About our School

OUR SCHOOL MOTTO IS “STRIVING TO ACHIEVE”.

Pendle Hill Public School was established in 1955 in a semi-rural setting. The original school was located in the two weather board buildings with thirty six children, all under the instruction of Mr E Hernfield, teacher-in- charge. Since its beginning there have been many improvements, not the least of which are the playing fields, transformed from a swamp, the establishment of a rainforest garden and the new brick buildings built during the sixties and seventies. A Covered Outdoor Learning Area was built in 2005 and a hall from BER government funds in 2009/2010.

Today the school retains a close community atmosphere but is located in a well established suburb in the city of Holroyd, close to Parramatta. The school currently has eleven classes, an Early Intervention Unit and a Preschool, a total of approximately two hundred and ninety students and about twenty staff.

Students are offered a range of learning opportunities at Pendle Hill Public School, with a heavy focus on literacy and numeracy programs.

Complementing class programs are a number of other programs, including debating, choir and inter-school and social sport. Cabling in all classrooms pre-school to Year 6 gives networked computer access for all students as an integral part of the curricula. All permanent classrooms and the library have interactive whiteboards. The school has a connected classroom (a video conferencing facility) mobile laptop laboratories in each block of classrooms giving students access to a range of technology which is used to enhance learning in a range of areas.

The school also enjoys the services of support staff in the areas of Library, English as a Second Language, Learning Difficulties and a School Counsellor. The school’s programs and activities are actively supported by an enthusiastic and committed Parents’ and Citizens’ Association.

This booklet aims to information about the school and its organisation. If, after reading the booklet, you have any questions that are still unanswered, please don’t hesitate to contact the school. Parents and Carers are encouraged to participate in a variety of ways with many informal and formal opportunities for involvement in the school. I trust your family’s association with the school is both happy and rewarding.

Gabrielle Buczynski Principal

PENDLE HILL PUBLIC SCHOOL

Principal Mrs Gabrielle Buczynski

Assistant Principal Mrs Nicole Hogan Mrs Sarah Mulligan Miss Michelle Munro (Relieving)

Administration Staff Mrs Lyn Russell Mrs Julie Curtis Mrs Jen Miles

Telephone Numbers 9631 8253 or 9631 5857 Fax: 9896 3082

School Hours 8.55am – 2.55pm

Bell Times Morning 8.55 am Recess 10.55 am - 11.15am Lunch eating 1.00pm -1.10pm Lunch 1.10 pm- 1.50 pm Afternoon 2.55 pm

Please ensure your child is on time for morning lines every day. The bell rings at 8.55. am

Address & Phone Numbers:

The school’s address for all correspondence is:

Pendle Hill Public School Pendle Way WENTWORTHVILLE NSW 2145

Phone: 9631 8253 or 9631 5857 Fax: 9896 3082 Website

General Information

Attendance

It is essential for your child to attend school every day and to arrive on time each day. School attendance is compulsory and students must attend unless they have good reason. The school is required to monitor student attendance. If your child has a concerning pattern of absence you may receive a letter regarding their absences. If concerns continue the school will contact you to discuss the matter and may request a meeting. Students who fail to attend regularly after concern has been communicated regarding the absences will be referred to the District Home School Liaison Officer.

If your child is absent for any reason you must explain the absence by sending a dated note, clearly explaining the reason, on their return to school. If your child is absent for more than three days and has not returned to school you should ring the school to explain the absence.

If students are going to be absent from school for a holiday of more than a few days during school term parents must request leave from the principal by completing an exemption form available at the school office.

Banking

Banking Day is Wednesday. Students are able to deposit money into Commonwealth Bank accounts through the school. Account information is available through the office.

Before and After School Care

Pendle Hill Public School has an Out of School Hours Centre on site, which is run by Holroyd Council. All enquiries should be made by phoning 9631 8063. Information is also available at the school office.

Bicycles

Children are not permitted to ride bicycles or skate boards anywhere in the school grounds. Bikes that are ridden to school must be locked onto the bike racks provided. In the interests of child safety and by law, all bike riders must wear a helmet.

Birthdays

If you wish your child to celebrate their birthday with classmates please send a lolly bag for each child in the class to take home. Unfortunately we are not able to have birthday cakes due to the risk of allergic reaction amongst vulnerable students. We do however have a wooden cake with which to celebrate the birthday.

Book Club

Books may be ordered through Scholastic Book Club. There is no obligation to purchase books. A pamphlet with details will be sent home periodically.

Car Parks

Please do not drive into school grounds for any reason.

The car park is out of bounds to children unless accompanied by a teacher.

Concerns and Complaints

If you have a concern about your child, an incident or other issue you may make an appointment to discuss this with their teacher. You may request an interview with the principal should you wish to discuss the issue further or if you have a concern you feel the teacher may not be able to resolve. Issues may also be raised directly with the principal or assistant principals. If you are unhappy with the way the school resolves a concern you may discuss the issue with the District Office at Nirimba ph: 9208 7611.

Custody Arrangements

The school should be advised in writing of any special or unusual custody arrangements concerning children at school. If one parent is denied access to a child through normal legal channels, this information should be relayed to the school executive and will be treated in confidence. Should custody arrangements change at any time, it is essential that we are advised in writing. A copy of court documents indicating custody / access rulings should be given to the Principal. Unless otherwise informed and legal documentation sighted the school is legally bound to allow both parents collect a student or request information relating to that student.

Early Intervention Support Class

At Pendle Hill we have an Early Childhood Intervention Class which accepts children between the ages 3 to 5 years, who are identified as needing assistance to overcome a learning disability, before starting school. These children are integrated on a regular basis with our Pre-School children. If you have a child who might qualify for this program please contact the school.

Excursions

From time to time excursions are planned to support class programs. You will be notified in writing of planned excursions well in advance. A cost may apply.

First Aid

Basic first aid for injuries suffered at school is administered in the sick bay. In all cases of sudden illness or serious accident the staff will make every effort to contact parents. If neither parent/contact person can be reached appropriate action will be taken.

Health

Parents are asked to notify the school if their child suffers from any medical conditions or allergies. If these details change at any time please notify us immediately. You must also make any alterations necessary to the Student Detail form sent home periodically as these are recorded on the computer in case of accident or emergency. The school has an asthma emergency management plan. If your child has asthma please ensure that the necessary forms are completed and returned to school.

If you change your phone number please notify us immediately. It is also necessary to make sure that the school is supplied with a current emergency contact number in the event of you not being available. Hours and Punctuality

Normal School hours are 8.55am - 2.55 for all children. A warning bell sounds at 8.53 each morning.

Children may not arrive at school before 8.25am and should go straight home after school. It is a parental responsibility to ensure students have a safe method of travelling to and from school. Children not collected after the afternoon bell should come to the office.

Punctuality is important and all late arrivals are required to go to the front office for a ‘Late Slip’ before proceeding to classrooms.

Children may only leave before 2.55pm in the company of a parent or authorised adult. Parents wishing to pick up children early should collect an ‘Early Departure’ slip from the school office.

Lunch Orders

Lunch orders may be placed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The orders are filled by a local shop. Lunch Orders should be placed in the box displayed at morning lines. Parent volunteers are needed to process lunch orders, inform the office of your availability if you are able to assist. Price list is available at the office or on our website.

Medication

Staff can only administer prescribed medication. Medication must be brought to the school office with a signed letter explaining the exact times and quantities to be taken. If your child is an asthmatic and you have completed an asthma plan your child may carry medication to be used when needed. No other form of medication may be kept with a child during the day.

Mobile Phones

Students are only permitted to bring a mobile phone to school where their parent deems it necessary for safety reasons whilst travelling to and from school. In this event parents must inform the principal in writing and the phone must be handed in at the office for safe keeping during the day.

Money Collection

Children should not bring large amounts of money to school. Correct money for excursions etc should be brought in a SEALED envelope marked with the child’s name, class, amount and reason that money is being sent. The envelope can be lodged in the money collection box in the office.

Newsletter

A newsletter is sent home to parents each fortnight (even weeks Thursdays). It contains reports on happenings throughout the school and advises of forthcoming events.

Nuts

We have several children who have nut allergies. Please do not send nuts or food containing nuts to school with your child. This includes peanut butter, nutella and any nut products.

Parents’ and Citizens’ Association (P & C) The P & C Association meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month either during the day or evening, as advertised. The Annual General Meeting for the election of office bearers, members of committees etc. is held in March. All parents are invited to attend P & C meetings when possible.

An active P & C Association is vital. It contributes to the social, cultural and educational needs of the school community. Its role in promoting parent, teacher and school co-operation and its place as the forum for parent- school discussion and debate cannot be too strongly emphasised.

Parent / Teacher Interviews A formal opportunity to discuss their child’s progress is offered to all parents in the mid year. Parents are welcome to request interviews at other times. Requests can be made through the office.

Teachers are unavailable for interview whilst supervising students. Please do not approach teachers to discuss your child whilst they are supervising students in classrooms or walking with students from morning lines.

Often parents will inquire about a student’s progress informally e.g. in the playground. In this circumstance teachers will often give general response from which parents can gather an incorrect impression. A formal interview is a more confidential forum in which the teacher can discuss your child’s progress.

Religious Instruction

Children are able to attend 30 minute scripture classes each Tuesday when scripture teachers are available. Scripture classes are taken by local volunteers and clergy. Classes are held for Protestant, Catholic, Hindu and Muslim children if teachers are provided by these religious groups.

If you do not wish your child to attend scripture classes please send a signed note.

Reports

There is a regular program of assessment of individual student progress. Formal reports are sent to parents each semester based on the information gained through the process of continuous assessment of student achievement.

The Department of Education and Training also provides parents with results of NAPLAN Testing which is administered to Years 3 and 5 in May each year.

School Counsellor

The school has the services of a school counsellor. The Counsellor is also available for interviews with parents.

The counsellor assesses children referred by the school’s Learning Support Team. The counsellor advises on suitable placement and support and works with teachers to meet the needs of children experiencing emotional, behavioural or academic difficulty.

Sport

While sport is organised on a K – 6 basis within the school, we encourage children to become involved in organised sport outside of school hours. Talented students are involved in district trials. In Term 1 we hold a Swimming Carnival at a local pool for Years 3 – 6.

In winter we hold a Cross-Country Carnival for years 3-6 and Annual Athletics Carnival from K – 6. Competing Houses BLAXLAND - BLUE WENTWORTH - RED LAWSON - GREEN

Houses are the basis of school sport and other competitions and activities. The children elect House Captains each year and members of staff act as House Patrons. The school also enters teams in the local Primary Schools Sports Association, PSSA, summer and winter competitions which are run on Friday mornings. Sports include newcombe ball, netball, cricket, AFL and soccer.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Students are elected to represent their classmates on the SRC. They meet regularly to discuss issues that arise from class meetings. The aim of the SRC is to encourage all students to participate in decision making and improve the conditions in which students learn. The SRC also provides leadership opportunities for students.

Travel to school and road safety

Please ensure your child has a safe method of travel to and from school. Young students should travel with an adult. Use pedestrian gates to enter the school do not walk into or out of the grounds using the driveway.

If you are crossing roads around the school please use the marked crossings. Never call your child from a car parked across the road, cross and collect them. Children school leave the car from the passenger side and an adult should walk them across any roads.

Please be very careful when driving and parking around the school. Children have very limited road sense, their hearing and vision is not fully developed - they may not see or hear an approaching car. Never double park around the school. If you park in Arnett Street do not do a U-turn close to the school gates.

Transfer of Students

If a student is transferring to another school, parents are requested to notify us beforehand and collect a transfer certificate from the office to take to your child’s new school.

In special circumstances (e.g. mother in hospital and child living with a relative for several weeks) a student can attend another school on “Temporary Enrolment”, in which case the school should also be advised.

Uniform

See uniform policy (pages following)

Valuables, Jewellery and Make-up

 Children should not bring valuables to school. This includes electronic games and mobile phones.  A watch and stud earrings only may be worn at school. Other jewellery is not permitted.  Make-up is not appropriate at school and may not be worn.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Under the Public Health Act and Department of Education Regulations some common infectious diseases require children to be kept from school to prevent the spread of infection.

Details are:-

DISEASE PATIENTS - PERIOD CONTACTS - PERIOD OF EXCLUSION OF EXCLUSION

Chicken pox Exclude for at least five Not excluded days after the first spots appear or when blisters have all crusted.

Conjunctivitis Until discharge has ceased Not excluded

German Measles Until child has fully recovered Not excluded or for at least 4 days after the rash appears.

Infectious Until child has recovered Not excluded. Hepatitis (usually 7 days from the Recommended family first signs of jaundice). contacts have injections.

Impetigo See your family doctor. If It is not necessary to keep the sores are being treated contacts at home. and are properly covered by a clean dressing, children are allowed to attend school.

Measles Exclude for at least 4 days If a child has been in contact from appearance of the rash. with someone who has It is recommended that all measles, he/she may be children receive measles/ prevented from catching the mumps/rubella immunisation disease if vaccinated within 3 at 12 months of age and a days of contact. booster dose between the Unimmunised contacts should ages of 10 – 16 years be kept home for 14 days unless immunisation is given.

DISEASE PATIENTS - PERIOD OF CONTACTS - PERIOD OF EXCLUSION OF EXCLUSION

Mumps Until the child has fully It is not necessary to keep recovered, and for 9 days contacts at home. after the appearance of the swelling.

Pediculosis Your child need not be sent Contacts should be treated (lice in hair) home from school. Treatment at the same time you are can be carried out that night, treating the affected person. and the child can return to Notify the school. school the next day.

Ringworm Keep your child home until It is not necessary to keep you have seen your contacts at home, but you pharmacist and begun should inspect them treatment. Notify the school. regularly for signs of ringworms.

Scabies Keep your child home until Contacts are not excluded you have seen a pharmacist but you should inspect them and begun suitable treatment. regularly for signs of scabies.

Whooping Cough Child should be kept at home Unimmunised contacts for 14 days from the start of who attend a child care illness, or until 5 days from or preschool, should be kept the start of a 14 day course home for 14 days from of antibiotics has been exposure, or until they have completed. had 5 days of a 14 day course of antibiotics. Unimmunised contacts in primary school Do NOT need to stay home.

POLICIES

The school has a range of policies available upon request. Below are sections of the most requested policies.

Student Welfare Policy

When parents enrol their children at Pendle Hill Public School they enter into a partnership with the school staff based on shared responsibilities and mutual respect. The aim of this partnership is to achieve effective learning and good discipline so that the school environment is both productive and harmonious.

The Ministerial statement Good Discipline and Effective Learning states: “The public school system has three over-riding priorities:  raising educational standards and levels of educational achievement;  the provision of quality education for all;  the care and safety of the students in its charge.

In achieving these priorities, it provides young people with their foundation for life. The community of Pendle Hill Public School believe that good discipline is fundamental to the achievement of these priorities in preparing children for their positive role in society.

The Pendle Hill Public School Discipline Code aims to create an environment where students:  students feel happy and safe  develop self discipline and responsible decision making  develop confidence and self esteem  show courtesy, care and respect for each other  are treated fairly and with dignity

School Rules /Expectations

Students at Pendle Hill Public School are expected to be helpful, safe, respectful learners.

What do these rules/expectations mean?

Expectation What does this mean? Helpful students help other students, teachers and other staff, parents and visitors to the Helpful school. Helpful students consider others and try to anticipate ways in which they can assist the people they work and play with each day.

Safe students keep their hands and feet to themselves. Safe Safe students are in the right place at the right time. Safe students never throw sticks, stones or other objects. Safe students are responsible for ensuring their actions do not harm or pose a danger to others. Respectful students listen when others speak. Respectful Respectful students are courteous to others. Respectful students do not bully or tease others Respectful students think about and respect the feelings of others before they say something. Respectful students only use appropriate language. Good learners listen when others speak. Learners Good learners complete set tasks. Good learners strive to always do their best. Good learners have a go. Behaviour Reward System Positive Rewards When students are helpful safe, respectful learners they will accumulate awards which will help them achieve a bronze, silver or gold award. Class teachers will give green certificates for behaviour each week. The certificate will be linked to the classroom reward system and all students should have the opportunity to receive the award if they have achieved individual or group behaviour goals. Teachers will develop a method for recording these. When students are awarded, bronze, silver and gold certificates their names will be placed in the appropriate prize draw boxes and students become eligible for a weekly prize draw. In Term 4 a special reward event will be held for students who have been awarded bronze, silver and gold awards.

How do I get this? Reward Green Certificate You will collect awards for good behaviour. Students will receive a green award at the end of each week for achieving individual goals based on the school wide expectations for that week. Bronze Certificate Certificate at stage Assembly, Name displayed When students receive 10 green certificates in a calendar year in class they become eligible for a bronze award. Bronze prize draw at K-6 assembly Invited to reward day/BBQ at end of year

Silver Certificate Certificate at stage Assembly, Name displayed When students have received 20 green certificates in a calendar in class, year they become eligible for a silver award. Silver prize draw at K-6 assembly Invited to reward day/BBQ at end of year

Gold Certificate Certificate at assembly When students have received 30 green certificates in a calendar Gold prize draw at K-6 assembly, year they become eligible for a gold award. Photo displayed in hall. Invited to reward day/BBQ at end of year

* New students are eligible for reward certificates and activities on a pro rata basis. Inappropriate Behaviour

Where students display inappropriate behaviour a number of consequences may apply these include from verbal warnings, time out, lunchtime detention, individualised behaviour cards and targeted interventions. A structured classroom behaviour management procedure is used to manage inappropriate classroom behaviour. When students display repeated instance of minor misbehaviours or more significant inappropriate behaviour the behaviour is recorded on a yellow or orange slip.

Behaviour Alerts Consequences Behaviour Alert Amber warning An amber warning letter may be sent if a student behaviour is approaching serious concerns Behaviour Alert Amber A letter will be sent home outlining the reasons When students have been given three behaviour slips they will for concern about a student’s behaviour. The be referred to the supervisor who will determine if further principal will be notified. The student’s parents consequences should apply. will be asked to attend an interview. They may An amber warning letter may be sent if a student behaviour is be placed on lunch time detention and excluded approaching serious concerns. If the behaviour warrants the from other activities such as excursions for a student receive an amber alert letter. week or longer if your behaviour does not Some instances of misbehaviour may result in immediate issuing improve. of an amber alert by an executive member of staff. During this week the student may not be eligible In the case of students who show repeated instances of to attend PSSA sport or school excursions. If a misbehaviour behaviour modification programs will be put into student receives an Amber Alert more than once place and in some cases a referral to the school LST for a term they may not be eligible to attend school behaviour support may occur. The PBL team and the LST will excursions or PSSA sport for the remainder of monitor the progress of such students. A risk assessment of the the term. student behaviour may be conducted and strategies put into If a student receives an Amber Alert more than place. once in a school year they may not be eligible to attend overnight excursions. Red Behaviour Alert A letter will be sent home outlining the reasons In the case of continued unacceptable behaviour or a serious for concern about a student’s behaviour. The breach of discipline a student will be issued with a red behaviour student’s parents will be asked to attend an alert and may be suspended from school. interview with the principal and other staff at Continued misbehaviour may result in a suspension from school. which time concerns about your behaviour will In the case of students who show repeated instances of be discussed and a plan for improvement misbehaviour behaviour modification programs will be put into developed. The student’s behaviour will be place and in some cases a referral to the school LST for monitored on a sessional or daily basis by a behaviour support may occur. The PBL team and the LST will member of the executive. The student’s monitor the progress of such students. A risk assessment of the behaviour will be monitored for a period of at student behaviour may be conducted and strategies put into least two weeks or longer if the behaviour does place. not improve. The student will be excluded from the playground for a period and may not be eligible to attend excursions, away sport or other special activities. If a student receives a Red Alert more than once a term they may not be eligible to attend school excursions or PSSA sport for the remainder of the term. If a student receives a Red Alert more than once in a school year they may not be eligible to attend overnight excursions.

Pendle Hill Public School Anti Bullying Plan 2012 Statement of purpose Teachers, students, parents, caregivers and members of the wider community have a responsibility to work together to address, prevent and respond to bullying. Schools need to provide opportunities for students to take part in learning experiences that address key understandings and skills relating to positive relationships, safety, gender equity, discrimination, bullying and harassment. Students should expect that their concerns about bullying will be responded to by school staff and that appropriate support will be provided (for both the target of, and the person responsible for, the bullying behaviour). Definition Bullying is repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more persons. Cyber bullying refers to bullying through information and communication technologies. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved including bystanders. Bullying behaviour can be:  verbal e.g. name calling, teasing, abuse, putdowns, sarcasm, insults, threats  physical e.g.. hitting, punching, kicking, scratching, tripping, spitting  social e.g.. ignoring, excluding, ostracising, alienating, making inappropriate gestures  psychological e.g. spreading rumours, dirty looks, hiding or damaging possessions, malicious SMS and email messages, inappropriate use of camera phones and phones in general.

Protection The school will respond to instances of bullying in line with the school student welfare policy. The school community has a shared responsibility to prevent and respond to bullying. The school will: Respond to and investigate all reports of bullying. Develop and implement programs to educate students about bullying. Inform parents and students about school antibullying plans. Students are expected to: Be Helpful, Safe, Respectful Learners. Report any bullying to a staff member. Participate in school antibullying programs. Parents and caregivers are expected to: Behave respectfully to all members of the school community. Report bullying to a staff member. Support school antibullying plans. Monitor their child’s use of internet and mobile phones Prevention Programs to teach and foster appropriate behaviour and antibullying messages are integrated into class programs across the curriculum throughout the year. Social skills including conflict resolution are taught explicitly and specific skills and issues are reinforced through structured lessons and programs. In Term 1 social skills lessons focus on behavioural expectations. School and class rules are examined in this context. Strategies for dealing with bullying are also taught in Peer Support modules or classroom lessons. There is a focus on appropriate ways to resolve conflict and the role of the bystander. Key staff are trained in the Peer Support Antibullying Strategy.

The No, Go tell strategy is taught to empower victims and bystanders. Each classroom has a NO, Go, Tell poster. A weekly respectful learner award targets antibullying messages. A strong SRC operates to give students a voice with class meetings held regularly. Examination of school behaviour data occurs on a regular basis and is used identify issues. The PBL committee uses the data to plan appropriate programs targeting areas of identified needs Parents are encouraged to report concerns to the school. The antibullying plan is provided to families on enrolment. The school newsletter contains regular information about bullying, how to report bullying and antibullying strategies. The antibullying plan is reviewed on at least a biennial basis through consultation with the school community. Early Intervention The Learning Support Team develops and implements early intervention programs for students identified as:  being at risk of developing long term difficulties with social relationships,

 having experienced bullying,

 or being engaged in bullying behaviour. The LST monitors new enrolments to ensure newly enrolled students with a history of bullying or being bullied are followed up. Specific programs are developed and implemented for targeted students and may involve personnel such as the school counsellor or ISTB. A screening process to identify externalizing/internalizing students is conducted each semester in order to identify students for targeted interventions. Programs include:  Targeted Group Social Skills Progam (school counsellor)

 Targeted High School Transition program

 Check in/ Check Out

 Individual contracts

Response Staff manage bullying incidents through normal discipline policy procedures. In line with the school discipline policy incidents are reported to supervisors for further action and referral to PBL team as needed. Class teachers deal with smaller issues. Bullying incidents are dealt with in a timely manner, where possible initial action will occur immediately of a report or at within least 24 hours. Follow up will occur as soon as practicable.

Bullying issues are resolved in a calm manner with time given to hearing what each student feels and assisting all students to deal with incidents. Restitution occurs when required so that students have the notion of rights and responsibilities reinforced and the requirement to take responsibility for their own action.

Appropriate debriefing occurs after incidents and will involve the school counsellor or other personnel where necessary. The No Go Tell strategy is used empower victims and bystanders to deal with bullying. To Bullies everyone Says NO Then GO Then TELL an adult

School discipline policy procedures are applied where further action is appropriate.

The PBL team examine data and plan strategies to deal with significant issues or individual students.

Principal or staff members work with individuals or groups on behaviour contracts focusing on reducing problematic behaviours. District support staff are involved with pro-social programs if required.

The principal will inform or consult with Child Well being Unit/ Community services, Security Directorate and other services (including the police) as necessary. Where applicable procedures within other school and DET policies are applied to incidents. Students and parents have the right to refer complaints about the school’s handling of incidents or appeal against decisions to suspend students as per DEC Complaints Handling Policy and Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion of Students. The PBL Team monitors implementation of the antibullying plan and behaviour data to inform planning and revision of procedures as necessary. The plan will be reviewed at least every three years (review 2014). The effectiveness of the plan and relevant data is reported to the community within the ASR. The plan is made available to families on enrolment and on the school website. Uniform Policy

We ask that you ensure your children wear the correct uniform at all times.

All clothing, school bags and equipment should be clearly labelled with your child’s name and class.

Most School uniform items may be purchased from the school. The school uniform shop is open Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8.35am. School Uniform

Girls Summer Black shorts/skort and gold polo shirt with school crest, or summer dress, white ankle socks and black school shoes. Black school hat.

Winter (change over as the weather necessitates) Black pants, black school sloppy joe, gold skivvy or gold polo shirt Or pinafore K - 4 / Skirts Years 3 to 6 in school tartan, White ankle socks or black stockings and black school shoes. Black school hat.

Boys Summer Black shorts, gold polo shirt with school crest, white ankle socks and black school shoes. Black school hat.

Winter (change over as the weather necessitates) Black pants, school sloppy joe, gold polo shirt or gold skivvy, white ankle socks and black school shoes. Black school hat.

Sport Uniform (Friday)

Black shorts or skirt, house t-shirt, white ankle socks and joggers. Black school hat.

Most uniform items are available from the School Uniform Room.

PLEASE NOTE;

A school hat must be worn at all times in the playground. No hat, no play in unshaded areas.

Homework Policy

Homework will be set for students on a regular basis or whenever the need arises. Teachers will formulate their own class or grades based policy and communicate this, in writing, to parents, using the following guidelines.

PURPOSE  To reinforce and extend class work and consolidate basic skills and knowledge.  To strengthen home-school link.  To provide parents and caregivers an insight into what is being taught in the classroom and the progress of their children.  To further develop information skills.  To establish habits of study, concentration and self-discipline which will serve students for the rest of their lives.   DURATION  Recommended periods of time for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are.....   Year 6 30 minutes  Year 5 25 minutes  Year 4 20 minutes  Year 3 15 minutes  Year 2 15 minutes  Year 1 10/15 minutes  Kindergarten Reading and sight words  In addition, it is expected that students participate in a home reading program. The emphasis needs to be on enjoyment rather than on accuracy. Discussion should be incorporated into the process.   Other activities which involve the parent and child interacting together should be considered, such as:  playing games (e.g. Chess, cards, ball, Monopoly);  writing birthday cards, letters, shopping lists;  talking about a family outing, a school event, etc; and  sharing tasks (e.g. cooking, hanging out the washing, etc.).   STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES  To be aware of requirements.  To take home all materials needed to complete the homework.  To return completed homework.  To inform the teacher of difficulties.   PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES  To provide a suitable working environment and a regular allocated time for students to complete homework.  To display active interest in the homework.  To provide encouragement and praise.  To have realistic expectations of the students’ ability.  To ensure the student completes his/her homework themselves.  To observe and provide support, as required.  To monitor the quality of the homework produced.  To discuss problems with the class teacher.    Internet Policy   RATIONALE  The internet provides students with unprecedented access to information from a range of sources including libraries, educational institutions, data banks, web sties and individuals. This information can be a valuable resource in students’ and teachers’ teaching and learning activities. The school and Department of Education and Training encourage the appropriate use of the internet for educational purposes. The Department of Education and Training provides a secure internet browsing system for staff and students which provides access to email and the general internet by individual password.   The very nature of the World Wide Web is that it is unstructured and uncensored and therefore poses a risk of access to inappropriate, illegal or offensive material.   Technical safeguards put in place by the Department of Education & Training exists to restrict access to certain material on the internet, and this policy and use agreement augments the school’s undertaking and commitment to proper and responsible use by staff, students and community.   CONDITITIONS OF USE o All students are able to access the internet. o Access may be revoked and / or other sanctions applied (as specified in the school’s Welfare Policy) at the principal’s discretion if the student does not follow acceptable use protocols or wilfully breaks the rules and conditions of the policy. o Students must not use the login/passwords of another unless authorised by a staff member. o Students must have permission of a staff member to access the internet and use the internet only for the specific purpose intended.   USE OF THE INTERNET  The internet at Pendle Hill Public School is to be used by staff and students only for purposes of:  - legitimate information searches  - sending and obtaining electronic mail  - participating in video conferences or  - communicating with other students or staff in an educational setting.   Security of accounts and access is gained via password. Each student has their own password to access secure internet browsing. Just as with banking and credit cards, passwords should never be revealed.   The following aspects of network etiquette are expected to be observed by all users:   - Be polite and respectful. Communication contrary to departmental anti-discrimination policies (raciest / biased / sexist) may not be used.  - Use appropriate language.  - Do not reveal any personal details to any other person on the net i.e. Phone numbers, e- mail addresses.  - Do not undertake any activity that would disrupt the use of the network by other people.  - Do not access other people’s communications. E-mail has the same regard and protection as any other form of mail.   Staff will monitor student use    STUDENT USE OF THE INTERNET   The Internet is another research tool that has been provided to the school. As such, it should only be used for this purpose.   If a student is to use this facility they will need to adhere to the following guidelines:  a) Have a specific educational purpose for using the internet or e-mail facility. b) Ask the supervising teacher before they print any material. c) Notify the supervising teacher immediately if they discover any inappropriate material or material that makes them feel uncomfortable. d) Never send a picture or details of yourself, your home, your phone number, home internet account or e-mail address, or anyone else’s without permission from your teacher or parent.   UNACCEPTABLE USE  Unacceptable use includes that which is illegal, and includes activities such as offensive  Unacceptable use of the internet includes that which is illegal, objectionable offensive and includes such activities as:  o Intentionally sending or receiving controversial, indecent, vulgar or abusive material. o Intentionally sending or receiving sexually explicit material of any kind. o Violating software or copyright regulations or laws. o Buying or selling goods o Intentional vandalism through introduction of viruses or tampering with another person’s data or programs. o Using non-school USB’s or CD-ROMS on the system. o Downloading of non-educational material unless authorised by a teacher. E.g. games, music, film clips.           