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 Page 1 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. Page 2 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 Page 3 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