Who this book is for

Cancer in the School Community is a resource for public and private school staff members who would like to better support students, parents and colleagues with cancer. We hope it will provide you with the information and tools you need to understand and respond to issues that arise when someone you know is affected by cancer.

Although this book was written for an audience of public and private school staff members, the content is also relevant to a wide range of people. This book will also be useful for parents, students and family members.

Cancer affects not only an individual and their immediate family, but also has a ripple effect throughout the school community. It can help to acknowledge your feelings and work through them with the help of others and by using resources from organisations including The Cancer Council NSW.

Published March 2008
Cover and Acknowledgements

 

Contents - Download chapters

[Following pages are saved as Adobe PDFs. To view you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the latest version from Adobe website for free of charge.]

 

Cancer in the school community: 10 ways your school can help [265 KB]

A snapshot of the best strategies for supporting a person with cancer. You may distribute copies of this section within your school community to start discussions.

Chapter One: Information about cancer [163 KB]

An introduction to cancer. This section includes information about common types of cancer treatments and their side effects.

Chapter Two: Talking about cancer [111 KB]

Information to help you talk to different audiences about cancer. It includes strategies for respecting a family’s privacy and appointing a liaison person.

Chapter Three: When a student has cancer [211 KB]

Ways for you to support a student through all stages of their cancer and help classmates understand what is happening.

Chapter Four: When a parent has cancer [97 KB]

Information about how a family member’s cancer can affect students, and tips about how your school can support the family.

Chapter Five: When a staff member has cancer [121 KB]

Facts about how cancer may impact a staff member’s life and how your school can help support someone at any stage of their illness.

Chapter Six: A principal’s guide for supporting staff [115 KB]

Tailored advice for principals on how to support colleagues with cancer, including ways to reduce someone’s cancer-related stress and how to address HR concerns.

Chapter Seven: Cancer, death and the school community [101 KB]

Guidance about students’ understanding of death, ways to prepare for death, and how to help the bereaved. It also advises on how to plan a memorial service.

Chapter Eight: Events and fundraising [347 KB]

Details about ways to raise cancer awareness in your community. This includes information about fundraising and organising a cancer awareness presentation.

Chapter Nine: Support services, resources and information [235 KB]

Contact details for the Cancer Council and other support organisations. This section also contains websites for further information and sample letters.

Chapter Ten: Glossary and chapter index [110 KB]

Information about how to define common cancer-related words for people of all ages, and an index to help you navigate this book.

 

Download full report

Cancer in the school community - A guide for staff members [ 1.78 MB]