Welcome back!

It has been lovely to see so many smiling faces entering the school grounds this week.  This school year has presented many challenges for us all.  With the start of the school term it is important that children are attending school each day.  Research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.

Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day:

• they learn better
• they make friends
• they are happier

Under Queensland law, you must make sure your child of school age is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have a reasonable explanation. Illness, competing in a school sporting event or going on a school excursion are reasonable excuses for being absent from school. 

Student Code of Conduct

Over the coming term Wondall Heights State School will commence the process of community consultation of our school’s Student Code of Conduct.  Consultation forms an important part of the development and feedback process for the Student Code of Conduct.

The Student Code of Conduct replaces the:

• Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students
• Statement of Expectations
• Code of School Behaviour.

Queensland state schools have the full 2020 school year to develop and consult with their community on the new Student Code of Conduct. Until a school finalises their Student Code of Conduct, the existing Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students continues to apply.

What is the Student Code of Conduct? Every Queensland state school is required to have a Student Code of Conduct. This is the school’s behaviour policy, with information about school rules, consequences and processes for addressing bullying and the use of technology. Student Code of Conduct replaces the Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students, Code of Behaviour and Statement of Expectations. The Student Code of Conduct is developed in consultation with each local school community, is published on the school website and provided to every student and family upon enrolment.

Content of Student Code of Conduct: Every state school has their own Student Code of Conduct developed to meet local needs, however the following sections are mandated for inclusion: Purpose, Contact information,  Endorsement, Contents, Whole school approach to discipline (including differentiation of discipline), Disciplinary consequences, School policies (Temporary removal of student property, Use of mobile phones and other devices by students, Preventing and responding to bullying and Appropriate use of social media), Restrictive practices, Critical incidents.

I look forward to your feedback and contribution to this important school document.