PARENT HANDBOOK 2022 Dunsborough Primary School is an Independent Public School
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Dunsborough Primary School is an
Independent Public School
PARENT HANDBOOK
2022
School office hours - 8.30am to 3.30pm
Our Contact details are
Phone 9781 3777
E-Mail Dunsborough.PS@education.wa.edu.au
Website www.dunsborough.wa.edu.au
Sunday, 12 December 2021Dunsborough Primary School
An Independent Public School
Together Everyone Achieves More
Dear Parents,
Welcome to Dunsborough Primary School. This booklet attempts to answer a
few questions about the operation of our school.
You are encouraged to read this information and retain the booklet for later
reference.
Please feel free to approach either myself or any teacher if you have any
concerns with your child’s schooling, or if you would like any further information
about the school.
Best wishes,
Garry Jones
Principal
SCHOOL MOTTO
“Together Everyone Achieves More”
Building a strong, positive working relationship between teachers and parents is regarded as a
crucial prerequisite for children to reach their potential at
Dunsborough Primary School.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 1CONTENTS
Hours of Instruction 3
School Terms 3
Areas of Responsibility 3
Contributions and Charges 4
P&C Facilities Fund 4
Attendance & Absences 4
Value Your Child’s Attendance at DPS 4/5
Family Holidays During School Terms 5
Chaplain/PAWS 5
Dress, Appearance and Uniforms 5/6
Advice to Students on the Dress Code & Hat Policy 6
Assembly 7
Waterwise and Wastewise 7
Book Club 7
Bullying 7
Crunch and Sip 7
Educational Program and Practice 8
Homework 8
Codes of Conduct 8
Complaints Management Process 8
Dogs 9
Excursion Notes 9
Drinking Water 9
Student Health Care 9
Infectious Diseases 10
Medicine 10
Emergency Action 10
Immunisation 11
Head Lice 12
Dental Service 12
Grounds and Buildings 12
Insurance 13
Internet Usage 13
Interviews 13
Languages other than English 13
Library 13
Lunch & Food 14
Email /SMS Communication 14
BYO iPad Program 15
Mobile Phones 15
Money for Excursions/Incursions 15/16
Nut Awareness Policy 16
Parent Involvement 16
P & C Association 16
Picking up Children during School Hours 16
Kindergarten & Pre-Primary Children 16
Class Parent Liaison Network 16
Road Safety 17
Kiss & Drop Rules 17
Parking Information 17
School Reporting Process 17
Students at Educational Risk 18
School Board 18
School Buses 18
School Vegetable Garden 18
Smoking 18
Sport & Physical Education 19
Swimming Lessons 19
Transfer to another school 19
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 2HOURS OF INSTRUCTION
School Commences Kindergarten
8.40am
Pre-Primary-Year 6 8.50am
Morning Recess 10.50am –11.20am
Lunch 1.20pm - 1.55pm
School Dismissed 3.05pm (Kindergarten 3.00pm)
SCHOOL TERMS FOR 2020
Term 1
Tuesday 4th February School Commences for Students
Thursday 9th April Term 1 Ends
Term 2
Tuesday 28th April School commences
Friday 03rd July Term 2 Ends
Term 3
Monday 20th July School commences
Friday 25th September Term 3 Ends
Term 4
Monday12th October School commences
Thursday 17th December School year concludes for students.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Principal Mr. Garry Jones is responsible for the overall organisation and
management of the school.
Associate Principals Mr. Richard Lowe, Mr. Simon Bott and Mrs. Marianne Blythe are
responsible for assisting the Principal with the organization and
management of the school. Mrs. Blythe is also our school’s Student
Services Coordinator.
Class Teachers Are responsible for their class and the well-being of all children in their
care.
Manager Corporate Ms. Elizabeth Schmitt is responsible for all
Services duties associated with the receipt and payment of monies and other
administrative duties.
Gardener Mr. Andrew Spencer-Wright is responsible for the day to day
maintenance of the school grounds. Mowing is carried out by
a contractor hired by the Department of Education.
Cleaner in Charge Mr. Todd Hadden and his cleaning team are responsible for the day to
day cleaning duties within the school.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 3CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES
Under the Education Act, Primary schools can request a contribution from parents each year to help
offset the costs incurred in providing each child with resources such as paper, art & craft materials
etc., which are used in the daily delivery of the school’s educational programs. In 2022 parents are
asked to make a voluntary contribution of $60 per child.
In addition, the school’s P&C Association asks all families for a voluntary contribution each year of
$50 per child (to a maximum of $75 per family). This contribution assists the P&C in raising funds for
approved projects and purchases for the school.
A schedule of Charges and Voluntary Contributions for the coming year is distributed each year in
December indicating to parents all the possible additional contributions and charges
that could be requested in relation to the educational programs being planned for the
following year. Spare copies of this schedule are available from the front office.
P&C FACILITIES FUND
A Facilities Improvement Fund to improve the school’s facilities was launched by the school’s P&C in
2021, in response to the State Government’s reticence, over the past 6 years, to allocate funding to
our school in order for a planned facilities upgrade to go ahead.
This fund, which has a target of $100 000, has been kick started with a $50 000 contribution from the
P&C.
Parents are now being asked to consider making a voluntary contribution to Dunsborough Primary
School’s “Facilities Improvement Fund” in 2022.
While any amount will be gratefully accepted and valued, 3 payment options are being suggested to
parents - $100, $50 or $30.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
It is compulsory for children under the Education Act, to attend school from the time they commence
Pre-Primary.
Parents are required to provide an explanation, preferably in writing, every time a child is absent or
late for school.
Absences can be submitted online using Connect – the Education Department’s secure online
communication platform.
Please phone the office on 9781 3777 and advise your child won’t be at school that morning.
VALUE YOUR CHILD’S ATTENDANCE AT DPS
Please note:
• Every day at school matters.
• Going to school is a legal requirement.
• Children need to attend school regularly so they can take advantage of ALL the educational
opportunities available.
• School enables children to build on their knowledge and skills each day, each week, and each
year.
• Consistently poor school attendance and lateness to class can affect children’s educational
progress.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 4• Patterns of punctuality and regular school attendance are developed at an early age.
• Good attitudes toward attendance that are well established will help prevent problems as children
progress to secondary school.
• School helps children build confidence in areas such as communication, teamwork, organisation
and social skills, and children who miss school may find it difficult to keep up friendships in the
class.
Applications for a student to be absent for periods of more than 10 consecutive school days may be
recorded as an unauthrorized absence.
While family time is very valuable, it is important to stress that taking children out of school for family
holidays reduces the amount of time available for learning and is detrimental to their education.
(The Department of Education’s Student Attendance policy requires parents/guardians to provide an
acceptable explanation to the school for any absence of their children).
FAMILY HOLIDAYS DURING SCHOOL TERMS
As stated in the School Education Act 1999, it is expected all students should attend school for each
day that it is open for instruction unless unwell and/or physically incapable of attending.
The Act also states parents need to obtain permission from the principal for their
child/children to have a leave of absence from school for an extended holiday or for
any other reason other than health related.
Families wishing to take holidays during the school term are asked to complete an “Application for a
student to be absent from school for an extended period (which is not health related)” form which is
available from the school office.
PAWS - CHAPLAIN
A Pastoral & Wellbeing Support (PAWS) Chaplain is employed at the school to provide additional
pastoral care and wellbeing support to students, teachers and parents as needed. Her role is likened
to that of the “School Friend”. She engages in several activities that support the social, emotional,
mental, and physical development of students throughout the school. Her role is not to promote any
religious beliefs. This service is totally voluntary and there is no compulsion on anyone to contact the
PAWS Chaplain if they don’t want to.
The School’s Chaplaincy Project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations under the National School Chaplaincy Program, YouthCARE
and the school.
DRESS APPEARANCE AND UNIFORMS
Dunsborough Primary School has a dress code for all primary students attending the school. We
believe that the school dress code:
• Fosters and enhances the public image of the school.
• Assists in building school and team spirit.
• Ensures students are safely dressed for specific school activities.
• Encourages equity among students, avoiding competitive dressing and its associated financial
burden.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 5Dunsborough Primary School uniforms can be purchased through the Uniform Concepts Super
Store in Busselton. They sell all items of the school uniform including faction hats, skorts, shorts,
shirts, jackets, sports shorts, and tracksuit pants. Their address is 33 Bussell Hwy, Busselton Ph. 08)
9270 4663. They also provide an online ordering service at the following
website www.nellgray.com.au
Plain items in the designated school colours may also be purchased from any clothing or department
store. Students whose families may experience financial difficulties purchasing a uniform should
contact the principal to discuss support.
Parent support to encourage their child/children to fully support the dress code at all times is greatly
appreciated.
ADVICE TO STUDENTS ON THE DRESS CODE AND HAT POLICY
Dunsborough Primary is a registered SUN SMART School. Students should ensure they have
appropriate protection from the sun when outdoors, i.e., hat and sunscreen. All children are expected
to wear the school’s bucket or wide brimmed hat when playing outside in the sun all year round
except for June & July. June & July have been declared optional times as these are the only months
in the Dunsborough area where the UV index is less than 3. The school enforces a “No Hat No Play”
policy.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE DRESS CODE
Parents who wish to modify the school dress code for their child/children for religious or health
reasons are asked to make an appointment with the principal.
Students not following the dress code will receive:
• counselling from the principal on the benefits of the dress code; and
• assistance/support in obtaining required suitable clothing.
Students not following the dress code may be denied the opportunity to represent their school at
official school activities, such as, choir, sporting, and social events.
DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS
• Navy with School logo polo t-shirt.
• Navy School windcheaters and zip jackets with school logo.
• Navy track pants or navy blue waisted straight leg pants. Large logos, slogans, multi coloured
designs, hipsters or baggy fit pants or faded stonewash colours are not acceptable. Please Note:
Denim jeans are not part of the school dress code.
• Navy pleated skirts. (All skirts to be worn at a modest length).
• Navy shorts, above knee length with no slogans or multi-coloured designs.
• Appropriate footwear e.g., Joggers, strapped flat sandals. No thongs, high heels, or platform
shoes.
• Faction coloured polo T-shirts with collars and sport shorts or skirts may be worn for physical
education and sports carnivals, navy bloomers or sports briefs to be worn under sports skirts.
• Only approved sun smart school hats to be worn. Hats must be kept free of graffiti.
• Long hair is to be tied up for health and safety.
NAMES ON ALL CLOTHING
All articles of clothing should be marked clearly with your child’s name. Hundreds of unclaimed
articles accumulate every year. If articles are marked it is a simple matter to find the owners .
MAKE UP AND JEWELLERY
We would appreciate your support in discouraging the use of nail polish, make up and jewellery,
which for health and safety reasons are not appropriate for school.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 6ASSEMBLY
School Assemblies in 2022 will be held on Thursday afternoons, every fortnight, commencing at 2pm.
These arrangements may alter from time to time because of holidays, sporting, and other events.
A ‘Term Planner’ will be sent out with the School’s Newsletter at the commencement of each term
indicating assembly dates.
At Assemblies, class items are performed, and presentations and announcements made. The school
attempts to advise parents beforehand if their child will be the recipient of a merit certificate or other
major award. Parents are invited to attend school assemblies.
BEING WATERWISE AND WASTEWISE
Teaching children to minimise their impact on global warming and climate change and respect the
environment they live in is an important part of the school’s curriculum. All classes in the school take
part in activities and studies designed to teach children the importance of conserving and protecting
our environment. Dunsborough Primary School has met all the requirements to be accredited as a
Waterwise and a Wastewise School.
BOOK CLUB
Children can order books through a Book Club twice each term by going online to
scholastic.com.au/LOOP
The school acts as an agent and receives a commission of one free book for every ten purchased.
These books are placed in the library or sent to various classes depending on the difficulty of text.
There is no compulsion for any child to purchase these books.
Books arrive approximately three to four weeks after the order has been placed.
BULLYING
Dunsborough Primary School aims to maintain a safe, non-violent environment to ensure all students
develop an ability to work co-operatively and respect the rights of others.
Every student has the right to feel valued and that his/her individual differences are understood and
appreciated. It is the responsibility of every member of the school community to help maintain such
an environment.
Bullying, in all its forms, will not be tolerated. Parents are viewed as key players in the effective
management of any bullying issues that may arise at school. It is the policy of the school to
immediately inform parents when their children are implicated in incidents of bullying. Parental input is
welcomed in determining appropriate strategies and actions imposed on children to build resilience
and reduce the incidence of bullying behaviour.
CRUNCH & SIP
As part of our school’s commitment to ensuring all students are given opportunities to maintain a
healthy lifestyle, children are encouraged to sip water throughout the day in class from their own
water bottle and eat a piece of fruit or vegetables (like carrot or celery) for a healthy snack.
Giving children the opportunity to eat fruit and vegetables and drink water at school will hopefully
develop regular healthy eating habits which will increase the likelihood of these habits being followed
through at home.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 7EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AND PRACTICE
An approved learning framework is used by teachers from K to Y6 to inform the development of a
school curriculum that supports each child’s learning and development.
At Dunsborough Primary School this framework is the Western Australian Curriculum and
Assessment Outline. This outline sets out the curriculum, guiding principles for teaching, learning and
assessment and support for teachers in their assessment and reporting of student achievement.
In Kindergarten and Pre Primary the Early Years Learning Framework is used to guide practices our
teachers and assistants use to support and promote children’s learning.
Parents of children in all year levels will be provided during the year with information on the
educational program being taught and delivered in notes sent home by class teachers each term.
HOMEWORK
Children will not necessarily have set homework every night. It is desirable that children do have
some homework, but this is left to the parent’s discretion.
Homework can be: -
1. Revision of a day’s work.
2. Set assignments.
3. Preparation e.g., project research.
4. Skills practice e.g., math’s tables, spelling.
5. Reading to develop skills or for pleasure.
The School’s Policy on Homework is published in the Dunsborough Primary student diary and is
available from the school office.
CODES OF CONDUCT
In recognizing the importance of values in shaping a school’s culture, a parent code of conduct has
been developed by the Dunsborough School Board. It is a condition of enrolment that parents sign a
declaration indicating they have read the Parent Code of Conduct and are fully aware of the school’s
expectation that they abide by this code.
Codes of Conduct have also been developed for staff and students. The three School Codes of
Conduct are displayed in the school office and in student diaries. Copies can be obtained on request.
COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT PROCESS
Parents who are worried about their child or have queries, concerns, or complaints about the
operation of the school are asked, in the first instance to speak to their child’s teacher or the relevant
staff member to discuss the issue. This is best done by making an appointment through the school
office. The staff will work with you to try and resolve the problem.
If a satisfactory resolution cannot be obtained at this level, parents are asked to contact the principal
who will work with you and the staff member to resolve the problem.
If a resolution cannot be reached at a school level, parents can contact the Local Regional Education
District Office in Bunbury on 9791 0300 for assistance in resolving the issue. This may involve an
independent review and mediation.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 8DOGS
For health and safety reasons parents and students are not permitted to bring dogs onto the school
grounds.
EXCURSION NOTES
As part of the school’s risk management strategies parents are required to provide their child’s class
teacher with written notification that they are aware of the details of all proposed excursions to be
undertaken by their child away from school. A form for this purpose will be sent home with the details
of all proposed excursions. Space is provided on this form for parents to include an emergency
contact for the day of the excursion and details of your child’s current medical conditions.
DRINKING WATER
The policy of the school is to allow children to drink water whenever they are thirsty or feel the need
for it. All children are encouraged to bring their own water bottle to school each day which can be left
on their desk and accessed as required.
STUDENT HEALTH CARE
Maintaining high standards of hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of COVID19 and other
infectious viruses and ensuring good health. Hygiene practices adopted by the school include- safe
and hygienic storage, safe handling preparation and serving of all school food and drinks consumed
by children, maintaining a high level of school cleanliness, regular washing of children’s toys and
equipment, the provision of soap and hand driers and/or paper towels in all toilets, make hand
sanitizer available in all classrooms and actively supporting and teaching children to learn good
hygiene practices.
Other practices undertaken by the school to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and manage
injuries are-
1. Dealing with infectious disease in accordance with the Department of Health’s Communicable
Disease Guideline. (See Infectious Diseases)
2. Consistently implementing school guidelines for the exclusion of ill children (See section on ill
children)
3. Notifying families of illness or injuries that affect children while in our care.
4. Supplying first aid equipment for children while they are in the school and on excursion.
5. Ensuring a first aid qualified educator is on staff and available to assist with the treatment of injury
and illness.
The health, safety and welfare of students are of paramount importance. Parents are responsible for
bringing all medical and health care needs of students to the attention of the school.
Staff, in conjunction with parents are responsible for managing identified health care needs of
students. This is normally achieved through the development of a Student Health Care Plan, in
conjunction with parents/caregivers, which clearly details the actions, procedures the school will take
to assist and manage a student with a medical condition. Plans are reviewed and updated annually
or as needed.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 9INFECTIOUS DISEASES
These notes are extracted from the booklet on “Communicable and Infectious Diseases” published by
the Public Health Department of W.A.
Parents should seek advice from a Medical Practitioner for other conditions not mentioned here.
Chicken Pox: Exclude from School until fully recovered, or until at least 5 days after the
eruption first appears. Some remaining scabs do not justify continued exclusion.
Conjunctivitis: Child to be excluded from school until the discharge from the eye(s) has
ceased.
Glandular Fever: Exclusion is not necessary.
Impetigo: (School Sores) exclude the child from school until effective treatment has been
undertaken. Seek medical advice.
Measles: There are now new regulations for Measles. If children are not immunized and a
case of measles is reported at school – those children not immunized are to be
excluded for 13 days from the onset of the last known contact.
Mumps: Exclude child from school for a least 9 days after onset of symptoms.
Pediculosis: (Nits or eggs of head Louse) Exclude from school until hair has been treated
with lotion from the chemist and all the eggs are removed from the hair. This is
a recurring and common problem to which no stigma should be attached at the
home level. Treatment is simple and immediately effective. The occasional
checks at school have only a temporary value.
It is up to parents to check much more frequently and take the appropriate
action as needed.
Ringworms: Exclude the child from school until the day after treatment has commenced.
Rubella: Exclude the child from school. Re-admit on recovery or 4 days after onset of
rash.
Scarlet Fever: Exclude from school unless receiving medical treatment.
Whooping Cough: Exclude child from school for 2 weeks from onset of illness or for 5 days after
starting antibiotic treatment.
Parents are requested to keep their child home if he/she appears sick, as the school can only
provide minimal supervision for children.
(Also see Medical and Associated Services).
MEDICINE
Occasionally, parents send medicines to school for teachers to administer to students. Before any
such medication can be administered parents MUST advise the Principal in WRITING of the dose,
time, etc, so that there can be no misunderstanding. In the event of doubt, staff (under the principal’s
direction) will not administer the medicine. If a student requires on-going medication or has special
needs e.g., allergic reactions, the school MUST BE ADVISED IN WRITING. Parents should read and
sign the school policy document and records requirements at the Office.
EMERGENCY ACTION
Should a student, at any time during school hours, require medical attention the principal will
endeavour to contact the parents who can then decide on further action. If parents are
unavailable, the principal will take such action as deemed appropriate.
Because of this, parents are required to advise the school, in writing, of any change in the
address or telephone number from that which is recorded on their child’s enrolment record.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 10IMMUNISATION
All children should be fully immunised before starting Kindergarten at school.
Assistance on how to obtain a history statement as proof of immunization for school enrolment
contact: The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) 1800 653 809 free call from landline
www.humanservices.gov.auonly, or online
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 11DENTAL SERVICE
Annual checks on teeth are conducted at this school by staff of the School Dental Mobile Clinic, which
visits our school for an extended period each year. Parents are notified if treatment is needed.
Appointments can be made directly with the dental van on 0417 269 232. Enquiries can be made by
email to busseltonmobile@dental.health.wa.gov.au
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 12HEAD LICE
Head lice is a common, parasitic infestation of the scalp and hair. Symptoms include scratching and
the presence of ‘nits’ (eggs) and lice in the scalp and hair. The incubation period is 7 – 10 days and
will be infectious until the lice and eggs are killed.
Head lice are very common. You should check your child’s hair carefully and treat quickly to prevent
from spreading. Head lice can be treated quickly and effectively by simply following these steps:
1. Purchase a specialist head lice treatment and apply it according to directions.
2. Wash out the treatment and use a fine-tooth comb to remove dead lice and eggs.
3. Repeat the treatment in 7-10 days.
It would be preferable for all parents to check/treat their child/ren on the weekends. As a precaution,
any items that may harbour nits such as bed linen, towels and combs should be washed in hot soapy
water. To prevent head lice in the future, children should avoid sharing items such as clothing,
brushes, or hats.
GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS
Students should not arrive at school before 8.30am and should leave as soon as possible after
dismissal at 3.05pm, unless engaged in school approved and supervised activities and/or sport
practice under the direction of an adult or teacher. If children arrive at school prior to 8.30am they
must wait outside their classroom or in the undercover area until 8.30am.
All breakages of school property should be reported to the school Admin.
Most areas are open to children, but care must be taken to preserve lawns and gardens. We ask
children to use their common sense with the type of games they play on the lawn areas.
The use of school buildings and grounds by organized groups after school hours is permitted once
approved by the School Board.
Groups wishing to use these facilities should apply in writing to the principal, giving details of the
group activity, when, for how long, (every Wednesday, football season etc) they are required. A copy
of “Certificate of Currency” which is valid and covers the time in which the grounds are to be used
must be provided. A charge/fee may be imposed by the principal depending on the nature of the
activity to recoup costs incurred for;
1. electricity use
2. additional cleaning
3. wear and tear of school equipment.
This procedure will allow the orderly use of the school’s facilities and ensure minimal interference with
cleaning and gardening staff.
INSURANCE
The Education Department does not automatically provide insurance cover to students who are
injured whilst at schools. Parents wanting this level of insurance need to arrange their own private
coverage.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 13INTERNET USAGE
General Access and Use - The key guideline to be employed to ensure children are not exposed to
unacceptable or offensive material via the internet is:
• Students are only allowed to access online material while under the supervision or the specific
direction of a teacher.
The school’s policy is that children are not permitted to do any “open surfing” of the internet or use
any social communication platform whilst at school.
The Education Department, as well as the school, uses a software program to filter all traffic.
Students and Parents must sign an annual “Student Acceptable Use Agreement” before children can
have access to online material at school.
INTERVIEWS
Parents requesting an interview should contact their child’s teacher in the first instance or the school
office staff who will arrange a time convenient for all concerned. Appointments with the Principal
should also be arranged through the office.
LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE)
One of the eight learning areas taught in Government Schools is Languages Other Than English. In
this area students learn to communicate in languages other than English. They gain an understanding
of other societies and are also able to further develop their skills and understandings in English and of
literacy in general. In 2022 the language that will be taught at Dunsborough Primary is Japanese. All
students in Years 1-6 participate in the school’s Japanese LOTE Program.
LIBRARY
Children are encouraged to borrow books and return them in a good condition.
Parents can assist by: -
a) Providing a large waterproof bag for the safe transport of books to and from school. Library bags
may be purchased from the Uniform shop.
b) Ensuring all books are cared for at home.
c) Encouraging children to return books by the due date.
Parents are responsible for lost or damaged books and will be charged accordingly. The replacement
cost of lost or damaged books is to be fully reimbursed before any further borrowing takes place.
Library resources are for use by staff and students at Dunsborough Primary School. It is not the
policy of this school to lend materials to community members or students from other schools.
LUNCH AND FOOD
The School Canteen operates 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) and provides tasty, nutritious
morning teas and lunches at very reasonable prices.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 14It is hoped that parents can volunteer some time to assist in the canteen. A menu can be found on
our school website. Orders can be placed at the canteen before school or online at
www.quickcliq.com.au .
Every Wednesday DPS has “Waste Free Wednesday”. We encourage all students to bring their lunch
to school in containers. If plastic wrap or any waste is taken to school, it will be sent home again. Bins
are put away during recess and lunch time.
Children are supervised by their class teachers for 12 minutes while they eat their lunch. Uneaten
lunches are to be taken home. Parents are asked to monitor this to minimize the amount of food that
is wasted.
Chewing gum, bubble gum etc are banned and sweets, cool drinks and junk foods are discouraged.
EMAIL, SMS & ONLINE COMMUNICATION
For the school to contact every family urgently is it essential our school office has an up-to-date
personal information including email address and contact phone numbers (including an emergency
contact person) for every child in our school.
DPS uses CONNECT to distribute student reports, CONNECT can also be used to view
• School Calendars/Term Planners
• The School’s News and Information and
• Week by week attendance information
CONNECT is an integrated online environment developed by the Education Department of WA for
staff, students, and parents in public schools to use to communicate.
CONNECT is totally free, completely secure and can be viewed on any internet-enabled device.
To enable distribution of student reports through CONNECT all parents will need to become
registered users. Please keep your email address current with the school.
Once registered, every parent will be given their own secure login ID to access CONNECT.
A free app called Connect Now is available from Google Play or the Apple App Store and will let you
receive CONNECT Notices as push notifications.
If you have multiple children, you only need one login – even if your children attend different public
schools. Every fortnight a link will be sent to Connect for our fortnightly newsletter.
The Dunsborough Primary School website and Facebook page are also helpful to keep up to date
with school activities.
In 2022 teachers will be using an online app called SEESAW to give parents the opportunity to view
work their child has completed in class using an internet connected device.
This app will also be the platform our school will use if online learning needs to be delivered.
BYO IPAD PROGRAM
Dunsborough Primary School operates a voluntary Bring Your Own iPad program for students in
Years 2 to 6. Over time the school has worked with our parent community to expand this program
from an initial pilot program to now encompass some 350 students who now routinely bring their
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 15family-owned personal iPad to school each day. This program is supported by a comprehensive set
of guidelines and recommendations regarding appropriate classroom use, model selections and
ancillary requirements. Ideally, the school would like to provide a personal iPad for every child.
However, the funding a state government primary school receives is limited, and under present
funding this ideal is unable to be achieved. The key point to note is this is a voluntary program.
Students who do not have their own personal BYO iPad will not be left behind as the school owns
iPads that can be shared between classrooms.
The overall goal of this iPad initiative is to engage students and enable them to develop the skills and
habits to become successful 21st century learners within a school educational setting. The integration
of technology is transforming teaching pedagogy, enabling teachers to implement highly refined
individual programs for their students.
We believe this will help ensure our students develop the skills to think critically, problem solve, be
creative and demonstrate innovation by using iPad technology at home, school and in their
community.
Teachers will continue to teach lessons using established teaching and learning practices, using
iPads in the class only as tools to enhance and personalise the curriculum for students. The amount
of time spent using iPads in the classroom will vary depending on planned lessons. iPads will not be
used in every lesson and teachers are very aware of issues surrounding screen time and the impact
this can have on child development.
The school office will provide parents with a comprehensive booklet regarding the BYO iPad program
when their child is enrolled. Details regarding this program are also detailed on the school’s website.
MOBILE PHONES
In the best educational interests of students, it is the school’s policy that no student should have
access to a mobile phone during the school day.
If it is a parent’s wish that their child has access to a mobile phone on the way to and from school,
this is allowed, provided the phone remains turned off and is kept out of sight in the child’s bag during
the school day. Children may, if they wish, ask their class teacher or one of the office staff to look
after their phone during the day. If your child has a Smart Watch, it will need to be on aeroplane mode
during this period.
The school accepts no responsibility for any theft and/or damage to a mobile phone or smart watch
that is brought by a student to school.
Mobile phones and smart watches may be confiscated from children if they are caught using or
accessing them during the school day.
MONEY FOR EXCURSIONS/INCURSIONS
To make it easier for parents to pay for their children to participate in optional class incursions and
excursions during the year, our school offers an alternative payment option.
Parents will be given the opportunity to pay for their child to participate in class excursions and
incursions via an upfront pre-payment, rather than sending in money for each activity separately.
This process will significantly reduce the amount of time class teachers spend collecting money and
allow them to focus on their primary responsibility of teaching our students.
Based on the total costs of incursions and excursions organized by the school over the last two years,
parents are invited to pay an amount of $30 at the start of Semester 1 and another $30 at the start of
Semester 2.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 16Payments can be made via direct deposit BSB 633 000 ACCOUNT 144730405 with your child’s
surname as a reference. Or payment can be paid via EFTPOS.
The school will continue to collect payments, in our pre-printed envelopes, from students whose
families prefer to pay as these activities arise. Students will be asked to drop their money envelopes
at the administration office in the morning before school.
NUT AWARENESS POLICY
Dunsborough Primary School has taken several steps to create an environment where the risk to
children who are allergic to nut-based foods and products is minimized. A copy of our school’s Nut
Awareness policy can be obtained from the School Office.
All parents are requested to take reasonable steps to ensure all food sent to school for consumption
by children other than their own e.g., at a class cake stall, is nut free and /or has not been made with
any nut-based products.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents are welcome at Dunsborough Primary School. Our educational philosophy and school ethos
is built on the premise that parents and teachers should be partners in their children’s education.
As a result, parent involvement and input are not only welcomed, but it is also strongly encouraged.
PARENTS & CITIZEN’S ASSOCIATION
P & C Meetings are held at the school on the fourth Monday of each month in the staff room at 7.00
p.m. All parents are welcome.
Please refer to the school newsletter for further information on the activities of the P&C.
PICKING UP CHILDREN DURING SCHOOL HOURS
Parents who need to collect children during school hours are asked to please report to the school
office to obtain a release slip. Because of duty of care obligations, teachers are instructed not to
release children during school unless a release authority has been obtained from the school office.
KINDY & PRE-PRIMARY CHILDREN
Kindergarten children attend 5 full days per fortnight. (2 days one week/ 3 days the next)
Pre-Primary children attend 5 full days per week.
Although attendance is voluntary for kindergarten, regular attendance is strongly encouraged.
CLASS PARENT LIAISON NETWORK
One parent per class each year will be asked to act as class parent liaison officer (PLO). A PLO’s
role involves welcoming new families to the school, communicating information about class activities
to other parents, assisting the teacher in co-coordinating parent help and obtaining
resources/materials as needed throughout the year.
ROAD SAFETY
Afternoon pick up time is a time of congestion i.e., cars, bicycles, school buses and pedestrians.
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 17The bus bay is located at the front of the school on Turner Street. The bus zone must be kept clear
from 7.30am to 9am and 2.30pm to 4pm. A two hour parking limit applies from 9am to 2.30pm.
Children are frequently educated on bike safety and traffic rules. Safe active transport is encouraged.
Kiss & Pick Up Area
A Kiss ‘n’ Pick Up area has been set up in Bird Crescent. This operates every afternoon from 3.05pm
– 3.30pm. Parents who pick their child/children up in a vehicle are encouraged to use this facility.
Kiss & Pick Up Rules
• Kiss and Pick Up is a no parking zone – from 8.00 – 9.30am and from 2.30 – 4.00pm.
• Please do not get out of your car to find your child.
• If your child needs assistance with buckling in, you should not use the Kiss and Drop and park
in the top carpark instead.
• After school the Kiss and Pick Up Zone is a line of movement, drive in, pick up waiting child/ren,
drive out.
• IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT WAITING, do a lap of the block and then re-enter the line.
• Kiss and Pick Up operates between 3.05pm – 3.30pm each day.
• If you are parking in the top car park, please use the safe zebra crossings provided.
• Please do not use the car park islands as a Kiss and Pick up station.
PARKING INFORMATION
1. There is ALWAYS NO parking on the right side of Turner Street – this is a Council by-law.
2. Do not park from the beginning of the corner bend back down Keenan Street, as the buses cannot
get through.
3. NO parking in the marked bus zone at the front of the school between 7.30am to 9am and
between 2.30pm to 4pm. A two-hour parking limit applies in the bus zone between 9am and
2.30pm.
4. Parking at front of the school from the Administration building down to the library is for staff only
and canteen.
5. The top car park off Bird Crescent is the park, pick up and drop off area for children.
6. A Kiss and Pick Up area has been established at Bird Crescent. This operates from 3.05pm to
3.30pm. (An orderly flow of traffic is encouraged)
7. Parking on any vacant residential blocks or on the verge may incur a shire infringement notice.
SCHOOL REPORTING PROCESSES
The school reports student achievement to parents through a variety of formal and informal
approaches, including reports which are available to view on Connect at the end of each semester.
Connect- connect.det.wa.edu.au
Class meetings are held at the beginning of the year to allow parents to meet their child’s teacher and
receive information about class policies. An information note is sent home by class teachers at the
beginning of each term informing parents of the main priorities and teaching focuses to be taught
during the term.
All parents are invited to attend a class Learning Journey with their child in Term 3.
STUDENTS AT EDUCATIONAL RISK
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 18Dunsborough Primary School is committed to creating a positive learning environment for all
students, particularly those students who may be ‘at risk’ of not achieving to their potential
academically, socially and/or emotionally.
A whole school approach is adopted which involves firstly identifying children who may be at
educational risk then developing and implementing programs for these students.
Parents are advised as soon as possible when their child is experiencing learning difficulties and are
fully consulted on the follow up strategies/actions the school / teacher will undertake.
SCHOOL-BASED DECISION MAKING GROUP – SCHOOL BOARD
The School Board is comprised of parents, teachers, the principal, and community members.
Meetings are held at least once each term and points of interest are noted in the school newsletter.
The main roles of the School Board are to take part in establishing and reviewing from time to time
the school’s priorities and general policy directions and promoting the school in the community.
SCHOOL BUSES
Three rural bus services and a town bus service, transport children to and from school.
These services are.
1. Public Transport Authority School Bus Service (Orange Buses) Rural areas are serviced by three
orange bus services. You are required to apply and be approved to use the rural bus service.
This can be done online at www.schoolbuses.wa.gov.au or contact School Bus Service
via email at Schoolbus@pta.wa.gov.au or ring (08) 9326 2784
2. SWAN Transit- Town Bus Services Please ring Swan Transit on 136213 for information
regarding town bus routes, pick up and drop off points and times.
‘Smart rider’ application forms for the Swan Transit Town Bus Public Service are available from the
school office or visit idcards.monitorwa.com.au
Children must always adhere to bus rules.
A condition of registration is that parents make their children aware of the bus rules and the
consequences that will result from misbehaviour on the bus.
Any queries about the management of student behaviour on school buses should be directed to the
principal for clarification.
SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDEN
To raise awareness and promote practices that support environmental sustainability, a school
vegetable garden has been established by the P&C. Seasonal vegetables are planted during the year
by our Garden Gurus which take responsibility for growing and harvesting the produce. Food is then
prepared by our canteen for the class/es involved to eat and enjoy.
SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited on any part of the school grounds.
SPORT & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Page 19Sport and Physical Education are compulsory subjects and students are expected to partake in them
unless parents provide the class teacher with an exemption note.
Children should be dressed appropriately for these activities.
SWIMMING LESSONS
Each year the Department of Education makes in-term swimming lessons available for children in
years 1 to 6. In 2022 children will be attending lessons at the beach in Old Dunsborough during
weeks 3 to 8 in term 1. Children have 10 x 40 minute lessons, depending on when Public Holidays
fall.
All students are expected to participate in these lessons as they are one part of the primary school
curriculum and particularly important in our geographic location. There is no charge for Interm
Swimming Lessons.
TRANSFER TO ANOTHER SCHOOL
When a child is enrolled at Dunsborough Primary School and relocates to another school it would be
appreciated if the principal is notified beforehand so that records can be collected ready for
forwarding to the new school.
WEBSITE FOR DUNSBOROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL
For further information about our school please visit our website www.dunsborough.wa.edu.au
Sunday, 12 December 2021
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