New Students

Before school a bell rings at 8.55am for pupils to cease play, use toilets, wash hands and move to correct assembly points where announcements are made.

Children should not arrive at school before 8.30am when teachers commence

playground duty.

The playing of games is permitted by the duty teacher after the 8.30 bell has rung.

Students should arrive punctually for school and go straight home after school.

2. TRAFFIC/CAR PARK

The car park at school is for staff parking only during school hours. Vehicles making

deliveries or carrying out servicing operations also use the car park as do those parents

who are acting in an emergency. Parents are not to drive their vehicles into the car park

to drop off or collect children between 8am and 3.30pm.

The car parks are out of bound to pupils.

Children are not permitted to ride bicycles or skate boards anywhere in the school grounds.

3. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

Children who have to cross Beresford Road should be trained to use the pedestrian crossing, which is patrolled. Children should not cross the car park entrance. To avoid crossing the car park children should use the appropriate pathway into and out of the school grounds.

4. SCHOOL BADGE, MOTTO, PRAYER, SONG & NATIONAL ANTHEM

Our school badge, motto, prayer and song are all part of our Beresford Road Public School tradition. We expect them to be well known and respected by all of our pupils.

School Song

We're the girls and boys of Beresford Road,

Proudly we're singing, working and playing.

In our school community we’re learning to live.

Beresford Road's our school.

Here at school we strive to do our best always.

In all we do, we're preparing for the future

Every day.

We're the boys and girls of Beresford Road.

Youth of Australia; hope of tomorrow.

With honesty and courage

Forward we go.

Beresford Road's our school!

Beresford Road’s our school!

School Prayer

This is our school, let peace dwell here,

Let the rooms be full of contentment,

Let love abide here,

Let us remember that as many hands make a home

So, many hearts make a school.

National Anthem

Australians all let us rejoice,

For we are young and free;

We've golden soil and wealth for toil,

Our home is girt by sea.

Our land abounds in nature's gifts

Of beauty rich and rare.

In history’s page, let every stage

Advance Australia fair.

In joyful strains then let us sing,

Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross

We'll toil with hearts and hands

To make this Commonwealth of ours

Renowned of all the lands.

For those who've come across the seas

We've boundless plains to share.

With courage let us all combine

To advance Australia fair

5. ENROLMENT PROCEDURE/TRANSFER OF PUPILS

Wherever possible, and consistent with the policies of the Department of Education and training, students residing within the boundaries of Beresford Road Public School will have the right to enrol in the school.

Each school has an enrolment buffer which is the maximum number the school can enrol before accepting only “local enrolments”.

Our buffer is determined by the number of classroom teachers. (Presently 15) We follow Department Policy which states that except for enrolment at the start of the year, non-local placements must not generate demand for extra staff or create disruption to school routine.

TRANSFER OF PUPILS

If a pupil is transferring to another school, parents are requested to notify us beforehand

and collect a Transfer Certificate from the office to take to the new school. Your child's

work books can also be collected and taken with you, provided reasonable notice is

given for these to be collected.

KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS

Children who will turn 5 years of age by 31st July in the year that they wish to commence school are able to be enrolled.

Parents are requested to fill in an enrolment form and return it to school during the year before their child is due to commence school.

Proof of age must be shown before a child can be accepted into a Kindergarten class.

Documentary evidence may be provided in any of the following forms:

Birth Certificate: Extract copies are obtained from the Department of Births, Deaths and

Marriages, by writing to the Registrar and including the payment of a fee. Phone for

details.

Social Security/Family allowance Card or Letter.

Passport documents.

At the time of enrolment an Immunisation Certificate will need to be presented to the

school showing details of your child's immunisation record.

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION DAY

Parents will be informed of the date and arrangements when Kindergarten pupils will be invited to visit the school for an Orientation morning. This will be during Term 4. At this time we will provide parents with all necessary details about enrolment for the following year.

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PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL

Does your child :

Know his/her name and address well enough to repeat them when necessary?
Know the safest way to and from school?
Allways have a handkerchief and know how to use it correctly?
Know that hands should be washed before meals and after visiting the toilet?
Know how to use and flush the toilet without assistance?
Know how to tie shoe laces?
Put away playthings and materials after using them?
Take off and put on outer clothing without help?
Understand rules for safe play?
Understand road safety rules?

6. UNIFORM / CLOTHING POOL

Parents are asked to encourage their children to wear school uniform at all times.Details of the Beresford Road Public School uniform and uniform shop are found in the APPENDIX.

All clothing, school bags and possessions should be clearly labelled with the owner's name and class, otherwise it is extremely difficult to determine ownership.

It is customary to change from summer to winter uniform according to seasons and weather conditions.

CLOTHING POOL

The Clothing Pool, located in the administration block. Opening times are displayed on the Clothing Pool door. Donations of emergency clothing, in all sizes, are appreciated.

7. PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

The Beresford Road School P. & C. Association meets on the first Tuesday of each

month in school term at 7.30pm in the school staffroom.

Meetings involve such matters as dealing with correspondence, reports on various

activities, the Principal’s report, organisation of fund raising and general business. It is

your opportunity to raise and discuss matters of interest in the school or in education.

All parents and interested community members are most welcome to attend.

8. SECURITY

Electronic surveillance is installed at Beresford Road School.

A Security Firm patrols school buildings out of school hours and particularly during

school vacations. Security officers are required to notify the Police if they apprehend

children or anyone causing damage to the school property, stealing or committing other

illegal activities.

Local residents are requested to phone the security service (1300 880 021) without

delay if they have reason to suspect the actions of people on school premises out of

school hours.

High School brothers or sisters should not enter the grounds in school hours without

good reason. Passes are issued by the school office to siblings who are permitted to

enter the school grounds to pick up younger children.

9. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

On Wednesday morning we are visited by lay teachers for a half hour period of religious instruction in Protestant, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Muslim.

10. HOME / SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

NEWSLETTERS

A newsletter is sent home to parents each Tuesday. It contains reports on happenings

throughout the school and advises of forthcoming events.

The school website also contains valuable information. Go to:

www.beresfdrd-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

NOTES TO PARENTS

From time to time notes are sent to parents requesting a written reply in the form of a

tear off slip. Parents are asked to return such slips promptly.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

Throughout the school, teachers use a process of continuous evaluation of individual

pupil progress in all subject areas. Based on this ongoing evaluation parents will be invited by their child's teacher to an interview at the end of term1to discuss their child's progress.

Parents are encouraged to avail themselves of this opportunity to meet their child's

teacher. It gives both an avenue to discuss any problems in an atmosphere of

confidentiality and helps us to a better understanding of your child.

Parents are also invited to make an appointment for an interview at other times if they

have any cause for concern about their child. Written reports will be issued to all

students at the end of Terms 2 and 4

In all reporting we try as far as possible to treat each child as an individual and give a

true picture of strengths and weaknesses in academic subjects, attitudes and social

development. We encourage parents to advise us if they know of circumstances, which

affect their child's progress and/or behaviour at school.

"Meet the Teacher" sessions are arranged for all grades early in the school year.

GENERAL INFORMATION FORM

Each pupil in the school has an emergency form on file in the office. These forms

contain details that are important to your child's welfare in an emergency. We need to

be advised of changes of address, phone numbers, (home and business), health

requirements and emergency contact phone numbers, as soon as these changes

occur.

11. PARENT HELPERS

Parent volunteers assist regularly in classroom reading programs, in the Library, at

K-2 Gross Motor and other school activities.

Any assistance given is greatly appreciated. Please discuss this with your class teacher.

12. EXCURSIONS

From time to time teachers organise excursions for pupils to visit places of educational value. All such excursions arranged must meet with the Principal's approval.

Also visiting exhibitions and performers are sometimes invited to the school because we feel students will benefit educationally from these experiences. Pupils are encouraged to attend these occasions.

Parents are notified of any pending excursions or school visits and in those cases where a child is leaving the school on an excursion a signed permission note must be received at school before the child may attend.

13. CUSTODY OF CHILDREN

ADVICE OF CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS

The school should be advised in writing of any special custody arrangements

concerning children at school. For example : if one parent is denied access to a child

through a court order this information should be relayed to the school executive and will

be treated as confidential. (Documented court evidence will be required.)

Should custody arrangements change at any time, it is essential that the school is

advised in writing.

REMOVAL OF CHILDREN DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Any parent wishing to collect a child from school during school hours must send a note

to the class teacher beforehand if this need is anticipated. If no note is sent then the

parent will need to call at the office to receive a signed slip from the Principal or

Assistant Principal before the class teacher is allowed to let the child leave the

premises.

These procedures are meant to protect children from wrongful removal and should be

respected and observed by all parents.

If a child's parent wants another adult to collect his/her child from school during school

hours, the school must have this request in writing from the child's parent.

14. MONEY COLLECTING AND BANKING

MONEY

Children should have some secure way to carry money and/or keys. We request that pupils not leave money on desks, under desks or in schoolbags.

When sending money to school for a special purpose, please place the correct amount

in a sealed envelope, along with any reply slip when necessary, and clearly label the

envelope with your child's name, class, the amount of money enclosed and the purpose

for which the money is intended.

Unless notified otherwise all payments should be made through the school office before

9am each day. A receipt will be issued within 48 hours.

REFUNDS

Where refunds are due to pupils (and this could be for a variety of reasons) they will be issued as soon as possible. Cash is not held at school therefore parents can either be issued with a refund cheque or receive a credit towards the next payment they may have to make.

STUDENT BANKING

There is no school banking service at our school

15. LOST PROPERTY

It is a great help if all clothing is clearly marked with your child's name.

Lost articles are retained at school near the office for a reasonable time. If not claimed

they are either sent to the Clothing Pool or a charity.

16. HEALTH AND SAFETY

FIRST AID

Basic first aid for minor injuries suffered at school is administered by school staff. In all

cases where the injury is of a more serious nature we try to contact parents by phone.

In case of a serious injury or sickness the school may call an ambulance to transport a

student to hospital. (see below)

IMMUNISATION

Parents are now required to obtain an immunisation certificate before their children

enrol in Kindergarten. If this certificate indicates that a child has not been fully

immunised the school is required to exclude him/her from school if there is an outbreak

of any disease against which he/she is not protected.

We would encourage parents to have their children fully immunised against diphtheria,

tetanus, whooping cough and polio. Immunisation can be arranged through your own

doctor or local council.

Immunisation against mumps and measles is also advisable from 12-15 months of age

to minimise the risk of serious complications later.

Rubella immunisation, once given in Year 6, is now no longer available through schools

to primary grade pupils. Year 7 girls will be given the opportunity to receive these.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

The Girraween Activity Centre operates a before and school care facility in the grounds of Beresford Road Public School. Please phone the coordinator Sharon Le Compte on 9896 1466 or 0425 308 328 for information and bookings

SICK PUPILS AND NOTES FOR ABSENCES

Sometimes pupils become sick at school and are placed into sick bay where they are

supervised by ancillary and/or executive staff. Parents are notified if a pupil appears to be too ill to return to the classroom. While we stress the importance of good school

attendance, we also urge you not to send sick children to school.

All absences must be covered by a written note to the teacher, explaining the reason for

the pupil's absence.

HOME SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER

The Home School Liaison Officer is a teacher appointed by the Department of School

Education to monitor school attendance. Where attendance is not satisfactory the

Home School Liaison Officer will contact the home, find out why the child is not

attending, arrange appropriate help and assist the parent in achieving regular

attendance.

Children should attend school unless the child :

is too sick to leave the house, infectious or incapacitated by injury preventing movement around the school.
has to honour a religious commitment.
(by arrangement with the Principal) has to accompany parents on a family holiday which cannot be arranged during the school vacation.

A note must be sent when children return to school.

If you are experiencing difficulties and are unsure regarding attendance contact the

class teacher or the Principal.

SPECIAL WARNING - PRESCRIBED MEDICINES

The Department of School Education has a policy concerning the administration of

prescribed medicines to students. It refers specifically to situations in which school staff

are asked to administer prescribed medicines to students or to supervise students

administering medication themselves. Every parent will need to be fully aware of the

policy in case their child needs to have medication administered.

When medication is required the matter should be discussed with the Principal prior to the school staff assuming responsibility.

In each case of a child bringing medication to school the Principal must be informed in writing. The advice must clearly indicate:
the child's name and class.
the name of the medication.
the dosage and the time of day to be administered.

Members of staff will not be able to administer medication unless each of the above are

clearly identified in writing.

When medication is sent to school :

it is to be handed into the school office.
it must contain the dose to be given at school - not the full container.

AMBULANCE SERVICE

The school is covered by an Ambulance Fund so that injured or sick pupils may be

transported immediately to hospital (free of charge to parents). Insurance cover is paid

annually by the school.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Under the Public Health Act and Department of School Education Regulations some

common infectious diseases require children to be kept from school to prevent the

spread of infection. Details of these are available at school.

17. LEARN TO SWIM

Each year pupils in Years 2 and 3 (and pupils in higher grades if space permits) who

have difficulty in swimming are actively encouraged to take part in the "Learn to Swim"

lessons conducted by the Department of School Education. These usually take place over a two week period during the months of September - November.

Vacation Swimming Scheme

During Term 4 the Department of Sport, Racing and Recreation, through the school

offers places to pupils in its Christmas Vacation Swimming Scheme.

18. HOMEWORK

It is school policy that pupils in all grades, excepting Kindergarten classes, be given

some homework during the school week. The amount of homework given will depend

on the level at which the child is working. For Years 1 and 2 homework might take a few

minutes, with senior primary classes spending up to 20-30 minutes four nights a week.

Homework will not be given at the weekends. Parents are requested to inform the

child's teacher : -

If an inordinate amount of time is having to be spent on homework.
If for some reason homework could not be done.

19. CANTEEN

The school has an independently run canteen which operates from 8.30 - 2pm daily.

20. SCHOOL AGENCIES AND PUPIL WELFARE

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

School Counsellors are qualified, experienced graduate teachers who have additional

counselling qualifications.

The counselling service exists in Government schools for the benefit of all

children and their families who need assistance with any learning, behavioural or

emotional problems.

The School Counsellor also works with teachers to develop school programs, which will

cater for specific needs of children in the classroom.

Referrals for assessment and counselling help may come from parents, teachers,

pupils, other Government Departments or outside agencies such as doctors. In all

cases these are arranged in co-operation with teaching staff and Grade Supervisors in

the first instance.

Our Counsellor is at school three days per fortnight.

21. CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE POLICY

Beresford Road School has an extensive incentive system to encourage and reward

appropriate student behaviours. These include our White, Blue and Gold Merit Awards, weekly class awards and many in-class systems devised by teachers.

Teachers and parents expect all pupils to display correct standards of behaviour and

manners at school and travelling to and from school. It is expected that these standards

be displayed to all teachers, adults and fellow pupils.

At school we have documented a system of levels of conduct and appropriate

consequences for any child who does not meet the standards expected.

All pupils at Beresford Road School begin the year with all privileges being available

and it is expected that the majority of pupils will keep these privileges for their entire

stay at our school.

Some pupils, unfortunately, will be placed on a Level System after having been referred

to the school executive by the school staff. This may involve the loss of privileges until

they are removed from the Level System.

The school executive will decide if the pupil should be placed on the Level System.
The executive will inform Parents if a child has been placed on a level.
A conduct card monitors the child’s behaviour over one week. Both parents and executive sign the conduct card daily.

Beresford Road Public School has an Anti-Bullying Policy. We do not tolerate bullying. All members of the school community play a part in preventing bullying. Students who bully are referred directly to the principal. Parents are informed immediately. The principal, school counsellor and the student work together to resolve the issue.

Our school rules are:

Respect people and property
Behave in a safe manner
Help yourself and others to learn

A full copy of the school’s Discipline Policy is available from the front office.

TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

We do expect our pupils to display safe and considerate behaviour whether walking to or from school or travelling by bus. We would ask that parents support us in reminding children of appropriate behaviour in these situations.

22. SCHOOL SPORT

Formal games commence in Year 3 with a strong emphasis on participation and good

sporting attitudes. A range of sports and fitness activities are offered for both summer

and winter seasons. Children can participate in sports activities at school or be selected to play against other schools' teams in the P.S.S.A. competition.

Children in Kindergarten, Yr 1 and Yr 2 do not participate in competitive sports;

however there are extensive Fitness and Gross Motor Skills Programs operating.

Parents have been actively involved throughout the school in helping with sporting

programs. This help is greatly appreciated by both pupils and staff and is actively

encouraged.

23. SCHOOL PHOTOS

Class, individual, family and sporting team photographs are taken annually by visiting

school photographers. These photographs are excellent value and provide you with a

special record of your child at school.

24. LIBRARY

The library is open Monday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 8.55am and from 1.15pm to

1.35pm. Children may use this time for borrowing and returning books, research and

browsing. They may also return or borrow books immediately after school.

Every class has at least one lesson per week in the library for the development of

research skills and story reading as well as for borrowing and returning books.

All pupils should have a library bag to be allowed to borrow from the library.

25. INFORMATION / COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Each classroom is equipped with at least two computers. There is a computer lab with 30 computers and a further 16 in the library. All students have access and instruction on computer use and its application to all key learning areas.

Access to the internet is filtered through the Department of Education censors and through our own intranet gateway.

Students’ work is often displayed on our website. Parents may request that their child's work or photograph not be displayed on the website.

APPENDIX

BERESFORD ROAD PUBLIC SCHOOL

SCHOOL UNIFORM

SCHOOL CAP / HAT

Legionnaire, Baseball or Slouch Hats (wide brim)

GIRL’S SUMMER

Blue and white check dress

Navy blue jacket or B.R.P.S. Sloppy-Joe

Dress shorts - royal blue

B.R.P.S. Polo

Short white socks

Black shoes

GIRLS’ WINTER

Check Pinafore

Sky blue blouse with Peter Pan collar or light

blue skivvy or long sleeved polo.

Navy blue jacket or B.R.P.S. Sloppy-Joe

Navy blue boot leg pants

White socks

Black shoes

GIRLS SPORTS UNIFORM

Primary/ Infants optional

Navy microfibre shorts

B.R.P.S. Sports shirt

Short white socks

B.R.P.S. Sloppy-Joe for colder weather

Navy Blue track pants for colder weather

White sports shoes

BOYS’SUMMER

Grey shorts

Blue shirt or B.R.P.S. Polo

Navy blue jacket or B.R.P.S. Sloppy-Joe

Grey socks

Black shoes

BOYS’ WINTER

Grey shorts, long grey trousers or

navy blue track suit pants

Light blue skivvy, shirt or B.R.P.S.

polo long or short sleeved

B.R.P.S.Sloppy-Joe

Grey socks

Black shoes

BOYS SPORTS UNIFORM

Primary / Infants optional

Navy shorts with light blue stripe or

navy microfibre shorts

B.R.P.S. Sports shirt

P.S.S.A. sport

Light / dark blue sports socks

B.R.P.S. Sloppy-Joe for cold weather

Navy blue track suit pants for colder weather

White sports shoes

UNIFORM SHOP

The Uniform Shop operates at school on either Tuesday Mornings from 8.30am to 9.00am or Thursday afternoons from 3-3.30pm.

We also have some second hand clothing.

Remainder of Uniforms may be purchased from:

Merrylands West School & Drapery Centre

Coolibah Centre

Merrylands West Phone 9637 4502