Principals Message Community The School Day Administration Learner Resources

Administration

   

Attendance

Students are expected to attend school punctually and regularly.  Should a student be absent for any period, a note from a parent or carer must be received.  This note should be handed to the Roll Group teacher or the Rolls Office on the first day the student returns to school.  This note may be brought in prior to a known absence.  It would be appreciated if parents/carers, who know that their child's absence will be for a significant period, could inform the school either by letter or telephone (6205 7588). 

The school also operates an automated attendance notification system called SMS TruancyCall.  Parents/carers of students that are marked absent from school on any day, that have not contacted the school before 11:00am, will receive either a phone message or a text message to their mobile phone informing them of the absence.  The automated system includes options for parents/carers to respond by providing information that explains the absence.  Where student absence is not authorised (truanting) parents/carers are requested to contact the Rolls Office.

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Lateness

Students arriving after the commencement of Roll Group must report to the Rolls Office before going to class, whether or not they have a note to explain their lateness.

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Early Leave

A student wishing to leave school before the end of Time Block 5 on any school day should bring a note, signed by a parent or guardian, which indicates briefly the reason for the request.  The note should be presented to the Rolls Office prior to lesson 1, if the student wishes to leave before recess, or at recess if the student wishes to leave after this time.  As far as possible, parents/carers are asked to arrange medical, dental and orthodontic appointments outside school hours.

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Illness

Students who become ill at school must report to the Front Office.  If students are in need of First Aid they should also report to the Front Office where medical attention will be given.  If students are to be sent home, parents will be notified.

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Lockers

Lockers are available for student use, and are allocated early in the school year.  It is the responsibility of each student to maintain the locker in good order, to provide a padlock for security and to ensure that no food is kept in the locker.  The hire fee of $30 per year is included with the voluntary contribution, if paid in full by the commencement of the school year, or students can pay the hire fee separately at the Finance Office.

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Textbooks

Textbooks are issued on a Curriculum Area basis and each area has its own policy.  Students are expected to replace or pay for damaged or lost textbooks.  Students are expected to maintain the textbooks in good condition and may choose to protect the books by covering them in plastic or contact.

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Workbooks

Some courses require specific workbooks, eg. LOTE and English. These workbooks can be purchased as part of the Stationery Pack or individually. Details regarding the type of workbook, costs etc are available from the Executive Teacher in each Key Learning Area.

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Dress Code

The school dress and colour code has been developed and adopted by the school community.

Below the waist, students should wear plain black or grey, with no stripes or large logos.  Above the waist, students should wear a white shirt, T-shirt or polo neck shirt.  No large logos, patterns or slogans are allowed.  Sleeves may be long or short.  No singlet tops are allowed. If students are cold, they should wear a navy blue sweatshirt or jumper, preferably with the school logo, or the school jacket.  The school sweatshirt and jacket can be purchased from the canteen. A school dress is also available for students to wear. Parents are asked to consider buying other jackets, parkas and other outer clothing in navy.

Students should not break the spirit of the Dress Code.  Therefore:

  • hats should not be worn inside the building
  • jackets and coats should not be worn inside the classroom except for the school jacket
  • coats must not be used as a substitute for sweatshirts, ie if they are cold, students should cover their white shirt with a blue sweatshirt, not with a coat
  • any clothing visible under a sweatshirt or school jacket should be white
  • blue shirts or white sweatshirts are not acceptable
  • the blue sweatshirt or school jacket should be worn, rather than multiple layers of clothing with a white shirt on top
  • singlet tops must not be worn
  • students must wear shoes or joggers to meet safety standards for practical work.  No thongs or sandals are to be worn
  • all clothing should be clean, tidy and in good repair.  Frayed, torn or dirty clothing is unacceptable

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PE Uniform

PE uniform is compulsory.  It consists of a grey T-shirt and navy shorts or tracksuit pants.  Students are not permitted to participate in PE in the clothes they wear to school.  PE tops are available from the canteen.

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Year 10 Tops

It is usual for Year 10 students to design and purchase a rugby shirt and/or a polo shirt for their year.  Year 10 students are allowed to wear the Year 10 rugby top instead of the navy blue sweatshirt or jumper.  Similarly the polo shirt can be worn in lieu of the normal white shirt.

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Lost Property

The Student Services team handles lost property.  Every effort is made to trace the owners of property handed in.  It is recommended that all clothing and personal items be clearly marked with the student's name.  Any property not claimed at the end of each term is donated to a charity.
school Newsletter
Information about changes in arrangements, together with news of coming events, students' achievements, and items of educational or community interest, is given in the school’s newsletter, which is posted home monthly.  Alternatively, parents can arrange to receive it by email.

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Comments and Suggestions

The school aims to be responsive to the needs of all members of the school community.  Any student, parent, teacher or citizen who has any comment, positive or negative, about the school can be assured that their opinion will receive careful consideration.

Comments concerning students are best referred to the Student Services Coordinator or the relevant Year Adviser.   Comments about staff should usually be referred to the Executive Teachers of Curriculum Areas in the first instance.  There will be occasions when it may be more appropriate to approach the Principal or a Board representative to discuss concerns.  If in doubt, contact the Administrative Staff in the Front Office.

Postal Address: Marr Street, Pearce ACT 2607
Telephone:  (02) 6205 7588
Fax:   (02) 6205 7587
Web Site:  http://www.melrosehs.act.edu.au
Email:   admin@melrosehs.act.edu.au

 

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