Beginning a new school year often highlights more than ever that we need to have a working knowledge to comply with legislation and follow policy. The reality often for us is to provide a quick decision with each issue at our school and make a ‘correct’ decision to avoid potential criticism from our employer or other. We should never feel alone in arriving at a decision considering the vast resources in DoE coupled with NSWPPA support, especially through the NSWPPA Legal Issues Standing Committee, adeptly chaired by Steve McAlister.

With matters not related to law but DoE policy and suggested practice, your DEL and Student Support Contacts (district office personnel) are expected to offer guidance.

Legal Services Directorate offer a commitment to schools with providing professional information related to all legal matters: Legal Services (nsw.gov.au)

You may be interested in seeking information via Legal toolkit for Principals (nsw.gov.au). The abovementioned resource link provides information relating to: checklists; guidelines; template letters; sample plans; school newsletter drafts; contracts; and police.

Historically more than any other aspect of law, Principals and school staff request family law related advice in term 1 from Legal Services Directorate. The links below may assist you.

I need help with:	I need to respond to a:	I want to know who has the right to:
Managing disagreements about a decision affecting a student	Request for information or school communications	Make a decision affecting the enrolment of a student
Understanding the legal effect of court orders	Request to contact or collect a student	Give permission or consent in relation to a student

We as Principals cannot be without the valuable Legal Issues Bulletins Legal issues bulletins and guidelines (nsw.gov.au) that also now offer case studies to potentially link your issue to its example.