Starting school is a big moment in a child’s life. Here’s how to make the most of it.

We can’t wait for you to join us for a great year – the first step towards a lifelong love of learning.

Visit the department’s https://education.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-primary for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year, whether your child is starting Kindergarten or Year 6.

You’ll find:

• Getting ready for primary school booklet – everything you need to be #Ready2020
• Daisy’s First Day – the story of Daisy the koala’s first adventure at Kindergarten
• advice from teachers – they’ve been through this before.
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Advice ahead of school returning: The NSW Department of Education is working with NSW Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international Novel Coronavirus situation.

The NSW Government has today requested that children who have visited China in the last two weeks not attend school or childcare services until 14 days have lapsed from their date of departure from China.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said although the risk to children is very low, the NSW Government has taken this step as a precautionary measure.

"I've been advised that it's not medically necessary, but the NSW Government has acted in line with community expectations to ensure the safest possible environment for our students," Mr Hazzard said.

"The internationally recognised incubation period for the coronavirus is 14 days, so this is the logical timeframe to ask students to refrain from attending school. After this time, there is no risk.

"Advice about not attending school has already been provided to any close contacts of confirmed cases."

The Commonwealth Department of Health has confirmed that all passengers disembarking from planes from China are being given comprehensive information about coronavirus in both English and Mandarin.

NSW Health has been contacting passengers who were on the same planes as confirmed cases to provide appropriate advice and has processes in place to identify any close contacts of cases confirmed in Australia.

Ms Mitchell said the Department of Education has issued guidance to schools and childcare services across NSW on protocols in the event of a child becoming sick.

"Although the risk remains very low for children, we believe it is the right thing to do to take this extra step and will continue to update the community with advice," Ms Mitchell said.

There are currently four confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in NSW. All cases had travelled to Wuhan, China or had contact with a confirmed case in China.

Parents with concerns can contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice or visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

Anyone who develops a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to Hubei or contact with a person with confirmed coronavirus, should immediately isolate themselves from other people, contact their GP or local emergency department or call the healthdirect helpline 1800 022 222.

For updates check the department's https://edit.education.nsw.gov.au/content/main-education/en/home/public-schools/school-safety.html

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect your family from harmful diseases this holiday season and into 2020. Visit your doctor for general health and vaccination advice.

Immunisation not only protects you and your family but also others in your community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

Children starting school in 2020 must have up-to-date immunisations to enrol.

These vaccinations help protect children from highly infectious and severe diseases including whooping cough and measles.

Travel health

If you’re travelling overseas during the school holidays, you may need vaccinations or medication – both for general health protection and for region-specific diseases.

If you’re travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, you may even need a flu shot.

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

As a NSW Department of Education school, Oak Flats Public School “is committed to creating quality learning opportunities for children and young people. This includes strengthening their cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development. Parents entrust their children and young people to principals, teachers and school staff with confidence that schools will deliver on this agenda.” (The Wellbeing Framework for Schools, Department of Education). It is our commitment that we will deliver on this agenda.

Download the Student Wellbeing Framework using the link below:

• Student Wellbeing Framework

The Positive Behaviour for Learning Program was introduced at Oak Flats Public School in Term 2 this year.

Positive Behaviour for Learning, known as PBL is a whole school program that actively promotes positive behaviour. It supports students in early childhood years through to upper primary years of schooling. PBL addresses the diverse academic and social needs of every student at Oak Flats PS to support them to be successful.

PBL enables students to:

• develop a clear understanding of required expectations
• become responsible for their own behaviour
• work together to create a positive, productive and harmonious learning community

• PBL Program
• PBL Matrix