The start of a new school year always provides us with the opportunity to revisit the key policy documents that allow our school to function efficiently. Can I encourage everyone to spend some time reading through the front section of the Student Planner. Here you will find the information that will ensure your student complies with PBC’s operational standards, such as our Optima code, uniform code, general procedures, and policy documents.

There are several responsibilities and behaviour expectations that we will be reinforcing throughout the year to ensure your student has the best chance of success. Some of these include:

• Attend school on every school day, being on time and ready to learn
• Act at all times with respect and show tolerance towards other students and staff
• Work hard and comply with requests or directions from all school staff
• Abide by school rules as outlined in the school’s Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students
• Meet homework and assessment requirements
• Wear the correct school uniform every day
• Respect school property and property of your peers
• Act responsibly when traveling to and from school, as you represent the PBC community.

With Term 1 well underway I would encourage all parents to regularly engage in conversations with their student about ‘How are they travelling at school?’ This discussion may take lots of different twists from academic concerns and homework due, through to friendship issues and what events are coming up. All of the resulting conversations are positive in that it builds relationships with the student, parent and school community. If we can support you and your student in making school a positive experience and assist them in achieving their goals, then please contact PBC to engage the relevant support.

Education Queensland developed the ‘Everyday Counts’ initiative to highlight the importance of attending school every day. PBC recognises this, and will actively monitor the attendance of every student. You can assist by encouraging your student to attend school every day and be vigilant in contacting school when absences occur so our record keeping is up to date.

Looking forward to a happy, safe and successful 2020

PBC and Stymie - helping support our students

In 2020, we are proud to be continuing our relationship with Stymie, an anonymous website dedicated to supporting our students and helping tackle issues such as bullying in our school community. Stymie has been a part of our school since 2017 and is an organisation run by current Queenslander of The Year, Rachel Downie. In the past 3 years, students have anonymously used Stymie to alert our wellbeing team regarding concerns they have for friends in relation to bullying, online conduct and individual wellbeing. Stymie has given bystanding students a voice through its anonymity, and will continue to do so.

If you are interested in learning more about Stymie, more information is detailed in the Student Planner, or through www.stymie.com.au