Term 1 Update

Dear Parents and Carers

At Helensvale State High School, we believe educating our youth is a partnership between our school, our families and our surrounding businesses.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for ensuring your children – our students – were prepared for the commencement of the 2024 school year.  The start of the year has been very positive.

As we greeted our students at the front gate during their first week, it was evident that parents and carers had taken the time to discuss the 'Away for the Day' Mobile Phone Policy. Not only were students clear on the policy, students had accessed their timetables at home to identify their roll mark class rather than rely on their mobile phones at school. 

Away for the Day

With regard to mobile phones, below is the information regarding the use of mobile phones that I discussed with students at their first assemblies:

• This policy is being implemented state wide.
• Students must have their phone switched off, in their bags, and notifications switched off on wearable devices prior to entering the school grounds in the morning.
• After the final bell of the day, students can access their phone and switch on notifications on wearable devices.
• Students are not permitted to use phones to pay for goods and services e.g. – canteen, finance.
• As we are cashless, a range of other payment options will continue to be available for students such as debit or credit card, online ordering through http://www.flexischools.com.au/ or pre-loaded student cards (2023 student cards are acceptable) or student ID numbers found on timetables.
• Students will be responsible for their phones during the school day.
• Students who require an exemption are to contact their Head of Learning Community or speak with the year level Deputy Principal.
• The following process is in place for those students in breach of the policy:
• First Infringement – student hands in their phone at their Learning Community and collects it at the end of the day
• ​Further infringements – student hands in their phone at their Learning Community, parents are contacted and parents are to collect their child's phone.

• As the week progresses, students experience fatigue from a full week of learning and activities. On the flipside, students seem more engaged and active in their learning on Monday afternoons.

• The anticipation of the weekend can make Friday afternoons particularly challenging for students to maintain focus. 
• By finishing early on Fridays, families can start their weekend plans earlier. This change is especially helpful for older students who have part-time jobs.
• An early finish on Friday will give our senior students in particular some much needed down time before studying and working on assessment pieces over the weekend.
  
  
• ​What is the purpose of collaboration and intervention time?
  
  Teacher collaboration time at Helensvale State High School offers numerous benefits with the primary goal of enhancing student learning. During this time, our teachers collaborate around a number of important focus areas, including data analysis that leads to targeted interventions, curriculum alignment across year levels and subjects where teachers ensure the curriculum is accessible for all students, shared teacher expertise and student intervention.
  
  Students who leave school at 1.15pm
  
  Those students who are up to date with their school work are able to leave school at 1.15pm, which is the commencement of second break. Once the students leave the school grounds at 1.15pm, they are not permitted to re-enter the school.  For instance, students are not permitted to cross the road to go to 7 Eleven or the café and then return to school.
  
  The lollypop lady on the Discovery Drive crossing will be present at 1.15pm.  There will also be staff supervising as students depart at 1.15pm.
  
  With the earlier finish, the Coomera Connector Stage 1 North project is planning to undertake traffic counts to determine any resultant changes in the traffic volumes/flows. Once this data is gathered, Coomera Connector will review and assess suitability of current traffic management arrangements. Until the Coomera Connector obtain and assess this traffic data, they are limiting any activities with impactful traffic management and will ensure these are finished prior to the new school hours on Fridays.
  
  The local community has been informed via the Helensvale community council Facebook page, our Facebook page and electronic sign. 
  
  Students remaining at school until 2.55pm
  
  The lollypop lady will be at the Discovery Drive crossing at this time, as well as 1.15pm for at least the first month.  This will allow us to assess how many students will be using the crossing at 1.15pm and 2.55pm to inform further decision making.
  
  The canteen will be open during second break.  At the end of second break, students will be supervised in SWeLL.  Students may use this time to complete homework, work on assessments or study.  Students will be dismissed on the bell at 2.55pm.
  
   
  
  Thank you for your ongoing support.  If there are any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child's Head of Learning Community. 
  
   
  
  Yours truly
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  Karen Lindsay
  Executive Principal
  Helensvale State High School
  

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