Students must have all absences explained in a note written by a parent or carer. Notes are sent to the class teacher. Please notify the school of extended absences or infectious diseases. The law requires your child to be present at school for the whole school day, each day the school is open. Continued and/or unexplained absences may lead to investigation from the home-school liaison officer.
Late arrival at school and early dismissal The NSW Department of Education and Training requires all late arrivals at school to be explained. Should your child arrive at school after the morning assembly, he/she must report to the front office where the reason for lateness will be recorded and a late pass issued to be handed to your child's teacher. Once students have arrived at school they should not leave the school grounds before 3.10 pm unless covered by a note and approved by the principal or deputy principal. If you need to take your child from school during school time, please call at the office, where one of the school support staff will give you an early dismissal note. If you wish to collect someone else's child, we need to have that parent's permission in writing.
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Our first concern is for the safety and well-being of your child. If your child is sick or injured at school, he/she will be taken to sick bay. Designated Officers administer first aid to children with cuts and abrasions etc. Asprin and similar products are NOT used at the school, and when pain (from headaches, earaches etc) persists (after a rest on the couch in sick bay fails to provide relief), parents are contacted. Parents will be contacted if any serious injury or bump to the head that their child receives at school occurs. Students are not permitted to keep on their persons or in school bags, tablets or medicines of any kind except puffers for asthma. Medication, other than asthma medication is to be kept in the sick bay. Students in Years 2 to 6 keep their asthma medications in their classrooms and administer it themselves when required. Asthma medication for students in Kindergarten and Year 1 may be left with the support staff at sick bay. When children require medications to be taken at school, we MUST have a note from their parents stating the date, the dose and the times medicine is to be taken, as well as permission to administer the medication. Parents/guardians must sign an indemnity form annually and complete a medical information sheet if prolonged or prescribed medication is required. Medication should be sent in its original packaging, labelled with the child's name and class. The note, along with the medication, is to be handed in at the office on your child's arrival at school for the day. Support staff will supervise medication being taken and parents collect it when school finishes. Should a child have a sudden illness or accident, every effort will be made to contact the parents personally by telephone. Each parent is asked to complete a form giving phone numbers and name of Doctor. This information must be kept up to date. As the school is in the Ambulance Fund, help can be called immediately to provide medical attention to a seriously injured child.
Immunisation / Exclusion due to Disease A reminder that before starting kindergarten parents are required to provide an Immunisation Certificate for their child being enrolled. This is not compulsory immunisation. However, there are guidelines that schools have to follow in the event of an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease in the school and unimmunised children who have been in contact with the sick child must stay at home during the outbreak. This is to prevent the spread of the disease to other children and people in the community. If a child becomes ill from one of the contagious childhood diseases, he/she will have to stay at home until well.
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Common Infectious Diseases in Children & Exclusion from School Disease Patient Those in Contact Chicken Pox Exclude for 7 days after first spots appear Not excluded German Measles Exclude for 7 days after appearance of rash Not excluded Infectious Hepatitis Readmit on receipt of certificate Not excluded Mumps Exclude for 10 days from onset of swelling Not excluded Measles Exclude for 5 days from appearance of spots or on medical certificate Not excluded but inspect regularly Scabies Exclude until all evidence of disease has gone Not excluded but inspect regularly Ringworm Exclude until all evidence of disease has gone or on medical certificate Not excluded but inspect regularly Impetigo Exclude only if on exposed surfaces Not excluded but inspect regularly Pediculosis (Lice) Exclude until hair has been treated Not excluded but inspect regularly We have several children enrolled in the school who have severe allergies, especially to peanuts and eggs. We want school to be a safe learning environment for all children. With this in mind, we attempt to minimise the risk of exposure to things causing an allergic reaction. For example, we are asking our school community to be aware of these children and if possible to avoid sending food that contains peanuts and eggs. Your assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated. Please let the school know of any allergic reactions that your child might have and we will put in place procedures to assist your child.
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Parents are requested to be most particular about observing road safety rules outside the school at morning and dismissal times. Please do not double park, park in bus zones, or in the school parking area. Parents should insist that children observe pedestrian rules when crossing roads and not be called across to the family car. Those students who ride bicycles to school are also expected to follow the rules of the road, particularly as the Great Western Highway carries so much traffic. Bicycles should be wheeled into the school grounds. They are always the responsibility of the owner and should be parked in the approved area. All bicycle riders must wear safety helmets as required by law. Many children travel to and from school on buses. All Kindergarten to Year 2 children are entitled to free bus travel. Year 3 to Year 6 children must live in excess of 1.6 km from the school to gain free bus travel. We request, however, that you do not apply for a bus pass unless your child is going to use the bus regularly. Bus passes must be returned to school if your child leaves school, or when no longer required. Lost bus passes may be replaced by contacting the Blue Mountains Bus Co. at Leura on 47824213. Students who live more than 1.6 km from the nearest bus pick-up point may be eligible for a conveyance subsidy. Those who travel by public transport should conduct themselves with due regard for their own safety and the comfort and convenience of others. A high standard of conduct is expected of all children when they are travelling to and from school. Behaviour which is considered unsatisfactory includes: o Having any part of the body outside the bus o Throwing objects o Standing or jumping on the seats o Fighting o Disobeying the bus driver o Running up or down the aisles o Disturbing other passengers Children whose behaviour while travelling on the bus is unsatisfactory may have their bus pass taken from them by the bus company. Children awaiting buses in the afternoon are under direct supervision of teaching staff and children who fail to comply with appropriate behaviour expectations will be dealt with through the school discipline code practices.
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When it is necessary to send money to school please place it in an envelope, clearly labelled with the child's name, the purpose and amount. This envelope is then handed to your child's class teacher. When it is necessary to send money to school you will always receive a note, or newsletter explaining its purpose. Individual receipts are generally not issued except for larger amounts for major excursions. Generally school costs are not tax deductible nor contain GST. If at any time it is found that your present financial status precludes payments at the requested time, please contact the office as special arrangements can be made.
Order forms for the Book Club are sent home once a term. This enables you to purchase high quality literature at a very reasonable price. Please return your orders, along with payment, to school by the nominated day, enclosed in an envelope with the child's name and class on the front. Late orders can not be accepted as the order form is sent off the afternoon of collection day.
Children may bank with the Commonwealth Savings Bank through the school. The children take their books to their class teacher on Tuesdays. They are collected and sent to the office for banking on Wednesdays. The Bank books are returned to the children later in the week. Kindergarten children can open a new account early in Term I after a visit from a representative of the Commonwealth Bank.
The school supports various charities. This is part of the role of the Student representative Council.
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Excursions, visiting shows and exhibitions are organised for various groups throughout the year. These are arranged by the school because they provide experiences that will extend children's learning and relate directly to classroom programs. A separate permission note is sent home each time. These notes are printed on coloured paper to help them stand out. When you receive such a note, please complete it and return it to school promptly as this greatly helps with the organisation of these events. When students leave the school they are representing the school and are encouraged to be in school uniform. Only children whose conduct has been satisfactory will be invited to participate on school excursions.
The canteen operates for the benefit of your children. It is run by a canteen supervisor, canteen committee and voluntary helpers. Prices are set allowing for a small profit. The canteen is open each week day (except Tuesdays) for lunch orders, recess and lunchtime sales. Lunch orders are to be written on a paper bag clearly marked with name and class and placed in the classroom box first thing when going to class. We are always in need of people to help staff the canteen. The more volunteers, the less days per month people need to donate. If you are able to assist one morning a month, could you please see or ring the canteen supervisor. We have a very friendly group of people working with us and know you will be made most welcome and enjoy the experience.
We know that you know your child well. That knowledge can assist teachers to better understand your child and to make learning more effective. Children's attitudes to school are strongly influenced by parental attitude. Parent involvement both supports and enriches classroom programs. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have a problem or concern. It is much better to discuss your problems/fears with the school rather than worrying about them at home. We are always ready to listen and help where we can. It is vitally important that parents and teachers work together as partners. When they do work together, the educational outcomes for the children are enhanced.
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If you have any concern please do not hesitate to discuss it with the class teacher, the Principal or any member of the school executive. It is essential that an appointment be made through the office to ensure that the person you wish to see will be available. Please inform the school of any changes in personal details such as address, work telephone numbers etc, as it may be necessary to contact you in case of an emergency. It is also important you advise the school of any changes in the child's circumstances that may have an effect on academic or emotional development. All information is treated in strict confidence. A copy of any Family Court Orders needs to be given to the school. The school has an annual reporting to parents program. At the beginning of the year each teacher holds an information evening at which the class/grade programs are outlined. Towards the end of Term 2, you will receive a report on your child's progress. You will be offered an interview to discuss any concerns that you might have. Another report will be sent home at the end of the year, as well.
The school counsellor visits the school three days per week. He works with the school's learning support team and assists us in supporting each child's learning by following up on issues raised. The school counsellor works on a referral basis and there is always extensive involvement of parents. All issues are treated with sensitivity and confidentiality. The community nurse holds regular clinics at the school and is available to give advice on all aspects of your child's health and development. The clinic is located at the front of the administration block and times are posted on the door.
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We involve parents in many areas of school activities, such as working with children in reading/language groups and craft. Notes from individual class teachers are usually sent home at the beginning of the year asking for your support with these various activities. If you have enrolled your child during the year, please ask your child's teacher if you can help with any activities. Many parents take the opportunity to participate in school affairs by joining associations which play an important part in school life. We encourage you to join the P&C Association as it works with the staff to make Hazelbrook Public School a better place for children in which to live and learn. The Hazelbrook Parents' and Citizens' Association meets in the school staff room on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. The Green House has been erected through the support of the P&C and is an asset to the school. Plants are always available for purchase. The aims of the association are to promote the interests of the school: o to bring parents, students and staff into closer co-operation; o to assist in providing desirable aids to teaching staff and students; o to improve the school by making the grounds and buildings a better place for the children in which to live and learn; o to provide funds for the benefit of the school programs. The school halls and grounds are used by many outside groups and associations, such as for gardening clubs; art classes; dance groups; karate groups; Mid Mountains Netball Association; Girl Guides and Junior Red Cross; Square/Bush & Ballroom Dance Group; Exercise group; Church Group and community groups such as Families First.
Children's social and emotional development needs supporting. The school does this through various programs such as the personal development program; drug education programs; social skills programs; 'Life Education' and the child protection program. Children at Hazelbrook Public School follow the D.E.T. approved Child Protection Program. It is designed to support the reduction of incidences of child sexual assault. The program focuses on developing skills in establishing and maintaining positive relationships and is taught in the context of a Personal Development. It includes teaching awareness of self esteem, feelings, values, decision making and relationships. The program is available for you to view upon request if you have any concerns about the content. Hazelbrook Public School Student Welfare Policy
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Visiting clergy and lay teachers representing Protestant and Roman Catholic churches conduct Scripture lessons each week on a Thursday. When enrolling your child we ask which group you wish your child to attend. A non-scripture facility is also available.
Every class visits the library at least once a week. Parents are asked to provide a drawstring bag to protect borrowed books. Library bags, made from a waterproof material, can be purchased from the Uniform Shop on Tuesday mornings. The library is open during half of the lunch hour for students to use its resources. Children are expected to care for library books, return books promptly and to pay for damaged or lost books. If you wish to accompany your child to help them choose a book, you are most welcome, especially before classes each morning. The librarian conducts chess competitions during lunch hours as well as conducting the NSW Commonwealth Bank Chess Competition. Students are notified of the commencement dates of these competitions through their class teachers.
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(The School Uniform has been changed and a new School Uniform will apply in 2008) School uniform at Hazelbrook is controlled by the Uniform Code which is formulated by the P&C. All children are encouraged to be in full school uniform at all times, as wearing it contributes to the school tone and atmosphere and to safety when taking a group of children on an excursion. All children representing the school on official school and sports visits MUST be in full school uniform as part of the approval for them to participate. Would you please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your child's name? Polo Shirt - Royal Blue w/emblem and striped collar Girls Skirt - Black Girls Bootleg Pants - Black Girls Summer Tunic Polo Shirt - Royal Blue w/emblem and striped collar Boys Cargo Shorts - Black Boys Cargo Pants - Black Track Pants - Microfibre Straight Black Jacket - Waterproof and Polar Fleece lined - Royal Blue w/emblem and striped collar Girls Winter Tunic Button Up Jacket V-Neck Jumper Track Pants - Microfibre Straight Black Jacket - Waterproof and Polar Fleece lined Fleecy Rugby Style Jumper - Royal Blue w/emblem and striped collar Button Up Jacket V-Neck Jumper Sports Shirts - Microfibre Black Netball Skirt - Black Sports Shirts - Microfibre Black Netball Skirt - Black ADDITIONAL Hat Library Bag ADDITIONAL Display Folder Hats and Sunblock are encouraged at all times. Black shoes for both girls and boys are preferred. Thongs and T shirts and sloppy joes with undesirable or rude slogans are not acceptable. The uniform shop operates Tuesday mornings in the small hall and has a stock of track suit tops and bottoms, school jackets, polo shirts, sports t-shirts, summer dresses, hats, school bags, library bags and school emblem transfers. Donations of unused uniforms are welcomed and a clothing pool is available via the uniform shop on Tuesday mornings.
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All articles of clothing, bags, books and stationery items must be clearly marked with the name of the owner. All lost property is sent to the office. A lost property cupboard is located near the office. After a reasonable time all unmarked and unclaimed clothing is sent to Stewart House or resold at the school fete.
This list includes skates and skateboards, valuable personal items such as cassettes, cameras, jewellery (especially necklaces/earrings), matches, video games, fireworks (including caps and throwdowns), bubble gum/chewing gum and any item considered a dangerous weapon. If we have problems with trading cards such as "Tazo" cards, we add these to the above list. Mobile phones are not allowed at school. If your child has been given a phone for before or after school arrangements, then the phone is to be handed to the front office upon arrival at school for safe keeping throughout the day and it can be collected at home time. Children should never encourage dogs to come to school. Dogs creating a nuisance at school will be collected by council and taken to the pound.
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o Year Six Farewell / Graduation &endash; held during the last week of the school year. o Presentation Assembly - held in the last week of the school year for middle and senior primary children. Parents of children who will be receiving an award are invited to attend. During the presentation the school captains and vice captains for the following year are inducted by the outgoing captains and vice captains. o Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country Carnivals These are organised annually and open to children who are eight years and over. Children can qualify to represent the school at district, area and state carnivals. o Weekly Assemblies Parents are invited to various assemblies throughout the year such as for the Gold Awards presentations and when your child's class is performing at the assembly. There are two assemblies &endash; K=2 and 3-6. o Anzac Day and Combined Scripture Services o Education Week Open Day events o Parent / Teacher Information Evenings and Kindergarten Information Evening o Grandparents Day and other fundraising events o Dance Festivals, Performing Arts Festivals and Band Performances o P&C Functions such as the Mid Mountains Garden Festival and Market Days
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o Debating and Public Speaking The school is represented in the inter-school debating competition by Year 6 and Year 5 debating teams. These teams train during lunch times and debates are held both at school and other schools in the area. Children also compete in public speaking and verse speaking competitions. We would like as many children as possible to have these experiences. o School Band Chosen students practise as a band once a week in school time. As well, group tutoring is held before school. Students may use their own instruments or hire instruments from the school. The band performs at special school events. o School Choir There is a junior primary choir and a senior choir. Each choir practises once a week in school time. Extra practices are taken in lunch time before special performances. The choir performs at special school events eg. Open day, presentation day and the Performing Arts Festival. o Dance Two dance troupes are operational in our school. Up to 30 students are selected for each group. The senior dance troupe has students from Years 5 and 6 and the junior dance troupe has students from Years 3 and 4. The dance groups perform at the Blue Mountains/Nepean Dance Festival in September and at other various school functions such as concerts, assemblies and Education Week displays. If selected, the dance groups will also perform at other dance festivals, and the School's Spectacular. o PSSA Knock-out Sporting Competitions A number of school sporting teams compete in the PSSA knock-out competitions; both boys and girls softball, boys and girls basketball, boys, girls and mixed touch football, girls netball, boys cricket and soccer to name a few. Representatives are selected for various PSSA teams such as softball, hockey, tennis, soccer etc and these children will travel to state carnivals across the state. Children have gone on to be selected in state teams.
All children in Years 3 to 6 are engaged in weekly sport. Generally, activities are held at school. The children are grouped according to sports houses, and are allocated house competition points. All children, both boys and girls, are given the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities in which the emphasis is on participation and skills development. Children can be awarded a weekly Good Sport award on the basis of their efforts. Athletics, swimming and cross country champion's medallions are awarded annually. Year Six children are awarded points towards the 'Sports Person of the Year' on the basis of their efforts and achievements. This is awarded at the annual presentation assembly. Children in K-2 also have a sport program incorporating the development of game and ball skills which is organised on a class/grade basis. Each year, the children K-2 are given the opportunity to participate in gymnastics lessons conducted by qualified instructors. Fitness is organised on a class/grade basis, and each class across the school spends 15 minutes per day on an exercise / fitness program. In summer, the children from Years 2-6 are encouraged to participate in the Special Swimming Scheme.
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The school children enjoy a very resource rich program in computers and Internet use. All classrooms in the school are networked. E-mail facilities are available to each classroom. Each child experiences many varying computer programs from Kindergarten through to Year 6. A copy of the internet policy will be sent home annually. Parents are asked to read the policy and to sign the accompanying agreement regarding internet use. |
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