Policy For Dealing With Major Complaints

Our central governing body, the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese, has developed a policy for dealing with major complaints.  The policy is outlined here and full details are available in the office.

In a Catholic school, parents, students, teachers and support staff form an integral part of the Christian school community.  The administration, teachers and parents must work closely together in the formation of their children according to the Gospel.  To this end, parents are expected to be familiar with, accept and support the philosophy and policies of the school.  Parents indicate this by signing the Statement of Commitment as teachers do when they sign their contracts.

From time to time issues may arise where the concerned parties differ in their perspectives.  In these cases both concerned parties are expected to work towards the resolution of the issue in a Christian manner, respecting each other’s point of view. All parties must maintain confidentiality with respect to all information surrounding the particular issue.

The following summarizes the steps, which must be followed.

The issue must first be dealt with the persons involved. If the issue cannot be resolved using the suggested strategies, the matter must be brought to the attention of the principal of the school.  The principal will follow the outline guidelines to come to a judgment in the matter.  If the principal’s resolution is not accepted, the matter may be appealed to the Education Committee.  This appeal must be submitted in writing no more than seven days after the principal’s decision has been received.  The education committee will notify the parents and principal of its decision within seven days of meeting. 

The Board of Directors may consider an appeal of the Education Committee’s decision for reasons that the board considers valid and appropriate.