Are family law issues really dealt with ‘beyond the school gate’? When educators are confident in their knowledge and application of family law issues, this ensures that they are taking appropriate responsibility to ensure the best interests of the child (student). In this two-hour self-directed learning course, you can expect to acquire a basic understanding of the family law system and how that intersects with schools.
There is examination of two fictitious scenarios that resemble ‘real life’ family law issues affecting the parents, school staff and students. Both scenario are followed by a quiz to consolidate learning.
At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the primary objects of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and the key components of the Family Law system
- Appreciate the principles that underpin how schools meet their obligations to students and parents
- Define commonly used terms such as Equal Shared Parental Responsibility and other important family law terms
- Learn how the family law applies to the school setting by examining various scenarios
The course is self-paced and shall be completed within 60 days after enrolment. The course content enables staff to meet goals in accordance with their Annual Performance Review and gather evidence to support the following Standards:
Australian Professional Standard for Principals (Leadership: Leading teaching and learning – Developing self and others – Leading improvement, innovation, and change – Leading the management of the school – Engaging and working with the community) (Professional Practices: Leading teaching and learning – Developing self and others – Leading improvement, innovation, and change – Leading the management of the school)
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (6. Engage in professional learning: 6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs – 6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice – 6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice) (7. Engage professionally with colleagues, parents, carers, and the community: 7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities – 7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative, and organisational requirements – 7.3 Engage with the parents/carers – 7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities)
The course includes:
- Lesson 1 – Introduction (Course Design and Self-Reflection)
- Lesson 2 – Topic A (The Family Law System and how schools meet their obligations)
- Lesson 3 – Topic B (General issues relating to children)
- Lesson 4 – Topic C (Concerned Mother)
- Lesson 5 – Topic C (Concerned Dad)
- Lesson 6 – Reflection and Personalised Practice
The course includes:
- Topic A – The Family Law System and how schools meet their obligations
- The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)
- The rights of children
- The responsibilities of parents
- How schools meet their obligations to students and parents
- Terms commonly used in family law
- Topic B – General issues relating to children
- Parents spending time with children during school hours
- Parents picking up children after school
- Parental access to school documentation,
- Parental involvement in school activities
- Court orders and parenting plans
- Topic C – Two fictitious scenarios that resemble ‘real life’ family law issues affecting the parents, school staff and students
The course includes:
- Video 1 – Equal Shared Parental Responsibility (Ms Alexandra Kupka – Family Law Solicitor)
- Video 2 – Family Laws Terms (Ms. Alexandra Kupka – Family Law Solicitor)
- Video 3 – Sharing Information – Beyond School Gate (Ms Alexandra Kupka – Family Law Solicitor)
- Video 4 – Parenting Plan and Court Orders (Ms Alexandra Kupka – Family Law Solicitor)
- Video 5 – Concerned Mother
- Video 6 – Concerned Dad
The course includes:
- Quiz 1 – What do I know about Family Law?
- Quiz 2 – The Family Law System and schools
- Quiz 3 – General issues relating to students
- Quiz 4 – Review of the ‘Therese Greenway’ Scenario
- Quiz 5 – Review of the ‘Rusty Springfield’ scenario
- Quiz 6 – Reflection and Personalised Practice