Rules and policies are in place to make sure your child remains safe and well at school.
Visit the NSW Department of Education’s policy library for all current operational policies.
Our school uses the department's School Community Charter to ensure all of our communication is collaborative and respectful.
Attendance and absences
Students must attend school regularly so they can achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options.
In NSW, all children from the age of 6 are legally required to attend school or be registered for home schooling through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). All students must complete Year 10, or its equivalent and remain in school, employment or training until they turn 17.
For more information about compulsory school attendance, visit:
Frequently asked questions
Is your child at school?
Under the Education and Public Instruction Act, 1987, parents have a legal responsibility to ensure the regular school attendance of their children aged between 6 and 15 years.
Is regular attendance important?
"YES" - From the first day. If students miss the basic skills in the early years of school, they often experience difficulties later. It has been shown that irregular attendance in the infants and primary years often leads to the development of poor attendance at high school.
Must I send my child to school?
"YES" - All children between the ages of 6 and 15 years are required by law to attend school regularly.
Must I send my child every day?
"YES" - Unless the child
- is too sick to leave the house.
- has an infectious disease like chicken pox, mumps, measles.
- is incapacitated by injury preventing movement around school.
- has to honour a religious commitment, or
- is accompanying his or her parents on a family holiday which cannot be arranged in school vacations. This should be arranged with the Principal prior to the absence.
- Wherever possible, dental and medical appointments should be made after school.
Must I notify the school if my child has been away?
"YES" - You should always either send a note, phone the school, or submit absence advice on the SkoolBag app to explain the reason for any absence.
Should I notify the school if my child refuses to go to school?
"YES" - You should contact the Principal and seek assistance as a matter of urgency
School frameworks (school rules)
As well as following the department’s operational policies, we have developed frameworks for our students in line with our school’s values and commitments.
Accidents, illness at school
If your child has an accident at school, a parent or emergency contact is notified. It is essential that contact telephone numbers are kept up to date. If necessary, the student will be taken to Griffith Base Hospital by ambulance . The school belongs to the Ambulance Scheme. There is no cost to parents for this service whilst a student is involved in school activities with a supervising teacher in charge.
If your child is participating in an excursion or other school activity away from the school they are also covered by the School Ambulance Scheme.
It is vital that the school has up-to-date emergency telephone numbers.
If your child becomes ill while they are at school they will be cared for in our sick bay, while you are contacted to come immediately to collect them. We are not staffed in primary schools for the ongoing care of sick children.
Children who are sick should not be sent to school in the hope that they will ‘probably feel better later’.
Class formation policy
Classes are organised each year by staff to maximise the educational benefits of each student. Class organisation may vary from year to year depending on such factors as student enrolment numbers, staffing allocations and physical resources, eg classrooms available for use and staff to ensure that each child is placed in a class group suited to his/her stage of development and needs.
The class formation policy is published in the school newsletter in Term 4 each year.
Home learning policy
The policy is set by the community and school is presented to parents for discussion each year.
Home learning will vary according to the teacher’s perception of class and student needs. Activities could include reading, spelling, maths, seeking information, completing contracts, asking questions, writing, learning tables etc. – in general, an extension of classroom work.
Parents can assist children at home by:
- Supporting them in the completion of their homework.
- Providing a quiet place.
- Setting a good example by sharing an interest, encouraging routines.
- Communicating with staff regarding any concerns.
Mobile phones and smart wathces/devices
Students should not have mobile phones or other smart devices at school.
If there is an emergency situation and the student requires a phone AFTER school, they are to bring them to the Administration Office or give them to a classroom teacher, where they will be placed in a secure area, for collection at the end of the day. The only exception is if a student has a health plan which has been negotiated with the Principal that requires a relevant device.
The school will not be taking responsibility for items brought to school and lost.
Collecting your child during school hours
When children need to leave the school for approved appointments during the school day, they must be accompanied by a parent or designated care giver.
An exit slip must be obtained at the front office and then given to the class teacher when you collect your child. These slips have a photograph of your child printed on them. Please ensure you allow enough time to go to the office to obtain the exit slip and collect your child to make your scheduled appointment.
No child is permitted to leave school grounds without permission of a parent or guardian.
This policy allows us to accurately record when a child leaves the school and also notifies the class teacher or relief teacher that a student has been correctly signed out by an authorised person.
Teachers have been advised that parents/carers must have a release note from the office if they are collecting students during the school day.
Money collections
If sending money to school for any reasons including excursion payment, visiting shows, etc., please put correct amount into an envelope (as we do not have change), write your child's name and class along with the amount of money enclosed and the reason for the payment.
For example: Jimmy Jones Class KK $3.00 for school excursion to Pioneer Park
If you follow this system you will find that there are few problems with lost money, lost change or confused payments.
Receipts
The school uses two forms of receipting for monies collected. In the case of a large quantity of payments of small amounts which include collections for –
- Visting shows
- Local excursions etc
These monies are group receipted (noted on class list and kept in school files). For other payments, (e.g. School camps), individual receipts are provided and sent home with the child.
Sun safe policy
A Sun Smart Policy is an essential part of Student Welfare. The ‘No Hat: Play in the Shade’ policy aims to make children aware of the severe dangers of ultra violet rays. We seek parental support in encouraging children to –
SLIP, SLOP, SLAP
every day ie wear sunscreen, and hat when outdoors. A school hat is available for purchase from the Uniform Shop, however every child is given a hat by the P & C when they enrol - this is an essential part of the school uniform.
If a student does not wear a hat he/she will be required to stay in designated shade areas.