Updated 2019

A sincere welcome to all to Byfield State School.

At our school we consider education a three-way process between teacher, parent and child where constructive, respectful and positive relationships exist between all members. When all these factors are highly valued by all, great success and high self-esteem is evident in our students.

The information in this handbook will assist all families in being informed of the curriculum, policies and operations of our school and is a good reference point for all.

Attending a small school has many unique and positive educational, relational and joyful experiences. We encourage everyone to take pride in their association with our school. We encourage all parents to also be conversant and involved in our school processes and activities. Being an active member of our school and involved in your child’s education makes a very powerful statement to your child. I encourage all parents for this reason to join our very active P&C.

The learning opportunities for each student in our school are quite extensive due to multi-age class groupings, access for teachers and students to modern technologies and commitment by all staff to access relevant and identified self-improvement through professional development.

I hope that your family has a very long, happy and rewarding association with Byfield State School. Being part of our school community will ensure that Byfield State School will continue to be a hub of vibrancy, collaboration and togetherness which results in our students achieving their highest potential.

Yours in education

Jo-Anne Shephard Principal

Profile

Byfield State School is a rural Band 5 primary school, north of Yeppoon and is located in a rainforest area near the Byfield National Park. Our school belongs to the Rockhampton district within the Central Queensland educational region. All of our students come only from the local rural area.

We are also part of a wider school community being the Capricorn Cluster of Schools and Keppel Coast Small Schools cluster. These associations benefit our school through extra-curricular events, such as Gala Days, staff professional development, sporting opportunities and cluster initiatives.

Our staffing is determined by student enrolments as determined on census day (Day 8) each calendar year.

Through explicit and direct teaching of the Australian curriculum and multi-age grouping we aim to maximise the learning pathways and achievements for each individual student.

The school motto is “Reaching Beyond”.

School Vision

Grow from challenges, engage through actions and be happy in oneself

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SCHOOL PARTICULARS

Address: Byfield State School 2233 Byfield Road BYFIELD 4703

Telephone: 07 4935 1140

School mobile: 0429 565 344

Fax: 07 4935 1260

Email address: [email protected] [email protected]

School website: www.byfieldss.eq.edu.au

Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00am – 3:30pm Every second Monday 8:00am – 12:30pm

SCHOOL STAFF

Principal Jo-Anne Shephard Teaching Staff Jo-Anne Shephard Inga Koops

Admin Relief Nerida O’Hare (Tuesday)

Specialist Teachers Emma Girle (Music) Jill Hunter (Japanese)

Teacher Aides Rhonda Palmer Relle Stickley Jodi Stickley

Chaplain Amelia Sell (Chappy Mel)

Business Manager Gaye Cook

Schools Officer Anthony Cook

Cleaner Esther Rushton

SCHOOL RULES

 Be Safe  Be Responsible  Be Respectful  Reach Beyond

DEPARTMENET OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING VISION

Every Student Succeeding.

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2019 TERM DATES

Term1 29 January – 05 April Easter vacation 06 April – 22 April

Term 2 23 April – 28 June Winter vacation 29June – 14 July

Term 3 15 July - 20 September Spring vacation 21 September – 07 October

Term 4 08 October – 13 December Summer vacation 14 December – 27 January

STUDENT FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELEOPMENT DAYS

Term 1 23 and 24 January Term 4 21 October

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Australia Day 28 January Good Friday 19 April Easter Monday 22 April Anzac Day 25 April Labour Day 06 May Rockhampton Show Holiday TBA Queen’s Birthday 07 October

SCHOOL HOURS

School commences at 8:55am each day and finishes at 3:00pm. First bell is rung at 8:50am so students can prepare for beginning class.

Lunch times are linked to School’s SunSmart policy.

First session: 08:55am – 11:00am First recess: 11:00am – 11:45am Second session: 11:45am – 01:15pm Second recess: 01:15pm – 01:45pm Last session: 01:45pm – 03:00pm

PLEASE ADVISE THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY

 If you change your mobile number  If there is a change in your emergency contacts details  If your child is to be collected by someone other than a parent  If there any significant changes to your child’s health  If you feel that we should know of any other changes which relate to your child

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Table of Contents

Accidents/Illness at School ...... 6 After hours use of School Grounds/Facilities ...... 6 Arrival/Departure ...... 6 Asthma ...... 6 Awards ...... 7 Behaviour ...... 7 Bikes ...... 8 Birthdays ...... 8 Book Club ...... 8 Brain Break ...... 8 Chaplaincy ...... 8 Computers ...... 8 Conveyance Allowance ...... 9 Curriculum ...... 9 Custodial Arrangements ...... 9 Dental Van ...... 9 Early Departure ...... 9 Electronic equipment ...... 9 Emergency Contacts ...... 9 Enrolments ...... 9 End of Year Concert ...... 10 Evacuation Procedures ...... 10 Excursions and Extra-Curricular Activities ...... 10 Extreme Weather Conditions ...... 10 Facilities ...... 11 Fax/Photocopying/Laminating Service ...... 11 Free Dress Days ...... 11 Hair ...... 11 Harmony Day ...... 11 Head Lice ...... 11 Healthy Lunches ...... 12 Helping Your Child...... 12 Home Readers ...... 12 Homework ...... 12 Hygiene ...... 13 Infectious Diseases ...... 13 Jewellery ...... 13 Leaving School Grounds ...... 13 Library ...... 13 Lock Down Procedure ...... 13 LOTE ...... 14 Media Consent Form ...... 14 Medication ...... 14 Message to school...... 14 Money Collection ...... 14 NAPLAN ...... 14 Newsletter ...... 14 Out of Bounds ...... 14

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Table of Contents continued …..

P&C Association ...... 15 Parade ...... 15 Parent/Teacher communication ...... 15 Parent Volunteers ...... 15 Permission Notes ...... 15 Personal Items ...... 15 Playground Supervision ...... 15 Privacy ...... 15 Problems ...... 15 Recycling and Rubbish ...... 15 Religious Instruction ...... 15 School Camps ...... 16 School Car Park ...... 16 School Clusters ...... 16 School Photos ...... 16 School Review and Operational Documents ...... 16 School Website ...... 16 Shop Lunch ...... 16 Spare Clothing ...... 16 Specialist Teachers ...... 16 Student Leaders ...... 17 Student Resource Package ...... 17 SunSmart ...... 17 Support Staff ...... 17 Swimming ...... 17 Transfer of Students ...... 18 Transition to High School ...... 18 Uniform ...... 18 Visitors ...... 18 Water Bottles ...... 18

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Accidents/Illness at School From time to time it is possible that accidents will occur or a student becomes ill during school time. Should a student need to be sent home due to illness, parents will be contacted to organise your child’s departure. In the case of serious accidents, parents will be contacted immediately and the ambulance (if required). Superficial wounds and minor accidents are treated with appropriate first aid by staff. Our school aims to have at least one staff member holding a current First Aid Certificate.

After hours use of School Grounds/Facilities Students and their families are most welcome to make use of the adventure school playground and oval during weekends or holidays. Please contact the office to for permission.

School grounds are NOT public property and permission to use them is required. Children using the school grounds out of school hours or on holidays are to be supervised by an adult.

Organisations requiring to hire the school grounds will be required to complete a Use of School Grounds form prior to their event on school property.

No bikes, roller skates or skateboards are permitted for use in the school grounds at any time due to safety. Any suspicious behaviour is to be reported to School Watch 13 77 88 or Yeppoon police (4939 0000). All vandalism must be reported to the police.

No animals are permitted on the school grounds.

Arrival/Departure Students should arrive between 8:30am and 8:45am unless they are rostered for Reading Rocketeers program. It is good for students to arrive in plenty of time to prepare for the school day and to socialise with their peers. While staff endeavours to provide a safe environment before the start of the school day, there is no formal supervision of students before 8:45am. Before school time is reserved for staff to prepare for the school day. Should a particular reason arise for a student to arrive early, parents must make prior arrangements with the principal/teacher.

As students arrive at school they are to put their bags on the port rack, place lunches in fridge in Gecko Room and get their tools ready for learning. No sporting equipment or playing on the playground equipment is permitted before school. Teachers are generally in their classrooms after 8:30 so students may use their classroom - if permitted. Only junior students are permitted in the junior classroom to play with the educational toys.

Students will gather after the 3:00pm bell in the rotunda for parent collection or safe direction to leave if riding a bike or walking. Students should be collected from school no later than 3:15pm. Parents are to contact the school if they will be late or inform the school by 2:30pm if another person is collecting their child.

We ask that parents be aware of other cars parking and traffic driving past when collecting their child at the end of the school day. All students are to walk along the fence line to their parent’s car and get in immediately.

The care and safety of all our students is our prime consideration.

Asthma Each year, parents of asthmatic students are to complete an Asthma Management Plan and an Administration of Medication form which will cover permission for the year for students to self-administer their asthma medication under supervision. All inhalers must have a current prescription label stating the student’s name, doctor and dosage. Supervising staff will notarise each dosage on the form.

This data may be of importance for parents when a student’s asthma plan is reviewed with the family doctor. All inhalers are to be kept in the office for safe keeping and prevent them being lost. The school has a spacer for students to use or parents may provide their own.

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Attendance Regular attendance at school is compulsory and necessary if students are to have the opportunity to gain the greatest possible benefit from their learning. Frequent absences and late arrival have a detrimental effect on a student’s attitude and academic results. Under current Queensland Law parents are required to ensure that their child/children attends school each and every day unless they have an acceptable excuse.

‘Every Day Counts’ is a state-wide initiative to address the importance of regular student attendance. Punctuality and regular attendance are therefore very important. Parents are invited to discuss with your child’s teacher or the principal any issues regarding regular attendance or for support strategies in getting your child to school on time.

Late arriving does not allow for your child to prepare for class, often makes them feel frustrated and disrupts the learning of others. Teachers use e-roll for making the roll at 9:00am. If a student is not present, they are marked ‘Absent’ until they arrive at school and then they will be marked ‘Late’ and the arrival time noted.

Parents should text/ring the school THE DAY of absence informing of your child’s reason to be absent. Illness, doctor’s appointment, medical appointment, school sport, natural disaster are acceptable reasons. Please note teachers will not accept another student or a sibling’s informing the school. Leisure activities such as birthdays, visiting friends, fishing or shopping and tiredness, are not considered acceptable reasons. If the reason is not acceptable then the student will be marked ‘Unexplained’.

Staff will follow up on ‘Unexplained’ absences via text messaging. The absence will remain ‘Unexplained’ until a parent informs the school of the reason for the absence. The school and the Department have a process for continual unexplained absences. Attendance data is collected regularly each term by central office.

For lengthy extended absences parents must notify the school and the expected date of return. Teachers are willing to organise some work to be sent home for lengthy absence.

If a student’s absence is to be for longer than 10 consecutive school days, an exemption is required for the student to be away from their formal schooling. Parents are required to complete the form Exemption from Compulsory Schooling and Compulsory Participation. This form (available from our school office) is to be completed BEFORE departure.

Principals are required to inform the Department of ‘Unexplained’ absences of more than three consecutive days.

Awards Teachers use a variety of methods to reward positive and changed behaviours, actions or words of responsibility or respectfulness, achievements or effort. These could include nonverbal actions, stamps or stickers, classroom reward systems, or ‘Student of the Week’.

An Awards Ceremony is held in conjunction with the end of year concert during which awards are presented to students based on set criteria. These awards are:

Reaching Beyond – sponsored by Byfield State School Academic Diligence – sponsored by Byfield Hall Committee School Spirit Award - sponsored by Byfield & District Historical Society Inc

Behaviour A key to having a safe, supportive, inclusive and disciplined school environment is to have all students, teachers and parents consistently using appropriate behaviours and actions. Parents are given our Responsible Behaviour Student Plan upon enrolment or when it is updated. Our positive behaviours are developed around our four school rules – Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Reach Beyond.

At school we explicitly teach students appropriate behaviours in various circumstances so they develop respect, tolerance, self-discipline, consideration, caring, being fair, honesty, truthfulness, morals and ethics, responsibility, being including, trustworthy, righteousness and self-improvement.

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Behaviour Continued…..

Staff use a variety of positive actions in the classroom and school to reward appropriate behaviours. Inappropriate behaviours are also dealt with a variety of consequences.

Ideally we want to see our students display a constructive motivation (I want to do it!) as opposed to restrictive motivation (I have to do it!). Inappropriate behaviours are recorded on a student’s records in One School and are communicated to parents. Extreme behaviours may result in suspension (internal or external).

Parents too are reminded about their behaviour whilst on school grounds. Showing respect for each other is one of the most important lessons we want to instil in our students and as such children need to see their parents acting accordingly. People who enter the school grounds in an aggressive manner will not be tolerated and the principal has a course of action to sanction against these people. All members of the community are asked to behave in an appropriate manner in the school grounds so we can maintain a safe supportive environment for our students, staff and volunteers.

At all times we must remember that each student has a right to learn without interference or actions by others.

Bikes Students arriving/leaving school by bicycle are to dismount and walk their bike to/from the bike rack. No bikes are to be ridden in the school grounds.

Birthdays Parents may bring a birthday cake to school to share with their child’s class. Prior arrangements must be made. Birthday cakes will only be shared at second break.

Book Club Our school participates in one Scholastic Book Club issue each term. An order brochure will be distributed to each family. Orders must be placed by the given date. Orders can be paid either by credit card (please read instructions on order form) or cash, CHEQUES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

Correct money is to be placed in an envelope with the order and student’s name and amount included written on the outside. No change can be given. All orders are to be given to Staff to be then stored in the Book Club box. Orders generally arrive a month after the closing date.

Brain Break Brain Break operates in both classrooms. Brain food helps the brain work at its peak and assists students with their stamina, concentration, mental alertness and behaviour. Brain food is raw fruit or vegetables or unprocessed cheese. No processed food! Parents are asked to cut up fruit/vegetables into smaller pieces for manageability.

Chaplaincy Byfield State School implemented a chaplaincy program in 2012. The chaplaincy program provides students, parents and staff with social, emotional and spiritual support, provides another adult role model in the school, enhances the engagement with parents and community and promotes values and inclusiveness. Chaplaincy service is not a counseling service.

‘Chappy’ is available for personal meetings with parents and/or students, but only after written permission is obtained.

Computers Our school has computers and interactive whiteboards in both classrooms to assist the teaching and learning and to allow students to develop their ICT skills. Parents and students are required to complete an Internet Agreement form upon enrolment.

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Conveyance Allowance There is no school bus operating. Students who reside more than 3.2 kilometres from the school are eligible for assistance. There is also assistance for people inside these boundaries who may be eligible for Safety Net Assistance. Contact Queensland Transport for details.

Curriculum Byfield State School has implemented the Australian Curriculum (AC) in Mathematics, English, Science, History and Geography through ‘Curriculum Into the Classroom’ units (C2C). Staff will continue implementing The Arts, HPE, Technology and Japanese in 2017.

The Australian Curriculum sets out the core knowledge, understanding, skills and general capabilities important for all Australian students. It makes clear what all young Australians should learn each year as they progress through schooling. It is the foundation for high quality teaching and learning for all.

DET has implemented in all schools a focus on improved researched teaching methods to improve learning outcomes for all Queensland students.

These methods are: 1. Explicit Instruction. This method follows a set delivery process – Rapid Recall Routines (3Rs), I Do (teacher clearly explains steps to achieve a skill), We Do (students and teachers work together through steps), You Do (students to work independently on skill), and Plough Back (teacher leads revision of knowledge or skill learned). 2. Direct teaching. This method requires regular lessons and supports Explicit Instruction methodology. It builds and consolidates student knowledge. 3. Inquiry-based teaching. This method requires the student to use observation, question, collect data and respond to data. This process is particularly used in Science, History and History.

Custodial Arrangements Our school acknowledges the rights of both parents to take an active role in their child’s education. School policy is governed by the Education Act (General Provisions) 2006.

Parents are legally required to give the principal a copy of any custodial arrangements or Court Orders from the Family Court upon enrolment or upon the Court Orders being issued.

Dental Van Every two years Byfield State School students are able to access the Queensland Department of Health school dentistry services located at Yeppoon State School. Permission forms will be sent out to parents when Byfield State School is rostered. It is up to parents to make the appointment and transport your child/ren to the Yeppoon State School for check-up or treatment. This is a free service.

Early Departure Parents are to notify their child’s teacher or the office if they will be collecting their child before school ends. Parents are to collect their child from their classroom. Please remember that lessons are still in progress. Parents to wait outside the classroom until your child emerges. Students will not be permitted to wait at the school gate.

Electronic equipment Electronic equipment are not to be brought to school. This includes mobile phones, I-Pods, MP3 players, computer games, etc. Students needing to make important phone calls to their parents are able to use the school phone. Any such equipment is to be handed in to the office for safe keeping and will be returned at the end of the school day.

Emergency Contacts Please update your contact or emergency contacts immediately they change at the office.

Enrolments Byfield State School accepts enrolments of students for all primary schooling year levels. Under Queensland law parents of compulsory school age children must ensure that their child is enrolled in a school.

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Enrolments Continued…..

All parents enrolling their child for the first time to Byfield State School must present:  their child’s original full birth certificate and passport (if born overseas). Documents will be photocopied.  any relevant or current Family Court or other court orders concerning the welfare, safety or parenting arrangements  details of any medical condition or details of any medical management plan

From 2017, it will be compulsory for all Queensland children to undertake the Prep Year, prior to commencing Year 1. Making Prep compulsory ensures all children develop the knowledge and skills provided by the Prep Year that form the foundation for future learning.

Parents have the flexibility to delay their child’s entry to Prep if they feel their child is not ready. They must, however, consult with the Principal. Early entry to Prep is also available. Permission may be granted following an interview and information gathered from other agencies. There is a set departmental criteria for early entry to Prep.

Enrolment eligibility: Prep: students must be 5 years of age by 30 June.

Families enrolling on our school need to complete the following items:  Enrolment form  Enrolment agreement  Internet agreement  Media Consent form  Medical forms (if required)

End of Year Concert At the end of each year a concert is organised by the staff. This is an event to celebrate the school year and enjoy the performances of our students.

An Awards Presentation is held after the concert to recognise the year achievements of three students in the areas of academic achievement, citizenship and all round performance. A presentation is also made to our Year 6 students. The P&C also present each school student with a personally inscribed book.

Evacuation Procedures The school has a well-established emergency evacuation procedure and policy with regards to all school buildings. Each building has a displayed Emergency Evacuation Plan. Practise of evacuations are conducted throughout the year. The alarm is the continuous peal of the loud hailer siren.

Excursions and Extra-Curricular Activities Throughout the year, students will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. These may include such things as Gala Days, cultural events, Life Ed van or curriculum excursions. Every effort is made to minimise costs to parents and give parents adequate time to budget for these events. All monies are to be placed in the School Collection box.

Due to the high costs of hiring a bus, parents are asked to assist with private transport for some events. Parents are required to complete a Private Transportation of Students form if they are transporting students other than their own children. Parental permission is mandatory for all events. Details of excursions and events are presented at P&C Meetings. Students MUST wear full school uniform for all off-site school events.

Extreme Weather Conditions Parents are asked to check their local creeks/rivers and road conditions during times of heavy flooding rain in case you need to pick up your child/children early to ensure their safety in returning home. Please notify the school that you will be coming so that we can have your child/children ready.

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Facilities Block A – Office, Staffroom, Storeroom (original school) Block B – Senior Classroom [Year 3 - 6] Block C – Junior Classroom [Prep – Year 2] Block D – Gecko Room [kitchen, activities area, storeroom] Block E – Library and Classroom Outdoor Classroom areas – Garden Room, Rotunda Toilet Block – female students, male students, staff, cleaner’s storeroom Sports Shed Grounds Shed Store Shed Covered Lunch area Half-court Basketball court Adventure Playground Multi-use Oval

Fax/Photocopying/Laminating Service The school provides a photocopying, laminating and fax service. Fax: 40c (local faxes); STD faxes from $2.00 Photocopying: 20c per A4 page; 30c per A3 page. Laminating – depends on size. Please see Business Manager.

Free Dress Days Each term the school will organise a Free Dress Day. These days will be advertised to parents well beforehand. Free Dress Days may be linked to charity events, end of term activity or a culmination activity. Free Dress clothing must adhere to our SunSmart policy and not include any inappropriate words/language, motifs etc. Should clothing not meet these requirements, students will be given a spare school shirt to wear. Inappropriate footwear will limit a child’s participation in activities.

Hair Long hair is required to be tied back or plaited due to the possibility of contacting head lice, safety and also so as to not interfere in a student’s activities.

Harmony Day Each year as part of Embedding Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Perspectives (EATSIPS), we join with other schools across Australia to develop understanding and appreciation of our diverse backgrounds and cultures and to build a sense of belonging for all Australians.

Head Lice Head lice are a problem in every school. Parents often feel frustrated in dealing with head lice when their child becomes re-infested or suffers head lice regularly. At Byfield State School we understand the frustration of parents and are committed to our part of informing and providing a fact sheet about treating head lice from Department of Health.

We will:  Inform all parents immediately when a parent notifies the school or if staff notice head lice  Ensure that no hats are shared  Ensure that heads are separated during learning activities  Monitor the effectiveness of each notification  Request ALL parents check or commence treatment immediately before a student returns to school  Place regular reminder notices in the school newsletter  Provide understanding to a parent when they feel frustrated when head lice seem to be affecting their child incessantly  Ensure discreetness of students afflicted by head lice  Ensure that all long hair is tied up

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Head Lice Continued……………

It is expected that ALL parents will:  regularly check their child’s head  inform the school immediately once head lice are noticed  commence an effective treatment immediately  complete the notification return slip and return it to the school

It is extremely important that EVERYONE act to control this problem when it occurs in our school. Please note: There is no exclusion for Head Lice provided effective treatment has commenced prior to attending the next school day.

Healthy Lunches Parents are asked to send enough good food for their child/children for Lunch and Second Recess. To adhere to Education Queensland’s Healthy Choices policy the school has a ‘Healthy First, Treats Second’ policy. Healthy foods include sandwiches, wraps, fruit, or yoghurts. Any unwanted or left over food is sent home. We would appreciate if treats are kept to a minimum. Any eating utensils must be provided by parents. Please do not send food your child will not eat.

Helping Your Child You can help your child by: - ensuring your child arrives in time for school - listening to your child read each night OR read to them - talking positively about their school day - assisting with homework and encourage neatness in its presentation - being positive about homework so your child has a positive attitude too - showing an interest in your child’s school activities - speaking with your child’s teacher regularly or attending Parent/Teacher interviews - assisting at school (classroom, library, functions, P&C lunches) - encouraging your child to work to the best of their ability and praise such efforts - ensuring your child has a good night’s sleep - attending school events - joining the P&C - having your child’s belongings named - providing a good breakfast and healthy lunch - making your child’s teacher aware of any issues that arise - helping your child take care of library books - regularly check your child’s head for head lice - giving your child responsibilities of packing their own school bag - allowing your child to make mistakes and for them to learn from this

Home Readers Home readers are sent home for the week for Prep – Year 3 students. These books are usually at an independent level for your child. These core readers allow students to build on their reading skills and Sight Words, develop reading strategies, improve retell skills or improve fluency and accuracy. Parents are to sign the reading sheet each week.

Homework Homework is a normal part of the weekly school routine at Byfield State School. The type and quantity of homework alters according to year level and occurrence of public holidays and the end of term. The school has a Homework Policy which is linked to DET’s Homework Guidelines.

Homework is one way for parents to be actively involved in their child’s education and show your interest in your child’s learning. Homework is also an important work strategy to develop for when students move to high school.

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Reading Continued……………

Students are encouraged to become responsible for their own homework, especially in packing the homework in school bags to bring to school.

Homework will always include reading – junior students at least 10 minutes every night and senior students at least 15 minutes every night. Home readers are to be read EVERY night. Prep – Year 2 Readers homework is to be signed each week.

If your child is experiencing difficulties with homework, please contact your child’s teacher. If your child does not complete their homework = DON’T fret!! This is the student’s problem and their teacher will deal with it. Simply continue to offer assistance if your child asks for it and explain you will inform their child’s teacher if they do not choose to complete their homework. It is best not to make excuses for your child as excuses are not reasons.

All homework is to be returned to school as required by class teacher

Hygiene Personal hygiene is very important at our school. Soap is provided in washrooms for the washing of hands. All open sores, boils, etc are to be covered. Staff teach the students how to ‘collect’ germs and not spread them when coughing or sneezing and to have good hand hygiene.

Good hygiene prevents the spread of colds, flus and other illnesses.

Infectious Diseases Education Queensland has exclusion times for various infectious diseases. . Chicken Pox – exclude until fully recovered (usually 5 days) . Conjunctivitis – exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased . Diarrhoea – exclude until there are no loose bowel motions for 24 hours . Measles – exclude for at least four days from the appearance of the rash . Mumps – exclude for at least nine days after the onset of symptoms . School sores (Impetigo) – exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced. Exposed sores must be covered. . Ringworm, Scabies, Trachoma – exclude until day after treatment has commenced.

For any other condition please contact the school office for guidelines. A school exclusion table is on display in the office.

Jewellery The only acceptable jewellery are sleepers or studs, watch, medical alert jewellery and signet rings due to Workplace Health and Safety. All other jewellery must not be worn to school. Loss of jewellery is not the responsibility of staff. All jewellery should remain at home on swimming days. The wearing of nail polish, junk or excessive jewellery is not permitted. Hair accessories should follow the school colours – maroon and blue.

Leaving School Grounds No student is permitted to leave the school grounds once they have arrived at school, unless being picked up by a parent or a notified person following prior notice to the school.

Library Borrow Day is Monday for all students. We strongly encourage students to borrow and enjoy reading a wide range of books. The use of a library bag or document folder to protect books during travel home is compulsory. Parents are requested to report any damage to books and return damaged books to school as soon as possible. If a book is misplaced, a student is to make every endeavour to find it. If a library book is lost or extensively damaged then parents will be asked to replace this book.

Lock Down Procedure Lock Down procedure is used to secure the school environment in the event of a school intruder or unsafe hazard which could potentially endanger the well-being of students, staff and visitors to the school. The signal for a Lock Down is the continuous sound of the electronic school bell. Practise for Lock Down is conducted during the year.

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Lost Property

Lost property items can be returned to students ONLY if they named. All unnamed items will be placed in the Lost Property box kept in the library.

LOTE We offer an assessable Japanese language LOTE curriculum for students enrolled in Year 5 and 6. Japanese is also delivered to Prep to Year 4 students but is not assessable. Our school will be ready for when LOTE is be timetabled for all year levels and assessed in the near future.

Media Consent Form This consent form is to be completed upon enrolment and lasts for the entirety of enrolment at our school. It allows DET to use a student’s image or work, recording or name for inclusion in newsletters and media releases. Please notarise any conditions on the form.

Medication Education Queensland regulations require that before medication can be administered at school a parent must complete an Administration of Medication form available from the office. All medication must have a current prescription label clearly stating the child’s name, the dosage and times for medication, and doctor or pharmacist’s name. These regulations apply to all medication including paracetamol, asthma puffers, creams and lotions. Medications are to remain in the school office for safe keeping and will be sent home each day. The staff are not permitted to administer any medication outside of these guidelines. Children who are seriously ill should remain at home until recovered. For medications that fall outside these guidelines, parents are to come to school and administer.

Message to school Being a small school our office hours is only manned on Tuesday and Wednesday. On the other days the staff is involved in the important task of teaching and is not always able to answer the phone. In this case, please leave a message on the answering machine. The answering machine is checked at school end. Alternatively text the school your message. Parents are requested to leave messages re their child’s collection before 2:30pm.

Money Collection All monies for payment are to be put in a sealed envelope, labelled with student/family’s name, amount enclosed and event and placed in School Money Box. (blue box) . Please have correct amount, there is no cash held at the school.

All P&C Lunch money is to be placed in P&C Money Collection Box in the office.

NAPLAN Each year, students in Year 3 and 5 participate in the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). These tests are conducted in May and results are sent to the school around October for parents and teachers. Students who are identified as not meeting the national minimum benchmarks will receive further intervention assistance.

Newsletter Our school newsletter is called the ‘Byfield Bulletin’. It is distributed fortnightly on a Friday via hard copy or email (only way to receive a colour copy). Please contact the office if you would like to receive the newsletter via email. Our newsletter contains lots of information, school and classroom news, student celebrations, P&C news. Community groups (not-for-profit) are welcome to advertise their activities in the newsletter providing the item is received before Wednesday afternoon.

Out of Bounds Students are informed of Out of Bounds areas in the school at the beginning of each year. These areas also apply when students use the play facilities during weekends or holidays.

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P&C Association Byfield P&C Association encourages all parents to attend meetings and join in P&C activities. This body in the school performs a very important function to support school operations and student learning. The P&C is a key contributor to our school and for parents is an ideal method to provide input into the school’s operations and enhance our school as a whole.

The P&C organise fundraising events with the Byfield Markets being the main fundraiser. They may also hold Working Bees throughout the year to assist with the maintenance of the grounds and buildings.

Meetings are either advertised in the school newsletter, school noticeboard or a special notice sent home. The Annual General Meeting is held in February and office bearers for the year are then elected.

Parade Parents are invited to attend the weekly School Parade. Parade is held each Friday at 9am in Gecko Room. The schedule for parade is: National anthem, school items and students’ awards.

Parent/Teacher communication Parent/teacher interviews are held formally in Term 1 and 3 to discuss a student’s learning progress, behaviour concerns and improvement strategies. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment for any time they would like to discuss any concerns or progress. We do encourage informal ‘catch-ups’ on general matters regarding their child or school activity at any time, providing the teacher is free.

Parent Volunteers Parents are encouraged to participate in our classrooms and school operations. There are always lots of jobs to do in the library – covering books, stacking books, wiping books. Please contact your child’s teacher if you are prepared to offer regular assistance.

Permission Notes All notes will be sent home via a child in each family. Parents are asked to regularly check with your child if there were any notes or forms. IT IS NOT THE SCHOOL’S ROLE TO CHASE UP PERMISSION FORMS. Forms not returned will be taken as a student not attending.

Personal Items Students are requested not to bring personal items to school other than ‘Share and Tell’.

Playground Supervision The staff are rostered on playground supervision each recess to ensure that all students are safe and address inappropriate behaviours of students. Staff ensure that students remain seated for 15 minutes first lunch break to eat their lunch. The second break has a 10 minute eating period.

Privacy Due to privacy regulations staff cannot distribute any details about any students or their family, or staff details to anyone – this includes phone numbers or addresses.

Problems Concerns and problems are a fact of life. Minor problems have a habit of growing into major problems if not addressed quickly. If any issue does arise, parents are asked to discuss with their child’s teacher first, then the principal if problems are not resolved. Many problems generally arise because of misunderstanding, misinterpretation or lack of communication. Through this process of discussing any grievance or problem, generally an amicable agreement can be reached.

Recycling and Rubbish Our school conducts a recycling program where recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, plastic containers) are placed in the appropriate recycling bins. All general rubbish is to be placed in the ‘General’ rubbish bin. Our school’s rubbish is transported by staff to the Transfer Station.

Religious Instruction Religious instructors will provide an approved religious education program once processes have been approved by the principal. This is dependent upon a religious group having instructors available. Under the Education Act (General Provisions) 2006, Prep students are not eligible for religious instruction. Parental permission is required.

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Reporting Report cards are issued each semester and contain information about your child’s academic achievement and learning and social behaviours. Remaining semesters of education and absences are also noted on report cards as well as any unexplained absences. Results are determined by formal student assessment.

School Camps School camps do occur from time to time depending upon parent support and costs.

School Car Park Parents are to use the car park either in front of the school or across the road. Parents are requested to meet their children on the school side of the road and escort them across the road if parking across the road.

School Clusters Our school participates in professional activities with all schools on the Capricorn Coast. Our school also participates in sporting activities and Gala Days with our small schools cluster – Keppel Coast Small Schools.

School Photos A school professional photography company is engaged to take the school photos. Instructions for ordering are on the company’s order form. All payments are required to be made on the day of school photos to the photography company. The school will purchase a presentation pack for each Year 6 student.

School Review and Operational Documents Every four years our school is involved in a process of review and developing a strategic improvement plan for the next four years. During this process the P&C, parents and community are asked for their input. Our school uses the priorities identified through a review process by the School Review team to develop our Strategic Plan for the next four years. From this the annual School Plan is developed to address key priorities for the year. A School Annual Report (SAR) each year is published on the school’s website to review the previous year’s achievements

School Website Our school website has listed on it our policies, photos, newsletters and School Annual Report. Visit: www.byfieldss.eq.edu.au

Shop Lunch Shop lunch is available each school day for first recess only. Parents must place the order at the shop before school. Students are to inform staff so they know there are orders to collect. The staff will collect shop lunches.

The Byfield Store supports the school with only providing healthy options for sale for school lunches. A copy of the menu is displayed in each classroom and is distributed to all families at the start of the school year.

We understand that occasionally lunch needs to be ordered for both lunch breaks but this will only be collected at first break. No ice-blocks are to be ordered.

If a parent forgets to place an order, the school will try to make contact to the parent so they can place the order. If there is no answer, then it is up to the shop owners if orders will be accepted. If this is not possible then the staff will organise a sandwich from our supplies.

Spare Clothing Parents of young students are asked to include a change of clothes in their child’s school bag should there be a toileting accident whilst at school.

Specialist Teachers The school is staffed by various specialist teachers. Currently we have a PE, Music and LOTE (Japanese) teacher who visit the school each Wednesday. Students MUST have a hat for PE, otherwise they will do school work.

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Sport Carnivals Our school participates in the Keppel Coast Small Schools’ Cross Country (held at rotational locations), Athletics Carnival (always held at Farnborough State School) and Swimming Carnival (always held at Emu Park Swimming Pool). Students winning at these carnivals are eligible to participate at the next level – District Carnivals. Parents are responsible to transport their child/children to all these events.

Student Leaders Year 6 students are able to apply for a Student Leadership position. All Year 6 students are invited to attend a GRIP Leadership conference held in Rockhampton held in the first few weeks of Term 1. This conference is a training program for students to learn about leadership, themselves as leaders and how to be a Student Leader. Attending this conference is not compulsory for a student to attain this leadership position.

Students have the term to demonstrate to staff and students their leadership qualities. Towards the end of Term 1 students are invited to apply for a Student Leader position following the set guidelines. The principal will interview all applicants and staff will then review applications and recorded responses.

Only students who have met the set criteria are eligible to apply.

Student Leaders will be presented with their leadership badge at a leadership ceremony held before the end of Term 1 and during which they will cite the Student Leadership Oath. Parents will be invited to attend this ceremony.

Student Leaders’ duties include organising some student/charity events, representative responsibilities throughout the year or being a role model towards the rest of the student body. Should a Student Leader’s behaviour not meet expectations then badges and position privileges will be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Student Resource Package The school offers a Student Resource Package scheme to parents. The package covers ALL the stationery items and textbooks a student will need across the year. This package provides great savings both in time and money for parents. Parents will be invoiced in Term 1. Monies to be placed in School Collection box.

Parents not wishing to participate in the package will be given a book list for their child‘s yearly stationery and textbook requirements.

Parents who are experiencing financial difficulties are asked to contact the Principal to discuss part payments across the year.

SunSmart Our school has been awarded SunSmart status and as such has requirements to maintain this. All students, staff and parents are to wear broad brimmed hats in school grounds, on excursions and at sport carnivals. Our play times have been adjusted to meet SunSmart guidelines. We also have a ‘No Hat, No Play’ policy which impacts on students participating in play at recess outdoors, PE lessons and special sporting lessons at the school.

The school has a broad spectrum 30+ sunscreen available for students to apply to all uncovered skin areas during outdoor activities. Students may bring and use their own sunscreen.

Support Staff Our school is serviced by many support staff that are available through a school referral system. These include Guidance Officer, Special Education Teacher and Speech Pathologist. These and other services may be accessed in consultation with parents or request from parents.

Swimming The school participates in swimming lessons each year. The program is offered to students from Prep to Year 6 in Term 4 only. Swimming is compulsory. If for some reason your child cannot attend at any time, please inform the school.

Students cannot participate in swimming if they are suffering from an infectious weeping sore or a contagious condition. If you are not sure, call to discuss with the principal or the pool operator. Long hair must be tied up securely for swimming or alternatively students may wear a cap.

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Swimming Continued….

Parents are asked to assist with transport to reduce costs. In line with our SunSmart policy all students must wear sunsafe shirt (rash vest or t-shirt) as well as sunscreen for all swimming and water activities.

Transfer of Students Parents are to notify the principal of their intention to leave our school. Early notification will enable staff to prepare information to be forwarded to the new school. Please ensure that all accounts are paid for before leaving and that all library books are returned.

Transition to High School Towards the end of the year Yeppoon State High School organises an Orientation Day for Year 6 students. The high school usually notifies us of the arrangements each year for orientation which we pass on to parents as soon as it comes to hand.

Uniform All families are given a copy of the school’s Uniform Policy upon enrolment. It is an expectation that ALL students will wear our sunsafe school uniform and hat. Wearing the school uniform promotes a sense of school pride, pride in oneself, develops a healthy school image by all, and exhibits a high sense of school morale. This can flow onto a more positive attitude to school, neatness in bookwork and, proudness in academic and sporting achievements. Girls: school shirt available from office (sky blue shirt with maroon collar and embroidered school logo), black or maroon skirt/skort/shorts, covered footwear (joggers or school shoes), white socks. Boys: school shirt available from office (develops a healthy school image), medium or long length black or maroon shorts, covered footwear (joggers or school shoes), white socks. Winter: black or maroon sweater and track suit pants Hat: wide brimmed maroon hat with school logo School shirts and school hats are available from the school office. All purchases MUST be paid beforehand – requirement of P&C. Money is placed in P&C envelope and Collection Box.

All clothing items MUST be named.

Visitors All visitors to the school are required to report to the office on arrival and sign the Visitor’s Register.

Water Bottles Parents are asked to send a named water bottle daily to school for your child to use in the classroom.

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