A positive and effective school/home partnership relies on open and transparent communication between home and school. Areas that require constant attention are:
Communicating absenteeism
Student absences from school should be reported by email or phone call to the class teacher or by phone call or email to the school office on the first day of the illness. Unexplained absences greater than three days, will be followed up by the classroom teacher or administration team. Regular attendance at school is very important for all students. A full record of student attendance is maintained and reported on the student report card. We have a same day text student absence notification service in place.
Communicating parenting arrangements
If your child becomes the subject of a parenting agreement or formal custody order, it is imperative that you provide a copy of these documents to the administration team and make an appointment to share the implications for your child. We work with you and the relevant authorities including Queensland Police and Child Safety to ensure these orders are followed. We keep a copy of these documents on file and inform the class teacher of the arrangements. However, we can only do this effectively if documents on file are kept current and any changes are shared immediately with us.
Communicating medical concerns
Medication, prescribed by a doctor or dentist may be administered to students by school staff. It is necessary to complete the medication form available from the office. The medication must be sent to the school office in its original prescription container and administered according to the doctor’s instructions. Staff are unable to administer over the counter medications such as Panadol, Nurofen and herbal supplements.
DoE regulations prohibit students carrying their own medication to school. We require parents to deliver medication to the school office and collect after school or before weekends as needed. A person authorised by the principal may administer medication, provided it is given strictly in accordance with instructions written on the medication container by the pharmacist. Non-prescribed medications should not be brought to school and will not be administered by school staff.
Students with severe medical conditions eg. diabetes, epilepsy, anaphylaxis, severe asthma etc. need to submit a detailed health plan prepared by a medical professional.
Communicating about academic progress and concerns
School-home liaison is facilitated through:
- teacher and class email communication at the beginning and throughout the school year to inform you of curriculum, school and class expectations
- end of semester written reports
- parent-teacher interviews available at the end of term one and upon request and negotiation with the teacher.
End of Term 1 student progress interviews are arrange by an online program , SOBS. Details are emailed to parents when dates and times are finalised. At other times of the year, parents are requested to email teachers to arrange mutually agreed times to meet.
Communicating about changes to after school arrangements
To avoid distress to your child, it is appreciated if all parents could make clear to students their general end of day procedure. This includes mode of transport home, attendance at the Frenchville campus outside hours school care Camp Australia or other after school arrangements, and who will be collecting them and at which location. Unexpected changes to school pick up should be communicated by a phone call to the office in a timely manner to ensure your child is aware of the change. Similarly, if you require your child to be collected from the office for an unexpected appointment please allow enough time for the class to be located and your child brought to the office.
Communicating about a change of contact details
Current and accurate contact details are necessary for the safety and wellbeing of your child for emergency and communication reasons. Any changes of details, completed the Change of Detail form and email to administration or phone the office.