At Narara Public School we aim to provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment which promotes student achievement.
Our motto "WE CARE" and logo 'THE GAME BEFORE THE PRIZE' encompasses all aspects of school life.

Whenever possible we use praise and recognition to encourage students towards self-discipline, the developmment of self-esteem, positive relationships, problem solving and dispute resolution.

At Narara Public School we believe in:

• CARING for ourselves
• CARING for others
• CARING for property and the environment

When parents enrol their children at Narara Public School they enter into a partnership with the school staff. Parents share the responsibilty with school staff for shaping their child's understandings and attitudes about acceptable behaviour. Parents have responsibilty for ensuring that their children attend school and that their children's behaviour is satisfactory as they travel to and from school. the partnership between parents and school staff is based on mutual respect and trust with each partner supporting the other.

School Rules
The Rule	How To Keep It
We Care For Ourselves	Always do your best and try to improve your skills Pay attention and seek help in learning Complete class work and homework neatly, carefully and promptly Wear your uniform with pride Protect yourself from the sun Behave well at school, on excursions and when travelling to and from school Look after your on belongings
We Care For Others	Respect the rights of others and their property Play sport and games faily Do as teachers and other school staff ask Be honest, kind, friendly and helpful Speak politely and be tolerant of others Allow others to learn and be safe at school
We Care For the Environment	Help keep your school and classroom clean and tidy Take care of buildings, furniture, grounds and other school property Use the toilet area appropriately Take care with sporting and playground equipment Dispose of your waste wisely

At Narara Public School student acheivement is recognised and reinforced through praise and encouragement.

Merit Certificate and Awards may include:

• Merit Certificates
• Stickers and Stamps
• Class-based Awards
• Star of the Week K - 2
• Playground Awards
• Sporting Awards
• House Points
• Citizenship Awards
• Dux Awards
• Worker of the Week
• End of year parties, school discos
• Individualised end of the year achievements certificates for each child

These practices are visible rewards for achievement. At Narara Public School we promote the intrinsic reward that is experienced by those who aim for QUALITY in all that they do.

Classroom rules are co-operatively determined at the beginning of each school year by teachers and students. These are displayed in all classrooms and regularly revised with students. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Teachers emphasise that choices have consequences and encourage students to make the 'good' choices. Consequences of both good and poor choices are discussed with students. Teachers support students experiencing behavioural difficulties through the implement strategies which assist them to remain on task, and adhere to the class and school rules. All classes participate in social skills and anti-bullying lessons contained within their stage `Behaviour Management Strategies and Social Skills Training Resource Booklet". The lessons align with the School Personal Development Overview, in accordance with syllabus requirements.

If students are unable to follow the class rules they are given 'Time Out' within their classroom to reflect on their behaviour and plan improvement. Classroom teachers ensure that children have the opportunity to discuss their behaviour and support them in making decisions on how to improve. Opportunities are given for restitution. Classroom teach document improvement plans and 'Time Out' occurrences.

After three consecutive 'Time Out' classroom sessions, children are referred to the 'Planning Room'. Class teachers communicate with the Planning Room teacher and provide any documentation. Parents are sent a Planning Room Notification Letter. Children will start each term with a clean slate.

Playground rules are displayed in classrooms, playground folders and in prominent playground position. Classroom teachers regularly review these rules with their students.

• Be kind, helpful and friendly to others
• Inform a Teacher if you are feeling bullied
• Play fairly and keep your hands to yourself
• Put your rubbish in the bin
• Take care of the playground equipment and use it appropriately
• Use the toilets and bubblers correctly
• Wear a regulation school hat
• Stay 'in bounds'

Records of playground behaviour are kept in playground folders. Teachers use the folders on all playground duties. Raffle tickets ('Good On You') are kept in the playground folders to reward children who display responsibilty and good citizenship in the playground.
At the end of each week children who have received a 'Good On You' are invited to come forward during the recess assembly to be congratulated by teachers and other students. A raffle ticket is drawn and a weekly prize awarded.

Should a misdemeanour occur in the playground, teachers record the students name and misdemeanour in the playground folder. An Assistant Principal monitors these weekly. When a students name has been entered three times the student is immediately required to join the Planning Room. Parents are sent a Planning Room Notification Letter.

When students have their names recorded for playground misdemeanours they are required to do immediate 'time out' for reflection in an area designated by the playground teacher. if the teacher elects, this can take the form of restitution (putting it right) or school service.

If students are displaying dangerous or inappropriate behaviour, which places them or others at risk, they may be immediately referred to the Planning Room or removed from the playground for 'Timeout'.

The planning room operates each day for half of recess and all of lunch. Children bring their lunch with them and are to go to the toilet prior to arrival.

Whilst in the Planning Room, children will talk with the Planning Room Teacher and formulate a plan for improving their behaviour.

A Planning Room Notification letter is sent home. Parents are asked to sign and return it.

Sometimes however there is a need for students displaying persistently unsatisfactory behaviour to be referred to the school Principal. In these instances, when appropiate, the following intervention strategies apply.

Level	Strategies and Sanctions
Level 1	Principal interviews student 'WARNING LEVEL'
Level 2	Principal interviews student and contacts parent(s) Student referred to Planning Room Student excluded from school representation eg: sport, debating and all extra curricula activities eg: school discos, visiting performances Class teacher completes a Daily Behaviour Report
Level 3	Principal interviews student and parent(s) Student referred to School Counsellor for assessment and intervention Student referred to Planning Room Student placed on 'Challenging Playground Offenders' program Student excluded from all out of school activities eg: excursions, sports carnivals Class teacher completes a Daily Behaviour Report
Level 4	Principal interviews student and parent(s) Student referred to School Counsellor and relevant District Support Personnel for assessment and intervention Student placed on in-school suspension and excluded from playground Principal completes a Daily Behaviour Report
Level 5	Principal interviews student and parent(s) Student referred to District Support Personnel for assessment and intervention Student placed on suspension or exclusion under the DET Suspension and Expulsion of School Students Procedure

Regular attendance and punctuality at school are vital to your child's progress. Upon returning to school after an absence, a written explanation is required stating the reason for the absence. Teachers must adhere to Departmental guidelines for roll marking and attendance recording. It is the parent's responsibility under the Education and Public Instruction Act 1987 to notify the school of a child's absence within seven days of the absence.

If a child arrives late to school, a Late Slip must be filled in at the office and sent with the child to the class teacher. Similarly if a child is leaving school early, an Early Leaver's Slip must be filled in at the office or a note of explanation sent from home.
Even though a reason may have been explained verbally, teaching staff are required by keep written records. Notes and rolls are legal documents and must be retained by the school.

If your child cannot attend school it is not necessary to phone unless your child is very ill and may be away for sometime. Please advise all outbreaks of infectious diseases to the school as soon as possible.

Bus travel is free for all K - 2 students and those Year 3 - 6 students who live outside a 1.6 kilometre radius from the school. Forms for free travel on the buses are available from the school office. Parents are asked to complete these forms when their children are being enrolled at school.
Children are expected to travel in a safe manner at all times. Inappropriate behaviour may result in bus passes being revoked by the bus company.

When appropriate, parents are notified if their child becomes ill or is injured at school. It is important that the school has your contact numbers at home, work or mobile as well as emergency contact if you are unavailable.

When necessary children are cared for in the sick bay by the Administrative Support Staff.

Should your child be injured at school the following procedures apply:

• Minor injuries are usually treated by the Administrative Support Staff.
• If the injuries are more serious, first aid will be administered and efforts will made to contact the parents to advise that further medical assistance is required
• Should the school not be able to contact the parents, medical attention will be obtained on the authority of the Principal or his representative.

It is important that you nominate your family doctor on the Student Information Card and that you sign consent forms when you enrol your child.

All students are covered within school hours through the School Ambulance Scheme

Under Departmental Policy parents are required to complete a Deed of Indemnity form, available from the school office. No medication will be given to your child at school without a signed form.

If your child requires medication at school please bring it to the school office in a clearly marked container which states your child's name, the dosage and time required for the medication. You will he given a Deed of Indemnity form to sign.

The onus is on the child to come to the front office when he or she is due to take the medication. (A note to the class teacher is a good idea - to remind your child). If at all possible allow your child to take his or her medicine before or after school.

As vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough continue to occur in schools, the New South Wales Government amended the Public Health Act 1991. The Health (Amendment) Act 1992 requires parents to provide documented evidence of a child's immunisation status upon enrolment into Kindergarten. (Immunisation Certificate). This not compulsory immunisation and parents have the right to choose. However. in the event of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease within the school, unimmunised children are required to remain at home for the duration of the outbreak. This is for their own protection

Headlice is an ongoing problem in all schools. Children are not able to attend school with lice eggs in their hair but may return once they are appropriately treated. Parents are informed through the school newsletter when outbreaks occur.

Information on how long to keep your child away from school if they contract an infectious disease is available from the school office. Please contact the school as soon as they are diagnosed so that other parents can be informed.

There are many avenues available to parents and school staff to assist with overcoming concerns and problems relating to their children. Difficulties and problems can sometimes arise in the areas of intellectual, emotional, social or physical development.

The school can offer help and it is imperative that any concerns you may have be discussed openly with your child's teacher. It is important that this happens before concerns become a real problem.

If need be, the school can call upon the services of a number of agencies to assist and provide the necessary expertise and support for your child. Some of these are:

• The School Counsellor
• The Support Teacher, Learning Assistance
• Special Education Resources
• Community Resources
• Community Health
• Support Teacher - Behaviour
• Speech Therapist
• Home-School Liaison Officer
• Dental Clinic (located at Gosford East Public School - Phone 43 24 5944)
• Department of Community Services
• Stewart House, Far West Home, Red Cross

These agencies are available and willing to assist you and the school in providing the best possible educational opportunities for your child.

A student assistance scheme is available at the school to assist families experiencing financial difficulties.
Considerations for funding are made on:

• Social and economic grounds
• Welfare and educational needs of students

Items, which may he funded, are:

• School uniforms and shoes
• School excursions (over $10.00)
• School camps
• Special school programs
• Text Books

Recipients of clothing are expected to re-donate their clothing to the school uniform po longer required.

Eligibility will be considered on the following grounds:

• Number in household
• Number working
• Type of housing
• Housing costs (mortgage, rent)
• Total Income
• Special circumstances for committee consideration

Application forms are available from the school office. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.