Recently updated PAL topics

The department’s Policy and Advisory Library (PAL) launched on 15 June 2020. This table outlines all substantive changes made to PAL topics since launch.

2024

Date of update	Topic	Change
19 April 2024	Dental Services	This policy has been updated to reflect minor changes to the requirements and processes schools must follow when engaging with dental service providers, including electronic consent processes, frequency of secondary school visits and updates to curriculum resources.
19 April 2024	School Council – Training and Good Governance	This topic has been updated to reflect the new requirements for schools wishing to book face-to-face school council training. To book training for your school council refer to the policy for links to the school council training booking portal.
18 April 2024	School and Campus Naming	This policy has been updated to: reflect the requirement for Aboriginal language names to be used when naming all new schools and campuses or renaming existing schools, campuses and buildings outline the small number of exceptions to this requirement.
16 April 2024	Audits, Reviews and Assurance Programs in Schools	This topic has been updated to reflect current processes for the school council financial assurance program, including the use of Teammate+ to provide status updates during the follow-up process. New guides to using Teammate+, including a guide to writing implementation statements, are available on the Resources tab.
15 April 2024	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision	This topic has been updated to reflect the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate supports available to schools from Term 2 2024, including a new Your world. Your VCE. communication pack. Content relating to the former Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning has also been removed.
12 April 2024	First Aid for Students and Staff	This topic was updated to refer to the Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6), replacing the Concussion Recognition Tool 5, which supports schools to identify and manage concussion, in alignment with the new national guidance for management of concussion in community and youth sports. Schools are recommended to print and replace previous versions of the tool with the CRT6 in first aid kits. Guidance has also been included about communicating with students and families who have limited or no English skills after a student experiences first aid or a medical emergency at school.
10 April 2024	Reportable and Notifiable Conduct	This topic has been updated to include information on the obligation to report inappropriate conduct by education support officers performing disability services to the Conduct and Integrity Division. This conduct may require notification to the Victorian Disability Workers Commission by the Conduct and Integrity Division under the Disability Workers Regulation Scheme, as well as to the Commission for Children and Young People under the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
10 April 2024	Amusement Rides, Attractions and Fireworks	The school council agreement template associated with the Amusement Rides, Attractions and Fireworks policy has been updated to reflect minor hyperlinking, spelling, font and numbering corrections, references to ‘supplier’ replaced with ‘provider’, and the addition of a definition for ‘term’.
10 April 2024	Epilepsy and Seizures	This topic has been updated to include links to the most current and relevant resources for schools, including seizure supports, student inclusion and participation, and staff training.
28 March 2024	Interpreting and Translation Services	The topic has been updated to move content for early childhood language services to the Use an interpreter in early childhood education services webpage. The updated version provides clearer guidance for schools on the funded services available.
27 March 2024	Mental Health Fund and Menu	This topic has been changed to reflect new branding and status of the Fund rollout, as all schools have now received the Fund. Additionally, counsellors have now been included in the Skills Checklist, as they are now able to be employed by schools under tier 3 of the Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu.
27 March 2024	Student Resource Package — Core Student Learning Allocation funding (Student Based Funding) Student Resource Package — Equity Funding (Student Based Funding) Student Resource Package — School Infrastructure Student Resource Package — Managing the Budget Student Resource Package — School Specific Programs Student Resource Package — Targeted Initiatives	These topics have been updated to reflect the release of the 2024 confirmed student resource package.
26 March 2024	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This topic has been updated to provide guidance on the requirements to submit a complete profile request and eligibility for backdated funding.
26 March 2024	Disability Inclusion Profile	This topic has been updated to provide guidance on the requirements to submit a complete profile request and eligibility for backdated funding.
25 March 2024	Data Collection and Surveys	The topic has been updated to include additional information on the survey collections, with updated dates for 2024.
22 March 2024	Ergonomics and Workspace	This topic has been updated to provide clearer guidance for schools to effectively manage risks associated with workplace ergonomics, and support staff in setting up ergonomically safe workstations and workspaces. Two workstation checklists are now available for use, including a new checklist for staff who primarily use a laptop for their work.
21 March 2024	Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability	This topic was updated to provide updated resources for the 2024 NCCD data collection. The update also includes additional information about student eligibility for inclusion in the NCCD count, and in particular, requirements when imputing disability where schools are unable to access a formal diagnosis.
19 March 2024	Enrolment	This topic was updated to include a restructured enrolment form, and 2024–25 information packs for Foundation enrolment and Year 6 to 7 placement.
18 March 2024	Reporting Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	This topic has been updated with new guidance on achievement standards and reporting requirements for the new Mathematics curriculum, Mathematics Version 2.0. Schools must implement these requirements when they commence teaching the new curriculum in either Semester 1, 2024 or Semester 1, 2025.
6 March 2024	Anaphylaxis	This topic was updated to include contact details for the Royal Children’s Hospital anaphylaxis support advisory line.
6 March 2024	Workers’ Compensation	The resource page of this topic has been updated with online workers’ compensation trainings and webinars offered for 2024, that will assist schools in meeting their return to work obligations.
5 March 2024	OHS Induction and Training	This topic includes updated versions of the following resources: OHS eLearn guide for schools – reflects changes to the mandatory OHS eLearning modules, including the merging of 2 previous eLearns to become one - 'Health, Safety, and Wellbeing for Employees'. A new ‘Help & Support’ section has been introduced for direct assistance with IT or LearnED access issues and quick reference guides have been updated OHS Induction Checklist for schools – reflects the recently updated OHS eLearning modules, with eLearn enrolment and completion requirements included.
4 March 2024	Soil, Mulch or Loose Fill	This new topic outlines the requirements and processes that schools must follow to safely acquire soil, mulch and loose fill on school sites.
4 March 2024	Asbestos Management	This topic has undergone minor updates to align with the release of the new Soil, Mulch or Loose Fill policy which outlines the processes schools must follow when acquiring any materials that pose a contamination risk.
4 March 2024	Smoking and Vaping Ban	This policy has new guidance chapters about prevention, response and management of school vaping incidents. Resources have been updated to include Quit Victoria’s free classroom materials for secondary schools.
29 February 2024	Plant and Equipment Management	This policy now includes clearer information regarding supervision and training requirements for staff and students, with refreshed competency tests for students and an overview of the Safe Use of Machinery for Technology Teaching course.
29 February 2024	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision	The implementation supports resource has been updated to remove outdated supports and include new supports that are available from Term 1, 2024.
26 February 2024	Privacy and Information Sharing	The ‘Annual privacy reminder’ section of the Collection Notice guidance has been updated to include reference to schools’, Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy.
26 February 2024	Photographing, Filming and Recording Students	This policy has been updated to include a new section on the annual privacy reminder schools communicate to families at the beginning of each year. The reminder now includes reference to the school’s Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy. Other changes have also been made to support the new process of the reminder replacing the need for schools to resend the consent form to families each year.
26 February 2024	Annual Report to the School Community	This topic now includes a guidance chapter titled School performance summary for the 2023 annual report which contains key information for schools about updates to the structure and measures used in the performance summary this year.
26 February 2024	OHS Planning	This topic contains an updated version of the OHS activities calendar which has been simplified and clarifies which activities should be completed in the Asset Information Management System (AIMS). It also includes links to relevant policies and an updated list of activities that better reflect schools’ OHS needs.
23 February 2024	Career Education Funding	This topic (previously titled Career Education Funding – Accountability and Reporting Requirements) has been updated to clarify the requirements for schools in receipt of career education funding and to provide new and updated links to associated resources and initiatives.
22 February 2024	School Review	The topic has been updated to provide current policy, guidance and supporting resources on the school review process.
21 February 2024	School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships	This topic has been updated to reflect terminology changes to align with the senior secondary pathways reform. Updates also include restructuring the guidance chapters and changes to align with Ministerial Order 1359, outlining the minimum requirements schools and boarding premises must meet to comply with the Child Safe Standards. New resources include Head Start factsheets for students, parents and employers.
21 February 2024	Procurement — Schools	The list of department-managed procurement categories, available on the Resources tab, has been updated to reflect the establishment of a new sports and physical education equipment panel for Victorian government schools.
21 February 2024	Restraint and Seclusion	This topic has been updated to reflect changes to the Protective Intervention Training panel and Expression of Interest form.
21 February 2024	Work-Related Violence in Schools	This topic has been updated to reflect changes to the Protective Intervention Training panel and Expression of Interest form.
21 February 2024	Workplace Safety Inspections	An updated version of the ‘General Workplace Safety Inspection Checklist’ has been uploaded to this topic. The checklist was updated to make it clearer that only hazards defined as having the potential to cause harm, injury, illness, or loss are required to be reported via the checklist.
21 February 2024	International Student Program (ISP)	This topic has been updated to raise the minimum age that a student can be in a homestay arrangement from 13 to 15.
19 February 2024	Mobile Phones – Student Use	This policy was updated to include posters and social media resources aimed at enabling schools to communicate the policy to a student audience.
19 February 2024	Annual Report to the School Community	This topic has been updated to clarify the steps to complete the Annual Report to the School Community.
14 February 2024	Cleaning	Regional schools: The topic has been updated to provide new information on the processes required for procuring and managing cleaning contractors, including details of ensuring contractor compliance with AIMs. Metropolitan schools: Contact details for Metropolitan schools have been updated where there has a change of provider.
13 February 2024	Mental Health and Wellbeing – Employees	The resource page of this topic has been updated to incorporate a list of external support services for mental health and wellbeing.
13 February 2024	International Student Program (ISP)	This topic has been updated to include versions of the arrival support form for Melbourne Airport in Chinese, Khmer and Vietnamese.
12 February 2024	Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support (MYLNS) initiative	This topic has been updated to align student eligibility criteria with the new NAPLAN levels of achievement.
12 February 2024	Tutor Learning Initiative	This topic and the Tutor Practice Guide have been updated to reflect 2024 arrangements and provide more guidance on student identification for participation in tutoring, including pre-identification based on NAPLAN performance.
12 February 2024	Child Link	This is a new topic that supports schools to access and use Child Link, which is a digital tool that displays information about a child to authorised key professionals who have responsibility for child wellbeing and safety.
8 February 2024	Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)	This topic has been updated to clarify requirements regarding applications from mature minors and the use of CSEF funding.
7 February 2024	Environmental Hygiene	This topic has been updated with the addition of a callout box to comply with the requirements of the Crystalline Silica Regulations (Part 4.5 – Crystalline silica, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017).
7 February 2024	Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and Compliance	This topic has been updated to incorporate a new guidance on chapter on essential safety measures (ESM). This guidance chapter reflects the new, centralised essential safety measures model and replaces the previous Essential Safety Measures policy.
5 February 2024	School Council – Elections	An updated version of the ‘Principals Guide to School Council Elections’ has been uploaded to this topic. The guide was updated to reflect 2024 timing and updated contact and training details.
5 February 2024	ICT Software in Schools – Risk Assessment	This is a new topic that details requirements for schools when selecting and reviewing software for use by staff and students. It includes details of how to use the national Safer Technologies 4 Schools (ST4S) risk assessment reports.
1 February 2024	School Performance Reporting and Data	This topic has been updated to reflect the decommissioning of the School Information Portal (SIP).
31 January 2024	Disability Inclusion Profile	This topic has been updated to clarify a range of policy positions, make minor updates to resources to support schools through the profile process and include details of the areas transitioning to Disability Inclusion in 2024.
31 January 2024	OHS Consultation and Communication	This topic has been updated to provide clarification around who can stand as a HSR and obligations on including a list of HSRs on the OHS noticeboard. As well as clarifying the consultation and communication requirements with HSRs exists in accordance with the policy, where they are elected.
29 January 2024	Mental Health Practitioners initiative	This is a new topic that outlines policy, guidance and resources for secondary and specialist schools implementing the Mental Health Practitioners (MHP) initiative. The topic includes information about expanded eligibility requirements for MHPs to include counsellors of a prescribed class, in line with the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act (2022).
29 January 2024	Suspensions	Changes have been made to the Suspensions policy to reflect a new combined form for schools to seek regional director approval for any suspensions that is for more than 5 days or 15 in total for the school year. There were previously 2 approval forms that principals had to complete, depending on the circumstance. The forms have been combined to streamline the approval process.
26 January 2024	Enrolment	The 'Enrolment in specialist schools and other specialist education settings' guidance chapter has been updated to clarify the eligibility process for students attending specialist settings, particularly in Disability Inclusion areas. Additional information about periodic review of enrolment eligibility for enrolled students and the appeals process for students refused enrolment has also been included.
25 January 2024	Professional Learning Communities	This topic has been updated to include a new section on the Professional Learning Community Coaching program.
24 January 2024	Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)	The ‘What’s new in the Annual Implementation Plan’ guidance has been updated to include a section on the impact of changes to the calculation of perception survey data and the approach schools can take when completing their AIP end-of-year self-assessment.
22 January 2024	Sister School Partnerships	Sister school online resources have been updated according to Commonwealth’s latest guidance as at January 2024 regarding foreign arrangements. This includes a new FAQs document specifically designed to assist schools in meeting their obligations under the Foreign Relations Act 2020 when establishing (or renewing) sister school partnerships.
16 January 2024	NDIS Funded Therapy in Schools	This topic has been updated to provide clarity about this policy, a new licence agreement for delivery of NDIS funded virtual therapy on school grounds and to reflect changes to the NDIS/education interface, including: the continuation of in-kind supports (PCIS and SDTP) until the end of the 2024 school year introduction of NDIS Navigators NDIS changes to the early childhood approach.
10 January 2024	Family Violence Support	The resources tab has been updated with 2 additional external resources: Sexual Assault Services Victoria and Sexual Assault Crisis Line.
10 January 2024	Donating Furniture and Equipment	This topic has been updated to reflect that from 3 January 2024, Rotary’s Donations in Kind store has re-commenced accepting donations.
10 January 2024	Conveyance Allowance Program	This topic has been updated to reflect the new public transport fares for 2024.
9 January 2024	Student Resource Package – Targeted Initiatives	The Swimming in Schools guidance chapter was updated to reflect information about the offline top-up payment provided to eligible schools in 2024.
9 January 2024	International Student Program (ISP)	This topic contains a new chapter in relation to the requirements for providers of Offsite Intensive English language programs to coordinate with host schools. The resource updates include a new policy document for providers of Offsite Intensive English Language Programs which will be useful for host schools to understand.
8 January 2024	NDIS Navigators	This topic has been updated with a callout box to differentiate between the department’s school-based NDIS Navigators and the navigator role announced in the NDIS Independent Review. The list of schools who have received funding has been updated and translations of the NDIS Navigators parents and carers factsheet have been added to the resources tab.
8 January 2024	Recruitment in Schools	This topic has been updated to: make the wording more consistent with the Australian Government Style Manual reference the ability to make requests for a reduced time fraction for any advertised role, on a case-by-case basis and subject to the operational requirements of the school update the section on suitability for child connected work checks and to replicate that section in the selection process component to: make it clear the checks must be completed in respect of every preferred applicant, both internal and external make it clear the checks are compulsory prior to employment, promotion or transfer action being taken provide further guidance on action to be taken regarding the outcome of the check.
4 January 2024	Teaching with Animals	A call-out box has been added to this topic to alert that it is under review, with guidance on a new application process for teaching with animals to be released in early 2024. Outdated templates and application forms have also been removed from the resources tab.
2 January 2024	School Performance Reporting and Data	The Differentiated School Performance Model technical documents have been updated to reflect the 2023 changes to NAPLAN.
1 January 2024	Conveyance Allowance Program	This topic has been updated to reflect the new private conveyance allowance rates for 2024.
1 January 2024	Student Resource Package — Core Student Learning Allocation funding (Student Based Funding) Student Resource Package — Equity Funding (Student Based Funding) Student Resource Package — School Infrastructure Student Resource Package — Managing the Budget Student Resource Package — School Specific Programs Student Resource Package — Targeted Initiatives	These topics have been updated to reflect the 2024 student resource package indicative guide.

Date of update	Topic	Change
21 December 2023	Conflict of Interest	This topic has been updated to reflect a change in policy ownership from the Employee Conduct Branch to the Conduct and Integrity Branch. Including an updated phone number and email address for schools to contact regarding further advice and to report conflicts of interest in line with the policy.
20 December 2023	Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces	This is a new topic that provides operational guidance for schools on the regional and area-based Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces (HWIW), including the Health Wellbeing Key Contact (HWKC) function. This topic replaces the COVID-19 — Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces topic, which has been archived. For information on COVID-19, schools can refer to COVID-19 — School Operations.
19 December 2023	Conveyance Allowance Program	Transport Special Cases Consideration Panel application closure dates and panel sitting dates have been updated for 2024.
19 December 2023	School Bus Program	Transport Special Cases Consideration Panel application closure dates and panel sitting dates have been updated for 2024.
19 December 2023	Information Security – InfoSafe	An updated Third Party Supplier Assurance Standard has been added to the resources tab, replacing a previous version of the standard.
19 December 2023	Environmental Sustainability in Schools	This topic has been updated to refer to the Sustainable Facilities topic.
18 December 2023	Vocational Education and Training Delivered to School Students	This topic has been updated to replace indicative funding information for VET delivered to school students with updated funding information for 2024.
18 December 2023	Infectious Diseases	This topic has been updated to provide guidelines for schools engaging with Local Public Health Units regarding notifiable conditions. The Engagement guidelines are available in the resources tab.
15 December 2023	Procuring Low-Value Construction Works or Services	This topic has been updated to increase the limit of School Councils’ delegated authority to enter into construction contracts from $50,000 to $100,000.
15 December 2023	School-funded Capital Projects	This topic has been updated to include a new requirement for schools to seek VSBA approval before procuring works involving the construction of ramps. The limit of School Councils’ delegated authority to enter into construction contracts has also been increased from $50,000 to $100,000.
15 December 2023	Student Resource Package – Managing the Budget	This topic has been updated to include a new guidance chapter entitled Credit Carryover Policy which details limits on how much SRP funding schools will be able to carry over to the following year, over a 4-year transition period from 2024 to 2027, including the addition of a deficit write off incentive for small schools and details of supports available for schools to manage the transition. The Resources tab also includes an FAQ document which schools can reference for an overview of the practical implications of the new Credit Carryover Policy. Additionally, the Surplus or deficit guidance chapter has been amended to include examples of how the credit carryover transition will apply to end of year deficits, and the Cash guidance chapter has been updated to include more detailed guidance and eligibility requirements for credit and cash transfers.
12 December 2023	Privacy and Information Sharing	This topic has been updated to reflect that schools are no longer required to publish the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice on their public facing website. The notice is now a department webpage and linked to from the schools’ annual privacy reminder draft text. Schools must continue to share the notice with parents and carers as part of the enrolment process and on request.
11 December 2023	Reporting Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	This topic was updated to provide information on changed reporting arrangements for schools implementing the new Mathematics F–10 Curriculum Version 2.0. A template letter for schools to use to inform parents/carers about this change and a resource to support schools with the new reporting arrangements has been provided.
7 December 2023	Holocaust Education – Delivery Requirements	This topic has been updated to note that the performance of the Nazi salute in public is against the law in Victoria (in addition to the public display of the Nazi Hakenkreuz symbol) unless it meets the exceptions outlined in the policy.
6 December 2023	Navigator Program	The Navigator Program policy and resources have been updated to include Navigator Program Pilot for 10 to 11 years of age in Bayside Peninsula, Hume Merri-bek, Loddon Campaspe and Western Melbourne.
5 December 2023	LGBTIQA+ Student Support	This topic has been updated to refer to new guidance on the participation of trans and gender diverse students in School Sport Victoria’s sporting activities, linked to from the resources tab. The title of the topic has also been updated to include students identifying as asexual, in line with the Victorian government’s new LGBTIQA+ inclusive language guidance.
5 December 2023	Re-engagement Programs (Years 7 to 10)	This topic is updated annually in Term 4 with program fees for the following school year. The fees have now been updated for 2024 and can be found on the guidance tab.
5 December 2023	Conveyance Allowance Program	This topic has been updated to reflect the closing dates for applications made through the Student Conveyance Allowance System for 2024.
4 December 2023	Mobile Phones – Student Use	Sample newsletter text has been added to the resources tab to support schools to remind their communities about the requirements of this policy.
4 December 2023	Parent Payments	This topic was updated to remove restrictions on facilitating the sale of second-hand books.
4 December 2023	Teaching and Learning Resources – Selecting Appropriate Materials	This topic has been updated to note that the performance of the Nazi salute in public is against the law in Victoria (in addition to the public display of the Nazi Hakenkreuz symbol) unless it meets the exceptions outlined in the policy.
30 November 2023	Asthma	This topic has been updated to remove reference to the 10760NAT Course in Asthma Awareness from the list of accredited asthma management courses as it is no longer available.
29 November 2023	Students with Disabilities Transport Program (SDTP)	This topic has been updated to reflect that the current arrangement with the NDIS to provide student transport for eligible students in schools has been extended to the end of 2024. Transport Special Cases Panel application closure dates and panel sitting dates have also been updated for 2024.
28 November 2023	Outside School Hours Care – Decision Making Regarding the Provision of OSHC	This topic has been updated to include updated documents for school councils to manage the operation of their service, including varying licence agreements with third party providers and template agendas for an OSHC sub-committee meeting. There have also been minor updates to information regarding the OSHC Establishment Grants Initiative.
28 November 2023	Enrolment	The statewide Foundation (Prep) enrolment timeline and procedures have been updated for 2024 to support enrolments for the 2025 school year. The updates include the timeline and template content for your school website, which are available from the resources tab of this topic.
28 November 2023	Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0)	The resources tab has been updated with a new guide titled 'Engaging families in lifting student outcomes'. The guide is available to support principals and school leaders to effectively partner with families in improving the student learning and wellbeing outcomes outlined in FISO 2.0, and brings together key information, related resources, and policies to support family engagement.
24 November 2023	Work-Related Violence in Schools	The resources tab has been updated with 2 new posters which can be printed and displayed in high-traffic areas in schools. The posters highlight that abuse, aggression, and other unacceptable behaviours from adults in the school community will not be tolerated and provide quick access to supports and resources via QR code.
24 November 2023	Voice Care for Teachers	This topic has been updated with clearer guidance for teachers and school staff to protect and care for their voices. With a simplified procedure to identify, assess and implement measures to prevent or minimise the risk of vocal injury at work. The resources tab includes an updated guideline document which provides practical strategies on how teachers can look after their voices including tips, exercises and self-assessment tools, as well as a poster schools can print and display with quick reminders and a link to further resources easily accessible via QR code.
22 November 2023	Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)	New resources including 2024 Improvement Cycle planners, instructions for completing the funding planner in SPOT and a troubleshooting guide for SPOT are now available on the resources tab.
22 November 2023	Family Violence Support	The list of Respectful Relationships Liaison Officers has been updated.
17 November 2023	Enrolment: Year 6 to 7 placement	The Statewide placement timeline and procedures have been updated for 2024 to 2025 and are available from the resources tab of this topic.
16 November 2023	Disability Inclusion Profile	The resources tab has been updated to include a list of professional learning offerings available to school staff to learn more about Disability Inclusion and supporting students with diverse learning needs.
13 November 2023	Structured Workplace Learning	This topic has been updated to reflect new Ministerial Order 1412 – Structured Workplace Learning Arrangements. The changes include updated arrangement forms and resources.
13 November 2023	Work Experience	This topic has been updated to reflect new Ministerial Order 1413 – Work Experience Arrangements. The changes include updated arrangement forms and resources.
9 November 2023	Career Start	This is a new topic that outlines the Career Start program for graduate teachers, which aims to improve the induction experience into the teaching profession. It provides operational information about the wealth of supports available to graduate teachers, eligibility criteria and funding arrangements.
2 November 2023	Capacity and Area Allocation	This topic has been updated to provide clarity on how schools can access their current built capacity figure and who to contact if they have questions about their capacity.
2 November 2023	Privacy and Information Sharing	The resources tab has been updated with two new ‘Privacy on a Page’ quick reference guide documents which are tailored specifically for Casual Relief Teachers and School Administration staff. These quick reference guides outline key obligations and practical tips to help these staff handle personal information safely.
2 November 2023	Mental Health in Schools	A new quick guide for information about reporting and acquitting the funding schools receive under mental health reform programs is now available on the resources tab.
1 November 2023	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Delivered by Registered External Providers (formerly Community VCAL)	The updated VCE Vocational Major and VPC contract has been added to the resources tab. It includes a new responsibility matrix to document the roles and responsibilities of schools, providers and subcontracted additional providers. References to the Intermediate VCAL have been removed from the topic and contract.
1 November 2023	Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)	The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) topic has been updated with relevant dates and information about the annual CSEF amount per student for the 2024 school year. The Centrelink error proforma and CSEF financial assistance flyers in all languages have also been updated to reflect these changes.
1 November 2023	Workers’ Compensation	This topic has been updated with updated dates for training webinars and additional contact details for schools requiring support or assistance.
30 October 2023	Finance Manual – Financial Management for Schools	The updated Chart of Accounts for Victorian Government Schools for 2024 has been added to the Resources tab. It includes several minor changes for currency, with the addition of new information on the Specialist School Activity Boost.
27 October 2023	Pre-service Teachers Working with Permission to Teach (General)	An FAQ document is now available on the resources tab of this page to provide further guidance to schools on employing pre-service teachers with Permission to Teach (General).
27 October 2023	Bushfire and Grassfire Preparedness	The Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program 2023-2024 Factsheet has been uploaded to the Resources tab. The factsheet, and the vegetation clearance guidelines within it, remain unchanged from 2022-2023.
26 October 2023	Health Care Needs	This topic has been updated to clarify the process for completing the Schoolcare program referral and to correspond with the updated Schoolcare Program 2024 guidelines.
24 October 2023	Behaviour – Students	The School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Framework chapter of this topic has been updated to remove information about applications to join SWPBS in 2024 (which have closed) and add a new animation: Introduction to School-wide Positive Behaviour Support.
23 October 2023	NDIS Navigators	A fact sheet for parents and carers outlining the purpose and role of NDIS Navigators in Victorian government specialist schools was added to the resources tab of this topic.
18 October 2023	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This topic has been updated to clarify a range of policy positions and to support schools through the process. These changes include new resources to support schools, including a new Disability Inclusion Reform Principal Checklist (PPTX).
18 October 2023	Disability Inclusion Profile	This topic has been updated to clarify a range of policy positions and to support schools through the process. These changes include new resources to support schools, including a new Disability Inclusion Reform Principal Checklist (PPTX). The changes also include minor updates to Supporting Information Guidance for Schools (DOCX).
16 October 2023	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision	New resources are available to support schools in celebrating all pathways equally: a school discussion guide, checklist and social media image templates.
12 October 2023	Manual Handling	This topic has been updated with clearer guidance for schools to protect staff from manual handling injuries in the workplace. With a larger focus on prevention and specialist school settings, real life practical examples tailored to school environments have been added, including recommendations for further training and the addition of a new ‘Personal care of students’ risk assessment template. The manual handling presentation slide deck requirements and guide have been removed, with information incorporated into the updated procedure.
12 October 2023	NDIS Navigators	The list of schools that have received NDIS Navigators’ funding in 2023 has been added to the Policy tab.
6 October 2023	School Bus Program	This topic has been updated to include revised resources and provide information around responsibilities relating to the Child Safe Standards.
3 October 2023	Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)	This topic has been updated with information about refinements to the end-of-year assessment and priorities goal advice and to clarify existing guidance. It also includes a new AIP Term 4 planning tool in the resources tab.
27 September 2023	Outdoor Activities and Working Outdoors	This topic has been revised to provide more practical advice, with a particular focus on assessing hazards and controlling risks. The updated topic also features simplified language – highlighting roles and responsibilities for school staff managing working outdoors – and a streamlined risk assessment process.
27 September 2023	Physical and Sport Education – Safety	This topic has been updated to clarify that interschool sport must be organised as an excursion in line with guidance in the Excursions policy.
27 September 2023	Excursions	The Supervision chapter of this topic has been updated to provide clarity on the gender mix of supervising staff for overnight camps, applying ratios for excursions organised by one school for students from more than one school, minimum supervision ratios for School Sport Victoria events and for individual students registered for State Schools Spectacular events.
27 September 2023	Tutor Learning Initiative	This topic has been updated to include information on the 2024 program extension and funding resources.
27 September 2023	Student Resource Package – Targeted Initiatives	A new guidance chapter titled NDIS Navigators (Reference 146) was added to this topic to outline funding arrangements for the NDIS Navigators initiative which will be progressively rolled out over 4 years to all Victorian government specialist schools from July 2023.
25 September 2023	Community Use of Schools – Hiring and Licensing	Internal guidance relating to the community use of schools in the lead up to the 2023 referendum has been published.
19 September 2023	Environmental Sustainability in Schools	This is a new topic which includes guidance about reducing the environmental impact of school operations, classroom education about climate change, and the bans on single-use plastics and balloon releases.
15 September 2023	Flags and Patriotic Ceremonies	This topic has been updated to provide clarity on which flags can be flown on school flagpoles, including the circumstances when commemorative or celebratory flags can be flown. The average cost of flagpole installation and the expected lifespan of flags has also been removed as these vary according to local circumstances.
13 September 2023	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	A calculator is now available to support schools estimate their annual Disability Inclusion Tier 2 funding allocation. For more information, refer to the Tier 2 School-level funding section at Disability Inclusion Funding and Support: Overview of the Disability Inclusion funding model.
13 September 2023	Student Resource Package – Overview	This topic has been updated with the new 2024 student resource package indicative guide, available from the Resources tab.
12 September 2023	Professional Learning Communities	This is a new topic which outlines guidance and supports for schools to implement the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) initiative.
11 September 2023	Mental Health in Schools	This topic has been updated with information about the Mental Health in Primary Schools program, including information about funding allocations, and support for schools transitioning from the Primary Welfare Officer initiative. An updated fact sheet and question and answer resources can be found on the resources tab.
8 September 2023	Excursions	Guidance on documenting first aid incidents occurring on excursions has been updated for consistency with the First Aid for Students and Staff topic.
7 September 2023	Enrolment	The Determining permanent residence guidance chapter in this topic has been updated to clarify that people experiencing family violence can list the address of a specialist service (as well as crisis or other temporary accommodation), and to clarify the purpose (that is, ‘to protect the child or young person from harm’).
7 September 2023	Exemption from School Attendance and Enrolment	This topic contains new guidance and resources on attendance exemptions for students employed in the education industry. The resource updates include a new application form and fact sheet for parents.
7 September 2023	Victorian Teaching and Learning Model	An updated quick guide to the VTLM, including information about the High Impact Wellbeing Strategies (HIWS) is now available on the Resources tab.
6 September 2023	Reporting Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	The guidance tab of this topic and the Student reporting VC lookup matrix resource have been updated to reflect changes to the 5-point age-related scale, which now includes Level D. A template letter to assist schools to communicate this change is also available on the guidance and resources tabs
5 September 2023	Members of Parliament and Candidates Visiting Schools	This topic has been updated to include by-elections and referendums, and reference to the Victorian Public Sector Commission’s guidance on the 2023 referendum.
5 September 2023	Political Activities	This topic has been updated to include by-elections and referendums, and reference to the Victorian Public Sector Commission’s guidance on the 2023 referendum.
5 September 2023	Elections – Schools as Voting Centres and Polling Places	This topic has been updated to include by-elections and referendums.
5 September 2023	NDIS Navigators	This is a new topic that overviews the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Navigators initiative in Victorian government specialist schools. It provides operational information about the rollout of the initiative, the role of NDIS Navigators and the funding and supports available for schools.
4 September 2023	Career Education Funding – Accountability and Reporting Requirements	This topic has been updated to provide information on Career Education Funding reporting requirements for 2023.
1 September 2023	Practice (Student) Teaching Supervision Payments	This policy has been update to reflect pay rates as per the Ministerial Order.
30 August 2023	Information Security – InfoSafe	This topic has been updated with new contact details to notify the Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) of an incident.
30 August 2023	Enrolment	The resources tab of this topic has been updated with new versions of the following resources: email templates to support enrolment offers – which contains additional enrolment scenarios such as student transfers and where an Enrolment Management Implementation Plan is in place sample wording seeking evidence of address – which supports schools to seek additional information from parents/carers regarding permanent residential address during the enrolment process and includes template wording where enrolment or placement may be withdrawn.
29 August 2023	Excess Procedure	This policy has been updated as per the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022, to include that the identification of employees can only occur in term 1 and term 4; and the inclusion of severance pay information for applicable employees. Additionally, the policy has been updated to include information that where an excess employee declines a reasonable offer of redeployment, workplace relations is to be informed.
29 August 2023	Compassionate Transfer	This policy has been updated to remove of the reference to a ‘hard copy’ letter, which has been adjusted to an electronic letter; removal of the reference for employees to attach a copy of the letter; and information regarding the new application process in Recruitment Online.
29 August 2023	Workforce Support and Initiatives for Schools	This topic has been updated to reflect the information on CRT Travel Fund and to include information on the new Teacher Re-Engagement Initiative (TREI) available to schools and returning teachers.
29 August 2023	Transition — Year 6 to 7	The supporting a positive transition to secondary school resource has been updated to include current information and support for schools to plan and implement effective transitions programs for the 2023 to 2024 school years. This resource is available on the policy and resources tabs of this topic.
29 August 2023	Teaching and Learning Resources – Selecting Appropriate Materials	This topic has been updated to broaden the definition of ‘teaching and learning resources’ to better reflect the contemporary and digital nature of teaching and learning resources (including, for example, applications, software, podcasts and other online platforms).
29 August 2023	Pre-service Teachers Working with Permission to Teach (General)	This is a new topic that outlines the practices and processes in relation to pre-service teachers working in Victorian government schools with Permission to Teach (PTT) (General), as agreed between the department and Victorian initial teacher education providers.
28 August 2023	Recruitment in Schools	This topic has been updated to include new information and guidelines regarding the Teacher Recruitment Initiative (TRI); selection document retention timelines (10 years for successful applicants and 6 months for non-shortlisted applicants); and information relating to the temporary transfer of an ongoing employee. The resources tab has also been updated to include user guides and facts sheets for applicants.
25 August 2023	Mental Health in Schools	The resources tab has been updated to include a new resource outlining instructions for reporting Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader salary expenditure as part of the Mental Health in Primary Schools program.
23 August 2023	Managing and Reporting School Incidents (Including Emergencies)	A new guidance chapter has been added to the Managing and Reporting School Incidents policy to support schools manage emergency helicopter landings and to consider requests for non-emergency helicopter landings
18 August 2023	Parents' Clubs	The Parents’ Clubs policy has been updated to clarify the role of parents’ clubs, provide step by step guidance on establishing a parents’ club, as well as information about insurance and how parents’ clubs can manage their records.
18 August 2023	Parent Payments	This policy, the parent payment arrangement templates and the communications resources have been updated with new contact details.
18 August 2023	Disability and Reasonable Adjustments – Staff	This topic has been updated to introduce 2 new chapters regarding the ‘sharing of staff disability information (disclosure)’ and ‘flexible working arrangements and workplace adjustments’. There is also new information on the department’s obligation under the Fair Work Act 2009 to consider and respond to written requests for flexible work arrangements made by certain staff.
15 August 2023	Flexible Work for Principals	Policy and guidance have been developed around flexible work options for principals. This page provides information on eligible arrangements, application requirements and approval processes.
15 August 2023	Curriculum Programs Foundation to 10	This topic has been updated to include information on general religious education which was previously contained in the topic Special Religious Instruction. It now also includes a link to information about guest speakers to support student learning about religions.
11 August 2023	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This topic has been updated to reflect an update to the process for reporting Disability Inclusion Tier 2 credit expenditure, including updated expenditure reporting instructions.
11 August 2023	Work-Related Driving	This topic has been updated in line with new Victorian road rules to include further responsibilities for staff who are driving for work to avoid distractions and regulate their use of wearable devices and other technologies while driving a vehicle.
10 August 2023	Data Collection and Surveys	This topic has been updated to include information on accessibility for the Attitudes to School Survey, AEDC dates and to reflect changes made to the frameworks for the School Staff Survey, Parent/Carer/Guardian Opinion Survey and Attitudes to School Survey in 2023.
7 August 2023	Student Resource Package — Targeted Initiatives	The Late Enrolment and Senior Secondary Re-engagement guidance chapter was updated to reflect changes to application and payment deadlines for late enrolment and senior secondary re-engagement funding.
2 August 2023	Outside School Hours Care – Decision Making Regarding the Provision of OSHC	The OSHC establishment grants guidance chapter has been updated with a list of Round 4A recipients that have been awarded funding . The list of third party providers interested in working with OSHC establishment grant schools has also been updated and is available on the Resources tab.
2 August 2023	Enrolment	The non-standard enrolment application form has been updated with some additional fields for schools who are seeking to re-apply for a non-standard enrolment following review of an existing non-standard enrolment.
1 August 2023	Essential Safety Measures	The centralised essential safety measures fact sheet (available on the Policy and Resources tabs) has been updated to include information about contacting existing ESM service providers, including a link to a template letter that schools can use to start discussions with their service providers.
28 July 2023	Workforce Support and Initiatives for Schools	This is a new topic which outlines workforce supports and initiatives available to schools that may be experiencing recruitment and retention challenges
26 July 2023	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This topic has been updated to reflect changes to the process to report Disability Inclusion Tier 2 credit expenditure, including updated expenditure reporting instructions.
26 July 2023	Vocational Education and Training Delivered to School Students	This topic has been updated to include information on the purpose of Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivered to school students (VDSS), how schools may offer VET to students, and how VDSS funding is allocated in 2024. Additional guidance and information for schools have been added to support student access to the VDSS Core Offering VET certificates within the VCE-VET programs developed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
25 July 2023	Disability Inclusion Profile	This topic has been updated to clarify the Disability Inclusion Profile process. In addition, a range of new resources are available on the Resources tab to support participation in the profile meeting.
25 July 2023	Professional Practice Days	This topic has been updated to reflect the provision of the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022 on Professional Practice Days.
25 July 2023	Restraint and Seclusion	This topic has been updated to clarify the definition of seclusion, align with the new Child Safe Standards, include additional information about professional development and provide guidance to assist schools and NDIS practitioners to work collaboratively.
25 July 2023	Data Collection and Surveys	The Resources tab of this topic contains updated frameworks for the School Staff Survey and Parent/Carer/Guardian Opinion Survey for 2023.
24 July 2023	Insurance for Schools	This topic has been updated to reflect changes to school travel insurance and the Resources section has been updated with 2023-24 insurance documentation.
24 July 2023	COVID-19 — School Operations	This topic has been updated to remove hand sanitiser and gloves from the list of free PPE available for order, as these products are no longer available on the PPE ordering system.
19 July 2023	Drones	This topic has been updated to clarify that schools must not use drones for surveillance purposes and to provide contact details for schools who require further advice and support in relation to this.
18 July 2023	Notebooks for School Staff Program	This topic was updated to include information about warranties for desktop experience kits that have been issued to schools.
18 July 2023	Finance Manual – Financial Management for Schools	The Resources tab has been updated to include a Cash Budget Spreadsheet User Guide, which is a new resource to assist schools when using the Annual master cash budget summary spreadsheet
18 July 2023	Students with Disability	This topic was updated to highlight the importance of verbal, nonverbal, augumentative and alternative communication forms to support the participation of students with disability, particularly students with complex communication needs.
12 July 2023	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This topic was updated to reflect the availability of Tier 2 funding for English Language Schools and year 4 and 5 schools in the Disability Inclusion rollout schedule.
11 July 2023	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision	This topic has been updated to include additional information on student enrolments in the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate, including practices that limit enrolments in these certificates. Additionally, it has been updated to reflect the senior secondary certificate framework changes that came into effect in 2023 and supports available.
10 July 2023	Asset Information Management System (AIMS)	The Asset Information Management System (AIMS) User Guides have been updated to incorporate changes to AIMS functionality. The updated user guides are available on the Resources tab of this topic.
3 July 2023	Attendance	The attendance and absence reporting guide has been updated for term 3 2023 and is available from the policy and resources tabs of this topic.
26 June 2023	Enrolment	An enrolment form data entry guide has been added to the Enrolment resources tab to support schools to accurately enter data from the revised enrolment form into CASES21. Schools should refer to the data entry guide as required and commence processing enrolments for the 2024 school year from 26 June 2023 onwards, following the release of V68 updates to CASES21.
21 June 2023	International Delegations – Visits to Victorian Schools	This is a new topic setting out the requirements of the department’s International Delegations Program and providing information for schools hosting incoming international delegations.
20 June 2023	Mental Health Fund and Menu	This topic was updated to include information for schools on contracting mental health services using their mental health fund.
16 June 2023	Enrolment	The Enrolment in specialist schools and other specialist education settings guidance chapter (formerly titled Enrolment in specialist schools) has been updated to: clarify the process for determining whether a student is eligible to attend a specialist setting, particularly for specialist settings in Disability Inclusion areas elaborate on the non-standard enrolment process for students who do not meet a specialist setting’s enrolment criteria – specialist settings are now required to complete the non-standard enrolment application form (available on the resources tab) to seek regional approval for all non-standard enrolments.
13 June 2023	Volunteers in Schools	This topic has been amended for clarity in relation to indemnities for volunteer school workers and now also refers to the Personal Liability of School Employees page which applies to volunteers.
13 June 2023	Mental Health in Schools	Guidance has been developed to help schools spend their 2023 Student Wellbeing Boost funding by 31 March 2024 on a range of mental health and wellbeing activities.
9 June 2023	Re-engagement Programs (Years 7 to 10)	This topic has been updated with the addition of a new fact sheet resource for schools, students and their families. The fact sheet contains a summary version of the policy, and the process for enrolling a student in a re-engagement program. The fact sheet can be found as an attachment in the Resources tab.
9 June 2023	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Delivered by Registered External Providers (formerly Community VCAL)	This is a new topic which outlines the requirements for schools entering into contracts with registered non-school senior secondary and foundation secondary providers (NSSSFSPs) for the entire delivery of the VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate. This topic replaces the Community VCAL policy
9 June 2023	Time in Lieu - Teaching Service	This topic has been updated to include the provision of payment to teachers and education support staff required to attend overnight school camps in Victoria or interstate during school terms. Teachers and education support staff required to attend an overnight school camp will be paid 8 hours of on call at 50% for the hours of 11pm to 7 am.
2 June 2023	International Student Program (ISP)	This topic has been updated to include new information for schools around compliance requirements for international students doing VET subjects as part of the VCE or VCE Vocational Major.
2 June 2023	Demolition	This topic has been updated to clarify that schools must seek advice from regional provision and planning managers and the VSBA to demolish, remove or truncate school buildings.
31 May 2023	Building Quality Standards Handbook (BQSH) – School Construction and Design Standards	The Building Quality Standards Handbook (BQSH) has been updated for 2023 as part of the annual review process. This year’s major changes relate to landscaping and trees, vertical schools, circulation, flexible learning spaces and security.
29 May 2023	Child and Family Violence Information Sharing Schemes	This topic has been updated to reflect changes to the training available and to incorporate links to new online Child Information Sharing Scheme resources.
29 May 2023	Teaching and Learning Resources – Selecting Appropriate Materials and Holocaust Education – Delivery Requirements	These topics have been updated to include information for schools about the ban on public display of the Nazi symbol in Victoria.
26 May 2023	Behaviour – Students	This topic was updated with information on how schools can join School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) in Term 3, 2023, for 2024 implementation.
26 May 2023	Infectious Diseases	This topic has been updated to include information on Local Public Health Units’ (LPHUs) management of notifiable health conditions. The Department of Health or LPHUs may contact schools regarding public health responses. Links to LPHUs are included on the Resources tab.
23 May 2023	OHS Induction and Training	The OHS eLearn guide for schools has been updated to clarify that all school staff and principals will now be automatically re-enrolled into their mandatory OHS eLearns every 2 years. Schools can access the updated guide on the Resources tab of this topic.
23 May 2023	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision	This topic has been updated to include the following resources: a planner outlining 2023 Senior Secondary Pathways Reform communications a school support matrix which outlines available supports to assist schools to implement the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate a Many Talents One VCE stakeholder pack, which includes materials for schools to share with their communities an updated Vocational and Applied Learning explainer and benefits presentation.
22 May 2023	Asset Management Planning – School Upgrades	Regular update to ensure that processes and contact details are up to date. This year’s update also includes minor updates to asset management planning and communications resources for schools.
18 May 2023	Excursions	This topic has been updated to include the minimum staff-student supervision ratio for residential schools. A definition of residential schools has also been added to the policy page.
16 May 2023	International Student Program	This topic has been updated to include links to new resources to assist schools to meet compliance requirements when enrolling students in the International Student Program (ISP), and how to respond to critical incidents for international students. Minor updates have also been made to the ISP toolkit, in particular for the case studies and frequently asked questions (FAQ) documents.
10 May 2023	Languages Education	This topic has been updated to include: a new resource that contains additional information about the roles and responsibilities of staff involved in providing languages education information about a new category of permission to teach introduced by the Victorian Institute of Teaching to support aboriginal language learning.
9 May 2023	Mental Health Fund and Menu	New fact sheets are available on the Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu resources tab to support schools to use their Fund to implement a whole school approach, peer support programs, and to support the mental health and wellbeing needs of Koorie students.
9 May 2023	Technologies and ICT Services in Schools	This is a new topic that establishes the requirement for Victorian government schools to use technologies and ICT services provided by the department by the end of 2028.
9 May 2023	Digital Learning in Schools	This topic was updated to cross-reference requirements for schools under the new Technologies and ICT Services in Schools policy and remove outdated content on the ICT Planning Workshops previously run by the department (until 2020).
8 May 2023	Information Security – InfoSafe	This topic has been updated to include links to new resources available to schools that provide support and guidance on how to identify and report phishing emails. It also includes a short guide on identifying and reporting security incidents and a new incident report form.
28 April 2023	Re-engagement Programs (Years 7 to 10)	This topic has been updated to reflect policy changes and additional resources for Re-engagement Programs (Years 7 to 10). The changes assist with strengthening oversight requirements for schools and the department, and include minimum contact requirements between schools and providers, a new contract cover sheet, an updated standard 7 to 10 contract template.
28 April 2023	Attendance	The attendance and absence reporting guide has been updated for term 2 2023 and is available from the Policy and Resources tabs of this topic.
27 April 2023	Personal Hygiene	Minor updates were made to the terminology in this topic and various resources from ‘sanitary items’ to 'period products'.
26 April 2023	School Council – Training and Good Governance	The Resources tab of this topic has been updated to include the following materials for school councils: the 2023 improving school governance training modules, which are reviewed and updated annually the improving school governance factsheet to remind school councillors of their financial responsibilities and policy and procedures a self-assessment instructional video on how to use the department's School Council Self-Assessment Tool.
26 April 2023	Equal Opportunity and Human Rights – Students	This topic has been updated to include links to new resources available to schools: professional learning videos are available on Arc events to support school staff to better understand, prevent and respond to antisemitism.
26 April 2023	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This topic was updated to include information on the availability of transition funding for students on the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) whose funding eligibility is due to cease in 2023.
21 April 2023	Outside School Hours Care – Decision Making Regarding the Provision of OSHC	This topic was updated to include information on how schools can apply for funding to either establish or expand an on-site Outside Hours School Care (OHSC) service in 2023. Grant application rounds will be open from 24 April 2023.
21 April 2023	Student Resource Package — Targeted Initiatives	The Late Enrolment and Senior Secondary Re-engagement guidance chapter was updated to reflect changes to application and payment deadlines for late enrolment and senior secondary re-engagement funding
20 April 2023	Notebooks for School Staff Program	This topic has been updated to reflect policy changes (implemented in term 1) for the Notebooks for School Staff Program (formerly the Teacher and Principal Notebook Program). Program resources have been changed to include new guidance around time fractions, eligibility for education support staff and new document names.
14 April 2023	Reporting Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	This topic has been updated to include revised versions of the following resources: Victorian Curriculum F-10 curriculum area reporting codes and scoring range (which now includes Victorian Curriculum F-10: EAL) and Vendor software specifications student reporting (which has been updated to include current dates and EAL scoring tables).
14 April 2023	Structured Workplace Learning	This topic has been updated to include updated COVID-19 advice and information on the Child Safe Standards. Updated resources about the Child Safe Standards and Work Experience Guidelines can be found on the Resources tab.
14 April 2023	Work Experience	This topic has been updated to include new information about the Structured Workplace Learning Statewide Portal, as well as updated COVID-19 advice and information on the Child Safe Standards. Updated resources about the Child Safe Standards and Work Experience Guidelines can be found on the Resources tab.
12 April 2023	Privacy and Information Sharing	The health information guidance chapter was updated to include additional examples of records that may contain health information.
5 April 2023	Health Care Needs	This topic was updated clarify that a Student health support plan is only required for students that need medical or health-related support at school, or who have health care needs or conditions that may impact the student at school or impact their engagement and participation in education.
5 April 2023	Student Resource Package — Core Student Learning Allocation funding (Student Based Funding) Student Resource Package — Equity Funding (Student Based Funding) Student Resource Package — School Infrastructure Student Resource Package — Managing the Budget Student Resource Package — School Specific Programs Student Resource Package — Targeted Initiatives	These topics have been updated to reflect the release of the 2023 confirmed student resource package.
5 April 2023	Student Resource Package – Overview	This topic has been updated with the 2023 student resource package confirmed guide, available from the Resources tab.
4 April 2023	School Dates	This topic has been updated to advise that from 2023 if the principal determines to hold a common professional practice day (PPD) for teachers at the school, school councils will schedule an additional, fifth student-free day, for use as the common PPD.
4 April 2023	Enrolment	This policy has been updated to include: changes to the Placement Policy to simplify the priority order of placement, including removal of curriculum grounds a new chapter on the department’s standardised application and enrolment forms revised guidance on processing enrolments and supporting documentation improved clarity on types of schools that do not have a school zone and determining permanent residence references to Foundation information packs for 2023-24 and the Year 6 to 7 placement packs for 2023-24.
30 March 2023	Bushfire and Grassfire Preparedness	This topic has been updated with information for schools in line with the introduction of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System, including updates to the ‘Bushfire and grassfire preparedness procedures for education facilities’, checklists for developing and enacting pre-emptive action plans, and communication templates.
29 March 2023	Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students	This policy has been updated to include information about funding arrangements for 2023.
27 March 2023	Inclusive Workplaces	The LGBTIQ guidance chapter of this topic has been updated to include further information on support services available for LGBTIQ+ staff and allies.
24 March 2023	Essential Safety Measures	This topic was updated to provide information on the new centralised essential safety measures model that will be set up to support schools to meet testing, inspection and reporting requirements in 2024.
24 March 2023	Health Care Needs	This topic was updated to incorporate a reference to medical intervention support (MIS) funding that schools can apply for if they have a student that requires complex medical support at school.
21 March 2023	Tutor Learning Initiative	This policy has been updated to reflect student selection and implementation guidance for the Tutor Learning Initiative in 2023.
16 March 2023	Excursions	This policy has been updated with specific guidance about supervision requirements for intra-school swimming carnivals, available on the Guidance tab.
10 March 2023	Excursions	This policy has been updated to include advice about using third-party software such as Compass to obtain and record medical information in place of the hardcopy medical information form. Additionally, updated advice regarding insurance coverage for overseas excursions is available on the Guidance tab.
8 March 2023	Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability	This topic was updated to reflect the dates for the 2023 data collection.
6 March 2023	Research and Evaluation in Schools	This topic has been updated to reflect the change to the resumption of Research in schools and early childhood settings (RISEC). RISEC was suspended in March 2020, in response to COVID-19. An updated guide and application form to conduct research are available on the Resources tab.
27 February 2023	Annual Report to the School Community	This topic has been updated for clarity and to include further guidance on the development of the ‘about our school’ commentary section of the Annual Report.
27 February 2023	Flexible Learning Options (FLOs	This topic was updated to provide information on the new requirement to record student FLO placements in CASES21.
24 February 2023	Teaching and Learning Resources – Selecting Appropriate Materials	This topic has been updated to include references to assist teachers to teach about religious and cultural beliefs and practices with sensitivity, including information about not using images of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons, except where permission to use an image has been provided or where appropriate warnings about the images are given. The topic has also been updated to explain that images of the prophet Muhammad should not be used in teaching and learning programs.
24 February 2023	OHS Consultation and Communication	This topic was updated to clarify the use of the invite function on eduSafe Plus when sharing information with health and safety representatives.
22 February 2023	EAL Support and Funding	This topic was updated to include teachers with approved undergraduate EAL qualifications in the order of priority when assigning EAL positions.
21 February 2023	Teaching with Animals	This topic was updated to provide the Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee (VSAEC) 2023 meeting dates. All applications for VSAEC approval must be submitted two weeks prior to the committee meeting dates.
21 February 2023	School Review	This topic has been updated to include new guidance to support School Review panels to develop key directions for the next School Strategic Plan. This new guidance is available at Developing key directions for the next School Strategic Plan and as a printable handout version on the Resources tab.
17 February 2023	Reporting Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	This policy has been updated to include the most recent guidance to support schools implement the reporting requirements, including updated five point scale and unpacking student reporting resources available on the Resources tab.
15 February 2023	Immunisation	This topic has been updated to reflect a change in dose for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offered by the Secondary School Immunisation Program.
15 February 2023	Time in Lieu – Teaching Service	The Resources tab for this topic has been updated with a new activity roster/planner, which has been revised to fix a technical issue. The activity roster/planner can be used to assist in the planning of time in lieu for school camps or other school activities.
14 February 2023	Asset Information Management System (AIMS)	This topic has been updated to reflect the rollout of AIMS to schools in 2023.
13 February 2023	Sun and UV Protection	The guidance tab for this topic has been updated with new information for schools on encouraging, using, and providing sunscreen for students.
9 February 2023	Enrolment	This policy has been updated to reflect updated Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 in relation to minimum and maximum age requirements and to clarify compulsory school age.
8 February 2023	Disability Inclusion Profile	This topic has been updated to reflect the progress of the Disability Inclusion roll-out in 2023, provide additional guidance on supporting information and the role of specialists and school-based experts, and to provide revised resources to support the profile process available on the Resources tab.
7 February 2023	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This topic has been updated to reflect the progress of the Disability Inclusion roll-out in 2023 and to reflect additional advice on funding allocations for international students.
3 February 2023	Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support (MYLNS) initiative	This policy has been updated to reflect funding and implementation arrangements for the MYLNS initiative in 2023.
3 February 2023	Excursions	This policy has been updated to include links to updated medical information forms for camps and excursions, as well as an updated proforma camps and excursions parent/carer consent form, available from the Resources tab. The Medical information form – camps and overseas excursions must be completed by a parent or carer prior to their child going on camp or an overseas excursion. Further information about these forms can be found in the relevant Guidance chapters. Additionally, the policy includes new information about pool-safety assessments, qualifications, supervision and ratio requirements and waterways definitions. A new swimming checklist can be found in the Camps, excursions, swimming and/or water-based activity checklist form. This form, and risk registers, must be signed by principals once completed.
3 February 2023	Ventilation and Air Purification	This topic has been updated to more clearly define general purpose classrooms and other group learning spaces.
2 February 2023	Records Management — School Records	This topic contains an updated School Records Retention Guide, available on the Resources tab. The freeze on destroying records relating to child safety, health and wellbeing has been lifted, however schools must continue to apply the minimum retention periods described in the School Records Retention Guide for these records.
1 February 2023	Employment-Based Degrees: Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow Programs (previously Innovative and employment-based Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs)	This topic has been updated with new details for the Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow Programs (previously Innovative and employment-based Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs), including details of each program.
30 January 2023	Study Tours	This topic has updated information for schools planning to host study tours, including details about consulting with the International Education Division, fees arrangements and agreements requirement for study tours.
29 January 2023	Mosquito Risk Management	This is a new topic setting our requirements and recommendations relating to preventing mosquito breeding on school grounds and managing the risk of mosquito bites and subsequent mosquito-borne diseases.
27 January 2023	Navigator Program	This topic was updated to provide clearer guidance about school responsibilities for Navigator program participants and supporting at-risk students to re-engage with education.
26 January 2023	Building Quality Standards Handbook (BQSH) – School Construction and Design Standards	This topic has been updated to expand on the definition of universal design and incorporate the adoption of the Whole of Government Universal Design Policy.
26 January 2023	School Performance Reporting and Data	The supporting documents on the Resources tab have been updated for the annual School Performance Report for 2022.
25 January 2023	Mobile Area Resource Centre and Mobile Art Craft Centre Services	This is a new topic setting out the minimum expectations for Mobile Area Resource Centre (MARC) and the Mobile Art Craft Centre (MACC) services operating in Victorian government schools.
24 January 2023	Notebooks for School Staff Program (previously Teacher and Principal Notebook Program)	This topic has been updated with new details for the Notebooks for School Staff Program (formerly the Teacher and Principal Notebook Program), including eligibility for education support staff.
23 January 2023	Anaphylaxis	This policy reflects the updated Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, resulting from new advice approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration on the administration time for Anapen autoinjectors for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Anapen autoinjectors are now to be held in place on the thigh for 3 seconds when administered. Schools can use revised templates containing the updated ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (individual anaphylaxis management plan, anaphylaxis management briefing presentation, and training checklist for anaphylaxis supervisors) available on the Resources tab.
23 January 2023	Attendance	This topic includes a new resource for engaging with families of students who are at risk of not regularly attending school in Term 1 2023. The Attendance and Absence Reporting Guide for schools has also been updated for the 2023 school year. These resources are available on the Resources tab.
20 January 2023	Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Management in Schools	This topic has been updated with clearer guidance for schools to understand and effectively manage staff health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace, including the systems, resources and people to support this process. This topic presents a new detailed OHS management system structure containing information on, and links to the policies, procedures and guidance that schools must follow to manage occupational health, safety and wellbeing. The updated topic also includes new and improved chapters, including information for school health and safety representatives.
18 January 2023	School-funded Capital Projects	This topic has been updated to clarify when schools may be required to engage a building contractor from the Construction Supplier Register (the Victorian Government’s register of pre-approved building contractors and consultants). The topic has also been updated to clarify that schools must not fund new capital building projects using Student Resource Package (SRP) funding for essential safety measures.
17 January 2023	Students with Disabilities Transport Program (SDTP)	This page has been updated to replace the previous route approval template with an updated route approval form, which replaces the MOU from 2023. The form can be found on the Resources tab.
16 January 2023	Enrolment	This topic was updated to clarify the Specialist School Enrolment Verification Service and add further information about non-standard enrolments (being where the student does not meet the school’s eligibility criteria) in specialist schools.
16 January 2023	Noise Management	This topic has been updated with clearer guidance for schools to effectively prevent and manage excessive noise that may cause damage to hearing. This includes guidance on identifying and controlling hazards and risks, and referral to the OHS Advisory Service for support when sourcing audiometric testing.
16 January 2023	Attendance	The Resources tab has been updated to include new examples of how to incorporate attendance as a goal in a school’s Annual Implementation Plan, as well as a link to the map of key mental health and wellbeing support options for students in Victorian government schools.
12 January 2023	OHS Consultation and Communication	This topic has been updated with clearer guidance for schools to effectively communicate on health and safety matters in the workplace. This includes further detail on consultation forums, providing health and safety information to health and safety representatives, and OHS noticeboard requirements.
10 January 2023	Wastewater Treatment Systems	This topic was updated to provide more detailed information and advice on the actions schools must take to operate and maintain on-site wastewater management systems. It also includes new information on the various types of wastewater management systems and related permits and licences. The topic has also been updated to reflect language consistent with AIMS, and to add guidance for use of AIMS.
4 January 2023	Pre-service Teacher Placements in Victorian Government Schools	This topic has been updated to include the adjusted model and payment rates for pre-service teacher placements in 2023.
3 January 2023	Student Resource Package — Core Student Learning Allocation funding (Student Based Funding) Student Resource Package — Equity Funding (Student Based Funding) Student Resource Package — School Infrastructure Student Resource Package — Managing the Budget Student Resource Package — School Specific Programs Student Resource Package — Targeted Initiatives	These topics have been updated to reflect to 2023 student resource package indicative guide.

Date of update	Topic	Change
22 December 2022	Outside School Hours Care — Decision Making Regarding the Provision of OSHC	The Licence Agreement and list of third-party providers of Outside School Hours Care Programs have been updated on the Resources tab, along with information for schools intending to implement a transport solution. The OSHC establishment grants chapter has also been updated with the list of schools that were successful in round 3 of grant applications.
20 December 2022	School Community Safety Orders	This topic has been updated to include a new template warning letter for schools to send to a parent/carer who has not met expectations to behave respectfully towards staff.
20 December 2022	Work-Related Violence in Schools	This topic has been updated to include a new template warning letter for schools to send to a parent/carer who has not met expectations to behave respectfully towards staff.
19 December 2022	Donating Furniture and Equipment	The guidance chapter Recycling options for disposing furniture, playground equipment and other school equipment has been updated to include additional information on donating overseas.
19 December 2022	School Council – Elections	The 2023 Principal Guide to School Council Elections was published on the Guidance tab of this topic.
15 December 2022	Sun and UV Protection	This topic has updated guidance for sun protection measures. This includes an updated Sun Protection Policy template and additional resources for schools to refer to.
15 December 2022	Flags and Patriotic Ceremonies	The topic has been updated to include information regarding the procurement and safe installation of flagpoles at schools, in accordance with the Building Quality Standards Handbook.
14 December 2022	Immunisation	This topic has been updated with information about COVID-19 vaccinations including resources for schools to share with parents and carers.
13 December 2022	Swimming Instruction and Water Safety Education	The topic includes new resources to support schools to deliver the School Swimming Outside of School Hours Voucher Program.
13 December 2022	Calendars – HR Administration	This topic has been updated to add the 2023 pay finalisation calendars for admin staff.
13 December 2022	Parental Absence – Teaching Service	This topic has been updated to reflect the provisions of the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022 on parental absence entitlements and arrangements.
8 December 2022	Accessible Buildings Program	This topic has been updated to provide further guidance on the asset management of hearing equipment by schools aimed at supporting students transitioning from primary to secondary who would like to take their allocated hearing equipment with them. Other updates have been made to clarify the eligibility requirements and application and approval process.
7 December 2022	Performance and Development for Education Support Class Employees	The Resources tab of this topic has been updated to include information about the new School Administration Support Hub (SASH) which provides support with financial and payroll processes to reduce administrative workload for principals of small schools with up to 200 students enrolled.
6 December 2022	Congestion Levy Fees	This topic was updated to clarify the requirements and relevant dates for schools to submit annual return forms to the State Revenue Office in order for the levies to be paid by the department.
6 December 2022	Excursions	The updated policy sets out requirements for schools to plan and safely undertake camps, excursions and swimming and/or water-based activities. This includes a new excursions e-learning module; and updates to the principal approval form; camps, excursions, swimming and/or water-based activity checklist; swimming and water-based activity guidelines; excursions risk register and emergency management plan; and swimming and water activity risk register and emergency management plan form.
6 December 2022	Excursions	This policy has been updated to include links to updated Confidential medical information forms for day excursions and camps and overseas excursions. The Confidential medical information form – camps and overseas excursions must be completed by parents or carers before any camp or overseas excursion. It is recommended that schools use the Confidential medication information form – day excursions to fulfil the requirement for parents or carers to complete a confidential medical form prior to any excursion involving an adventure activity. The Guidance chapters on Student medical information and Overseas travel have been updated to include reference to these forms. The forms are also available on the Resources tab.
6 December 2022	Mental Health in Schools	A starter pack for the Mental Health in Primary Schools Initiative has been added to the Resources tab of this topic to support implementation for primary schools participating in the initiative in 2023.
5 December 2022	Enrolment	This topic has been updated with information on the new statewide Foundation (Prep) enrolment timeline to be followed in 2023 to support enrolments for the 2024 school year. The updated content includes the timeline and content for your school website on the new process.
1 December 2022	Essential Safety Measures	The Essential safety measures quick reference guide, available on this topic as a resource, has been updated to provide current contacts for essential safety measures providers.
30 November 2022	School Bus Program	The 2023 bus fare and dates for the 2023 Transport Special Cases Consideration Panel meetings have been added in the Guidance chapter on Ineligible students accessing the School Bus Program.
30 November 2022	Conveyance Allowance Program	The dates for the 2023 Transport Special Cases Consideration Panel meetings have been added to the policy.
30 November 2022	Students with Disabilities Transport Program	The dates for the 2023 Transport Special Cases Consideration Panel meetings have been added to the Guidance chapter on Criteria determining eligibility for the SDTP.
28 November 2022	Single-Use Plastics Ban	This is a new topic outlining the Victorian government’s single-use plastics ban which comes into effect on 1 February 2023. The Resources tab includes fact sheets, posters and other useful resources to help school implement the ban.
25 November 2022	Expulsions	A short, animated video has been added to the resources tab to provide school leaders with an overview of the expulsion of students in Victorian government schools.
22 November 2022	Enrolment	This topic has been updated to reflect delegated responsibility for approving enrolments for students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for a specialist school.
22 November 2022	Workplace Safety Inspections	This topic has been updated with clearer guidance to help schools to prevent, identify and manage hazards in schools by conducting workplace inspections.
21 November 2022	Student Support Groups	This topic has been updated to include references to disability inclusion in addition to program for students with disability, and to outline requirements relating to Student Support Groups for students who attend two schools under a dual enrolment arrangement.
21 November 2022	School Administration Systems	The Resources tab of this topic has been updated to include information about the new School Administration Support Hub (SASH) which provides support with financial and payroll processes to reduce administrative workload for principals of small schools with up to 200 students enrolled.
21 November 2022	Principal Health and Wellbeing	The Resources tab of this topic has been updated to include information about the new School Administration Support Hub (SASH) which provides support with financial and payroll processes to reduce administrative workload for principals of small schools with up to 200 students enrolled.
21 November 2022	Finance Manual – Financial Management for Schools	The Resources tab of this topic has been updated to include information about the new School Administration Support Hub (SASH) which provides support with financial and payroll processes to reduce administrative workload for principals of small schools with up to 200 students enrolled.
21 November 2022	Student Resource Package – Managing the Budget	The Resources tab of this topic has been updated to include information about the new School Administration Support Hub (SASH) which provides support with financial and payroll processes to reduce administrative workload for principals of small schools with up to 200 students enrolled.
18 November 2022	Enrolment	The guidance chapter on Year 6 to 7 placement has been updated with the 2023 to 2024 placement timeline. Guidance packs for schools and parents will be available Term 2, 2023.
16 November 2022	Community Use of Schools – Community Joint Use Agreements	This new topic explains how schools can enter community joint use agreements for the construction and ongoing management of jointly used community facilities such as stadiums, sporting grounds and theatres.
16 November 2022	Community Use of Schools – Hiring and Licensing	This new topic explains how schools can share their facilities with the local community by entering hire and licence agreements.
14 November 2022	International Student Program (ISP)	This topic has been revised to include new and updated policies and procedures for travel, homestay arrangements, independent living, student safety card and the Victorian International Student Information Tool (VISIT). New templates and checklists are available from the ISP Toolkit, available on the Resources tab.
11 November 2022	Cleaning	This topic has been updated to clarify the roles and responsibilities of schools and their cleaning service providers, particularly when there are issues with a service provider’s performance. The updated topic also includes simplified guidance material for regional and metropolitan schools, and improved contract management templates for regional schools.
2 November 2022	Excursions	This topic was updated to include when schools will need to follow the Amusement Rides, Attractions and Fireworks Policy in conjunction with the Excursions Policy.
31 October 2022	School Council – Training and Good Governance	A ‘welcome to school council’ template letter has been added to this topic for principals to use when welcoming new members to school council.
27 October 2022	Essential Safety Measures	This update introduces a simplified process for schools to meet their essential safety measures maintenance and record keeping requirements. This simplified process is set out in the Essential Safety Measures quick reference guide, which replaces the lengthy Essential Safety Measures Compliance and Guidance Framework.
25 October 2022	Enrolment	This topic has been updated to include a new chapter on managing requests for temporary enrolments relating to flood-related closures of another school: Temporary enrolments – emergency school closures.
25 October 2022	COVID-19 — Teaching and Learning	This topic has been removed from the Policy and Advisory Library.
24 October 2022	Buses – Owned, Hired or Chartered by a School	This new topic set out the requirements for schools who purchase or hire buses, operate buses, or charter bus services.
24 October 2022	Vehicles (excluding buses) – Owned or Hired by a School	This topic has been updated to set the requirements for vehicles owned or hired by a school, excluding buses. Dedicated information about buses is now located in Buses – Owned, Hired or Chartered by a School.
21 October 2022	Expulsions	This topic has been updated to reflect minor changes and clarifications to the expulsions policy, guidance and operational documentation. These changes clarify department processes and strengthen supports available to schools, students, parents and regional staff during the expulsion process. This includes new training packages to train and upskill department staff and schools on various aspects of the expulsion process.
20 October 2022	COVID-19 Special Leave – Teaching Service	This is a new topic to outline the policy and guidelines for COVID-19 special leave to cover the isolation period recommended by the Department of Health. This topic replaces information previously available in the topic, COVID-19 – Human Resources.
18 October 2022	Ventilation and Air Purification	This topic has been updated with simplified requirements and management strategies for schools to prevent the spread of airborne infectious diseases. These updated requirements and strategies remain the same throughout the school year. The updated topic also contains advice for schools seeking to replace damaged, lost or stolen air purifiers.
17 October 2022	Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS)	This topic has been updated to reflect the revised VDSS funding model for 2023, including an overview of the funding model, and resources to support for 2023 planning.
17 October 2022	Jobs, Skills and Pathways Coordination	This topic has been updated with information about Jobs, Skills and Pathways Coordination funding support for 2023 and 2024 for eligible schools to help with the coordination and delivery of vocational and applied learning.
17 October 2022	Enrolment	This page has been updated to include information on the new statewide Foundation enrolment timeline to be implemented in 2023 to support Foundation enrolments for the 2024 school year.
13 October 2022	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers in Schools	This topic has been removed following the revocation of the Pandemic (Public Safety) Order 2022 (No. 5) at 11:59 pm on 12 October 2022.
13 October 2022	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Teaching Service and School Council Employees	This topic has been removed following the revocation of the Pandemic (Public Safety) Order 2022 (No. 5) at 11:59 pm on 12 October 2022.
13 October 2022	Flag Flying and Patriotic Ceremonies	This policy has been updated to include information regarding order of precedence for schools with 4 flagpoles.
13 October 2022	Travel	This page has been updated to clarify that for international travel not involving students, approval is to be sought from the Assistant Deputy Secretary, Schools and Regional Services.
12 October 2022	Parent Payments	The parent payments guidelines have been updated with additional information about extra-curricular items and activities and the recognition of voluntary contributions. The guidelines make clear that the cost of extra-curricular items and activities can include the cost of a casual relief teacher (CRT) who is engaged for the purpose of supporting the activity, during its operation.
12 October 2022	Interpreting and Translation Services	This topic has been updated to clarify that translation services can be accessed by schools to translate notices including consent forms, provided that they meet maximum word requirements. Additionally, this topic has been updated to clarify that bookings for interpreting and translation services must be cancelled during business days and more than 24 hours notice must be provided.
12 October 2022	Work Experience	This topic has been updated with revised versions of the following resources: Additional work experience form (COVID-19) and Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination orders and requirements for structured workplace learning and work experience.
12 October 2022	Structured Workplace Learning	This topic has been updated with revised versions of the following resources: Additional structured workplace learning form (COVID-19) and Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination orders and requirements for structured workplace learning and work experience.
12 October 2022	Excursions	Excursion risk management and planning activities have been updated to align with the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System.
12 October 2022	Teaching with Animals	This topic has been updated with new biosecurity requirements for schools when working with plants and animals. These measures help schools manage the risk of pests and diseases in the environment and in the community.
11 October 2022	School-funded Capital Projects	This topic has been updated to clarify that schools can be required to engage a contractor from the Construction Supplier Register (the department’s register of pre-approved contractors) for school-funded capital projects considered high-risk.
11 October 2022	Transition — Year 6 to 7	This topic has been updated with new guidance to help primary and secondary schools support students transitioning to secondary school in 2023.
11 October 2022	Digital Learning in Schools	This policy was updated to include new requirements for managing external access in online environments. Actions for schools to follow are detailed in the external access chapter of the Guidance tab.
11 October 2022	eduSTAR — ICT Services, Software and Advice for Schools	This policy was updated to reference new requirements for managing external access in online environments, detailed in the Digital Learning in Schools policy.
10 October 2022	Bushfire and Grassfire Preparedness	This topic has been updated to reflect the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System. Updated bushfire preparation and action requirements apply to some schools and early childhood services on or before days with a forecast Fire Danger Rating of High, Extreme or Catastrophic in their local government area.
10 October 2022	Amusement Rides, Attractions and Fireworks	This new topic sets out the requirements and procedures schools must follow to ensure the safe operation of amusement rides, attractions and fireworks at school events.
10 October 2022	Time in Lieu – Teaching Service	A new topic has been created to assist principals when planning and managing the accrual and acquittal of time in lieu, consistent with the time in lieu obligations set out in the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022.
7 October 2022	Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support (MYLNS) initiative	This topic has been updated to include new guides to the MYLNS assessment tool and the Student engagement tool, available from the Resources tab.
7 October 2022	Excursions	This topic has been updated to clarify who can be counted in staff supervision ratios for excursions. The principal approval template has been updated to clarify the requirements for working with children checks for staff members and volunteers attending excursions.
4 October 2022	Members of Parliament and Candidates Visiting Schools	This topic has been updated to reflect the arrangements for the 2022 Victorian State election.
4 October 2022	Advertising	This topic has been updated to provide clearer information about the requirements for advertising undertaken by schools, as well as advertising by third parties on school sites and in school publications.
4 October 2022	Sponsorship	This topic has been updated to provide clearer information for schools to assess sponsorship opportunities and make decisions consistent with whole of Victorian government sponsorship policies.
4 October 2022	Annual Implementation Plan	This topic has been updated for alignment with the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0) and updated information and resources to support AIP planning for 2023.
3 October 2022	Attendance	This topic has been updated with a new resource, the Schools’ guide to attendance, to support a whole school approach to attendance for the remainder of 2022 and 2023.
30 September 2022	Emergency and Critical Incident Management Planning	Several documents under the Resources tab of this topic have been updated with reference to the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System. This includes the Emergency and critical incident management planning guide for government schools, which replaces the Guide to developing your emergency management plan for government schools.
29 September 2022	Planned Maintenance Program	This topic has been updated to clarify that school-led projects funded by the planned maintenance program must commence within 9 months of the funding being provided. The Victorian School Building Authority will take over the delivery of the project using the allocated funds if the school-led project has not commenced within 9 months.
29 September 2022	Student Voice, Agency and Leadership	This is a new topic that provides an overview of the role of schools in promoting student voice, agency and leadership, including where relevant guidance and programs can be found.
28 September 2022	Police – Department Protocol on Reporting Criminal Activity	This topic has been updated to clarify that cybercrime offences are within scope of the department’s protocol for reporting criminal activity alleged to have been committed by students at school, or during a school activity.
21 September 2022	School Council – Training and Good Governance	A revised Improving School Governance (ISG) training package for this topic includes updated sections on the new Child Safe Standards and the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0).
21 September 2022	Conflict of Interest	This topic has been updated with links to the refreshed eLearn module and animated video to support staff awareness and training.
21 September 2022	Fraud and Corruption Control	This topic has been updated with links to the refreshed eLearn module and animated video to support staff awareness and training.
21 September 2022	Expulsions	This topic has been updated to include translated versions of the ‘Notice of expulsions and expulsions appeal form’. The document is now available in 17 languages.
20 September 2022	School Dates	This topic has been updated to advise that from 2023 one of the 4 student free days must be used for assessment and reporting. In addition, the National Day of Mourning (22 September 2022) has been listed under the public holidays section of this policy.
16 September 2022	Outside School Hours Care — Decision Making Regarding the Provision of OSHC	This topic has been updated to include the most recent information available on the OSHC Establishment Grants Initiative, including successful round 3 schools and the expected opening of round 4 in 2023. Resources for grant schools establishing new services or partnerships with services located at other schools have received some minor updates.
14 September 2022	Student Resource Package – Overview	This topic has been updated with the new 2023 student resource package indicative guide, available from the Resources tab.
13 September 2022	Assessment of Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	This topic reflects updated English Online Interview (EOI) requirements for grade 1 students for implementation from 2023.
9 September 2022	School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships	This topic has been updated to include information about the new child safe standards and the expansion of Head Start to all government secondary students from 2023.
9 September 2022	Reportable Conduct	This topic has been updated with new ‘Conversation Starter’ to support staff understanding of the scheme, available from the Resources tab.
8 September 2022	Teaching with Animals	This topic has been updated updated with a new online approval and notice of intent forms that schools may be required to complete as part of an application to teach with animals. These online forms are submitted to the Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee to review prior to schools commencing projects that require the approval of the Committee. The new forms are available on the Forms and record keeping chapter of the Guidance tab.
7 September 2022	Political Activities	This topic has been updated to reflect the arrangements for the 2022 Victorian State election.
7 September 2022	Elections – Schools as Voting Centres and Polling Places	This topic has been updated to reflect the arrangements for the 2022 Victorian State election.
6 September 2022	School-funded Capital Projects	This topic has been updated with clearer and more detailed information to help schools navigate the approval process for school-funded capital projects, including school-funded projects managed by the department.
6 September 2022	Demolition	This topic has been updated with a new online approval form for schools seeking to truncate, remove or demolish school buildings valued at $50,000 or more (including GST), or department-funded buildings of any value. The online approval form replaces the business case template that school were required to complete and manually submit to the department.
5 September 2022	Asset Information Management System (AIMS)	This topic has been updated with information about the AIMS knowledge centre – a repository of practical information to help schools use the asset information management system (AIMS). Schools can access the AIMS knowledge centre by visiting the resources tab of the AIMS Advice topic on PAL.
1 September 2022	Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0)	This topic has been updated to include the new ‘Using FISO 2.0 to plan school improvement’ guide available from the Resources tab.
1 September 2022	School Bus Program	The School Bus Program emergency management operational guidelines have been updated with reference to the new Australian fire danger rating system that came into effect on 1 September 2022. Schools who access the School Bus Program must ensure their bus services are operated in line with the new fire danger rating system.
1 September 2022	Students with Disabilities Transport Program	The Students with Disabilities Transport Program emergency management operational guidelines have been updated with reference to the new Australian fire danger rating system that came into effect on 1 September 2022. Schools who access the Students with Disabilities Transport Program must ensure their bus services are operated in line with the new fire danger rating system.
31 August 2022	Drones	This topic has been updated with clearer guidance about drone use on school grounds, including: who is permitted to use drones when drones can and cannot be operated supervision requirements for students using drones accreditation and registration requirements for commercial drone use.
30 August 2022	Water – Private Drinking Water	This topic has been updated with new requirements for schools to decommission their private drinking water supplies following connection to urban mains water. The updated topic also includes new guidance for schools with private drinking water supplies to assess the feasibility of connecting to urban mains water.
24 August 2022	Parent Payments	The parent payment guidelines have been updated with additional information about payment arrangements for persons who share parental responsibility.
24 August 2022	School Community Safety Orders	This topic has been updated to confirm that authorised persons (including principals) are not required to complete the school community safety order scheme eLearn training module before issuing an immediate order. Authorised persons remain strongly encouraged to complete the training before issuing an immediate order to understand the specific requirements and grounds for issuing these types of orders. Authorised persons are still required to complete the training module before issuing an ongoing order.
18 August 2022	Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)	This topic has been updated to include links to the 2023 Camps, Schools and Excursions Fund application form.
17 August 2022	Insurance for Schools	This topic has been updated to reflect the current insurance arrangements for school-based travel, including coverage arrangements for travellers who are diagnosed as COVID-19 positive. Various resources, including the Certificates of Currency and VMIA policies, have also been replaced with the current 2022-2023 versions.
16 August 2022	School Council — Training and Good Governance	This topic has been updated to include links to the School Council Portal (principal or business manager login required) and information about school council self-assessment. Additionally, the School Council self-assessment tool has been updated and is available on the Resources tab, and in the School Council Portal.
10 August 2022	School Community Safety Orders	The Reporting an order chapter of the School Community Safety Order procedure has been updated to include manual reporting forms that can be used if eduSafe Plus is inaccessible at the time of reporting an order.
4 August 2022	Enrolment	The Enrolment process – documentation and other requirements guidance chapter of this topic was updated to remove a reference to witness protection in the section on changing enrolment name. The preceding points in that section address these circumstances.
3 August 2022	Data Collection and Surveys	This topic has been updated to reflect the 2022 dates and survey frameworks for the School Staff Survey and the Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey.
2 August 2022	International Student Program (ISP)	This topic has been updated with a new factsheet to help schools with international students meet their emergency management planning requirements. The new factsheet is available on the Resources tab.
1 August 2022	Curriculum Programs Foundation to 10	This topic has been updated to include links to new learning sequences in English and mathematics for Levels 5 to 8. These materials are available in the Resources tab.
1 August 2022	Behaviour — Students	This topic includes an updated Behaviour Support Plan template available from the Resources tab.
26 July 2022	Teacher and Principal Notebook Program	This topic has been updated to reflect the inclusion of Education Support staff in the Notebook Program.
20 July 2022	Parent Payments	This topic has been updated to include an implementation guide that provides support for school leaders when developing parent payment arrangements and communicating these arrangements to parents.
19 July 2022	Teaching and Learning Resources — Selecting Appropriate Materials	The Teaching and Learning Resources – Selection of Resources policy has been updated to provide information to schools on the use of materials from third party organisations. Schools must not use materials that have been created for classroom use by inappropriate organisations. A list of inappropriate organisations is defined in the policy.
19 July 2022	Insurance for Schools	All travel insurance policy resources have been updated with the current 2022-2023 financial year documents. Guidance on travel insurance was also updated to reflect new arrangements providing limited coverage for COVID-19 positive travellers.
18 July 2022	Behaviour — Students	This topic was updated with information on how schools can join School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) in Term 3, 2022, for 2023 implementation.
18 July 2022	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision	This policy has been updated to include the most recent resources to support schools with the transition and implementation of the VCE Vocational Major and the VPC in 2023, including communicating the changes to members of the school community.
12 July 2022	Procurement — Schools	This topic’s Schools Procurement Procedure and related templates have been updated to reflect the new Child Safe Standards that came into effect on 1 July 2022. These documents are available from the Resources tab.
12 July 2022	Working with Children Checks and other Suitability Checks for School Volunteers and Visitors	This topic has been updated to reflect the new Child Safe Standards that came into effect on 1 July 2022.
12 July 2022	Protecting Children — Reporting and Other Legal Obligations	This topic has been updated to reflect the new Child Safe Standards that came into effect on 1 July 2022.
12 July 2022	School Community Safety Orders	This is a new topic to support schools to use the school community safety order scheme. The topic includes guidance for principals and department staff authorised to issue orders, including templates.
11 July 2022	Languages Education	This topic has been updated to include the new Language assistants program guidelines and application form for 2023. These are now available in the Language assistants programs guidance chapter.
6 July 2022	Notebook Program for Teachers and Principals	This topic has been updated to reflect new insurance arrangements in place for the TPN program.
6 July 2022	International Student Program	This topic has been updated to align with the new Child Safe Standards that came into effect on 1 July 2022. The updated topic also includes a new Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) training video for school staff who interact directly with international students.
1 July 2022	Child Safe Standards	This topic has been updated to reflect the new Child Safe Standards that begin on 1 July 2022.
23 June 2022	Tutor Learning Initiative	This topic has been updated to reflect new dates for the upload of data to CASES21, and guidance for schools, including the recruitment of tutors, student assessment and identification of students for TLI support.
22 June 2022	Work-Related Violence in Schools	This topic includes updated provider information for protective intervention training available to schools, available on the Risk controls – student challenging behaviours page.
20 June 2022	Managing and Reporting School Incidents (including emergencies)	This topic includes updated severity matrix resources with revised ratings and clearer description, and the requirement for schools to contact Incident Support and Operations Centre (ISOC) for High and Extreme severity incidents. In addition, this topic now includes updated guidance on school evacuation and temporary closure in emergency situations, which was previously located in School Hours (including variation to hours).
20 June 2022	School Hours (including variation to hours)	This topic has been updated to remove guidance on school evacuation and temporary closure in emergency situations, which is now located in Managing and Reporting School Incidents (including emergencies).
20 June 2022	Mental Health Fund and Menu	This topic has been updated to include a new version of the School Mental Health Planning Tool.
14 June 2022	Vocational and Applied Learning Coordination and Delivery Support for Schools	This topic has been updated with information about funding to help with the coordination and delivery of vocational and applied learning programs in 2023 and 2024.
10 June 2022	Parent Payments	This update to Parent Payments includes updated resources to support the policy, including updated parent payment arrangements templates, a new Parent Payments Policy Financial Transaction Guide (replacing the Finance implementation Guide and Business Managers FAQ), an updated one-page overview on camps and excursions, and a new one-page overview on subjects and electives. These updated resources are available on the Resources tab.
3 June 2022	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This topic has been updated to reflect the progress of the Disability Inclusion roll-out in 2022.
3 June 2022	Travel	Travel rules for school-based staff have been updated to reflect COVIDSafe Settings and COVID-19 considerations for travel. Interstate and international work-related travel is permitted under current COVIDSafe Settings in line with public health recommendations.
2 June 2022	Personal Hygiene	Several resources on the Personal Hygiene topic have been updated to include age-appropriate information and guidance about pelvic pain, including: the teachers’ guides to discussing menstruation with students FAQs about the free sanitary pads and tampons in all government schools initiative the myth busting menstruation resource.
2 June 2022	Excursions	This topic has been updated to include additional guidance on the use of public transport for excursions, including how to access concession and free travel for groups.
1 June 2022	Assessment of Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	This topic has been updated to include translated versions of the ‘Information for parents and carers about the EAL curriculum’ document. The document is now available in 21 languages.
1 June 2022	Restraint and Seclusion	This topic has been updated to include a new resource on school staff intervening in altercations between students.
19 May 2022	Disability Inclusion Profile	This topic was updated to include the availability of profile practice sessions for schools to build an understanding of the Disability Inclusion Profile process, and further advice for schools on timelines for transitioning their students currently supported through the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) to Disability Inclusion. Information on profile reappraisals was also updated in the guidance chapter, as well as the resources available to support the profile process.
16 May 2022	Ventilation and Air Purification	Updated fact sheets for use of air purifiers were published on the Resources tab of this topic.
12 May 2022	First Aid for Students and Staff	This topic has been updated to remove the requirement that schools must report first aid treatment given to students on eduSafe Plus. Schools are still required to report this information but can do this on either eduSafe Plus or through the school’s preferred third party platform.
10 May 2022	Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability	This topic was updated to provide a distinction between the NCCD and Disability Inclusion processes, outlining the requirement for schools for participate in both initiatives to support students with disability. A fact sheet on both initiatives is also available.
10 May 2022	Child Safe Standards	This topic has been updated to include information on the new Child Safe Standards and links to guidance, templates and training available to support schools to prepare for meeting the new standards by 1 July 2022.
9 May 2022	Excursions	Several resources on the Excursions topic have been updated to clarify information related to parent payments: Principal approval template Planning checklist Parent consent form. COVID 19 contact tracing requirements have also been removed from the parent consent form.
3 May 2022	Asset Management Planning — School Upgrades	This topic has been updated with clearer information about whether schools need to develop an Asset Management Plan after receiving state budget capital funding. The updated topic also provides more detailed project timelines for Phase 1 of the asset management planning process.
2 May 2022	International Student Program (ISP)	The ISP Transfer Policy and ISP Transfer Procedure (available on the Resources tab of the International Student Program PAL topic) have been updated with clearer guidance for schools regarding students enrolled in the International Students Program (ISP) who wish to transfer from one Victorian government school to another, or from an ISP-accredited school to another provider registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
26 April 2022	COVID-19 – School Operations	The School Operations Guide for Victorian government schools is now available for download from this topic. COVID-19 contact details and resources for schools are also listed under the Advice and Resources tabs.
26 April 2022	Members of Parliament and Candidates Visiting Schools	This policy has been amended to include additional information regarding MP and candidate visits to Victorian government schools.
22 April 2022	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision	This policy has been updated to include the most recent resources to support schools with the transition and implementation of the VCE Vocational Major and the VPC in 2023, including communicating the changes to members of the school community.
21 April 2022	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers on School Sites	This topic was updated with new information relating to parents, carers and other adult visitors who are no longer required to show evidence of two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine if not performing work or volunteering at the school. In addition, schools are no longer required to collect proof of vaccination from external providers who use or hire school facilities outside normal school hours, or where the facility is hired, leased or operated by a community group.
19 April 2022	Asthma	This topic has been amended to reflect that Asthma Australia is no longer offering face to face asthma education training. Instead, schools can undertake this training online.
19 April 2022	EAL Support and Funding	This policy has been updated to include a link to a short presentation showing how to navigate the Panorama dashboards which identify EAL and Likely Refugee Background students, and view teacher judgement data against the Victorian Curriculum F–10 EAL.
13 April 2022	Assessment of Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	This topic has been updated to include translated versions of the ‘Information for parents and carers about the EAL curriculum’ document. The document is now available in 10 languages.
7 April 2022	School Council — Training and Good Governance	This topic has been updated to include the revised Improving School Governance modules which is now presented in a single reference manual.
5 April 2022	Enrolment	This topic has been updated to provide schools and regions with greater clarity about the Department’s enrolment policies and processes. Guidance chapters about placement (the Placement Policy), determining permanent residence, and school zones have been updated, and a new guidance chapter for Year 6 to 7 placement has been added. This chapter includes the Year 6 to 7 placement timeline and the placement information pack for government schools.
4 April 2022	Transition — Year 6 to 7	Procedural information about Year 6 to 7 placement has been removed from this topic. This information is now available in the Year 6 to 7 placement chapter of the Enrolment topic.
4 April 2022	Water – Private Drinking Water	The Private Drinking Water topic has replaced the Rainwater Tanks topic. The new topic provides more comprehensive advice for schools with a range of private drinking water supplies, including rainwater tanks, groundwater and carted water. It also contains a new template that helps schools meet health and safety requirements for private drinking water supplies.
4 April 2022	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers on School Sites	This topic has been updated with new information on the vaccination requirements and third dose deadlines for visitors and volunteers working on school sites who have had COVD-19 or who were a close contact, and minor additional updates to clarify the most recent health directions.
1 April 2022	Excursions	The Excursions Policy and Guidelines have been updated with several key changes, including an increase in staff-student supervision ratios and additional guidance regarding the planning and operation of overseas excursions. Requirements for some adventure activities have been amended and a new resource for planning adventure activities is now available in the Resources tab.
25 March 2022	NDIS Funded Therapy in Schools	This topic has been updated to include compliance with the department’s Restraint and Seclusion policy for restrictive practices, and updated versions of the licensing agreement and guide on the Resources tab.
25 March 2022	Outside School Hours Care — Decision Making Regarding the Provision of OSHC	This topic has been updated to include the most recent information available on the OSHC Establishment Grants Initiative, including the expected opening of Round 3 in mid-2022 and improved advice on grant acquittals. Resources for grant schools establishing new services or partnerships with services located at other schools have received some minor updates and corrections.
23 March 2022	Restraint and Seclusion	This policy has been updated to reflect new reporting arrangements for school incidents through eduSafe Plus.
22 March 2022	Student Enrolment Census	The Student Enrolment Policy has been updated to incorporate references to the newly established Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES). CHES will commence operating from 1 July 2022.
21 March 2022	Dental Services	This topic was updated with an additional guidance chapter regarding consent and other requirements for students accessing the Smile Squad school dental program. FAQs for parents/carers and schools about the program are also available in the Resources tab.
21 March 2022	Ventilation and Air Purification	This topic has been updated with new winter room risk ratings and management strategies.
18 March 2022	School Bus Program	The School Bus Program guidance and resources have been updated with the new bus fare that will be applicable from Term 2, 2022.
15 March 2022	Assessment of Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	This policy has been updated for alignment with the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0). Additionally, this policy has been updated to include more information and an updated resource about formative assessments strategies.
15 March 2022	Reporting Student Achievement and Progress Foundation to 10	This policy has been updated to include the most recent guidance and resources to support schools implement the reporting requirements, including updated examples of five-point scales for a range of curriculum areas including EAL and updated guidance for reporting for students with disability and/or additional needs.
15 March 2022	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers on School Sites	The data collection statement for contractors and volunteers, provided as a resource for this topic, has been updated to incorporate new exceptions relating to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
9 March 2022	VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate Provision	This is a new topic that outlines the provision expectation for the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) for Victorian government secondary schools from 2023.
4 March 2022	Emergency and Critical Incident Management Planning	This topic has been updated with new template resources and checklists to support schools with their emergency management planning and to ensure consistency with the updated Guidelines to the Minimum Standards and Requirements for School Registration.
3 March 2022	Curriculum Programs Foundation to 10	This topic has been updated for alignment with the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO) 2.0 and to provide information on related department policies and resources for Languages Education, Holocaust Education, Sexuality and Consent Education, Career Education, and Teaching and Learning Resources – Selecting Appropriate Material.
1 March 2022	School and Campus Naming	This topic has been updated to clarify the requirements relating to school and campus naming, and the naming of school buildings and spaces.
28 February 2022	Asset Information Management System (AIMS)	This policy has been updated to include more information about the rollout of AIMS to schools, including an AIMS deployment schedule and more detailed advice for schools preparing for transition to AIMS.
22 February 2022	Privacy and Information Sharing	The collection notice guidance for this topic has been updated to include a new section on the mandatory annual privacy reminder process and requirement for schools to publish the standard collection notice on their website.
21 February 2022	EAL Support and Funding	This policy has been updated to include information about and links to the Panorama dashboards, which include school information and data about EAL students. Links to the Language and Learning Interview and MEA Handbook resources have also been updated.
18 February 2022	Managing and Reporting School Incidents (including emergencies)	This topic has been updated to reflect eduSafe Plus reporting arrangements for school incidents including emergencies.
15 February 2022	Elections — Schools as Polling Places	This topic has been updated to provide information on the Working With Children Check and cleaning requirements for schools that are used as polling places.
14 February 2022	Sensory Rooms and Equipment	This topic has been updated with information about deep pressure therapy and the use of doors in sensory rooms.
14 February 2022	Physical Restraint and Seclusion	This topic has been updated to advise that restraint is not permitted to be used to vaccinate a student on school grounds. Updates have also been made to the sections on recording incidents of restraint and seclusion, to remove reference to the Student Online Case System. Two new resources have also been published on this topic; mechanical restraint and safety measures for locks and door handles.
10 February 2022	Emergency and Critical Incident Management	This topic has been updated to link to the updated Emergency response drill observers record. The Resources tab of this topic has also been updated to include information about the suite of emergency and critical incident eLearning modules available to school staff through the eduPay portal.
10 February 2022	Bushfire and Grassfire Preparedness	This topic has been updated to include information about the updated Schools and early childhood services at risk of grassfire – Category 4 Register. The resources tab of this topic has also been updated to include information about the suite of emergency and critical incident eLearning modules available to school staff through the eduPay portal.
8 February 2022	Ventilation and Air Purification	This topic has been updated with new guidance and best practice recommendations for the cleaning and maintaining DET-supplied air purifiers.
2 February 2022	School Council — Elections	The 2022 Principal Guide to School Council Elections was published on the Guidance tab of this topic.
1 February 2022	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers on School Sites	This topic has been updated with information on the requirements relating to third dose vaccinations for visitors and volunteers on school sites. Associated updates have been made to the template letter for contractors and other services, template letter for OHSC providers, template vaccination status register, and the data collection statement for contractors and volunteers. A new privacy resource has also been added to the Resources tab.
31 January 2022	Ventilation and Air Purification	This topic has been updated to include mandatory OHS measures to ensure the safe movement of air purifiers. This update also provides new guidance about using ventilation and air purifiers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission while maintaining thermal comfort for staff and students.
28 January 2022	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Teaching Service and School Council Employees	This topic has been updated to align with the newly amended COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Specified Facilities) Order as made by the Minister for Health on 25 January 2022. The topic now includes information about COVID-19 booster dose requirements for teaching service and school council employees.
27 January 2022	Suspensions	This topic has been amended to make a minor clarification regarding suspensions of more than 5 consecutive days and to update the contact information. Updated forms are now available on the Resources tab for principals seeking Regional Director approval for suspensions of more than 5 consecutive or 15 days in total.
26 January 2022	Attendance	This topic has been amended to include the updated Attendance and Absence Reporting Guide for schools. The Guide is designed to assist schools to record different types of attendances and absences accurately in term 1, 2022. It updates the COVID related codes to reflect the latest School Operations Guide and includes the new prep transition code.
25 January 2022	Early Education Programs	This is a new topic that outlines requirements for schools operating approved early education programs in a defined group of specialist schools.
25 January 2022	ICT Support for Schools	This topic has been updated to reflect the implementation of the Workforce Management System which replaces the Technical Support to Schools Program (TSSP) Timesheet system.
20 January 2022	Parent Payments	This topic has been updated to improve readability and to integrate the additional advice provided to schools following webinars in Term 3, 2021.
19 January 2022	Graffiti – Prevention and Management	This is a new topic that outlines practical measures schools can take to prevent and respond to unwanted graffiti.
10 January 2022	Ventilation and Air Purification	This topic has been updated to incorporate a link to an air purifiers in schools information video. This is a recording of an online information session that was held to support school leaders and school staff to operate their Samsung AX7500 air purification devices. The video also provides general information about how ventilation can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and overviews a range of resources to support schools in managing COVID-19 related OHS risks and matters relating to employee health, safety and wellbeing. A further session will be held in Term 1 2022.

Date of update	Topic	Change
22 December 2021	Mobile Phones — Student Use	This topic has been updated to explain that schools may choose to include wearable devices, iPads and other personal devices as part of their local policies on mobile phone use.
20 December 2021	Fundraising Activities (including fetes)	Links to WorkSafe Victoria guidance for land-borne inflatable amusement devices (for example, jumping castles, zorb balls) and checklists for amusement rides were added to this page.
14 December 2021	School Performance Reporting and Data	The School Performance Reporting and Data pages on PAL have been updated to refer to the latest (2021) Differentiated School Performance Method (DSPM). The Resources section now includes links to a range of documents to assist schools in understanding their school performance report, performance groups and the DSPM.
9 December 2021	Principal Selection	This topic has been updated to include information regarding successful applicants who are not employed by the Department and relevant probity checks that must be performed prior to appointment (ASIC and AFSA). The chapter on Managing principal vacancies has also been updated to include information on the VAPA requirements to be eligible for appointment to a principal position.
9 December 2021	Audits, Reviews and Assurance Programs in Schools	This topic has been updated to include information about the OHS Assurance Program and Pilot which will commence in 2022. A new fact sheet is also available on the Resources tab which provides information about the OHS Assurance Program.
9 December 2021	Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)	The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund topic has been updated to refer to the relevant dates for the 2022 school year and remove information specific to the 2021 school year. The Centrelink error proforma has also been updated to refer to relevant dates for the 2022 school year.
7 December 2021	Photographing, Filming and Recording Students	This policy has been updated to link to the new CCTV in Schools – Installation and Management Policy and CCTV privacy notice (template) (DOCX) (staff login required), and provide expanded direction on privacy considerations in relation to CCTV in schools.
7 December 2021	Privacy and Information Sharing	The Schools’ Privacy Policy has been updated to incorporate new content about consent and privacy impact assessments, more links to resources such as the new standard collection notice, reference to the Victorian Student Number (VSN) and expanded content about the transfer of student information when a student changes schools. To align with the updated policy, changes have also been made to guidance and resources for the PAL topic: Privacy and Information Sharing, including Schools’ Privacy Policy: frequently asked questions for staff (DOCX) and Schools’ Privacy Policy: information for parents.
6 December 2021	CCTV in Schools – Installation and Management	This is a new topic that outlines the legal and policy requirements for schools to follow when installing and managing CCTV systems.
6 December 2021	Navigator Program	This is a new topic that outlines the referral and consent process and requirements relating to the Department’s Navigator Program. The topic contains specific step-by-step guidance for referrers, based on whether they are from the young person’s current school or education setting, the young person’s parent or carer or any other person.
1 December 2021	Enrolment	This topic has been updated to include a guidance chapter about enrolment in specialist schools. This chapter includes information about the enrolment verification process for specialist schools in Disability Inclusion areas.
1 December 2021	School Bus Program	This topic has been updated with additional resources for school bus networks that have transitioned to the School Bus Management System (SBMS). These resources include forms to add school users for the SBMS and to add or remove a bus stop, and a guide to provide to families on how to register and apply for travel in the SBMS.
30 November 2021	Complaints — Parents	This topic has been updated to include a link to resources for parents and carers on how to raise a complaint about a Victorian government school.
30 November 2021	Finance Manual — Financial Management for Schools	Section 8 – Bank Accounts of the Finance Manual has been updated to reflect the new State Purchasing Contract. Schools that currently do not bank with Westpac (WPC), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) or National Bank of Australia (NAB) are required to transition their bank accounts by 31 March 2022
30 November 2021	Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and Compliance	This topic has been updated to incorporate the Department’s Safe Tree Program Guidelines. The Safe Tree Program is available to schools to apply for assistance and advice in assessing and managing the removal and/or pruning of high-risk trees, where schools do not otherwise have the financial capacity to do so. Additionally, the Safe Tree Program can assist schools in implementing the recommendations provided by a qualified arborist, when work is funded by the school.
24 November 2021	Work-Related Violence in Schools	This topic has been updated to include a new chapter on strategies to pro-actively prevent, manage, de-escalate and resolve parent/carer behaviours that are disrespectful, unsafe or otherwise unacceptable and to restore wellbeing after an incident. The resources tab of this topic has also been updated to include additional communication resources to support principals.
18 November 2021	Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0)	The Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0) topic has been updated to incorporate the FISO 2.0 system measures. The system measures provide a reliable set of evidence-based measures for schools to use when completing the improvement cycle.
15 November 2021	Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0)	This topic has been updated to reflect the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0) new practice tools. The Continua of practice, Illustrations of practice, and system measures will support schools in implementing FISO 2.0, noting that further tools are still in development and will be available to schools soon.
15 November 2021	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers on School Sites	This topic has been updated to include new information on evidence requirements for medical exceptions and to outline vaccination requirements for outdoor events such as fetes and school productions.
15 November 2021	Tutor Learning Initiative	This topic was updated to incorporate guidance on the use of end-of year standardised assessment data for the 2021 TLI evaluation, and to inform student selection for TLI support in 2022.
10 November 2021	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers on School Sites	This topic has been updated to include information on vaccination requirements relating to parents and carers on school sites and external parties using school sites outside of school hours.
9 November 2021	Gas Heater Management	This topic has been updated to include more detailed information to assist schools in managing compliance obligations relating to gas heaters. The requirements are not new, but have been set out to reflect the three key steps in the Department’s infrastructure compliance process (Identify, Manage and Monitor) and clarify what schools are expected to do at each step when managing gas heaters in their school.
4 November 2021	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers Working on School Sites	This topic was updated to clarify requirements relating to when schools must collect, record and hold vaccination information relating to visitors and volunteers who are working on school sites at any time and to confirm that Assessments Australia staff are required to provide their vaccination information to schools.
4 November 2021	Air Quality – Impact of Smoke on Health	This new topic supports schools to prepare for and minimise the potential health risks for students and staff when smoke from fire impacts air quality.
4 November 2021	Outdoor Education Schools	This is a new topic that addresses the delivery of Outdoor Education programs, including the provision of programs by the Department’s outdoor education schools. It outlines, the value of outdoor education to Victorian students, the curriculum planning and delivery requirements for the outdoor education schools, allocation of places and requirements for staff experience and qualifications.
1 November 2021	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers Working on School Sites	The resources tab of this topic was updated to include information about updated template volunteer and visitors policies on the School Policy Templates Portal, and a new template procedures document developed to support schools to document their procedures for collecting, recording and holding vaccination information.
1 November 2021	Digital Learning in Schools	This topic has been consolidated with the Personal Devices – Access Policy (now retired) and updated to align with the refreshed Parent Payments Policy.
1 November 2021	Personal Devices – Access	This topic has been consolidated with the Digital Learning in Schools Policy, and has now been archived. Refer to the Digital Learning in Schools Policy for information and guidance on the use of personal devices in schools.
29 October 2021	Transition — Year 6 to 7	The Supporting a positive transition to secondary school in 2022 guidance has been updated in recognition of students’ learning experiences over the past two years and to align with COVID-19 health and safety advice, as outlined in the School Operations Guide, effective from 1 November 2021. The Template letter to Grade 6 families is a new resource. It has been developed for primary schools to send to families of their Grade 6 students and outlines how the transition to secondary school process can be supported by both primary and secondary schools as well as families.
29 October 2021	Repeating a Year Level	The Repeating a Year Level Information for Principals resource has been updated to include the Tutor Learning Initiative in the list of student supports.
29 October 2021	Transition — Early Childhood to School	The Supporting a positive start to school in 2022 guidance has been updated to align with COVID-19 health and safety advice, as outlined in the School Operations Guide, effective from 1 November 2021. The Primary school to kindergarten template letter resource has been updated to refer to the 2021 cohort of kindergarten students transitioning to school in 2022.
27 October 2021	Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)	The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) topic has been updated to refer to the relevant dates for the 2022 school year. The topic and CSEF Application Form have also been updated to provide greater clarification around CSEF eligibility (including the evidence required) and special consideration.
27 October 2021	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers Working on School Sites	This topic has been updated to include information on collecting vaccination information from casual written examination supervisors employed by school council. This topic has also been updated to clarify the minimum information schools need to collect and record in relation to the vaccination requirements in schools. Schools meet the vaccination information requirements by sighting information (such as a COVID-19 Digital Vaccination Certificate) and recording specified details on a vaccination register that is held by the school.
26 October 2021	Audits, Reviews and Assurance Programs in Schools	This is a new PAL topic that provides an overview of the Department’s audits, reviews and other assurance programs held in Victorian government schools on a regular basis. The topic also provides information on the support the School Audit team can provide in regards to school queries about audit or review dates or concerns about school workload during a scheduled audit or review period.
25 October 2021	Work Experience	The Resources tab has been updated with information on student vaccination requirements to undertake work experience placements and an additional form for COVID-19 arrangements.
25 October 2021	Structured Workplace Learning	The Resources tab has been updated with information on student vaccination requirements to undertake structured workplace learning and an additional form for COVID-19 arrangements.
22 October 2021	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers Working on School Sites	This topic has been updated to clarify the content and to introduce an optional template vaccination status register for schools to use to record vaccination information.
22 October 2021	COVID-19 — Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces	This topic has been updated to align advice for health, wellbeing and inclusion workforce service delivery with the School Operations Guide.
21 October 2021	Sister School Partnerships	The Sister School Partnerships topic has been updated to include information about the newly introduced Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020 (the Act). The update includes definitions of the types of arrangements that fall within the scope of the Act, and a new notification and approval process that schools need to follow to ensure any new or amended foreign arrangements comply with the Act.
19 October 2021	Performance and Development for Principal, Teacher and Education Support Class Employees	A new chapter, the 2022 Statement of Expectation for principal, teacher and education support class employees has been added to the performance and development topic for each employee class. The new chapters provide information and guidance on the alternative, opt-in performance and development process offered to all school-based employees in 2022.
19 October 2021	Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0) (previously called 'Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO)')	This topic has been updated to reflect the revised Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0). FISO 2.0 is simplified and streamlined to enable schools to focus on what matters most, and places learning and wellbeing at the centre of school improvement. The topic contains guidance and resources to support schools in understanding and implementing FISO 2.0, noting that further tools are in development and will be available to schools soon.
15 October 2021	Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)	This topic has been restructured and updated to provide improved guidance to schools for the Annual Implementation Planning (AIP) process. These changes include updates to the terminology used to describe AIP elements, guidance to support schools to navigate the inclusion of additional funding streams within the AIP, and specific advice and resources to support schools and regional staff to understand the adjustments that have been made to the 2022 AIP process.
15 October 2021	Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)	A new resource, CSEF Help for CASES21 Family Finances (staff login required), has been added to this topic to assist school administrators to resolve issues that may arise when receipting CSEF in CASES21.
14 October 2021	Suicide Response (Postvention) (previously called ‘Suicide Prevention and Response’)	This topic was updated as new suicide response guidelines have been developed in partnership with headspace. The guidelines assist schools with secondary school students following the suicide or suspected suicide of a student and include steps undertaken in the immediate, short-term, and long-term phases of a response (also called postvention). The guidelines are supported with a range of resources, including scripts, templates and checklists.
14 October 2021	Self-Harm and Attempted Suicide	This new topic provides guidance to secondary schools to support them to respond to an incident of self-harm or an attempted suicide. It contains guidelines that were developed in partnership with headspace and includes a range of resources for schools, including templates and factsheets. The guidelines outline the core principles of effective management of self-harm incidents, including advice on how to support the student beyond the incident.
14 October 2021	Mental Health Fund and Menu	This is a new topic that provides information and guidance on how schools can plan for and implement the Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu initiative to support student mental health and wellbeing from the 2022 school year.
13 October 2021	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Visitors and Volunteers Working on School Sites	This is a new topic outlining how schools must manage the COVID-19 mandatory vaccination directions for visitors and volunteers working on school sites, including how they collect and record relevant vaccination information.
13 October 2021	COVID-19 Vaccinations – Teaching Service and School Council Employees	This is a new topic outlining COVDI-19 mandatory vaccination requirements that apply to Teaching Service employees and school council employees who perform work at Victorian government schools.
6 October 2021	Individual Education Plans (IEPs)	This topic was updated to incorporate IEP requirements for students registered for a Disability Inclusion Profile, and the recommendation for schools to develop an IEP for high ability students who are not achieving their potential.
6 October 2021	Privacy and Information Sharing	This topic was updated to incorporate new guidance for schools when considering the use of biometric technologies that capture biometric information (human characteristics unique to the individual, for example, fingerprints) as part of their functionality.
3 October 2021	Ventilation and Air Purification — reducing COVID-19 transmission risk	This is a new topic that explains how schools can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission through using outdoor learning spaces and ventilating indoor school spaces. It provides additional guidance on ventilation and air purification, as outlined in the School Operations Guide, including advice on the operation and placement of air purifiers being provided to schools by the Department. The topic also overviews the suite of return to school initiatives that the Department is providing to support schools in managing ventilation, air purification and outdoor learning, namely, the Ventilation Assessment Program, the School Shade Sails Fund, and the distribution of air purification devices to all government and low fee non-government schools.
1 October 2021	Anaphylaxis	This topic was updated as a result of the Therapeutic Goods Administration approving the Anapen for the treatment of anaphylaxis from 1 September 2021. The Anapen is a new device that will complement the Epipen in Australia and medical practitioners may prescribe this device to students at risk of anaphylaxis. The Anaphylaxis Policy, Guidelines and supporting resources have been amended to include information about the Anapen, including advice on how it is administered and updated training requirements.
1 October 2021	Parent Payments	The Parent Payments webinar FAQ resource has been updated and the resource on transacting under the Parent Payments Policy has been updated with new FAQs for business managers. New resources have also been added on parent payments for camps and excursions and communicating with parents.
27 September 2021	Land Acquisition	This topic was updated to incorporate the Victorian Government School Site Selection Criteria Guidance which outlines the key factors considered by the Department when assessing proposed government school site options. While key users of the Guidance are internal Department teams, urban planners and designers, developers and local councils, it may also be of interest to school communities by providing reassurance that the selection of a proposed government school site is based on a comprehensive assessment of the site’s suitability.
21 September 2021	Requests for Information about Student	This topic was updated to include information about student identity verification letters, including what information is generally included in this type of letter, and guidance as to what schools should consider when deciding whether to provide student identity verification letters.
14 September 2021	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This topic was updated to incorporate new guidance for schools on accessing Tier 3 funding to support the delivery of adjustments for individual students with complex and high needs. This topic currently applies to schools in the Bayside Peninsula, Barwon, and Loddon Campaspe Areas as well as 5 specific Supported Inclusion Schools, and will apply to schools in the Mallee, Central Highlands, and Outer Eastern Melbourne Areas, and 2 newly opened supported inclusion schools in 2022.
14 September 2021	Disability Inclusion Profile	This new topic outlines the Disability Inclusion Profile and surrounding process that is designed to help schools and families identify the strengths, needs, and educational adjustments schools can make for individual students. Profiles can also inform Disability Inclusion Tier 3 student-level funding. This policy currently applies to schools in Bayside Peninsula, Barwon and Loddon Campaspe Areas, and 5 Supported Inclusion Schools in 2021, and will apply to schools in the Mallee, Central Highlands, and Outer Eastern Melbourne Areas, and 2 newly opened supported inclusion schools in 2022.
13 September 2021	School Bus Program	The School Bus Program Policy has been updated to replace 'Public Transport Victoria' with the 'Department of Transport', replace 'Anticipated Traveller Loadings' with 'Confirmed Traveller Loadings', amend the requirements of coordinating schools on pupil-free days, and provide additional information about remittance of bus fares. All application forms and guides have also been updated and simplified including combining the previous Form 1 and Form 2 applications for travel into one application for all student travel (fare payers and non-fare payers)
3 September 2021	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This policy now applies to schools in the Mallee, Central Highlands, and Outer Eastern Melbourne Areas, who will receive Tier 2 funding in 2022 in line with the Disability Inclusion rollout schedule.
3 September 2021	Parent Payments	The Parent Payments webinar FAQ has been updated with additional questions. The Parent payment arrangement templates have been updated to be clearer in terms of what schools must include in the template and what can be modified. The guidance relating to generic fees or levies and vocational education and training has been updated with minor changes to support clarity and understanding of the requirements.
24 August 2021	Work-Related Violence in Schools	The Occupational Violence and Aggression Policy and Procedure has been renamed Work-Related Violence in Schools Policy and Procedure to reflect the preferred language used by Worksafe. The content and resources have been updated and restructured to reflect this change in terminology. The definition remains the same, and still encompasses incidents in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.
24 August 2021	School Review	This topic has been updated to explain upcoming changes to how schools’ compliance with the Minimum Standards for school registration will be assessed.
24 August 2021	Minimum Standards and School Registration	This topic has been updated to explain upcoming changes to how schools’ compliance with the Minimum Standards for school registration will be assessed. Changes have also been made to include more detailed information on the minimum standards and to provide updated contact details for the School Compliance Unit.
12 August 2021	Selective Entry and Other Specialism Schools and Programs	This topic was updated to incorporate information on the new Centre for Higher Educational Studies (CHES), which will provide stretch and challenge opportunities for high achieving and high ability senior-secondary aged students from Term 3, 2022.
10 August 2021	Financial Help for Families	This topic has been updated to align with the updates made to the Parent Payments Policy, to provide further guidance on recognising financial hardship and to outline the full range of resources that schools can refer to in order to support families experiencing financial hardship.
10 August 2021	Parent Payments	This topic has been updated to clarify requirements relating to parent payment arrangements and to provide schools with updated resources.
10 August 2021	Minimum Standards and School Registration	This topic has been updated to include more detailed information on the Department’s process for applying to register new government schools and to amend existing school registration. The topic has also been updated to include further information on the Department’s role in reviewing schools for compliance with the Minimum Standards for school registration.
9 August 2021	Pre-service Teacher Placements in Victorian Government Schools	This is a new topic outlining the processes agreed with initial teacher education providers for pre-service teacher placements in Victorian government schools.
29 July 2021	Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality	This topic has been updated to provide further details relating to when schools must refuse offers of gifts, benefits and hospitality and to include further information on gifts of appreciation for school staff. The topic has also been updated to link to the updated DET-wide policy on Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality.
27 July 2021	School Maintenance Plans and Rolling Facilities Evaluations	This is a new topic that explains the process that schools must follow when creating their School Maintenance Plans. The School Maintenance Plan supports schools to address maintenance issues identified through the Rolling Facilities Evaluation, which gives schools comprehensive information about the condition of their assets.
27 July 2021	Conveyance Allowance Program	Application forms for the conveyance allowance have been updated and simplified. Form 5 has been added to include multimode travel applications in the one form, streamlining the application process for parents.
21 July 2021	Excursions	The Template Risk Assessment for Local and Day Excursions and the Risk register and Emergency Management Plan template have been updated to include information on excursion risks and treatments relating to COVID-19. These resources are available on the Excursions Resources tab, and are also available on the Excursion Guidelines, chapters Risk management planning and Emergency or critical incident management.
19 July 2021	Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability	This new topic outlines the requirements for schools to participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). This topic includes the key dates for the collection in 2021 and resources to support schools with the process.
16 July 2021	Victorian Teaching and Learning Model	This is a new topic that outlines the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM). Schools are encouraged to implement the VTLM to support excellence in pedagogical practice through evidence-based principles and strategies that will positively impact student outcomes. The VTLM provides valuable tools and guidance to reflect upon and improve teaching practice including the practice principles, pedagogical model and high impact teaching strategies.
24 June 2021	Disability Inclusion Funding and Support	This new topic outlines the new Disability Inclusion Tier 2 funding, which is currently being implemented in schools in the Bayside Peninsula, Barwon and Loddon Campaspe Areas, as well as 5 supported inclusion schools. Guidance is provided for these schools to implement the new Tier 2 School level funding to strengthen inclusive practice for students with disability.
24 June 2021	Donating Furniture and Equipment	This is a new topic that outlines the opportunities for schools to donate unwanted school furniture and equipment, including playground equipment, thereby reducing waste sent to landfill.
3 June 2021	Asset Management Planning – School Upgrades	This topic was updated to include guidance for principals on how they can best communicate with their school community throughout different phases of their capital works project. The update includes new templates that schools can download and use to announce capital funding and to provide project updates to their community.
2 June 2021	Equal Opportunity and Human Rights — Students	This topic was updated to include a definition of antisemitism.
2 June 2021	Bullying Prevention and Response	This topic has been updated to include the nationally agreed definition of bullying and to encourage schools to ensure this definition is included in their local bullying prevention policy.
2 June 2021	Personal Hygiene	This topic has been updated to support the implementation of the Free Sanitary Pads and Tampons in all Government Schools initiative.
28 May 2021	Asset Information Management System (AIMS)	This is a new topic that outlines the Asset Information Management System (AIMS) which is a web-based, centralised portal that will replace schools existing asset information management systems. It explains the benefits of AIMS, what the system will be used for and information regarding school transition (including staff support and training).
26 May 2021	Selective Entry and Other Specialism Schools and Programs	The Supported Inclusion Schools Operational Manual has been added as a resource to this topic, as well as to the Students with Disability and Enrolment topics. A Supported Inclusion School is a mainstream school with additional professional capabilities and facilities designed to cater to a higher proportion of students with significant disability. Students with disability are provided enhanced support to receive high quality, evidence-based educational provision alongside mainstream students in a safe, accessible and supportive environment. The manual supports school principals and the Department’s regional and central staff to implement the Supported Inclusion Schools model.
26 May 2021	Individual Education Plans (IEPs)	This topic was updated to provide clarity on which students require an IEP. Professional Development for staff to develop meaningful IEPs are also available on the Resources tab.
21 May 2021	School-funded Capital Projects	This topic has been updated with a ‘Good Neighbour Guide’ for principals on engaging the community in capital works projects, and associated checklist and template letters.
21 May 2021	Capital Building Projects in Schools	This topic has been updated with a ‘Good Neighbour Guide’ for principals on engaging the community in capital works projects, and associated checklist and template letters.
20 May 2021	Asset Management Planning — School Upgrades	A new resource, Donating Furniture and Equipment Initiative, has been added to this topic and another resource, Everything you need to know about a building project, has been updated to improve clarity and to update links. Minor updates have also been made to the policy content to clarify wording and update links.
20 May 2021	Vocational Education and Training (VET) Delivered to Secondary Students	This topic has been updated to include information on the new VET materials reimbursement funding available to schools from Term 1 2022. The updates include information about the purpose of the funding, eligibility criteria and the application process.
13 May 2021	Tutor Learning Initiative 2021	This topic was updated to allow schools to employ speech therapists or occupational therapists as tutors for students to enable learning support for identified students. Additional guidance on tutor notebook provision, funding, and student reporting is provided, and new TLI hub professional learning resources are also available.
12 May 2021	Performance and Development for Principal, Teacher and Education Support Class topics	The 3 PAL performance and development topics — Principal Class, Teacher Class and Education Support Class Employees guidelines for the 2021 Statement of Expectation as an alternative to the standard Performance and Development (PDP) plan have been updated with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist schools to implement the process effectively.
10 May 2021	Flexible Learning Options (FLOs)	This policy was updated to incorporate guidance for schools on using the FLO Online referral approval process. This includes information on the specific circumstances this process must be undertaken when referring students to FLOs.
27 April 2021	Transition — Early Childhood to School	The guidance chapter Transition statements — information for schools has been updated to provide advice on sharing information under the new Information Sharing Schemes to promote a child’s wellbeing or safety or to manage family violence risk.
22 April 2021	International Student Program (ISP)	This topic has been updated to incorporate advice on the higher financial risk for schools that international students represent. This includes the key factors that heighten risk and what schools must do to prevent the misuse of international students’ money and protect schools from reputational damage.
19 April 2021	Child and Family Violence Information Sharing Schemes	This topic has been updated with more detailed policy, guidance and resources for Victorian government schools on implementing the Child Information Sharing Scheme and the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme. Consequential updates have also been made to other PAL topics, where required, to include information on using the schemes including to: Privacy and Information Sharing, Requests for Information About Students, Family Violence Support, Suicide Prevention and Response, Complaints — Parents, Health Care Needs, Attendance, and Enrolment.
16 April 2021	Sexuality and Consent Education	This topic was updated to incorporate the mandatory teaching of consent in all Victorian government schools. This update includes links to resources to support schools to teach students about consent in an age-appropriate way.
16 April 2021	Outside School Hours Care — Decision Making Regarding the Provision of OSHC	The guidance has been updated to reflect changes to the Education and Care Services Regulations. The advice regarding schools’ responsibilities where third party providers are engaged to operate an OSHC service has been clarified. Information has also been included regarding the Department’s OSHC Establishment Grants initiative.
15 April 2021	Supervision of Students	This topic was updated to clarify that school students cannot be used as supervision staff.
6 April 2021	Travel	This topic has been updated to incorporate a COVID-19 policy on travel for school-based staff. All international travel is to be deferred and interstate travel is limited to essential trips only, where staff travel as part of their job.
1 April 2021	Bridging the Digital Divide — Loaned School Owned Computers Support Initiative	This topic has been updated to clarify computer eligibility, including computers in programs where students had access both at school and at home.
30 March 2021	Enrolment Guidelines: Placement Policy	The Department’s Placement Policy (which is part of the Enrolment Guidelines) has been updated to provide guidance and clarity on regional director enrolment restrictions and the sibling exemption process, student entry tests and interviews, and enrolment management plans.
30 March 2021	Transition — Year 6 to 7	The Year 6 to Year 7 Transition Information Pack 2021-22: Guidance for all Government School is now available on this topic.
29 March 2021	Rainwater Tanks	This is a new PAL topic that outlines the responsibilities of schools that rely on rainwater tanks for drinking water. This topic will be updated in the coming weeks with detailed guidance about developing a school water supply management plan.
23 March 2021	Student Sexual Offending and Problem Sexual Behaviour	A new fact sheet is available on the Resources tab of this topic with guidance on school obligations to respond to a disclosure of student sexual offending, how schools can communicate with their school community about issues of consent, sexual assault and gender inequality, and who schools should contact for support.
19 March 2021	Intellectual Property and Copyright	This topic was updated with a new template permission letter for schools to use when they need to seek permission to use copyright of an external third party copyright owner.
16 March 2021	School-funded Capital Projects	This topic has been updated to outline the new online approval process for school-funded capital projects and to update and simplify the guidance content for schools.
16 March 2021	Transition — Year 6 to 7	This topic was updated to remove the link to the outdated Year 6 – 7 Transition Information Pack (for the 2020-2021 Year 6 to 7 transition process) and to inform schools that the 2021-2022 Year 6-7 Transition Information Pack will be available on this topic by the end of Term 1 2021.
16 March 2021	Child and Family Violence Information Sharing Schemes	This is a new topic outlining how Victorian government schools request and share information under the new Child Information Sharing Scheme and Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme. This topic will be updated in the coming weeks with further, more detailed policy and guidance prior to the schemes coming into effect on 19 April 2021.
4 March 2021	Data Collection and Surveys	This topic was updated to reflect changes to school data collection processes.
26 February 2021	Exemption from school attendance and enrolment	A new Exemption from School Application form has replaced the existing Transition from School form, for completion when any student of compulsory school age who has not completed Year 12 is seeking to leave school early.
26 February 2021	International Student Program (ISP)	The International Education Division has developed an International Student Program (ISP) Unscored VCE Policy and Form to provide guidance to school in relation to ESOS international students enrolled in the Department’s ISP who wish to undertake an unscored VCE. ESOS international students are those students who are the primary visa holder of a 500 Student Schools Visa or a 571 School Sector Visa.
24 February 2021	Tutor Learning Initiative 2021	This topic was updated to incorporate the requirements for recording students receiving targeted teaching through the Tutor Learning Initiative on CASES21 and a revised Implementation Checklist for Term 1, 2021. Links to additional implementation support including optional professional learning webinars and the TLI hub are now available on the Resource tab.
22 February 2021	Sponsorship	This topic was updated to include the restrictions on School Banking Programs in Victorian government schools.
22 February 2021	Financial Literacy	This is a new PAL topic on the requirement for all Victorian Government Schools to deliver financial literacy education as part of their curriculum programs. It also outlines the prohibition on school banking programs from an Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADI), for example, banks, credit unions and building societies including use of learning and teaching resources created by an ADI to provide financial literacy education to students.
19 February 2021	Bridging the Digital Divide — Loaned School Owned Computers Support Initiative	This is a new PAL topic outlining the arrangements in place for eligible schools to obtain a financial contribution towards the costs associated with students permanently retaining school computers loaned to them during the remote and flexible learning period of 2020.
16 February 2021	Performance and Development for Principal, Teacher and Education Support Class topics	The 3 PAL performance and development topics — Principal Class, Teacher Class and Education Support Class Employees have been updated to include information on the 2021 Statement of Expectation, the alternative to the standard Performance and Development Plan process.
3 February 2021	Student Enrolment Census	The Guidance section of this topic was updated to incorporate supplementary advice issued in 2020 about COVID-19.
2 February 2021	Equal Opportunity and Human Rights — Students	The Equal Opportunity – Students page has been added to PAL to provide schools with a high level overview of obligations under the Equal Opportunity Act, Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and other anti-discrimination legislation. Related resources for schools are available in the Resources Tab of this PAL topic.
2 February 2021	Tutor Learning Initiative 2021	This topic was updated to incorporate new guidance on assessing student learning as part of the Tutor Learning Initiative. A Term 1, 2021 Implementation Checklist for school leaders has been added as an additional resource on the Resource tab.
1 February 2021	Vocational and Applied Learning Coordination and Delivery Support for Schools	This policy outlines new funding support for eligible schools to help with the coordination and delivery of vocational and applied learning programs, and describes what the funding can be used for, along with some examples.
27 January 2021	Smoking and Vaping Ban	This policy has been updated to clarify the law and policy around use of e-cigarettes on schools grounds. Under the Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic), a person must not smoke or use e-cigarettes on school premises or within 4 metres of any pedestrian access point to school premises.
22 January 2021	School Council — Composition and Office Bearers	This topic was updated to incorporate information on the new Ministerial Order 1280: Ministerial Order (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.
22 January 2021	School Council — Meetings	This topic was updated to incorporate information on the new Ministerial Order 1280: Ministerial Order (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.
22 January 2021	School Council — Elections	This topic was updated to incorporate information on the new Ministerial Order 1280: Ministerial Order (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.
22 January 2021	School Council — Establishing a new school council	This topic was updated to incorporate information on the new Ministerial Order 1280: Ministerial Order (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.
19 January 2021	Outside School Hours Care — Decision Making Regarding the Provision of OSHC	The guidance has been updated to include information on the newly launched OSHC Establishment Grants which provides funding for Victorian government schools delivering primary aged education without an existing OSHC service.
14 January 2021	Inclusive Workplaces	The new Inclusive Workplaces Guide assists everyone in Department workplaces to support employees with diverse and intersecting identities with chapters on Aboriginal inclusion, cultural diversity, disability, gender equality, generational diversity and LGBTIQ.
14 January 2021	Casual Relief Teachers (CRTs)	The Policy and Guidelines includes information for Principal and School Council obligations as a Public Sector Employer to manage and avoid Conflict of Interest in employment.
14 January 2021	School Council Employment	The Policy and Guidelines includes information for Principal and School Council obligations as a Public Sector Employer to manage and avoid Conflict of Interest in employment.
11 January 2021	Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)	The Camps Sports and Education Fund had a temporary policy change in 2020 to help with at home learning. The policy now has gone back to its original state before these changes were made.
8 January 2021	Planned Maintenance Program	A standalone Planned Maintenance Program (PMP) policy has been developed. The PMP is now separate from the Building and Grounds Maintenance Policy. The new and updated policy includes more detailed policy information and guidance for schools in different PMP funding categories. A key change is that a declaration form has been introduced for schools in the up to $50,000 category. Schools in this category no longer need to seek quotes and submit a budget template in order to receive their funding allocation.

Date of update	Topic	Change
30 December 2020	Disability and Reasonable Adjustment — Employees	The Disability and Reasonable Adjustment policy has been completely reworked to make the process for requesting and making workplace adjustments more clear, and to update support resources available to school leaders and staff.
21 December 2020	Tutor Learning Initiative 2021	Guidance on small-group learning has been added to the Tutor Learning Initiative guidance tab. The content in this topic has also been re-structured to accommodate the additional guidance content, with the majority of content now in guidance chapters on the Guidance tab.
17 December 2020	Bushfire and Grassfire Preparedness	This topic was updated to incorporate the new arrangements for schools and early childhood services at risk of grassfire (category 4) to close on a determined Code Red day, along with all schools on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).
15 December 2020	Recruitment in Schools	The Recruitment in Schools — Qualifications page for the Principal class has been updated to reflect the VAPA requirement commencing August 2021. Additional updates have been made to the Employment, promotion or transfer page to reflect the clarification of policy for ongoing employees on transfer where the school year, including all school vacation periods is longer than 12 months.
15 December 2020	Finance Manual — Financial Management for Schools	The Chart of Accounts resource document available in the resource tab of the Finance Manual — Financial Management for Schools was updated. The updated resource will take effect upon the CASES21 Major Upgrade having been completed.
13 December 2020	Tutor Learning Initiative 2021	The Tutor Learning Initiative Guidance tab has been updated with guidance on assessing and identifying students for support through the Initiative. Further guidance on implementing the Tutor Learning Initiative will be published shortly.
10 December 2020	Holocaust Education — Delivery Requirements	This is a new PAL topic outlining the requirements for Holocaust Education in school-based curriculum programs in Victorian government secondary schools.
9 December 2020	Swimming Pools on School Grounds	The Swimming Pools on School Grounds topic has been updated to incorporate new registration requirements under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulation 2019. A new section has also been added to the Procedure tab for this topic, with advice on developing a water quality risk management plan.
8 December 2020	Re-engagement Programs	This topic has been updated so that it sets out the 2021 Re-engagement Program Placement Fees.
8 December 2020	Tutor Learning Initiative 2021	The Tutor Learning Initiative topic has been updated to include information on appointing tutors and resources to support schools to communicate with their school community about the Tutor Learning Initiative and how it may impact their child’s learning in 2021.
2 December 2020	Medical Advisory Service	This topic has been updated to reflect the new contact details for the Medical Advisory Service. The information has also been relocated to a standalone page on PAL, for ease of reference.
1 December 2020	Community VCAL	This updated PAL topic sets out the requirements for schools entering into contracts with Non-School Senior Secondary Providers (NSSPs) for the delivery of Community Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (CVCAL).
25 November 2020	Insurance for Schools	The Insurance policies guidance chapter of the Insurance for Schools topic has been changed to reflect updated premiums for the Department’s travel insurance arrangements.
23 November 2020	Asset Management Planning — School Upgrades	This topic has been updated to provide up-to-date guidance and information for the capital works program. Additional sections include guidance for schools receiving funding in the 2020-21 State Budget.
20 November 2020	Conveyance Allowance Program	The policy was updated to reflect the closing dates for 2021 applications.
10 November 2020	COVID-19 — Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces	This topic has been amended to reflect the updated arrangements and requirements for Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces working in schools. A summary of the changes is available on the guidance chapter of this topic — Recent changes to this guidance.
10 November 2020	Tutor Learning Initiative 2021	This is a new PAL topic providing policy, advice and guidance to schools on arrangements for implementing the Tutor Learning Initiative in 2021. This topic will be updated with further, more detailed guidance in the coming weeks.
9 November 2020	Youth Justice — Additional Support for Young People	This is a new PAL topic setting out advice for schools to deliver additional educational support for young people within Victoria’s youth justice system, both in custody and the community.
4 November 2020	Young Carers — Identification and Support	This is a new PAL topic setting out the requirements for schools and education providers to identify young carers and ensure they are supported.
20 October 2020	Transition — Early Childhood to School	This topic has been updated to incorporate content previously available on the intranet, providing information and resources to support a positive start to school for children in 2021.
27 October 2020	School Council — Powers and Functions	This topic was updated to incorporate information on the forthcoming Ministerial Order 1280: Ministerial Order (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.
19 October 2020	COVID-19 — Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces	This topic has been amended to reflect the updated arrangements and requirements for Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces working in schools. A summary of the changes is available on the guidance chapter of this topic — Recent changes to this guidance.
19 October 2020	Individual Education Plans (IEPs)	Students in youth justice (custody and community) require an IEP. The IEP policy and IEP Summary Guide (in resources) have been updated to reflect this.
13 October 2020	Attendance	This topic has been updated to incorporate additional guidance for schools on supporting student attendance when transitioning back to on-site learning for Term 4 2020.
12 October 2020	Transition — Year 6 to 7	The policy on transitions from Year 6 to 7 has been updated to remove information on the Year 7 application process, now that the application process has been completed, and to introduce a new resource for schools on supporting a positive start to secondary school in 2021.
9 October 2020	Repeating a Year Level	Additional resources have been added to the Repeating a Year Level Resources tab to support schools to communicate with families about repeating a year level.
8 October 2020	Transition — Early Childhood to School	New guidance is available on the Transition — Early Childhood to School PAL topic, on Foundation teacher transition visits to kindergartens — Term 4 2020.
5 October 2020	Finance Manual — Financial Management for Schools	The Finance Manual in PAL has been reformatted so that all sections of the Finance Manual are now sitting in the Guidance tab of the Finance Manual — Financial Management for Schools page. Users can navigate through each section of the Finance Manual using the right hand menu of the Guidance tab. This means that schools need only access the one PAL topic now, rather than looking for the specific PAL topic on each section of the Finance Manual. There have otherwise been no changes to the content of the Finance Manual.
1 October 2020	COVID-19 — Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces	This topic has been amended to reflect the updated arrangements and requirements for Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces working in schools. A summary of the changes is available on the guidance chapter of this topic — Recent changes to this guidance.
16 September 2020	Repeating a Year Level	Repeating a Year Level has been updated to provide additional guidance to schools on managing requests and making decisions relating to students repeating a year level.
16 September 2020	Student Resource Package — Overview (and all other related SRP pages)	Updates were made to the parts of the guidance tabs across all SRP pages to include examples of funding calculations and further clarify funding allocations. The Resources tabs for all SRP related pages were updated to include the 2020 Student Resource Package Guide (in PDF and Word) and the 2021 Indicative Student Resource Package Guide (in PDF and Word).
16 September 2020	Student Resource Package — School Specific Programs	The following new funding references were added to this category of funding: Joint Community Program (Reference 123) and Designated Bilingual Program (Reference 124).
16 September 2020	Student Resource Package — Targeted Initiatives	The following new funding reference was added to this category of funding: Primary Mathematics and Science Specialists Initiative (Reference 125).
16 September 2020	Student Resource Package — Managing the Budget	The following new funding reference was added to this category of funding: Enrolment Variation Funding.
31 August 2020	Assistant Principal Contract Renewal	This is a new PAL topic which separates the Assistant Principal Contract renewal process from the Leading Teacher/Learning Specialist tenure renewal enabling a quick easy identification of the policy and process for each group of employees.
20 August 2020	Finance Manual — Section 03 Risk Management	Section 3 of the Finance Manual was updated to reflect the requirement for schools, staff and school council members to comply with the Department’s Conflict of Interest policy.
20 August 2020	Finance Manual — Section 04 Internal Controls	In line with the updates made to Section 3 of the Finance Manual, Section 4 was also updated to reflect the requirement for schools, staff and school council members to comply with the Department’s Conflict of Interest policy.
20 August 2020	Finance Manual — Section 11 Expenditure Management	In line with the updates made to Section 3 of the Finance Manual, Section 11 was also was updated to reflect the requirement for schools, staff and school council members to comply with the Department’s Conflict of Interest policy.
17 August 2020	Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support (MYLNS) initiative	This is a new PAL topic to support schools to implement the Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support (MYLNS) initiative.
17 August 2020	Social Media Use to Support Student Learning	This is a new PAL topic outlining the requirements for the use of social media by school-based staff to support student learning.
14 August 2020	Individual Education Plans (IEPs)	The IEP template key terms, and guidance on long-term goals, has been updated. In particular, the updates clarify that long-term goals are not required to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Relevant and Time-bound) whereas short-term goals are required to be SMART. When developing a student’s long-term goals, schools should provide a clear, summarised statement of 1 to 2 sentences, setting out the goals for the student to achieve over a longer period of time (for example, longer than a school term). The long term goals should assist in guiding the development of the SMART short-term goals.
11 August 2020	Parent Payments	The Parent Payments Policy and associated resources have been refreshed by the Department to better support implementation by schools. This includes a simplified and clearer Parent Payments Policy, easier to follow guidance and new resources to help support you to develop and implement your school’s parent payment arrangements.
10 August 2020	OHS Management System (OHSMS) Overview	A new PAL Guidance chapter has been added to the OHS Management System for schools — COVID-19 employee health, safety and wellbeing supports for schools. It provides tailored advice and links to supports for managing COVID-19 related OHS risks and matters relating to employee health, safety and wellbeing, including a link to COVID-19 Safety Management Plan.
7 August 2020	COVID-19 — Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces	This is a new PAL topic providing guidance to the Department’s region and area based Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces (HWIW) on operational practices in relation to COVID-19. HWIW comprise Students Support Services, Primary and Secondary School Nurses, Visiting Teachers and Koorie Engagement Support Officers.
5 August 2020	Performance and Development for Education Support Class Employees	This topic has been updated to provide new guidance on the performance and development process for Education Support Class Employees.
22 July 2020	Individual Education Plans (IEPs)	The IEP template was updated. A new template (Word document) replaces the previous IEP template (writeable PDF). The IEP template (Word document) provides more flexibility for schools to make their own adjustments where required, so the IEP is better able to reflect the needs of the student. Format changes to the template include the ability to add more goals, repositioning of the current level entry skills section and better printing functionality. Content changes to the template include the addition of a recommendation to include advice from regional and area staff, clarification that students’ long-term goals can be a summarised statement of 1-2 sentences and the addition of ‘person responsible’ to the teaching strategies, adjustments and supports section.
26 June 2020	Student Resource Package — Targeted Initiatives	The following new funding references were added to this category of funding: VCE Revision Lectures (Reference 121), Professional Learning Communities (Reference 122), Early Years Koorie Literacy and Numeracy Program (Reference 88), Extended Koorie Literacy and Numeracy Program (Reference 90), Chaplaincy (Reference 117). Updates, including to rates, were made to the following funding references: Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary School Students (Reference 56), Career Education Funding (Reference 91).
26 June 2020	Student Resource Package — Core Student Learning Allocation funding (Student Based Funding	Updates, including to rates, were made to Rural School Size Adjustment Factor (Reference 4).
26 June 2020	Student Resource Package — School Specific Programs	Updates, including to rates, were made to Location Index Funding (Reference 29).
25 June 2020	Finance Manual — Section 16 Reporting Performance	The requirement at section 16.3.1.5 has changed so that schools and school councils must provide school council with a report outlining the financial outcome of all camps, excursions and fundraising. Previously the requirement was to report on financial outcomes of camps and excursions only.
25 June 2020	Finance Manual — Section 12 Trading Operations	The requirement at section 12.2.1.6 now states ‘For each trading operation, an annual budget (both revenue and expenditure) must be prepared, presented and reviewed by the finance committee (or by the school council if the school doesn’t have a finance committee) and approved by the school council.’ Previously, the requirement stated ‘For each trading operation, an annual budget (both revenue and expenditure) must be prepared, presented and approved by either the school council or the finance committee.’
15 June 2020	Excursions	The Excursions policy and guidelines consolidate all previous policy and guidance on excursions, including the Safety Guidelines for Education Outdoors. The new policy and guidelines clarify the role of school council in approving excursion, no longer requiring school council to approve the operational requirements of an excursion. All guidelines for adventure activities have been revised, including some changes to supervision ratios and required qualifications and experience. The guidance on overseas excursions has also been updated, including making travel insurance for overseas excursions mandatory.
15 June 2020	Homework	The Department’s policy and guidance on homework has been updated to better reflect the most up-to-date evidence regarding homework and student learning and performance. A new local school template policy on homework has also been developed and is available on the School Policy Templates Portal Homework page.
15 June 2020	School Administration Systems	This is a new Department policy that defines the mandatory systems of record for school administration processes and information. This policy incorporates the previous CASES21 Policy on the School Policy and Advisory Guide (SPAG). It now covers all mandated Department systems and explains what each is to be used for including CASES21, Edupay, HART, SOCS, PSDMS, IRIS, SPOT and many others.
15 June 2020	Sensory Rooms	This is a new Department policy that explains Department requirements for when and how a sensory room may be used by a school to support a student.
15 June 2020	Trespass	This policy has been amended to include a requirement for principals to give a person the opportunity provide feedback about whether a Trespass Warning Notice should be issued against them and to consider any of the information they provide before issuing the Notice.
15 June 2020	Vehicles (including Buses) — Owned or Hired by a School	This policy has been amended to allow schools to purchase buses with 21 seats or more (with Regional Director approval and following all other requirements in the policy).
7 May 2020	Information Security — InfoSafe	New Department policy (previously published on the School Policy and Advisory Guide on 7 May 2020) which outlines requirements relating to the secure management of information within schools. This policy is part of the Department’s InfoSafe program and is designed to help strengthen information security to ensure information is stored and shared securely.
20 March 2020	Enrolment	A change was made to the placement policy aspect of the Enrolment Policy to clarify that schools must consider exceptional circumstances for enrolment as a separate consideration rather than as number 6 on the priority order of placement. This information can be found under the chapter called Placement Policy in the Enrolment Guidance tab.

In the process of transitioning all department policy over to the new PAL we have also made a number of overarching changes and updates to department policy, including:

providing a consistent policy structure, with a summary for quick reference, and full policy details sitting underneath
providing contact details for all topics, for school queries or feedback
updating language to remove ambiguities
clarifying the role of school council, where applicable, such as whether or not school council are the decision-making or consulting body for a particular issue
providing new and updated resources to support schools to implement department policy and guidance, such as template forms.

In transitioning all policy over to PAL we have re-set the date that the policy was last updated to reflect the date of PAL launch. This does not mean that all policies have been significantly changed in terms of school requirements. For significant changes, refer to the table above.

Any questions or feedback relating to these updates can be directed to the relevant contact listed on the policy or the Operational Policy, School Engagement and Compliance Division:
Email: pal.support@education.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 7022 1888

We will continue to update and improve PAL content to ensure schools are able to access information that is clear and accurate and we welcome feedback from schools to support this process.

Reviewed 19 April 2024

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020