Principal’s Message

Welcome to Edge Hill State School. I trust that your child will have an enjoyable time at our school. Our school team

looks forward to working in partnership with you to enable your child to gain the maximum benefit from their

primary education experience here.

Edge Hill State School is accredited by the Department of Education, Training and Employment to offer international

students the opportunity to study in Cairns and we value the presence and participation of students and families

from around the world.

We encourage our students to celebrate diversity, develop critical thinking and creativity and to honour the values of

responsibility for self and concern and respect for others. We aim to equip our students to be responsible global

citizens in a sustainable world today and into the future.

The Edge Hill State School Community offers a safe, supportive and friendly environment for your child to strive and

thrive. Many lasting relationships have been built with past students and families from the international student

program. During your time with us we look forward to building a positive partnership.

I extend a warm invitation to you to contact me to discuss any issues relating to your child’s learning. Together we

can provide a quality education for your child that will build a desire for lifelong learning and active, responsible

citizenship.

Paul Campbell

Principal

Important Information Leadership Team

Principal Paul Campbell Deputy Principal – Years 5-6 Ngari Abbott Deputy Principal – Years 3-4 Angela Brennan Deputy Principal – Years Prep Kathy Street Deputy Principal – Learning and Inclusion Kirsty Edwards International Student Coordinator Sue Wylie Our school at a glance:

Address 254 Pease Street Edge Hill QLD 4870 Telephone 07 4037 9555 Enrolment 1084 Academic Program Prep to Year 6 Specialist Teaching Programs Health & Physical Education Music Japanese

Extracurricular offerings Choirs and vocal groups Instrumental Music Program Concert Band String Orchestra Triathlon Academy STEM Academy

Music Academy Daily Routine:

8:50am – 11.00am Morning Session 11.00am -11.40am 1st Break 11.40am – 1.30pm Middle Session 1.30pm – 2.00pm 2nd Break 2.00pm – 3.00pm Afternoon Session

https://www.facebook.com/EdgeHillSS

https://edgehillss.eq.edu.au

Charter for Excellence

Edge Hill State School believes challenge leads to personal growth - it provides motivation for positive

change. Support helps to ensure successful adaptation to meet the challenge.

Our teachers will challenge our students with high expectations while supporting them by developing

meaningful relationships and providing for individual learning needs.

Our curriculum will challenge students with high expectations whilst supporting their intrinsic motivation

to learn with differentiated learning.

Our school will challenge students with high expectations for social and emotional learning while providing

them with whole child support.

Our school leaders will challenge teachers to improve performance while supporting their professional

growth.

Our school will challenge students to become adaptable and flexible, contemporary learners by supporting

them with a rich and diverse digital pedagogy.

International Student Program

Edge Hill State School is proud to be recognised as a school of choice for international students.

In addition to our quality academic programs, our individualised approach to pastoral care ensures that children feel

safe and cared for at all times. In this environment, all students are able to work to their potential and achieve

outstanding outcomes – both academic and personal.

International students are an important and celebrated group in the Edge Hill State School community. Our

International Student program aims to not only maximize the learning outcomes for all international students, but

also to promote their involvement in our wider school. We believe this provides a valuable opportunity for all of our

community to learn a deep respect for diversity and to develop a global view of the world.

APPLICATION & ENROLMENT

EQI Application

All International Student applications for Edge Hill State School are managed through Education Queensland

International (EQI)

• EQI recommends the services of its trained and registered education agents to assist with your application. Please contact EQI for agent contacts in your country or visit the EQI website: www.eqi.com.au

• Application forms can be downloaded from the EQI website

• Complete the application form and attach the required documents as listed in the checklist.

• Forward the documents to EQI for processing.

• Successful applicants will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)

School Enrolment Process

International Students can be enrolled into Edge Hill State School once EQI have issued a Confirmation of Enrolment.

1. On arrival in Queensland, make an appointment with our International Student Coordinator and a nominated

school leader.

2. During the Enrolment Interview, provide the following paperwork:

• Student’s CoE

• Dependant Student School Notification Form

• Parent’s passport

• Student’s passport

• Visas (in passport or eVisa grant documentation from DIAC)

• Proof of address

3. Once all documentation is provided, the student will be enrolled

VISA REQUIREMENTS

All International students must meet the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s mandatory

requirements for student visas, including:

• satisfactory course attendance

• satisfactory academic progress

• compliance with the school’s behaviour policy.

Student’s academic progress, attendance rates and behaviour records will be regularly monitored by our

International Student Coordinator to ensure compliance with DIAC’s requirements.

Any issues will be raised in advanced with parents.

PAYMENT OF FEES

All international students pay their fees to Education Queensland International (EQI). The tuition fee that is charged

for dependent children varies according to the level of schooling for which they will be enrolled.

These fees cover:

• Access to a Queensland Government school

• All teaching costs

• ESL support (if required)

These fees do not cover:

• Passport and visa application fees

• Travel expenses or personal items

• School Lunches

• Musical instruments or costs associated with extra curricular activities

• School uniforms, textbooks and stationary items

• School excursions, camps, special events

These fees must be paid prior to the beginning of the school year. A copy of your receipt should be brought to the.

Expectations

Attendance ABSENCES

If your child is to be absent from school for any time, we ask that you advise us as soon as possible by:

• sending a note or email to the class teacher, or responding to the SMS sent by the school with a reason for absence

• calling the School Administration Office.

Please note: if you plan for your child to be away from school for 10 days or more, you are required to submit an

Application for Exemption from Compulsory Schooling (available from the School Administration Office).

Arriving Late:

If your child arrives at school after classes have started, please send them with a note to the School Administration

Office.

Leaving Early:

If your child needs to leave school early, please send a note specifying the reason. Your child will need to give this

note to the School Administration Office when signing out.

Visa Requirements for Attendance

Like all students of Edge Hill State School, International Students should strive to attend school on every school day

of each term. Students who are sick and absent from school will be required to obtain a valid medical certificate.

International Students who are absent from school for a period of five (5) consecutive days may be asked to demonstrate why they should not be reported for failure to meet course requirements in accordance with the National Code 2007 and the EQI International Student Application Form Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.

If the student’s attendance falls below 80% for a term, Edge Hill State School is required to report the student to the

EQI. If the student’s attendance falls below 70%, EQI must report the student to DIAC for non-compliance of the

student visa conditions.

Emergency Procedures CRITICAL INCIDENTS Edge Hill State School has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Edge Hill State School has two primary emergency plans for responding to an emergency situation: Evacuation: Also referred to as a “Fire Drill”, we initiate an evacuation in response to emergencies that could occur on the school site such as fire. An evacuation is indicated by a continuous ringing of the internal alarm system. All students move to the oval under the supervision of their classroom teacher. Here rolls are marked to check for absences. The all clear will be given by the principal. Lock Down: We school will initiate a lock down if students are at risk from an intruder or external threat. In a lock down all students stay locked in their classroom out of sight until the Principal/Emergency Services give the all clear. A Lock Down is indicated by the continuous ringing of the external bell system. Staff of Edge Hill State School are aware of the additional support some International Students may require during an emergency situation. In the majority of instances, a student’s classroom teacher will provide any additional guidance and security.

Induction program

Student progress monitoring

The Edge Hill State School International Student Coordinator, together with classroom teachers and school leaders,

regularly monitors the academic progress, attendance rates and behavior records of all International students. This

ensures that early intervention strategies can be implemented to support children’s learning and maintain visa

eligibility.

At the end of each semester, families will receive a written report, detailing the progress of their child.

Term 2 & Term 4: School Report

Term 1 & Term 3: Parent Teacher Interviews – by appointment

These reports provide an overview of your child’s academic progress, attendance and general behavior across all

aspects of school life.

Parents are invited to contact the classroom teacher or our International Student Coordinator if there are any

concerns

SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION OF ENROLMENT

International Students can be withdrawn from studies through Deferral (delaying the commencement of the

enrolment), Suspension (temporarily delaying enrolment during a school term) or Cancellation (stopping the

enrolment).

Family initiated deferral, suspension or cancellation

Families wishing to defer, suspend or cancel their child’s enrolment must meet one of the following conditions:

• Unavailability of enrolment at school;

• Visa delay;

• Compassionate and compelling circumstances – these are generally beyond the control of the student or family,

and have an impact on the student’s progress or wellbeing. (e.g. Serious illness or injury, death of a close family or

major political upheaval or natural disaster in the home country requiring)

Supporting documents must be provided upon application e.g. Medical certificates; police reports etc. and kept on

the student’s file. Please contact our International Student Coordinator or EQI for more information.

School initiated deferral, suspension or cancellation

In very rare circumstances, Edge Hill State School must consider suspending or cancelling the enrolment of an

International Student.

Should this occur, families will receive a letter of notification from our principal. The family will be given 20 working

days to submit an appeal.

No changes to the student’s enrolment will be made until the internal appeals process is complete

Student Support Services

Every child at Edge Hill State School is supported and challenged to achieve their academic best. We have very clear

guidelines to ensure that students who need extra support are given it in a sensitive and timely manner.

We understand how important your child’s education is to your family, which is why we make available English

language support to all students attending through the EQI International Student Program.

We also appreciate that settling, even temporarily, in another country presents its own unique challenges for both

students and their carers. We encourage you to discuss any concerns you might have with any of our committed

team members.

The following flowchart outlines the steps taken when a concern has been identified that may affect an international

student’s social and/or academic learning outcomes.

Complaints & Appeals

Family & Community Events

Throughout the school year, we host many events for our families and communities - including parent information

evenings, concerts, student performances and classroom displays. These offer parents an opportunity to become

involved with their students school experience.

We host several special family events across the year that bring together students, teachers, parents and the wider

school community. These are our annual Big Family Breakfast held in May and our School Fete held in August.

These events provide a wonderful opportunity for international families to connect with other members of the Edge

Hill School Community.

Edge Hill State School – Big Family Breakfast

Health & Safety

Emergency services

In an emergency: Ambulance/Police/Fire call 000

Cairns Police 4030 7000

Crime Stoppers Hotline 1800 333 000

1800QSTUDY 1800 778 839

Is an afterhours emergency hotline

Medical Services

Cairns Base Hospital 4226 0000

Dial-A-Doctor 1300 030 030

Legal Services

If you require legal assistance contact

Cairns Community Legal Centre on 40317688 – referrals to other providers

RAILS (Refugee and Immigration Legal Service) - 38469300

Legal Aid Queensland – 44372900

NQ Women’s Legal Services 40335825

STUDENT HEALTH

International students must have full Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) coverage for the duration of their student visa.

This cover enables students to seek basic medical advice and assistance. Parents give permission for EQI and School

staff to obtain any medical assistance required in the event of an accident or illness and guarantee to meet all costs.

Contact your OSHC provider to find suitable doctors in your area, most OSHC providers have an app for smart

phones.

If you require assistance outside of school hours you can phone EQI’s 1800QStudy hotline on 1800 778 839

First Aid

Members of our school staff are permitted only to render basic First Aid. This is immediate, temporary treatment

given by the staff in case of an accident. Should medical treatment beyond First Aid be required, parents are notified

immediately whenever possible and/or the necessary treatment arranged.

In case of a serious accident, an ambulance will be called to transport the injured child to a doctor or hospital. It is

understood that it is not always possible to notify parents immediately of action taken. However, every endeavour is

made to contact parents as soon as possible.

Infectious Diseases

Edge Hill State School follows the exclusion guidelines provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

SAFETY IN THE TROPICS

CYCLONES

Cairns is located in a cyclone zone with the cyclone season being from November to April. If a significant cyclone

threat emerges during the day, parents will be advised at short notice through local radio stations. Adequate

supervision will be provided until students are collected. If a cyclone develops during the night, school closure will be

decided by the Executive Director in consultation with the police. Advice will be made available through local radio

stations.

ABC Local Radio Cairns 801 AM, 106.7 & 95.5 FM

Star 102.7 FM

Hit 103.5 FM

Community 89.1 FM

Bumma Bippera Media 98.7 FM

COUNCIL EMERGENCY CONTACTS

For information BEFORE a cyclone 4044 3044

For information DURING a cyclone 4044 3377

For more information visit: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/disaster

DENGUE FEVER

In recent years Cairns has experienced outbreaks of dengue fever, a serious mosquito-borne communicable disease

causing the following symptoms:

sudden fever and extreme tiredness

intense headache (especially behind the eyes)

muscle and joint pain

loss of appetite

vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain

a metallic taste in the mouth

red or macular (small, flat red spots) rash occurs in half of cases

minor bleeding from nose and gums

While dengue fever symptoms affect everyone differently, ranging from mild, even unnoticed (often in children), to

very severe and potentially fatal, most people will experience a certain amount of discomfort and usually need to

spend a few days resting at home. This is important, not only for recovery but to reduce the risk of spreading the

virus.

In some circumstances complications from dengue can occur and cause death.

It is important to Defend Against Dengue and reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the disease. The

mosquitos that can give you dengue only live and breed around buildings and are active during the day. Some simple

steps can protect you, your family and community from dengue:

*Empty containers in the yard that may contain water, including pot plant bases, palm fronds or tyres

*Spray under furniture and in dark corners of the home with surface spray

*Use personal insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin during the day and wear long sleeved light coloured

clothing. Cover your feet.

*Keep fly screens in good repair and use mosquito zappers or coils in unscreened areas.

For more information visit: www.health.qld.gov.au/dengue

General School Information

SCHOOL DETAILS

Street Address: .................................................... 254 Pease Street, Edge Hill 4870

Postal Address: ................................................... PO Box 493H, Edge Hill 4870

School Office: ...................................................... 4037 9555

School Shop Email: ............................................. shop@edgehillss.eq.edu.au

Student Absence: ................................................ 4037 9566

Student Absence Text Message……………………0418 138 789

Student Absence Email: ...................................... studentabsence@edgehillss.eq.edu.au

Fax Number: ........................................................ 4032 1164

Email: .................................................................. office@edgehillss.eq.edu.au

Office Hours: ....................................................... 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday during school terms. An answering machine operates outside these hours. Families are invited to leave a message to which staff will respond at their earliest opportunity.

Parents and Citizens Assoc: ................................ pandc@edgehillss.eq.edu.au

Dental Clinic: .......................................................... 1300 300 850

Outside School Hours Care: ............................... 4037 9519

Tuckshop: .............................................................. 4037 9572

Tuckshop Lunch Orders: ........................................ www.flexischools.com.au

School Shop: ......................................................... 4037 9512

Edge Hill Tiger Sharks Swim Club: ...................... 0406 423 522

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

Our beliefs about learning and behaviour:

At Edge Hill we foster an environment where every day, in every classroom, every student is learning and

achieving. We believe that education is a shared responsibility. We recognise the close relationship

between learning, achievement and behaviour. We encourage an environment where the school and home

work together so that, in the social context of the school, the child becomes a responsible, active citizen.

Essential to effective learning is a safe, supportive and disciplined environment that respects the following

rights.

The rights of all students to learn ~ The rights of teachers to teach ~ The rights of all to be safe.

Our Expectations

At Edge Hill State School we utilise a whole school approach. Central to this approach is the use of an agreed upon set of School Wide Expectations that are embedded in teaching and learning practices across the school. These expectations are taught, practised and modelled.

Positive Environment for Learning

A supportive school environment is created by positive and high quality interpersonal relationships within and outside of the school. Our approach to developing responsible behaviour is focused on relationships and takes place in a caring and supportive environment where all members feel safe and respected. We believe that self-discipline is necessary for students’ welfare and happiness and their ability to function effectively in society. Edge Hill State School is committed to providing quality learning opportunities that enable all students to

achieve within a safe, supportive and disciplined learning environment. Staff are to maintain high standards

of ethical behaviour as established in the Department of Education’s Code of Conduct. All members of the

Edge Hill school community are to abide by The Code of School Behaviour in accordance with the following

standards.

All members of this school community are expected to:

Conduct themselves in a lawful, ethical, safe and responsible manner that recognises and respects

the rights of others.

Students are expected to:

Participate actively in the school’s education programme.

Take responsibility for their own behaviour and learning.

Demonstrate respect for themselves, other members of the school community and the school

environment.

Behave in a manner that respects the rights of others, including the right to learn.

Cooperate with staff and others in authority.

Parents/carers are expected to:

Show an active interest in their child’s schooling and progress.

Co-operate with the school to achieve the best outcomes for their child.

Support school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.

Initiate and maintain constructive communication and relationships with school staff regarding their

child’s learning, wellbeing and behaviour.

Contribute positively to behaviour support plans that concern their child.

Teachers are expected to:

Provide safe and supportive learning environments.

Provide inclusive and engaging curriculum and teaching.

Initiate and maintain constructive communication and relationships with students and parents/carers.

Promote the skills of responsible self-management.

The School Leadership team is expected to:

Play a strong leadership role in implementing and communicating The Code of School Behaviour to

the school community.

Ensure consistency and fairness in implementing the school’s Responsible Behaviour Plan for

Students.

Communicate high expectations for individual achievement and behaviour.

Review and monitor the effectiveness of school practices and their impact on student learning.

Support staff in ensuring compliance with The Code of School Behaviour.

Facilitate professional development to improve the skills of staff to promote responsible behaviour.

Upon enrolling, student and parent/s are required to sign the ‘Edge Hill State School Student Expectations

Agreement’, agreeing to abide by the above expectations and rights. Included in this is a student agreement

that they are:

Responsible for their behaviour,

And that all behaviour, both appropriate and inappropriate, has consequences,

And that consequences will be applied for their behaviour.

Further information can be found in ‘The Edge Hill State School Responsible Behaviour Plan’ which outlines

the whole school, targeted and intensive behaviour support processes in place for responding to the full

spectrum of appropriate and inappropriate behaviours.

Our behaviour Management Plan and related documents are available on our school website

www.edgehillss.eq.edu.au

STUDENT DRESS CODE

It is an expectation of the Edge Hill State School Community – the Parents’ & Citizens Association (P & C),

the Principal and staff – that all students abide by the School Dress Code Policy. A parent / caregiver

application to enrol at Edge Hill State School is taken as acceptance of this policy.

Rationale

Our School Community believes that the Dress Code requirement is important in developing a sense of

identity and pride for our students. It aligns with the general expectation in today’s workforce where, in most

instances, there is an established Dress Code at the work site. For students, this school is their work site.

Our uniform:

Caters for all students in the school community in a manner sensitive to gender and local cultural and social issues;

Meets requirements of occupational health and safety, anti-discrimination and equal opportunity legislation;

Promotes the health and safety of students by identifying items necessary for particular activities eg items for sun protection;

Provides girls and boys with equal access to the full range of school activities.

The Edge Hill State School student uniform will be worn by students when:

Attending or representing their school;

Travelling to and from school; and

Engaging in school activities out of school hours.

Purpose

The wearing of school uniforms by students of Edge Hill State School will assist the school community to:

Define an identity for the school within its community;

Develop students’ sense of belonging to the school community;

Provide an opportunity to build school spirit;

Enhance the health and safety of students when involved in school activities;

Promote a sense of inclusiveness, non-discrimination and equal opportunity;

Reinforce the perception of the school as an ordered and safe environment;

Increase the personal safety of students and staff by allowing easier recognition of visitors and potential intruders in the school;

Make school clothing more affordable for families by eliminating the risk of peer pressure to wear fashionable and expensive clothes.

Healthy and Safety Legislation

The school must ensure that students are not exposed to risks to their health & safety and must take steps

to identify and eliminate or control such risks.

Our School Community:

Requires students to wear appropriate footwear or other protective clothing as to avoid injury;

Requires students to wear a hat for outside activities when appropriate;

Requires that jewellery or other items that could cause an injury to themselves or other students are not worn.

Non-Compliance

The school may impose a sanction in the event of non-compliance:

Imposing a detention for a student during lunch or after school;

Preventing a student from attending or participating in any school activity that is not an essential school educational programme;

Preventing a student from attending or participating in any activity for which the student is representing the school.

Parents will be informed of a student’s non-compliance through the normal channels of home school communication.

Uniform details School uniform items can be purchased through the school shop weekly 8:15am – 9:30am.

Students may participate in Music or Sports programmes which require a specific performance uniform.

Supervisors of these programmes will notify parents and uniforms will be loaned to students for the duration

of their extra-curricular programme if required.

Girls: Maroon skort or shorts– mesh style

Gold EHSS school polo shirt

or EHSS dress

Boys: Maroon shorts - mesh style

Gold EHSS school polo shirt

Hats / Sunscreen / Swim Shirts- essential

Broad-brimmed hats are an essential component of the uniform. The school's Sun Protection Policy,

endorsed by P & C, indicates that children must be wearing a hat during all outdoor lessons and playtimes.

If children are not wearing hats, the teacher on duty will require that they stay in the shade. Our school is a

‘Sun Smart’ school. Sunscreen is available in every classroom.

Hats and sunscreen must be worn while students are participating in lessons, coaching or recreational activities outside the classroom;

Swim shirts must be worn by Prep-Year 6 students during all water-based activities including swimming lessons. The wearing of swim shirts will also be enforced on camps and excursions where water-based activities are involved;

If parents are unable to provide a swim shirt, the wearing of a T-shirt is permitted.

Jewellery – permitted items

Due to Workplace Health and Safety issues, jewellery is to be limited to:

One watch

One discreet necklace for religious purposes only

One ring

Small sleepers or studs as earrings

Beads, shells, chains and/or facial adornment are not suitable for school. Students will be asked to

remove inappropriate jewellery. This jewellery will be held for parent collection.

Footwear

Fully enclosed shoes or sandals must be worn for health and safety purposes. Thongs are not acceptable.

Make-up

The wearing of make-up is not appropriate for school.

Hair

Hair should be clean and neatly groomed.

Prep

Prep students have had a uniform especially designed so that they can be identified easily throughout the

school. This shirt is to be worn only by Prep students.

Sport Uniform

Hat and suitable footwear are required for all sports.

Some sports have team uniforms which are issued by the school. For Interhouse athletics students are able

to wear their house colour shirt: Green Gryphons, Red Dragons, Blue Giants and Purple Serpents.

Parents’ & Citizens Association Endorsement

The Parents’& Citizens Association (P & C) of Edge Hill State School resolves that it supports a student

dress code for Edge Hill State School because it believes that a student dress code promotes objectives of

the Education (General Provisions) Bill 2006. In particular, the P & C of Edge Hill State School supports the

intention of a student dress code in providing a safe and supportive teaching and learning environment by:

Ready identification of students and non-students at the school;

Eliminating distraction of competition in dress and fashion at school;

Fostering a sense of belonging; and

Developing mutual respect among students through minimising visible evidence of economic or social differences.

Hats

Broad-brimmed hats are an essential component of the uniform. The school's Sun Protection Policy, endorsed

by P & C, indicates that children must be wearing a hat during all outdoor lessons and playtimes. If children are

not wearing hats, the teacher on duty will require that they stay in the shade. Our school is a ‘Sun Smart’

school. Sunscreen is available in every classroom.

Specialist Curriculum Areas

LOTE: (Languages other than English). Japanese is taught from Prep to Year 6.

Health & Physical Education: (including swimming): The Physical Education teacher takes class lessons

weekly. School sports competition is held each Friday afternoon for years 5 and 6. Generally, team sports

(softball, basketball, cricket, football, etc) are played during first, second and fourth terms of school and

athletics during the third term. Children are required to bring a note from parents if they wish to be excluded

from any sport. A small charge for transport, registration and hire of venues is required.

Swimming: Edge Hill State School is fortunate to have a pool in the school grounds. Lessons are conducted

weekly in first and fourth term by the H.P.E. teacher and a qualified Aus-Swim Coach. Parents are fortunate in

not having to meet transport charges. An invoice will be issued to help cover the costs incurred for coaching

and maintenance.

We are a Sun Smart School and it is mandatory to wear a swim shirt (“rashie”) or T shirt at our swimming

activities.

Children must wear caps when swimming. Lycra caps are available from the School Supply Centre. Children

are required to bring a note from parents if they wish to be excluded from swimming lessons which are an

important part of the curriculum.

Music Tuition: The school has music teachers who take class music lessons weekly. Instrumental music

lessons (brass, woodwind and strings) are available. Choir is also available for children from Years 1 - 6.

Should you be interested in having your child participate in these activities, please contact our music teacher.

Students who participate in the instrumental music program are required to join a music ensemble.

Performances by the choir and music ensembles are an essential part of our school music program.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Absences: Direct phone line – 4037 9566 email studentabsence@edgehillss.eq.edu.au or text 0418 138 789

Education Queensland policy is that all student absences must be accounted for. Parents/guardians must

telephone the school or furnish a written note explaining the reason for absence, emails should be addressed

office@edgehillss.eq.edu.au A record is made of your call and all notes are kept on file. Unexplained

absences are marked accordingly. Teachers or administrators will contact families where children are absent

without explanation.

Ambulance: Every child is covered by Community Ambulance Cover. However, parents are contacted in the

first instance wherever possible. Please advise the school immediately if there is any change to contact

telephone numbers supplied when enrolling your child.

Book Lists: A parent is directly responsible for providing the student with textbooks and other resources for

a student’s use while attending school.

A list of school requisites is available from the school office on enrolment. The school book list includes a

‘Classroom Resource Pack’ which is a cost effective way to provide student consumable items and

resources. Teachers may on occasions request additional items for students in their class. The school shop

provides a service to parents in the form of a book pack. Orders are placed in Term 4 for the following year.

Chaplaincy Service: In 2013 we began offering a chaplaincy program which is an optional service

introduced into a state school to provide students, staff and parents with support which may have a

religious and/or spiritual component. Chaplaincy services provide an additional adult role model in schools.

Whilst personally modeling and owning their own faith positions or belief, chaplains avoid any implications

that any one religion, denomination or other set of beliefs is advantageous or superior to any other

denomination, religion or belief.

A school’s chaplaincy program complements other support services in the school such as those offered by

the Guidance Officer. Parent consent will be required prior to a student participating in the program. The

program will be offered 2 days a week.

Costs and Charges:

Swimming charges are $30 per year ($15 each for 1st and 4th terms). Prep $20

Instrumental music levy $50 and hire of instruments $50 (if available).

Costs of school excursions and school camps will be advised as appropriate.

Counselling: While the school does not have a responsibility in this area, children's learning cannot be

separated from other concerns in their lives. The school may be able to assist through the services of the

Guidance Officer, family support officer or by recommending other outside agencies.

Custody of Children: Please ensure that the teacher and contact administrator are familiar with any situation

that (a) may affect your child's learning, or (b) involve a risk to personal safety. Copies of custody orders will be

noted on file. All arrangements on the custody orders need to be explained in detail. Please keep legal

documents current.

Cyclones and Other Emergency Situations: Cairns is located in a cyclone zone with the cyclone season being from November to April. If a significant cyclone threat emerges during the day, parents will be advised at short notice through local radio stations. Adequate supervision will be provided until students are collected. If a cyclone develops during the night, school closure will be decided by the Executive Director in consultation with the police. Advice will be made available through local radio stations. Dental Clinic: (Direct phone line – 1300 300 850) The school has a dental clinic located within the school

grounds. The dental therapist usually sees every child at least once per year. A notice will be sent home when

child is due to visit the clinic. Parents need to sign this letter. Appointment cards are sent out. Please be on

time. Please feel free to contact them if a problem arises with your child's teeth.

Early Departures: Please come to the office and sign the register if your child has to leave the school early.

When you have signed the register you will be issued with a form to take to the teacher as we are accountable

for the safety of every child.

Family Welfare Worker: A qualified social worker works in the Central Cairns Cluster as part of the behaviour management team. This support is carried out in conjunction with the Guidance Officer. Referrals through an Administrator are necessary.

First Aid: Staff with current qualifications deal with first aid cases at the office. We will contact the parent or the

designated emergency contact where possible. The rostered First Aid people, together with administration

decide when an ambulance is to be called.

Guidance Officer: A guidance officer is based at the school one day per week and works with staff, parents

and children on a referral basis.

Hire of School Facilities: The office maintains a booking plan for the hire of school facilities.

HOMEWORK:

Homework is an integral component of children’s daily learning. It is also an important insight for parents in

their children’s learning and expected outcomes.

At Edge Hill our Homework expectations are:

Hygiene: To prevent the spread infections students are encourage to follow good hygiene practices such as

washing hands, using tissues etc. Head lice are common in the tropics. Students should be checked regularly

for headlice and treated as required. The school will notify parents when headlice is a problem.

Infectious Diseases: Please contact the school for advice on exclusion time.

Inclusive Education

Students with disabilities are supported by Edge Hill’s Special Education Program. The delivery of Inclusive

Education is supported by providing quality assistance and services to students, teachers and parents. This

support enhances the learning and teaching experienced by all students, regardless of circumstance.

International Education: Edge Hill School welcomes international students to our school. International

students may attend as full fee paying students on either long or short term visas. Our school also encourages

visits by overseas students and educators on study tours. From time to time we ask the assistance of families

to act as host parents for visiting students.

Interviews: Class teachers will indicate the necessity of an interview by direct contact with parents or by

indication on the formal report card. Should you have any concerns regarding your child's progress, please do

not hesitate to contact your child's teacher directly or through the office to make an appointment time with the

teacher or your contact administrator. We believe it is very important for parents and teachers to work as a

team. School policy indicates that teachers will make time available for a minimum of one interview per year

usually in Term 1.

Late Passes: Children who are late for school need to come to the office to collect a late pass which has the child’s name, time of arrival, date etc. This information will be recorded. Families are encouraged to make every effort to be on time, ie 8:50am start.

Years 1, 2 & 3 Years 4 & 5 Year 6

Students need to develop

responsibility for home and

school tasks.

Students take a reading

folder home each night,

have it signed and return it

to school each day.

Students listen to

homework instructions

and record in a set book

or homework sheet.

Students take responsibility

for taking and returning

homework on time.

Students need to be able to

plan their work and leisure

time.

10 – 15 minutes per night. 15 – 20 minutes per night. 20 – 40 minutes per night.

Parents should be aware of

homework expectations

and types of work given.

Parent information nights,

notes home. Reading logs

etc.

Parent information nights,

notes home. Reading logs

etc.

Homework sheets or

books.

Consistent and related

style.

Parent information nights,

notes home. Reading logs

etc.

Homework sheets or books.

Consistent and related

style.

Homework should be able

to be understood by every

child in the room.

Consistent approach,

reading logs with relevant

instructions.

Homework sheet or book.

Instructions given to class

and individuals.

Clear and precise

instructions

able to be completed by the

individual child. Regular

checks for understanding by

the teacher.

Library: The Library is a very important resource area of our school and is open daily for class and individual

visits. Children are encouraged to borrow regularly from the library and this can be done before school and at

lunch times. It is recommended that children have a library bag in which to keep their books clean and dry.

Lost Property: All items of lost clothing (except for togs/ towels which, if left in the pool area, will be placed in

the lost property bin at the pool) are kept in the lost property bins in the School Supply Shop. Small items such

as watches and purses containing money are kept in the office. Unclaimed, unnamed articles are donated to

charity at the end of each semester. To ensure your child's belongings are returned to him/ her, please name

each article clearly.

Lunch: Our first break is not until 11:00am. Please ensure your child has an adequate breakfast and something substantial as this break is regarded as lunch. Teachers supervise all breaks and there is plenty of time for eating. Talk to the teacher or friends to gather ideas for what children like to eat. In accordance with ‘Smart Choice’ healthy food and drink strategy, lollies and junk food are not acceptable at school.

Medication: If your child needs to take prescribed medication while at school, Education Queensland requires

parents to complete and sign a medication form. Forms are available at the school office. Medication must be

in the original container dispensed by the pharmacist with the child’s name, dosage and time to be taken

clearly labelled. This is an additional responsibility that the school assumes and it needs to be negotiated. Non-

prescription medication or analgesics are not able to be administered by staff.

Mobile Phones: Mobile phones must be turned off upon entering the school premises and not turned on until

after 3:00pm dismissal.

Newsletter: The Leading Edge is a weekly newsletter distributed each Tuesday; a copy is also available

online (www.edgehillss.eq.edu.au). This will help to keep you up-to-date with current school news and is sent

home with the youngest children in the family. If you do not receive the newsletter due to absence of your child

etc., spare copies are available from the office. Advertising space is available on the back of the newsletter at a

cost. Contact the office for details.

Out of School Hours Care: Direct phone line – 4037 9519. The school (under P & C auspices) provides high

quality Outside School Hours Care for children at a reasonable cost. The children are supervised by employed

aides and participate in a variety of activities throughout the semester. The OSHC programme is run under the

supervision of the P & C and the Department of Communities and meets a very real need for safe supervised

care for the children of working parents. Vacation care is also organised for school holidays and student free

days. Organisation and Behaviour Management reflect school expectations.

Parent Teacher Nights: These will be held early in the year (usually February) and are a great chance to

get to know your child’s teacher, be made aware of the curriculum for the year and the teaching and

learning models in operation. You will also find out about resources and facilities, how the school operates,

the expectations of you as a parent and how you can become involved. Teachers are asked to notify

parents about the possibility and costs of camps and excursions.

Payment Methods: Payment is accepted by cash, credit card and BPoint. For ease of convenience credit

card payments are accepted by phone, in person or by completing a credit card payment form and

returning to the office. Centrelink direct debits for payment of large purchases such as uniforms, school

packs and camps can be arranged at the School Shop.

P & C Association: Our P & C Association welcomes you to our school. Parent involvement at all levels is

actively encouraged and valued. The P & C meets as an executive group with school leaders. A published

annual plan shares the P & C involvement in the school.

Services and facilities which are under the auspices of the P & C are:-Tuckshop and Outside School Hours

Care Programme.

P & C meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month during school terms.

P & C contact: pandc@edgehillss.eq.edu.au

The P & C has a voluntary levy, $90 per family or $50 per child which is used to reduce the pressure of

fundraising for the school. This levy is not tax deductable. As an alternative, the P & C has a building Fund

which is tax deductable. This voluntary levy is $110 per family or $60 per child.

Our P & C believes it is very important to include families and community members at our school. A number

of community events are sponsored to do this each year – Fete, Family Breakfast, Welcome Morning Teas

for parents and students, ANZAC Day ceremony and Advancement Ceremony for Year 6.

Planning and Accountability: The operation and development of this school is directed by a Strategic Plan

and an Annual Operational Plan. Copies of the Strategic Plan and Annual Plan are available on the school

website. Reporting on student learning outcomes will be through interviews, report cards, presentations and

interpretation of a range of data.

Our school is required to publish an Annual Report and this will be available on the school web-site. From time

to time surveys of staff, parents and students opinions will be sought to inform planning. Parents are reminded

that any concerns about student learning or other classroom activities should be discussed with the teacher in

the first instance. The Deputy Principals attached to specific year levels are available for further discussion.

Please make an appointment with the Principal to share positive input or concerns.

Religious Education: Queensland legislation allows for religious instruction to be offered in Queensland

state schools. Classes are taught by instructors from faith groups using a curriculum authorised by relevant

faith groups. At Edge Hill State students in year 1-6 have the opportunity to participate in a weekly 30

minute program of instruction offered by a combined Christian faith group. A program is also offered by the

Baha’i faith. Religious instruction is only to be provided to students whose parents have given written

permission for their child to participate. (Included in the Application for student enrolment) The school

provides alternative arrangements for students who do not attend religious instruction.

Road Safety: Our school community is very concerned about the safety of all its members. We therefore ask

families to strictly observe all of the signs and traffic rules. Please do not double park. Use the drop-off zone as

indicated. If you have to visit school please park in an appropriate zone. The parking lots set aside off Russell

and Pease Streets are for school staff or volunteers working in the school only. Please do not drive into these

areas to pick up students as this endangers students’ lives. While crossing supervisors are employed by the

Department of Transport, they are fully supported by the school staff and community. Please cross with lights

or in crossing zone. Pease Street is a 40 km/h zone from 7:00am – 9:00am and 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

School Shop: Direct phone line – 4037 9512 or email shop@edgehillss.eq.edu.au The School Shop operates daily from 8:15am – 9:30am. The school shop supplies all books, stationery and uniforms at competitive prices. This is also the stock control centre for our school. Any profits are returned to school funds.

Speech Language Pathologist: The school has the services of a Speech Language Pathologist who reviews

children referred by the class teacher. The model of operation varies from year to year

Student Banking: School banking is conducted by the Commonwealth Bank for children from Prep to Year 6.

Children are asked to hand books and money to their teacher by 9:00am each Thursday. Any queries should

be directed to the Commonwealth Bank (Schools Officer) in Lake Street.

Student Support Services:

Swimming Club – Edge Hill Tiger Sharks:. From August to March, the swimming club provides learn-to-

swim classes, fitness swimming and competitive swimming for local children. The pool is also available for hire

all year round provided insurance coverage is adequate.

Tuckshop: Direct phone line – 4037 9572 or order online at www.flexischools.com.au (Flexischool Help Line

is available on 1300 361 769) or order directly at the Tuckshop before 9:00 am. Eftpos is available for orders

placed before school. Please use a paper bag or envelope with class, name, whether food is required for

lunch of afternoon tea, do not staple bags.

The School Tuckshop operates daily to provide for our students. A Tuckshop Convenor manages the

tuckshop on behalf of the P & C. Volunteer helpers are welcome in the tuckshop. A phone call to the

convenor would ensure you are included on the roster. Helping in the tuckshop is a great way to make new

friends and to be part of the daily life of the school.

Current price lists and order bags are available from the tuckshop. Please note that first lunch must be

ordered. Second lunch can be purchased at the tuckshop. A full range of food requirements is available

and special requests can often be met by consulting with the convener and staff. The tuckshop is working

to provide the healthy foods listed in the Education Queensland Smart Choice Healthy Guidelines.

Visitors and Volunteers: We welcome visitors and helpers to our school. All voluntary workers are required to

sign the Visitors Register at the school office or the Volunteer Register kept in each classroom. Blue Cards are

required by volunteers who are not directly related to students in the school.