1. Purpose & Scope

  • Mission alignment: All articles, news, features, and communications must reflect the school’s values—educational excellence, integrity, inclusivity, respect, and community service.

  • Audience: Primarily parents, teaching staff, students, alumni, and the wider school community.

2. Roles & Responsibilities

  • Editorial Committee: Chair (e.g. Principal), plus appointed staff or parent volunteers. They have final sign-off authority.

  • Contributors: Teaching staff, administrative personnel, PTA members—you may also commission guest writers (e.g. visiting experts).

  • Copy Editors: Review grammar, style, formatting, and adherence to policy (fictional; can be role-shared).

3. Content Guidelines

  • Accuracy: Every fact must be verified. Quotes, data, references should be sourced or link-backed.

  • Tone & Style:

    • Use inclusive, positive, and respectful language.

    • Write clearly for a general audience—avoid or explain acronyms and jargon.

  • Originality & Attribution:

    • Preferred content is original.

    • If reusing material (e.g. from charity partners, news outlets), only publish with permission and include full attribution.

  • Student & Staff Privacy:

    • Secure explicit written consent before sharing names/images of minors.

    • For staff, verify they’re happy to be named or featured.

    • Omit or blur identifying details unless permission is granted.

4. Sensitive Topics & Safeguarding

  • Avoid content that could distress or stigmatize students or families.

  • For topics like mental health, bullying, or special needs support:

    • Use factual and supportive language.

    • Provide contact info for school counselors or trusted external services.

5. Editorial Review Process

  1. Drafting: Contributor writes content aligned with guidelines.

  2. First Edit: Copy editor checks clarity, style, factual accuracy.

  3. Fact‑Check: Any dates, events, statements are cross‑checked by a second party.

  4. Policy Compliance: Ensure privacy consents and attributions are in place.

  5. Final Review & Approval: Editorial Committee gives the go‑ahead.

  6. Publish & Notify: Articles are posted online and announced via whatever channels (email newsletter, social media).

6. Corrections & Updates

  • If errors are found after publication:

    1. Correct promptly.

    2. Add a note at the bottom: “*Correction (Date): …”

    3. If significant, notify readers (e.g. updated newsletter entry).

  • For information that has become outdated (e.g., event dates in past):

    • Clearly mark as “Archived” or apply a banner stating “No longer current.”

7. Comments, Feedback & Community Engagement

  • If your website allows public comments:

    • Moderate comments to remove spam, personal attacks, profanity, or misinformation.

    • Encourage civil, respectful dialogue—delete content that violates this.

  • Provide a “Contact Us” or feedback form: encourage community members to suggest corrections or story ideas.

8. Legal & Ethical Considerations

  • Copyright rules:

    • Use only licensed or public domain images.

    • Credit creators properly (e.g. “Photo by …”).

  • Data protection:

    • Do not publish personal info (emails, home addresses) without explicit consent.

    • Any data collected through the site must comply with applicable privacy laws (e.g. GDPR, if relevant).

  • Disclaimers:

    • Include a statement at bottom such as:

      “Content is provided for informational purposes. For official policies or procedures, contact [role/department].”

9. Review & Updates of This Policy

  • This Editorial Policy should be reviewed annually or after key events (e.g. new privacy law).

  • Any changes must be approved by the Editorial Committee and communicated to all contributors.