HURLSTONE AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL

Student - Boarding School Information Booklet 2014

(L to R) Jesse Taunton (Vice captain), Emily Kwan (Prefect), Andrea Dye (Vice captain), Ben Casey (Prefect), Sid Cremer (Captain), Gabrielle Sherring (Captain).

Hurlstone Agricultural High School

School Mission: To provide students with a supportive, caring and stimulating environment in which every individual is encouraged to seek personal excellence through an academic curriculum with an agricultural emphasis.

For My Country School Contact Details:

Hurlstone Agricultural High School Roy Watts Road GLENFIELD NSW 2167 Telephone: Day school, 8.15am – 3.15pm 9829 9203 Boarding School Duty Room 9829 9232 Boarding Administration 9829 9263 9829 9277 9829 9272 Sick Bay 9829 9224 Deputy Principal 9829 9250 [email protected] Head Teacher Boys 9829 9235 Head Teacher Girls 9829 9273 Fax: 9605 6292 - Boarding School Duty Room Fax 9829 2026 - Day School Office Fax 9829 9244 - Sick Bay Fax Email: [email protected] Website: www.hurlstone.com.au Duty Room Opening Times School days: 7.00 to 7.50am, 3.15-5.40pm and 6.15-11pm Weekends: 7.30 to 8.55am, 9.20am to 12.30pm, 1.00 to 5.25pm and 5.50 to 11.00pm. Closed During Meals Library Opening Times School days: 8.00am to 5.15pm and 7.00pm to 8.30pm. Friday closes at 4.00pm. Sick Bay Opening Times Each day: 8.00am to 11.00pm

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CONTENTS Welcome to the New Boarding Students ....................................................................................................................................... 4 History of Hurlstone ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Student Welfare and School Rules ................................................................................................................................................. 8 Living in a Boarding Environment................................................................................................................................................... 9 General Information for Students and Parents ............................................................................................................................ 12 School Policies and Procedures .................................................................................................................................................... 17 Communication between School and Students' families ............................................................................................................. 21 Travel Arrangements .................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Student Routines .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Boarding School Personnel ........................................................................................................................................................... 24 BOARDING SCHOOL AGREEMENT ................................................................................................................................................ 27 PRIVATE TUTORING REQUEST FORM ........................................................................................................................................... 28

Lazer tag adventures Boarder recreational activity, 2013

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Welcome to the New Boarding Students We would like to welcome you and your family to Hurlstone Agricultural High School. Your enrolment at Hurlstone will provide you with many opportunities to achieve and excel academically whilst developing your skills and talents in the fulfillment of your potential and achievement of your goals.

successful graduates have gone on to make a significant contribution to academic, professional, agricultural and community endeavors.

Hurlstone is a selective school with a proud academic record. Students demonstrate a strong work ethic in a supportive and challenging academic environment. Students should aim to build a positive working relationship with all teachers and participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities. Hurlstone is a school with rich history, strong traditions and school pride. Your contributions and participation within the school community will be encouraged, welcomed and appreciated. We are confident that as you settle into boarding school life you will quickly become a valuable and respected Hurlstonian and we look forward to working alongside you and your family during your school years and beyond.

Located in a rural setting, the school’s 140 hectare farm provides for one of the state’s largest public school agricultural facilities. Matthew Gregory, Year 8 Boarder, Ayrshire Calf Day

Once offered enrolment as a boarder, it is expected that you will complete your secondary studies as a residential student.

K.Wratten Principal and C.Castle DP Boarding Tamworth Boarding Schools Expo 2013

School Context Hurlstone Agricultural High School is situated in the suburb of Glenfield on the outskirts of Liverpool in south western Sydney and is part of the Campbelltown Local Government Area. It is in the state electorate of Macquarie Fields and the Federal electorate of Werriwa. The railway line runs across the eastern perimeter and the M5 Motorway runs along the western perimeter. Significant housing development has recently been completed in the area adjacent to the school’s northern boundary, with more on the way. Hurlstone Agricultural High School is one of four state agricultural high schools. It is a selective high school where students compete for a place based on meeting the criteria of the selective high school entrance examination. Provision is made for students from rural and isolated homes and the school has a co-educational boarding section as an integral part of its operation. The school boasts a strong academic focus and many

2013 Ayrshire stud cattle are shown with success at local shows and the Royal Easter Show while the Hereford cross breed stud cattle supply the local meat market and are exhibited at the Dubbo Steer Show each year.

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Merinos and Poll Dorsets make up the sheep flock. The farm also boasts a herd of Boer goats and a piggery where piglets are sold as porkers or baconers depending on local market demand.

History of Hurlstone Hurlstone Agricultural High School has a long history and proud traditions. Hurlstone was established in 1907. It was opened as Hurlstone Agricultural Continuation School on a 27-acre site at Ashfield where Trinity Grammar School now stands. At the time, it was believed that “the establishment of an agricultural school for this period was in vogue since it was considered that the future of Australia lay in her agricultural development”. The name Hurlstone was taken from the Hurlstone School and College, a private school which was opened on the site in 1878 by a Mr. John Kinloch but closed due to financial problems a short time later. Hurlstone was John Kinloch’s mother’s maiden name and he named his school after her as an acknowledgement of the sacrifices she made to educate him.

Pigs on the farm June 2103 There is also a commercial poultry operation consisting of 200 birds in a barn system to supply eggs for the boarding house. A purebred poultry flock is also kept. The school also runs and operates a commercial dairy. The horticulture unit includes shade houses and glass houses produce plants for sale which allows students to learn about propagation techniques and hydroponics. Horticulture produce is used in the school’s dining room. Hurlstone Dairy in Operation 2013

When the school opened in April 1907, the dining room provided seating for 50 and the dormitories accommodation for 38. The initial enrolment was seven boys. By the end of 1907 the numbers had grown to 28 and when the 1908 school year commenced there was an enrolment of 56 of which 38 were boarders. In the early days of its existence, the school was mainly vocational with the boys being trained for work on the land. In 1917, G F Longmuir, BA Dip. Agr. (STC) was appointed Headmaster. By 1918, a further advance was made in the curriculum when French was added. This opened up two avenues of study to the pupils, one leading to University and the other to rural occupations. In 1926 the school was transferred to its current site at Glenfield. It opened on 120 acres of pleasantly undulating country with an enrolment of just under 150 boys in Forms 1 to 3 (equivalent to the current Years 7 to 9).

A further Year was established in 1929 leading to a fifth Year in 1930. As head of the school from 1917 – 1938 Mr. Longmuir was a major influence on the school’s development and tradition. It was also during his administration that the majority of old boys on the school’s Second World War Honor Roll served their time at Hurlstone Agricultural High School.

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Following Mr. Longmuir, Mr. P Hindmarsh was appointed Head and administered the school until the war’s close. He was to be succeeded by Mr. J Mc E King (1946-1953), Mr. C G James (1954-1967), Mr. R W Clarke (1968-1978), Mr. J F White (1979-1982), Mr. G K Wilson (1983-1987) and Mr. R M Kidd (1988-2003) and Ms Kerrie Wratten from (2011-2013) A very significant development in the school’s history was the introduction of co-education in 1979. Although the move was a controversial one which divided the community at the time, there is now no doubt that the change was for the better. Hurlstone found itself in the unique situation of being the only government run selective, co-educational, agricultural, boarding high school in the Sydney metropolitan area and one of only two such schools in NSW.

The boarding school facilities include dormitories and individual rooms for senior students, common rooms, games room, cinema, and a large dining and kitchen complex. The school has wireless computer access for student use within the school. Registered nursing staff are available in the school’s sick bay. The boarding school operation relies on a staff welfare team currently led by the residential deputy principal, two head teachers’ welfare and a team of support staff coordinated by the Duty Staff. Student leadership training is provided and the student role in the operation of the boarding school is significant. Recreation activities are organised for weekday evenings and weekends for boarders and academic tutors support boarding school students with their studies.

The school has steadily grown with many additional buildings being opened over the years. The most recent were a block with further classrooms and a new administration section and boy’s dormitory block in 1989 and a new girl’s dormitory block and sick bay facility in 2000. The school’s agricultural plots have changed in recent times with adjacent Department of Agriculture land and buildings to the North of Roy Watts Road becoming Hurlstone’s in 1991. In exchange, the school’s lower paddocks were sold for redevelopment.

Photograph by Sarah Nesbitt, Year 10 Boarder 2013Vivid Sydney recreation night and cruise

Clarke House 2013

Hurlstone Today The school’s 2013 enrolment remains at approximately 990 students of whom approx. about 100 are boarders. While many changes have occurred over the years, much has stayed the same. The students share a great sense of pride in the school’s history and are committed to maintaining many of its proud traditions. These traditions include the school song and war cry, a love of learning, a belief in the importance of developing public speaking and leadership skills and a commitment to the concept of the Hurlstone family. Student and staff leaders have a strong commitment to maintaining Hurlstone’s sense of history and her sense of future; these combine as the sources of pride and affection for students past and present.

Blue Man Group, Sydney Lyric Theatre 2013, Star City

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Student Welfare and School Rules Supporting our Students and Pastoral Care of Students Boarding students are organised in year groups within their dormitories and receive support and guidance from their dorm monitor, prefects, duty team members, head teachers, nursing staff, senior executive and the school counsellor. The school counsellors are available in the day school 3 days a week for student support and program implementation. Students are able to make an appointment to see the counsellor for support or a friendly chat through the school’s main office or the head teacher’s welfare.

 Student welfare progress reports are provided to parents twice a year in conjunction with the schools yearly and half yearly academic reports. The reports are a formal acknowledgement of student social development and progress in the boarding school.

School Rules The Hurlstone Agricultural High School rules are aimed at promoting socially responsible behaviour. They underpin the school welfare model that strives to support students in successfully engaging in the broader school community. These rules will guide students working, socialising and learning within the broader school, both day and boarding.

A number of student support programs and practices are implemented within the boarding school to promote student health and well being and to cater for each student’s needs. These include:

•

Show respect environment.

for

yourself,

others

and

your

•

Be safe and support others in being safe.

 Weekly Boarder meetings.

•

Be productively engaged in the learning environment.

 Combined regular prefect and staff meetings.

•

Be in the right place at the right time.

 Student Boarder Council meetings.

•

Positively represent your school.

 Leadership training programs.  The development of supportive intervention plans with natural consequences relevant to the circumstance and tailored to meet individual student needs which promote student success and behavioural modifications.  Crime prevention workshops, conducted by the local police school liaison officer explaining society’s rules and laws and to provide advice and support for students as members of the school and wider community.  Anti bullying programs to raise student awareness in recognising bullying behaviours, and to develop strategies to seek assistance, report incidents and be safe.  Year 7 Travel Safe travel training program is conducted during Semester 1

Year 10 Boarder Girls evening out, Back Galley Split Café Camden 2013

 Drug and alcohol educational support and intervention programs, complementing the day school programs, are provided through school counsellor, head teachers welfare, relevant health and specialist personnel.  Health programs and support for students is provided throughout the year by the school counsellor, head teachers welfare, nursing staff and health specialists in the areas of mental health, managing stress, body image and sexual health.  A recreation room and cinema are provided for supervised student usage during free time as well as a reward for displaying socially responsible behaviours.

“Girls night in” School Hall 2013

DEC guidelines for Suspension and Expulsion

Supportive Strategies

The school also follows Department of Education and Communities (DEC) procedures for the Suspension and Expulsion of School Students in the following circumstances:

The following is a guide and is not intended to be prescriptive in the order of support strategies •

Individual meeting with student to identify and discuss issues and to provide support.

•

Head teacher, year advisor meeting with student to identify and discuss issues and to provide support.

•

Establishment of a teacher mentor

•

Working in partnership with and maintaining contact with parent / caregivers in supporting the student

•

Development and implementation of an individual supportive behaviour plan / monitoring program

 Persistent misbehavior

•

 Continued disobedience including the use of alcohol or persistent use of tobacco.

Consultation, advice and supportive intervention from the school counsellor

•

Referral to regional support personnel and/or outside agencies

 Physical violence  Use of or possession of a firearm, prohibited weapon or a knife  Use of or in possession of a suspected illegal substance or supply of a restricted substance  Use of an implement as a weapon or threatening to use a weapon  Serious criminal behavior related to the school

 Aggressive behavior including verbal, written and electronic abuse by SMS, MMS or email. Residential students are also subject to Additional Protocols for Residential Agricultural High Schools (June 2006) regarding behavior or conduct which threatens the safety, health, welfare or wellbeing of other residents or themselves. Parents should ensure they are aware of this policy and its implications. A copy of the document is available on the school web site. Circumstances where these additional protocols apply to residential students include but are not limited to:  Willful damage of school or personal property  Being out of bounds without permission  Intimidation, bullying or harassment of other residents  Substantial sexual misconduct  Theft of the property of other residents or school property  Intruding or facilitating entry into the dormitories of the other sex  Repeated breeches of the rules relating to residential students

Useful websites for adolescent wellbeing www.beyondblue.org.au www.cybersmart.gov.au www.headspace.org.au http://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/ Cheer-o-woka, cheer-o-woka ego hah, Anthrophothoguy, Kings of Hurlstone Warrah, warrah, yah yah yah Cheers for the hoopra, hoopra, hoopra Tap-a-go-yah!

The Hurlstone War Cry

Behaviour Management Plan Red Level Behaviour Monitoring Stages Intervention at this level will be broken into three stages. Hurlstone Agricultural High School Boarding School - Student Information Book

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Stage 1 The duty team leader or head teacher welfare focuses behaviour monitoring on ongoing specific issues where a student displays difficulty in adhering to school rules and/or boarding school procedures. A documented series of situations detailing the students difficulties in meeting boarding school routine and following school rules must be made before a student is monitored at this stage. Stage 2 Head teacher welfare in consultation with the deputy principal focuses behaviour monitoring on issues of behaviour and routine that have not improved from Stage 1 or are of significance in terms of harmonious living in the boarding school. In this case there should exist documented strategies of prior intervention that clearly demonstrates that the student is persistently disobedient in following school rules and/or boarding school routine. Stage 3 The deputy principal in consultation with the head teacher welfare focus behaviour monitoring on students exhibiting continued disobedience at the stage 2 level and/or identified serious issues in relation to the welfare and safety of students and staff.

Living in a Boarding Environment All students living as a member of the Connectedness have the same rights and responsibilities regardless of their age, sex, race or disability, just as family members/ siblings do within a home. As students progress into the senior years they are given more independence and increased levels of leadership and responsibility as leaders of the school community. It is vital that the increase in independence of senior students does not become confused with taking away the rights of other students, placing demands on others or receiving preferential treatment according to age. It is also acknowledged that senior students, due to their level of study and extreme workloads, need quieter areas for study, relaxation time and more physical space.

Living with 100 people, sharing bedrooms, bathrooms and eating areas everyday is a wonderful opportunity to learn about other people and to develop friendships. However it can also be challenging at times, similar to sharing a bedroom with a brother or sister. There are essential personal qualities necessary for every person in the boarding school to exhibit, which will assist them to become a successful, safe and resilient individual. All students need to bring with them patience, tolerance, understanding, empathy and an acceptance of difference. Good listening skills and an ability to negotiate and solve problems are also advantageous. It helps if you have an understanding of what makes you angry or upset. You can then develop strategies that will help you feel better such as going for a walk, listening to music, reading, talking to a friend or ringing home.

You EARN respect by how you live, NOT by what you demand.

Year 11 Boarder Girls, Jaime Olivers' Italian Restaurant 2013

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Privacy and Personal Space All students have a right to privacy and personal space. Students and staff are asked to respect your privacy and follow the basic practices of knocking to announce themselves before entering a bedroom. You should also seek another student’s permission before entering his/her personal area within a dormitory. Dorms: Juniors not in Seniors Rooms/ Blocks. Seniors not in Juniors Rooms/ Blocks.

 Shoe polishing equipment  Other Clothing  4 to 6 sets of casual clothing appropriate for the season  A set of sporting clothes or older clothing for physical or outdoor activities  1 or 2 good casual outfits – boys will need tie, shirt and long trousers (casual not formal) for formal dinners, girls will need a smart outfit  Underwear, at least 7 sets, and casual socks

Personal Hygiene

 3 sets of sleepwear

To ensure adequate levels of hygiene both personally and within the school, students are required to:

Swimming Pool and Beach Needs

 Shower twice daily and wash hands after toileting and before meals

 Hat

 Use antiperspirant deodorant – roll on only  Brush teeth at least twice daily

 Swimming costume and Beach towel

 Sunscreen

Shoes

 Hang your towel up to dry each day after showering

 Thongs, slippers, joggers, dress shoes and casual covered in shoes for mufti days

 Wash towels and clothing regularly – including ironing

Linen

 Wash sheets and pillowcase on a weekly basis  Students should not sleep in underwear.

Showering Students are expected to walk to and from bathrooms covered appropriately to avoid causing discomfort or embarrassment to others.

Boarder Student – Clothing and Personal Requirements Students will need to bring the following items to the boarding school: Please ensure that all personal items are clearly labeled with the student’s name. It is suggested that you consider having electrical items engraved for increased security.  Full school uniform (at least 3 sets), sport uniform, school jumper, jacket or blazer, school hat (compulsory for PE and Agriculture), school shoes and sport shoes, school socks (4 or 5 pairs)  School tracksuit or school tracksuit pants and sports jersey as well as school sports shorts and school sport polo shirt  School bag, books, stationery and other course requirements

 3 bath towels  4 single sheets (2 fitted)  Pillow  2 pillowcases  Doona (quilt) and covers and / or blankets

Toiletries  Shampoo, conditioner, brush, comb, soap, antiperspirant deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, personal hygiene items, nail scissors, tweezers, needle and cotton, nail file, sunscreen, aeroguard and prescribed medications. (Aerosol cans are not permitted. It is a Department of Education rule that such items must be confiscated and not returned)

Laundry Needs Laundry can be taken to our school laundry set up, located next to sick bay, students can drop their laundry off in the morning after breakfast and pick it up at the end of school. Alternatively students can do their own laundry Students who wash their own clothes in either the main laundry building or in one of the smaller senior laundry areas located in allocated bathroom areas. It is beneficial if students know how to operate an automatic washing machine, hang clothes on a clothesline and operate a clothes dryer prior to attending boarding school. In dry weather, students are encouraged to use the clotheslines. Wet washing is not to be hung in dormitory areas or over fans, heaters, out of windows or on railings.

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 Laundry bag, washing powder, stain remover, pegs, clothes hangers and a bucket for rinsing clothes  Although the school supplies one iron per dormitory area, many students have found having their own iron is useful and convenient

Other Personal Items  Alarm clock / clock radio (refer to paragraph on electrical items), personal photos, cards, games, novels and books  Framed print/s paintings or posters to personalise your area  Two or three strong padlocks with two keys each for personal security. Combination locks are handy. One key should be placed on a padlock with your name and given to the duty room in case you lose your key.  The school’s uniform shop sells the school uniform and sport uniform as well as embroidered name tags in the colour and font of your choice. These tags are delivered a week after the order is placed. They do not wear out and decrease the risk of property being lost

Contraband Items  Televisions are available in common rooms. They are not allowed in dormitories as they can keep students awake after lights out and are a potential fire and trip hazard

made on medical grounds supported in writing by a doctor. Students who have fridges must not allow their use by other students. They will be inspected by staff on a regular basis. Student who require a fridge in their room will incur a cost of $100 p.a.  Microwaves, toasters and other cooking equipment are forbidden in student rooms as they create unacceptable mess and a fire hazard in sleeping areas  Air conditioners are also unacceptable as they are noisy and disturb the sleep of other students  Dormitories are heated in winter. Other heaters are not acceptable as they pose a potential fire hazard in dormitory accommodation  Knives, weapons and laser pointers are not allowed on the school grounds  Replica guns / cap guns etc. are not allowed on the school grounds.

Out of Bounds A number of areas are out of bounds to students. These include:  The farm north area unless with written permission from the head teacher agriculture and only after the duty room has been informed on each visit  The farm south area unless cross country running and only if more than one student involved and the duty room is informed each time  The pool unless duty staff are present  Dormitories during school hours without permission from a head teacher welfare or deputy principal.  Darkened areas at night away from dormitory blocks  Leaving the school premises unless on leave  Dormitory buildings of the opposite sex at any time

 Refrigerators are also available in common rooms and are only allowed in senior student rooms if a request is

Photography by Greg Pitt

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General Information for Students and Parents Assembly – Boarding school

Mobile Phones

There is one formal assembly held for boarding students each term conducted by the boarding school prefects in the school hall. The assemblies are preceded by a formal dinner.

Students are able to have mobile phones at school as long as their use complies with the School’s BYOD policy. Mobile phone use is appropriate during student free time; however, they must not be used during classes, prep, meal times or after lights out. Student mobile phone numbers should also be provided to the duty room and are then recorded in the student database.

The assemblies have been organised to further promote school pride, facilitate effective communication and to recognise and reward student progress and achievements within the boarding school.

Ball Games All ball games must be played outdoors and well away from buildings and windows .Never inside Dorm Buildings, Retrieval of balls or other sporting implements from trees or roof areas must only be conducted by school maintenance personnel. Golf or golf practice is not permitted within the school grounds.

Phone Calls Messages for boarders are taken by the Boarding administration and support team and passed on to the students as quickly as practical. Appropriate times for incoming calls for boarding students are as follows. Weekdays

Weekends

7.15 - 7.50am

9.30 am- 12.30pm

Bicycles, Skateboards and Rollerblades

3.00 - 5.30pm

1.00 - 5.10pm

Students are permitted to use bicycles, skateboards and rollerblades within the school providing a helmet is worn. For safety reasons all students must be in the company of another student at all times when skateboarding or rollerblading.

6.30 - 7.00pm

6.00 - 8.45pm Years 7-8

8.45 – 9.00 Years 7-8

6.00 – 9.15 Years 9-10

8.45 - 9.15pm Years 9-10

9.15 - 10 .00pm Yrs 11-12

All bikes are to be stored in the locked bike room under B Block. Access to the bike room is available via the duty room.

Boarder Entertainment A contribution of $360 per student is payable to the school each year to support boarder entertainment and recreation activities. Boarder entertainment funds are utilised to support or purchase sporting and recreational equipment, cultural activities, excursions and outings. If a year group has money unspent at the end of a year, it will be rolled over into the next calendar year.

Communication between Students and Home Email All students have a personal email account at the school. This account is served by the Department of Education allowing content control and increased protection against cyber bullying.

Mail A student mail list is prepared each day by the clerical staff and it is posted on the duty room notice board. Students can collect mail from the duty room. All mail and parcels must be signed for by students. Students may leave mail for posting at the box near the main office or take their mail after school to Glenfield Post Office, following the normal procedures for going over the line.

Faxes Student personal fax messages are treated as received mail and recorded on the notice board to be collected along with other mail; unless it is urgent, in which case the student will be contacted immediately. Parents are asked not to send homework information or other non essential material to students by fax.

9.15 - 10.00pm Years 11-12

News from home Parents and other family members are encouraged to contact students. However, when things go wrong it can be very difficult for a young person who is a long way from home to receive upsetting news on the phone. Parents who need to give students news that may upset them are encouraged to contact either the head teacher welfare or the deputy principal prior to speaking to their child so that we can ensure that the child has appropriate support from staff or friends when receiving this news.

Drugs and Alcohol The possession of non-prescribed drugs, drug-related implements, smoking, or taking an illegal drug, is against the law and school rules. The school is obliged by the New South Wales Department of Education and Communities to report such illegalities to the police (as well as to Regional Office). The principal or deputy principal will carry this out. Students found to be in the possession of or consuming alcohol on the school premises or smoking within dormitory buildings are suspended. Students are disciplined in accordance with Department of Education and Training policy Additional Suspension Protocols for Residential Agricultural High Schools (June 2006). In consultation with the Boarder Parent Welfare Group, parents from this committee have agreed to continue to support nursing staff in their efforts to ascertain a child’s health needs. At times the school’s breath testing unit and or saliva drug testing kit may be used. If this is after

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sickbay hours, a trained member of the duty team may administer this test. This test will only be used if the nurse or duty team leader has reasonable suspicion that alcohol has been consumed. Any reading from this test will enable us to determine immediately if the child is in need of medical attention. Parent permission for their child to be breath and or drug tested comes in two forms: the first is a signature in Residency Agreement Booklet, the other will be verbal when the nurse or team leader telephones you for permission before the test is administered, The procedure used for breath and or drug testing has been negotiated with and advised by the NSW Police Force.

Medications Student medication, including non prescription medications must be stored and administered in sick bay unless self administration of such medication is part of a negotiated health care plan with sick bay staff. Students who are asthmatic, diabetic or who have anaphylactic reactions are permitted to keep their medications with them; however an additional supply should also be kept at sick bay. (See section School Policies and Procedures – Medical and Medication)

Electrical Items

closers and door handles are all considered vital safety equipment and must always be in full working condition. Any damage to this equipment must be reported immediately to the duty room for immediate action and repair. Deliberate tampering or interfering with safety equipment is a criminal offence and will be treated as such.

Fire Hazards Candles, oil burners, incense and mosquito coils are fire hazards and are NOT to be used in the boarding school. Cooking is not permitted in dormitories at any time and the use of aerosol deodorants and toiletries is not permitted. Certain electrical items such as heaters and televisions are not permitted in dormitories as they pose a fire risk.

Food Due to health and fire regulations, students are not permitted to prepare food in dormitories or in individual rooms at any time. Food preparation must take place in common rooms using microwaves, toasters or sandwich makers. Students are expected to clean up appropriately afterwards and store all unused food in sealed containers at all times.

Due to WHS requirements, all electrical items brought into the school must be tested and tagged with the tagging clearly displayed on the cord. Tagging is current for a 12 month period and all equipment must be retested after this period.

Footwear

Testing and Tagging will be organised at the beginning of Term 1 and parents will be invoiced accordingly. Any items not tested and tagged at this time will have to be organised by individuals prior to coming into the school. Items that are not tested and tagged must be removed from student use.

Accidental damage or breakages to school property or equipment needs to be reported immediately to the duty room for prompt repair. The school will meet the costs of accidental damage with no consequences to students when reported. Student offers of restitution will always be warmly accepted. A damage fee of $150 per annum has been set in conjunction with the Boarder Parent Welfare Support Committee, School Council and Finance Committee. Strict guidelines will be followed and if this money is not called upon it will roll over to the next year for the individual student. Ideally, that money will not be called upon and it will be fully refunded when the student departs our happy environment. We want students to respect their surroundings and facilities and in this way everyone benefits.

Electrical items such as fans, irons, hair straighteners and stereo equipment should be turned off when students are out of dormitories.

Emergencies, Lockdown and Evacuations Evacuation procedures are regularly reviewed and practiced within the boarding school sometimes with warning and other times without. All students are trained in evacuation procedures and must respond promptly to all alarms following the school procedures.

Energy Conservation Students are asked to turn off electrical equipment when not in use. The boarding school aims to save resources – students are asked to help by switching off heating, lighting, radios and fans when leaving rooms, dormitories and common rooms. As part of the school’s efforts to conserve natural resources, every effort to save water is encouraged. Students are requested to have shorter showers and ensure taps are turned off properly.

Fire Safety Equipment Alarms, screamers, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit signs, smoke detectors, door

Students must have appropriate footwear on at all times when outside dormitory blocks. Fully enclosed shoes are required to be worn in all farm areas.

Maintenance and Breakages

Notification and / or requests for maintenance and repairs to dormitories, buildings or equipment needs to be advised to duty staff who can transmit such requests electronically via the boarder database to the services manager.

Money Students are asked to keep only small amounts of money with them for personal use. There is an ATM machine in Glenfield shopping centre. Glenfield Post Office also provides ATM facilities. Students should not have large amounts of money at school. There are facilities available in the boarding administration office, for large amounts of money a boarder sometimes have. The Registrar’s Office, in the Duty Room now has facilities to enable parents to pay school bills by EFTPOS.

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Fees Boarding fees are due in week 1 of each Term.

class. All of our show teams emerge from this training program.

The Boarding Administration Team can be contacted on the numbers at the front of this booklet to organise payments.

Music Lessons Music lessons are available for interested students. Students need to register their interest with the music staff at the beginning of the year. Practice rooms for piano and other instruments are available for student use and bookings are made via the duty room. Instruments may be available for hire from the music department.

Tutors A number of ex-students are available to provide private paid tuition to boarding students at the cost of $25 per hour. Parents interested in employing the services of such tutors are advised to contact Head Teacher Welfare Boys, through the duty room, who will make the necessary

Police During the year the School Liaison Officer from Macquarie Fields police station is invited to the school to talk to students about aspects of the law that affect young people. They conduct Crime Prevention workshops appropriate to each year group. The Youth Liaison Officer at Macquarie Fields police station also assists staff with advice on matters affecting our students.

Posters Students may have posters on the walls in their area of the dormitory. Posters that are considered by staff to be offensive, inappropriate or in poor taste are not permitted. Posters that advertise cigarettes, alcohol, or any other drugs are not permitted under Department of Education and Communities guidelines. It is requested that posters are placed on walls with blu-tac not sticky tape. Other items such as glasses, clothes, doona covers etc that advertise such products are also forbidden.

Pool Lawn This is available for students to play touch football, soccer, volleyball, badminton and other recreation activities.

arrangements after parents have submitted the request form found in appendix C of this booklet.

Videos and DVDs Students are permitted to bring videos, DVDs, X Box and Sony PS2 games from home to use in their common rooms or games room provided the following guidelines are met. With regard to movies or games the following restrictions apply. Years 7-9. G and PG rated only. Year 10. G, PG and M rated. Years 11-12. G, PG, M, and MA rated.

If a ball or other property lands on a roof or in a tree students should refer it to the duty room for possible retrieval by maintenance staff. Staff cannot give students permission to climb on roof tops or trees. This is a safety issue.

No students may watch or use R rated games or movies under any circumstances regardless of whether the audience is 18 years of age or not. If students are unsure of a DVD or computer games rating they should check with duty staff or the head teacher welfare. The rating must be shown on the packaging. Illegally copied games or DVD’s are not allowed on the school premises.

Rural Youth

Visitors to the Boarding School

This is an outstanding Leadership Program and through this students develop attitudes and skills that are first

To meet the requirements of the school evacuation plan and school security procedures all visitors, including parents, must report to the duty room out of school hours

Roof Tops and Trees

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or to the administration office during school hours upon arrival. Please sign in to obtain a visitor’s pass/badge and remember to inform the duty room when you are leaving. There is a sign on and off book at the duty room desk for parents and visitors. Hurlstone day students are welcome to visit and be involved in after school or weekend activities with their friends within the boarding school. As a visitor to the boarding school they need to sign in and out at the duty room upon arrival and departure. Any request for an afternoon or overnight stay must be in writing to the head teacher welfare at least 24 hours in advance stating emergency contact details and any relevant medical information

School Facilities Accommodation Student accommodation in the boarding school is available in dormitory style rooms accommodating up to 5 students, single rooms, twin share rooms and dormitory cubicles. Dormitory monitors are accommodated in an individual room within each dormitory. Single and twin shared rooms are also available and are generally allocated to Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students according to availability and individual student needs.

responsible for cleaning up after themselves and contributing to the general clean up roster.

Duty Room and Boarding Administration Office The duty room is located at the front of A block near the swimming pool and is the administrative base of the boarding school. All students returning from leave must report to the duty room. Three computers are in the duty room for student access for email and printing. The duty room is open from 7:00am - 11.00pm on weekdays and 7.30am to 11.00pm on weekends, with the exception of meal times. A member of the duty team is located in the duty room during these times. The duty room is open for student access before breakfast, and after school. The head teacher’s welfare are located in offices within the duty room building. The room on the left of the stairs at the duty room entry is accessible to parents for refreshments when visiting students. It is also available for students accessing early breakfast on weekends due to sporting commitments.

All student dormitory areas are equipped with a bed, mattress, desk, lamp or desk light (in shared rooms), wardrobe and chair. A number of baggage rooms are also available for student use. All items placed in these baggage rooms must be clearly labelled with the student’s name and taken home at the end of each school year.

Canteens The school canteen is open before school, at recess and lunch for boarders as well as day students. While the canteen does not extend credit, parents may deposit money into a canteen account for their child to allow their child to make purchases without cash.

Common Rooms Separate male and female common rooms are available within each dormitory block for both junior and senior students. A co-educational common room is located at the dining room end of B block and is available to Year 12 students. It is air conditioned and contains a surround sound TV system with Foxtel.

Farm The school has a large farm positioned on either side of the boarding school. Student access to the farm must only take place under direct staff supervision or with written permission from the head teacher agriculture and notification provided to the duty room. Many boarding students are involved in daily farm activities organised through the school’s Rural Youth group.

Games Room / Cinema This space is currently being renovated however a surround sound tiered cinema and lecture theatre is available. The facility is used as part of the recreation program within the boarding school for scheduled events on afternoons and for activities on weekends.

Library The school library is open for student from 8.30am until 5.15pm, then 7pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Thursday and until 4.00 pm on Friday, during Prep time. Students are expected to behave in the library in an appropriate manner, working or reading quietly. The library is also available to complete early prep if a student is not attending prep at night due to a recreation or year group activity. Common rooms are available during free time and are utilised for weekly year meetings and student passive recreational activities such as watching television, playing cards, board games and preparing snacks. Each common room is equipped with a TV, DVD player, refrigerator, microwave, hot water and toaster. Students are

Parent Accommodation There is limited accommodation available on site for parents at South House and in smaller units known as "Pizza Huts" and “chookhuts.” Booking are essential and should be made in advance by contacting the Boarding

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administrative staff during school hours. Accommodation includes dining room meals, linen and towels. Students are not permitted to stay in this accommodation with parents. Costs associated are confirmed when contacting the school.

Sick Bay Sick bay is staffed by registered nurses and is equipped with hospital style beds and bathroom facilities. The nurse on duty advises parents if their child is admitted to sick bay or sent for medical treatment. Sick bay is open from 8am to 11.00pm.

Medical Information Parents together with their health care professionals must complete the Student Medical Information paperwork and submit this to the school prior to the student taking up residence. Medical plans may change and have to be reviewed based on circumstance. Should this be the case, a new Student Medical Information form must be lodged with the school. While every effort is made to provide first aid and Registered Nursing staff, there may be times when your child’s condition is more serious and specialist

care is required. This may involve an absence from the Boarding School to seek out more appropriate sources of care. Registered Nursing staff will be on duty in sickbay from 7am–11pm Monday through Sunday, students may seek first aid at the Administration Office.

Sport Facilities The following school facilities are available for student access with notification and / or permission via the duty room. Football Field Outdoor Volleyball Courts Basketball courts Cricket nets Netball Courts Tennis courts Cross Country Track Swimming Pool

Bed Inspection Procedures

School Policies and Procedures Access to Dormitories during School Hours Students are unable to access the dormitories during school hours and need to ensure that they have all necessary items required for their classes in the day school before morning departure. In exceptional circumstances students are requested to contact a head teacher welfare or deputy principal for authority to enter dorms.

Bed Inspection (BI) takes place prior to breakfast each morning and is conducted by staff. Dorm monitors and prefects are available to monitor and support younger students experiencing difficulties with BI or getting out of bed in time. Students who fail BI in the morning are required to undergo a second BI where the staff member will supervise them cleaning their room to a satisfactory standard. Being ready for BI means that students…  are out of bed with their bed made.  are showered, hair and teeth brushed, dressed for school in a clean, neatly presented full school uniform.  shoes are polished and their school bag is packed.  cupboards, drawers and desks are clean and tidy.  items are stored neatly in baggage rooms or bed under shelves where available.  clothing is in its appropriate place, neatly folded, and hung up or in laundry bag.  electrical items are switched off.  dormitory area, common rooms, corridors and verandahs are clear of rubbish and are tidy  are waiting quietly in their area

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Closed Weekends One weekend each term are designated as ‘closed’ weekends. On these weekends all students must leave the school. NSW Trains travel is organised for the majority of students traveling home and departing from the school on Friday morning. Rail bookings are made for students who live in areas not serviced by the coaches. All travel arrangements are made on application through the Boarding School administration team. Students are able to return to school on the Sunday afternoon (or Monday of a long weekend) after 3:00pm. No supervision is available prior to this time. Students living within the metropolitan area or within a reasonably close distance to the school are required to attend school on the Friday and depart for home at the conclusion of the school day. Unless exceptional circumstances exist, which have been communicated to the head teacher welfare all students should leave the school by 4:00 pm on the Friday of each closed weekend.

Dining Room and Kitchen Procedures Students must attend all meals. On weekends Year 12 students are able to access breakfast in their common room and must attend the duty room by 10:00am for a roll check. Meal times are as follows, however they may be subject to change. Weekdays

Weekends

Breakfast

7.55 am

9.00 am

Lunch

As per school bell

12.40 pm

Dinner

5.45 pm

5.30 pm

Morning and afternoon snacks along with supper are also provided. Students move to their tables upon arrival. Information is communicated by the duty team leader. Students are then invited to obtain their meals in year groupings. Students are responsible for clearing their table, placing scraps and rubbish in bins and returning their plate and cutlery to the trolleys provided. All students must remain in the dining room for a minimum of 20 mins from the commencement of meals and are dismissed by the duty team after this time. Note. Due to WHS regulations students are not permitted to enter the kitchen area of the dining room at any time. Wednesday Lunch. To facilitate school sport commitments lunch on Wednesdays is collected from the dining room by students at the designated lunch time and eaten in day school areas. Early Breakfast is available to students from 7:30am in the dining room if required. Prior notification is required by students who must sign the register on arrival in the dining room.

Dress Standards Students must wear school uniform at breakfast and lunch on school days. Neat casual clothes must be worn at all other times. Shoestring straps, bare midriffs, shearer vests or dirty or torn clothing are not allowed in the dining room for any meal.

Election Procedures for Boarder Council Elections for the Boarder Council are held early each year. Each year group is able to elect representatives based on the number of students in that year group. Meetings are held twice a month.

Boarding School Prefects Prefect elections are held in Term 2. All residential students and staff vote in the elections. The prefects meet with senior boarding staff twice a month.

Fire Alarm Procedures In the event of a fire alarm all students are required to quickly and orderly evacuate the buildings via their nearest exit and proceed to their evacuation areas for a roll call. All students are to remain at their assembly areas until the buildings are declared safe by the fire brigade. The evacuation point for all boys is the pool area where they sit in designated areas for their year groups. The evacuation point for all girls is classroom CR1/2.

Medical and Health Procedures for Students Accidents, injuries or illness In the event of an accident, injury or illness students should be taken or go directly to sick bay for assessment and administration of first aid by the nursing staff. The nursing staff will determine when a student needs further medical attention and will make necessary arrangements and notify parents. A staff member will always accompany students to hospital and in some cases to a medical centre. Students who have been injured as a result of an accident at school or during a school activity are required to complete an accident report.

Medical Information and Health Care Plans Parents are asked to complete a student medical information form at the beginning of each year. Students identified as having a medical condition which may require intervention will also need to have a Health Care Plan completed in consultation with a doctor or health care professional and returned to the school. Parents are asked to notify the school as soon as possible of any new medical concerns.

Medication Student medication, including non prescription medications must be stored and administered in sick bay unless self administration of such medication is part of a negotiated health care plan with sick bay staff. Students who are asthmatic, diabetic or who have anaphylactic reactions are permitted to keep their medications with them; however an additional supply should also be kept at sick bay.

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Chemist Accounts Chemist accounts for student medical needs are arranged through sick bay.

Medicare Card A Medicare card is essential for all students as it needs to be presented for all medical appointments.

Motor Vehicles - Student Use The use of motor vehicles by students is strictly limited to Year 12 students only. Year 12 students may seek approval of the deputy principal to garage a motor vehicle in a fenced compound within the school grounds. A $200 bond is payable on approval and students will be given permission to drive their vehicle to and from their place of residence only. Cars must be parked in the fenced compound designated for student parking, and the keys kept in the duty room key press. Students arriving back from or departing for leave are able to collect the compound key from the duty room and return it when their car is parked or driven out. The use of the vehicles is strictly policed. Students are issued with a set of guidelines and co-sign an agreement with their parents for car usage. Passengers can only be allowed if parents agree in writing. Students may only drive cars to school and back home.

Quality Control Procedures – Dining room There are two quality control books in the kitchen supervisor’s office. One is for problems associated with the dining room such as food etc. The other is for concerns about cleaning dorms, common rooms etc.

Students are NOT permitted to travel in other students cars unless their parents write explicitly to the principal requesting permission. The parents of the students both driver and passenger must apply in writing for this permission. Permission is required for every new vehicle trip and leave application.

Work Health and Safety Hurlstone is committed to protecting the health and safety of all students and staff. The school management consults with staff and students in implementing safe practices and systems that ensure the health, safety and welfare of all students and employees.

Overnight Supervision Overnight student supervision is provided by a security guard who work during the hours between 11:00pm and 7:00am -7.30am weekends.

Prep (Homework - Study Time) Prep consists of homework, assignments and preparation for school the next day, revision of past work and study for exams. If all of these have been completed each night students are expected to read a novel for the remainder of the session. Year 7 – 10 prep is conducted in the dining room and library. Year 11 and Year 12 students study in their own rooms. Year 7 - 10 students have compulsory preparation study, 7.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. each weeknight. Year 10 also have optional late prep until 10.00pm, year 11 students until 10.45pm and year 12 students may conclude prep at their own discretion. Late prep for Years 10-12 is conducted in the students’ rooms. Late prep involves individual study or research activity.

Security Students are required to keep doors unlocked when inside their room due to fire safety requirements. Senior students in individual rooms should lock the doors of their rooms when they leave to prevent possible incidents of theft. Valuables should be locked inside cupboards at all times. Students should ensure all their possessions are clearly labelled with their name and should report any missing items immediately using the appropriate form available in the duty room. Students can now purchase an individual barrel and key for their door. Such key requests can be made with the Services Manager in administration and paid for at a cost of $30, with $10 refund upon return, payable at the Accounts Office. If the student looses the key, the student will be responsible for the payment of a replacement key.

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School uniform and expected standard of dress in the boarding school Summer uniform is to be worn to school during terms 1 and 4. Winter uniform is to be worn during terms 2 and 3. Students must be in full school uniform every day. Students not in uniform must obtain an “out of uniform” pass from the head teacher administration before roll call begins. Uniforms need to be clean and pressed, shoes polished and shirts tucked in at all times.

Parents / other adults are required to present photo identification at the duty room and arrange this leave with the staff on duty, signing the form provided. Students must be collected in person for surprise leave and will not be permitted to travel to meet parents / other adults.

Student dress at other times needs to be clean, respectable and appropriate. Night attire is not suitable as day wear or worn in the dining room. Students need to have footwear on at all times when outdoors.

Surprise leave, when not with a parent, is for a maximum of 4 hours and students should be returned to school at least 30 minutes before their scheduled lights out time to avoid disturbing others. For leave in excess of 4 hours a duty team member will contact parents for confirmation. In the event of parents being unavailable leave will only be approved for the 4 hour period.

Leave Policy

Over the Line Leave

Before leave is granted for all students, a leave form must be completed and returned to the school by parents / guardians. Weekend should be returned to the school by 12 noon on the Wednesday prior to the weekend leave requested. This will enable leave to be approved and processed so that the boarding school has an indication of students who will be in the boarding school over the weekend. For all other leave, please ensure that it is submitted at least 24 hours in advance. Students must confirm their leave with duty room staff before they leave the school premises. This cannot be done during the school day.

Students are permitted to go to the local shops in Glenfield at specified times on weekdays and weekends if their parents indicate this on their leave sheets at the start of the year. All students must have their name and departure time recorded by staff in the duty room before leaving to go over the line. All students must report to the duty room in person on their return and have their return time recorded by staff in the duty room.

When completing the form, please complete all sections with appropriate detail. Some important features:  Reason for leave: please supply detail of why the leave is being applied for. If this involves leave from the day school, it should only be for serious family or medical reasons (for non ‘emergency’ medical/dental appointments, please ensure that these are scheduled out of school hours).  Destination: Please be specific about the destination. An example of this is for students travelling ‘home’ when the parents do not reside at the same address – please provide more specific information.  Student will be travelling with: Where it asks for the names of students your child is travelling with, please supply their full name. This allows us to check that leave has been requested by all parties who are travelling.

Regular Leave This is leave that occurs at the same time every week and can include sports training, dance classes, and tutoring. Regular leave can be pre-arranged by parents at the start of each term by providing details in writing to the duty room on the form provided. Regular leave must be renewed at the start of each term and any variations must be made in writing by parents.

Students in years 7 to 10 can spend a maximum of 30 minutes over the line and must go in pairs. Students in years 11 and 12 can spend a maximum of 45 minutes over the line and are advised not to go alone. On weekdays, students in years 7 to 10 must depart between 3.00pm and 3.30pm and return by 4.00 pm and students in years 11 and 12 must return by 5.00 pm. On weekends, times will be advised by the staff on duty.

LEAVE BREACHES The school discipline policy will be followed in the event of students failing to follow leave procedures or for providing false leave information.

Leave during School Hours The Education Act requires that students attend school on all days that the school is open. Therefore, no leave will be approved during school hours unless there is a family emergency or serious medical need. Leave during school hours can only be approved by the deputy principal or principal. This includes the day preceding closed weekends and the conclusion of each term. Principal approved leave will only be granted if students are required to travel long distances and no other suitable travel arrangements can be made. Principal approved leave will be granted for students utilising school organised Countrylink travel. All medical appointments should be scheduled after school hours and should be arranged following the normal afternoon leave procedures.

Surprise Leave Parents can surprise their child by taking them out without notice at any time outside school hours. Parents should provide a list of other adults that can take their child out on surprise leave on the form provided. Hurlstone Agricultural High School Boarding School - Student Information Book

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Unscheduled Staff Supervised Outings / Activities On occasion, staff members may organise to take students to local shops or markets for a short period of time for the purpose of school shopping, student shopping or other boarding school business, or may also include the opportunity to attend local gymnasiums or sports facilities. This type of outing will involve travelling by school or private staff vehicle and will be to one of the following locations:

Beach trips Local Shopping Centre’s Local Swimming Centre’s Homebush Aquatic Centre Sydney Olympic Park Factory Outlets Local Cinema Darling Harbour Local restaurants Trampolining

Liverpool

Glenfield

Carnes Hill

Glenquarie

Casula

Campbelltown

Parental consent for these outings is provided on the parental permission form provided.

Ingleburn

Minto

Leppington Markets

Afternoon and Weekend Leave

Local Gymnasium

Macarthur Square

Liverpool Markets

Fast Food Outlets

Factory Outlets

Sara Lee

Parental consent for these outings is provided on the parental permission form provided at the start of each year.

Boarding School Excursions / Outings Boarding school personnel will organise and supervise a variety of excursions throughout the year as part of the school recreation program for boarding students. These outings will be arranged in accordance with the Department of Education and Training’s Excursion Policy and will be authorised by the Deputy Principal or Principal. The excursions will involve travel by a variety of means according to the destination and may include travel by school vehicle, bus, private vehicle or public transport. These activities may include: Ice Skating Paddy’s Markets Leppington Markets Local Markets

All weekend leave applications must be submitted to the duty room by Wednesday lunchtime. Applications for weekday afternoon leave must be made 24 hours in advance. Every leave application requires written authority by fax, email or letter from the student’s parent or guardian on the form provided for this purpose. A secure email version will be in place soon. Unless accompanied by an adult, students must return to school by 5:30 pm for dinner. Duty staff complete active duty and close the duty room at 11pm. Students who cannot return to school before this time should make alternative arrangements. Afternoon leave for students is limited to once per week.

YEAR 12 – Wednesday Sport Afternoon Leave As most Year 12 students are not involved in Wednesday afternoon sport they are normally dismissed at the conclusion of period 3. Day students are then able to leave the school grounds to travel home. Year 12 boarding students are able to return to their rooms for independent study or are able to apply for leave to attend local libraries or shops to obtain necessary resources. Applications for Wednesday afternoon leave must be made 24 hours in advance by students. Students must return to school by 5:30 pm for dinner. This leave is in addition to the afternoon leave limit of once per week.

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Communication between School and Student’s families Parent / family / emergency contact details Parents are requested to ensure that all family and emergency contact details are kept up to date at all times. Please contact the boarder administration office, duty room and day school office to update information as necessary.

Whom do you Contact? With day school matters first contact the classroom teacher. If further information is needed contact the relevant head teachers or coordinators listed below. Curriculum Domain  Ms. Young

English, Drama

 Mr. J. Dillon

Mathematics

 Dr. R. Morante

Science

 Mr. J. Gippel

HSIE

 Ms. K. Johnston

Agriculture

 Ms. K. Browne

TAS & Music

 Mr. B. Wilson

PDHPE, Visual Arts

 Mr. A. Wilson

Sport Coordinator

 Mr. R. Craig

Technology

 Mr. D. Geerling (rel)

LOTE, ESL, GAT and library

Welfare / Support Domain - Day School  A team of 7 individuals oversee student welfare needs and programs in the day school  Ms. K. Langhorne and Ms T Rosenbaum

School Counsellors

 Mr. R. Craig

Uniform, Attendance

 Mr. P. Hancock

Welfare, Grievance, Anti-discrimination, anti-racism

 Ms. T. Ejsak

Careers Advisor

Boarding School Domain 

Mr. R. Purves

Head Teacher Welfare Boys



Ms. R. West

Head Teacher Welfare Girl

Phone calls: Ideally, staff will be available to respond to calls as they are received. Where a particular staff member is not available, duty staff will seek out further information as to the nature of the enquiry so as to ascertain if someone else could respond.

E-mails: This electronic system is not as efficient as the telephone, especially when dealing with matters of an urgent nature. For non-urgent matters, the e-mail facility may be used. It is recommended that for general matters the school e-mail address be used: [email protected]

Allegations and Complaints: All allegations/complaints will be reviewed promptly and in accord with the requirements of the Complaints handling DEC policy. This policy provides a framework for addressing concerns, improving service and preventing further problems.

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Travel Arrangements Travel Passes Student travel is coordinated Boarder administration team. Most students are entitled to free travel to and from their home via NSW Trains and are issued with a Weekend / Vacation Boarder Pass. Application forms for these passes are available from the school and should be completed on Orientation Day. To be eligible for such a pass students must be a resident of New South Wales. Students whose permanent home is in the ACT or another state are not entitled to this pass. The pass is used for weekend and end of term travel home and return to school in New South Wales only. It cannot be used for activities such as school excursions, sport and work experience. Travel must be by the shortest and most economical approved route between the student’s home and the school. It is only available from the rail station or NSW Trains coach stop closest to the student’s home and school. Journeys can not be broken. Students whose parents have joint custody must obtain a statutory declaration from both parents indicating the custody arrangements in relation to transport to cover both residences. Travel to destinations other than home must be paid for by the student or parents. This can sometimes be quite expensive. Students must carry their rail passes with them at all times whilst traveling between school and home. A new application form must be filled out if they change their address. Lost, stolen or damaged passes may be replaced at a cost. Application forms for replacement passes are available in the Boarder administration office.

 In addition to two pieces of checked in luggage, passengers can take one piece of hand luggage on board the coach. Such hand luggage must not exceed 38cm in height, 35cm in length, and 23cm in width. Hand luggage on board the coach must be stowed under the seat. Note that NSW Trains makes no special arrangements for Y12 HSC students taking extra books home. There is limited space on all NSW Trains services for checked in luggage. NSW trains reserves the right to limit the acceptance of checked luggage at any time.

Travel Fraud Students may only travel using their own travel pass to their home destination as incorrect use may result in the cancellation of student passes resulting in all future travel being at full cost.

Baggage Allowance on Coaches and Trains NSW trains ticketing rules indicate:  Suitcases must weigh less than 20 kg.  Two pieces of luggage are permitted per ticketed passenger.  Luggage must not exceed 60cm in height, 70cm in length and 50cm in width.  Candy striped bags are only accepted if they are of medium size, contain clothing and soft items and do not exceed 15kg.

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Student Routines WEEKDAYS 7.00am

Students wake up and shower

7.30am

Student areas or rooms checked by staff

7.50am

Breakfast

8.20am

Students move to school

Noon to 12.45pm

Lunch starts depending on school cycle day

2.55pm

School finishes – leisure time for students

5.00 – 5.45pm

Students shower and dress for dinner

5.45pm

Dinner

7.00pm

Prep – study and homework

8.30pm

Supper

9.00pm

Y7-8 bedtime

9.30pm

Y9 bedtime - Late prep commences for Y10-12

10.15pm

Y10 bedtime (10.45 on Friday)

11.00pm

Y11-12 bedtime

WEEKENDS 7.30am

Early breakfast for students going on day leave

9.00am

Breakfast

9.45am

Student areas or rooms checked by staff

10.00am

Leisure time and activities

12.40pm

Lunch

1.15pm

Leisure time and activities

5.30pm

Dinner

5.45pm

Leisure time and activities including movies in school cinema

8.30pm

Supper

9.00pm

Y7-8 bedtime

9.30pm

Y9 bedtime

10.15pm

Y10 bedtime (10.45 on Saturday)

11.00pm

Y11-12 bedtime

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Boarding School Personnel The welfare and care of each student in the boarding school is the shared responsibility of all staff. Principal and Deputy Principals The three deputy principals work together with the principal as the senior executive team and support the principal in leading and managing the school. School responsibilities are shared between the team. The boarding school has been allocated to one deputy principal as their main area of responsibility. Responsibility for the day school is allocated to the other two deputy principals. All members of the senior executive are on call in the boarding school throughout the term. The residential deputy principal works collaboratively with the head teachers’ welfare in the overall management of the boarding school, providing support to students and staff to ensure their wellbeing, appropriate welfare practices and management.

Business Services Manager The Business Services Manager is responsible for overseeing the staffing, management and supervision of catering, sick bay, farm staff, all school facilities and buildings, property maintenance and utilities, grounds and the finance office.

Head Teachers’ Welfare The head teacher’s welfare are responsible for the overall management of the boarding school including the welfare of students and the supervision of staff. The head teacher should be a student’s and parents first contact point for boarding school issues

Duty Team Members Duty team members are responsible for the daily supervision, care and safety of students. There are five team members on duty at a time, four staff members on active supervision and one based in the duty room. Overnight supervision is provided by two on call staff members as well as a security guard.

Boarder Prefects The boarding school prefects play an important role in the provision of a voice for the student body. They consult, negotiate and collaborate with staff in meeting the needs of the boarding school community. The prefects take an active role in the Boarder Parent Welfare Support Committee meetings each term and meet regularly with senior boarding staff providing parents and staff with insights and awareness of student / school issues as well as organising activities and events for the benefit of the whole student group.

Dormitory Monitors Dormitory monitors play a vital role in supporting younger students within the boarding school. The leadership role they undertake is highly valued and well respected. Successful applicants from Year 10/11 are invited to participate in a 2 day leadership and preparation program.

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Rules for Bed Inspection (BI) All students must be ready for BI by 7.30.am each weekday morning and 9.45 am on the weekends.

Being ready for BI means that: 

you are out of bed



you are standing in front of your area (years 7-10)



beds are made



lockers, cupboards and drawers are tidy



the dorm area is clean



desks in the dorm are neat and tidy



no items are under beds



no laundry is hanging from the ceilings or railings in the corridor



lights, fans and radios are switched off



the corridor outside the dorm is tidy



common rooms and sinks are neat and tidy



hair is combed



uniform is clean and ironed



shoes are clean

BI Procedures  When dismissed by a Duty Team Member doing BI students are to move promptly to breakfast.  Students must return to their dormitory after breakfast to clean their teeth and pick up their bags for school.  Students in years 7-11 should vacate the buildings by 8.20 am and Y12 by 8.30am. This ensures that no student misses roll call in the day school. Fans, radios and lights should be switched off.  Students who fail BI due to untidiness in their area (including cupboards when inspected) are given a re-BI at 3.30 that afternoon. Students (years 7-10) must be present and must be in full school uniform for this re-BI.  Senior students (Years 11-12) have the privilege of not having to be present for morning BI. If they fail due to untidiness then they must attend their re-BI to ensure they pass on the second attempt.  Any student still in bed at 7.30am and junior students not completely ready for school (present, showered and in uniform) are given an early morning report at 7.15am the following morning.  Students that do not attend their early morning report at 7.15am are placed on community service.

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Junior Prep Rules  Students should be in their prep room at 7.00 pm and seated and working by 7.05pm.  Prep continues for ninety minutes.  No conferring or any other noise is permitted.  Collaboration on group assignments will be negotiated with the HT Welfare and communicated to the prep staff  Students must not distract or annoy any other student for any reason.  Students in Years 8-10 may use headphones as long as no noise is heard by the staff on duty.  Students must be doing homework or other schoolwork or reading a novel.  Magazines are not allowed unless they are clearly related to schoolwork.  Newspapers are allowed once all homework is completed.  Students needing assistance with homework or who are feeling unwell are to put their hand up and wait for a duty team member or a tutor.  Diaries will be checked if necessary to determine relevancy of papers and magazines.  Only one student may go to the toilet at a time. They must use the nearest toilet as directed by a staff member.  Students are not to work in pairs testing each other or helping each other to study. They can do this in their own time after school. They are not to ask teachers for a note to do this. It will be refused.  Serious offenders will be referred to the duty team leader.  No eating food or chewing gum is allowed. Water bottles are allowed.  Phones cannot be used during prep unless a duty team member gives permission. Mobile phones are to be turned off during prep.  Supper is served at the end of prep in the dining room. Students must finish supper before leaving. A member of the duty team will dismiss students after supper. All rubbish is to be placed in bins.  Students should move promptly to their dormitory blocks after dismissal.

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HURLSTONE AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL BOARDING SCHOOL AGREEMENT The well-being, safety and health of students and other school community members is a priority within the boarding and day school at Hurlstone Agricultural High School (HAHS). The student welfare and discipline policy provides clear guidelines for behaviour which are known by staff, students and parents. HAHS is a well disciplined, ordered and cohesive community where all individuals take responsibility and work together to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment where students are nurtured as they grow and learn. Hurlstone Agricultural High School Rules are:  Show respect for yourself, others and your environment.  Be safe and support others in being safe.  Be productively engaged in the learning environment.  Be in the right place at the right time.  Positively represent your school. Students are acknowledged and rewarded for socially responsible behaviour and compliance with school rules. Supportive intervention programs will be implemented to support students who are experiencing difficulties in managing their behaviour. The school must also follow Department of Education and Training (DET) procedures for the Suspension and Expulsion of School Students (Jan 2005) in the following circumstances:  Physical Violence  Use of or possession of a firearm, prohibited weapon or a knife  Use of or in possession of a suspected illegal substance or supply of a restricted substance  Use of an implement as a weapon or threatening to use a weapon  Serious criminal behaviour related to the school  Persistent misbehaviour  Continued disobedience including the use of alcohol or persistent use of tobacco.  Aggressive behaviour including verbal, written and electronic abuse by SMS, MMS or email.

Student Acknowledgement and Agreement I have read and understood the school rules and agree to abide by them at all times during my enrolment at HAHS. I understand that breaches of school rules will be dealt with consistently following the HAHS Student Welfare and Discipline Policy and the DET procedures for the Suspension and Expulsion of School Students (January 2005) Student Name

_________________________________

Signature _______________________________ Date _________________

Parent Acknowledgement I have read and understood the above school rules and agree to work in partnership with the school to support my child in developing socially responsible Behaviors. ___________________________________

_____________________________

1. Parent / Caregivers name:

2. Parent / Caregivers name:

__________________________________

_____________________________

Signature

Signature

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___________ Date ___________ Date

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PRIVATE TUTORING REQUEST FORM NAME AND YEAR OF STUDENT

SUBJECT(S) AND LEVELS TO BE TUTORED IN

PREFERED TUTOR (IF KNOWN)

DAYS AND TIMES STUDENT IS AVAILABLE FOR TUTORING

Please arrange a private tutor for my child in these subjects. I understand that private tutors are ex Hurlstone students and that the hourly tutorial fee is $25. Methods of payment are to be arranged with the tutor on appointment. Tutors must be paid for each session unless they are advised the previous day that a student is unavailable. It is the responsibility of the student to do this even if on leave from the school. Parents must advise in writing if tutoring is no longer required. Tutoring takes place Mondays to Thursday from 4-9pm during school terms.

PARENT’S NAME …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

PARENT’S SIGNATURE …………………………………………………………………………………….…………. DATE ……………………………………..

Please fax to Mr Purves in the duty room on 9605 6292. Your child will be advised when a tutor is appointed.

The tutor and your child will need to exchange phone numbers so that if either needs to cancel a session it can be done in advance.

Tutors will contact parent upon appointment to introduce themselves and organise payment methods.

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