Helensburgh Public School

Information Book
Page 2
 Page 3

Welcome to Helensburgh Public School

This handbook has been prepared to provide you with a better understanding of the school and its programs.
We hope you will find it informative and useful.

Helensburgh Public School has a tradition of excellence and has served the local community since 1887 by
providing a safe, secure, happy and supportive community based school.

We are fortunate in having an experienced and dedicated teaching and support staff, whose aim is to provide
the best possible academic education whilst ensuring that social development, cultural and sporting
endeavours are well catered for through our many and varied programs.

A strong, consistent and fair student welfare system is in place. This, together with our clear uniform policy,
has generated an enhanced sense of well-being and pride amongst all our students.

Our priorities for the years ahead are:

Providing a strong literacy and numeracy foundation
Using information and communication technologies to enhance all childrens learning experiences
A well-developed creative and performing arts focus through band, choir and public speaking
A continued tradition of strong sporting performance

Underlying each of these priorities is our belief in high expectations for student learning and the need to
continually initiate improvements to ensure the best possible educational outcomes for all students.

We hope your childs time at our school will be enjoyable and beneficial.

The Staff
Helensburgh Public School
 Page 4

School Personnel

Principal Mr. Christopher Connor

Assistant Principals Early Stage 1 - Kindergarten

Mrs. Margaret Badham
Mrs. Mel Cook (Relieving)

Stage One Years 1 and 2

Ms. Jenny Stillwell

Stage 2 Years 3 and 4

Mrs. Megan Sida

Stage 3 - Years 5 and 6

Mrs. Louise Murray (Relieving)

School Counsellor Mr. John Wyles

School Administrative Mrs. Trish Bannister

Manager

School Administrative Mrs. Beverley Clarke

Officers Mrs. Donna Ross
Mrs. Kim Hall

General Assistant Mr. Roger Hendry

School Contact Details

Address: 11 Fletcher St
Helensburgh 2508

Phone: 4294 1332

Fax: 4294 3676

This document and other information is also available on our website.

Website: http://www.helensburg-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/

Email: helensburg-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelensburghPS/

Further information for parents on all aspects of NSW public schools is available at:

http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/
 Page 5

School Year Dates 2017

Term 1
Classes begin
For Years 1 6 Monday 30th January 2017
For Kindergarten Friday 3rd February 2017
Last day of term Friday 7th April 2017

Term 2
Classes begin Wednesday 26th April 2017
Last day of term Friday 30th June 2017

Term 3
Classes begin Tuesday 18th July 2017
Last day of term Friday 22nd September 2017

Term 4
Classes begin Monday 9th October 2017
Classes cease Friday 15th December 2017

School Development Days (Staff only)

Please check in newsletter again in 2017

Friday 27th January 2017

Monday 24th April 2017
Monday 17th July 2017
Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th December 2017

http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/calendar/

School Calendar http://www.helensburgh-ps.com/calendar.html

 Page 6

General Information
Absence from School
In NSW students must attend school regularly. This means all children between the ages of six and
seventeen are legally required to attend school. Attendance is recorded daily and a 'roll call' is usually
conducted before the first lesson of the day begins.
For the benefit of all children, parents or carers should ensure their child attends school regularly. Any
absence from school should be explained within seven days of the absence.
If children miss out on school they miss out on vital information, their learning routine is broken, they can
lose confidence and they miss out on building friendships.
All students are legally required to attend school every day, including sports days unless:
your child has an unavoidable medical or dental appointment (preferably these should be made after school
or during holidays)
your child is required to attend a recognised religious holiday
your child is required to attend an exceptional or urgent family circumstance (such as attending a funeral)
your child is sick, or has an infectious disease.
If you are having difficulty getting your child to attend school regularly, you might like to talk to the school
principal or the school counsellor.
If you can only arrange your family holiday during school time, you should inform the school principal in
advance and request leave.
Children arriving late (after the 8.55am bell) must be signed in by an adult to get a late arrival slip from the
office for their class teacher.

Access/Custody of Children
Please provide any Family Law papers when enrolling your child, particularly details of who can pick up your
child.

After-school Care
Fun 4 U Helensburgh is a before, after school and vacation care centre for local primary school students.
More details at http://www.fun4uhelensburgh.com.au

Assemblies
Whole school and stage assemblies are held regularly. Awards for behaviour and achievement are presented
at these assemblies. Parents are welcome to attend. Please see our school newsletter for dates.

Band
Children in Years 3-6 have the opportunity to join the school band. Children pay for weekly band instruction,
instrument hire and optional tuition.

Bell Times
School Times are 8:55am 2:55pm. The school playground is supervised from 8:25am to 2:55pm. Students
should not attend before 8:25am.
8:55 Classes begin
10:55 Lunch eat in classroom for 10 minutes
11.55 Classes begin
1:20 Recess
1:40 Classes begin
2:55 Dismissal
A wet weather bell will ring if it is raining between 8.25am and 8.55am and students go straight to their
classroom. On Fridays lunch is at 11:25 to allow for sport.
 Page 7

Bikes/skateboards/mini-scooters at School
Children in Years 5-6 are allowed to ride bicycles and scooters to school. The children must wear an approved
safety helmet and follow road safety rules. This means children must avoid busy roads and are allowed to ride
on the footpath. Bikes must be walked into and out of school grounds. Due to safety concerns skateboards
are not permitted at school.

Birthday Cakes
We acknowledge and value the celebration of a childs birthday and parents can supply cake to mark the
occasion. However, we encourage parents to be mindful that some students may not be able to have cake due
to allergies or beliefs. So please check with your childs teacher before organising your cake. Individual
cupcakes are much easier to manage and are a great alternative to a larger cake that requires slicing. We
dont keep knives in classrooms. Please keep it simple and provide for every student.

Bounce Back!
Bounce Back! is a wellbeing program, which supports children to be more resilient, confident and successful.

Buddy Program
A Buddy Program operates between Kindergarten and Year 6 students to help Kindergarten students to
settle into school. This will begin early in Term 1.

Bushfire Safety
Helensburgh Public School is in the NSW fire area of the Illawarra and has been assessed as high risk or
bushfire prone. Our school will be closed and have alternate arrangements in place if a catastrophic fire
danger rating is issued for our location. Details can be found on the school website.
Parents can get up-to-date information during the bushfire season from:
http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-at-det/bushfire-safety

Bus Travel and Bus Behaviour

Most students who already have a school student travel pass wont need to apply for the School Opal card.
Eligible students will apply online for a School Opal card. Go to http://transportnsw.info/school-students
Children sit and wait quietly in bus lines until escorted to the bus by the teacher on duty. Children are
expected to behave in a polite and safe manner whilst travelling on the buses. Bus drivers will report
unsatisfactory student behaviour to the principal.
 Page 8

Canteen
The canteen is open every school day with hot and cold food for lunch, drinks, ice blocks, etc. Children order
lunch before school using a paper bag. Name, class and order should be written on the outside and correct
money placed inside. Orders are then placed in a container at the canteen. Lunches can be ordered online. For
details go to: http://www.helensburgh-ps.com/canteen.html
The 2017 menu will be sent home in Term 1 and will also be available on the school website. Students may also
buy fruit to eat in Crunch and Sip before school begins. Parents are asked to volunteer to help in the
canteen. Children may go to the canteen to buy ice-blocks etc. after the 10 minute eating bell. They line up
and wait to be served.
Choir
Children in Years 3-6 are given the opportunity to join the school choir. The choir performs throughout the
year at assembly and special events.

Collecting Children in Cars at 2:55 PM

Parents are reminded to obey all parking and bus signs around the school. The bus pickup and drop off area is
in Fletcher St and also a pickup and drop off area for parents. The staff car parks in Fletcher St and in Lukin
St are out of bounds for all students.
Parents are requested not to drive into staff car parks to drop students off or to let them walk through the
car parks. We get many deliveries throughout the day and the car park in Fletcher St is always busy.

Crunch and Sip or Fruit Break

During the morning session students will have a short break in class to eat fruit or vegetables and drink
water. Only fruit or vegetables can be eaten and should be sent ready to eat. Please do not give your child too
much to eat at this time.

Enrichment Groups
We run enrichment programs for students identified as gifted and talented.

Environmental Team
Our school has award winning environmental education programs. Students learn about the environment and
their part in it, through classroom programs, and hands on experiences. Programs are in place to learn about
recycling, reusing and reducing waste. Developing a kitchen garden is our latest project.

Excursions and Visiting Performers

Our policy is that each class may participate in a maximum of four excursions and/or performances per year.
Students must return permission notes and money at least two days before the excursion in order to
participate. Anyone experiencing financial difficulty should contact the Principal.
Refunds: Partial refunds are given if you have paid and your child is unable to attend. However, transport
costs are calculated on the number of students attending and cannot be refunded.
Visiting Performers: These activities are part of the curriculum and students are expected to attend.

Facebook
The school has a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HelensburghPS/
It is the place to go to find out what is happening at HPS - we strive to keep you fully informed of everything
that happens at our school. During the school term a post is made on Sunday with the coming weeks events
listed. There is also a post every school morning at 5:30am with what is happening that school day. Its the
gateway to our school website - when notes, photos, the Highlights newsletter, new calendar dates etc. are
uploaded to our website there will also be a post about it on our Facebook page. Examples of our students
work are also shared on our Facebook page. By liking our page youll stay in touch with what is happening.

Hats
The school has a No Hat, Play in the Shade policy. Children without school hats will not be allowed to play in
the playground areas due to the risk of excessive sun exposure. Children without school hats will be required
to play in a shaded area during playtime.
 Page 9

Homework
Kindergarten children will not be expected to complete written homework, however, you will be asked to read
to your child and hear them read.
In Years 1 and 2 some formal homework is usually set. For example, students may be asked to complete simple
computations or to complete an activity sheet. Homework in Years 3-6 will be varied and students will be
expected to work more independently. Teachers will still provide guidance and assistance to students having
difficulties completing their homework.

Immunisation
The NSW Department of Health recommends that all children entering school be fully immunised. Your child
will be in contact with many other children and infections spread easily in these circumstances. Under the
NSW Public Health Act 2010, children without proof of immunisation may be asked by Public Health Officials
to stay at home during an outbreak of vaccine preventable disease.

Internet access and email

The NSW DoE provides your child with an Internet and email account. Your child will have an individual
username and password to login to the Internet at school. This means while at school, their access to the
Internet will be filtered to help stop inappropriate sites from being accessed.
Your child will also have an email account, which can be accessed through the Student Portal. Further
information will be sent home in Term 1.

Intensive Swimming Classes and Water Safety Program

A 10-day swimming scheme is usually conducted each year for non-swimmers from Years 2-6.

Labelling of Clothing and Personal Belongings

Please make sure that all your childrens clothing and personal belongings are clearly marked with the childs
name. This helps us to return lost property. A Lost Property Box is located outside Block O.

Leaving the school during the day

If students have to leave the school during the day for an appointment or other reasons, they must bring a
note from you to the teacher. Parents then collect the child from class by obtaining an early leaver slip from
the office. Any student collected at any time by another adult (other than the custodial parent) must have a
signed note from the parent, giving the specific date and time.

Library
Each class has a weekly lesson with the Teacher-Librarian. All students must have a waterproof library bag to
borrow a book. Library bags are available from the canteen.
 Page 10

Money Collection
Money for excursions and other events should be sent to school in a sealed envelope with the childs name,
class, reason for money and amount. Children are to give the money to their class teacher. The school accepts
cheques and has an online payment system with a link from the school website.
For further information go to http://www.helensburgh-ps.com/online-payments.html

Newsletter
The school newsletter Helensburgh Highlights is produced fortnightly. The newsletter contains news about
school events, important dates to remember, education-related issues and community happenings. It is an
important communication between the school, families, and the community. The Highlights is sent home with
your youngest child and is also available to download from the school website.

Parents and Citizens Association

The P&C meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the staffroom. All are welcome to attend.
The P&C meeting is a great place to meet new parents and to receive up to date information about your childs
school. Helensburgh P and C also has a Facebook page.

Parent Involvement and Visitors

The establishment of strong links between the home and the school is highly desirable.
Parent assistance is appreciated for a variety of things including:
* special reading programs * listening to reading * canteen
* school excursions * helping in classrooms * sport
Any visitor, including those helping at school must sign in at the office at the time of arrival and get a
visitors pass. Please sign out when you leave. This allows us to know who is in our school in case of an
emergency or evacuation. All helpers in our school must complete the Working with Children Check.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parents may at any time make an appointment to have an interview with a teacher. Please ring the office to
make an appointment.

Peer Support
The Peer Support program is a peer led, skills based program. The program empowers students to support
each other and contribute positively to society. Trained Year 6 Peer Leaders run sessions with multi-aged
groups of about 8-10 students from Kindergarten to Year 5.

Playground
The playground is divided into separate areas. There is a K-2 playground, a 3-6 playground and a K-6 area.
Teachers supervise all playground areas.

Religious Education
Religious Education is usually called Scripture. All denominations, except for the Catholic Church, have
combined lessons. Ethics classes are also available and further information will be in the Highlights early in
Term 1 2017. Lessons are held on a Wednesday.

Reporting and Assessment

Each child's achievement and progress in class is assessed by their teacher(s). Teachers use a variety of
ways to assess their students including observing their work in class and looking closely at the work they
produce. They make assessments of their students' progress throughout the year.
Teachers will also make judgements twice a year of each student's achievement compared with the
expectations described in each key learning area (KLA) syllabus. In Years 1-6, their judgements are made on a
5-point achievement scale, using A-E or the word descriptors; Outstanding, High, Sound, Limited and Basic.
The written report to each child's parents provided by each school twice a year, will also include a written
comment with strengths and areas for improvement. Kindergarten students' progress will be reported
through the descriptions provided by teachers in their comments.
 Page 11

School Banking
School banking is conducted each Tuesday (subject to change). Bankbooks are collected in the classroom and
sent to the office. Any student may open a Commonwealth Bank account. Application forms are available from
the office.

School Counsellor
School counsellors are experienced teachers who are also psychologists. They have been specially trained to
diagnose, assess and assist teachers, parents and children in order to overcome problems encountered at
school. Such problems may be with behaviour, learning or social and psychological development. Parents are
contacted before a child sees the school counsellor. Also parents or caregivers may make an appointment to
discuss matters of concern with the school counselor.

School Discipline Policy

At the beginning of each year details of our discipline policy will be available to download from the school
website.

School Learning Support Teacher

These teachers help students who are having difficulty in learning. They work with regular classroom
teachers and they also help students to be more confident and independent in their learning.

Student Representative Council

Student Representative Councils (SRCs) are a NSW public school tradition. An SRC is a group of students in a
school elected by their fellow students to represent all students in the school and who organise ways for
students to participate in school life. SRCs work democratically to represent the student body in school
decision-making. Students work together, with help from a staff member, to improve school life and to
contribute students' ideas.

Toys and Valuables at school

We ask parents to avoid sending toys and other personal items to school as they may become lost or broken.
Toys, including electronic games and collectables, should not be brought to school unless requested by the
teacher for specific lessons. The school has a policy on mobile phones and this will be in Highlights in Term 1.

Variations to Normal Routine

Unless a request to vary routine is received by the class teacher in writing, the normal routine of the child
will not be varied. Examples of this would be:
* change of bus or a request to walk home * change of medication * child collected by a different adult.
 Page 12

Voluntary School Contributions

Each year a large amount of money is spent on equipment, teaching aids, resources etc. essential to the
effective education of your child. Some of the money is supplied through government grants, some through
P&C funds and some through voluntary school contributions.
You will be informed of the amount of the voluntary contribution at the start of the school year. In addition
schools may charge students for the purchase of materials used in particular subjects.
Health
Medications
In compliance with the NSW Department of Education and Training ALL medication (including asthma
puffers/sprays) must be presented to the office in its original packaging to be dispensed by a School
Administrative Officer. All medication given is recorded in the schools medical register.
Children with asthma should have an asthma plan, which must be given to the school. Children who have been
diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis will have an individual health care plan formulated by school in consultation
with the parent and where practicable the doctor. The school will contact you if either of these applies.
It is imperative that medication and a written note, giving permission for medication to be administered, be
handed to the office staff with clear instructions of:
* childs name * class * dosage * time to be given *day(s) to be given
Please only forward enough medication for the days dosage or, if on regular medication, see the office staff.
Under no circumstances must children keep or dispense their own medication.
During the time your child is at school he/she may contract one or more of the infectious diseases common in
children. Most of these can be easily passed onto other children so the Department of Education and
Communities has rules about excluding children from school until they are better. Below are some of the most
common. For exclusion periods of other diseases please contact your doctor.

Please advise the office immediately if your child is diagnosed with any of the infectious diseases.
Chicken Pox

Glandular Fever

Infectious Hepatitis

Viral Hepatitis Type A

Rubella (German Measles)

Whooping Cough

Parvovirus B19

Contagious Skin Conditions

Impetigo scabby sores

Scabies (The Itch)

Head Lice

Ring Worm

It is often very difficult to decide if your child is too sick to go to school or not. We do not have the
facilities to look after sick children for any length of time so we need to have a phone number where
the parent can be contacted and the child can be taken home. If your child becomes sick or has an
accident at school, we will contact you. For more information go to:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/wellbeing-and-learning/health-and-physical-care/health-care-
procedures/conditions
 www.schoolatoz.com.au

Too sick for school?

Generally if your child feels unwell, keep them home from school and consult your doctor.
This chart and the information it contains is not intended to take the place of a consultation
with your doctor.

Bronchitis Symptoms are coughing, a runny nose, sore throat and

mild fever. The cough is often dry at first, becoming moist ... until they are feeling better.
after a couple of days. There may be a slight wheeze and Antibiotics may be needed.
shortness of breath. A higher fever (typically above 39C) may
indicate pneumonia.

Chickenpox Slight fever, runny nose, and a rash that begins as raised
(Varicella) pink spots that blister and scab. ... for 5 days from the onset of the
rash and the blisters have dried.
Conjunctivitis The eye feels scratchy, is red and may water. Lids may stick
together on waking. ... while there is discharge from
the eye unless a doctor has diagnosed a
non-infectious cause.
Diarrhoea Two or more consecutive bowel motions that are looser and
(no organism identified) more frequent than normal and possibly stomach cramps. ... for at least 24 hours after
diarrhoea stops.
Fever A temperature of 38.5C or more in older infants and
children. ... until temperature is normal.
Gastroenteritis A combination of frequent loose or watery stools (diarrhoea),
vomiting, fever, stomach cramps, headaches. ... for at least 24 hours after
diarrhoea and/or vomiting stops.
German measles Often mild or no symptoms: mild fever, runny nose, swollen
(Rubella) nodes, pink blotchy rash that lasts a short time. ... for at least 4 days after the
rash appears.
Glandular Fever Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, tiredness,
(Mononucleosis, swollen nodes. ... unless theyre feeling unwell.
EBV infection)
Hand, Foot and Generally a mild illness caused by a virus, perhaps with a
Mouth Disease fever, blisters around the mouth, on the hands and feet, and ... until all blisters have dried.
(HFMD) perhaps the nappy area in babies.

Hayfever Sneezing, a blocked or runny nose (rhinitis), itchy eyes, nose

(Allergic rhinitis) caused
by allergy to pollen (from
grasses, flowers and trees),
dust mites, animal fur or hair,
mould spores, cigarette smoke
Head lice or nits*
(Pediculosis)
and throat, headaches. ... unless they feel unwell or
are taking a medication which makes
them sleepy.
Itchy scalp, white specks stuck near the base of the hairs;
lice may be found on the scalp. ... while continuing to treat head
lice each night. Tell the school.

Information provided by NSW Health.

Owned by State of NSW through the Department of Education and Communities 2012. This work may be freely reproduced and distributed for 1/2
non-commercial educational purposes only. Permission must be received from the department for all other uses.
Hepatitis A Often none in young children; sudden onset of fever, loss of
appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of skin and
eyes), dark urine, pale stools.
Hepatitis B Often no symptoms in young children. When they do occur,
they can include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,
jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine.
Impetigo Small red spots change into blisters that fill up with pus and
(School sores) become crusted; usually on the face, hands or scalp.
Influenza Sudden onset fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle
aches and headaches.
Measles Fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes for a
few days followed by a red blotchy rash that starts on the face
and spreads down the body and lasts 4 to 7 days.
Meningococcal Disease Sudden onset of fever and a combination of headache, neck,
stiffness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness or rash.
Molluscum Contagiosum Multiple small lumps (25mm) on the skin that are smooth,
firm and round, with dimples in the middle. In children, occur
mostly on the face, trunk, upper arms and legs. Symptoms
can last 6 months to 2 years.
Mumps Fever, swollen and tender glands around the jaw.
Ringworm* Small scaly patch on the skin surrounded by a pink ring.
(tinea corporis]
Runny nose or
common cold
Scabies* Itchy skin, worse at night. Worse around wrists, armpits,
buttocks, groin and between fingers and toes.
Shigella Diarrhoea (which may contain blood, mucus and pus), fever,
stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Slapped Cheek Syndrome Mild fever, red cheeks, itchy lace-like rash, and possibly
(Parvovirus B19 infection, cough, sore throat or runny nose.
fifth disease, erythema
infectiosum)
Whooping Cough Starts with a running nose, followed by persistent cough that
(Pertussis) comes in bouts. Bouts maybe followed by vomiting and a
whooping sound as the child gasps for air.
Worms The main sign of threadworms is an itchy bottom. Sometimes
(Threadworms, pinworms) children feel out of sorts and do not want to eat much. They
may also have trouble sleeping, due to itching at night.
*It is important that the rest of the family is checked for head lice, scabies and ringworm
Information provided by NSW Health.
Owned by State of NSW through the Department of Education and Communities 2012. This work may be freely reproduced and distributed for
non-commercial educational purposes only. Permission must be received from the department for all other uses.
... for 2 weeks after first symptoms
(or 1 week after onset of jaundice).
Contact your doctor before returning
to school.
... if they have ... if they
symptoms. Contact have a chronic
your doctor before infection (not the
returning to school. first outbreak) and
no symptoms.
... until antibiotic treatment starts.
Sores should be covered with watertight
dressings.
... until well.
... for at least 4 days after the rash
appears.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Patient will need hospital treatment.
Close contacts receive antibiotics.
... for 9 days after onset of swelling.
... for 24 hours after fungal
treatment has begun.
... unless there are other symptoms
such as fever, sore throat, cough, rash
or headache. Check with school.
... until 24 hours after treatment
has begun.
... until there has not been a loose
bowel motion for 24 hours. Antibiotics
may be needed.
... as it is most infectious before the
rash appears.
... until the first 5 days of an
antibiotic course has been completed.
Unimmunised siblings may need to stay
home too until treated with an antibiotic.
... and tell the school as other
parents will need to know to check
their kids.
2/2