March 2021 Newsletter

It is important for everyone to get off to a strong start this year, so to this end, we would like to mention a few aspects of school operations for 2021 to ensure that students, parents and caregivers are clear about expectations and responsibilities. Many of these points will be familiar, but worth a reminder to ensure consistent information for students both at school and at home.

• If students are absent, please contact the school to advise us of this as soon as possible. Text messages or emails are great. This will prevent parents and caregivers from receiving automated text messages about student absences.

• All students are expected to wear our school uniform. School uniform items are now available from Sports Power- Pinjarra. If students come to school in non-school uniform clothing, they will be directed to Student Services for assistance. Please ensure that you purchase the necessary school uniform items or contact the school so that we can assist you with access to uniforms.

• School commences at 8:40am. Students should aim to be on site by 8:30am. All busses arrive in plenty of time for students to get to period one classes. Lateness is usually due to students leaving the school site before school or stopping off on their way to school, often to get food. This is not acceptable. We have a Breakfast Club running for those who need a bite to eat before class. Please encourage students to come directly to school in the morning. Persistent, unexplained and unacceptable lateness to classes may result in a loss of good standing.

• If students are at school, it is expected that they attend their timetabled classes. Wandering around the school site, or leaving the school site without parent permission during the day will be recorded as unexplained absence or truancy on our attendance system. Parents will be contacted should this behaviour occur. While it is a minority of our students who persistently engage in class avoidance, the potential for disruption to those students who are in classes is unacceptable. Being at school means being in the correct class at the correct time. Only those students with a note from their teacher have permission to be out of class at any given time.

• The Department of Education Mobile Phone Policy has been implemented across all public schools in WA. It is not a ‘school rule’, but is legislation to support positive, safe and productive learning environments in schools. The simple instruction for students is ‘Off and Away’ during school hours. This includes recess and lunch breaks and covers the whole school day. Students are not permitted to make or take phone calls or send or receive text messages while at school – not even from parents or caregivers. Should you need to contact your child while they are at school, please contact us on 9531 7000 and we will relay the message to the student or arrange to bring them to the phone. There are some students who are permitted to access their phones whilst at school for medical reasons. These are managed on a case by case basis. If any parents or caregivers have concerns about the Mobile Phone Policy as it applies to their child, we will continue to work with you to develop understanding and create suitable solutions.

• When students encounter a ‘bump in the road’ at school and require support, it is important to contact the staff member best positioned to provide the information and assistance that they need. This is usually the class teacher, Head of Learning Area or House Coordinator. In some instances, it may be appropriate to speak to the Student Services Manager or an Associate Principal about your concerns. It is rarely the case that the Principal should be the first port of call, as day to day, the Principal role is less directly involved with case managing individual students. Where Principal involvement is necessary, the matter will be referred to the Principal by other staff. Please be mindful of who can best assist you when contacting the school with concerns or enquiries to ensure you receive prompt and helpful service.

• Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping students to achieve success at school, so we encourage frequent contact with teachers to address questions you may have about your child’s progress and well-being. House Coordinators are also a great source of information and support, as they closely monitor how students are navigating the challenges that the school environment can present. Early contact is a great way to establish strong partnerships between home and school so that students feel understood and supported as they learn their way forward. To support these relationships, we will host several parent information evenings, social events and reporting meetings throughout the year to build partnerships between students, teachers and parents and caregivers. Please attend these and remember you are welcome to contact the school any time to discuss matters related to your child’s academic or personal well-being.