St Paul's College policies

Statement of Democratic Principles

The VRQA Minimum Standards for School Registration includes a standard concerning the school’s adherence to Australian democratic principles and practice.

This standard is as follows:

The programs of, and teaching in, a school must support and promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy, including a commitment to: 

• elected Government;
• the rule of law;
• equal rights for all before the law;
• freedom of religion;
• freedom of speech and association;
• the values of openness and tolerance.
  
  

VMCH and St Paul’s College is committed to the principles of a liberal democracy.

• We believe in an accountable, democratically elected government.
• We respect and observe the rule of law and believe that no person is above the law.
• We believe in equal rights for all before the law, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender or other attributes.
• We believe not only in the freedom of religion, but also the need to practise tolerance and understanding of others' beliefs.
• We believe in the value of freedom of speech and freedom of association, but also acknowledge that we have the responsibility not to abuse this freedom.
• We believe in the values of openness and tolerance, and value and respect all members of the College community regardless of background.