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LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICYPersonnel (National Administration Guideline 3) RATIONALE: From time to time staff members may request leave from school either for reasons contained in their contract or for reasons other than those covered. It is important that all applications are treated fairly and equitably. PURPOSES: 1. To ensure that all staff are aware of the application process. 2. To ensure that all leave applications are treated fairly and equitably. 3. To maintain appropriate staffing levels. GUIDELINES: 1. When requesting leave for any reason staff should fill in a Leave of Absence form and hand it to the Principal. This includes leave during any part of the school day excluding the lunch hour. 2. If a staff member is ill, they are to ring the Deputy Principal or other designated person, who will arrange for relief cover. The decision for relief for part or whole days rests with the Principal and Deputy Principal. 3. When a staff member is away from school under sick leave provisions for three consecutive school days, they will produce a medical certificate stating the nature of the illness or injury, so that the status of the leave can be determined. If there is a reoccurring pattern of absence, the Principal, may request a medical certificate (this will be at the schools cost). 4. The property officer is entitled to holiday leave during school break times, but this needs to be applied for in the same way, and will be in agreement between the principal and the property officer depending on school operational requirements. 5. The Principal will give the staff at least a term's notice of callback days during the school break periods. 6. Discretionary leave - five days or fewer. 7. The principal is delegated the authority to grant leave applications of up to five days. In making the decisions the principal will consider the following: • The reason for the application • The frequency of requests from the staff member • The effect of granting the request on the running of the school • The time of the year • The appropriateness of the length of the leave • In responding negatively to a request for leave, the principal will provide a reason for a denial. DISCRETIONARY LEAVE - FOR MORE THAN FIVE DAYS • No staff member is entitled to leave as of right. • All applications must be submitted in writing to the Principal prior to a Board monthly meeting. • Staff should consult the relevant employment contract prior to submitting an application. • In considering an application, the Board will look at relevant issues. • Leave with or without pay will be at the discretion of the Board having due consideration to relevant contracts. • All decisions will be made in a manner that is consistent, fair and equitable. Board of Trustees Chairperson: ________________________ 31/05/2011 Policy reviewed 3 May 2011. Next review date 3 May 2014. |
