Statement of Democratic Principles

Source of Obligation

The Victorian Registration Standards require that the programs of, and teaching at Lavalla Catholic College must support and promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including a commitment to:

  • elected government; and
  • the rule of law; and
  • equal rights for all before the law; and
  • freedom of religion; and
  • freedom of speech and association; and
  • the values of openness and tolerance.

The requirements of the commitment above are not intended to affect the rights accorded to, or the compliance with any obligation imposed on, the College under the enactment of the State or of the Commonwealth.

Statement of Democratic Principles

Lavalla Catholic College is committed to the principles of a liberal democracy.

  • We believe in an accountable, democratically elected government.
  • We respect and observe the rule of law, and believe that no person is above the law.
  • We believe in equal rights for all before the law, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender or other attributes.
  • We believe not only in the freedom of religion, but also the need to practise tolerance and understanding of others’ beliefs
  • We believe in the value of freedom of speech and freedom of association, but also acknowledge that we have the responsibility not to abuse this freedom.
  • We believe in the values of openness and tolerance, and value and respect all members of the College community regardless of background.

Guidelines

To give practical expression to these principles, Lavalla Catholic College will:

  • Reference democratic values and principles in the College’s community engagement and service programs and in our faith, mission and religious education programs
  • Fly the Australian Flag
  • Display the Values for Australian Schooling Poster
  • Communicate these principles via curriculum documentation
  • Teach the three strands of the Civics and Citizenship domain of the Victorian Curriculum F-10 which provides students with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to understand and practice what it means to be a citizen in a democracy
  • Commit to the development of the whole child by assisting students to become active members of the Catholic Church and contribute to the common good of society

Communicating the Statement

This Statement of Democratic Principles is communicated to staff, students, parents and guardians and the College community via the College website and through CompliSpace.

The College displays a poster of our Statement of Democratic Principles prominently in the College.