CHILD PROTECTION

POLICY
OF
FORTUNE HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS

2019-2020

Chapter I. Title

CHILD PROTECTION AND ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

OF
FORTUNE HIGH SCHOOL
 POLICY STATEMENT

Everyone who enrolled in Fortune High School is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and

safe environment. FHS have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given
responsibility for young people, Teachers and volunteers provide them with the highest
possible standard of care.

The Fortune High School is committed to devising and implementing policies so that everyone
in school accepts their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse. This
means to follow procedures to protect children and report any concerns about their welfare to
appropriate authorities.

The aim of the policy is to promote good practice, providing children and young people with
appropriate safety/protection while in the care of school and to allow staff and volunteers to
make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues. FHS committed to
protect the rights and welfare of the students in any form and religiously promoted the
Positive discipline inside the school community to ensure a Child friendly atmosphere in FHS.

Chapter II.
General Principles

Section 1. The welfare of the child is paramount

Section 2. All children, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin,
religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in any school activities in a
fun and safe environment

Section 3. Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and
degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings

Section 4. All suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously
and responded to swiftly and appropriately

Section 5. All FHS employees who work with children will be recruited with regard to their
suitability for that responsibility, and will be provided with guidance and/or training in good
practice and child protection procedures

Section 6. Working in partnership with parents and children is essential for the protection of
children.

Section 7. The right to pursue and acquire quality education through competent and effective
instructions.

Chapter III.
Definition of terms
1. Child. refers to any person below eighteen (18) years of age or those over but are
unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect,
cruelty, exploitation or discrimination of physical or mental disability or condition (RA
7610). includes pupils or students who may be eighteen (18) years of age or older but
are in school.

2. Children In School. refers to bonafide pupils, students or learners who are enrolled in
the basic education system, whether regular, irregular, transferee or repeater, including
those who have been temporarily out of school, who are in the school or learning centers
premises or participating in school sanctioned activities.

3. Pupil, Student Or Learner. means a child who regularly attends classes in any level of
the basic education system, under the supervision of a teacher or facilitator.

4. School personnel. means the persons, singly or collectively, working in a public or

private school. They are classified as follows:
a. School Head. refers to the chief executive officer or administrator of a public or
private school or learning center.
b. Other School Officials. include other school officers, including teachers, who
are occupying supervisory positions or positions of responsibility, and are involved
in policy formulation or implementation in a school.
c. Academic Personnel. includes all school personnel who are formally engaged in
actual teaching service or in research assignments, either on a full-time or part- time
basis, as well as those who possess certain prescribed academic functions directly
supportive of teaching, such as registrar, librarians, guidance counselors, researchers,
and other similar persons. They may include school officials who are responsible for
academic matters, and other school officials.

d. Other personnel. includes all other non-academic personnel in the school,

whatever may be the nature of their appointment and status of employment.

5. Child Protection. refers to programs, services, procedures and structures that are
intended to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination and
violence.

6. Parents. refers to biological parents, step-parents, adoptive parents and the common
law spouse or partner of the parent.

7. Guardians or Custodians. refers to legal guardians, foster parents, and other persons,
including relatives or even non-relatives, who have physical custody of the child.
8. School Visitor or Guest. refers to any person who visits the school and has any
official business with the school, and any person who does not have any official
business but it found within the premises of the school. This may include those who
are within the school premises for certain reasons, e.g. student teachers, catechist,
service providers, suppliers, bidders, parents, parents and guardians of other children.

9. Child Abuse. refers to the maltreatment of a child whether habitual or not, which includes
the following :
9.1.Psychological or physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional

9.2 act or deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth
dignity of a child as a human being.

9.3 .Unreasonable deprivation of the child’s basic needs for survival such as food and
shelter; or

9.4.Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting in

serious impairment of his or her growth and development or in the child’s permanent in
capacity or death. (section 3 (b) RA 7610)

10. Discrimination Against Children. refers to an act of exclusion, distinction, restriction or

preference which is based on any ground such as age, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation and
gender identity, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property,
birth, being inflicted by AIDS, being pregnant, being a child in conflict with the law, being a
child with disability or other status or condition, and which has the purpose or affect of
nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by all persons on an equal
footing, of all rights and freedom.

11. Corporal Punishment. refers to a kind of punishment or penalty imposed for an alleged or
actual offense, which is carried out or inflicted, for the purpose of discipline, training or control,
by a teacher, school administrator, an adult, or any other child who has been given or has
assumed authority or responsibility for punishment or discipline.

12. Child Exploitation. refers to the use of children for someone else’s advantage,
gratification or profit resulting in an unjust, cruel and harmful treatment of the child.

12.1.Sexual exploitation – abuse of position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust,

for sexual purposes.
12. 2.Economic exploitation – use of the child in work or other activities for the benefit of
others.

13.. Violence Against Children Committed In Schools. refers to a single act or a series of
acts committed by school administrators, academic and non-academic personnel against a
child which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering or
other abuses including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary
deprivation of liberty. It includes, but is not limited to the following acts :
1.Physical violence. bodily or physical harm. It includes assigning tasks which are hazardous to
their physical well-being.

2.Sexual violence. acts that sexual in nature. It includes, but not limited to : rape, sexual
harassment, forcing the child to watch obsence or indicent shows, forcing the child to engage in
sexual activity.

3.Psychological violence. acts or omissions causing or likely to cause mental or emotional

suffering of the child.

4.Other acts of violence of a physical, sexual or psychological nature that are prejudicial to the
best interest of
the child.

14. Bullying Or Peer Abuse. is committed when a student commits an act or a series of acts directed
towards another student, or a series of single acts directed towards several students in a school
setting or a place of learning, which results in physical and mental abuse, harassment, intimidation, or
humiliation.

14.1. Threats to inflict a wrong upon a person, honor or property of the person or on his or her
family;

14.2. Stalking or constantly following or pursuing a person in his or her daily activities, with
unwanted and obsessive attention;

14.3. Taking of property;

14.4. Public humiliation, or public and malicious imputation of a crime or of a vice or defect,
whether real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to
cause dishonor, discredit or expose a person to contempt;
14.5. Deliberate destruction or defacement of, or damage to the child’s property;

14.6. Physical violence committed upon a student, which may or may not result to harm or
injury, with or without the act of weapon. Such violence may be in the form of mauling, hitting,
punching, kicking, throwing things at the student, pinching, spanking, or other similar acts;

14.7. Demanding or requiring sexual or monetary favors or exacting money or property from a
pupil or student; and
14.8.Restraining the liberty and freedom of a pupil or student.

15. Cyber-Bullying. is any conduct which results to harassment, intimidation, or humiliation, through
electronic means or other technology, such as, but not limited to texting, email, instant messaging,
chatting, internet, social networking websites or other platforms or formats.

Chapter IV
Functions of Child Protection Committee
Sec. 1. Draft a school child protection policy with a code of conduct and a plan to
ensure child protection and safety, which shall be reviewed every 3 years;
Sec. 2. Initiate information dissemination programs and organize activities for the
protection of children from abuse;
Sec. 3. Develop and implement a school-based referral and monitoring system;
Sec. 4. Give assistance to parents or guardians, whenever necessary;
Sec. 5. Coordinate closely with the PNP, DSWD, NGOs and other non-governmental
institutions;
Sec. 6. Monitor implementation of positive measures and effective procedures;
Sec 7. Ensure that children’s right to be heard are respected and upheld in all matters
and procedures affecting their welfare.

Chapter V

Policy of Using Gadgets inside the school

Sec. 1. students are not allowed the use or bring mobile phones inside the school.The
school holds no responsibility for phones lost or stolen on school grounds or on external
school visits.
Sec. 2. Personal electronic gadgets, tablets, ipods, ipads or consoles are not allowed in
school, either during school hours or on school tour.
Sec. 3. Students who need to contact home in an emergency during school hours may
do so through their class teacher/Office using the school landline phone.
Sec. 4. Any student who uses a mobile phone or brings an electronic game to school
risks having it confiscated. This device will be turned off and only returned to the
parent/guardian.
Sec. 5. If a students is found taking photographs or video footage with a mobile phone
of either other pupils or teachers, this will be regarded as a serious offence and
disciplinary action will be taken according to the school’s Code of Behaviour.

Chapter IV

Policy for Parents and Visitors

Sec. 1. Protocol and Procedures

All visitors to the school may be asked to bring formal identification with them at the time
of their visit (unless they are named on the approved visitors list as set out below). They
must follow the procedure below.
1.1. At times when the security gates are closed, all visitors must stop at the gate and
wait school personnel or security guards to accommodate.
1.2. Once on site, all visitors must report to reception first. No visitor is permitted to
enter the school via any other entrance under any circumstances.
1.3. At reception, all visitors must state the purpose of their visit and who has invited
them. They should be ready to produce formal identification upon request.
1.4. All visitors will be asked to sign the Visitors Record Book which is kept in reception
at all times making note of their name, organization, who they are visiting, car
registration and visitor badge number.
1.5. All visitors will be required to wear an identification badge – the badge must remain
visible throughout their visit and wear decent attire.
1.6. Visitors will then be escorted to their point of contact OR their point of contact will
be asked to come to reception to receive the visitor. The contact will then be responsible
for them while they are on site. The visitor must not be allowed to move about the site
unaccompanied unless they are registered on the Approved Visitor List.

Chapter IV

Policy of holding activities inside the school beyond school hours

Sec. 1. No activities shall be held during Saturday with-out supervision of the teacher or
teacher in-charge.

Sec. 2. No activities shall be done during Saturday with out special permit from the
school head.
Sec. 3. No activities shall be done beyond school hours except if the situation so
warrant.

Chapter V

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEACHERS

1. be caring, fair and committed to the best interests of the pupils/students entrusted to
their care, and seek to motivate, inspire and celebrate effort and
Success
2. acknowledge and respect the uniqueness, individuality and specific needs of
pupils/students and promote their holistic development
3. be committed to equality and inclusion and to respecting and accommodating
diversity including those differences arising from gender, civil status, family status,
sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, ethnicity, membership of the Traveller
community and socio-economic status, and any further grounds as may be referenced
in equality legislation in the future.
4. seek to develop positive relationships with pupils/students, colleagues, parents,
school management and others in the school community, that are characterized by
professional integrity and judgment
5. work to establish and maintain a culture of mutual trust and respect in their schools.
6. uphold the reputation and standing of the profession
7. take all reasonable steps in relation to the care of pupils/students under their
supervision, so as to ensure their safety and welfare
8. work within the framework of relevant legislation and regulations
9. comply with agreed national and school policies,procedures and guidelines which
aim to promote pupil/student education and welfare and child protection
10. report, where appropriate, incidents or matters which impact on pupil/student
welfare
11. communicate effectively with pupils/students, colleagues, parents, school
management and others in the school community in a manner that is professional,
collaborative and supportive, and based on trust and respect
12. ensure that any communication with pupils/ students, colleagues, parents, school
management and others is appropriate, including communication via electronic media,
such as e-mail, texting and social networking sites
13. ensure that they do not knowingly access, download or otherwise have in their
possession while engaged in school activities, inappropriate materials/images in
electronic or other format
14 ensure that they do not knowingly access ,download or otherwise have in their
possession, illicit materials/images in electronic or other format
15 ensure that they do not practice while under the influence of any substance which
impairs their fitness to teach.

CHAPTER VI
Code of conduct for Students

You must:
1. Dress in a manner that is appropriate for an academic environment.

2. Treat all members of the School community with respect and courtesy.
3. Be ambassadors for the school in the local area: be courteous and polite to
members of the local community.
 4. Respect the facilities, books and resources provided to assist you in your studies
5. Wear your School ID visibly at all times when on the campus.
8. Switch off phones and store them out of sight in class, unless by permission of the
teacher.
You must not:
1. Bring non-students onto the School campus. Any visitors must be taken to check
in at reception. If you are aware of any unauthorized visitors, you must report this to a
member of staff.
2. Drop or leave litter around the School campus.
3. Smoke or use e-cigarettes on any part of the school campus including immediately
outside the School entrances.
4. Bring alcohol onto the School premises or be under the influence of alcohol at any
time during the school day.
5. Be in possession of any bladed articles, offensive weapons or firearms.
6. Be in possession of illegal substances or bring such substances onto the College
campus.
7. Be under the influence of illegal drugs, legal highs or any other non-prescribed
psychoactive substances.
8. Engage in any violent or threatening behaviour.
10. Bully, harass or discriminate against any member of the School community.
11. Use School facilities to send or view any obscene, offensive or illegal material.
12. Behave in a manner, within or outside School, that may bring the School into
disrepute. This includes any criminal or antisocial behaviour.

13. destroy school facilities or make vandalism in any place of the school.

CHAPTER VII

Procedure

If the bullying or peer abuse resulted in serious physical injuries or death, whenever
appropriate, the case shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No.
7610 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. Depending on the gravity of the bullying
committed by any pupil, student or learner, the school may impose other non-disciplinary
measures.

1.The child and the parents or guardians must be informed of the complaint in writing;

2.The child shall be given the opportunity to answer the complaint in writing, with the
assistance of the parents or guardians;

3.The decision of the school head must be writing, stating the facts and the reasons for
the decisions;
 4.The decision of the school head may be appealed as provided in existing rules of the
Department.

CHAPTER VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Applicability

a. This policy supersedes all those previously issued and shall take effect upon the approval
of the principal and the Committee.

b. This policy shall govern all cases of misconduct brought after it takes effect and to further
pending proceeding except to the extent that its application would not be feasible or would
cause injustice to any party.

Section 2. Repealing clause

All existing School rules and regulations in so far as they are inconsistent with this policy,
are hereby repealed or amended as the case may be.

CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE:

 MARK A. CASTRO
Chairman

Mr. BERNIE P. IBANEZ

Vice-Chairman

MEMBERS:

GARVIE MEDINA MARIVIC CONTADO

Faculty Club Representatives Parents-Teachers Association

SUPREME STUDENT COUNCIL

ROMEO SILVA DAWN MARIE ARANETA

BARANGAY COUNCIL YEAR LEADER