Democratic Principles Statement

St Finbar’s Primary School adheres to and promotes the Democratic Principles of Australian Democracy.

• We acknowledge the right of our elected Governments, their departments and officers to require certain conditions relating to the programs and teaching practices in our school.
• We acknowledge that all persons are entitled to be treated equally before the law and, as far as it is within our capacity to do so, we endeavor to treat all members of our community with equity and fairness. 
• We believe not only in the freedom of religion, but also the need to practice tolerance and understanding of others’ beliefs.
• We believe in the values of openness and tolerance, and value and respect all members of the school community regardless of background.

At St Finbar’s we strive to ensure that our students develop:

• An understanding of, and commitment to, Australia’s democratic system of government, law and civic life
• The knowledge, skills and values to act as informed and responsible citizens
• An appreciation of the experiences and heritage of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples and their influence on Australian civic identity and society.
• An appreciation of Australia as a multicultural society and a commitment to supporting intercultural understandings.
• An understanding of the ways in which governance structures from other countries are similar to, or differ from, democracy in Australia.