From the Director of Primary

As we draw to the end of a very busy and productive term, I would like to remind students, parents and carers about the College’s expectations regarding appropriate behaviour on school buses and online safety.

Online Safety

This week marks Child Protection Week.  The eSafety Commissioner has organised a Virtual Classroom for students in Years 3 to 6 in Tasmania called “Be an eSafe kid: privacy and security.”  We must continually work together to educate the students about how they can stay safe online.  The eSafety guide provides a comprehensive coverage of the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect your information and report inappropriate content. I strongly encourage parents to access the eSafety Parents page as well as signing up for one of the safety webinars.

Safety on the Bus

At Mount Carmel College, we are fortunate to have an extensive bus service.  This includes dedicated school buses in addition to public transport services.  In doing so, we hope that all students are able to have a positive and enjoyable experience as he/she travels to and from school each day.  Younger Primary students are encouraged to sit at the front of the bus. 

Regrettably, during the past week, I have spoken to a number of students about appropriate behaviour on the bus. It would be appreciated if parents and carers could reinforce the College’s expectations regarding expected bus etiquette.

Agreement in Support of Safer Transport (College Planner)

Students agree to:

• Board and leave the bus in an orderly manner;
• If directed by the driver, occupy a particular seat;
• Wear a seat belt when fitted;
• Respect bus property and the property of others by not marking or damaging it;
• Accept the driver is in charge and obey his or her instructions;
• Place bag/s under the seat or in the storage areas provided;
• Behave safely at all times;
• Wait until the bus has moved off before attempting to cross the road. 

Students agree not to:

• Physically or verbally harass other passengers or the driver;
• Create unnecessary noise;
• Move about whilst the bus is in motion;
• Extend any part of the body out of the windows;
• Throw any object either inside or outside the bus;
• Eat or drink whilst on the bus unless given permission to do so;
• Distract the bus driver from his or her duties;
• Stand on or put feet on the seat; and
• Cross the road in front of the bus.

Before and After School Care

Playground duty commences at 8:20am and concludes at 3:20pm.  Before school care is available if your son or daughter arrives at school prior to 8:20am and again of an afternoon from 3:05pm until 6.00pm.  

Please contact the College Office if you require a Childcare booking.

Unwell Students

If your child is presenting with cold or flu symptoms, we ask that they do not attend school.  As expected, we are being careful and will call you if your child has a fever, if they have a runny nose, sore throat, headache or if they are sneezing and coughing.