BELL STATE SCHOOL ~ Prospectus · 2020. 1. 21. · Title: BELL STATE SCHOOL ~ Prospectus Author: WOODWARD, Sarah Created Date: 1/21/2020 10:49:23 AM

Providing Excellence in Education

90 Dennis Street, BELL Qld 4408 Email: [email protected]

Phone: (07) 4679 2333 Web: www.bellss.eq.edu.au

Fax: (07) 4663 1249

mailto:[email protected]://www.bellss.eq.edu.au/

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Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME .................................................................................................................................. 3 Principal: .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

SCHOOL DIRECTORY 2019 .......................................................................................................................... 4 Teaching Staff: ............................................................................................................................................... 4

OFFICE HOURS ............................................................................................................................................. 5

TERM DATES ................................................................................................................................................. 5

GENERAL FEATURES ................................................................................................................................... 5

PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATION ................................................................................................... 6

UNIFORMS ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

DAILY TIMETABLE ........................................................................................................................................ 7

ABSENCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

PARENT LETTERS ........................................................................................................................................ 7

TIME OUT POSTER ........................................................................................................................................ 8

RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR PLAN FOR STUDENTS ..............................................................................10

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS MATRIX .........................................................................................................101

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM ..........................................................................................................12

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION .........................................................................................................................12

GUIDANCE SERVICES ................................................................................................................................12

SCHOOL-BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE (SBYHN) ..............................................................................13

WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM ...............................................................................................................13

HOMEWORK.................................................................................................................................................13

REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS ..........................................................................................................13 Reports: ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Parent Teacher Interviews: ....................................................................................................................... 13

SCHOOL BUSES ..........................................................................................................................................14

NO STANDING ZONE ..................................................................................................................................14

SCHOOL BAGS, LOCKERS AND ORGANISATION ..................................................................................14

LUNCH PERIOD ...........................................................................................................................................15

SPORT ..........................................................................................................................................................15

LIBRARY .......................................................................................................................................................15

STUDENT BANKING ....................................................................................................................................15

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES .............................................................................................16

MEDICAL CONDITIONS……………………………………………………………………………………………16

ORAL MEDICATION .....................................................................................................................................16

SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE .......................................................................................................................16

TEXTBOOK AND RESOURCE HIRE SCHEME .......................................................................................... 17

REFUND POLICY .........................................................................................................................................19

DOES ATTENDANCE MATTER...................................................................................................................20

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL NOTE ..............................................................................................................21

SCHOOL SONG ............................................................................................................................................22

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Principal’s Welcome

Dear Parents / Caregivers,

Thank you for choosing Bell P-10 State School for your child's primary education, Junior Secondary and Year 10 education. As you can tell by the range of year levels we provide at our school, we are a rural school that offers the year levels from Preparatory through to Year 10. A small school with regards to enrolment numbers however quite humbled in the knowledge that we know all our students, our students know all the staff and our community know the staff and students.

All staff members at Bell P-10 State School take seriously the responsibility of the role they play in each student's learning. We understand that effective teaching and learning is dependent on a worthwhile working partnership being forged between home, school and student.

We cater for, value and celebrate individual differences in children's culture, ability, learning styles and knowledge. We strive to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where character and shared values mean a lot.

Looking forward to working with you,

Jason Edmondstone

Principal

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Principal: Mr Jason Edmondstone

Teaching Staff:

Primary

Classes/Subjects Teacher

Prep Mrs Cara Edwards (4 Days – Tues-Fri)

Mrs Helen McKee (1 Day - Mon)

Year 1/2 Miss Sue Wilson (4 Days – Mon - Thurs)

Marianne Buchanan (Fri)

Year 3/4 Miss Mel Fels

Year 5/6 Mrs Jeanie Cuskelly

Secondary

Science/English/Civics/Ext Maths & Science/Home Ec

Mathematics/Art/ STEAM/Civics

English/History/Geography

Mrs Marion Williams

Mrs Brigid Redding

Miss Hannah Portbury

Health & Phys Ed/Sport Rec Miss Kirsten Todd (2 days week – Wed/Thurs)

Economics & Business/Digital Technology/Mathematics/ Work Studies

Mrs Shirley Browne

Digital Technology/Reading Rotations Mrs Carmen Llewellyn

Technology Wood/Technology Metal Mr Jason Edmondstone

The Arts Mrs Brigid Redding

Japanese Language Mrs Rachel Pascoe

Teacher/Librarian Mrs Carmen Llewellyn (2 days week – Tues/Wed)

Instrumental Music/Music Miss Katie Commens (1/2 day week - Thurs)

Mrs Rachel Summerville (1/2 day week - Mon)

Students with Disability Teacher Mrs Angela Reed /

Head of Curriculum

STLAN/ Data Interpretation

Mrs Rachel Pascoe (Mon-Thurs)

Mrs Helen McKee (Tues)

Agricultural Science/Eco Schools Mrs Lisa Gall (Tues/Wed)

Support Staff:

Guidance Officer – Ann Christiansen

School-based Youth Health Nurse – Meg Bullock

Speech Language Pathologist – Josie Moylan

Administration Officers:

Miss Trisha Minchin

Mrs Sarah Woodward

Mrs Amanda Burns

Teacher Aides:

Mrs Vicki McGuire Mrs Theresa Green

Mrs Anne Blanck Mrs Tanya Spence

Mrs Vicki Sheehan Mrs Geraldine Custodio

Mrs Laura Murase

Mrs Kim Fullagar

Mrs Vanessa Gleeson

Cleaners:

Ms Kym Jamieson

Mrs Kim Conroy

School Grounds Officer:

Mr Mark Fullagar

Mr Paul Bryce

School Directory 2020

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Office Hours

Office Hours are from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The office will re-open from January 23 between 8:00am-3:00pm. As the P&C is responsible for the sale of school uniforms please contact the school for opening hours during this week.

Bell State School 90 Dennis Street, BELL Qld 4408 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.bellss.eq.edu.au Phone: (07) 4679 2333

Fax: (07) 4663 1249 Student Absence Phone: (07) 4679 2366

Term Dates

School commences on Tuesday 28 January, for students in Prep to 10. Any new students who have not enrolled on our admission form may be enrolled at the Office by the Principal. Parents of all new students are required to be present at time of enrolment.

All students can expect to commence normal program on day one. Students should come prepared to work with pads, pencils, etc.

2020

Term Dates Length

Term 1: Tuesday 28 January – Friday 3 April 10 weeks

Term 2: Monday 20 April - Friday 26 June 10 weeks

Term 3: Monday 13 July - Friday 18 September 10 weeks

Term 4: Tuesday 6 October - Friday 11 December 10 weeks

A detailed copy of the school calendar can be obtained from the Education Queensland website by copying and pasting this address into your address bar when connected to the internet and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

http://education.qld.gov.au/public_media/calendar/holidays.html

General Features

Bell P-10 State School caters for students from Prep to Year 10. As many of our students will complete all or most of their formal education to Year 10 at Bell we recognise and accept the responsibility and challenge of providing a stimulating and balanced curriculum that will cater for all students.

It is important that families are familiar with the aims and the philosophy of the school. It is equally important that teachers are familiar with parent attitudes and aspirations for their children. Visits to the school will assist parents and their children with discussions regarding educational, career and personal concerns.

mailto:[email protected]://www.bellss.eq.edu.au/

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These visits are welcomed, encouraged at all times and are greatly appreciated. It is for this reason, that the development of an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding between home and school remains our major goal. If you wish to meet with a teacher, please contact them through the office.

Parents & Citizens Association

The Parents & Citizens’ Association has an important dual role to play in the life of the school. Firstly it serves to provide regular and useful communication between the school administration, teaching staff, and the community it serves. Secondly, it serves to provide the financial assistance necessary for the school to allow the purchasing of teaching aids and sporting equipment which enrich the school's programs and for curriculum excursions and camps.

Parents are encouraged to participate in the activities of the Parents & Citizens’ Association. Your contribution will ensure that decisions are representative of community thinking and children will recognise the importance you place in the school.

Uniforms

Uniforms are available for purchase from the P & C. Times for these sales will be posted in the school newsletter.

BOYS: Shirt Gold/green embroidered Polo Shirt available from the school uniform shop Shorts - Bottle Green Shorts Socks - Short White Socks GIRLS: Shirt Gold/green embroidered Polo Shirt available from the school uniform shop Skorts/Shorts - Bottle Green Skorts or Shorts Socks - Short White Socks Hats: School bucket hat. A hat is provided to all new students at the commencement of

their enrolment. Summer Wear: Sun shirt for all swimming Winter Wear: Bottle green track pants and top

Students in the Secondary Department are required by departmental safety regulations, to wear adequate footwear in the Science Laboratory, Manual Arts and Home Economics rooms. Students in these rooms may be exposed to acids, boiling liquids, open flames, sharp instruments and heavy objects, and as such, suitable clothing and footwear must be worn.

Make up and excessive jewellery is not considered appropriate for school wear. Hair should be neatly groomed and kept back from the face.

All items of clothing must be clearly labelled. Lost property will be collected and held for students or parents to claim. Items not claimed after a reasonable period will be disposed of to a charitable organisation.

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Daily Timetable

Warning Bell 8:55 am

PC 9:00 am-9:15 am

Period 1 9:15 am - 9:55 am

Period 2 9:55- 10:35

Period 3 10:35 – 11:15

Lunch Break 11:15 – 12:00pm

Period 4 12:05 pm - 12:45 pm

Period 5 12:45 pm – 1:25 pm

Lunch 1:25 pm-1:45pm

Period 6 1:45 pm - 2:25 pm

Period 7 2:25 pm – 3:05 pm

Absences

Parents are advised that absence from school will only be excused on the grounds of illness, injury, or exceptional circumstances. All absences must be explained by parental letter, absence slip, or phone call on the Student Absences line (07) 4679 2366 (See Appendix A, page 23). Advice of extended periods of absences should be conveyed by telephone or letter. Unexplained absences will result in a call from the Administration Officer on the day of the absence. This is a requirement of Education Queensland to ensure the safety of children enrolled in its facilities. If unable to be contacted a letter may be sent home with the dates of unexplained absences and parents will be requested to provide explanations as to the reason for these absences.

Late arrival and early collection of children must be undertaken through the office by signing the child out using the Out of School Register. No children are to be collected from class without seeing the Administration Officer first.

Parent communication

Permission notes and any money required are to be returned to school as quickly as possible to ensure that numbers for excursions can be finalised and so that students don’t miss out on activities. Please ensure that all notes and money are returned to the school in an envelope or zip-lock bag and are clearly named.

Notes from parents are to be sent to school via email or written letter. Notes may be required to gain exemption from sport or physical activities, incorrect school uniform, or to advise early collection details for children.

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Bell P-10 State School Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students

based on The Code of School Behaviour 1. Purpose Bell P-10 State School is committed to its motto – ‘In Knowledge We Grow’. To meet this goal we endeavour to provide a safe, supportive and disciplined school environment where academic and social learning outcomes are maximised for all students. Every student succeeding is the improvement agenda defined in the State Schools Strategy 2014-2018 thereby our Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students aligns to and advocates a culture of engaging learning that improves achievement for all students. Bell P-10 State School provides, through productive community partnerships, an inclusive, quality curriculum that contributes to students leading morally responsible and productive lives in their own and a global society by:

Providing excellence in teaching and learning to achieve the best student outcomes in all aspects of the curriculum

Demonstrating fair, equitable and inclusive practices for all

Being sensitive to and respecting our cultural diversity

Acknowledging and respecting each individual’s needs, abilities and potential

Encouraging and acknowledging excellence

Providing unique educational opportunities to encourage students to strive to achieve to their potential

Facilitating and encouraging students to increasingly take responsibility for their own learning

Providing a welcoming, warm and safe environment

Providing opportunities to enhance the professional growth and morale of our community. The Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students is our school improvement document which sets out how we will work together with our school community to maintain a sustainable supportive school environment which reflects the positive school culture evidenced in school data.

2. Consultation and data review A Positive Behaviour for Learning Support (PBL) team was created in 2010 to include interested parents, teachers, teacher aides and the Principal. School expectations, rewards and consequences were established and implemented after considerable consultation with staff, students and parents.

In June 2013, the PBL Team met with the specific purpose to review these expectations and behaviour matrices. A review of school data relating to attendance, absenteeism, school disciplinary absences and behaviour incidents from 2012 to 2013 was undertaken as part of the review and informed the consultation process.

Throughout 2014, relevant school data was reviewed: specifically related to student attendance, intensive student behaviour support interventions and plans, Crisis Management Plans and developing staff capability to respond to the identified needs stemming from the review process.

3. Learning and behaviour statement Our Responsible Behaviour Plan is based on Education Queensland’s Code of School Behaviour and the shared beliefs of the school community. The annual School Opinion Survey responses of staff, students and parents / caregivers confirms our endeavour to grow strength in school pride, build onto our positive school culture and articulate a shared valuing of quality teaching and effective management of behaviour in all teaching and learning areas.

The school Parents and Citizens Association provides further support through the collaborative development of school policies around Student Attendance, School Uniform and Complaints and Grievances.

All areas of Bell P-10 State School are learning and teaching environments. We consider behaviour management to be an opportunity for valuable social learning as well as a means of maximising the success of academic education programs. Our plan outlines our strategies for encouraging positive behaviour, minimising inappropriate behaviour and responding decisively where necessary. Our Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students identifies clear expectations for students’ behaviour, assisting us to create and maintain our positive and productive learning and teaching environment. Through our school plan shared expectations for behaviour are clear to everyone. All school community members have clear and consistent expectations and understandings of their role in the educational process. To facilitate this, we use our Positive Behaviour for Learning, three expectation slogan to encapsulate our values and beliefs about learning and responsible behaviour. This is on dedicated Behaviour Walls in classrooms, other learning areas and staff work areas, and is prominently promoted in large murals throughout the school site. Classroom lessons which are appropriate for the year level and complement our Student Learning and Well-being Framework; Parent and Community Engagement Framework are quarantined in the school timetable.

- Be Safe - Be Respectful

- Be an Active Learner

Our schools expectations have been agreed upon and endorsed by staff and our school P&C. They are aligned with the values, principles and expected standards outlined in Education Queensland’s Code of School Behaviour.

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SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS MATRIX

Being safe

All Settings:

- Report any problems

- Follow adult directions

- Use Protective Behaviour

- Ask permission to leave

- Co-operate with others

- Make safe choices

- Keep hands, feet and objects to yourselves

- Ask for help

- Wear uniform

Inside Classrooms Walkways and Verandas Eating Areas Toilets

- Enter and exit rooms calmly

- Maintain personal space

- Walk in rooms

- Use equipment safely

- Walk on the left

- Line up in set area orderly

- Bags packed away

- Keep doorways and steps clear

- Sit while eating

- Place rubbish in correct bins

- Eat your own food

- Sit with class group

- Turn taps off

- Straight in, straight out

- Always flush toilets

- Wash hands

Playground Outdoor Learning Areas Buses / Home Time Off Campus Activities

- Play school approved games only

- Stay in approved areas

- Wear hats

- Use play equipment safely

- Follow Wet Day Procedure

- Look Listen Beware

- Stay in school grounds

- Stay in class area

- Wear hats

- Report strangers to adults

- Participate in class dismissal

routine

- Sit in set area

- Line up when name called

- Follow school bus procedure

- Slip Slop Slap Wrap Sip Seek

- Be on time

- Stay with adult supervisor / s

- Wear appropriate clothing

- Stay with partner

- Observe Travel Safety

Being respectful

All Settings:

- Be tidy

- Follow directions

- Show tolerance of others

- Be an active listener

- Wait politely

- Allow others to learn

- Use appropriate language

- Care for our belongings

- Be punctual

- Co-operate with others

- Care for our school

- Use quiet voice


- Take care of yourself

- Hands up to speak

- Walk

- Wait safely outside classrooms

- Bags on shelves / lockers

- Use manners

- Wait to be dismissed

- Ask to go to toilet /drink

- Stand back and wait

- Check toilet is vacant first

- One person per toilet

- Leave area clean


- Cheer on your team

- Congratulate winners

- Encourage everyone

- Include others in games

- Return sports equipment

- Respond appropriately - Display good sportsmanship

- BE A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL

Being an active learner

All Settings:

- Be an engaged learner - Follow directions

- Be a problem solver - Be prepared

- Participate positively - Be in the right place, right time with the right equipment

- Be a positive role model - Protective Behaviours


- Build work ethic

- Demonstrate positive risk-taking

- Make timely transitions - Interact positively with others - Use toilets at break time

- Be hygienic

- Go straight there, straight back


- Display good sportsmanship

- Build work ethic

- Practise road safety rules

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Instrumental Music Program

Participation in the School Instrumental Music Program is available for children to study woodwind, brass and percussion instruments in Years 4-10. It has widely accepted that students need three years of woodwind, brass and percussion development in primary school to form quality bands and four years for strings.

The school owns a small number of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments which are loaned to selected students for their first year of tuition. Students may participate using their own instruments if they meet the selection criteria. All students have one half-hour small group lesson during school time. The Instrumental Music fee is $40.00, these costs assist with purchasing music books and music scores, supplementary material for students to play from, servicing of school instruments, purchasing of percussion equipment and other equipment such as music stands etc. The students learn from Standard of Excellence texts which are available for loan from the school library.

Instrumental Music reaffirms the value of the primary school instrumental music program as a cornerstone program, producing quality bands.

Religious Instruction

Religious Instruction is provided within the school program for Anglican, Catholic, Presbyterian and Baha’I denominations. Children are only permitted to attend those classes nominated by parents or guardians on the enrolment form. Children will be expected to attend Religious Instruction classes if there is one provided for their religious denomination, unless they have written parental permission to absent themselves. Lessons are based on a Christian Education Publication, ‘Connect’, which is broken into Infant, Lower and Upper Primary Levels. The books cover Christian values and are aimed at the appropriate year levels. They are not specific to the teachings of any one faith. Parents with concerns regarding the Religious Instruction program should contact the Principal directly.

Guidance Services

Vocational and Academic Guidance is available for you and your child. Student welfare is a vital consideration and there are times when individual guidance for students is essential. Parents are encouraged to make early contact with the school about any problems that arise.

Guidance and counselling services are provided directly to students and their families and are available at all Queensland state schools or education programs.

Guidance and counselling services focus on assisting students to achieve to their potential in the most appropriate educational setting. Guidance officers identify factors that can be barriers to learning and development, and plan or assist in planning interventions or programs that can help students achieve positive outcomes.

Guidance officers may work directly with the student or with the student's teachers, support personnel, family, other specialists, or professionals from other agencies depending on the issues to be resolved and the age of the student. Depending on the student's age, a range of issues may be supported by guidance officers including personal and social development, diverse learning styles and needs, and educational and career pathways.

Guidance officers, while respecting student privacy and confidentiality, work as members of a support team and are committed to providing quality education services for every young Queenslander regardless of their circumstances.

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School-based Youth Health Nurse (SBYHN)

A School-Based Youth Health Nurse will visit the school fortnightly and will provide the opportunity for all state secondary students, their parents and members of the school community to access a health professional. The SBYHN is employed under a joint program of Queensland Health and Education Queensland. The role of school-based youth health nurses is to work collaboratively with their school communities and other services and agencies to promote health and wellbeing, and address contemporary health and social issues impacting on the health and wellbeing of young people. School-based youth health nurses also provide confidential consultations and student involvement is voluntary. The SBYHN is also able to refer students and families to other support services. Appointments can be made through the office.

Work Experience Program

A work experience program is provided for all Year 10 students. The program is intended to give students first - hand experience in the work force which will assist them with future decisions about vocational interests and their own skills and abilities. The exact times of the work experience program will be advertised in the school newsletter.

Homework

Students will have homework set on a regular basis with the following times acting as a guide only. Below are the suggested homework requirements for a 5 day week.

Prep & Year 1 No formal written work but reading and writing activities may be allocated.

Year 2 : 10 minutes

Year 3 : 15 minutes

Year 4: 20 minutes

Year 5 25 minutes

Year 6 35 minutes

Year 7 45 minutes

Year 8 1 - 1.5 hours

Year 9 1.5 - 2 hours

Year 10 2 - 2.5 hours

The cooperation of parents is sought to ensure that students have a "special place" to study and that homework and assignment tasks are supervised at home. Whilst parents may be unfamiliar with content and setting out, they can do much to ensure that the quality of written work is of a high standard and that learning tasks are attempted.

Parents should understand that homework tasks need not be set by teachers in all cases. Students should accept responsibility for setting revision tasks for themselves. This willingness to identify areas that need revision and to work at these is a habit which is to be encouraged.

Reporting Student Progress

Reports:

Formal Reports will be issued at the end of each Semester. Parent / Teacher / Student discussions are encouraged and are organised by the teaching staff.

Parent Teacher Interviews:

Parents who wish to discuss matters relating to their children or of relevance to the school are most welcome to arrange an interview with the Principal and with other teaching staff. These open communications between home and school are actively encouraged.

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School Buses

Students under the age of ten who live more than 3.2 km from the school, and students over ten who live more than 4.8 km from the school are eligible to travel on the appropriate school bus to and from their place of residence.

Before boarding the bus, permission from the Secretary of the Conveyance Committee and Transport Operator should be sought.

Students who live less than the above distance from the school may travel to and from their place of residence, provided seating is available and approval from the Secretary of the Conveyance Committee and Transport Operator is given. The Principal will be able to help with enquiries regarding buses, including providing parents with the name of the relevant Conveyance Committee Secretary.

School Transport Assistance Scheme

The Queensland Government understands that education is essential for Queensland's development. Due to this, education facilities are provided throughout the state. It is the responsibility of parents to make suitable travel arrangements for their children to attend school. For many years the state government has provided assistance with school transport costs for eligible students in certain circumstances. This assistance is provided under the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS), which recognises the needs of students in areas with limited student populations where facilities cannot be justified. It is in these areas that school transport assistance is provided to enable students to attend education facilities.

More information on the School Transport Assistance Scheme as well as application forms can be found on the TransLink website, Please go to the following website link:

https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions/school-students/school-transport-assistance

The School Transport Assistance Program for Students with Disabilities is administered by the

Department of Education and Training. Please go the following website link for further information:

http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/infrastructure/facilities/Pages/School-Transport-Assistance-Programs-

for-Students-with-Disabilities.aspx

No Standing Zone

Parents should note that an area opposite the main entrance is designated as a "NO STANDING ZONE". Parents who ignore these signs not only commit an offence against the Traffic Act, but create a potentially dangerous situation for buses which have to turn in this space. In the interests of safety for our children, please observe the “No Standing Zone”. Students are not permitted to walk into the school grounds using the main driveway into the car park. Parents are requested to park near the pool gate entrance or the entrance behind the Manual Arts block when bringing their children to school or picking them up from school.

School Bags, Lockers and Organisation

Students are to keep their school bags in the racks provided for their class. These should be kept neat and orderly. Bags are not to be taken from room to room. Secondary students will be allocated a locker at the commencement of the school year.

Students should ensure that they have the correct books and materials for each lesson.

http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/school-tickets-and-fareshttps://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions/school-students/school-transport-assistancehttp://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/infrastructure/facilities/Pages/School-Transport-Assistance-Programs-for-Students-with-Disabilities.aspxhttp://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/infrastructure/facilities/Pages/School-Transport-Assistance-Programs-for-Students-with-Disabilities.aspxhttp://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/infrastructure/facilities/Pages/School-Transport-Assistance-Programs-for-Students-with-Disabilities.aspx

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Lunch Period

All students are encouraged to remain at school during lunch periods. However, should parents wish, students may go home for lunch. A letter from parents will be necessary before permission is granted.

Sport

Sports House System:

All students are allocated to a sports house upon enrolment. These houses are Bunya and Wonga. Inter-house athletics, swimming and cross-country carnivals are conducted through the year.

Small School Carnivals:

All students have the opportunity to participate in all Small School Carnivals throughout the year.

Representative Sport:

Throughout the year the students are given the opportunity to nominate for a number of different representative sports.

Swimming:

The school is fortunate to have its own swimming pool which is in use during Terms 1 and 4. Swimming activities including learn to swim, style correction and life-saving are organised for students during summer months.

Recreational swimming is permitted three lunch times a week under the supervision of teachers. The pool is also open to the public on weekends from September to April for recreational swimming from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Pool Admission Charges for the 2019/20 Season are:

School Aged Children $1.00 Single Season $20.00

Adults $2.00 Family Season $50.00

Children 5 and under are free (These prices are subject to yearly review)

Library

The Library is available for the use of all students every day from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Non-fiction and fiction books may be borrowed for a one week period. Reference books are for use at school only.

Student Banking

School Banking is conducted within the school on Tuesdays. Banking must be handed to Mrs McGuire by 9:00 am. Children wishing to open an account should contact Mrs McGuire.

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Community Use of School Facilities

Community use of school facilities that will not disrupt school programs or organisation is encouraged; however, where the hirer of school facilities is a community organisation, the hirer must have adequate public liability insurance cover. Evidence of this insurance cover must be produced before permission can be granted to hire facilities.

Audio-visual, library and similar resources may be borrowed. Sporting facilities and equipment may be available and use of rooms for meetings etc. is possible. Individuals wishing to use school facilities should direct their enquiries to the Principal who will consider each request. Please note that use of school facilities is a privilege which carries with it the responsibility of ensuring that school property is protected, and the good name of the school preserved. All enquiries should be directed to the Principal during school hours. The School Swimming Complex is not available for private hire outside normal school and swimming club hours. Public swimming is available to the community during the week-end from 2pm – 4pm if sufficient supervision is provided.

Medical Conditions

Parents of students with Medical Conditions listed in their enrolment details are required to provide a copy of their student’s Medical Management Plan to the school. This is especially relevant to conditions such as Asthma, Epilepsy and Anaphylaxis. These Management Plans will be attached to the students OneSchool profile and a copy of the Management Plan will also be kept in the First Aid Room in case of an emergency situation. The Management Plans should be updated regularly and the School provided with a copy of any new or updated Plan. Letters will be sent home to parents to ask for Management Plans to be provided.

Oral Medication

The Education Department has a Policy on the giving of oral medication to children at school. If you wish your child to be given orally prescribed medicine at school, you must send a note or complete the Medication form (copies are available from the office or the website) requesting this to our First Aid Officer. The medicine bottles must clearly state the dosage and the specific times it is to be taken with a Pharmacy Label. The school has to keep a record of medicines that have been given. Teachers or our First Aid Officer will not give non-prescribed medicines (eg. analgesics). A verbal request by a parent or a child to give prescribed medicines is not sufficient -THE REQUEST MUST BE IN WRITING.

School Dental Service

This school is included in the Queensland Health School Oral Health Program. Every 12 to 18 months, your child will be offered FREE Dental Treatment. This is a confidential service covering most treatments required by children / teenagers, including orthodontic screening, restorations, pain relief and preventative dentistry. The student will be offered an initial examination (including x-rays and toothbrush instruction, if necessary). Your permission will then be sought for any other procedures e.g. fillings, extractions etc. Treatment will be carried out in the Mobile Dental Clinic (caravan) by a School Dental Therapist / Oral Hygienist or a Dentist. This free service is available to ALL children aged 4 to 15 years (up to and including Year 10). If your child experiences pain, swelling or you have a serious concern, your child may be seen as an ‘emergency patient’ at another school or through the Oral Health Service at Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles, Taroom or Tara Hospitals. See Emergency Numbers below:

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Van 98 (outer Dalby District) 0412 034 697 Van 105 (Dalby Township) 0412 369 412 Chinchilla Hospital Dental Clinic 4662 8832 Dalby Hospital Dental Clinic 4669 0527 Tara Hospital Dental Clinic 4678 7908

Textbook And Resource Hire Scheme

A Textbook Hire Resource Scheme is operated by the Bell P-10 State School for secondary students. The purpose of this scheme is to ensure that all students in Years 7-10 have the necessary resources for their education, and to save parents / caregivers money and the need to shop for school books.

The benefits of belonging to the scheme include:

Hire of all textbooks and class sets

All printed class notes, excluding student’s personal photocopying

Use of current software and online site licences

Consumables for STEM experiments

Basic subject supplies for Ag, Home Economics and ITD

BSDE Certificate courses, White Card courses etc

The annual Government Textbook and Resource Allowance supports the scheme financially resulting in NO COST to the parents.

The following conditions apply to the scheme:

Students will supply their own personal requirements – as outlined in the School Stationery List.

Books issued to students are to be kept in good condition.

Students may be responsible for up to the full cost of books that are negligently damaged or lost before any further issues can be made.

The office should be immediately notified of the loss of any textbook.

All textbooks provided under the scheme remain the property of the scheme and must be returned when a student leaves or at the end of the school year.

All scheme monies received by the school will be banked in the school’s general account, which is subject to annual audit.

If a student leaves the school a pro-rata refund will be made. The refund is based on the Government Allowance less the cost of replacing lost or damaged textbooks.

Books and resources provided under the scheme cannot be issued to students whose parents / caregivers choose not to participate.

The Principal may refuse to admit a student to the scheme if there are hire payments overdue from the previous year

Parents / Caregivers who do not wish to participate in the scheme should inform the school office. These parents / caregivers will receive a cheque from the school to the value of the Allowance for each of their children. However, they are expected to provide all necessary textbooks and resources for their students.

18

Each school year students require stationery items they bring from home, some subjects in Secondary require additional materials for lessons (all at minimal cost and there are Textbook and Classroom Resources for which the school receives a grant allocation:

Textbooks and Class Sets - Funded by Government Textbook Grant

Stationery -Supplied & paid for by Parents/Carers

Items are supplied by the school under the School’s Textbook and Resource Scheme using the Government textbook grant.

This covers most of the costs of consumables, textbooks, and class sets of extra reading books and resources. Textbooks are issued as a loan to students during the year. In most schools a Hire Charge is levied for the use of these Resources.

Also covers cost of relevant software and online licences and BSDE courses.

With the funds raised by our P & C put together with the Government Grant Textbook Hire fees for secondary students have been waived for this year.

Stationery items required by students for day to day lesson work including:

exercise books,

pencils,

biros,

rulers,

glue etc. These Stationery Lists are available at the school office and are given out in the last week of school each year so parent/caregivers can purchase items ready for the new school year.

19

Refund Policy

Bell State School aims to provide a caring, supportive and cooperative learning environment where all children are encouraged to become life-long learners and strive to achieve their personal best.

School excursions and camps enhance a student’s learning by providing opportunities for the student to participate in activities, both curriculum-related and recreational, outside the normal school routine. All planned school excursions are approved by the Principal and endorsed by the Parents and Citizens Association.

State schools are able to charge a fee for:

An educational service including materials and consumables not defined as instruction, administration and facilities for the education of the student;

An education service purchased from a provider other than the school where the provider charges the school; and

A specialised education program.

A school fee is directed to the purpose for which it is charged.

School fees for extra-curricular activities are calculated on a cost recovery only basis, according to the number of students who have indicated their attendance.

Participation of students in an extra-curricular activity is indicated through payment of the fee and provision of a permission form completed by the parent.

As the school budget cannot meet any shortfalls in funding for an extra-curricular activity due to the subsequent non-participation of a student who had previously indicated attendance of the activity, fees already paid for an extra-curricular activity may be refunded in full or in part or not at all, having regard to the associated expenses incurred and the circumstances of the non-participation.

Please note the following:

The bus component of an excursion will not be refunded.

Refunds will not be approved for change of mind reasons.

Refund requests due to illness need to have supporting documentation ie: medical certificate.

Requests for refunds of $15.00 or less will be issued as a credit on the students school account and used to offset any future invoices.

If a parent wishes to apply for a refund due to their child’s non-participation in an extra-curricular activity, they may do so by completing a Request for Refund form available from the school office. Where possible, the request should include the receipt relating to the payment for which a refund is being sought.

Department of Education and Training policy references:

Education (General Provisions) Act 2006

SCM-PR-002: School Excursions

FNM-PR-019: State Education Fees

20

Does Attendance Matter?

If your child

misses….

That

equals….

Which is….. and over 13 years

of schooling that’s...

Which means the best your

child might perform is ...

1 day per fortnight 20 Days per

year

4 weeks per year Nearly 1.5 years

Equal to finishing in grade 11

1 day per week 40 Days per

year

8 weeks per year Over 2.5 years


2 days per week 80 Days per

year

16 weeks per

year

Over 5 years


3 days per week 120 Days per

year

24 weeks per

year

Nearly 8 years

Equal to finishing at grade 4

He/ She is only missing just…. That equals…. Which is….. & over 13 yrs of schooling

that’s...

10 mins per day 50 mins per wk Nearly 1.5 wks per yr Nearly ½ year

20 mins per day 1hr 40 mins per wk Over 2.5 wks per yr Nearly 1 yr

Half hr per day Half a day per wk 4 wks per yr Nearly 1½ yrs

1hr per day 1 day per wk 8 wks per yr Over 2½ yrs

1 or 2 days a week doesn’t seem much but . . . . . . . .

How about 10 minutes late a day? Surely that won’t affect my child?

21

Absence from School Note

Bell P – 10 State School Absence Note

Name:________________________________ Class or P.C. Group:_______

Was absent from school on the following date /s:__________________________

Reason given: ____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Doctor’s Certificate attached (if needed)

Parent’s signature:____________________________ Date: ______________

Please sign this form and have your child return it to his / her Class or P.C. Teacher the following day.


Name:_________________________________ Class or P.C. Group:_______

Was absent from school on the following date /s :___________________________

Reason given: ____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________





Name:_________________________________ Class or P.C. Group:_______

Was absent from school on the following date /s :___________________________

Reason given: ____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________




22

School Song

The school song was first sung at speech night 1965. Bell School Song- “Onward Green and Gold” composed by

Mrs I. Kleinschmidt and Mr F. Grimes.

SCHOOL SONG: The school song is:

We are the students of the Bell State High,

And we pledge to her our loyalty. We’ll stand boldly to uphold,

The honour of her banner of the green and gold. And our constant aim in work or game,

Is to draw more tribute to her glorious name. On our outmost efforts you can rely-

We are students of Bell State High.

The liberty and justice we enjoy, We will strive for fearlessly;

Never resting in our quest, To attain more knowledge and achieve the best,

For there’s truth we know in our motto-

“Sapientia Crescimus” – In Knowledge We Grow. For the highest standards we’ll always try: We are students of the Bell State High.