Rules and policies are in place to make sure your child remains safe and well at school.
Visit the NSW Department of Education’s policy library for all current operational policies.
Our school uses the department's School Community Charter to ensure all of our communication is collaborative and respectful.
Attendance and absences
Students must attend school regularly so they can achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options.
In NSW, all children from the age of 6 are legally required to attend school or be registered for home schooling through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). All students must complete Year 10, or its equivalent and remain in school, employment or training until they turn 17.
For more information about compulsory school attendance, visit:
It is a requirement that parents or guardians provide a reason each time their child is absent from school. This can be done in four ways;
- by using the Forbes Public School absent note cheque books which can be issued from the office,
- in the form of a written or signed note,
- by a phone call to the school or
- by using our school app ‘Schoolstream’.
It is best practice to provide a doctor’s certificate after three days sick.
If a reason is not given within 7 days of the absence, it will automatically be recorded as unjustified – this is by law and is not the choice of individual schools. A Department of Education generated letter will be sent home asking for parents to explain the absence or policy will be activated.
School frameworks (school rules)
As well as following the department’s operational policies, we have developed frameworks for our students in line with our school’s values and commitments.
Eemergency information
Appropriate care of an ill / injured child depends on accurate current contact information being supplied by the parents. All emergency contacts should be able to get to school in a reasonable time - perhaps twenty minutes. It is best if at least one emergency contact (apart from parents) is listed.
A special form is sent home regularly to upgrade information. It is VITAL that it is correct, up to date and that the contacts are available..
Attitude
Children will reflect parents' attitudes, so negative comments about the teacher / school can have a negative effect on the child's learning. This is not to say that parents should not be critical but that criticism should be voiced out of the child's hearing. Parents are advised to be constructive in their criticism when children are present and to make an appointment with the relevant school staff so that any concerns can be addressed immediately.
Homework
Homework provides students with an opportunity to consolidate their classroom learning experiences. It is also a means for parents to follow the experiences and progress of their child at school.
Homework is considered a worthwhile feature of primary education. Teacher expectations in relation to homework are clearly indicated in our school Homework Policy. Copies of this policy are available from the office.
Students are encouraged to read on a regular basis at home. Students in Stage 1 are required to read daily and exchange their home reader at least once a week.
Expectations increase with age and by the time the children are in Years 5-6 more formal work is set. The time involved is greater as emphasis is placed on preparing children for the heavier workloads required in secondary school, with the aim to establish regular study habits.
Internet
The DEC Internet browsing service provides filtered access to the Internet to minimise the risk of students and staff accessing websites that contain inappropriate material.
The internet provides an opportunity to enhance students’ learning experiences by providing access to vast amounts of information across the globe.
Use of the internet and online communication services provided by the NSW Department of Education and Communities is intended for research and learning and communication between students and staff.
Access to internet and online communication tools at school will assist students to develop the information and communication skills necessary to use the internet effectively and appropriately.
Parents and students are requested to sign an E-Safety agreement. Responsible use of the services by students, with guidance from teaching staff, will provide a secure and safe learning environment.
Late arrival to school
We strongly encourage all students to be at school by 8.55am so that they say hello to friends, hear announcements at morning assembly and be ready to participate in all lessons following roll call.
In order to monitor student attendance, students who are late to school must report to the front office (with a parent if possible) so a late notice can be filled in.
Permission notes
Permission notes are often forwarded home seeking your approval for your child to participate in some form of school activities and excursions. Students cannot leave the school grounds or attend certain activities without parent permission to these events/activities. Local area excursions not involving travel are covered by a generic permission note sent out at the beginning of the school year. In order to minimise paperwork parents are asked to sign the note and return it to the class teacher.