F.A.Q's
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the requirements to enrol my child at school?
A completed enrolment form, obtained from the school office
A copy of your child's birth certificate or proof of birth.
A 'School Entry Immunisation Certificate' showing your child's current immunisation status.
2. What is the 'School Entry Immunisation Certificate' and why do I need one?
This is a certificate issued to you by your local council health department, which shows that:
Your child has been immunised against measles, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus and polio, or
There is good reason why your child has not been immunised,
or You, as a parent or guardian, have undertaken to have your child immunised within the next 6 months.
Without this certificate, your child may not be enrolled in school.
3. What is the school's uniform policy?
The school uniform, whilst not compulsory, is desirable. Uniforms are available through Beleza P/L, Berwick and Hallam. See General Information on this website for descriptions of our Uniform.
4. What do I do if my child is ill and does not attend school?
All children are expected to attend school punctually and regularly however if your child is sick, please keep him/her at home. The Department requires all absences to be explained with a note, which should be given to your child's teacher on their return to school.
5. What should I do if my child is late for school?
It is important that children arrive at school in time to commence the day's activities. In the junior grades, our literacy activities are conducted in the first two hours of the school day so it can be very disruptive if your child continually arrives late for class. A student arriving late to school in the morning is to be taken directly to the classroom where they will be marked as late on the attendance roll. Teachers will contact parents if children are repeatedly late for school.
6. How do I arrange for my child to leave school early?
If an occasion occurs when you need to take your child early, it is required that you notify your child's teacher in writing and sign the child out at the Administration Office before collecting your child. No child may be released from the classroom until an "Early Leave Pass" is presented. If a person other than a parent is calling for the child, the school must be notified in writing prior to collection.
7. How is the sick bay organised?
The Sick Bay is used only by children in need of medical attention, or by those children waiting to be taken home by parents. The school provides a trained First Aid Officer to provide the best possible care for students. In the case of minor injury, first aid will be administered at the school, however in the case of a serious illness or accident, medical aid will be called and every effort will be made to contact parents.
It is most important to ensure that the school office is made aware of any changes to telephone numbers/addresses for home or business, and that names and phone numbers of your emergency contacts are kept up to date. It is also important to notify the school of any known medical problems that your child may experience.
8. Is my child safe when going to the toilet?
Safety for all children is a priority at Berwick Lodge Primary School. We have developed rules and procedures throughout the school to ensure the safety of any child who leaves the classroom for any reason.
No child may leave the classroom without permission from his/her class teacher.
No child may leave the classroom alone and must be accompanied by a 'buddy' at all times.
Berwick Lodge Primary School has a security camera system in the toilet breezeway and courtyard areas.
9. Do you have separate playgrounds for the different school levels?
We have three separate playgrounds. There is an area for the Preps, another for the grade 1 & 2's and a third area for the grades 3 to 6. Children in each area have their own play equipment. Teachers on yard duty supervise children in all areas at all times. Teachers carry a small first aid kit with them for minor injuries, while children requiring further treatment are taken to the Sick Bay for attention from the First Aid Officer.
10. Do you have a buddy program?
Yes we have a buddy program operating at B.L.P.S. The children participate in some school activities together and often have picnic lunches together.
11. How am I kept informed of new & upcoming events?
Newsletters are sent home on a weekly basis on Thursdays. Other notices are sent home as the need arises. Please encourage your child to bring home all notices as they contain details of all activities and functions. Newsletters and general notices are always sent home with the eldest family member. For all excursions and class activities, notices will be sent home which outline the activities in which your child may participate. Please return the attached permission slip and any payment by the due closing date indicated on the form.
Please Note: It may not be possible to accept payment after the due date as bookings, payments and final numbers attending often need to be forwarded in advance of the excursion/activity date. If you have any difficulty with payment, please contact the office prior to the payment due date indicated on the notice.
BLPS has an extensive online presence with web pages, blogs and podcasts which will help keep you up-to-date with current news, practises and samples of student work.
