Beauty Point Public School

Handbook 2020

Guide to Beauty Point Public School

CONTENTS

Welcome to Beauty Point Public School 2 General Information 2 Staffing 2 Academic Competitions 3 Anti-Bullying & Racism 3 Assemblies 3 Attendance 3 Allergies 4 Band 4 Bikes 4 Book Week 4 Bus Service 4 Calendar of Events 4 Class Representatives 4 Change of Contact Details 4 Chess 4 Choir 4 Dance & Drama (Performing Arts) 5 Debating & Public Speaking 5 Dogs 5 Eating Time Requirements 5 Education Week 5 Emergency Evacuation 5 E-Newsletter – Beauty Point Buzz 5 Enrolment 5 Environmental Education 6 Excursions 6 End of Year Concert 6 Fees for School 6 Fireworks Night 6 French/Mandarin/Spanish 6 Gifted & Talented Program 6 Grandparents & Special Friends Day 7 Health Care 7 Homework 7 Immunisation 7 Injured or Sick Students 7 Medications at School 7 Table of Common Infectious Diseases 8 Information Technology 9 Key Learning Areas 9 Kindergarten Buddies 10 Learning Support 10 Leaving School Grounds during School Hours 10 Library 10

Lost Property 11 Lunch Arrangements 11 Major Fundraiser 11 Merit Award System 11 Opportunity Class (OC) Test 11 OOSH 11 Parent Teacher Communication 11 Parent Involvement 12 Parents & Citizens Association 13 Parking 13 Parking in Surrounding Streets 13 Pedestrian & Road Safety 13 Playground 13 Personal Property 13 Presentation Day 14 Recorders 14 School Counsellor 14 School Hours 14 School Strategic Improvement Plan 14 School Security 14 Scripture 14 Selective High School Test 15 Special Events 15 Sport 15 Sports Houses 16 Student Leadership 16 Student Wellbeing 17 Sun Safe School 17 Supervision of Students Leaving School 18 Swimming 18 Treats for Birthdays 18 Uniform 19 Visiting Performances 19 Visitors 19

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WELCOME TO BEAUTY POINT PUBLIC SCHOOL As teachers we share with you the vital task of educating your child. It is important to stress the co-operative nature of this task. We will endeavour to work with you to make your child’s years at Beauty Point happy and productive. At Beauty Point communication between the home and school is emphasised. This booklet is the first step in this communication and other methods are detailed in this booklet. We hope that you will feel comfortable and welcome in the school. We encourage you as parents to take advantage of the many opportunities available at Beauty Point for you to get involved and participate in the decision making and educational processes of the school. Please feel free to contact the office (beautypt-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au) if you have any questions about our school programs. Yours sincerely, Marion Walsh-Gay Principal GENERAL INFORMATION Beauty Point Public School is situated on the corner of Medusa Street and Pursell Avenue, Mosman. It has a well-stocked library, high quality resources, a spacious grassy playground with excellent playground equipment, a multi-purpose playing court, school hall and computer laboratory. The majority of the school has a magnificent view of the Spit and Middle Harbour. ADDRESS 17 Medusa Street Mosman NSW 2088

TELEPHONE (02) 9969 4260

EMAIL beautypt-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

WEB www.beautypt-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

STAFFING The school has over 310 pupils spread over 15 classes - Kindergarten to Year 6. The staff consists of a non-teaching Principal, School Administrative Manager, 15 teachers including 3 Assistant Principals, music teacher, PDHPE teacher, Teacher Librarian, Learning Support teacher, teacher of English Language Proficiency (ELP), School Administrative Officers, General Assistant and a cleaner. The School Counsellor is also available one day per week. Specialist teachers are employed to facilitate the delivery of our Performing Arts and Sports.

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ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS Beauty Point Public School enters students in Years 3-6 in State and National competitions in English, Mathematics and

Science. These competitions are conducted and marked by external agencies with students receiving certificates at various levels based on their performance. Our school also enters into writing and internet competitions, throughout the year. Many of Beauty Point students have been recognised with outstanding results. ANTI-BULLYING & RACISM Racism and bullying is not tolerated at Beauty Point Public School. Our school has an anti-racism contact officer (ARCO) who is available to help parents or students experiencing problems with racism. The anti-racism contact officer will listen to the problem and, with the Principal or Assistant Principals, find ways to resolve it as quickly as possible using Departmental guidelines. The school has developed and implemented an active anti-bullying policy. As part of this, all teachers have been trained in the Restorative Practices and the Positive Behaviour for Learning programs. These programs encourage proactive and positive behaviours in all children. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to bring any bullying issues to the immediate attention of staff. Alternatively, students are encouraged to place bullying complaints in the anti-bullying box. ASSEMBLIES Assemblies are a very important part of Beauty Point Public School. Assemblies provide opportunities for our students to perform for their peers

and parents, and enable the school to acknowledge the achievements of our students. Throughout the year the school has combined K-6, K-2 and 3-6 assemblies. Morning Assemblies Morning assemblies are held each Monday at 9.00am, weather permitting. Students are provided with information relevant to the coming week. Parents are welcome to attend. ATTENDANCE All students are required to attend school on each day that instruction is provided and it is the parents’ responsibility to ensure regular attendance. Regular attendance is essential to ensure progress. The school maintains daily records of attendance including partial attendance and students who are late. If your child is absent from school, an explanatory note should be presented when the child returns. Alternatively the school can be notified by e-mail on beautypt-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au. Classes commence promptly at 9.00 am and conclude at 3.00 pm. Late Arrival at School A child who arrives late for school is required to report to the office for a late note. The child may then proceed to class. A regular and persistent pattern of late arrival is reported to the parents. Early Arrival at School Early arrival at school is discouraged. If arriving prior to 8.30 am is unavoidable, students are to sit on the seats under the shade shelters and wait for the teacher to commence duty. OOSH is also available for before school care.

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Pick Up Arrangements Children are to be picked up at 3.00pm from their classroom by the parent/carer or another person who has approval in writing. OOSH is also available for after school care. ALLERGIES Beauty Point Public School strongly encourages a nut free environment, and we ask that all parents take care that no nuts or products with nuts are sent to school at any time. While we do everything to ensure your child’s safety, we cannot guarantee that the school will be nut free at all times. All Students with Allergies, Anaphylaxis, Asthma or medical conditions will need a Health Care Plan, which can be obtained from the school office. BAND

Beauty Point has a Junior Band and Senior Band. All students in Years 3-6 are eligible to be

involved in the program and can usually play the instrument of their choice. Participation involves an individual lesson, a one hour of band rehearsal each week and regular practice at home. Band rehearsals and private tuition are held before and after school respectively. BIKES The school endorses the riding of bikes to school. There is a facility where bikes or scooters may be safely stored during the day. They are not to be used inside the school grounds at anytime. BOOK WEEK Book Week is designed to highlight the importance of books and reading. Special activities are organised and parents are invited to donate books to the library.

BUS SERVICE Transport for NSW A school bus service operates in the morning and in the afternoons. School bus timetables, pass details and maps are available at: https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/#/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Events are published on our website. Parents are asked to regularly check the website (www.beautypt-

p.schools.nsw.edu.au) along with noting dates published fortnightly in the “Buzz” newsletter. CLASS REPRESENTATIVES A class parents’ network is established at the beginning of the year. Class parent representatives volunteer for the position at the Parent/Teacher meeting in Term 1. Each year group is responsible for one fund raising event each year and various other tasks. CHANGE OF CONTACT DETAILS Parents are responsible for informing the school office of any change of address, telephone number, email, emergency contact or child’s medical status. A blue form is available at the school office for this purpose or please email the school with change of details (beautypt-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au). Up-to-date details are crucial in case of an emergency.

CHESS There is a chess club run by the Sydney Chess Academy in which students may participate. In addition, students may also be selected to play in Inter-School Chess Competitions. CHOIR Students from Years K-6, are eligible to join various school choirs.

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DANCE & DRAMA (Performing Arts) All students (K-6) undertake lessons in performing arts with their class teacher. In addition senior students are invited to audition for our enrichment groups in both disciplines to perform in the Sydney North Dance Festival and the Arts North Drama Festival. Elements from the performing arts program are included in our end of year concert. DEBATING & PUBLIC SPEAKING Students at Beauty Point have many opportunities to develop public speaking skills, from class speeches to participating in The Debating Group, Multi-cultural Public Speaking competitions and Presentation Day speeches. DOGS As per the Companion Animals Act (1998), dogs should not be brought onto school grounds at any time or tied up near school paths and entrances. EATING TIME REQUIREMENTS At Break 1 and Break 2, children are given 10min eating time. EDUCATION WEEK

Education Week is held annually in NSW Public Schools during Term 3. This celebration provides the school

with opportunities to highlight our student’s achievements. Parents are invited to visit the school on Open Day. EMERGENCY EVACUATION Beauty Point Public School have evacuation procedures to deal with a variety of emergency situations. The students and staff practise these procedures at regular intervals during the year.

E-NEWSLETTER – BEAUTY POINT BUZZ The school’s newsletter “Beauty Point Buzz” is published every Wednesday fortnight. The newsletter includes important dates and information about activities and events at the school. Please always check the newsletter before phoning the school. Please download the Beauty Point Public School app from the App Store. Once downloaded, please go to Settings and ensure you turn “On” alerts for the newsletter and for your children’s year at school. This will ensure you get notified of school news relevant to you. You can also view the school newsletter on our website: www.beautypt-p.schools.nsw.edu.au ENROLMENT

Children are eligible to enrol at Beauty Point School if:

• they are of school age (ie. turn 5 years of age by 31st July in the year they start Kindergarten); AND

• reside within the Beauty Point Public School boundaries as defined by the Department of Education and Communities. School boundaries can be checked on https://my.education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder

Children who are of school age but live outside the school’s boundaries are able to apply for non-local enrolment.

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Environmental issues are integrated into all areas of school life. Students are taught to think and act in ways that are environmentally responsible. Conservation and efficient use of resources are a priority at the school. Students can be directly involved in programs including composting, water conservation, paper recycling, planting of trees and shrubs. The schools’ environmental program is directly supported by the Environmental Team, a committee of parents and staff which organizes projects to improve the school grounds, provide shade areas and maximize playground safety. EXCURSIONS Excursions are an essential part of student learning programs, as they provide first hand learning experiences that enhance and support classroom studies. All staff are trained in emergency care, CPR, asthma, and anaphylaxis procedures. END OF YEAR CONCERT Each student performs at an annual concert. There is a matinee and evening performance where family members are invited to attend. FEES FOR SCHOOL Parents receive an account in Term 1 for costs incurred for extra-curricular programs, textbooks and any other activities that have already been planned for the year. In addition, at the start of each term an invoice is sent home for any excursions or incursions that have been organized by the teachers for that term. All fees collected go towards paying for extracurricular

activities, programs or resources in the current year and directly benefits your child. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure that fees are paid promptly and on time. FIREWORKS NIGHT In Term 2, an afternoon/early evening fundraising event is organized with food stalls and activities by each year group, culminating in a fireworks display. Overall responsibility for organising the event are Year 4 families. A popular event in the Beauty Point calendar. FRENCH, MANDARIN or SPANISH Children at Beauty Point have the opportunity to learn French, Mandarin or Spanish run by a language teacher before or after school. GIFTED & TALENTED PROGRAM The school counsellor, in consultation with the Learning Support Team, teacher, principal and parents, identifies gifted and talented children. They are extended with appropriate programs within the classroom. Beauty Point provides an array of programs for Gifted and Talented students. Programs are interwoven into everyday class and school activities. These include: • Australasian Schools’ English &

Writing, Science & Math’s Competitions

• creative thinking • competitions, eg. literature, writing,

art & the environment • debating • Math’s Olympiad • individual contract work • individual and group research • participation in Performing Arts

programs • use of Bloom’s Taxonomy • various sporting programs

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GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY The school invites grandparents and special friends of students to attend a performance in the hall and visit individual classrooms, followed by morning tea in the hall hosted by Kindergarten families. HEALTH CARE

During each student’s school career, it is probable that the student will come into contact with a common childhood

communicable disease. If a student does contract one of the following diseases, Department of Health regulations exclude the student from school as described for each disease listed in the table on page 8. Please inform the school immediately if your child contracts any of these diseases. Certain diseases can have ramifications for staff and students. The school needs to keep track of the pattern and frequency of diseases within the school. HOMEWORK Students are set age appropriate homework by their class teacher. In K-Year 2, home readers are sent home to be recorded daily into the log book provided. Teachers utilise a blue plastic folder for homework and other communications between school and home. IMMUNISATION Parents enrolling students into Kindergarten need to present the school with an immunisation certificate. Under the Public Health (Amendment) Act 1992, children without a certificate might be sent home during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease.

INJURED OR SICK STUDENTS Sending a sick child to school endangers the health of other students and staff, and impairs the child’s ability to learn effectively. Students who are sick or injured at school are taken to the sick bay next to the school office. Minor injuries will be treated by our administration staff. If further medical treatment is required or the student is sick, parents or the emergency contact (if parents are unable to be contacted) are notified, and the student supervised by the administration staff until the parent or emergency contact arrives to collect the student. Parents will be contacted immediately and provided with full details. The school maintains a register of notifiable injuries MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL Parents are requested to timetable medication dosages out of school hours if possible. However, if it is necessary for medication to be given during school hours, parents must fill out a yellow form at the office. All medication must be labelled clearly, with the child’s name. Administration of medicine is recorded in the register kept in the front office. School staff do not supply any medications. All medications are to be handed in at the school office. Except for asthma puffers, under no circumstances are medications to be kept in school bags or uniform pockets.

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TABLE OF COMMON INFECTIOUS CHILDHOOD DISEASES

DISEASE PATIENTS -

EXCLUSION

Chicken Pox 5 days after first spots appear

Croup Until cleared by doctor

German Measles 7 days after rash appears

Mumps 10 days after first swelling

Scarlet Fever 7 days after symptoms

Whooping Cough Exclude for 3 weeks re-admit sooner with certificate if on antibiotic treatment

Scabies Until visual evidence goes

Ringworm Unit visual evidence goes or certificate shown

Trachoma (Sandy Blight)

Until discharge from eyes ceases

Acute Conjunctivitis Until discharge from eyes ceases

Impetigo Until cleared by doctor and weeping sores are completely cleared

Pediculosis (Head Lice)

Until neither nits or lice are not present

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Our aim at Beauty Point Public School is to prepare students from Kindergarten to Year 6 for a global and digitally connected world, in which

technology is an essential and part of daily life. Our teachers use technology to facilitate high quality teaching and learning and fully engage students. Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 have access to a variety of new technologies. Classrooms are equipped with desktop computers, interactive SMART Boards, data projectors and secure wireless and internet access. Students from Kindergarten to Year 4 also enjoy access to iPads and dedicated laptops as part of their learning. A Bring Your Own Device program operates in Years 5 & 6. Our computer room is open on a rostered basis to allow for equitable access for all classes in K-6. Students have access to Microsoft 365, Google Suite for Education and a range of other apps and sites through their Student Portal. KEY LEARNING AREAS At Beauty Point we provide instruction in all Key Learning Areas as required by the Education Reform act, 1990. Each Key Learning Areas syllabus is developed by The Board of Studies, New South Wales and endorsed by the Department of Education. The Key Learning Areas are: • English • Mathematics • Science • History • Geography • Creative Arts (including Visual Arts,

Music, Drama and Dance)

• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

More information on Key Learning Areas can be obtained from the Department of School Education www.det.nsw.edu.au or The NSW Board of Studies www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au In addition, the following education programs are incorporated into the Beauty Point program: • Aboriginal Education • Child Protection • Computer Education • English as a Second Language • Environmental Education • Gifted and Talented Programs • Interrelate (Years 5 & 6 only) • Learning Assistance Programs • Library and Research Skills • Science • Multicultural Education` • Road Safety • Specialist Programs in the Creative

and Performing Arts • Specialist Programs in sport The attainment of basic skills is emphasized at Beauty Point. Our school policy specifies that a significant proportion of teaching time will be spent on the learning of Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, Handwriting, Listening, Speaking and Mathematics. Emphasis will also be placed on teaching students how to learn so that they will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in a rapidly changing world.

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KINDERGARTEN BUDDIES Students in Years 6 support Kindergarten students during their first year of school by becoming Kindy Buddies. Activities occur regularly in classrooms and informally in the playground. This program helps senior students to develop a sense of responsibility and teaches them co-operation and tolerance. For Kindergarten students, the program provides security and helps them settle into school with new big friends. LEARNING SUPPORT Our Learning Support Team is a whole school planning and support mechanism. It is formed with the purpose of addressing the learning support needs of students through the coordination, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of educational programs. Our team employs a strong focus on systems (what we do to support adults), practices (what we do to support students), and data (to inform our decision making about systems and practices.) A key feature of our Learning Support Team is the facilitation of collaborative planning between teachers, support staff, parents and students. Our Support Staff: • Our school counsellor and is

available for student support and assessment one day a week. Referrals can be made by parents, teachers or students by appointment through the school office.

• Our Learning Support Teacher provides intervention and support for students experiencing difficulties in Literacy and Numeracy. The Learning Support program involves small group educational programs and parents

are consulted before inclusion of their child in one of these programs.

• SLSOs: School Learning Support Officers work under the direction and supervision of the classroom teacher. They provide assistance to students with disabilities and additional learning and support needs. They can provide assistance with school routines, class activities and support of students.

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS DURING SCHOOL HOURS Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds during school hours unless they have parental permission and are accompanied by an adult. Parents wishing to take their children out of school during school hours are required to send a note or email to the school before the event and collect an early pass from the front office before collecting their child. This procedure ensures the safety of our students and avoids unnecessary disturbances to class routines. If an adult other than the parent is to pick up a student, the parents must verify the identity of that person with the school before the student departs the school grounds. LIBRARY

The library program fosters the enjoyment of reading and literature and the development of competence in research skills.

The librarian is present five days per week. The library is fully computerised with an interactive whiteboard, and students are taught to use the computer enquiry stations. Borrowing and returning of books takes place during library lessons and at lunchtimes on the days the librarian is present.

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Students are encouraged to participate in The Premier’s Reading Challenge to foster their reading. A silver merit award is given on successful completion of the Challenge. LOST PROPERTY Lost property is stored in a box located on the verandah outside the Stage 2 rooms. Students and parents are encouraged to check the box if personal items go missing. Items not claimed or without means of identification are donated. LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS Crunch and Sip is at 10.00am every day. Break 1 is from 11.00 - 11.40am; Break 2 is from 1.40 -2.20pm. Lunches can be ordered from the Flexischools website on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (www.flexischools.com.au). All items are freshly made in the morning, and delivered directly to the school. Children can collect their lunch orders from the canteen. MAJOR FUNDRAISER Each year, the P&C Association puts on an evening event for the school community to socialise and raise funds for school projects. This is the responsibility of Year 2 families to organize. MERIT AWARD SYSTEM Beauty Point Public School actively promotes the achievements of its students through a merit award system designed to award cumulative achievement through a student’s career at our school. The award system has three levels: • Merit Award – silver • Merit Certificate – gold • Beauty Point Medallion and

certificate

Merit Awards are awarded by individual teachers and presented at assemblies. Merit Certificates are achieved through the accumulation of four Merit Awards. A Beauty Point Medallion is awarded when a student accumulates four Gold Merit Certificates. The Beauty Point Medallion is the highest award a student can achieve at Beauty Point Public School. Medallions are presented once a term at a banner assembly with family invited to attend. When a child accumulates sufficient merit cards/awards/certificates they can be submitted to the front office in the special box provided. OPPORTUNITY CLASS (OC) TEST This is a state wide test open to academically gifted children in Year 4 who are Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Australia. Those selected are invited to attend a special class for Years 5-6 at a nearby school. OOSH The Out of School Hours Centre is located on the school premises and is run by qualified staff. It opens at 7.30am and closes at 6.00pm. Phone: 9960 1095 for information or bookings. Their website is http://beautypointoosh.webnode.com/ PARENT TEACHER COMMUNICATION Effective communication between teachers and parents is vital to ensure the best learning environment of each student. If at any time you would like to discuss any issue regarding your child’s progress, contact the school to arrange an interview with your child’s teacher. If in doubt, always make an appointment. The school communicates with parents through a variety of processes. These processes include:

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• The School Newsletter - The Beauty Point Buzz which is published fortnightly on Wednesdays. This newsletter is sent as Enews to all families who subscribe to receive it via the BPPS app.

• A Term Newsletter - sent home by teachers at the commencement of each term to inform parents of class activities and programs for the term.

• Parents & Citizens Association - Meetings and informal contacts throughout the year.

• Classroom Information Evenings – meet the teacher evenings are designed to provide parents with information about the organization of the class and the activities planned throughout the year. Teachers discuss their approach and leave time for questions. This is not an evening to discuss individual students.

• Parent Teacher interviews – Formal interviews with teachers are conducted at the end of Term 1 or an appointment can be made with the teacher at any time during the year.

• Reporting to Parents – Parents are provided with written reports on their child’s progress at the end of each semester.

• Class Parent – the class parent/s will communicate with parents about class specific activities, fundraising and the like.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT Beauty Point Public School is successful because so many people – students, staff, parents and community members – work in partnership. The key ingredients in this vital and successful partnership are: • A welcoming and friendly school

atmosphere • The open management and

communication style of the school, with easy accessibility of the principal

and staff to students and parents • Good communication and mutual

respect between staff and students • Participation by parents in school

activities in ways that suit their time and talents

• Quality two way communication between parents and staff, with a high value placed on parents’ opinions

• Opportunities for parents to learn about and help with classroom teaching and learning activities

• Availability to parents of the school curriculum and information on current teaching strategies

• Assistance to parents in supporting their child’s learning

• Collaborative decision-making processes on issues involving the school community

Parents can directly participate in school activities in many ways. Our intention is to assist parents to develop a sense of partnership with the school and its programs, through understanding the school’s ethos and goals, supporting staff and participating freely in the education process. Opportunities for participation include: • Assisting on excursions and trips • Volunteering to be a class parent • Attending school functions such as

assemblies, sport carnivals, concerts, Education Week, presentation days

• Attending parent teacher nights, interviews and information seminars

• Actively participating in Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) activities, attending monthly meetings and presenting ideas

• Participating in school based discussions and surveys

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• Volunteering as a classroom helper in areas identified by the classroom teachers. These may include reading, computers, library, math groups and sport

• Volunteering to participate on school committees

PARENTS & CITIZENS ASSOCIATION The P&C of Beauty Point Public School is a very active and extremely effective organization. Being part of the P&C is very rewarding and of great benefit to the school. P&C meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month during the term at 7.00pm in the staff room. They are interesting and informative and a good way to meet other parents. There are many opportunities to help in the classrooms, become involved in fund raising activities and meet other families. The P&C Association also discusses allocation of funds which have been raised by the school community. PARKING

To ensure the safety of our students and staff, parking or dropping off students IN school grounds is prohibited at any time in all weather conditions.

PARKING IN SURROUNDING STREETS Road safety cannot be stressed enough. Illegal parking by parents is a major risk factor for students, especially at the pedestrian crossing or bus stop. Parents are asked to abide by the parking notices and road rules, thereby effectively educating our students and helping to ensure their safety. PEDESTRIAN & ROAD SAFETY Children are to be set down and picked up in Medusa Street. Students are to safely cross the road at the crossing.

Children and parents should not enter via the Pursell Avenue entrance which is

reserved for vehicular traffic. Specifically, parents are requested to ensure that their child knows: • How and where to cross the road • How to use pedestrian crossings • How to use traffic lights • How to enter and exit buses and

cross the road after getting off the bus

PLAYGROUND Beauty Point has one field, a multipurpose court and a picturesque playground where the children are closely supervised by staff. The school’s playground promotes K-6 interaction and co-operative play is encouraged. Games involving physical contact (eg. tackling, pushing, kicking or throwing objects at others) are not permitted. Students must wear their school hats or they sit in the shade. The fixed equipment is used by all students. Students are able to use school equipment at Break 1 and Break 2. The multi-purpose court is available to all students. Climbing equipment is out of bounds before school. PERSONAL PROPERTY Students are responsible for their own clothing and belongings. Staff will assist students to find lost or misplaced items, but it is not the responsibility of staff to ensure that items are not misplaced or lost. Parents are strongly advised to label each item of clothing and other belongings clearly with the child’s name. Students often pick things up in a hurry and then can inadvertently acquire items which do not belong to them.

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Parents are requested to check belongings regularly and return items to school if they do not belong to their child. PRESENTATION DAY A Presentation Day is held for K-2 and 3-6 at the end of the year. Family members are welcome to attend. Each Kindergarten student receives a certificate and other prizes are awarded to students from other years. Parents are notified beforehand if their child is to receive an award. RECORDERS Year 2 students learn the recorder in a one hour session every week. SCHOOL COUNSELLOR The School Counsellor is a psychologist employed by the Department of Education. The School Counsellor can assist students who experience a range of personal, social, psychological and learning problems. The School Counsellor can be contacted through the school office. All interviews are treated confidentially and students do not see the school counsellor without the permission of their parent/s. The school counsellor is also available to assist parents. SCHOOL HOURS The school hours for students are 9.00am - 3.00pm. 8.30am Playground

supervised 9.00am Lessons commence 11.00-11.40am Break 1 1.40-2.20pm Break 2 3.00pm K-6 dismissed Parents are requested to collect their child promptly when school finishes and students who walk home are expected to leave the school grounds quickly.

Students who catch the bus home wait in an orderly manner under the supervision of a teacher. SCHOOL STRATEGIC IMPROVEMENT PLAN This plan combines the school’s educational priorities with those of the Department of Education to guide the future development of Beauty Point Public School. The Strategic Improvement has a four year focus and monitored throughout the year and is reviewed annually. It is collaboratively developed and evaluated with staff, parents and students. SCHOOL SECURITY The local neighbourhood is the best

protection for our school. If you are concerned about activities of people within the school grounds or you suspect

the school has been broken into or vandalised do not hesitate to contact: Mosman Police 9969 1933 or Department of School Education Security 1300 880 021 Entry to the school grounds is a privilege, not a right. School grounds are ‘enclosed lands’ under the Enclosed Lands Protection Act 1901 and as such ARE NOT public property. However our school community uses the grounds out of school hours taking care to remove litter as they go. Dogs should not be brought into school

grounds at any time.

SCRIPTURE (Special Religious Education) Parents nominate their child’s religious preference on enrolment and they may withdraw them or change scripture classes by notifying the school office in writing at the start of year.

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Our school offers Special Religious Education (SRE) classes to students on a weekly basis. These are:

• Catholic • Anglican • Non-scripture

Ethics classes are also available in NSW public schools as an option for children who do not attend Special Religious Education (SRE)/Scripture. SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL TEST Students in Year 6 who are an Australian Citizen or a Permanent Resident have the opportunity to apply for placement in a Selective High School. Students must compete academically with all other candidates for entry to each selective or agricultural high school. Academic merit is determined mainly by the combination of the results of the Selective High Schools Test in English, Mathematics and general ability and with the primary school assessments of a student’s performance in English and Mathematics. Additional information may also be provided by parents or the principal to support the application, and will be considered at the discretion of the selection committee. The selection process usually follows this timeline: November (Year 5) – Applications are available online. March (Year 6) - Students sit the exam July - Parents are informed of outcome More information is available on the Department of Education Internet site: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7/application-process -

SPECIAL EVENTS Beauty Point Public School holds a number of special events during the year. Some events are held annually while others occur when the opportunity arises. Special events include:

• Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day

• ANZAC Commemoration • Education Week • Book Week • Harmony Day

SPORT Sport is a valued part of the school program as it contributes to the development of the whole student through providing opportunities to gain confidence and to develop a variety of skills for participation in lifelong recreation. Carnivals Athletics Carnival All students in the school are encouraged to participate in the Athletics Carnival. Novelty events are organised for students in K-2. It is the responsibility of individual students to enter events, and supporting the student’s House is an important aspect of the carnival. The events include: Track Field 100m Long jump 200m High jump 800m Shot putt 4 x 100m relays Discus

Cross Country Carnival An annual cross country carnival is held for children in Years 3 to 6 and children turning 8 in Year 2 who are confident long distance runners.

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Swimming Carnival An annual swimming carnival is held for children in Years 2-6 in Term 1. All students are encouraged to

participate. Students who qualify may continue to Zone Carnivals and then onto Regional Carnivals. PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ SPORTS ASSOCIATION (PSSA) www.sports.det.nsw.edu.au The PSSA organises primary school sport at the zone, area, state and national levels. Beauty Point Public School participates in PSSA zone carnivals and competitions. Beauty Point Public School is a part of North Shore Zone PSSA that comprises 15 schools. A strong focus of our school is that students in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 represent the school in PSSA inter school competitions in T Ball, netball and soccer, during Terms 2 and 3.

Sports Coaching—Years 3-6 The school is concentrating on sport skills and learning to play a variety of team sports during the Friday sport program. Skill development is the focus.

K – Sport Kindergarten classes join together each week to participate in sport activity groups. The children are in small groups and work with teachers to encourage hand - eye co-ordination and gross motor skills.

Years 1- 2 Sport Classes join together each week for sport. The emphasis is placed on developing specific skills as part of the physical education key learning area. The program is conducted with the assistance of parents. This program is essential to the development of a positive self-image and confident

approach to learning. Students should wear sports uniform and a school hat. SPORT HOUSES The house system contributes to school spirit through whole school activities such as sport and carnivals, and is an integral part of the Beauty Point Merit Award system. Our school houses are:- Merriwa - Blue Killarney - Green Parrawi - Yellow Sirius - Red Students are placed into houses in Kindergarten. They are placed in houses on a family basis. Students without an older sibling in the school are allocated to houses to balance number and gender in all houses. STUDENT LEADERSHIP Student leadership is a strong feature at Beauty Point Public School with Leadership opportunities for students from Years 2-6. It is our goal for every student to learn to take responsibility and develop leadership skills. There are many opportunities for students to develop, implement and refine leadership skills especially within our small, caring community school environment. School Captains, Prefects, House Captains Each year, 2 school captains, 2 vice captains, 4 house captains and 4 prefects are elected from Year 6 by the students in Years 2-5 and the staff. All children in Year 5 are encouraged to participate in the election campaign. The school captains and prefects are announced at the school Presentation Day.

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Library Monitors Year 5 students are encouraged to seek positions as library monitors, assisting our school librarian in the effective running of this facility. Class Responsibilities Students in each class are given responsibilities to assist with the efficient operation of the classroom. Throughout the year, teachers aim to provide every student with opportunities to learn responsibility and develop leadership skills. Student Representative Council Two students are nominated from each class (Years 2-6) to attend Student Representative Council meetings held each term. At each meeting, students are given the chance to raise or discuss issues that they feel are important. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to share their opinions and to encourage the active expression of ‘Student Voice’ at the school. STUDENT WELLBEING At Beauty Point, we focus on strengthening relationships, building positive emotions, enhancing personal resilience, promoting mindfulness and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. We use a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) approach to contribute to developing a positive, safe and supportive learning culture. A common vision was developed by students, staff and the community to support PBL implementation. Clear expectations and consistent language is used to support our school’s core values: Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best.

Other programs to enhance student wellbeing are:

• Grow Your Mind • Live Life Well • Buddy Programs • Student Representative Council • Year 5 and 6 Leadership • Harmony Day • NAIDOC Week • Digital Citizenship & Cyber Safety

Programs • Anti-Bullying • Scripture/Ethics • Clean Up Australia Day • Daffodil Day – Cancer Council • Participating in community

events These programs empower students through developing confident, responsible and independent decision makers who have the knowledge, skills, attitudes and security to adapt to their rapidly changing world. Beauty Point Merit Award and House Award systems have been designed to recognise individual and group achievement. Leadership is strongly encouraged within the school. Students of all ages are provided with opportunities to develop their talents. SUN SAFE SCHOOL

Beauty Point Public School is registered NSW Cancer Council SunSmart School. Our school has a clear Sun Protection Policy. Hats are a compulsory part of the school uniform all year round. This initiative is part of the “No

Hat – Play in the Shade” for recess and lunch times. The wearing of sunscreen is encouraged by staff. Students at Beauty Point understand why sun safety is important

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and learn how to take effective sun protection actions. The school is also endeavouring to increase shade areas within the school grounds. SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL The staff are very conscious of the safety of our students when leaving school to go home. Staff are aware of each child’s routine and they need to know if there is a change. Please give notice of changes, in writing, or telephone the front office if there is an emergency. Students ARE NOT PERMITTED to stay at school to play after 3.00 pm. Students leave the school in a variety of ways: Students collected by an older person Students collected by a parent or another adult authorised by the parent become the responsibility of that person when the student is released from school. Students who catch the bus Students line up at Newton Lane and they are supervised by a teacher to board the bus. The school bus leaves at 3:15pm. Students are to ensure they are at the gate before the bus is due. Students who attend OOSH Students walk to OOSH in the school hall as soon as classes are dismissed. Students who walk home from school Students must leave the school grounds straight after being released from class and walk directly home by a predetermined route nominated by parents. Parents are encouraged to ensure the child knows strategies to use when talking with strangers. Parents are encouraged to warn their children against loitering on the way

home, visiting friends without permission or going anywhere with people they do not know. Students who remain after school Students who remain after school for tuition or training are the responsibility of the person or group organising the activity. Students who have not been collected Students who have not been collected by parents or other supervising adults due to emergencies or other unforeseeable circumstances are asked to go to the front office where they can be supervised and arrangements made for their collection. If they have still not been collected by 3.30pm they will be sent to OOSH. SWIMMING Each year students in Year 2 participate in the “Special Swimming Scheme” run by trained swimming instructors employed by the Department of Education and Communities. TREATS FOR BIRTHDAYS Birthday or other treats need to be handed into the class teacher at the start of the day. Please ensure no nuts are present in any of these treats, and that your child is not handing anything out without the teacher’s knowledge. If students wish to bring Ice blocks for their birthday treat, please speak to the office prior to the day to determine there is enough freezer space to accommodate the ice blocks.

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UNIFORM The Beauty Point Public School community expects that school uniform will be worn by all students.

Uniform orders can be placed online at www.pickles.com. Pickles have a full array of uniform requirements. A second-hand uniform shop operates every Monday morning 8.30am – 9.00am at the Canteen. VISITING PERFORMANCES The school invites groups of artists to perform for the students. Performances may include drama, puppetry, mime, cultural activities, music and dance. All performances are approved by the NSW Department of Education and the school strives to ensure that the performances are of a high quality and suitable for the students’ ages and range of interests.

The permission of a parent is required for a student to attend performances. The attendance fee and permission note is included in the excursions and activity account sent home at the beginning of each term. VISITORS Visitors are welcome at Beauty Point Public School and the school often receives overseas delegations and visits from other schools. Visitors must sign in at the School Office on arrival. This is important for security reasons and ensures that guests are looked after appropriately.