Information handbook
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School and office hours
Dropping off and picking up
Contacts
Assistant Principal - Kindergarten: Kate Galluzzo
Assistant Principal - Stage 1: Paula Belgre
Assistant Principal - Stage 3: Kim Walker
Assistant Principal - Stage 2: Sue Tangye
Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction: Kate Galluzzo
Learning and Support: Sue Tangye
School Admin Manager: Kim Brooks
Term dates
Term dates and holidays vary each year. Visit the NSW Department of Education for current and future term dates.
Communication at our school
We want to make sure communication between families and the school is clear, respectful and helpful. Because schools are busy places and staff spend most of the day working with students, we’ve put a few simple guidelines in place to help everyone.
To help your message get to the right place:
- Class questions → your child’s teacher
- Wellbeing or behaviour concerns → Assistant Principal
- Admin or general enquiries → school office
Parent portal
At Gwandalan Public School we use the School Bytes parent portal app to make communication and admin easier for families. These tools help you:
- make payments quickly and securely
- give student permission for school events
- view academic reports
- stay up to date with school events
- get school and class notifications
- record absences.
Interacting with our staff
At our school, we truly value positive, respectful and cooperative relationships with our parents and carers. We want every interaction - whether it’s in person, on the phone, by email or through our parent portal - to feel calm, supportive and focused on what’s best for students. The NSW Department of Education’s School Community Charterguides how schools and families work together respectfully to support every child’s learning and wellbeing.
To keep our school a safe place for everyone, families are reminded that the Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901 (NSW) applies to all school grounds. If behaviour towards staff or students becomes unsafe, threatening or disrespectful, the Principal may issue a warning or formal notice, and in serious situations, may need to place limits on a person’s access to the school.
In rare cases where respectful communication continues to be a concern, the school may adjust how communication takes place. This could include asking that contact be made in writing, arranging meetings with senior staff present, or using specific communication channels. These steps are only taken to protect the wellbeing of staff and students while ensuring that families can still stay informed and involved.
Parent code of conduct
The staff of Gwandalan Public School are committed to providing a safe learning environment that enhances the physical, educational and social development of our students. The contribution of visiting members of the school community is an integral part of our school and is highly valued.
The Parents, Carers and Visitors Code of Conduct has been developed in accordance with the N.S.W. Department of Education and Communities’ guidelines and ensures that everyone who visits the school site is able to do so in a safe and harmonious manner and ensures that students, staff, parents, carers and other visitors are not subjected to aggressive, hostile or violent behaviours.
It is expected that parents/carers and visitors may need to approach the school in order to:
- discuss the progress, engagement or wellbeing of their child;
- enquire about school policy and practice;
- engage with in-school/excursion activities e.g. class/year groups assistance with reading/numeracy; P.E. etc, following an invitation/enquiry for assistance from staff;
- convey information about change of address, custody details, health issues etc;
- express concern about actions of staff.
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set out the standards of behaviour expected of those who visit the school and to detail the necessary procedures that will help solve issues as soon as possible so that a safe and harmonious school environment is maintained.
All parents/carers and visitors follow our PBL expectations:
Safety
- direct their child to the play area monitored by duty teacher as students are under the supervision of staff if waiting in the school grounds until classes commence;
- monitor all pre-school children who must stay with the accompanying adult at all times (this includes any school special event such as Open Days and P&C Discos);
- follow school procedures governing entry and behaviour on school grounds, including any restrictions that may be imposed.
Teamwork
- sign in for a visitor’s pass from the office if remaining on school grounds to assist in class, canteen, the library, computer room etc;
- make mutually convenient appointments to obtain an interview with school staff. Teachers and visiting staff are not available during teaching time;
Aim High
- ensure their child/children are punctual to class everyday and arrive by 9am but do not arrive before 8.30am;
- vacate the school grounds once classes commence;
- sign in students arriving to school late and sign out students leaving school early;
Respect
- treat all persons associated with the school with respect and courtesy;
- enter the school grounds wearing neat-casual clothing and footwear that conforms to generally acceptable minimum dress code standards required at most public venues. Clothing options that do not comply with this Code of Conduct include but are not limited to: any clothing displaying racist or similarly offensive messages, beachwear and/or bikini tops;
- allow staff to supervise, investigate and manage students without interference;
- discuss issues or concerns about the school, staff, other parents or students through the correct school procedures;
Raising a concern
At Gwandalan Public School, we value clear, open and respectful communication with our families. If you have a concern, we encourage you to follow the steps below so that the right staff member can support you and your child quickly and effectively:
Your child’s classroom teacher is the first point of contact. Concerns can be raised:
- via the school email address (attention to the teacher)
- face to face (before/after school by appointment)
- through the Parent Portal
Unresolved? Go to Step 2.
If the concern cannot be resolved with the teacher, please contact the school office. Office staff will organise a meeting time with the Assistant Principal within 2–3 school days.
Unresolved? Go to Step 3.
The Principal is available for matters that are often complex or sensitive. The Principal will follow the NSW Department of Education Community Complaints procedures. Our Assistant Principals or senior office staff can help you arrange this if needed.
Unresolved? Go to Step 4
We strongly encourage parents/carers to follow the three steps above first. If you are still unsatisfied, you can access further information and support at:
Making a complaint about NSW public schools - guide for parents & carers
Assemblies
Every 3rd Friday at 2:30pm
Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.
If an assembly is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, a notification will be sent out via School Bytes.
Attendance
Education for your child is important and regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options. NSW public schools work in partnership to encourage and support regular attendance of children and young people. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children.
Attendance Monitoring at GPS:
- Rolls submitted by teachers each morning
- Late arrivals to get a late note at the office
- Parents must advise the school if their child is absent and the reason for the absence. This can be done by phoning the office or submitting an absentee note through the Sentral for Parents App
- SMS messages sent out daily for any unexplained absences
- Parents are contacted on day 3 of absence if no explanation has been received and/or if no explanation has been received a week after any absence
This can include:
- Meetings with parents
- Phoning emergency contacts
- Learning Support Team involvement
- HSLO involvement
- Other agency involvement
Uniform
Visit our uniform page for information on what students are expected to wear and how it can be purchased.
Parking
Students can enter & leave the school via the back gate on Orana Road. There is on-street parking here.
There are also dedicated parking spaces opposite the front of the school on Kanangra Drive.
The school bus top is at the front of the school hall on Kanangra Drive. This is a no stopping area during the designated times.
Health care procedures
Schools assist students with health support needs at school in a range of ways, including: providing first aid (including emergency care), providing temporary care when students become unwell at school, administering medications and health care procedures, and developing individual health care plans if required. At GPS, we rely on and value the cooperation of parents, medical practitioners, health services, other relevant agencies and local community resources to support the health of students.
First Aid:
We are responsible for providing first aid at a local level and are required to implement department policy and procedures regarding first aid in schools.
Students who become unwell at school:
Students who become unwell at school are best transferred to the care of parent/carer. At GPS, we have a sick-bay where we aim to make students comfortable in the interim.
Administration of medication:
Parents must sign an indemnity form and a written consent form for staff to be able to administer prescribed medication. This form is available from the office. Medication should be brought to school in the original packaging with the Chemists directions label clearly marked with: CHILD’S NAME, MEDICATION— DOSAGE and TIME and SPECIAL CONDITIONS (if any). Parents should notify the school office in writing if there are any changes to prescribed medication and a letter from the prescribing doctor detailing the changes must be supplied. If the student is on regular medication a Health Care Plan will be prepared. By the office in collaboration with the parent.
Breakfast club
Operates every morning from 8:40 for students who missed out breakfast.
Bikes and scooters
For students who travel to school by this mode of transport, it is important they adhere to these expectations.
Digital devices
House groups
Canteen
Our canteen is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Visit our dedicated canteen page for more information on ordering online and menus.
Scripture
At our school, students can take part in special religious education (SRE) or special education in ethics (SEE) classes, depending on what’s available. These classes are delivered by approved providers.
When enrolling your child, you’ll be able to choose an option from the approved providers offered at our school. Students not attending SRE or SEE are given supervised alternative meaningful activities.
You’re welcome to change your choice at any time. Just let us know in writing or use the online form (if available at our school).
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.