Although it’s clear children’s safety was important to the North Pine Community from the outset, in that the reason for the half-time school experiment was to protect the children from crossing the river. Children were a wilder breed in the 1800s and safety was relative to luck. Children would ride horses to school bareback (there are even stories of circus tricks on the way to school), wore no shoes, ate what they were given if they were given any and generally lived a rugged, rough-and-tumble existence.
1912: Compulsory medical and dental inspections were introduced in State schools.
Source: http://education.qld.gov.au/library/edhistory/state/chronology/1876.html
It seems that a popular and learned member of the early North Pine community (incidentally the Head Teacher at the time) was the ‘go to’ person for first aid at the beginning of the 1900s:
“Mr Hunter was a very popular man and when anyone in the area needed first aid they always went to him. I suppose you could say he was the first Ambulance service in Petrie.”
– Mabel Hart (nee Skinner)
Community health wasn’t a central concern until the 1980s. It’s said that in the ‘olden days’ kids went to school no matter – even if they had the measles!
With little access to high quality health care, kids were expected to be tough. Reflecting on this, it is quite a remarkable feat that a student could attend school in the early 1900s for seven years straight without missing a single day!
Read More about Mabel Skinner and Her Perfect Attendance Medal.
SUNSAFE
Despite early efforts arising from the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ campaign in the mid-1980s (being one of the most successful public education campaigns in Australian history) sadly, sun safety is a message that is still not always received and sun cancer remains a prevalent concern in Queensland.
Although guidelines were in place in many schools, hats were not always in the schoolbag. This eventually led to the ‘no hat, no play’ policy by which children who were unable to produce their hat at break times were not allowed in the open playground but would spend their time in the shady under covered area.
After an exceptionally dry and hot summer in 1996, Petrie State School took steps to protect the children from the elements and revised their lunch break times. What had traditionally been known as ‘big lunch’ and ‘little lunch’ changed to ‘first break’ and ‘second break’. Morning tea was to become the long break at 11:00 am, where lunch is eaten and play time happens just before the peak of the day’s heat. Afternoon break is a short break to refresh and snack.
1996 also saw a change in the Uniform to fit in with more modern ideas of sun safety.
1989: HATS
Please support our efforts to make this a ‘100% hat wearing school’ especially during the current hot term. We are truly concerned at the harm children’s skins can suffer from unnecessary exposure to the sun. This applies to all outdoor activities.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1994: HATS
Please support our efforts to make this a 100% hat wearing school. Slip, Slop, Slap has got serious!
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: HATS
Please support our efforts to make this a 100% hat wearing school. Slip, Slop, Slap has got serious!
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1996: REVISED LUNCH BREAK TIMES DUE TO HEAT WAVE
“Exceptionally hot start as Brisbane is in the middle of a heat wave … Revised lunch breaks move from traditional times.” –
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1996: NEW UNIFORM IN LINE WITH SUN SAFE REQUIREMENTS
“Proposed new summer uniform to come into line with Sun Safe requirements.”
– David Stephenson 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
[INSERT IMAGE OF THIS UNIFORM CHANGE]
2001: HATS
Please support our efforts to make this a 100% hat wearing school. Slip, Slop, Slap has got serious – not hat – no outdoor play! PLEASE MARK ALL COLTHING!
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
SAFETY HOUSES, ADOPT-A-COP AND CHILD SAFETY
According to their website (http://www.safetyhouseqld.org.au/nhistory.htm [LINK NO LONGER ACTIVE]), Safety Houses were an initiative that began in Victoria in the late 1970s in response to a number of child safety related incidents as children were travelling to and from school. Eventually committees formed in Queensland in 1984 and Petrie was quick to sign up for the scheme with an expression of interest fielding 96 replies from the community. The Prospectus in 1989 gave a very clear insight into the workings and intensions of this scheme.
The Safety House Program ended in 2014:
Safety House closes doors after 30 years as refuge for youngsters across Queensland, Chris McMahon, Pine Rivers Press, September 04, 2014
The Adopt-a-Cop program was adopted by Petrie State School in the late 1980s and is still an ongoing relationship with the school community in 2014.
“The Adopt-a-Cop program was implemented in 1985 to build positive relationships between police and members of the school community through the voluntary appointment of Adopt-a-Cops to schools and other relevant organisations. Note: Members of the school community include students, staff, parents, carers, other interested community members.”
Source: Queensland Police, http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/schools/adoptcop/
In 2013 the state Government implemented the ‘Adopt-a-School’ program which was a program intended to facilitate the smooth operation of the ‘Adopt-a-Cop’ program across all participating schools and continue on its previous success.
These two programs combined showed a powerful community presence surrounding the school and a courageous disposition towards protecting our youngest generation.
It is with this ethos in mind that by the mid-1990s, now with many dual income families, it became a concern that children were being sent to school very early in the morning when no supervision could be provided by staff.
The Adventure Playground was strictly out of bounds in case of accidents when children were unattended by adults. This is the reason for the school to encourage students not be sent to school much earlier than the bell time of 8:50 am. However, as with anything, there are always those that are unable to adhere to guidelines for whatever reason, and prior to before school care, children were arriving at school very early in the morning, and well before the first bell.
Children who arrived at school early were strongly advised to congregate in the under covered area until the bell went and they moved to class. This procedure is still advised, however over time, little changes and adjustments have been made to suit the conditions of the times.
By 2001, along with many other procedural changes happening alongside the Behavioural Management plan, health and safety had been qualified as a student’s personal responsibility. A list of responsible ‘rules’ regarding safe movement, play and manners was published alongside an appropriate response for failing in this responsibility. Penalties for not adhering to the health and safety guidelines may take the form of time out for ten minutes, confiscation or even a ‘Red Card’. Read More About Discipline and Behavioural Management. [LINK]
1984: SAFETY HOUSE COMMITTEE FORMS
“Safety House Committee formed following 96 replies, with Phillipa Richardson as Chairperson.”
– Peter J Boge, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1988: ADOPT-A-COP PROGRAM
“Senior Constable Kevin Phillips became our Adopt-a-cop”.
– Peter J Boge, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1989: SAFETY HOUSE PROGRAM
The Petrie District Safety House Program has now been operational since mid-1984 during which we are pleased to say there have been no reported incidents of approaches made by strangers to our children.
Objectives
– To act as a deterrent to undesirable people coming into an area and approaching young children whilst they are in transit to and from school.
– Through Safety Houses, to provide a means to greatly improve the chance that, should a child run into a house –
1. Someone will be at home; and
2. They will not run into trouble.
– There is no guarantee as to the safety of children but we believe that the program reduces the dangers faced by children considerably.
– To maintain community awareness of the problems faced by children in transit to and from school.
Safety House parents will be advised to observe the following procedure:
1. The householder ring the police on ‘000’ or local police immediately as timing could be critical.
2. Follow instructions given by the police upon telephoning.
3. Comfort the child.
The Safety House Program is continuing to expand with more local families becoming involved, and offering their homes as Safety Houses. We can never have enough. If every suitable house was a Safety House, just think of the protection this would offer our children. Of particular importance are homes in cul-de-sacs, where a frightened child might run, to get away from a stranger, and not be able to find a Safety House, or another way out. If you live in a cul‑de‑sac, or anywhere in the Petrie area and would like to offer your home as a Safety House, just contact the Safety House Program Secretary, who will be pleased to give you more information.
Being a Safety House is not an arduous task. All you have to do, is normally be at home at the times when children would be likely to pass by on their way to and from school. Then if a child should come to your home for help, take him in, call the police and comfort the child till help arrives.
Remember, the aim of the Safety House Program is to give your children a better chance of escaping unharmed from a dangerous situation. It is organised by local parents and run by those parents through the support of the local community for the benefit of all children.
Help us to help your children. Children are made familiar with the program at school.
For further information contact Philippa Richardson (Hon. Sec.).
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1991: ADOPT-A-COP PROGRAM
15 June 1991
“Constable Tony O’Neil officially became our Adopted Cop in a service held 15 June 1991.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1991: SAFETY HOUSE COMMITTEE MEET AT KURWONGBAH S.S.
31 OCTOBER – PETRIE LOG 91/19
SAFETY: Safety House Committee held a meeting at Kurwongbah State School on 7.11.1991.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 91/19, Petrie State School, 31 October 1991, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1994: SAFETY HOUSE PROGRAM
The Petrie District Safety House Program has now been operational since mid-1984.
It is advised to get involved in this program. For further information contact July Tansey (Hon. Sec.)
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: SAFETY HOUSE PROGRAM
The Petrie District Safety House Programhas now been operational since mid-1984.
It is advised to get involved in this program. For further information contact Jane McIntyre.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: NO BEFORE SCHOOL SUPERVISION
30 MARCH – PETRIE LOG 04/95
SAFETY: Before school procedures: before school supervision is not supervised as there was no teacher rostered on for before school duties. Students arriving to school before 8:15 were to remain at the covered area, at 8:15 they were then to put their ‘ports’ on the verandah and then move out to play. The Adventure Playground is out of bounds before school. It is in the interest of all concerned that students arrive at school as near as possible to the 8:50 bell to lessen the likelihood of accidents happening.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 04/95, Petrie State School, 30 March 1995, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: DISTRICT SAFETY HOUSE COMMITTEE MEET AT KURWONGBAH S.S.
19 OCTOBER – PETRIE LOG 16/95
SAFETEY: District Safety House Committee held a meeting (5.10.1995) at Kurwongbah State School.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 16/95, Petrie State School, 19 October 1995, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: SAFETY HOUSE PROGRAM
The Petrie District Safety House Program has now been operational since mid-1984. (Involvement in this program is advised). For further information contact John Bell through the School Office.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: HEALTH AND SAFETY AND CONSEQUENCE
I will …
Walk while on the concrete areas around buildings and on the stairs.
Consequence: 10 minutes time out.
Not use the adventure playground before school without teacher supervision, or without parental supervision after school.
Consequence: 10 minutes time out. If lunchtime, ban from use for that day.
Play safely and sensibly by:
Not throwing rocks, sticks or any other object likely to cause injury.
Consequence: Red Card for dangerous situation.
Not jumping over walls and seats.
Consequence: 10 minutes time out.
Not jumping to touch beams or other structures.
Consequence: 10 minutes time out.
Asking an adult to retrieve objects that go beyond my reach.
Consequence: 10 minutes time out.
Not playing in or around the toilets.
Consequence: 10 minutes time out.
Using playground equipment in the correct manner.
Consequence: 10 minutes time out.
Not playing ball games in the covered area.
Consequence: Confiscate ball.
Only using a hard ball under teacher supervision
Consequence: Confiscate ball.
Playing handball only in designated areas.
Consequence: Confiscate ball.
Playing non-contact sports by their rules and not playing Red Rover, tackle football, kung fu etc.
Consequence: 10 minutes time out.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2012: DAY FOR DANIEL – TOUCHING LEGACY FOR CHILD SAFETY EDUCATION
When a bright-eyed, 13 year old boy wearing a red shirt was abducted from an unofficial bus stop on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 2003, Australia was shocked and appalled at the senselessness of the crime. The consequential ‘Help Find Daniel’ campaign was splashed over taxis and many public places showed posters pleading for information about what happened to Daniel Morcombe.
It was not until 2013 until it was understood what happened that day. (More)
Throughout the intense campaign to find their son, Daniel’s parents were endeared to their community and respected and honoured by Australians for their courage, grief, determination and suffering on their loss.
The Morcombe family found immense support and through their adversity found a way to channel their experience into a legacy that would become a very important awareness journey.
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation Inc is committed to teaching Personal Safety to the young and vulnerable in our community by providing important skills training that is easily accessible and free to everyone in Australia.
Their signature event is the ‘Day for Daniel’ and was first held in 2005. Students are encouraged to wear red in symbolic connection to Daniel, and spend the day discussing important safety issues.
Petrie State School participate in supporting this important education tool:
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation Inc is very active in implementing ‘Harm Prevention’ initiatives. The foundation is committed to teaching Personal Safety to the young and vulnerable in our community by providing these important skills, free of charge and easily accessible to everyone in Australia.
Our school is participating in Day for Daniel tomorrow (we have spoken to the students about this over the past week; hopefully the message was passed on). Day for Daniel is an initiative of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation Inc. It is not a memorial day, it is not a fundraising day, it is a learning day for our students.
It is important that a red flavour, i.e. wearing something red, be incorporated in the day. It is a colour that links Daniel’s story in a discrete way to the importance of Child Safety Education.
This week, teachers have spent some time discussing the idea of personal safety in class. Some topics may have included revising the High 5, ways to respond to bullying, reporting unsafe behaviours and cyber safety.
More information is available at http://www.danielmorcombe.com.au/index.html and http://education.qld.gov.au/parents/school-life/child-safety-curriculum.html
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 18/12, 25 October 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2012: ADOPT-A-COP
13 NOVEMBER 2012
QUESTIONS ON NOTICE #749
MR BYRNE asked the Minister for Police and Community Safety (MR DEMPSEY) –
QUESTION:
With reference to the Minister’s recent commitment to have a police officer fulfil the role of Adopt-a-Cop in every primary school in Queensland –
Will the Minister provide a list of all the current schools with Adopt-a-Cops and what date this commitment will be met?
ANSWER:
This Government is committed to delivering more front line support for our youth by revitalising school and community based policing across Queensland.
We are establishing an ‘Adopt a School’ program that connects local police to local schools where there is no permanent school based police officer.
The Government’s Adopt-a-School program seeks to enhance the service delivery to Queensland school communities by:
– Implementing a framework to build positive relationships between local police and school communities and to facilitate the identification and resolution of police related issues; and
– Co-ordinating the local implementation of the Adopt-a-Cop program, including the appointment of an Adopt-a-Cop to every school wishing to participate* and the ongoing supervision and support of Adopt-a-Cops (*pending operational capacity).
The Adopt-a-School program will be launched in February 2013. All schools wishing to participate in the Adopt-a-Cop program are encouraged to contact the officer in charge of the relevant station and request the appointment of an Adopt-a-Cop.
The list of 1030 schools currently with Adopt-a-Cops is attached.
REGION: 547. METRO NORTH
DISTRICT: PINE RIVERS
NAME: PETRIE STATE SCHOOL
Source: Queensland Parliamentary Papers, Questions on Notice #749, 13 November 2012, http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/tabled-papers/online-tabled-papers, accessed 28 December 2013.
2013: SAFETY IN SCHOOL GROUNDS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
When students arrive at school, they must go to the Tuckshop Covered Area and remain seated until the 8.30 am bell. A staff member will dismiss students from the covered area at 8.30am. Instruction at Petrie State School begins at 8.50 am. It is recommended that students arrive as close to 8.50 am as possible to get their materials ready for the school day.
Playgrounds and play equipment should not be used before 8.50 am even with parental supervision. While there are staff members on a number of rostered duties after school, there is no staff supervision of play facilities when school concludes at 3.00 pm. Outside School Hours Care is provided from 6.00 am – 6.00 pm each day.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 09/13, 19 June 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
FIRE SAFETY, BOMB THREATS & STAY PUT DRILLS
Although these photographs show that there was a level of fire safety awareness around the school community quite early on, it’s unclear how prominent the threat of fire was when it came to school routines before this time.
Indeed, in 1983 there is evidence of a fire awareness campaign and a school evacuation during ‘Fire Prevention Week’. However it seems that it was not until 1985 that formal procedures were adopted:
“… which allow for speedy evacuation in cases of emergency and regular practice in these procedures is given’.
This was certainly the case if there was a fire and this procedure was also adopted for incidences of ‘bomb scare’. Petrie had two of these in a short time in 1991.
In 1995 it was published in the newsletter that anybody present on the school grounds when an emergency alarm is sounded is to participate whether it is a drill or a real event. Reinforcing the procedures for emergency, over time the ‘sign in books’ were added whereby not only tracking visitors in the school for safety but also providing a register of people to be accounted for in a possible catastrophe.
The ‘Stay Put’ drill, also known as ‘Lockdown’, was introduced as a safety procedure in 1997 to act as a ‘warning of undesirable person/s in the grounds’. During this drill children are to quickly secure themselves in their classroom or the closest secure room, move under their desk (hopefully with something to keep them occupied in cases of long events) and wait quietly until the school has been cleared of any threat. Music is played over the school PA system during the lockdown. There have been a number of these “lockdowns” over time, thankfully with no emergencies following.
1983: FIRE AWARENESS
“Evacuation during Fire Prevention Week.”
– Peter J Boge, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1985: FIRE DRILL
Procedures have been adopted which allow for speedy evacuation in cases of emergency and regular practice in these procedures is given.
Source: 1985 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1989: FIRE DRILL
Procedures have been adopted which allow for speedy evacuation in cases of emergency and regular practice in these procedures is given.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1991: TWO BOMB SCARES AT SCHOOL
“Telephone bomb scare 19 February … Second bomb scare early March.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1994: FIRE DRILL
Procedure have been adopted which allow for speedy evacuation in cases of emergency and regular practice in these procedures is given.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: FIRE DRILL
Procedure have been adopted which allow for speedy evacuation in cases of emergency and regular practice in these procedures is given.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: FIRE DRILL EXPECTATIONS
30 MARCH – PETRIE LOG 04/95
SAFETY: Fire Drill: When people were in the school grounds during a fire drill everyone was expected to take part. Advice was given to follow the classes to Zone 1 (Oval) / Zone 2 (Top Car Park) and were to remain there until the drill was complete.
1997: STAY-PUT ALARM INTRODUCED (A.K.A. LOCKDOWN)
“Stay-Put Alarm introduced – warning of undesirable person/s in the grounds.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
2001: FIRE DRILL/BOMB THREAT & STAY PUT DRILLS
Procedures have been adopted which allow for speedy evacuation in cases of emergency and regular practice in these procedures is given. When using school facilities please familiarise yourself with the evacuation documentation which is displayed in all rooms.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
SCHOOL SECURITY
Graffiti is a common act of anarchy against school property, as in the occasional break-in or arson. The tuckshop is often a target with one Tuckshop Convenor saying at one time: “The hardest thing after a break-in is getting all the finger print dust off everything.” (Debbie Gaskell, 2012).
Following a particularly severe act of vandalism by which a year 4 classroom was ‘trashed’ and set alight along with the visiting school dental van in 1993, the School Watch Program was launched. This program encourages the immediate and local community to keep an eye on the school, particularly during holiday times. There is a special response phone number available that the public are encouraged to call if anyone sees suspicious behaviour on school grounds outside school times.
A weekly newsletter to staff published by Julie Grantham, Director-General of the Department of Education, Training and Employment in 2011 (24 June) describes the program:
KEEP A WATCH ON OUR SCHOOLS THESE HOLIDAYS
With school holidays starting today, we need everyone to look out for after-hours crime in our school. If you see anything suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene. Call the School Watch number – 13 17 88. The School Watch Program is a partnership between Education Queensland, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools. Let’s work together to help create a safer school community.
Source: Director-General’s weekly message for staff – 24 June 2011, Department of Education, Training and Employment, Queensland Government, http://deta.qld.gov.au/about/news/dg-message/2011/dg-message-240611.html, accessed 11 September 2014.
In 1997 Petrie State School was added to the State side school electronic security monitoring system.
1993: SCHOOL IS VANDALISED
March 1993: “Fire in 4Ms class – March.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1994: SCHOOL WATCH PROGRAM
“’School Watch Program’ launched.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1995: OUR NEIGHBOURS ON SCHOOL WATCH
19 OCTOBER – PETRIE LOG 16/95
SCHOOL WATCH: “Thank you to our very caring neighbours for keeping an eye on the school over the vacation period”.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 16/95, 19 October 1995, Petrie State School, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1997: SCHOOL GETS ELECTRONIC SECURITY MONITORING SYSTEM
“School put onto State Security (Electronic System).”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
SMOKING ON THE GROUNDS
Although there was a rapid reduction in smoking in workplaces and government buildings since the 1980s, the Queensland Government seemingly issued a moratorium on smoking in public buildings in the 1990s. Although specific legislation banning smoking in outdoor areas and workplaces was not introduced and enforced until around 2006.
1994: SMOKING IS SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: SMOKING IS SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
ROAD SAFETY, TRANSPORT AND ACCESS (DROP OFF AND PICK UP)
As the days of walking kilometres or riding horses to school disappeared (Read More About Transport) and the population of Petrie grew more children were walking, biking, bussing, and arriving to school by private vehicle.
This meant that in the mornings and afternoons the school was inundated with traffic of all forms.
Dayboro Road was eventually covered, as it was still a dirt road in (photographs below, taken in 1959), but was bitumen in (photograph below taken at the 1974 centenary parade).
The main school entrance was originally on Dayboro Road which was increasingly becoming a busy causeway and very noisy, particularly with the large trucks that would frequently use the road.
At some point, possibly in the 1970s, a Pedestrian Crossing was painted in on the corner of Dayboro Road and Tandoor Drive but it was becoming a pressing need to improve the conditions of this crossing as being at the peak of a crest in the road visibility was low and cars and trucks would travel too fast when children could be so unpredictable and numerous in number.
In around 1980 the community activated and circulated a petition which was presented to Parliament on the 11th March 1981. A local media campaign accompanied this action with a photograph published with an accompanying article in one of the local news circulations of the time.
The petition requested that pedestrian activated traffic lights be installed at this intersection, however it appears that at this time their plea fell on deaf ears.
It was not until 1983 that the issue surfaced again in a significant manner.
During much community unrest regarding the seeming neglect of many other aspects of the school’s facilities in 1983 (Read More About the Fight To Save the School) a visit by a prominent politician was the catalyst for change after much local controversy.
“Mr Hinze was appalled at the noise that children and teachers had to work with in the present site so close to Dayboro Road,” Mr Male said.
“He was in total agreement that a safe area for children to be set down and picked up by their parents needed to be established away from main traffic areas.”
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.
Initially it was suggested that a feasibility study be conducted into the viability of moving the frontage of the school onto Young Street however this never occurred and the entrance to the school was moved to Tandoor drive in 1986.
Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors were employed for arrival and departure times initially on Dayboro Road and then Young Street however today there are two Crossing Supervisors who operate alternately on Young Street. The very busy intersection at Dayboro Road and Tandoor Drive maintains the pedestrian activated traffic lights however it is no longer assisted by an employed supervisor despite the community seeking assurances from parliament in 2000 that the school would maintain this service. To this day a senior member of the teaching faculty oversees the safe interaction with families and commuters at this intersection.
Throughout the years parents have been constantly and consistently reminded to exercise extreme caution while driving and parking in the vicinity of the school.
Today’s measures have seen the introduction of reduced speed limits around all schools by the government and a regular police presence to remind motorists of their responsibilities.
BIKE HELMETS
It was not until 1989 that the government legislated that all citizens travelling by bicycle were required by law to wear a safety helmet. This was a huge shift in culture and children who were traveling to school on their bicycles had to overcome the fear of ‘looking dumb’ to suddenly be comfortable with wearing a ‘stackhat’.
“Stackhat” by Alex Dawson – Flickr: Stackhat. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
The Petrie State School P&C bought “a kit for orders” in 1989 to prepare the community of cycling school commuters for the new compulsory law in 1991.
1981: PEDESTRIAN ACTIVATED TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT DAYBORO RD AND TANDOOR DR
11 MARCH 1981
STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE
QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE
PETITIONS
The Clerk announced the receipt of the following petitions –
PEDESTRIAN ACTIVATED TRAFFIC LIGHTS, PETRIE STATE SCHOOL AND PETRIE SPECIAL SCHOOL
From Mr Kruger (117 signatories) praying that the Parliament of Queensland will consider the urgent installation of pedestrian-activated traffic light adjacent to the Petrie State School and Petrie Special School.
Petitions read and received.
Source: Queensland Parliamentary Papers, Standing Orders Committee, Questions Upon Notice, Petitions, 11 March 1981, http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/tabled-papers/online-tabled-papers, accessed 28 December 2013.
1982: CARS IN THE SCHOOL GROUND
For the Safety of the children, cars are not permitted to enter school grounds to drop off or pick up children during the morning and afternoons. This applies to find and wet days.
This is a Departmental Regulation and I trust that parents will cooperate in this matter.
Teachers’ cars and those parents working on Tuck Shop will be allowed to park in the school grounds.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1983: PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AND TRAFFIC LIGHTS – DAYBORO ROAD
“Lesley Sommerfield was investigating traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing for Dayboro Road.”
– Peter J Boge, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1983 (ca.): STATE GOVT FINALLY INTERVENES FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY
Unreferenced article printed in Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54:
HORSES HOUSED BETTER SAYS RUSS HINZE
“Russ Hinze agreed that his horses had better accommodation than the pupils’ playshed at Petrie State School,” said the National Party candidate for Murrumba, Mr Allan Male.
Mr Hinze was making an inspection on the school last Thursday when Mr Male made the comparison.
Mr Hinze said, “I am staggered at the way the site has been allowed to deteriorate. Allan tells me that some of the building are over 100 years old. The whole lot needs pulling down.”
He said a feasibility study into a total re-siting of the buildings to front Young Street was required.
“Mr Hinze was appalled at the noise that children and teachers had to work with in the present site so close to Dayboro Road,” Mr Male said.
“He was in total agreement that a safe area for children to be set down and picked up by their parents needed to be established away from main traffic areas.”
Mr Male said they both agreed that the area near Dayboro Road would be better suited for playing, where noise would not be a problem.
“The teaching area needed to be moved into a quieter corner of the school ground. This would be part of the overall redevelopment plan the school needs, and I have the full agreement of the parents.
The whole concept here needs to be expanded to include a pre-school, and I have spoken to Works Minister, Mr Claude Wharton about this.
I have the backing of Mr Hinze and the parents and teachers supporting statements and Claude Wharton is coming out to have a look himself,” Allan Male said.
Liberal candidate for Murrumba, Ald. Roger Maguire said this week he would not be surprised if Petrie State School received little more than funding at a consolation prize level when government spending for the current financial year was announced.
“Joh Bjeike-Petersen is such a master of the art of publicity that I believe if he was going to make a major announcement on the future of Petrie State School during the lead up to the election, the place would have been swarming with National Party Ministers, photographers and TV cameras,” said the Liberal candidate.
“The absence of this activity suggests to me that Petrie School will not receive anywhere near the funding it needs in this financial year.”
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.
1984: PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SUPERVISORS (LOLLYPOP LADIES) – DAYBORO RD
“Lollypop Ladies were employed 8:15 – 9:15 am and 2:30 – 3:30 pm.”
– Peter J Boge, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1985: DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL
ONLY AUTHORISED CARS MAY ENTER THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
Parents who arrive in vehicles to pick up pupils are asked to observe the road safety rules with regard to parking of vehicles.
Vehicles are NOT to be parked in the “Bus Loading Zone” – NOT to double park – NOT to be illegally parked in the areas adjacent to the Pedestrian Crossing, etc.
Parents are also reminded that children who cross Dayboro Road to board buses or private vehicles, MUST, in the interests of safety, use the pedestrian crossing provided. A Pedestrian Crossing Supervisor patrols the crossing from 8:15 – 9:15 am and 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
Source: 1985 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1986: TANDOOR DR BECOMES NEW ENTRANCE TO SCHOOL
“Tandoor Drive became new entrance to School.”
– Peter J Boge, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1989: CHILDREN TO STAY AT SCHOOL BECAUSE OF BUSY ROADS
17 AUGUST – PETRIE LOG 89/14
SAFETY: “Pupils do NOT have permission to leave the grounds during the day to go to the Shopping Centre, etc. This is part of our ‘duty of care’, and because of our genuine concern for children using busy roads.” – Peter Boge, Principal 1983-1991.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 89/14, 17 August 1989, Petrie State School, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1989: PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SUPERVISORS (LOLLYPOP LADIES) – YOUNG ST
“Pedestrian crossing supervision provided for Young Street crossing.”
– Peter J Boge, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1989: BIKE HELMETS BECOMING LAW
“Talk of Bicycle helmets, with the P&C buying a kit for orders.”
– Peter J Boge, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.
1991: BIKE HELMETS ARE LAW
1 July 1991
“1 July compulsory wearing of safety helmet by all cyclists.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1991: PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SUPERVISORS (LOLLYPOP LADIES)
31 OCTOBER – PETRIE LOG 91/19
SAFETY (TRAFFIC): A position for relief Pedestrian Crossing supervisor was notified as closed.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 91/19, 31 October 1991, Petrie State School, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1991: TANDOOR DR ISN’T SO GOOD SO FAR
“Problems noted in Tandoor Drive due to illegal parking of cars and lack of enough care.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1994: DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL
Parents who arrive in vehicles to pick up pupils are asked to observe the road safety rules with regard to parking of vehicles.
Vehicles are NOT to be parked in the ‘Bus Loading Zone’ and NOT to double park, NOT to be illegally parked in the areas adjacent to the Pedestrian Crossing, etc.
Parents are also reminded that children who cross Dayboro Road to board buses or private vehicles, MUST, in the interest of safety, use the pedestrian crossing provided. Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors patrol the crossing from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and 2:50 pm to 3:20 pm. The Young Street crossing is patrolled during both sessions. It is parents’ responsibility to ensure students are picked up on time.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL
Parents who arrive in vehicles to pick up pupils are asked to observe the road safety rules with regard to parking of vehicles.
Vehicles are NOT to be parked in the ‘Bus Loading Zone’ and NOT to double park, NOT to be illegally parked in the areas adjacent to the Pedestrian Crossing, etc.
Parents are also reminded that children who cross Dayboro Road to board buses or private vehicles, MUST, in the interest of safety, use the pedestrian crossing provided. Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors patrol the crossing from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and 2:50 pm to 3:20 pm. The Young Street crossing is patrolled during both sessions. It is parents’ responsibility to ensure students are picked up on time.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
The pedestrian crossings are for the safety of all students and community members. Please use them. The two crossings, situated on Dayboro Road and Young Street are supervised by Pedestrian Supervisor before and after school. There is a NO PARKING ZONE on either side of the crossing.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: PARENT EDUCATION STARTS IN THE PROSPECTUS
ROAD SAFETY – “IT’S UP TO YOU”
The School Safe Committee, Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors, Parents & Citizens’ Association and children and staff of the school feel strongly enough to present this information in our prospectus so that all new enrolments are informed of the data.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: ONLY AUTHORISED CARS MAY ENTER THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
THE ONLY OFFICIAL CARPARKS ARE:
– Entry off Tandoor Drive.
– Entry off Young Street (Preschool)
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: SAFETY ZONE DROP OFF AREA
This is provided in Young Street. It is off street parking and has easy access. It is the safest place in the school for drop off and pick up. There is also provision for drop off and pick up on Dayboro Road and there is parking available in Tandoor Drive and over at the look out at the new Jennings Estate. The painted Medium Strip on Dayboro Road is not a parking area. The number of parents who put their own family and other people at risk by double parking in this area is a concern.
SCHOOL SITE – There is an off loading area in front of the Administration Office. Entry is from Tandoor Drive.
BUS ZONE – There are Bus Zones on either side of the Pedestrian Crossing on Dayboro Road. The area is only to be used for the children using all buses that service our school.
TANDOOR DRIVE – There is limited parking. Well stated NO STOPPING signs cater for traffic flow and safety of children are violated every day. Make sure you are NOT one of them.
DAYBORO ROAD – This is a very busy road with a large number of heavy vehicles. You are asked to park on the school side of the road only in the parking area provided. Don’t double park on the painted medium strip as this is nothing more than putting together a recipe for disaster. If you park on the uphill side of Dayboro Road you are causing problems for traffic flow and vision.
GORDON JACKSON LOOKOUT (DAYBORO ROAD) – The Gordon Jackson Lookout overlooking the Jennings Estate has limited parking facilities. People parking here need to use the pedestrian crossing.
PICK UP POINTS FROM SCHOOL
The students are to use one of the following gates when entering and exiting from school:
DAYBORO ROAD – Top pedestrian gate (by crossing); Middle pedestrian gate (top side of adventure playground); Bottom pedestrian gate (bottom side of playground).
– DON’T USE THE DOUBLE GATES NEAR THE ENVIRONMENTAL AREA
TANDOOR DRIVE – Pedestrian gate (near administration block).
– DON’T USE THE DOUBLE GATES OF THE PARKING AREA IF YOU ARE A PEDESTRIAN
– THE PEDESTRIAN GATE ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE CAR PART IS TO BE USED B VISITORS NOT BY STUDENTS
YOUNG STREET – Top double gates (by cricket practice nets); Pedestrian gates (by crossing); Double top gates (by Preschool).
BIKES – Students on Bikes must PUSH their bikes in through the TOP pedestrian gate on Dayboro Road.
POINTS TO NOTE
– When using the services of the Crossing Supervisors please remember to wait (approximately 1 meter from the kerb gutter) until the Supervisors have blown their whistle and directed you to cross.
– Bikes are NOT to be ridden across any of the pedestrian crossings.
– NO unauthorised vehicles are to enter school grounds without permission from the Principal.
– Parents are requested to use the crossing at ALL times setting an example for the children.
DOGS – Parents are asked NOT to walk their dogs to the school when collecting or dropping off their children. Two children have been bitten recently with one requiring stitches. Not dogs are to be tied to the school fence or gat areas.
FOR THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN IN OUR SCHOOL WOULD YOU PLEASE OBSERVE THIS NOTICE AND INFORM OTHERS WHO MAY BE DELIVERING OR COLLECTING CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1996: TANDOOR DR DROP-OFF ZONE APPROVED
“Drop Off Zone Tandoor Drive approved.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007.
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
1999: ROAD SAFETY AND ENDURING ISSUE
“… some things are a little slow in evolving. The two most revisited items in the newsletters over the last nine years have been Head Lice and Road Safety.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
2000: PETITION FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL ON DAYBORO RD
1 MARCH 2000
TABLED PAPERS: REF# 4900T3400
PETITION: MRS LAVARCH, from 193 petitioners, requesting the House to (a) provide an assurance that the pedestrian crossing supervisor will remain permanently on Dayboro Road at Petrie State School (b) ensure that Dayboro Road not be upgraded to four lanes (be not considered a major transport route) and (c) ensure that the speed limit on Dayboro Road between Andrew Petrie Drive and Anzac Avenue be reduced during school zone hours.
2001: ROAD SAFETY – STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
The School Safe Committee, Pedestrian Crossing Supervisors, Parents & Citizens’ Association and children and staff of the school feel strong enough to present this information in our prospectus so that all new enrolments are informed of the data.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
The pedestrian crossings are for the safety of all students and community members. Please use them. The two crossings, situated on Dayboro Road and Young Street are supervised by Pedestrian Supervisors before and after school. There is a NO PARKING ZONE on either side of the crossing.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: SAFETY DROP OFF AREA
This is provided in Young Street. It is off-street parking and has easy access. It is the safest place in the school for drop off and pick up. There is also provision for drop off and pick up on Dayboro Road and there is a Drop Off Zone on Tandoor Drive and over at the Gordon Jackson Lookout. The painted Median Strip on Dayboro Road is not a parking area. The number of parents who put their own family and other people at risk by double parking on this area is a concern.
SCHOOL SITE – There is an off-loading area in front of the Administration Office. Entry is from Tandoor Drive.
BUS ZONE – There are Bus Zones on the southern side of the Pedestrian Crossing on Dayboro Road. (Gordon Jackson Lookout)
DAYBORO ROAD – This is a very busy road with a large number of heavy vehicles. You are asked to park on the school side of the road only in the parking area provided. Don’t double park on the painted median strip. This is nothing more than putting together a recipe for disaster. If you park on the uphill side of Dayboro Road you are causing problem for traffic flow and vision.
GORDON JACKSON LOOKOUT (DAYBORO ROAD) – The Gordon Jackson Lookout overlooking the Jennings Estate has limited parking facilities. People parking here need to use the pedestrian crossing.
PICK UP POINTS FROM SCHOOL
The students are to use one of the following gates when entering and exiting the school:
DAYBORO ROAD – Top pedestrian gate (by crossing); Middle pedestrian gate (top side of adventure playground); Bottom pedestrian gate (bottom side of playground).
– Please don’t use the double gates near the environmental area (Dayboro Road).
TANDOOR DRIVE – Pedestrian gate (on the downward side of the Administration Block).
– Please don’t use the double gates of the parking area if you are a pedestrian. The pedestrian gate on the bottom side off the car park is to be used by visitors not by students.
YOUNG STREET – Top double gates (by cricket practice nets); Pedestrian gate (by crossing); Double top gates (by Preschool).
BIKES – Students on bikes must PUSH their bikes in through the TOP pedestrian gate on Tandoor Drive. At 3:00 pm students push their bikes along the footpath down Tandoor Drive to past the Administration Block. This is a very busy time of day and all care is needed.
POINTS OF NOTE
– When using the services of the Crossing Supervisors please remember to wait (approximately 1 metre from the kerb gutter) until the Supervisor has blown a whistle and directed you to cross.
– Bikes are NOT to be ridden across any of the pedestrian crossing.
– NO unauthorised vehicles are to enter school grounds WITHOUT PERMISSION from the Principal. Parents are requested to use the crossings at ALL times setting an example for the children.
DOGS – Parents are asked NOT to walk their dogs into the school yard when collecting or dropping off their children. No dogs are to be tied to the school fence or gate areas.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2012: LOOK OUT PROGRAM
2012: LOOK OUT PROGRAM
The Look Out program commenced this term and I believe it has been quite successful in reducing traffic congestions on Tandoor Drive after school. The next stage of this program in 2013 will concentrate on having students and their parents.
Walking to the lights at the top of Tandoor Drive to cross instead of walking through the Look Out zone. I welcome your feedback on the program and suggestions for further improvement. Feedback can be sent by email to klofg1@eq.edu.au or alternatively you can write a note or letter and hand it to the ladies in the office.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 21/12, 10 December 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2013: LOOK OUT PROGRAM
Picking up children from school is often a frustrating experience. At Petrie State School we have made a few changes in to make it safer for our students.
The Look Out Program operates for the afternoon pick up at the loading zone on Tandoor Drive.
The school gates will be closed each afternoon from 2.45 pm and no vehicles will be permitted to enter the grounds to pick up students.
Please support the program as it is designed to assist all families to pick up their children promptly and safely.
How does the program work?
The loading zone will be supervised by staff and the parents can register to be part of the program. Staff will work with parents to ensure that the loading zone is functioning effectively and safely. Some unsafe practices to be discouraged in the loading zone area include:
– children loading into double parked cars;
– loading into the driver side of the vehicle;
– vehicles standing for more than 2 minutes;
– students putting bags into vehicle boots.
– parents walking with their children through the Look Out zone to cross Tandoor Drive.
If you would like a registration form, please contact the office. Once these registration forms are returned to the office, you will receive a name tag to be displayed on the passenger sun visor.
When you drive into the loading zone the staff will call your children from the waiting area. We aim to allow for the first 4 vehicles to load and move on before allowing any further vehicles to load.
If your child is not waiting for you when your vehicle gets to the front of the queue, you will be asked to move on, do the loop and re-join the end of the queue.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 01/13, 31 January 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014 
2013: ROAD SAFETY
I have observed cars stopping in the middle of the road as parents walk with their children directly across Tandoor Drive of an afternoon. Parents are crossing as they come out of the school gate near the office as well as through the Look Out zone. I ask that you spend a few more minutes of your time to safely cross at the lights on the corner of Dayboro Road and Tandoor Drive.
To help the flow of traffic, I ask that parents driving along Tandoor Drive towards Dayboro Road give way to parents leaving the Look Out Zone. A few extra seconds to let someone in will hopefully ease some of the waiting time for everyone.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 04/13, 14 March 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
POSITIVE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AND BULLYING
In the first decade of the 21st century, in Queensland, the Department of Education, Training and Employment began to recognise the damaging effects of negative behaviour and un-checked bullying in the school environment. Continuing with a psychological approach to the group education of minors, it was now generally accepted that a negative environment fostered negative attitudes towards learning and therefore reduced the potential of an individual student.
Although behavioural management design had been considered in the decades preceding this era, Government was creating clear and uncontentious guidelines for the management of harassment and systematic oppressive attitudes that schools across the state were expected to not only consider but implement.
This is clearly stated in the Department’s annual report for 2010-11 in that ‘Positive Schools and Students’ had become the preferred ideology that schools were to integrate into their operational philosophy.
From the Department of Education, Training and Employment website:
POSITIVE SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS
Strategies:
– Implement focused strategies to support positive behaviour, counter bullying and teach social and emotional literacy.
– Support children’s holistic wellbeing through fostering skills and attributes that encourage them to be healthy, green and fair citizens.
The department recognises that a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff is vital for effective learning.
State schools promote positive behaviours in all students. Many schools do this by implementing Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS). SWPBS helps schools create positive learning environments by developing proactive, whole-school systems to define, teach and support appropriate student behaviours.
All students have the right to learn in classroom environments free from disruption and poor behaviour. Principals’ powers to take action against inappropriate student behaviour were strengthened in November 2010, when legislation came into effect allowing state school principals to exclude students from their school.
… and also:
During 2010-11, the department implemented a range of strategies and programs to promote positive student behaviour, address bullying and explicitly teach positive relationships and resilience skills, including:
– Inaugural National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on 18 March 2011.
– Expansion of the number of schools trained in SWPBS to implement evidence-based behaviour support practices to more than 300 schools.
– The ‘From Theory to Practice: Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support Conference’ for 300 participants.
– The ‘Action Against Bullying Education Series’ presented by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg from May to August 2010 in 10 locations across Queensland, with more than 3000 parents, school leaders and school staff participating.
– A further seminar series for parents, school leaders and school staff presented by Dr Carr-Gregg, which commenced in February 2011.
– The release of the cross-sector ‘Queensland Schools Alliance Against Violence (QSAAV)’ report, with eight recommendations for further action.
– Availability of all QSAAV resources for parents and schools on the DET website
– The engagement of Dr Michael Carr-Gregg as the government’s anti-bullying expert to provide advice on more effective ways to address bullying in schools.
– Resources and support for students affected by the natural disasters experienced in Queensland in 2010-11. This included facts sheets and podcasts available on the DET Student Services website.
– Support for schools in the most disadvantaged areas of the state to embed social and emotional learning programs as an essential component of student wellbeing.
– Professional development opportunities to support schools in implementing social and emotional learning. This included seminars conducted by Professor Michael E Bernard, and a video conference broadcast to participants at more than 30 sites around Queensland as part of the Encouraging Diversity professional development series.
2012: NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE
The 2012 National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence is next Friday 16 March. At Petrie State School the focus will be on helping students take a stand against bullying and violence. There will be some discussion in classrooms around this topic. Students and teachers are encouraged to wear something orange (this can be as simple as a ribbon or a pair of socks) on the day to show their support. For more information, go to www.bullyingnoway.gov.au
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 04/12, 8 March 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2012: NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE
I was pleased with the ‘orange’ response last Friday to mark the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. Events such as this one provide an opportunity to share with students that they are generally doing a great job of respecting others while reminding everyone of the importance of the High 5 as a way to solve social problems. To mark this event, a series of great materials was released for teachers, students and parents. An iPhone app to give students immediate access to information about bullying is now available. It can be found on the updated website – www.bullyingnoway.gov.au – which also has dedicated student, teacher and parent areas. Short videos with practical advice for teachers and students, presented by Queensland’s anti-bullying expert Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, were also released on the department’s website.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 05/12, 22 March 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2013: NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE
The 2013 National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence is tomorrow. At Petrie State School the focus will be on helping students take a stand against bullying and violence. There will be some discussion in classrooms around this topic. Students and teachers are encouraged to wear something orange (this can be as simple as a ribbon or a pair of socks) on the day to show their support. For more information, go to www.bullyingnoway.gov.au
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 04/13, 14 March 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2013: NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING AND VIOLENCE
Our school is taking a stand against bullying and violence.
Our school has registered to be part of the 2014 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, being held nationwide on Friday 21 March.
The National Day of Action is Australia’s key anti-bullying event for schools. It’s a day where school communities across Australia ‘take a stand together’ against bullying and violence.
Petrie State School is dedicated to creating supportive school environments, free from bullying, harassment and violence. By working together we are sending a clear message to young people that bullying and violence, in or outside of school, are not okay at any time.
The Petrie State School Responsible Behaviour Plan for students clearly outlines the expectations for our students and the types of behaviour we as a school community want to see for our students. In 2014, our school community would like to start a proactive approach to school wide positive behaviour by recognising the great behaviour of the majority of our students. Research also tells us that we need to teach our students the social skills that help us make the right choices in positive behaviour. Our recent school wide surveys have come back with overwhelming support for this type of initiative.
One way of promoting positive behaviour is to make a stance against negative behaviour, collectively as a whole school community.
The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is an initiative of all Australian education ministers and is coordinated by the Safe and Supportive School Communities (SSSC) Working Group, with representatives from all Australian educational authorities.
The SSSC is also responsible for the Bullying. No Way! website (http://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/) which offers practical resources and information to help schools, parents and students counter bullying, harassment and violence.
Also available on the site is the Take a Stand iPhone app, for tips and advice on dealing with bullying, as well as The Allen Adventure iPad app, designed to teach social skills to children under 8 years.
Download these free apps now at www.bullyingnoway.gov.au.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 17/13, 30 October 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2013: BULLYING
With the recent media stories about bullying it is shocking to know that this behaviour is occurring in our schools. Bullying has no place in any school or community. At Petrie State School, students must understand that their actions and behaviours always have a consequence. The issue of cyber bullying is something that we all struggle with as parents and teachers. The key message is for all parents to make sure they communicate with their children. Does your child have access to technology in their bedrooms unsupervised? Research indicates that unsupervised internet access by children at home is a major aspect in cyber bullying. We must stamp out bullying and this will take a culture change in not only in schools but also in society.
The ‘Like’ phenomenon on Facebook is what is adding to the issue of bullying and thus sharing and endorsing inappropriate behaviours. A culture change is required. We will explore more of this as part of our school wide positive behaviour journey next year. Also in March 2014, we as a school will join the national day of action to Say No To Bullying … we will stand together as a school community to say NO to bullying.
– John Bray, Principal
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 18/13, 13 November 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
SCHOOL DENTIST
Compulsory dental checks were introduced to Queensland schools as early as 1912 although there is not a lot of information available about how these services were provided to school children in the earlier days.
It does seem though that they would travel on the train:
“Increasing emphasis on school services in the 1900s reflected a concern for the ‘whole child’. After 1907 attempts were made to combat the widespread western Queensland problem of ophthalmia (blight) and in 1911 a Medical Branch of the Department, staffed by travelling doctors, dentists and ophthalmologists was created. In later years, railcars were fitted out for use by these people.”
Source: State Education In Queensland: A Brief History, Monographs on the History of Education in Queensland No. 2, Greg Logan and Eddie Clarke, Policy and Information Services Branch, Department of Education – 1984 http://education.qld.gov.au/library/docs/edhistory/stateedu.pdf
In the 1980s and up until the present day, the travelling school dental van would service a school for a few months and then move to the next school. This was the case for Petrie State School students, however some schools were fortunate enough to have their own dental surgery building on campus, sometimes children from other schools would visit these surgeries, particularly if there was much work to be done or if there was a complex procedure required.
METRO NORTH ORAL HEALTH SERVICES
The Mobile Dental Clinic has now started examining at your school. The School Dental Program service is offered to all children aged from 4 years up to the completion of Grade 10. If you are not sure whether dental staff have received your child’s consent form please visit or call to check.
The Mobile Dental Clinic will be staffed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday most weeks from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm. (Including school holidays dependant on staff availability)
We have started with the Grade 7 students and will gradually work our way through the school. If your child has a toothache or dental problem please let us know so that we can see them as a priority. After the children have been checked notification of what treatment is required will be sent home. Children will be called over from class for their check ups and may visit a couple of times before notification is sent home. This form must be signed and returned before any treatment can be done. You will also be advised if your child does not require treatment.
If you would like to come with your child for their treatment, please phone or visit the mobile dental clinic to make an appointment.
Phone: 0412 491 887
**Attendance and transportation to and from this appointment is the responsibility of parent and student.
If your child has a dental emergency or toothache when staff are not in the clinic please contact our Central Booking Service on 1300 365 997.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 04/12, 8 March 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Immunisation doesn’t stop everything! Over time the recommendations for certain communicable ailments evolved. The first Parent Guide in 1982 describes how children were to be treated if they fell ill with symptoms of a contagion. As the years went by the advice offered by the Queensland Government changed and by the beginning of the Millennium, children and herd immunity seemed to be treated with less fear and anxiety when confronted with illnesses that were once grave or debilitating.
1982: INFECTIOUS DISEASES – EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL
Chicken Pox – Should be excluded for seven days after the beginning of the illness or until last lesion has healed.
Diphtheria – Re-admit after at least two negative swabs have been obtained at intervals of not less that 48 hours, with the first swab to be taken 72 hours after cessation of administration of chemotherapy or antibiotic agents.
Encephalitis – This is not a specific clinical entity. No exclusion period is necessary.
Viral Hepatitis – Where no medical certificate is available, may be readmitted on subsidence of symptoms. Otherwise re-admit on production of a medical certificate of recovery.
Leprosy – Re-admit on production of medical certificate from appropriate health authority.
Measles – Should be excluded for at least seven days from the appearance of rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.
Meningococcal Infection – Re-admit on production of a medical certificate of recovery.
Mumps – Should be excluded for at least 14 days after the onset of symptoms if attending a pre-school or school.
Ornithosis – Re-admit on production of a medical certificate of recovery.
Poliomyelitis – Should be excluded for at least 14 days from onset and also until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.
Rubella (German Measles) – Should be excluded for at least 7 days from the appearance of rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.
Streptococcal Infection Including Scarlet Fever – Should be excluded until appropriate medical treatment and a medical certificate of recovery is given.
Tuberculosis – Re-admit on production of a medical certificate from appropriate health authority.
Typhoid Fever – Re-admit after certificate of freedom from infection is issued following three negative faecal cultures taken at intervals of 72 hours, commencing at least 72 hours after cessation of specific therapy.
Whooping Cough – Should be excluded for four weeks unless a medical certificate is produced.
Parents are asked to observe these regulations. Children will be sent home unless these instructions are faithfully carried out.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1985: INFECTIOUS DISEASES (EDUCATION OFFICE GAZETTE, MAY 1974)
Chicken Pox – The sufferer should be excluded for seven days after the beginning of the illness or until the last lesion has healed.
Measles – Sufferer should be excluded for at least seven days from appearance of the rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.
Mumps – Sufferer should be excluded for at least fourteen days after the onset of symptoms.
Other Diseases – Please contact school.
Ringworms – Seek treatment for a chemist or a doctor and keep covered.
Source: 1985 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1989: INFECTIOUS DISEASES (EDUCATION OFFICE GAZETTE, 88.14.08)
Chicken Pox – May return to school 6 days after the appearance of the rash unless heavily scabbed.
Measles – Sufferer should be excluded for at least seven days from appearance of the rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.
Mumps – Sufferer should be excluded until fully recovered.
Conjunctivitis (acute infection) – Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased.
Impetigo (School Sores) – Exclude until sores have fully healed. The pupil may be allowed to return provided that appropriate treatment is being applied and sores on exposed surfaces such as scalp, face, hands or legs are properly covered with occlusive dressings.
Ringworm, Scabies, Head lice, Trachoma – Readmit when appropriate treatment has commenced, and supported only when requested by a medical certificate.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1994: INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND COMMUNAL HEALTH
Chicken Pox – May return to school 6 days after the appearance of the rash unless heavily scabbed.
Measles – Sufferer should be excluded for at least seven days from appearance of the rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.
Mumps – Sufferer should be excluded until fully recovered.
Conjunctivitis – Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased (acute infection).
Impetigo (School Sores) – Exclude until sores have fully healed. The pupil may be allowed to return provided that appropriate treatment is being applied and sores on exposed surfaces such as scalp, face, hands or legs are properly covered with occlusive dressings.
Ringworm, Scabies, Head lice, Trachoma – Readmit when appropriate treatment has commenced, and supported only when requested by a medical certificate.
MEASLES SPECIAL NOTE
We do ask Parents of children who contract Measles to advise the Principal. This is because form time to time we have pupils ‘at risk’ in the event of Measles cases.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND COMMUNAL HEALTH
Chicken Pox – May return to school 6 days after the appearance of the rash unless heavily scabbed.
Measles – Sufferer should be excluded for at least seven days from appearance of the rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.
Mumps – Sufferer should be excluded until fully recovered.
Conjunctivitis – Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased (acute infection).
Impetigo (School Sores) – Exclude until sores have fully healed. The pupil may be allowed to return provided that appropriate treatment is being applied and sores on exposed surfaces such as scalp, face, hands or legs are properly covered with occlusive dressings.
Ringworm, Scabies, Head lice, Trachoma – Readmit when appropriate treatment has commenced, and supported only when requested by a medical certificate.
MEASLES SPECIAL NOTE
We do ask Parents of children who contract Measles to advise the Principal. This is because form time to time we have pupils ‘at risk’ in the event of Measles cases.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: INFECTIOUS DISEASES (EDUCATION OFFICE GAZETTE, 88.14.08)
Chicken Pox – Exclude until fully recovered and at least five days after the eruption first appeared. (Some remaining dried out scabs are not a reason for continued exclusion). Exclude children with immune deficiencies (eg. Leukaemia or chemotherapy); otherwise NOT to be excluded.
Measles – Exclude for at least four days after rash has started. Immunised children not excluded. Not-immunised contacts should be excluded until 14 days after the first day the rash appears in the last case. They may return to the school if immunised within 72 hours of contact with the first case.
Mumps – Exclude for nine days or until swelling goes down (Contacts are NOT to be excluded).
Conjunctivitis – Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased (acute infection). (Contacts are NOT to be excluded).
Impetigo (School Sores) – Exclude until proper treatment has started. Sores on exposed skin should be covered with a watertight dressing. (Contacts are NOT to be excluded).
Ringworm, Scabies, Head lice, Trachoma – Exclude until day after proper treatment has commenced. (Contacts are NOT to be excluded).
Whooping Cough – Exclude for 21 days from onset or until child has taken five days of a 10 day course of antibiotics (erythromycin). Exclude unimmunised household contacts aged less than seven years, and children who are in close contact who are either less than one year old or not fully immunised, for 14 days after they were last exposed to infection or until they have taken five days of a 10 day course of antibiotics(erythromycin). If necessary, contact your nearest public health unit for advice.
Glandular Fever – Exclusion not necessary.
Herpes (Cold Sores) – Exclude if child cannot comply with good hygiene practices while sore are weeping. (Sores should be covered with a dressing where possible). (Contacts are NOT excluded).
MEASLES, CHICKENPOX, SHINGLES SPECIAL NOTE
We do ask Parents of children who contract Measles to advise the Principal. This is because form time to time we have pupils ‘at risk’ in the event of Measles cases.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2013: MEASLES HEALTH ALERT
Queensland Health is concerned about the number of measles outbreaks in Queensland this year. Measles is a highly infectious disease that begins with symptoms such as fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose and/or red inflamed eyes. Measles can lead to complications such as middle ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Measles can spread very easily. Vaccination is the only way to prevent measles. Queensland Health encourages anyone who has not had two measles-containing vaccinations, or who is not sure about their vaccination status, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The measles vaccine is free from your local doctor for anyone born from 1966 onwards.
If parents think their child might have measles, they are advised to keep them away from school and make an appointment with a doctor or phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to organise medical assessment.
More information is available from http://access.health.qld.gov.au/hid/InfectionsandParasites/ViralInfections/measles_fs.asp
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 17/13, 30 October 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
ACCIDENTS
Children are prone to accidents. It is a simple fact. So when they were at school and not at home (in the days before litigation and public liability drove public policy), the Principal was responsible ‘in loco parentis’ (in the place of Parents) and would make judgements on the immediate care of children who had hurt themselves during school hours.
Mobile phones, the internet, SMS, computers – not of these rapid response systems yet existed. Parents might have a landline phone and a car (although not everyone was that lucky). In case of emergency, parents and guardians were responsible for informing the school of a preferred contact number that they could be reached on if possible. I would imagine though, many phones ringing out until someone arrived back from work or shopping to receive it. Therefore, it was advised to have a second emergency point of contact for the family.
In the absence of computer databases, the school administration would keep all personal contact details in a card file system. It was the responsibility of the parents/guardians to keep this information current.
1982: EMERGENCY CARDS
An emergency card is issued to each child enrolled. It is important that accurate information with regard to emergency procedure be supplied in the event of a serious accident or sudden illness.
At times urgent medical attention may be necessary and in cases such as this, parental approval is necessary.
The card is self-explanatory.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1985: ACCIDENTS AND THE FAMILY CARD SYSTEM
Accidents do happen despite our taking all reasonable precautions. Every endeavour is made to contact the Parents, hence our Family Card System. These cards record home, work, neighbour’s phone numbers. Occasionally it is impossible to contact anyone and in such cases the Principal acts ‘in loco parentis’ (in the place of Parents) and decides what action should be taken.
Source: 1985 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1989: ACCIDENTS AND THE FAMILY CARD SYSTEM
Accidents do happen despite our taking all reasonable precautions. Every endeavour is made to contact the Parents, hence our Family Card System. These cards record home, work, neighbour’s phone numbers. Occasionally it is impossible to contact anyone and in such cases the Principal acts ‘in loco parentis’ (in the place of Parents) and decides what action should be taken. See also SICK CHILDREN.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1994: ACCIDENTS AND THE FAMILY CARD SYSTEM
Every endeavour is made to contact the Parents, hence our Family Card System. These cards record home, work, neighbours’ phone numbers. Occasionally it is impossible to contact anyone and in such cases the principal acts ‘in loco parentis’ (in the place of Parents) and decides what action should be taken. It is your responsibility to notify the school with change of address, phone number etc.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: ACCIDENTS AND THE FAMILY CARD SYSTEM
Every endeavour is made to contact the Parents, hence our Family Card System. These cards record home, work, neighbours’ phone numbers. Occasionally it is impossible to contact anyone and in such cases the principal acts ‘in loco parentis’ (in the place of Parents) and decides what action should be taken. It is your responsibility to notify the school with change of address, phone number etc.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: ACCIDENTS AND THE FAMILY CARD SYSTEM
In the case of an accident every endeavour is made to contact the parents, hence our family card system. These cards record home, work, and emergency phone numbers. Occasionally it is impossible to contact anyone and in such cases the principal acts ‘in loco parentis’ (in the place of parents) and decides what action should be taken. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that the records held at school are correct. Please send information relating to changed family details in writing immediately the changes occur.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2013: INSURANCE COVER FOR STUDENTS
Some school activities and physical education, particularly contact sports, carry inherent risks of injury.
Parents are advised the Department of Education and Training does not have student accident insurance cover for students.
If your child is injured at school as a result of an accident or incident, all costs associated with the injury, including medical costs are the responsibility of the parent or caregiver.
Some incidental medical costs may be covered by Medicare. If you have private health insurance, some costs may also be covered by your provider. Any other costs must be covered by parents.
Student accident insurance pays some benefits in certain circumstances should your child have an accident.
It is up to all parents to decide what type and what level of private insurance they wish to arrange to cover their child.
Please contact your insurer or an approved Australian insurance broker if you wish to take out student personal accident insurance cover for your child.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 03/13, 28 February 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
SICK CHILDREN
Children get sick … sometimes a lot and sometimes not really … sometimes they are just sick of school.
However, when a child isn’t well enough to participate in class, it is encouraged to keep them home. If they should get sick at school, take them home as soon as possible!
1989: SICK CHILDREN
It is inadvisable to send children to school if they are sick. Our Health Room is a short-term ‘holding zone’ for children who become ill during the day as we usually phone parents to collect children who are ill. First Aid is given to children who are injured and Ambulance/Parents/Doctor contacted as appropriate.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1994: SICK CHILDREN
It is inadvisable to send children to school if they are sick. Our Health Room is a short-term ‘holding zone’ for children who become ill during the day as we usually phone parents to collect children who are ill. First Aid is given to children who are injured and Ambulance/Parents/Doctor contacted as appropriate.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: SICK CHILDREN
It is inadvisable to send children to school if they are sick. Our Health Room is a short-term ‘holding zone’ for children who become ill during the day as we usually phone parents to collect children who are ill. First Aid is given to children who are injured and Ambulance/Parents/Doctor contacted as appropriate.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: SICK CHILDREN
It is inadvisable to send children to school if they are sick. Our health room is a short-term ‘holding zone’ for children who become ill during the day as we usually phone parents to collect children who are ill. First Aid is given to children who are injured and Ambulance/Parents/Doctor contacted as needed.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
MEDICATION
Toward the end of the 1980s the school were apt to advise parents via the Prospectus of guidelines regarding children requiring ongoing medications that may need to be administered during school hours.
1989: MEDICATION
We are bound by Education Department Regulations regarding Teachers administering medication to your children.
a. We need a letter from a Doctor stating the specific times and dosages.
b. We do NOT give non-prescribed oral medications e.g. analgesics.
c. We do NOT give injections, intravenous or otherwise.
d. A parental not of authority is required as well as the Doctor’s letter.
Source: 1989 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1994: MEDICATION
We are bound by Education Department Regulations regarding Teachers administering medication to children.
a. We need a letter from a Doctor stating the specific times and dosage.
b. We do NOT give non-prescribed oral medications e.g. analgesics.
c. We do NOT give injections, intravenous or otherwise.
d. A parental not of authority is required as well as the Doctor’s letter.
See also ‘ASTHMA’
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: MEDICATION
We are bound by Education Department Regulations regarding Teachers administering medication to children.
a. We need a letter from a Doctor stating the specific times and dosage.
b. We do NOT give non-prescribed oral medications e.g. analgesics.
c. We do NOT give injections, intravenous or otherwise.
d. A parental not of authority is required as well as the Doctor’s letter.
See also ‘ASTHMA’
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: MEDICATION
We are bound by Education Department Regulations regarding administering medication to children.
– We need a letter from a Doctor stating the specific times and dosage;
– We are not able to give non-prescribed oral medications e.g. analgesics;
– We are not able to give injections, intravenous or otherwise;
– A parental note of authority is required as well as the Doctor’s letter.
See also “ASTHMA”
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
ASTHMA
Due to the nature of asthma and the speed and severity by which attacks can occur, it was recommended that children with this condition manage their own medicinal requirements.
1994: ASTHMA
Asthmatics are responsible for taking their own medication at school.
Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1995: ASTHMA
Asthmatics are responsible for taking their own medication at school.
Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
2001: ASTHMA
Asthmatics are responsible for taking their own medication at school.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
HEAD LICE
It is interesting to note the treatment for head lice in the early 1980s could constitute a trip to the Children’s Hospital for free treatment or that an ‘effective lotion’ was available at the local Chemist for less than $1. However, was is strongly urged that Parents/Guardians maintain ‘constant vigilance’ in the fight against infection that had increased in the community to ‘almost epidemic proportions’.
If cooperation from Parents is not forthcoming, the School was within jurisdiction to ‘exercise its right of exclusion of infected children’.
This message is fairly unchanged in today’s schoolyard and classroom. If head lice is reported to the school as being a concern in a particular class, a ‘Head Lice Action Form’ is sent home as a notification to parents to act by checking their own children and treating if necessary, they then return the note to advise of the ‘status’ of the child’s hair.
Technically, children infected with head lice should not be sent back to school until they have been treated, and lice eradicated.
It is recommended to treat the child once, and then again seven days later to kill any potential hatchlings from eggs that survived the first treatment.
1982: HEAD LICE
The incidence of Head Lice in Queensland schools has increased to almost epidemic proportions as where large numbers of children mix freely, cross infection is easy.
The School Health Services Division is unable to visit schools for individual examination and report so that the matter becomes a parent responsibility which only constant vigilance can control.
Cooperation from all parents in this regard is sought otherwise the School will be compelled to exercise its right of exclusion of infected children.
Free treatment for head lice is available at the Children’s Hospital, but Chemists will suggest an effective lotion for less than $1.00.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1985: HEAD LICE
Head lice – Persons contacting head lice are to be treated until clean. Ask at the Office for the brochure on recommended treatment. Treatment is a PARENTAL responsibility.
Source: 1985 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
1991: HEAD LICE
“18th April 1991 – “18 April Log – Would you please keep checking your child/children for Head Lice.”
– David Stephenson, 1999, Principal 1 Jan 1991 – 2007
Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.
2001: HEAD LICE
Head lice is and ongoing concern. It is parents’ responsibility to ensure that hair is checked regularly (at best twice a week). Students identified with head lice will be sent home for the appropriate treatment.
Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
HYGIENE
The 1982 Parent Guide is the only reference uncovered where the issue of ‘hygiene’ was addressed. It is interesting to note that hygiene mainly referred to the toilet facilities being abused ‘especially by misuse of toilet rolls’ by which the amenities ‘are often put out of action’.
Vandalism of the toilets seemed to be the only mentionable topic given the ‘dangers and heavy costs involved when these facilities are abused’.
It is suggested politely that ‘home training is very important in this regard’.
1982: HYGIENE
Children are instructed regularly on matters of hygiene and every effort is made to put this into practice.
Unfortunately, some children abuse the facilities provided at toilets with the result that they are often put out of action, especially by misuse of toilet rolls.
Parents should understand that it is not possible to supervise the children at all times and home training is very important in this regard. It would be most helpful if parents would kindly bring this matter to the notice of their children and emphasize the dangers and the heavy costs involved when these facilities are abused.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
AMBULANCE SCHEME
Today, citizens have access to the emergency services via a levy which households pay alongside their energy bill. This was not always the case with the Ambulance service and in the 1980s individuals and families needed to ‘opt-in’ to an Ambulance Subscription. This was another household expense that people were increasing choosing not to pay, if they did require an Ambulance for any reason, they would receive a bill after treatment that could be very expensive, especially if they were already quite ill.
However, Schools were able to provide quick response Ambulance services to their students via an ‘Ambulance Scheme’. In 1982 the Parents and Citizens’ Association would pay 10 cents per child per year to the QATB (Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade, now Queensland Ambulance Service or QAS) for this service.
1982: AMBULANCE SCHEME
An ambulance scheme operates at the school. This ensures speedy care and attention to children who may be injured or become seriously ill.
An amount of 10 cents per child is paid annually by the Parents and Citizens’ Association to the QATB to provide this service.
Source: 1982 Petrie State School Parent Guide, From the Collection of Jean Charters.
OTHER HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY INITIATIVES
2013: SEAT CALENDAR SUCCESS (SPINAL EDUCATION AWARENNESS TEAM)
Award-winning injury prevention program, the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) inspired students at our school to stay safe earlier this year. Run by the Spinal Injuries Association and accredited by Education Queensland, SEAT has a proud 24 year history having reached more than 1.4 million students and counting!
The SEAT team reinforce messages like always wearing your seatbelt, wearing a helmet when on a bike or a skateboard, the importance of playing sports fairly and walking into any body of water to check its depth. These simple tips could save young people from sustaining a permanent disability.
Students were given the opportunity to enter a calendar competition to highlight important aspects of looking after your spine. Two of our students, Campbell Croudson and Paige Bentley have secured a page in the 2013 SEAT calendar. Congratulations to Paige (April) and Campbell (December). As well as having very proud parents, Mrs Brannelly is absolutely thrilled that the two winners are in 4B.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 21/12, 10 December 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2013: MOSQUITOES
“There have been a lot of mozzies in the school over the past few weeks, due no doubt to the wet humid conditions and the large amount of vegetation on the school grounds. I have been in contact with the Moreton Bay Regional Council to request assistance to eliminate these insects. If the weather is fine over the next few days, the plan is for the treatment to take place on Saturday. I know that many parents have been applying insect repellent to their children just before they come to school. Hopefully there will less of an impact next week.”
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 04/13, 14 March 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2013: ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT
30 MINUTE INFORMATION SESSION FOR PARENTS – MONDAY 15 APRIL
This session will occur at 6.30 pm, just prior to the P&C meeting.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 05/13, 27 March 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014
2013: DOGS OR PETS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
A reminder to parents/carers, for the safety of our students, please don’t bring dogs or pets into the school grounds when collecting your children.
Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 16/13, 16 October 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014