School Handbook

SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS

During the school year the children take part in many special activities which are important for their education. Listed below is a summary of activities which may take place in any school year.

• Multicultural Day
• Education Week/Grandparents' Open Day
• ANZAC Ceremony
• Easter Parade/Crazy Hair Day
• Easter & Christmas Combined Scripture Services
• Book Week Activities
• Presentation Day
• Information Evening, Kindergarten Orientation and Beginner Groups Programs
• Indigenous Cultural Activities
• Swimming Carnival
• Cross Country Carnival
• Athletics Carnival
• Zone Carnivals in Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics and Ball Games
• Sports coaching clinics
• Musica Viva
• Environmental workshops
• National Assessment in Literacy and Numeracy
• UNSW Primary Maths, English, Science and Computer Competitions
• Debating
• Maths Olympiad
• Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition
• Chess
• Writers Club
• Enrichment Group
• Primary Proms & Festival Choral Concerts
• School Concerts
• Musical performances for the community
• Band Camp, Training and Concert Band performances
• Dance Group performances
• Musical Soiree
• Choir
• Music Count us In
• Drug Education Program
• Life Education Program
• Child Protection Program
• Peer Support Programs
• Kindergarten Buddies
• Interrelate
• Student Representative Council Mufti Days
• Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)
• Bounce Back – Student resilience and wellbeing
• Overnight excursions to Canberra/Milson Island Camp for students in Years 5 and 6
• Variety of class/grade excursions

 

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING

PBL is a school wide program promoting a positive and encouraging learning environment. Our school community has three expectations on which we build our PBL model. These are: "Respectful", "Responsible" and "Aspire". Students are explicitly taught each expectation and know what each expectation involves.

For further information visit PBL

 

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance at school is essential if students are to reach their potential. In accordance with Student Attendance in Government School Procedures, parents must ensure:

 

•  children of compulsory school age are enrolled in a government or registered non-government school or, registered with the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) for Home Schooling
•   their children who are enrolled at school attend every day the school is open for instruction
•   they provide an explanation for absences to the school within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence through means such as a telephone call, written note or email. The 7 day timeframe for explaining absences is a requirement of the Education Act (1990)
•  they work in partnership with the school to plan and implement strategies to support regular attendance at school. This includes communicating with the school if they are aware of issues impacting on their child's attendance or engagement with school.

Parents calling to collect their children during school time must inform the class teacher and the office. If you are leaving school early, please come to the school office before collecting your child. If your child arrives after school has commenced, an adult is required to accompany them to the school office before proceeding to their classroom. Attendance for students leaving early and arriving late are recorded at the school office.

In addition to school based monitoring of attendance, student attendance is monitored each term by the Home School Liaison Officer. This includes partial and whole day absences.

Following department of Education – Student Attendance in Government Schools Procedures, from the beginning of 2015, family holidays and travel are no longer considered under the Exemption form School – Procedures. Travel or holidays outside the school vacation periods will now be included as absences for statistical purposes. A certificate of exemption can no longer be granted. Parents will be required to complete an Application for Extended Leave – Travel and forward the application to the school office if the leave is more than 5 school days. The school Principal will consider the reason for travel. Reasons for travel should be included in the application. If the reason is accepted a Certificate of Extended Leave – Travel will be issued. If a Certificate of Extended Leave – Travel is not issued, the travel will be recorded as an absence rather than leave. Please inform your child's class teacher in writing prior to travel if your child will not be attending school.

Absences from school of 100 or more consecutive school days need the approval of the Director, Public Schools, Hornsby Network. Forms are available from the office and must be completed and returned to school at least 3 weeks prior to the planned absence.

 

ASSEMBLY

School assemblies provide an opportunity to share and acknowledge student achievement. K-2, 3-6 and whole school assemblies occur each term. Information regarding school assembly times is included in the school newsletter each week.

 

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

Regular student assessment provides the class teacher with important student achievement information to ensure teaching and learning programs cater for differing student ability. A variety of assessment tools are implemented throughout K-6. All class teachers will provide:

 

•  Parent teacher interview in Term 1
•  Parent feedback PLAN report Term 1
•  Semester 1 report, end of Term 2
•  Semester 2 report, end of Term 4

 

Student progress in literacy and numeracy are monitored using the NSW Literacy and Numeracy continuums and PLAN software. PLAN software provides valuable whole school information on students' achievement in literacy and numeracy and informs school programs and initiatives.

 

BEFORE-AFTER SCHOOL CARE (BASC)

Before School Care begins at 7.00 am and After School Care operates until 6.30 pm each school day. Information regarding BASC can be found on the school website. There is also an information sheet available from the school office. Please call the centre if you require additional information on

9487 8764 or email hsbasc@live.com.au

 

BUS

A designated school bus departs from Hornsby Station at 8.45am each morning. After school, students are escorted to the bus stop under the supervision of a teacher.

 

Applying for a Bus Pass

Forms are available from the school office for students eligible to apply for a free bus pass. After completion by parents, the form is returned to school and is then sent to the bus company for processing.

 

Students who are Eligible for a Bus Pass

All K-2 students are eligible to receive free bus travel. Students in Years 3-6 who live outside a boundary limit defined by the Department of Transport are eligible for free travel. There are also some restrictions on eligibility based on the particular visa held by the student. For further information contact the school office.

 

CLASS RESOURCES

Each classroom teacher will distribute a list of required resources for each student.

 

CHANGE OF FAMILY INFORMATION

It is most important to notify the school of any changes to the information provided at the time of enrolment, so that our records are current. Please notify the school in writing as soon as possible if you move, change phone numbers, change work or emergency contact numbers.

 

Please ensure the school always has an emergency contact person other than a parent contact. It is beneficial if the nominated emergency contact resides locally.

 

COLLECTION OF MONEY

All money sent to school should be handed in at the school office. To assist with processing payments, please pay by the due date specified on the excursion note or invoice. You are able to send cash or a cheque made payable to Hornsby South Public School. You may pay online through our school website and select the $Make a Payment option. Money collections organised through the P & C should be deposited in the P & C box located in the office foyer.

 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Throughout the year many parents become involved in school programs and special projects. Parents help with organisation of functions, transport, reading, library, excursions, sporting functions, assemblies, classroom activities and working bees. If you can assist in any way, your time and help would be appreciated. Please speak with the Principal or any staff member if you are willing to offer your assistance.

 

COMPLAINTS, COMPLIMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

If you have a complaint, compliment or suggestion about any aspect of our services we're keen to hear from you.

Our commitment to you

We will deal with your issue thoroughly and fairly.

We value your feedback

We are constantly improving the way we work, so let us know if you have any suggestions.

We'd also like to know if you think we're doing something well. It helps us to make sure we continue to do great things in public education and training. We'll make sure your message is passed on.

What can a complaint be about?

You can make a complaint about:

Making a complaint

We are committed to resolving complaints promptly at a local level. If you wish to make a complaint about a public school, start by talking to the teacher or school principal.

We encourage you to raise your complaint directly in person, by email, over the telephone or by letter if you prefer.

You can also use our complaints and compliments form (PDF 80KB). You will need to print out the form and submit it to the school. For complaints, compliments and suggestions about schools, visit our guide for parents, carers and students.

 

EALD (English as an Additional Language Dialect)

Students from language backgrounds other than English are assessed by EALD teaching staff to determine an appropriate program to assist in their English language development. Additional New Arrival Programs are implemented to support students requiring more intensive assistance.

 

EXCURSIONS

Excursions support classroom teaching and learning programs. Information outlining excursion details and a permission note will be sent home for each excursion. Students are not permitted to attend excursions without a signed permission note.

 

HOMEWORK

Homework is organised by each classroom teacher and supports learning undertaken in the classroom. Please contact your child's classroom teacher if you require additional information regarding homework activities.

 

HOUSES

Our sport houses are named after famous Australian poets. Children are allocated to a house retain this house placement throughout their association with the school. House points are awarded through participation in swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals and when students demonstrate positive behaviour. The houses are:

KENDALL

GORDON

LAWSON

PATERSON

 

INTERPRETER

An interpreter service is available if required. This must be arranged by appointment through the school. Please let the class teacher know if you require an interpreter.

 

INTERVIEWS

The school encourages contact with parents. Please make an appointment with the class teacher if you are concerned about your child's welfare or progress.

 

LEARNING SUPPORT TEAM

The school's Learning Support Team, co-ordinates programs and resources to support the needs of students experiencing learning difficulties. The team meets weekly and identifies strategies to assist student development. Students on the Learning Support Team caseload are monitored throughout the year.

 

LIBRARY

Our library is open five days per week. Children are encouraged to borrow books and to read a wide variety of materials from our library collection. Children should have a library bag to protect borrowed books so they remain in good condition. Special library/excursion bags are available for purchase at the uniform shop.

 

LOST PROPERTY

All lost property is stored outside the Year 1 rooms. Parents are requested to ask their children to check as soon as possible after an item is lost. Each term, excessive items not claimed are given to local charities or the clothing pool. Please make sure all items of clothing, lunch boxes and drink bottles are clearly marked with your child's name.

 

NEWSLETTER

Each Wednesday a newsletter is distributed to the school community. The newsletter contains information regarding school events, school organisation, P&C news and acknowledgment of student achievement. A hard copy is available from the school office. To receive an electronic copy, parents need to log-on to the school website and subscribe. The newsletter is also posted on the school website.

 

PARENT ORGANISATIONS

The Parents and Citizens Association meet every third Wednesday of each month. Dates are published in the newsletter. The P & C supports the school in a variety of ways including the operation of the Before and After School Facility, Canteen, Uniform Shop, and Band. All parents are invited to become involved.

 

PARKING

For the safety of children and teachers, parents and people who collect and deliver children to school are requested not to use the school car park between the hours of 7:30am and 4:00pm. This includes families using Before and After School Care. Drivers are advised to comply with the parking signs in Clarke Road. These are often monitored by Council Parking Officers.

 

There is no pedestrian access through the staff car park at any time. The disabled car space near the entrance to the car park may be used by a special transport van before and after school each day. It is also used during the day by some visitors to the school.

 

PERFORMING ARTS

Band

The school has a Training and Concert Band. All students are welcome to join the band. Year 6 Band members also perform as an Ensemble. The school has some of the instruments for hire. Details are available from the band committee. Contact details are published in the weekly newsletter.

Choir

Choral groups operate which cater for children from K-6. Our Senior Choir performs each year in the Opera House Choral Concert and our Junior Choir performs in the Primary Proms. All choirs perform at various school events.

Dance

Our Dance Groups perform at the Sydney North Dance Festival each year. This provides an opportunity for students to perform on a professional stage in front of a large audience. Students work on original choreography with a focus on developing rhythm, movement and balance.

 

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

The School Counsellor is in attendance one and a half days each week. Please discuss a referral to the school counsellor with your child's class teacher or the school Principal. Parents are able to request a referral to the school counsellor. Your child's class teacher will provide you with the referral form.

 

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS

The school organises Staff Development Days for staff professional development. Staff Development Days are held on the first day of Terms 1, 2 and 3 and the last two days of Term 4. They occur in all government schools. It is not expected that students will attend. Information about Staff Development Days for Terms 2 and 3 will be given a number of weeks prior to the date.

 

SCHOOL HOURS

Supervision is provided for students from 8.40 am until 3.00 pm each day. It is expected that students will leave the school grounds promptly at 3.00 pm as there is no teacher supervision after 3.00 pm. An After School Care service is provided to care for children after 3.00pm.

Classes commence at 9.10 am. It is expected that children will be at school before 9.10 am but not before 8.40 am. A Before School Care service is available for your child from 7.00 am if he/she must arrive prior to 8.40 am.

 

Bell Times  

8.40 am   Student supervision

9.10 am   Lessons commence

11.10 am – 11.45 am  Recess

1.05 pm – 1.40 pm  Lunch

3.00 pm   Dismissal of classes

 

SCRIPTURE

Scripture lessons take place on Tuesdays in 2 sessions; Years 3 – 6, between 9.10 am and 9.50 am and K – 2, between 9.50 am and 10.30am. The lessons available to students are dependent on the availability of scripture and ethics teachers. Combined scripture services take place at Easter and Christmas. These are led by senior students and parents are welcome to attend.

 

SICKNESS

Sick children recover best when kept quietly at home. School staff are not in a position to administer short term medications such as antibiotics. Parents whose children require medication for ongoing conditions such as diabetes or anaphylactic allergies are asked to contact the school office to discuss arrangements.

If your child feels sick or has an accident at school, he/she will be treated in the sick bay. If it is determined that the child should not remain at school, you will be contacted at home or work to discuss the action to be taken. In urgent cases medical help will be sought immediately.

Good health is vital to school progress. It is possible that at some time during your child's schooling one of the following common childhood diseases will be contracted.

 

MEASLES

Child is excluded from school for at least four days from the appearance of the rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.

GERMAN MEASLES

Child is excluded from school for at least four days from the appearance of the rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.

MUMPS

Child is excluded for at least nine days from the onset of swelling.

CHICKEN POX

Child is excluded for at least five days after the first spots appear, or when blisters have all crusted.

CONJUNCTIVITIS

Child is excluded until discharge from the eyes has ceased.

RINGWORM / IMPETIGO

Child is excluded until treated.

SLAPPED CHEEK

Most infectious before the rash appears.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Only Asthma medication (puffers) can be kept by students in their bags. If your child needs to take any medication during school hours it must be handed into the school office and the appropriate paperwork completed.

 

SPORT

K-6 Sport

The school encourages participation in a variety of sporting activities. Carnivals are held each year for Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country and Ball Games. Selected school representatives can compete in PSSA, Zone, Area and State competitions if they qualify.

Soccer, cricket, softball/T-ball, touch, AFL and netball are among the major sports enjoyed by students at this school. A special skill preparatory program operates for students in Year 2.

K-2 Sport

This takes place weekly on a grade basis. Parental assistance may be requested. Activities are designed to develop co-ordination, balance and ball skills.

Fit Futures

Fit Futures programs operate throughout the whole school to develop the student's fundamental movement, dance and gymnastic skills, agility and aerobic capacity. The program is implemented by specialist teachers.

 

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Leadership qualities are fostered and encouraged throughout the school and all children are given opportunities to display such qualities. In Year 6, students are given the opportunity to be elected as School Captain, Vice Captain or Prefect. All Year 6 students undertake leadership training to be Peer Support leaders. Students in other years are elected by their peers to be representatives on the Student Representative Council. Senior students are also elected as House Captains and House Vice-Captains.

Kindergarten Buddies

Senior students are trained as leaders and are partnered with a pre-school child for Beginner Groups. The following year the Kindergarten children, where possible will retain the same ‘buddy' when they start school. This makes the transition to school a little easier.

Student Representative Council

Through their Student Representative Council, the children of Hornsby South raise money for various charities and school equipment. The students are elected by their class members.

 

UNIFORMS

All students are requested to wear school uniform. The uniform shop hours are published in the school newsletter each week. Students wear summer uniform Terms 1 and 4 and winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3.

For additional information visit Uniform Shop