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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.
Student health
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.
The Supporting Student Health section of the Sydney Distance Education High School Student Wellbeing Policy outlines school processes regarding implementation of Individual Health Care Plans and Emergency Care/Response Plans for students with health conditions including allergies and anaphylaxis. Mandatory requirements for staff for anaphylaxis training, administration of prescribed medications at school and training requirements for emergency care are also outlined in the Supporting Student Health section of the policy.
The health and wellbeing of students in this school is a priority. Students may have a range of health care needs and these may change over time.
Parents and carers are asked to provide information about their children’s health on enrolment and also on an ongoing basis.
If a student has an allergy or health condition parents and carers communicate with the school to develop an Individual Health Care Plan. If the student is at risk of anaphylaxis parents or carers must provide an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, provided by the student’s doctor .
Individual Health Care Plans should be developed for the following:
• any student who has severe asthma, type 1 diabetes, epilepsy and anaphylaxis
• any student who is diagnosed as being at risk of any emergency
• any student who requires the administration of specific health care procedures.
Emergency Care/Response Plans may be developed. These are the responsibility of the Head Teacher Welfare in consultation with the parent/carer.
Sydney Distance Education High School requests updated student health information from parents/carers annually or when the school is notified that a child’s health needs have changed. All students with Individual Health Care Plans, which include advice and procedures for response, are tagged on the school’s database and hard copies of the plans are displayed in reception, the staff common room, the library, all staff rooms and hubs. ASCIA Action Plans for students at risk of anaphylaxis and Emergency Response Plans for other health conditions are also displayed.
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.
Sydney Distance Education High School has a large Student Wellbeing Team led by the three Head Teachers Welfare (Years 7–9, Year 10 and Years 11 and 12). A range of Student Wellbeing Programs organised by Supervisor of Girls, Supervisor of Boys, Supervisor of Pregnant Girls and Young Parents, Year Advisers, Out of Home Care Coordinator and Transition Coordinators are available to build student leadership, resilience and achievement. Student Wellbeing Programs include Coordinated Support Meetings to support individual students. Other targeted programs available to students include mentoring programs, transition visits, Student Coffee Shop, Social Justice Days, Student Volunteering Program, Awards and Recognition Program, Study Skills courses, Habits of Mind, Careers Counselling, Girls’ and Boys’ Days, School to Work program, Work Experience Program and the Roll Call Program.
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.
The Sydney Distance Education High School Code of Behaviour outlines expected behaviour of students at school and at the seven learning hubs. This can be found in the Sydney Distance Education High School Student Wellbeing Policy
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.
Sydney Distance Education High School provides opportunities for all students to engage in leadership activities, which not only increase their skills, knowledge and confidence but also enhance their learning and support them in achieving their goals.
Students are encouraged to engage in leadership opportunities including attendance at camps, leadership conventions, Harmony and Diversity Days, Presentation Days and involvement in the Student Leadership Group (SLG) and student leadership meetings.