St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School 9 Drynan Street Summer Hill 2130 Phone 9798 7478 Fax: 9799 6380 Email: [email protected]

St Patrick’s Summer Hill Lock-Down and Lock-Out Policy RATIONALE 1. Lock-down: On rare occasions, when there is an immediate and imminent threat to the school, it may be necessary to seal off the school, so that it is not able to be entered from the outside. This is called a ‘lock-down’. If, for any reason, it is deemed that the school should be locked and secure, the procedures below will form the school’s policy and procedures for any ‘lock-down’ contingency. The school will ensure that staff and students are aware of these procedures and they are practised on a regular basis. 2. Lock-out: A “lock-out” is used when the threat is general or the incident is occurring off the school property. A “lock-out” is a procedure which allows the school to continue with the normal school day, but limits entry to the school property and curtails outside activity.

PROCEDURES FOR LOCK-DOWN 1. The bell will be rung twice in groups of three rings as the signal to initiate a “lock-down”. This signal will activate a process of locking the school’s classrooms, offices, and all outside doors of the school. 2. The bell will be followed by a message over the PA system indicating that this is a lock-down “LOCK DOWN” 3. Principal or office staff call 000 or Ashfield Police Station 9797 4099. 4. The Principal or office staff will notify the Parish Priest that a “lockdown” is in progress.

Christ Alive in Us- Compassion~ Justice~ Integrity ~Stewardship

5. Should an intruder be identified in an area other than the main office, the closest staff member will contact the office or Principal. The office will then initiate lock down. 6. Inside classrooms, teachers ensure that windows and doors are locked, blinds are drawn and the lights are turned off. 7. Staff and students move to less visible parts of the rooms and/or take shelter under furniture. Keep as quiet as possible. 8. Students or staff, not in class for any reason, will proceed to the nearest occupied classroom and remain with that class. 9. Students in classrooms with support staff are to remain with the teachers or teachers assistants in “lock-down” mode and not attempt to return to their own classrooms. 10.Classes in the Church should remain in the Church, moving to the back, away from the doors. 11.Teachers and children on the playground will enter the nearest classroom. 12.If a “lock-down” occurs during recess or lunch or before or after school, children and supervising staff are to walk quickly to the nearest classrooms and stay in “lock-down” mode. 13.Teachers should listen for communication, keep the phone lines clear and wait for instructions. NO ONE SHOULD MOVE ABOUT THE SCHOOL. 14.Staff and students will remain in locked classrooms and offices until it is ascertained that there is no threat or danger to the children, then an “ALL CLEAR” signal is given over the PA system to inform staff that normal school programs and procedures can resume. 15.As soon as possible after the “lock-down”, teachers should conduct a roll call and notify the principal immediately of any students not accounted for.

Christ Alive in Us- Compassion~ Justice~ Integrity ~Stewardship

PROCEDURES: LOCK OUT 1.

The bell will be rung TWICE in groups of three rings and a ‘lock-out” will be advised over the PA- “LOCK OUT”

2.

Principal or office staff call 000 or Ashfield Police Station 9797 4099.

3.

Principal and office staff will secure all external gates and entrances. The front entrance to the school will be monitored and only authorised personnel will be permitted to enter.

4.

Teachers and children will go on with their normal class activities.

5.

Children will not move around the school, go to the playground, Library, other classrooms and Canteen.

6.

All teachers and students who are on the playground doing sport will immediately return to classrooms.

7.

The Principal / office staff will notify the Parish Priest that a “lock-out” is in progress.

8.

No-one, except the police will be permitted to enter the school premises.

9.

When the threat is over, the all-clear signal will be given over the PA.

Staff Roles 1. Office staff ensure that their office is locked and prepare to phone 000 or Ashfield Police 9797 4099 if necessary. 2. Principal or office staff member locks the school’s front door. 3. Office staff phone the Parish Priest. 3. Individual teachers lock classroom door(s) and windows and nearest external doors. 4. Canteen staff lock canteen and remain inside in “lock-down” or “lockout”mode.

Christ Alive in Us- Compassion~ Justice~ Integrity ~Stewardship

Action Flowchart for LOCK DOWN and LOCK OUT LOCK DOWN Bell rings TWICE in groups of 3 rings Message over P.A. LOCK DOWN

LOCK OUT Bell rings TWICE is groups of 3 rings Message over P.A. LOCK OUT

Go To Lock-down or Lock-out

Remain in classroom or Go to nearest room Secure doors and Windows

“All Clear” Signal given over PA Conduct roll call Advise Principal if anyone is unaccounted for

Christ Alive in Us- Compassion~ Justice~ Integrity ~Stewardship