswood (formerly known as JIRT) for 7 years, and an additional 17 years with the Police. Michelle provides high-level advice, support and guidance to AISNSW member schools in child protection related matters and conducts extensive child protection investigations. Michelle is a highly skilled facilitator and trainer in child protection risk management and safeguarding.
Fabienne Arora
Fabienne Arora is an Educational Consultant and Psychologist on the Student Services team at the Association of Independent Schools NSW (AISNSW). Fabienne commenced at the AISNSW in January 2020. Fabienne has worked in education for over 15 years as a School Counsellor and a Head of Counselling Services. In 2014 Fabienne became the Director of Education Support Services at Trinity Grammar School overseeing the support provided in the areas of Learning Support, English as an Additional Language/Dialect and Gifted and Talented education. In addition, Fabienne has also worked in private practice supporting children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of needs.
Georgina Alexandrou
Georgina Alexandrou is an accomplished legal practitioner with over 20 years top-tier domestic and international experience in human resources, workplace relations and discrimination law. Georgina is a senior leader in the Brisbane team of Leading Employment Law Firm, Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Georgina works across a wide range of industries, including education, mining and energy, integrated services, retail, manufacturing, medical and finance. A significant part of Georgina’s practice relates to her expertise in sexual harassment and workplace investigations.
Jennifer Parkes
Jennifer is a litigation lawyer, with over 10 years’ experience, who specialises in workers compensation, education and discrimination matters. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Newcastle and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New England. She began with the firm in 2006 and is admitted to practice in NSW and the High Court of Australia. In addition to her expertise in education, Jennifer can provide insights on current trends in complaints and, critically, strategic advice on the most appropriate response to issues.
Christa Lenard
Christa is regarded as a dynamic, insightful and approachable lawyer who is focused on finding the very best solutions for her clients. Clients value Christa’s pragmatism and commitment to really understand them, their business’ key stakeholders, and their strategic and operating environments. Christa’s deep technical expertise and experience in navigating workforce hurdles to help clients achieve their operational objectives is second-to-none. She is renowned for her ability to think outside the square when designing and implementing strategies for industrial change. Christa has a strong State and Federal Government practice, acting as a trusted advisor on many complex employment matters.
Paul O’Halloran
Paul is a partner in the Employment and Safety team at Colin Biggers & Paisley and an Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations. He helps resolve complex matters in the workplace, with a particular focus on corporate and institutional culture, child safety and protection, serious misconduct, employee misdeeds and reputational risk. Paul has particular expertise in the education sector, advising independent non-government schools, governing bodies, religious orders, denominations and child care providers on contemporary employment and education law issues involving staff, students and parents.