After School Care

After School care is provided at Double Bay Public School in the school grounds, at DBOOSH (Double Bay Out of School Hours) Centre.  Enrolment is limited.  To contact the supervisor please phone: 9362 4524.

 After School Activities

After School Activities are available at the school. 
Contact Merrilee Pearce on 0412 213 359 for more information.

Ambulance

Double Bay Public School pays subscriptions to the Ambulance Fund. Accordingly,  if a child requires an ambulance, there will be no charge to parents.

 Assemblies

K-6 Assemblies are held every third Thursday at 1.30pm and includes general business, a Class Item and Achievement Awards.  Each class is rostered on to run the Assembly once per Semester.  Parents of children in the class presenting the item at the Assembly are welcome to attend. Notice of K-6 Assemblies and the Host Class will be given in the School Express for that week.

Attendance and Absence

Every child at Double Bay Public School is expected to attend every day of Term.

The school day is as follows:
Kindergarten: 9.00am-2:30pm (Term One),  9.00am-3.00pm (Terms 2, 3 and 4).
Years 1-6: 9.00am - 3.00pm

Recess is from 10.40am  to 11.00am and lunch is from 12.30pm to 1:30pm.

A teacher  will supervise the school grounds between 8:30am and 9am. Children are to leave the school immediately upon dismissal from their class at the end of the day.

Should your child be absent, please notify the school and send a note to your child's teacher on the day of their return. 

Should you wish to take your child from the school grounds during school hours you need to go to the office and collect a ‘Leave Pass’ which must be given to the teacher . You also need to sign the early departure book.

Band

The School Band’s expertise and reputation have grown since its inception in 1990. 

Primary children are invited to be performers.  Auditions are held each year in Term 4 for student participants in years 2-5, for the following year.  The band is coordinated by our Band Director, Andrew Blenkinsopp and a sub-committee of the school’s P & C Association.  The school does not accept responsibility for students’ personal musical instruments.  Parents should consider personal insurance cover for instruments.

Book Club

Ashton Scholastic provides an order form which is sent home each Term.  Should parents/ caregivers wish to purchase books, they must fill in the form and return it with the correct money, in a sealed envelope by the due date.  In return, the school receives new books at no cost for the school Library.

Book Week

During Childrens’ Book Week, the school holds a ’Book Fair’ and parents are invited to visit the school.  The Librarian organizes the Book Fair with class teachers and it is based around a theme from children’s literature. 

Bullying

We are committed to an immediate and effective response to reported, witnessed or suspected incidents of bullying.  We define bullying as any behaviour which causes stress or pain and is ongoing.

Bus Passes

All children from Years K-6 are eligible for a bus/rail pass if they live more than 1.6 kms from the school. Information is available from the school office.

Camps

Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) attend a camp in Term 4 and Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) attend a camp in Term 2. Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) also attend a Peer Support Camp on Leadership Training in Term 1. Camps are regarded as an invaluable opportunity for children to engage in social and outdoor activities. Interpersonal skills, self discipline, peer support and self esteem are all improved as part of the Camp Program. 

Canteen

Children who wish to order lunch and/or recess should do so before 9.00 am each morning.
Lunch is ordered by writing the desired items on an envelope/paper bag and including payment. 

       e.g. Jo Smith  Year 3
            1 Salad Roll
              1 Apple juice   

Charities

Our school supports Stewart House. Pre-loved clothes and a donation drive are organised during the year. Support for other charities is sometimes requested by the Student Community. 

Chess

Chess Club is available for children from Kindergarten to Year 6.  Chess Lessons are given as a part of the school curriculum to children in K-2. 

Child Protection

Double Bay Public School is committed to a coordinated and comprehensive response to promote the protection of children.  This includes mandatory employee checks and thorough responses to circumstances which indicate that a child has been, is being or is at risk of being ill-treated.  Double Bay Public School has access to community services which support families and children in a variety of ways.

Collection of Children - Children must be collected on time.

For safety reasons, cars must NOT  be driven into the school playground.

Please DO NOT double park in the street when picking up or setting down and DO NOT park across the school entrance or pedestrian crossings. These are marked ‘No Standing'. There are signs around the school where you may stop to pick up or set down children, but not Park.  At all times please beware of children.  Children and parents must use the pedestrian gates.

Computers

Ms Cascio is Double Bay Public School’s ‘Information Technology Coordinator’ for 2009.  Friday each week is used to coordinate all ‘IT needs’.  Ms Cascio is also coordinating a ‘Mobile Laptop Lab and ‘Multi-purpose Computer Lab’ for the school.

Website address: http://www.doublebay-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/

Contact Numbers:

It is absolutely essential that the school has the correct home, work, mobile and emergency contact phone numbers.  Please be sure to notify the school of any change of address and phone numbers. If someone else collects your child, please give contact details for that person to the teacher and office.

Counsellor

The School Counsellor’s role is to provide guidance and counselling to both children and parents.  If you would like to see the Counsellor you can make an appointment via your teacher and the office.  Referrals and Assessments are treated as confidential.

Curriculum

The Primary Curriculum is divided into seven categories:

1. English- reading, writing, talking, listening and literature.

2. Mathematics - number, space, measurement, chance, data and working mathematically.

3. Science and Technology - includes Computer Education.

4. Human Society and its Environment - social studies.

5. Creative and Practical Arts - Music, Visual Arts, Craft and Drama and Dance.

6. Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE).

7. languages other than English (L.O. T .E.) - Italian. 

For further information about these categories, Departmental Policies can be accessed from the classrooms,  the Principal's office or the Department of Education & Training website.

Education Week

A week is set aside by the Department of Education and Training to facilitate community awareness of the school and current educational practices. During this week, parents and other members of the community are encouraged to attend an ‘Open Day’ organised by the school.

Emergency Drill

The school has a lock-down and evacuation plan which all staff and students are familiar with.

Enrolment

Kindergarten children must be 5 years of age by July 31st of the year in which they are enrolling. The Department Policy for enrolment is currently under review. When enrolling your child, please ensure that you complete the form properly so that the school has all the necessary information. For the safety and security of children it is essential that we have as much parental contact details as possible. All applications must provide proof of current address, Birth Certificate and a current Immunisation record.  Passports are required for people who are not Australian citizens.

English as a Second Language (E.S.L.)

For children who do not speak English at home or those who have language difficulties due to English not being their primary language, an E.S.L. teacher is available three days per week.

Excursions

Excursions are part of the Education Program. A permission note is sent home and it must be signed by the parent or caregiver. Any monies required should be returned with this note and children are required to wear full school uniform.

Fund Raising

The P&C, each year, allocates a parent/caregiver from each class to be the Class Parent Representative.  Their responsibilities are, to collate a Class Contact List and rally some helpers to help organise a fundraising function.  New and innovative ideas are always welcome in the fund raising area. Your support is very helpful in raising money for educational, sporting and ancillary equipment.

Program for Gifted & Talented Children

Children from K -6 who are assessed within the G & T range, are catered for by class teachers within the Class Programs.

Head Lice

Head lice have been a problem for most schools in the metropolitan area for many years now.  Information about Head Lice is regularly sent home to parents.  If your child is found with head lice please treat the condition and notify your child’s teacher immediately.

High School

In June of every year, information about enrolment at High School is sent home to parents.

Zoning is still a major factor for High School selection. All Year 6 children in NSW may apply to attend a Selective High.  Notification of Year 7 enrolment places are issued to parents during Semester 2 each year.  Enrolment of children in private schools must be individually organised by parents.

Homework Policy

A ‘Homework Policy’ can be collected from the office.

Immunisation

It is essential for parents of children enrolling in Kindergarten to provide an ‘up to date’ Immunisation Certificate. Certificates can be obtained from Council Health Officers, doctors, or downloaded at any Medicare Office. Schools are required to notify the Department of Health of any outbreak of Measles.  

Infectious Diseases Exclusion from school:

CHICKEN POX:  Exclude for 5 days after first spots appear.

INFECTIOUS  HEPATITIS (A):   Exclude until the child has recovered, and for one week from the first  signs of jaundice.

MEASLES:    Exclude for 4 days from appearance of rash. 

MUMPS:  Exclude until the child has fully recovered, and for 9 days after the appearance of swelling 

RUBELLA (German Measles)  :  Exclude until fully recovered and at least 4 days after rash appears

WHOOPING  COUGH:  Exclude for 3 weeks from onset of the "whoop" if child has not received antibiotic treatment. Exclude for 5 days only  if antibiotic treatment is given.

IMPETIGO:  Consult Doctor.  If sores are treated and properly covered by clean dressing, child is allowed to attend school. If not covered, child should be kept home until sores have healed.

CONJUNCTIVITIS:  Exclude until there is no discharge.

 SCABIES:     Exclude until appropriate treatment has begun.

A clearance letter from your doctor to state that your child is well enough to attend school is required.

Interviews

Parent and teacher interviews are encouraged. The school holds Parent/Teacher Interviews, but if you would like to make an additional appointment, do not hesitate to speak to your child's teacher. The Principal and Assistant Principals are also available for interview to discuss student progress.

Kindergarten Enrolment

Kindergarten children must be 5 years of age by July 31st of the year in which they are enrolling. Parents are requested to telephone the school to make an appointment for an Enrolment Interview from the commencement of Term 2.  The Assistant Principal/Infants will show you around the school and answer any questions you may have. Proof of residential address must be presented along with your child’s Birth Certificate/Passport and Immunisation Certificate . The Enrolment Form must be thoroughly completed and signed. 

Kindergarten Orientation

Every year the school has a Kindergarten Orientation Morning. Parents/caregivers and their children are invited to attend this morning to become more familiar with the school and the Kindergarten teachers. You will be given a Kindergarten Pack, detailing information for starting school.   School bags, library bags and hats are available for purchase on this day.

Kindergarten, The First Day

Please bring your child to the Kindergarten Classrooms where lists will clearly show which group (until classes are formed) your child will be in. Your child needs to have: a school bag, a library bag, a school hat, a snack for recess; a sandwich, a drink and fruit for lunch.  Please clearly label everything your child owns and do not send toys or items of value which can be lost or broken.

 Leaving School Grounds

Once children have arrived at school, they do not leave the grounds without permission.

See Attendance and Absence.

Library

All classes attend a formal library lesson. Using the library is encouraged and parents/caregivers are asked to help ensure that books are returned by the due date. A library bag helps protect books from wear and tear so please provide your child with one. The Teacher-Librarian is always pleased to have volunteers from the school community to assist with repairing, sorting, shelving and covering books. Anyone leaving the school must return all library books before departure.

 Lost Property

The School Assistant can assist with lost property . If items are properly labelled identification is much easier.

Language other than English (LOTE)

Italian is part of the school curriculum which is implemented by Co.As.It. (Casa d’ Italia  Italian Association of Assistance). An annual charge is included in the Schools Resource Account. This charge is payable at the beginning of the School Year.

Lunches and Lunch-times.

Lunch-time is from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. The K - 1 children stay in the school playground for lunch and the Year 2 - 6 children go to Steyne Park. Please try to make lunch as nutritious as possible and label all lunch boxes and bottles with permanent marking pens. The Double Bay Public School Policy is: ‘FOOD IS NOT TO BE SHARED’. Parents/caregivers need to advise the school of any food allergies and necessary treatment. The school implements a ‘No hat - Play in the Shade’ safety policy, therefore children must wear a school hat whenever they are outside. Parents/caregivers are not to meet their child at lunch-time. 

Medication

For long term medication or medication to be used in the event of an emergency, parents must provide written instructions and indemnification for the school to be able to administer this medication. For short term medication, parents must administer this themselves.

Mobile Phones

If your child has a mobile phone it must be left at the office during school hours.

Money

All monies sent to the school should be sealed in an envelope with your child' s name, class and purpose for the money printed clearly on the front, and given to the class teacher.

Do not send your child to school with money unless it is necessary. Children are advised that if they are in possession of a large amount of unspecified money, parents will be notified and asked why they have it. Children should keep their money secure on their person. Wallets left in school bags are unfortunately at risk.

Musical Instruments

We cannot always ensure adequate security for musical instruments which children bring to school for music lessons and band rehearsals. Accordingly, the school cannot accept

responsibility for the care of musical instruments or other items brought to school by

students. The school provides the Band Committee with a room which can be locked and all children who bring instruments to school are asked to confirm the safety of their

instrument with their Tutor. Parents are advised to include their child' s musical instrument on a personal insurance policy.

O.C. Classes

Bondi District OC Classes are held at Woollahra Public School which has an intake of 60 intellectually talented children every year. Students are taken into Year 5 from 35 public schools throughout the Eastern Suburbs. Year 4 children receive information and an application form in Term 2 of each year. The final decision is made in November, based on a combination of test results and selection by a panel of teachers.

Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is encouraged at Double Bay Public School. There are many ways in which parents can become involved. Please introduce yourself to your child's teacher, attend P&C Meetings and social functions. Help is often required around the school.

See Fund Raising

Parents and Citizens

All parents are warmly invited to attend P&C meetings. An Annual General Meeting is held in Term 1. The P&C at Double Bay Public School provides a forum for parents' ideas and helps with fund raising. A donation is requested every year which is used to assist with school finances. Meetings are held on nominated Wednesdays of each Term.  

Personal Property

Please minimise the amount of personal property your child brings to the school. The school does not accept responsibility for items including; lost or broken toys, sporting equipment or other personal property of children, parents or staff. If a child is playing with personal property at the wrong times, it is liable to be confiscated.

Photographs

School Photographs are taken each year. Individual, family and class photographs may be purchased

Prefects

Prefects are selected at the end of the Year from Year 5 students. The selection process is by ballot from the children in Years 2-6. Prefects are expected to set a good example to the rest of the school, modelling good behaviour and a positive attitude. Their role in the school is to help teachers, guide visitors through the school and generally assist as required. School Captains are chosen from the prefects. All prefects wear their badges, so the younger children in the school can identify them. 

Reports

School reports are sent home at the end of each Semester. For information as to the progress of your child or to discuss any aspect of the report, a set interview time can be arranged. See Parent/Teacher Interviews.

Road Safety

A Crossing Guard is present at the William Street crossing before and after school each day. Flags clearly identify the Pedestrian Crossing in Cross Street. Children are encouraged to use the crossings wisely. Children and parents entering from Cross Street must use the pedestrian gate and must never enter through the vehicle gates.

Rules

Respect Yourself, Respect Others and Respect the Environment

The school rules have been designed to support class rules and children are expected to follow the rules set up in each class. Overall, we aim to develop pride in ourselves, school and community and to enhance self-discipline. 

School Express

The School Express is sent home to each family weekly and it can be emailed on request.

Scripture

Scripture is held in the school every Thursday morning. Scripture groups which are provided are; Roman Catholic, Anglican, Jewish, Orthodox and Bahai.

Special Events

Throughout the year Special Events are held to celebrate occasions, acknowledge excellence and or raise funds for specific purposes.  Notification of events will be given in the School Express.

Sport

Sport is regarded as an integral and important part of the school program. All children have a Sport’s Program organised by a specialist P.E. Teacher.

Primary school children can compete in either inter-school sport or participate in intra-school Sports Programs on Friday afternoons. Students are encouraged to participate in team sports to facilitate health, fitness and camaraderie. A specialist P.E. teacher assists  classroom teachers in all aspects of sport.

The school has a Swimming and Athletic Carnival for Years 3-6 and parents are welcome to attend. Children are placed in Houses and compete for points at the various carnivals. The school houses are: Macarthur (yellow), Macquarie (green), Scott (red) and Smith (blue).

Children wear house colours on the day of the carnival.  Individual winners in the carnivals go on to zone events. House points are also awarded for citizenship and class activities culminating in the Emu Cup.

K-2 Sports Day is held in conjunction with Tabloid Activities, the Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival and Class Running Races.  Parents are most welcome to attend.  If time permits, a ‘Parent and Toddler Race’ is held.

Student Welfare

The School’s Merit, Discipline and Student Welfare policies are distributed early in the year to all parents of Kindergarten children.  Please request copies if you have not received either.