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.
Revised Student Behaviour Policy
The NSW Department of Education is introducing revised Student Behaviour Policy and new Suspension and Expulsion Procedures, from Term 1, 2024.
Our school has a strong commitment to making sure our classrooms are safe and inclusive for all students and staff.
This commitment is reflected in the revised policy and procedures, which you can preview on the department website.
We will continue to work closely with families and students to maintain positive and respectful classrooms where our students can thrive.
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:
Please note that rolls are marked each day by 9.15am. If your child arrives after 8.55am, they must report to the office and obtain a late note to present to their class teacher.
Absentee notes can be submitted using the eform through our Sentral app. Absences can also be called through to our office.
The A - Z Too Sick For School list is a great resource for parents who are unsure whether to keep their child home from school due to illness.
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.
Anaphylaxis Communication Plan
All Lavington Public School staff have completed practical and theoretical training in the Recognition and Management of Anaphylaxis. Both courses assist staff in recognising and providing an emergency response to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Training includes information about key departmental policies and strategies to manage and support students diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis.
For students at risk of anaphylaxis, a health care plan must be completed and reviewed annually. This health care plan is communicated to all staff.
To minimise the risk of exposure, Lavington Public School does not use peanuts, tree nuts or any nut products in curriculum or extra curricular activities. This does not include foods labelled as "may contain traces of nuts". However, allergens may be present at our school, and students may be exposed via the canteen, exursions, camps and sharing of food. Our staff and canteen volunteers have been educated on food handling procedures and the risk of cross contamination of food. All students are strongly advised not to share their food during school hours.
An anti-bullying plan has been created, and our staff and students are educated on the seriousness of anaphylaxis. Any attemp to to tease or harm a student with allergies is treated seriously and dealt wtih according to our Student Discipline in Government Schools Policy and the Bullying of Students - Prevention and Response Policy.
All staff are advised of students with allergies who are at risk of anaphylaxis and what they are allergic to. An Epipen is stored in each of our first aid kits in the case of an emergency. If a student has a suspected anaphylactic emergency, the ASCIA Action Plan will be followed.
Parents should advise Lavington Public School if there is a change in your childs health conditon.
If your child carry's their own adrenaline autoinjector to and from school, the school must be notified and a parent request form will be sent home.
Our School Anti-Bullying Plan
This plan outlines the processes for preventing and responding to student bullying in our school and reflects the Bullying: Preventing and Responding to Student Bullying in Schools Policy of the New South Wales Department of Education and Communities.
This plan has been developed in collaboration with staff involved in our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Team.
The anti-bullying website provides resources and information for schools, parents and carers, and students. Schools should be free from bullying and harassment. Report any cases of bullying or harassment to the principal.
Understanding the new Restrictive Practices Policy
The Restrictive Practices Policy is part of the Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful schools policy package and builds on schools work in improving student behaviour and inclusive education for students with disability to meet the learning needs of all students.
From Term 1, 2023 schools will begin the staged implementation of the new Restrictive Practices Policy, procedures and framework. The policy brings consistent practice and clear guidance across NSW public schools on the use of restrictive practices.
If your child needs a restrictive practice to keep them healthy and safe at school, school staff will work together with you and your child to understand their needs and plan how the school will meet those needs.
Learn more the policy by visiting the department website.
Disability, learning and support
There is a range of programs and services available in NSW public schools to help students with disability and additional learning and support needs get the most out of school. These programs and services are designed to offer students personalised learning and support to meet their individual needs.
You can find information on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which provides individualised supports to eligible children and young people with disability outside of school, in our Disability, learning and support section.
Excursions
Excursions are offered to enhance and support classroom studies. They often provide practical experiences to extend learning, for example, a visit to an art gallery, theatre or farm.
Discuss any concerns about your ability to pay for excursions with the school principal.
Go to the Excursions Policy for more information.
Family law matters
- The educational interests, safety and welfare of the child are given paramount consideration when decisions are made by the school about the impact of family law matters on a child's education.
- Consideration is also given to the effective and efficient operation of the school and a parent's obligations under the NSW Education Act 1990, that is, to ensure children of compulsory school age receive an education.
- Parents or carers are responsible for providing the school with any court orders that impact on the relationship between the family and the school.
- In the absence of court orders it will be assumed both parents are involved in any decisions made concerning major long-term issues impacting on the school.
- The school is not the appropriate place for family disputes to be resolved, nor is it appropriate for school staff to resolve such issues.
View the department's guidelines for Dealing with family law related issues
Head lice
Outbreaks of head lice are common, particularly in primary schools. NSW Health recommends students continue to attend school.
For further information go to:
Health and Safety
Public schools promote the healthy development of students through:
- school programs and practices that protect and promote health and safety
- supporting individual students who need help with health issues
- providing first aid and temporary care of students who become unwell or who have an accident at school.
For more information, visit Student wellbeing – health and physical care.
The department is committed to ensuring a safe and happy environment for your child. Schools have a variety of strategies to promote this. Examples include:
- anti-discrimination and harassment programs
- anti-racism education
- conflict resolution and mediation training
- peer support
- road safety education
- student leadership.
For information about emergencies visit our School safety page.
Homework
ll schools have a homework policy developed in consultation with the school community. Homework reinforces work done in class and bridges the gap between learning at school and learning at home. It also assists the development of research and time management skills.
Students in high school should also regularly review work covered in class, summarise key ideas and do additional reading and research on topics, as well as practise tasks such as essays and maths problems during scheduled study time at home.
Kindergarten to year 2
In general, formal homework isn't set in Kindergarten – although reading to children at home will assist their development.
In Years 1 and 2 some formal homework is usually set, such as simple maths tasks, copying letters and words or completing a work sheet.
Years 3 to 6
Homework in Years 3 to 6 is varied and students will be expected to work more independently. A lot of homework will be in English, mathematics and human society and its environment (HSIE). However, it can be set across all areas of the curriculum.
Medication at school
Prior arrangements must be made with the school if a student needs to take prescribed medication during the school day. Please contact our school office for further information.
Technology in schools
Explore how NSW public schools support future-focused learning and teaching that will prepare our students for tomorrow’s world.
Between the hours of 8.55am to 3.00pm students cannot use personal digital devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablets and smart watches) if they are not for educational use or directed by a teacher.
If a student breaches this by using their personal digital device during school hours, the device will be confiscated until the end of the day. Inappropriate behavior and use of their personal digital device may also include loss of lunch time, in school detention, restrictions on accessing school digital devices, follow up meetings with parents and/or suspension.
Students who bring personal digital devices to school should hand them in to the front office, switched off. They will be stored in a secure location and can be collected after 3.00 pm.
Voluntary school contributions
Public schools can request contributions to enhance educational and sporting programs. School contributions help provide additional educational resources for the benefit of students – payment is voluntary.
Principals will ensure no student or family suffers any discrimination or embarrassment over voluntary school contributions.
Schools may charge students for the purchase of materials used in some subjects. Parents who are unable to pay for elective subjects because of financial hardship may be eligible for assistance from the school.
For further information, visit Voluntary School Contribution Policy.