Back to School
Frequently asked questions

In previous years a range of questions were asked about Back to School issues. We have included a few of those questions and answers below.

• My child is really worried about starting kindergarten. How can I best prepare my child?
• When are school staff development days?
• Is it compulsory for my child to wear a uniform?
• I am concerned that some of the children at the school are not immunised. What happens if there is an outbreak of, say, measles at our school?
• My children want to buy lunch from the school canteen. What kind of food do they provide?
• What can I do to teach my daughter to cope with peer pressure?
• What do school career advisers do?
• Could you tell me what a Multi-Age Class is?
• Do I have to pay school fees?

Well, already children have probably visited school for orientation with their parents, and met with some of the children and teachers they will have. The best thing that parents can do is to emphasise the new experience is going to be fun, and they really will have a great time. They'll meet lots of children their own age and have a great experience. The other thing they should do is establish a good communication relationship with the classroom teachers, and to alert the classroom teacher to any needs their child may have, any special interests they may have, and any concerns you, as a parent, may have.

The first day of Terms 1, 2 and 3 each year are Staff Development Days which enable parents and the whole school staff to participate in targeted activities aimed at the overall development of the school.

Schools remain open for children of parents and caregivers who are unable to make other arrangements, but normal classes do not take place.

The Department supports the wearing of school uniforms by students. Schools have their own policies on uniforms, developed in consultation with their school community. Schools implement strategies to encourage the wearing of uniforms. Parents/caregivers should contact the school for this information before their child starts or changes school.

For further information you can refer to the School Uniform Policy and the School Uniforms in NSW Government Schools (pdf 821kb) support document.

If there is an outbreak of measles at the school, any children for whom proof of immunisation has not been provided will be regarded as not immunised. These children will be required to remain at home for the duration of the outbreak. All children enrolling in school are asked to provide an immunisation history statement.

Further information about immunisation can be found on our website.

Although canteens may vary from school to school, they all exist to provide students and staff with a varied selection of foods and drinks which are enjoyable, affordable, nutritious, safe, attractively presented and which also provide value for money. The canteen can provide exposure to food variety, new tastes, different textures and experiences of other cultures. It can also create a situation where teachers, parents and students are seen serving, eating and enjoying nutritious foods.

Further information on school canteens can be found on our website.

Young people can cope best with peer pressure when they feel good about themselves, and confident they can make their own decisions without following the group. Schools run programs to help young people develop confidence, such as peer support and peer mediation. If there is a problem you're really concerned about it's really important to talk to someone at the school like the student adviser, school counsellor or deputy principal.

Careers advisers provide invaluable support for students in terms of researching opportunities for further education and employment, subject selection, pre-requisites for university entry, liaison with TAFE, and opportunities for employment whilst the child is still at school, for example part time paid traineeships.

A Multi-Age class is where students are drawn from two or more age levels to form one class. Multi-Age classes are a response to a developmental approach to teaching and learning. This developmental approach groups students according to educational, social and developmental needs rather than just age or year level.

Further information on multi-age classes and stage based learning can be found on our website.

School contributions are voluntary and not compulsory. Payment is a matter for decision by parents. Both primary and secondary schools can request contributions to enhance the school's educational and sporting programs.

Parents who cannot pay for elective subjects because of hardship may be assisted from the Student Assistance Scheme or other appropriate sources. For further information contact the school principal.

Further information on voluntary school contributions can be found on our website.