KINDERGARTEN PARENT HANDBOOK 2021
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KINDERGARTEN
PARENT HANDBOOK
2021
111 North Boambee Rd, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450
Telephone (02) 6651 5644 (Administration) Fax: (02) 6651 5654
Email secretary@bdc.nsw.edu.au
CRICOS code 02333G
Consecration: Reverend Doctor Cecil Henry Druitt, MA, DD
First Bishop of the Diocese of Grafton, 1914-1921
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
1
Dynamic
Caring
Optimistic
2
Our Vision
(Ganggurriny)
Bishop Druitt College was founded on the
pursuit of excellence, with the vision of creating
a premium K-12 independent educational
Faithfulness in Service
experience for the children of the Mid North
Coast of NSW.
At Bishop Druitt College we see the balance
between an outstanding academic environment
and a safe and caring pastoral community
as being the key to producing
world prepared citizens.
Our Values
(Garla-Ngarraynggin)
Our Anglican foundation at Bishop Druitt
College is embedded in our community and
guides ‘the Bishop Druitt Way’.
The Bishop Druitt Way nurtures character and
community to transform children into world
prepared citizens who are empowered for life,
embrace diversity, prioritise wellbeing, pursue
personal excellence and serve our community.
The foundations of these qualities are built
around mutual respect, service, inclusivity,
integrity, courage, justice and
generosity of spirit.
3
HISTORY AND AIMS OF THE COLLEGE
History
Bishop Druitt College takes its name from the Right Reverend
Doctor Cecil Henry Druitt, MA, DD who served from 1914 – 1921
as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Grafton. Cecil Henry Druitt was
a godly man who believed deeply in the potential of the younger
generation. Educated in Bristol, England, in the 1880s he read the
Old Testament directly from the Hebrew. He was awarded a Master
of Arts in 1901 and a Doctor of Divinity in 1911.
Doctor Druitt was appointed Coadjutor of Grafton and Armidale
on 6 August 1911.The Diocese of Grafton was formed in 1914 and
Dr Druitt was elected Bishop on 26 March. A diabetic, the bishop
continued to work despite his increasing ill health. He died in 1921.
Bishop Druitt College was developed from an idea of an
independent Anglican school in Coffs Harbour that would work as a
feeder school for TASS in Armidale.
After much preparation land was purchased in North Boambee
Valley in 1993 and the building began in the same year. In 1994
the college opened with 57 primary students and this number
grew rapidly to 100 students by the end of the year. In 1995 the
secondary school opened with newly built classrooms. Since then
the development has been rapid with the student body growing to
1200 in 2011, with some 150 teaching, administrative and property
maintenance staff.
Aims
The college aims to educate students within a Christian framework,
providing quality teaching, excellent facilities and a wide program
of activities focussed on the full development of the individual. The
school has an enviable academic record, has become a leader in
music, drama and art and has a varied sporting program. Bishop
Druitt College is one of six Anglican schools on the North Coast of
NSW from Taree to Tweed Heads.
4
Optimism Tradition
We seek to create In valuing tradition we
optimism. We believe in value wisdom from the
people and our capacity past. We continue to
to make a difference. build our spiritual life on
Made in God’s image, Anglican traditions. Our
we are invited to be term services, chapel
active participants in our services, devotions,
OUR ANGLICAN FOUNDATION
world. We encourage our prayer and reflection
students to explore life’s are all part of this
possibilities and develop legacy. Our college
an open and positive traditions encourage
outlook on the future. a sense of belonging
and participation for all
members of our college
community.
Inclusiveness Service
We seek to be a Service is the practical
welcoming community expression of our
to people of all beliefs. It is seen in
backgrounds. We accept the volunteer work
the challenge of ensuring undertaken by students
that all members of the in the community and
college community are the staff dedication to
heard, seen, valued and meeting student needs
have opportunities to and aspirations. It is
participate fully in the seen in our support for
life of the community. social justice locally and
globally.
Compassion Tolerance
Empathy for others We value diversity and
is one of the great the richness of human
Christian virtues. In our experience. Our Anglican
actions of kindness and foundations encourage
consoling those around us to respect other
us we live the message religious traditions and
of Christ. In helping different views of life.
others who are expecting
difficulties we become
more Christlike.
Hope Faithfullness
Our Christian faith tells Our college motto is
us the deepest truth Faithfulness in service.
about life: that there is We recognise that we
always hope. Hope is an are faithfully cared for
important ingredient in by God and that we are
our lives and it is often called to faithfully serve
born of struggle. We live each other.
toward hope.
5
Dynamic Ethos Endeavour
We continually challenge We value a strong work
ourselves to create a ethic, one that promotes
learning environment the resilience and
that reasons to our world commitment needed to
through new programs, meet worthy goals. It is
initiatives and ideas. We in sustained effort that
must aim to maintain we develop the strength
the quality of our staff of character essential to
and facilities. We must success. Independent
embrace the challenge and self directed learning
of change to avoid is a cherished goal of the
stagnation. college.
Passion Commitment
Passion motivates, It is in our commitment
enlightens and enriches to each other and our
our endeavours and vocations that we can
provides meaning to shape a robust learning
our lives. We provide environment. When we
LEARNING
opportunities for all walk ‘the extra mile’
members of the college with and for others we
community to excel. are transformed and our
These opportunities community is enriched.
allow us to showcase the
talents and abilities of
students and staff.
Creativity Innovation
The college has a rich We are open to new
tradition of supporting ideas. We examine
creativity in learning. new approaches and
Access to the creative technologies in our
and performing arts quest to support quality
nurtures our students’ learning. We accept the
self expression. We challenge to remain at
encourage meeting the forefront of valid
challenges in creative educational change.
and imaginative
ways. We value
these challenges
as opportunities for
learning.
Integrity Wisdom
Quality education Wisdom emerges
requires integrity in from recognising
process and approach. our strengths and
This demands high levels weaknesses. It is the
of professionalism by highest expression of
staff and an acceptance our learning. It guides
by students of their our decision-making and
roles and responsibilities helps us discern truth
in maintaining the and meaning.
quality of the learning
environment.
6
Trust Respect
Trust underpins the Respect for the rights
success of all that we and property of the
do and the quality of community is essential
our relationships. It to the health of our
is a truly reciprocal school. All community
virtue. We must trust members are entitled
our colleagues, our to be honoured for who
teachers, our parents they are and what they
and our friends and offer. All community
in turn be worthy of members are entitled to
trust. It is through trust respect, but also need
that cooperation and to respect the rights of
collegiality are nurtured others.
and our community is
OUR COMMUNITY
built.
The Individual Relationships
The college maintains The foundation of
a balance between a community lies
individual and in the quality of its
community needs. We relationships. We build
encourage expression networks of support
of ideas and celebrate to create a climate of
individual achievement, caring and nurturing.
while ensuring a
continued sense of
belonging. The college
community aims to
protect and support
the uniqueness of the
individual.
Environment Outward Looking
We are blessed We facilitate and
by the beauty of support our students’
our surroundings. participation in a wide
We promote an range of experiences
understanding of the outside the college. This
importance of the enables them to develop
natural world. The an understanding of
college enjoys a healthy, the world at large
safe and clean built and the importance of
environment that we contributing to their
must all try to care for broader communities.
and maintain.
7
Introduction
Preparing for Kindy Welcome to BDC Junior Primary. Junior primary covers the years previously referred to
as infants or Stage 1, i.e. Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2.
Bishop Druitt College (BDC) is a K-12 community-based school in the Anglican
tradition. We provide a happy, caring, safe, environment where we strive for academic
excellence. We place emphasis on active, hands-on learning, meaningful relevant
learning experiences, conceptual learning that leads to understanding along with the
acquisition of basic skills, interactive teaching and cooperative learning. A broad range
of relevant content is integrated across traditional subject matter divisions.
At BDC, pastoral care, meaning the social and emotional well being of the children, is
our core business. Academic success is dependent on children feeling safe, secure and
happy in their environment.
Orientation Program
Our orientation program is certainly a very valuable process for your child as it
provides an opportunity to become familiar with the school and builds positive
relationships with new peers and teachers.
The orientation program is held in the Kindergarten classrooms. During this time your
children will be in the care of our experienced Kindergarten teachers. Children will
be placed in groups and participate in a range of activities. Parents will drop off and
collect their child at parent pickup. Your child will need to bring a backpack, hat, water
bottle and a packed crunch and sip (fruit or vegetables) and recess. Please ensure
your child’s items are clearly labelled with their name. Students can wear mufti clothes
for these sessions.
While your child is transitioning you are welcome to attend any event or function, such
as assemblies and open days, so that your child can begin to picture themselves at
school.
BDC Kindy Start
Children come to school at different levels of literacy and numeracy development.
Some are familiar with books, can recognise some letters, even write their name or
count to ten, whilst others have not yet learned these skills. Our school conducts a
BDC Start Kindergarten interview at the start of the school year prior to your child
commencing school. Its purpose is to help the teacher gather information to guide the
teaching of your child but most importantly to build positive relationships. The teacher
will look at your child’s early reading and writing, their ability to communicate with
others, and how they recognise and work with numbers, groups and patterns.
Teachers at BDC believe that
• each child is unique and we should respond to each child as an individual,
recognising differences in abilities, interests and needs.
• we focus on how children develop and learn to meet their cognitive, social,
emotional, physical and spiritual needs.
• parents are encouraged to take an active role in the education of their children. This
necessitates open communication, problem solving and collaborative decision making
between parents and teachers.
• the teacher’s role is to be a facilitator for learning as well as an instructor.
8
At BDC we Offer Many Services to the Children of our
Preparing for Kindy
School
Some of these are:
• Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care
• Canteen open for breakfast, recess and lunch
• Uniform shop
• Individualised programs for children with learning difficulties
• Gifted education programs
• Counselling services
• In-school access to speech and occupational therapy
• Chaplaincy
• An extensive music program including instrumental tuition, a
classroom program taught by specialist music teachers, and grade choirs
• A wide variety of sports and clubs
• Study of Japanese
• Modern library
• Access to a wide range of learning technologies
Up to 3 Months Plus Before...
• Encourage your child to interact with other children of a similar age. Ideally, try to
have your son or daughter become friendly with another child who you know will
be starting school at BDC. This way, your child will have a friendly face for the first
day, which will help overcome any nerves.
• Teach your child to clean up after him or herself. Perhaps provide your child with a
special container in which to place work.
• Enjoy a bedtime story every night.
• It is very important that your child sees starting school as a positive experience.
Highlight to your child all the wonderful experiences that school will provide like
meeting new friends, doing fun activities, and so on.
• Make your child aware of traffic safety.
• Teach your child to recognise and begin to write his or her name.
• Show your child how to dress him or herself, remove a jumper, do up and
undo a buckle, put on an art smock, a jacket, and so on. The important
message is that the child needs to be able to do these tasks independently – much
patience may be required but the end result will be worth it. If they can’t do it by
day one, don’t panic! It will happen eventually.
• Ensure that your child knows not to take rides from strangers and is familiar with
appropriate stranger danger strategies.
3 Months Before...
• Students need to know how to go to the toilet by themselves. This also means
they need to know how to undo and redo zips and buttons. Make sure your child
washes his or her hands. Teach your child how to use a tissue or handkerchief
properly and the importance of personal hygiene such as covering his or her
mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• Go to the park often. Physical exercise is very important to develop gross motor
skills and fitness. Fine motor skills can be developed through manipulative
exercises such as playing with play dough.
• Encourage your child to play well with others. Teach the importance of taking
turns. This can be achieved by playing simple games like snakes and ladders
and I Spy.
• Spend time conversing with your child. Share your experiences through drawing.
9
A Few Weeks Before
Preparing for Kindy Buy the school uniform now. It is a mistake to get it too early as little children often
experience a growth spurt over the summer holidays. Make this a happy occasion that
you can enjoy together. Uniform requirements will be provided in your information
pack and on the BDC website. You can also make an appointment at the uniform shop
through the school website www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/our-community/uniform-shop.
Make sure your child has a lunch box, drink bottle, paint shirt and library bag all clearly
labelled with your child’s name. Paint shirts can be purchased from Target or Cabas in
Coffs Harbour and library bags can be bought at the uniform shop if you don’t wish to
make one yourself. The school will provide all the other necessary equipment that your
child may need such as pencils, textas, scissors, glue, etc.
Make positive comments about school and talk about what the first day will be like. Tell
your child how proud you are of them being grown up enough to go to school.
Ensure all medical checks have been completed and immunisations are up-to-date. If
you have any relevant medical reports or assessments for your child, please let staff
know prior to school commencing.
Make sure that your child can use the toilet independently and can ask to use it when
needed.
Check that you are sure of the arrangements for the first day. Organise your family
arrangements so that you can give your child your full attention during their first couple
of weeks at school and ensure that they can have early nights as they will become very
tired during the initial period of adjustment.
The First Day
The first school morning we allow a time slot of (8:15am – 8:45am) for Kindy students
to arrive at parent pickup. This is to avoid everyone arriving together and gives the
teacher a chance to welcome your child, so feel free to decide what time suits you best
in that timeframe. Remember to remain calm, happy and relaxed as your child may
sense any tension in you.
When it comes time to drop your child off do not be hesitant or dramatic over it.
Remind them that you will meet them at parent pickup in the afternoon. Do not linger
if your child cries or clings to you. It is difficult for parents but they will settle quickly,
particularly if you are matter-of-fact about your departure.
For the first two weeks it is suggested that at the end of the day you come to
parent pickup at 2:50pm to avoid delays. Please display your surname label on your
dashboard. After this period you may meet them in the parent pick-up area or they will
be supervised getting onto buses.
Please advise your child’s class teacher either personally or through email if someone
other than the usual will be collecting your child from parent pickup.
Students will need to bring a:
-water bottle
-crunch and sip (fruit and/or vegetable)
-recess
-lunch
-library bag
-paint shirt
Please ensure all your child’s possessions are clearly labelled with their name. It is also
10 advisable to put a recognisable tag or ribbon on their school bag.Preparing for Kindy
11Kindergarten Class Structures
Academic and Co-Curricular Kindergarten students will be placed in one of the two following class structures:
1. A straight Kindergarten class. These classes are made up of approximately 20
students of mixed ability and gender. Usually, the age range is between 5 – 6 years.
Whilst they work in a close partnership, each individual class has one full-time teacher
and each class occupies one learning space. Once students complete their year in
Kindergarten they move into a straight Year 1 class with a new class teacher.
2. The Early Learning Centre (ELC) is a multi-age environment. The ELC occupies
a double classroom learning space with two teachers working together in a team
teaching capacity. There are approximately 44 children in the ELC, comprising of 16
Kindergarten, 14 Year 1, and 14 Year 2 students. Once students are placed in the
ELC, they stay for the duration of junior primary. The ELC is comprised of students
of mixed ability and gender. This model is focused on developmental progress rather
than chronological age and allows for flexible grouping of students according to ability.
Grade-level distinctions are not used when grouping students, to maintain their self-
esteem. At least one of the two ELC teachers will remain on this class from year to
year, ensuring greater continuity.
A letter asking for preferences has been included in the information pack and should
be returned by the second orientation session. Whilst every effort will be made to
accommodate your choice, please remember that we do have to adhere to school
guidelines in regards to class size and gender mix when making our final decisions on
student placements.
What Will They Learn?
Socialising with others is a very important part of Kindergarten. Kinder children tend
to play parallel without strong friendships. They will probably have some challenging
experiences in the process, but these are an important part of learning and how you
handle them is the most important of all.
Children also learn to organise themselves in Kindergarten: to follow rules, put their
bags in the correct place, put their reading folders in the box and look after their
belongings such as their hat, all without help.
Children’s language expands as they learn songs and poems, tell news, read lots of
books and learn and talk with each other. Children also start to write, learning pencil
control and recognising letters and sounds.
They learn to count and write numbers.
They will begin to use computers and ipads.
Children will also have many opportunities to be involved in planned investigations
such as construction tasks, role play, science and nature, mathematics, small worlds,
reading, literacy, collage and art.
Kindergarten is also a special time for learning music through lots of singing,
dancing and beating a rhythm, as these come naturally to children of this age. In
physical education, children focus on developing gross motor skills and coordination.
Gymnastics is part of the sports program and will be run in Term 1.
Fun and playtime are important elements in any Kindergarten room. The children are
encouraged to interact with their peers and share their ideas with others. At Bishop
Druitt College we ensure your child is learning in a safe and happy atmosphere.
12 The NSW curriculum provides six Key Learning Areas (KLAs). These are English,Mathematics, Personal Development / Health / Physical Education, Science and
Academic and Co-Curricular
Technology, Human Society and Its Environment, and Creative Arts.
How can I Help with my Child’s Learning?
Children learn to talk because they have a powerful motivation to communicate with
people. They learn language not just by observing and copying but by speaking with
others, as they attempt to make sense of their world.
Children learn to read and write in the same way. Find time to show your child that
you value reading and writing for yourself, and share reading and writing with them.
Reading teaches children many things about writing, and experimenting with writing
helps children develop their understanding about reading. Always respond positively to
your child’s efforts in writing rather than focusing on letter formations or spelling.
Celebrate children’s efforts and always encourage them to ‘have a go’ at reading and
writing for themselves. The most important thing that you can do is to read to your
child every day. Vary the type of books read, e.g. short stories, poems or factual
texts, etc. Do not correct their spelling. Instead, encourage them to invent their own
spelling. This will assist your child in having a positive attitude towards writing.
When responding to your child’s efforts always accept them with praise, concentrating
on all the things they do right, not on the few errors made. Keeping your child’s self
esteem intact is the major key to their success in learning.
Excursions
All year levels participate in local excursions over the course of the year. Educationally
worthwhile excursions are used to complement and enhance material studied in the
classroom. There are also occasional performances and activities, which take place at
school. The cost of these are included in school fees.
Assessment and Reporting
Assessment and reporting procedures are vital in ascertaining the skills and knowledge
of a student, providing feedback to teachers, parents and the student. Assessment
techniques range from observation, anecdotal records, checklists, assessment of
workbooks and projects, and informal tests.
Reporting comes in two forms. The first is formal electronic reports, found on TASS
Parent Lounge at the end of each semester. These reports are detailed and provide
excellent feedback for parents on their child’s progress in all Key Learning Areas.
The second method of reporting takes place through student/parent/teacher interviews
held in Term 1. At these interviews parents have the opportunity to meet with the
class teacher to discuss the progress of their child and seek counsel on any queries.
Parents are also encouraged to make an appointment to meet with the classroom
teacher whenever the need arises.
13Child Protection Policy
Pastoral Care The focus of the college’s duty of care is the protection of children from abuse. The
procedures followed by Bishop Druitt College must also be in accordance with the
relevant legislation and will take into account other appropriate practices and guidelines
aimed at the protection of children. The college’s policy and detailed procedures will
be revised from time to time and take into account amendments to legislation and
regulations. The Bishop Druitt College policy can be found on our website.
Counsellors and Chaplains
At Bishop Druitt College we have counsellors available to students, staff and parents
to assist with any issues such as being in a new school, grief, friendship difficulties or
difficulties at home. Counselling gives the opportunity to discuss concerns on a one-
to-one basis (although some students prefer to bring a friend, which is also fine) with
someone who will listen to your child’s perspective and assist to look at your child’s
options.
Counsellors can be contacted directly through email:
Saskia Klop sklop@bdc.nsw.edu.au
Jane Mosco jmosco@bdc.nsw.edu.au
or via the school phone line: 6651 5644
The chaplains are part of the pastoral care team that supports students, families and
staff. They lead weekly prayer and communion services in the chapel before school
that parents are welcome to attend. They lead baptisms, weddings and funerals for the
college community when needed, and are available for pastoral and spiritual support for
students and families.
Rev Naomi Cooke ncooke@bdc.nsw.edu.au
Rev David Morgan dmorgan@bdc.nsw.edu.au
Counsellors meet with the pastoral care team weekly and a student may be referred for
counselling. Parents will always be contacted first if counselling is recommended.
Health Care
The college provides emergency care for students in case of injury or sickness. Students
who are sent to the office by a teacher will be assessed and parents will be rung to
collect their sick child if they are sent to sick bay.
Panadol and medication not subscribed by a GP cannot be given out to any student by
staff during the course of the school day.
If your child has an allergy, asthma or any other medical issues, a copy of the medical
form is to be completed by your family doctor and given to the school. Medication that
is required by students during the day needs to be sent to the office accompanied by a
completed medical form, also available from the office.
Health and Wellbeing
It’s important your child leads a healthy lifestyle. The lifestyle you set now will probably
affect your child for life. Please ensure your child is well rested (10-12 hours sleep
is recommended for most 5-6 year olds) and well nourished. Meals should be well
balanced and contain nutritious foods. Snacks should also be healthy and include fruit.
We encourage all children to bring a drink bottle of water to have in the classroom.
14Exclusion Times
Pastoral Care
Some diseases require exclusion from school. It should be noted that the periods of
exclusion given below are minimum periods. The medical practitioner who is treating the
child may increase them if convalescence is slow.
Minimum exclusion times as recommended by National Health and Medical Research
Council.
Disease Period of Exclusion
Chicken pox and shingles Exclude until fully recovered or at least 5 days after the
eruption first appears (some remaining scabs are not a
reason for continued exclusion)
Conjunctivitis (acute infection) Exclude until discharge from eyes has stopped
Glandular fever Exclude until recovered or until receipt of medical
certificate
Hand, foot and mouth disease Exclude until blisters have dried
Haemophilus influenza type B Exclude until medical certificate of recovery is received
Headlice Exclude until day after proper treatment has been started
Hepatitis A Exclude until medical certificate of recovery is received
but not before seven days after the jaundice or i
illness started
Hepatitis B Exclusion not necessary
Hepatitis C Exclusion not necessary
Herpes (cold sores) Exclude if child cannot comply with good hygiene
practices while sores are weeping (sores should be
covered with a dressing where possible)
Impetigo (school sores) Exclude until proper treatment has started. (sores on ex
posed skin should be covered with a watertight dressing)
Measles Exclude for at least 4 days after rash has started
Molluscum contagioscum Exclusion not necessary
Mumps Exclude for 9 days or until swelling has gone down
Parvovirus Exclusion not necessary
Ringworm, scabies, pediculosis, Exclude until day after proper treatment has started
Trachoma
Rubella (German measles) Exclude until fully recovered or for at least 4 days after
the rash has started
SARS Exclude until fully recovered
Streptococcal infection Exclude until child has received antibiotic treatment for at
least 24 hours and feels well
Whooping cough Exclude for 21 days from onset or until child has
taken 5 days of a 10 day course of antibiotics
(erythromycin)
Absences
If your child becomes ill at school you will be contacted. Naturally, any child who is
ill should be kept at home to avoid prolonging the illness and infecting others. Please
lodge absences in Parent Lounge. If the school does not receive notification from you,
a text message will be sent requesting an explanation for your child’s absence. It is a
requirement by law that an ‘Application for extended leave-travel’ is to be be completed
if a student is absent for more than 14 days. The form is available in the link menu of the
Parent Loumge or you can collect a form from the main office.
15Uniform and Grooming
Pastoral Care The wearing of the Bishop Druitt College uniform is compulsory. All students are to wear
the uniform in the correct manner with a sense of pride in their school, reflecting the
high standards for which the school community strives.
Kindergarten students who are not capable of tying their own shoelaces should wear
shoes with velcro straps. All clothing items need to be clearly labelled. It is also a great
idea to place a clearly visible label or tag on your child’s school bag. This tag can be
selected by your child so they have a better chance of remembering what it looks like.
The school cannot take any responsibility for lost belongings.
Our school proudly promotes a sun smart policy every day of the year. Therefore,
students must wear a school hat outdoors at all times of the year. The use of sun block
is encouraged. Our primary school also has several large shade sails to help protect our
students. Being sun smart is also taught in personal development and health to increase
students’ knowledge of the importance of being careful in the sun.
Students need to maintain high standards of grooming. Hair should be brushed, neat
and kept away from the face at all times. Children with a longer hairstyle must have
their hair tied back. Nails are to be clean, well-trimmed and free of nail polish.
School Houses
Our school has a proud tradition of a six house system. The houses are Cottee, Murray,
Kngwarreye, Hollows, O’Shane and Sutherland. The names of the six houses at Bishop
Druitt College acknowledge the outstanding achievements and contributions of six
exemplary contributors to contemporary Australian culture. Their accomplishments
establish goals for which all Bishop Druitt College students can strive - in the arts, in
sports and in community service.
Your child will be placed into a house in the near future. Family members are placed in
the same house so that house tradition is perpetuated.
16Support
Support
Bishop Druitt College has a number of bodies of helpful supporters who assist the school
in many ways. Working within these groups provides an easy and comfortable way for
parents to assist with the support of their child’s interests and to meet other parents
and staff.
Parents are invited to volunteer for any of these services and helpers are always
welcome.
Parents & Friends Association
The Parents and Friends Association (P&F) meet regularly during the year in the Roger
Oates Centre. Each month the President of the P &F and the Principal report to the
meeting and there are sometimes guest speakers. Money is raised through special
events by the P & F, including the P & F Golf Day, and is used for many purposes in the
school such as landscaping projects, support group projects and playground equipment.
Application forms for the membership are available via the link on the BDC website.
Canteen
Canteen helpers are always welcome even if for an hour or for one day a month. Don’t
worry of you have not had experience, there will always be someone there to help you
to get to know the routine and it is a great way to meet other parents and staff. Please
contact Ben Pike, our canteen manager, on bpike@bdc.nsw.edu.au
The school canteen is open from 8.15am. Students may hand in an order before school
in the class lunch box, and it will be collected and distributed at lunchtime.
Recess orders can be collected from the canteen at recess. Students can purchase items
from the canteen at recess and lunch after eating time.
Flexischools
Flexischools is an online tool for facilitating the ordering of canteen lunches and making
purchases using student ID cards. We offer the option to use online ordering for school
lunches, which will be delivered to classrooms.
For more information and to register please go to Flexischools https://www.flexischools.
com.au/ and register.
More detailed instructions can be found at www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/our-community/
canteen
Clubs
Students also have the opportunity to pursue and develop special skills through
participation in the vast range of co-curricular and sporting activities on offer. Some of
these include instrumental tuition, chess, drama, dance, soccer, cricket, basketball, art
and gardening clubs. This list differs each term to accommodate various seasons and as
students develop interests in new and different activities. An email is sent to all parents
at the beginning of term outlining clubs offered for that term.
17Learning Rescource Centre
Support The Learning Resource Centre assists students with special needs. The LRC team works
in partnership with the class teachers to identify and assist students with specific
learning difficulties. Individual programs may be implemented in the classroom. Parents
are encouraged to assist with the program and are given strategies, which can be used
at home to develop students’ areas of difficulty.
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
Outside School Hours Care is available for primary students from 3:05 pm to 5:45 pm.
OSHC cannot accept students unless a parent has registered in the My Family Lounge
portal that is available on the OSHC page of our webiste. It is advisable to book students
into OSHC at least the day before via this portal.
OSHC contact details: oshc@bdc.nsw.edu.au, 66517400. At this program, students are
supervised in a fun, safe environment and may partake in many activities including
cooking, homework supervision, playing sport, games and so on.
Outside of School Hours Minding
Before school
We understand that some parents start work earlier, so to accommodate them we open
the primary library at 7.30 am. If you send your child to school before 8.15 am, they
must stay in the library.
After school - missed bus/or not collected from parent pick up by 3.30 pm
Students will be brought to the office and parents called. If your child has a current
OSHC registration, you will be asked permission for a staff member to deliver your child
to OSHC and sign them in. They will be given a snack and will join in the afternoon
activities until you are able to collect them. We cannot allow your child to go to OSHC
unless you have given us permission over the phone and have registered with OSHC in
this circumstance.
If a student does not have the current OSHC registration and/or phone contact cannot
be made, the student will stay in the office supervised by a staff member.
18Communication and Parental Involvement
Communication
Parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s schooling at Bishop Druitt
College. There are many opportunities for parents to visit the school and take part in
activities with their child. Many classes have parents who come in to listen to children
read and volunteer to help with activities on a regular or occasional basis. We readily
acknowledge that many parents work and so are unable to assist on a regular basis, but
we are always grateful for any offers to assist when you are able.
We welcome parents who can come into class as classroom helpers. Before any parents
can volunteer they need to have a Working with Children Check clearance that can be
accessed on: https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/working-with-children/working-
with-children-check
This is a free check for volunteers. You will need to bring the verification email with a
copy of your driver licence to the office for verification.
Contact between school and home is of utmost importance. Functions that enable
parents and teachers to meet will be held throughout the year. We encourage you to
take advantage of parent-teacher days/evenings, P & F functions, swimming, athletics
and cross country sports carnivals and the many other events at which parents are
warmly welcomed.
A vital communication link between the school and home is via emails. Parents can
email the teacher to inform them of any issues or problems arising from school, and to
notify us of medical or dental appointments or any upcoming events in the child’s home
life, etc.
19Communication between school, home and students is an important focus for Bishop
Communication Druitt College. This communication happens in a number of ways.
School Newsletter
The electronic newsletter is emailed to parents every second Thursday. Our newsletter
focuses on what you need to know for the coming two weeks. Any additional information
for primary students is sent home via email.
Galiingawa
All the fantastic stories about our school and our students can be found on the BDC news
website. Please visit the site regularly for news, photo galleries and BDC TV. This can be
accessed via www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/our-community/news
Parent Lounge
Bishop Druitt College uses TASS.web student administration software. A key feature of
TASS is the Parent Lounge. Here you can access information about your child’s education,
tours and excursions, daily notices, account statements and important links.
The tours and excursions feature allows you to give permission for your child to attend
an event or activity.
For access please email parentlounge@bdc.nsw.edu.au to request your login and
password access.
Parent Lounge can be found by clicking the MyBDC area link on the front page of the
college website or
https://tass.bdc.nsw.edu.au/parentlounge/login.cfm
Seasaw
Seesaw is a student driven digital portfolio and simple parent communication. Please
email your child’s class teacher for information and password access.
Birthday Celebrations
Of course we all like to celebrate birthdays! At Bishop Druitt College birthdays are
acknowledged at Monday assemblies and a card is presented to the birthday girl/boy.
We do request due to the number of allergies that some children have that no birthday
cakes be provided at school. Please leave these for home celebrations.
Photo Permissions
At enrolment parents are asked to fill out a number of forms. One of the forms asks if
you give permission for your child’s photo to be published within the school. We respect
your wish for the safety of your child, but please think carefully about the implications
of ticking the ‘No’ box as this means we cannot include your child in any photos of class
activities. This permission will remain current until the end of your child’s schooling at
BDC unless formally withdrawn.
Social Media
The college is well represented on social media through Facebook, Instagram, Youtube
and Twitter. So please have a look and like/follow the college.
20Who do I See if I Have a Problem?
Communication
• In an emergency a student must inform the first available teacher
• Depending on the seriousness of the problem, parents will be contacted. The exception
is where the matter is referred, at the Principal’s discretion, to community
services.
Classroom teacher
Trusted adult at school
(who may consult)
Academic problem Personal or health problem
Stage Coordinator Stage Coordinator
Who may consult.. Who may consult..
Curriculum Coordinator or Pastoral Care Team
Learning Support Coordinator Head of Primary
Important phone numbers
Bishop Druitt College front office (phone) 6651 5644
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) 66517400
21I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched the sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child’s mind
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher – the tools she used
Were books and music and art.
The other, a parent, worked with a guiding hand
And a gentle, loving heart.
Day after day, the teacher toiled
With touch that was careful, deft and sure.
While the parent laboured by her side
And polished and smoothed it o’er.
And when at last their task was done
They were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they had moulded into the child
Could neither be sold or bought.
And each agreed they would have failed
If each had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school
And behind the teacher, the home.
Author Unknown
2223
College Prayer
Creator God,
we ask you to bless our school.
Please give us pure hearts,
meek spirits and careful tongues.
That in all our life and conduct
we may show that we love you and each other
in deed and in truth.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
College Hymn
Lord we thank you for your blessings
and for guidance on the way.
For the vision of our founders
on Gumbaynggirr land we pray.
Joined here at Bishop Druitt College
learning and growing every day.
‘Faithfulness in Service’ stirs us
to reach out with love and care,
learning to respect each other;
these are values that we share.
Strength in diversity enriches,
harmony is our heartfelt prayer.
When our days of school are ending
give us strength to persevere.
Build integrity within us,
tempted not by doubt or fear.
Give us grace to go with courage
and your peace to draw us near.
CONTACT US
111 North Boambee Rd, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450
Telephone (02) 6651 5644 Fax: (02) 6651 5654
Email enrolments@bdc.nsw.edu.au
CRICOS code 02333G
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
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