We are committed to ensuring a safe and happy environment for your child.
We support your child’s health and safety through a range of strategies including:
- the behaviour code for students, which outlines the standards of behaviour expected in all NSW public schools
- anti-racism education
- anti-bullying programs
- conflict resolution and mediation training
- peer support
- road safety education
- the Healthy School Canteen Strategy.
For more information, visit the student wellbeing section of the department’s website.
Like all NSW public schools, we promote the healthy development of students through:
- school programs and practices that protect and promote health and safety
- supporting individual students who need help with health issues
- providing first aid and temporary care of students who become unwell or who have an accident at school.
Student wellbeing
Like all NSW public schools, we provide safe learning and teaching environments to encourage healthy, happy, successful and productive students.
The department is committed to creating quality learning opportunities for children and young people. These opportunities support wellbeing through positive and respectful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging to the school and community.
The Wellbeing Framework for Schools helps schools support the cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of students and allows them to connect, succeed and thrive throughout their education.
Positive Behaviour for Learning
At our school, we use Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) – a whole-school approach for creating a positive, safe and supportive school climate where students can learn and develop. Our whole school community works together to establish expected behaviours and teach them to all students.
At Abbotsford public school we "Play the Game"
1. We show respect for all members of our school community by using build ups and saying nice things; behaving fairly and safely at all times; accepting differences
2. We follow instructions to be in the right place; at the right time; doing the right thing
3. We wear our school uniform with pride.
4. We do our best with work and behaviour.
Anti-bullying policy
The Anti-bullying policy is based on a charter of rights and responsibilities. All students sign the Anti-bullying contract at the start of each school year. Instances of unacceptable behaviour are followed through under the Code of Behaviour.
Student help desk
The Student Help Desk operates in the playground at lunchtimes on 4 days of each week. Year 6 Student Leaders are trained to operate the Help Desk where students are able to report any concerns and receive advice from the Student Leaders. All reports to the Help Desk are recorded and monitored by the Assistant Principal with responsibility for Student Welfare.
Student leadership
Student leadership helps young people find their voices, participate in decision-making, and understand their rights and responsibilities as active citizens. It helps students have a real impact on their learning and school environment and prepares them to participate meaningfully in their community.
Students can be leaders in the classroom, through their actions in the playground, through their support for others, or their involvement in academic, sporting, cultural or local community events or projects.
For more information about opportunities in NSW public schools, visit Student voice and leadership.
Student leadership positions
Student Leadership positions include the Student Representative Council (2 representatives elected from each class K-6) School Captains and Vice Captains, Student Leaders and House Captains (all elected by student in voting process conducted each November for the following year).
School Captains (1 girl and 1 boy) and Vice Captains (1 girl and 1 boy) perform a range of important duties including leading major assemblies and open days.
Student Leaders (8 Year 6 students) are appointed as Peace, Technology, Finance and Environment Leaders and work for 1 term in each of the 4 roles.
House Captains (2 per House: Kookaburras, Emus, Magpies and Lyrebirds) are elected by House members and organise a range of activities through the year including relay teams at swimming and athletics carnivals and sports equipment used at lunchtimes in the playground.
Student Recognition
The recognition of students is an important aspect of the school's work.
Achievement Awards (2 per class) are presented each week to each class.
Principal's K-6 Assembly Awards are presented to 3 students from each class at our K-6 Assemblies. Students work is then displayed in the main building corridor for all to see until the next K-6 Assembly.
Principal's letters of Commendation are sent to individual students based on nominations by Class Teachers.
Presentation Day (December each year) is an occasion where the achievement of students is recognised.
The above formal recognition measures are complemented by positive recognition from teachers on a daily basis.