Can private schools disclose non-educational related personal information about students to their parents?

Yes. Generally, non-educational material can be given to a parent where the student would reasonably expect this to happen. 

Under the Privacy Act, schools need to consider:

Policy documents

Clear policy documents available to parents and students could include what non-educational disclosures the school might make. Example: counselling records.

Sensitive information

Where sensitive information is involved, schools will need to consider:

• the age and best interests of the student
• the need for parents to be informed
• the school's duty of care to the student.

Threat to life or health

A school can disclose information to a parent where it is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious or imminent threat to a student's or someone elses's life, health or safety.

Need more information?

• 10 Steps Guides to protecting personal information
• Guidelines to the National Privacy Principles, see sections:
  • NPP 2 - Use and Disclosure
  • NPP 5 - Openness policy documents
  • NPP 10 - Sensitive information
• The National Privacy Principles