2020-2021 Parent Handbook - Morayfield State High School
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2020-2021
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Parent Handbook
Contents
PRINCIPAL ............................................................................................................................................... 6
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS ................................................................................................................................ 6
BUSINESS SERVICES MANAGER............................................................................................................... 6
HEADS OF DEPARTMENT ........................................................................................................................ 6
SUPPORT STAFF....................................................................................................................................... 6
CONTACTS ............................................................................................................................................... 6
SCHOOL DETAILS ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Address Details ................................................................................................................................... 7
Telephone Details............................................................................................................................... 7
School Year 2021 ................................................................................................................................. 7
Final Dates for 2021 ............................................................................................................................. 7
School Hours ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Formal Uniform Days ........................................................................................................................... 7
Bell Times............................................................................................................................................ 7
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME .......................................................................................................................... 8
SCHOOL VISION AND VALUES ................................................................................................................. 9
Our Vision Statement ......................................................................................................................... 9
Our School Values .............................................................................................................................. 9
Learning .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Respect for Ourselves and Others ................................................................................................. 9
Working Together........................................................................................................................... 9
Honesty and Fairness ..................................................................................................................... 9
A Pleasant and Safe Environment.................................................................................................. 9
Our School Code ................................................................................................................................. 9
Our School Motto ............................................................................................................................... 9
Our Statement of Purpose ................................................................................................................. 9
ENROLMENTS ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Years 8-12 ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Year 7 ................................................................................................................................................ 10
CURRICULUM ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Year 7-10 ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Year 11 - 12 ....................................................................................................................................... 11
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Instrumental Music .......................................................................................................................... 11
Sport ................................................................................................................................................. 11
House Structure ................................................................................................................................ 11
CONNECT .......................................................................................................................................... 12
TOTEM .............................................................................................................................................. 12
MAXIMISE LEARNING ............................................................................................................................ 13
Student Responsibilities................................................................................................................... 13
Parent/Carer Responsibilities .......................................................................................................... 13
Teacher Responsibilities .................................................................................................................. 13
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY PLAN…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13
HOME LEARNING EXPECTATIONS ......................................................................................................... 14
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT .............................................................................................................. 15
RECOGNISING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR.................................................................................................... 17
The Club ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Student Leadership .......................................................................................................................... 18
Student Learning Goals…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…18
GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................... 189
Visitors .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Blue Card........................................................................................................................................... 19
Photos and Videos ............................................................................................................................ 19
Assemblies ........................................................................................................................................ 19
ATTENDANCE ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Absenteeism ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Late Arrivals and Early Departures .................................................................................................. 21
Students Who Become Sick ............................................................................................................. 21
Students Who Are Absent From Class without a Reason ............................................................... 21
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME ............................................................................. 22
Reporting .......................................................................................................................................... 22
Contacting Students ......................................................................................................................... 23
Newsletters ...................................................................................................................................... 23
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QSchools and QParents .................................................................................................................... 23
Facebook and Instagram ................................................................................................................. 23
Email/SMS ........................................................................................................................................ 23
STUDENT HEALTH ................................................................................................................................. 24
Accidents and Illness ........................................................................................................................ 24
Medical Conditions........................................................................................................................... 24
Medication........................................................................................................................................ 24
Asthma Medication .......................................................................................................................... 24
Health Plans ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Action Plans...................................................................................................................................... 24
Emergency Health Plans .................................................................................................................. 24
Individual Health Plan...................................................................................................................... 25
PUBLIC LIABILITY ................................................................................................................................... 25
STUDENT SERVICES CENTRE.................................................................................................................. 26
Student Management Team ............................................................................................................ 26
Guidance Officers ............................................................................................................................. 26
Student Wellbeing Team………………………………………………………………………………….………………….……..26
Chaplain ............................................................................................................................................ 26
School Nurse ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Indigenous Education Co-Ordinator ................................................................................................ 26
Year Level Co-Ordinators ................................................................................................................. 27
Special Education/Special Needs Support ....................................................................................... 27
Senior Schooling Head of Department ............................................................................................ 27
Youth Support Co-Ordinator ............................................................................................................ 27
School Based Police Officer .............................................................................................................. 27
TRAVEL TO AND FROM SCHOOL ........................................................................................................... 28
Contact Numbers.............................................................................................................................. 28
Bus Companies ............................................................................................................................. 28
Trains ............................................................................................................................................ 28
Bicycle Riders .................................................................................................................................... 28
Skateboard/Scooter Riders .............................................................................................................. 28
Student Drivers................................................................................................................................. 28
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DRESS CODE 2021 ................................................................................................................................. 29
Uniform............................................................................................................................................. 30
Procedures for Non-Compliance with Dress Code .......................................................................... 32
UNIFORM SHOP .................................................................................................................................... 33
SCHOOL POLICIES .................................................................................................................................. 33
MOBILE PHONES/MEDIA PLAYERS ........................................................................................................ 34
BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOx) ...................................................................................................... 345
PERSONAL AND LOST PROPERTY .......................................................................................................... 36
SMOKING .............................................................................................................................................. 36
PARENTS & CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION INFORMATION ............................................................................ 37
Tuckshop ........................................................................................................................................... 37
Flexischools................................................................................................................................... 37
FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS .................................................................................................................. 38
Stationery Items ............................................................................................................................... 38
STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME .............................................................................................................. 39
Benefits of the Scheme .................................................................................................................... 40
Terms and Conditions ...................................................................................................................... 40
Scheme Inclusions ............................................................................................................................ 41
Non-Participation in Scheme ........................................................................................................... 41
Key Payment Dates .......................................................................................................................... 42
Student Resource Scheme – Non-Participation Form ..................................................................... 42
Payment Options Available.............................................................................................................. 42
In Person - Cashier Window ......................................................................................................... 42
BPoint ........................................................................................................................................... 42
Direct Deposit ............................................................................................................................... 42
Centrepay Deductions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..42
Parents/Carers Experiencing Financial Difficulties ......................................................................... 42
Related Policy ................................................................................................................................... 42
REFUND POLICY..................................................................................................................................... 42
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PRINCIPAL
................................................................................................................................... Ms Leasa Smith
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS
................................................................................................................................ Mr Joshua Cleary
................................................................................................................................. Ms Kerri Furlong
.............................................................................................................................. Ms Nicole O’Hearn
................................................................................................................................ Ms Michelle Pole
.............................................................................................................................. Ms Erin Shevelling
BUSINESS MANAGER
.................................................................................................................................... Ms Jodie Blunt
HEADS OF DEPARTMENT
STUDENT MANAGEMENT: ........................................................................................ Mr Steve Mabb
ENGLISH: .......................................................................................................... Ms Verushka Torrens
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION: ........................................................................... Mr Ryan Phillips
HUMANITIES AND LANGUAGES: .......................................................................... Ms Teena Norman
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY: ...................................................................................... Mr Darren Kerr
LEARNING ENHANCEMENT ....................................................................................... Mrs Julie Mabb
MATHEMATICS: ......................................................................................................... Mr Isaac Smith
SCIENCE: .................................................................................................................. Mr Robert Balfe
SENIOR SCHOOLING AND BUSINESS: ...................................................................... Mr Ken Simpson
SPECIAL EDUCATION: ............................................................................................... Ms Lindy Stokes
STUDENT WELLBEING ............................................................................................ Mr Tony Guilfoyle
TECHNOLOGY: ..................................................................................................... Ms Brooke Crouch
THE ARTS: ............................................................................................................ Ms Elizabeth Rigby
SUPPORT STAFF
GUIDANCE OFFICERS: ......................................................Ms Tabitha Ford, Ms Natane Kriedemann
SCHOOL BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE ....................................................................................... TBA
SCHOOL CHAPLAIN .............................................................................Ms Dorothea Van Lonkhuyzen
SCHOOL BASED YOUTH SUPPORT OFFICER .............................. Mr Beau Arnold, Ms Andie Nowitzki
SCHOOL BASED POLICE OFFICER ................................................................Snr Constable Kris Parker
BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT CO-ORDINATORS.......... Ms Mi-Chal Purcell, Ms Lee Justice, Ms Leah Potter
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION CO-ORDINATOR................................................................Ms Karen Scott
CONTACTS
ENROLMENTS OFFICER: ........................................................ Ms Mary-Clare Sexton (07) 5428 5555
ABSENTEE OFFICER: ........................................................................ Ms Lyndal Balfe (07) 5428 5522
TUCKSHOP CONVENOR: .................................................................. Ms Leah Collins (07) 5428 5539
CASHIER: ................................................................................................ Ms Julie Hill (07) 5428 5553
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SCHOOL DETAILS
Address Details Telephone Details
Postal Address: PO Box 835, CABOOLTURE, 4510 Telephone: 07 5428 5555
Address: Visentin Road, MORAYFIELD, 4506 Fax: 07 5428 5500
School Location: 2154 Student Absentee Line: 07 5428 5522
E-Mail: 2154_admin@eq.edu.au Canteen: 07 5428 5539
Facebook: Cashier: 07 5428 5553
https://www.facebook.com/MorayfieldSHS
School Year 2021
Semester 1 Term 1 – Wednesday 27 January to Thursday 1 April
Term 2 – Monday 19 April to Friday 25 June
Semester 2 Term 3 – Monday 12 July to Friday 17 September
Term 4 – Tuesday 5 October to Friday 10 December
Final Dates for 2021
Year 12 Friday 19 November Bell Times
Year 10, 11 Friday 26 November
Year 7, 8, 9 Friday 10 December Every Day
Form Class 8.30am - 8.40am
School Hours Period 1 8.40am – 9.50am
Office Hours: 7.45am to 3.30pm (School Term) Period 2 9.50am - 11.00am
Cashier Hours: 7.45am to 1.00pm (School Term) Break 11.00am - 11.50am
Period 3 11.50am - 1.00pm
Formal Uniform Days Transition to Class 1.00pm - 1.10pm
Period 4 1.10pm - 2.20pm
Junior Students - Monday and Wednesday
Senior Students - Monday and Thursday
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PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
It is my pleasure to work with the students, staff and parents/carers of the
Morayfield school community as Principal. Morayfield State High School is a
dynamic, growing and ambitious school where we seek to gain the best
educational, vocational and social outcomes for our students. We provide high
quality education that is relevant to the needs of individual students, provide
multiple pathways to engage our learners and are focused on building a culture
of success. Our goal is to ensure each of our graduates leaves with the skills
and qualifications to be successful in the next step of their life journey.
Students choosing to attend Morayfield State High School will have the opportunity to:
* Engage with a diverse range of quality educational, co-educational and extra-curricular
opportunities and programs.
* Be part of a school culture that values high achievement, ongoing improvement and student
ownership of learning within a safe and supportive environment.
* Work with experienced staff who are committed to supporting the educational and wellbeing
needs of students to ensure they reach their full potential.
At Morayfield State High School students are expected to:
* Attend school every day with a positive attitude and be ready to learn.
* Take personal responsibility for their learning and aim high to achieve their learning goals.
* Show respect for fellow students, staff, parents and the local community in their thoughts and
actions.
* Cooperate with staff and students by contributing positively to the school’s culture and achieving
the high standards expected for behaviour and performance.
We are continuing to build strong partnerships with the local community, service providers,
educational institutions and businesses to provide enhanced study and practical training experiences
for our students. We are also committed to continuing our successful partnership with the Morayfield
Coalition of Schools where we work closely with our local primary schools to promote public education
and to produce better outcomes for students as they transition from primary to secondary education.
At Morayfield State High School we are focused on maximising student achievement. We are
committed to supporting all of our graduates to leave school with:
* Attainment of an ATAR aligned to course entry requirements (where relevant)
* Attainment of a VET qualification
* Literacy, numeracy, thinking and information communication technology competencies and
* A strong sense of social and emotional wellbeing and resilience.
Morayfield State High School is a great school which is working proactively to ensure every student
succeeds!
Regards,
Leasa Smith
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SCHOOL VISION AND VALUES
Our Vision Statement
Achieving excellence through innovation and integrity; leadership and community.
Our School Values
Learning
We learn from our experience and use this to improve things for the future.
Respect for Ourselves and Others
Viewing and treating others and ourselves as individuals of worth.
Working Together
People working in a harmonious and co-operative manner to focus on solutions and positive outcomes
free from criticism and blame.
Honesty and Fairness
Communication and behaviours that reflect truthfulness and openness and equitable treatment for
all.
A Pleasant and Safe Environment
Attractive physical surroundings that are: clean, well maintained and safe. An environment that values
the expression of diverse opinions, free from intimidation, bullying and harassment.
Our School Code
Aim High – Respect, Responsibility, Cooperation
Our School Motto
Strength through Integrity
Our Statement of Purpose
Our school is committed to the development of each individual and the economic, social and cultural
contribution that each person can make to our community. We aim to provide a high quality education
that is relevant to the needs of individuals, provides multiple pathways for students and engage
student interest. Our goal is to instil in students a love of learning, to have all students learn well and
become life-long learners. We will achieve this by focusing on:
Improving literacy and numeracy
Success in subjects
Vocational training
Personal growth
Communication skills
Sporting skills
Informed citizens
Social Skills.
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ENROLMENTS
Morayfield State High School has an Enrolment Management Plan to manage our school capacity and
regulate growth in our area. This plan sets out the conditions under which students may be enrolled
into Morayfield State High School. A copy of the plan and the catchment map are both available on
the school website (https://morayfieldshs.eq.edu.au).
Years 8-12
All new enrolments are by interview only. A Parent/Carer and the enrolling student are required at
the enrolment interview. A copy of your student’s most recent report card and birth certificate are
required along with any other relevant information. This information can include catchment
documents, whether your student has an AIMS record and any medical practitioner’s documentation
regarding medical conditions. After your completed paperwork has been sighted, a suitable
appointment time can be arranged.
Year 7
Due to the large number of students transitioning, Year 7 enrolments will not require an enrolment
interview unless their enrolment is being processed after the Year 6 into 7 Orientation Day; or the
student has an identified disability, major medical concern or complex circumstances .e.g. care
arrangements. When returning completed enrolment forms, a copy of your student’s most recent
report card and birth certificate are required along with any other relevant information. This
information can include catchment documents, whether your student has an AIMS record and any
medical practitioner’s documentation regarding medical conditions.
10 | P a g eCURRICULUM
Year 7 - 10
All students in Years 7- 10 complete studies from the Learning Areas of English, Mathematics, Science,
Humanities, Health and Physical Education, Technology, The Arts and Languages Other Than English.
Literacy and Numeracy classes are also available in Years 7-9 to support students to meet an
appropriate standard. Teaching and learning experiences are planned using the Australian Curriculum.
Students develop the knowledge and skills to engage effectively in learning across a range of subject
disciplines in a range of learning environments, this is a focus on the cognitive verbs.
Year 11 - 12
In Year 10 Senior Education and Training (SET) Plans are developed for all students, identifying a
designated pathway to Tertiary Studies, further training or employment. Year 11 and 12 students
complete studies in English and Mathematics and a selection of General Subjects, Applied Subjects
and Vocational Education and Training Certificates. School-based traineeships and school-based
apprenticeships are also available.
Instrumental Music
Instrumental Music (string, wind and percussion) instruments are available for students from Year 7.
Entry into this program is determined by student interest, aptitude and the availability of instruments.
Students who have their own instruments may join the program. Students can enter the school’s
instrumental music program to receive tuition from Education Queensland’s Instrumental Music
Teachers. An annual hire and participation fee applies. When an appropriate standard is achieved,
students will be invited to join one of the school ensembles. Instrumental Music Program Enrolment
Forms are available from the Arts Department.
Sport
Sport is part of our school curriculum. It is linked directly to our school motto Strength Through
Integrity; healthy lifestyles and wellbeing of individuals. Throughout the year students have the
opportunity to be involved in a wide range of interschool sporting events, organised sport, lunchtime
sporting competitions and recreational programs. In addition to this, there are opportunities for
students to be involved in full day carnivals and special events throughout the year such as Athletics
Carnival, Cross Country and Swimming Carnival. These events foster participation, school/house spirit,
community spirit and challenge and learning in a different environment. We encourage parent/carer
support for these programs.
House Structure
Morayfield State High School’s House structure is clearly visible through the school. Our four houses,
named after islands in Moreton Bay, are Bribie Bears (Blue), Moreton Mustangs (Green), Russell
Rhinos (Yellow) and Stradbroke Scorpions (Red). These four teams compete on a regular basis in lunch
activities, school events and our annual carnivals.
11 | P a g eCONNECT
CONNECT is our whole school wellbeing and positive education program. The aim of the program is
to equip our students with organisational, social and personal skills that enable them to become
healthy and resilient individuals and members of the wider community. We educate our students
about the amazing benefits of adopting an optimistic outlook in their lives and introduce them to the
little positive actions they can do often so that they shine. Through this program we are able to
prepare students to adopt growth mindsets to learn and try new things and as a result enhance their
brains ability to grow and develop. This program is delivered to students on a Wednesday and
Thursday afternoon.
TOTEM
The TOTEM program is designed to enable a small number of students in the junior school to achieve
their potential by focusing on a variety of goals ranging from educational, social and emotional.
Students are selected by the Student Management and Wellbeing panel. This panel takes into
consideration a variety of reasons including social, emotional and behavioural in their selection
process. The program lasts for seven weeks each term. The curriculum covered includes a Resilient
Adolescent Program (cognitive behaviour) as well as year level appropriate Maths, English and Health
and Physical Education.
12 | P a g eMAXIMISE LEARNING
To get the most out of their learning our students need to:
Be at school every day;
Be at every lesson on time;
Have all necessary textbooks, writing books, materials and technology at each lesson;
Use the homework diary to record all homework, assignments and research requirements;
Do all class work as the teacher requests;
Hand all assignments in on time to an acceptable standard;
Work on assignments as soon as they are received. Never leave them until the last minute;
Keep all books neatly, with ruled lines and no other scribble;
Build in regular sessions to revise work.
Student Responsibilities
Develop a plan for completing tasks on time and add due dates to your student diary.
Set up a home study plan.
Comply with all requirements of the Academic Integrity Plan
Ask for assistance when needed.
Use class time efficiently.
Parent/Carer Responsibilities
Discuss with student tasks/assignments due for the term.
Encourage student to plan and work towards task completion through appropriate time
management.
Assist student in accessing resources needed for task completion.
Contact class teacher for support if required.
Teacher Responsibilities
Support students in planning to complete tasks by due dates.
Provide some class time for completion of tasks.
Provide detailed task and criteria sheets for student reference.
Contact parents/carers for support when work is incomplete or late.
Liaise with Heads of Department and Deputy Principals for persistent incomplete or late work.
Provide feedback to students about performance in tasks/assignment.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY PLAN
Morayfield State High School has an Academic Integrity Plan in place to clarify the student, staff and
parent/carer responsibilities in relation to the preparation and submission of all formal assessments.
The plan highlights the need for students to meet assessment deadlines, including drafting, with
assessment which is a clear and authentic demonstration of their knowledge and skills.
Students who have experienced personal injury, illness, grief, loss or trauma or have a diagnosed
disability which may be a barrier to their performance in assessment, may be eligible for assessment
that has a modified access arrangement and/or reasonable adjustment. This, along with the Illness
and Misadventure application process for short term and/or one off situations, is also outlined in the
Academic Integrity Plan. For further information, see the school website for details.
13 | P a g eHOME LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
The classroom is the place where much of the learning takes place. However, real understanding (and
transferring knowledge from short to long term memory) is achieved when students:
Revise the work introduced in class.
Revise work covered in class or on any one day – revision involves more than just reading the
material – it involves note taking i.e. looking for main ideas of the speaker/writer and then
writing them out in your own words – be concise, which does not mean just writing down
main headings, but includes the explanation and/or information – notes should be neat,
orderly and legible and should be a summary of the main facts.
Test their understanding.
Apply their newly acquired knowledge/skills.
Extend their reading.
Summarise the information obtained in class or from the textbook.
This additional work comes under the heading of home learning and also includes:
Set homework – this is negotiable and will be checked by the teacher.
Assignment work and test/exam preparation.
Home learning provides students with an opportunity to work independently and develop greater
responsibility for their own learning. For home learning to be effective students should:
Have a regular routine and time for study.
Develop a weekly home learning planner/study plan (modify it after two weeks if there are
problems).
Have an area where they can learn without unnecessary distractions.
Have a short break every 45 – 60 minutes.
Focus on what they are doing.
Ask for teacher assistance if, after reading and thinking about a section of work, they still have
difficulty understanding it.
Recommended times for home learning:
The general expectation for students in Years 7-9 is approximately 5 hours a week depending
on the individual.
The amount of time devoted to home learning will vary for students in the Senior Phase,
dependent on their learning needs, abilities, individual strengths, course of study, assessment
load and other commitments.
Year 10 is a transition year so students should be increasing the amount of time spent on
home learning. Generally, students in Year 10 should be spending between 1 ½ to 2 hours a
night.
To achieve solid results in Year 11 and 12 students should be spending an average of 10 to 12
hours per week on home learning. We recommend spending at least two hours per week on
each General subject. Students studying Applied subjects and VET Competencies also need to
make a substantial commitment of time to ensure all work is complete.
14 | P a g eSTUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Morayfield State High School uses multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) as the foundation for our
integrated approach to learning and behaviour. MTSS is a preventative, differentiated model
grounded in practical strategies, targeted planning and data-informed decision-making. Based on a
problem-solving model, in MTSS school staff match increasingly intensive interventions to the
identified needs of individual students.
Effective behaviour management strategies require the creation of a positive whole school culture,
quality learning and teaching practices, relevant and engaging curriculum and a range of provisions
that are characterised by non‐violent, non‐coercive and non-discriminatory practices. They range from
positive preventative action for all students, through to intensive intervention for specific individuals
or groups.
Morayfield State High School implements the following proactive and preventative processes and
strategies to support student behaviour:
• Explicit teaching of the CONNECT program and
Intensive –
explicit PBL lessons which outline the school rules 2-%
and what they mean, look like, and sound like in
specific settings;
Targeted –
• Design of engaging and relevant curriculum 10- %
programs;
• High quality pedagogical practices informed by the
Art and Science of Teaching pedagogical
framework;
Universal –
• Implementation of the Essential Skills for 80-
Classroom Management and Classroom Profiling;
• A structured recognition program to acknowledge
and reinforce positive behaviour;
• Communication and consultation with the immediate and broader school community to gain rich
and authentic feedback that ensures continuous improvement through social media, surveys,
newsletters, school website, email, information evenings, flyers, letters, and direct conversation;
• Clearly defined policies and practices that are published for the whole school community and are
consistently applied.
15 | P a g e16 | P a g e
RECOGNISING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
The Student Code of Conduct outlines our approach for facilitating positive student behaviour based
on the PBL philosophy and supported by Essential Skills for Classroom Management, Classroom
Profiling and Restorative Practices. Through our school plan, shared expectations for student
behaviour are articulated to everyone to ensure consistent expectations in creating and maintaining
a positive, calm, disciplined and productive learning and teaching environment.
Morayfield State High School community has identified the following universal behaviour expectations
to teach and promote our high standards of behaviour:
Be Respectful.
Be Responsible.
Be Co-operative.
These values have been used in the development of this Student Code of Conduct, with the aim of
helping shape and build the skills of all our students to be confident, self-disciplined and kind young
people. Our school staff believe that communication and positive connections with other people are
the most valuable skills our communities need now and in the future.
The Club
The Club rewards those students who are displaying positive behaviours throughout our school.
Students receive merit points for exhibiting positive behaviours that directly relate to the Morayfield
State High School core values.
Merit points are awarded by teachers, or other school staff members, who witness the students
displaying positive behaviours in all school settings. Each action is only worth one merit point and
students are encouraged to collect as many merit points as possible throughout the school year.
Students receive the following formal recognition as they reach certain levels.
17 | P a g eStudent Leadership
Students at Morayfield State High School are encouraged to participate in all aspects of school life. As
such, the Morayfield State High School Student Leader Development Program provides aspiring
Student Leaders with a supportive learning environment that helps develop leadership skills through
character based learning opportunities. The program is tailored toward each year level’s key focus
area in Connect, developed with key leadership literature and best practice at its core. Students are
nominated and selected as Student Leaders in Year 7-11 and it is our Year 11 and 12 students who
take on the key positions of School Captain, Vice-Captain and Senior Leaders.
Student Learning Goals
Student learning goals are an integral part of the Connect program. At the start of each term, students
are required to complete their Learning and Personal goals which can be found in their school diary.
By working together and setting ISMART goals our students are able to activate and achieve their
potential.
18 | P a g eGENERAL INFORMATION
Visitors
Maintaining a safe and secure school environment is a priority at Morayfield State High School. It is
important that all visitors in the school grounds are easily identified. All visitors (classroom helpers,
library aides, volunteers, and workers) must report to the office and sign in. A name tag will be
provided that must be displayed predominantly.
While on site, visitors are to sign out on departure. We ask that all parents/carers and visitors support
these measures in the interest of the security of our students. Staff and students are encouraged to
report anyone on school grounds who they cannot identify.
Blue Card
Volunteers in the school community need to have a Positive Blue Card. The Commission for Children
and Young People and Child Guardian Act 2000 requires people providing regulated services or
conducting activities with children under 18 years to obtain a blue card. For further information please
visit the website: https://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au/
Blue cards for volunteers are valid for three years and there is no application fee. A volunteer or
trainee student must not commence regulated child related work until they hold a valid blue card.
Volunteer parents/carers are exempt under certain categories when providing services or conducting
activities that relate to their own children. If you do not require screening under one category, you
might still need screening under another. Please check all categories. Volunteers under 18 are exempt
from requiring a blue card unless they are a trainee student doing a practical placement as part of
their studies with an education provider.
Photos and Videos
Please be aware that some parents/carers have requested that their students not be photographed
or filmed. Check with staff before using cameras, mobile phones or other recording devices to film
events at school and help to maintain the confidentiality of all our families. Students are not permitted
to take audio or video recordings or photos without direct teacher supervision.
Assemblies
On even weeks the school gathers together in sub-school assemblies to celebrate the efforts and
achievements of students (Wednesday – Junior, Thursday – Senior). Students will be responsible for
leading these assemblies to develop skills in leadership and public speaking. Assemblies are an
opportunity for us to celebrate the success of students – academic, sporting, social and cultural
achievements. Year level assemblies are on odd weeks when sub school assemblies do not occur
(Wednesday – Junior, Thursday – Senior). Year level assemblies provide information specific to cohort
needs.
19 | P a g eATTENDANCE
Students must attend School regularly in order to ensure satisfactory learning outcomes. It is essential
that our students learn to value every lesson and every day as integral to their developing good study
habits that promote learning for life. Our target is for all students to have attendance above 90% and
all absences explained. If your student is absent from school, please notify the school on the day of
absence:
By phoning the student absence line on the day of absence on 5428 5522 or 0426 305 995
By email on the day of absence at 2154_studentabsence@eq.edu.au.
Via your QParents account
Or by writing a note (signed and dated) and having it delivered to the school by the student
or a sibling.
If your student has a prolonged absence of more than 10 days due to illness or family commitments
other than a holiday, please contact the school to apply for an Exemption from Compulsory Schooling.
It should be noted that there is no guarantee that exemption requests will be granted.
Absenteeism
Teachers will report unexplained student absences to the Attendance Officer, assuming no other
communication has been made. Text messages will be sent to the nominated parents/carers mobile
each morning if a student has been marked absent or late (without contact from a parent/carer) from
school. The Administration team will request that communication be made and will target support
structures where required if there is continued absenteeism. If school communication is not
responded to, the school may engage with other government agencies and take disciplinary actions
to ensure your student re-engages with school.
20 | P a g eLate Arrivals and Early Departures
In order to ensure accurate school attendance records and to provide a safe and secure environment,
students who arrive late must sign in at the Student Services Centre with the Attendance Officer. There
should be an explanation provided in writing upon late arrival. If late arrivals are unexplained,
students will be required to make up any missing class time in their breaks.
If departure prior to the end of the school day is required students must sign out through the Student
Services Centre. Students should have a letter from a parent/carer explaining this variation, once
again ensuring their safety. This letter should be provided to the Attendance Officer at the Student
Services Centre in the morning and an early departure slip will be provided to the student so they can
be released from class early, once again ensuring their safety.
Late arrivals and early departures from school are recorded as a half day absence in line with
departmental procedure. However, if a student arrives at school between 8:30am and 8:40am they
are to go straight to their Form Class and have their name marked off the roll. Thereby not incurring
the half day penalty.
Students Who Become Sick
When a student becomes sick during the day, the student should see their class teacher. If necessary,
the class teacher will refer the student to the Administration Office who will then contact the
parent/carer to collect the student.
Students Who Are Absent From Class without a Reason
Class teachers keep records of attendance in their classes and check for absences. Students who are
out of class must carry with them their school diary signed by the class teacher. Students without a
signed diary or valid reason will be required to make up missed work and complete detentions.
21 | P a g eCOMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME
Ongoing communication between school and home plays a vital role in each student’s learning
experience. We encourage you to be involved and to communicate with teachers about your student’s
progress. It is important to notify us if you have a concern or if you believe your student is experiencing
a problem. Some ways of communication are:
Parent/Carer/Teacher/Student Performance Meetings - You are welcome to discuss your
student’s progress with the teachers concerned. Please organise a mutually agreeable
meeting time. Teachers are unable to meet with you while they are responsible for supervising
students. Please telephone or email to coordinate a mutually agreeable time.
Parent/Carer – Administration and Support Personnel interviews - Parents/Carers are
welcome to discuss their student’s progress with any of the school’s support personnel. Each
year level has an assigned Year Level Co-Ordinator, Behaviour Management Co-Ordinator and
Deputy Principal to support communication and consistency.
Messages - Contact with the school can always be made by telephone, email or letter. Letters
that contain sensitive information should be sealed and addressed to the intended reader.
Phone messages will be relayed to teachers, but please note that immediate responses may
not be possible due to teaching and supervision responsibilities.
Student Recognition – The school recognises students and advises parents of positive
behaviour in a number of ways. These include AIM High Postcards, student awards and email
contact from teachers.
Reporting
Year 7 - 10
The school issues an Interim Report to parents/carers at the end of Term One and Semester Reports
at the end of each Semester. Interim Reports are also issued to Year 7-10 students at the end of Term
Three.
Year 11 & 12
The school issues a report at the end of each unit of study. A range of interviews are held across the
year to support students to achieve success.
Performance Interviews
Parent/Carer/Student/Teacher Performance Interviews
o Year 7-12 – Mid Term 2
o Year 7-9 – Mid Term 3
Parent/Carer/Student/Administration Pathway Interviews
o Year 10 – SET Plan Interviews, Term 3
o Year 11 – Pathway Interviews, Term 3 Week 10
o Year 12 – Pathway Interviews, Term 1
Student/Year Level Co-Ordinator/Head of Department/Deputy Principal At Risk Interviews
o Ongoing across the year
Student/Head of Department – Failing 1 subject
Student/Year Level Co-Ordinators – Failing 2 subjects
Student/Deputy Principal – Failing 3 or more subjects
22 | P a g eContacting Students
Parents/Carers are advised to contact their students only through the Student Services Centre should
an emergency arise. All students are required to have mobile phones turned off and away during
classes unless used for learning under teacher direction. Unless an emergency, students should remain
in classes for the day as this disrupts their learning and that of the class.
Contact details must be kept up to date to ensure that you, or the emergency contacts you have
submitted on your enrolment form, can be contacted in an emergency. You should also update any
medical information relevant to your student’s health and safety.
Newsletters
Newsletters are issued monthly. Newsletters are available on our website
[https://morayfieldshs.eq.edu.au], the QSchools app or parents can access our E-Newsletter by
providing an email address. A limited number of hard copies are available at the Office. As part of the
enrolment process you will be automatically registered on the newsletter distribution list to receive
the newsletters by email.
QSchools and QParents
The QSchools app gives parents/carers access to newsletters, school calendar, canteen and push
notifications for emergency messages. The app can be downloaded from the iTunes or Google Play
store and requires no registration.
To register for QParents please fill out the QParents Preparation form and return it to the school office.
This form is contained in our enrolment pack. Once registered you will have access to your student’s
timetable, report card and positive behaviour and you will be able to make payments and amend
medical details and absences. For any further information please contact the office on 5428 5555 or
visit the QParents website. (See Page 44)
Facebook and Instagram
Morayfield State High School’s Facebook page can be found at
https://www.facebook.com/MorayfieldSHS and our Instagram account can be found at
https://www.instagram.com/morayfieldshs/. These pages are regularly updated to celebrate students
sporting and academic success, our wellbeing and PBL activities as well as provide vital information
for parents/carers.
Email/SMS
A regular form of communication with parents is via e-mail and SMS. It is therefore important to keep
the school informed of any changes to your contact details.
23 | P a g eYou can also read
