The Hutchins School Information for Parents 2011.pdf

3Whole School InformationABSENCE DURING TERMParents are especially asked not to take their sons out of Schoolduring term. It is awkward for the School as the student may wellmiss important educational experiences. In particular, studentsare required to attend certain after-hours functions such as Family/Teacher Conferences and the appropriate Speech Night, dependingon their level in the School. Notice of these expectations is alwaysgiven well in advance. Where it is unavoidable, written requestsshould be made to the Head of School. In Senior School, studentsare given a form to refer to each of their teachers for details ofwork to be done.When a student is absent due to illness (or any other reason)• parents of students in Kinder to Year 2 are required totelephone the class teacher direct on their classroomextension• parents of students in Year 3 – 6 are required to telephoneMrs Priest on 6221 4269 by 9.00 am• parents of students in Year 7/8 are required to telephone MrsBeadle on 6221 4264• parents of students in Year 9 – 12 are to telephone the MainSchool Office on 6221 4200 or text message to 0428 620 861by 9.30 amAs part of the School’s duty of care to your son it is required thatparents inform the School immediately of a student’s absencein the event that this is due to an infectious disease. If your sonattends OSHC services you will need to advise them separately(6221 4212/0409 001 894) in the event that your son is absent onany day.8BULLYING GUIDELINESThe School has a comprehensive document entitled Guidelines forParents and Staff in dealing with Harassment and Bullying whichprovides a basic reference outlining the School's approach to theprevention and elimination of harassment and bullying. Thisis available from the Headmaster’s Personal Assistant or on thewebsite.Students attending Hutchins have the right to be in a safeenvironment which allows them to learn, grow personally andbuild their own self-confidence. The responsibility to ensure thatthis occurs lies with every student and with all other members ofthe School community.Teasing or bullying is unacceptable behaviour and not aninevitable element of school life.• Bullying can take many forms - physical, verbal, gesture,extortion, written, sexual, exclusion, threats. Racialdiscrimination is also a form of bullying• Bullying refers to “putdowns” or harassment and includesbehaviour which is hurtful, threatening or frightening• Bullying can occur from the time a student has anunderstanding that he can affect the feelings of others• Bullying is predominantly a secretive behaviour• Adults frequently dismiss bullying as merely horseplay• Children may be unwilling to tell adults about theirexperiences• Teachers have sometimes contributed to children’s silence bydismissing their accounts as telling talesThe long-term effects on a person being bullied may be a lossof confidence, anxiety, insecurity, a feeling of worthlessness ora reduced learning ability. Sometimes students who are beingbullied become bullies themselves.3 - Whole School Information