Hazel Glen College Primary Years

Assistant Principals' Report

Positive Learning Routines

At Hazel Glen College, we understand that clear and consistent classroom routines play a vital role in supporting positive behaviour and student wellbeing. When routines are predictable and practised regularly, students feel safe, calm, and confident. This helps reduce anxiety, supports smooth transitions, and allows more time for learning. Strong routines also promote respect, responsibility, and resilience - values that are at the heart of our Positive Behaviour approach. When students know what is expected of them, they are more likely to engage positively and take ownership of their behaviour and learning.

 

Our Positive Learning Routines are part of this approach and include:

  • Entry Routine – students enter the classroom calmly, greet their teacher, and get ready to learn
  • Call to Action – a signal the teacher uses to get the class’s attention and help everyone stay focused
  • Exit Routine – a smooth process to help students finish the lesson and transition to their next activity calmly

This term, we are continuing to recognise and reward classes that show these routines consistently. Each week, one class will receive the Positive Learning Routines Trophy at our Primary Years Assembly. New this term – nominations will also count towards class tallies! At the end of the Term, the class with the highest number of nominations in each year level will win a very special prize.

Every Day Counts at Hazel Glen College

At Hazel Glen College, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of attending school every day. As we begin Term 3, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start and a renewed focus on building positive attendance habits.

 

Why Attendance Matters

Every day at our College plays a vital role in your child’s growth and success. Regular attendance helps your child to:

  • Build strong foundations by developing essential skills and knowledge across all learning areas
  • Grow socially and emotionally through friendships and daily interactions that boost confidence and a sense of belonging
  • Stay on track with their learning, reducing the risk of falling behind and feeling overwhelmed

Understanding Attendance Categories

To help families monitor attendance, we use the following categories:

  • Repeated Absences: 5–10 days absent per term
  • Ongoing At-Risk Absence: 11–15 days absent per term
  • Chronic Absence: 16–25 days absent per term

Arriving late also adds up. If your child is 20 minutes late each day, it can amount to nearly a full year of lost learning by Year 12. Please ensure your child arrives on time, ready to begin their day at 8:45 am.

 

We understand there are times when absences are unavoidable, such as due to illness. However, regular attendance and punctuality are key to your child’s academic progress, social development, and overall wellbeing.

 

Supporting Your Child’s Attendance

Setting up positive routines and addressing attendance concerns early can help your child feel more engaged and connected at school. Here are some practical ways you can support regular attendance:

  • Talk to your child about school. Ask how they feel about school life, what they enjoy and whether anything is worrying them
  • Watch for common issues, such as:
    • Bullying or cyberbullying
    • Feeling isolated or disconnected
    • Struggles with schoolwork or feeling overwhelmed
    • Lack of engagement with subjects
    • Difficulties with friendships or teacher relationships
    • Competing commitments or lack of motivation
    • Feeling misunderstood or culturally excluded
  • Celebrate attendance milestones. Acknowledge and encourage consistency and punctuality
  • Model commitment by showing how you follow through with your own responsibilities
  • Encourage involvement in school activities, such as sports, clubs, or other interests. These can help build friendships and a stronger sense of belonging
  • Establish consistent routines, including:
    • Getting a good night’s sleep
    • Finishing homework
    • Packing school bags the night before
    • Having breakfast and getting ready on time
    • Organising travel arrangements, such as walking with a friend

Let’s Work Together

Remember every day counts. If you have concerns about your child’s attendance, please reach out to their classroom teacher to discuss a plan moving forward. Together, we can work towards a positive, consistent school experience for your child.

eSafety Parent Webinars

Below are some upcoming ESafety Parent Webinars to support parents in navigating and supporting students when they are online. These sessions are free and presented by eSafety experts.

 

The changing face of cyberbullying: Protecting your child in 2025

Join eSafety’s expert-led webinar to understand how cyberbullying is evolving – and how you can help your child stay safe online.

 

Date: Tuesday 5 August

Time: 12:30pm to 1:15pm (AEST)

 

You’ll learn how to:

  • spot signs your child may be experiencing or engaging in cyberbullying
  • build protective strategies at home
  • help your child respond, report and stay safe against online harms.

This session is ideal for parents and carers of children in both primary and secondary school.

 

Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online

Learn how parental controls can be used to prevent children from accessing harmful content, manage the time spent online and who they communicate with.

 

Date: Tuesday 2 September

Time: 3:30pm to 4:15pm (AEST)

 

You’ll learn:

  • the types of parental controls available – including on smart devices, in gaming platforms and on apps
  • how they can help prevent children accessing harmful content
  • how to use them to complement other online safety strategies.

This session is suitable for parents and carers of young people in primary and secondary school.

iPad Screen Time Restrictions

Some classes are experiencing challenges with students' Screen Time restrictions on their iPads. Classroom teachers have found that some students have already reached their screen time limits when accessing iPads for the first time during the school day. This prevents them from using essential school-based learning and assessment applications such as Seesaw and Essential Assessment.

 

To support your child, we encourage you to have a conversation with your child or their classroom teachers about their screen time settings and consider adjusting restrictions during school hours if needed. 

 

For information regarding parental controls on devices, please see the eSafety Commission website.