Attendance & Medical Policies
School hours
Hope International School operates from Monday to Friday, with scheduled classes between 8am and 2.30pm.
Please ensure your children arrive before classes commence, no later than 7.55 am, but not before 7.30 am.
Children should leave the school, accompanied by a parent or responsible adult, by 3.00 pm each afternoon.
A guard is on duty at school, 24 hours a day, and the gates are secured. An external bell is available to summon the guard if parents need to enter the school premises during the day.
Break times
Morning break is from 10.00 am to 10.20 am.
Lunch is from 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm
Dropping off and collection of children from school
In the morning all students will enter the school by the top gate (at street level), where they will be greeted by the guard. All vehicles wishing to park must remain outside the school grounds, on the street or pavement in front of the school. No vehicles will be given access to the school grounds.
At 2.30pm, upon dismissal, the students will move to the top gate. No student will be allowed to pass through the gate until a parent or other authorised person has come. A teacher will be on duty, assisting the guard, during this time. Students will not be permitted to cross the road unless attended by a parent or carer.
For reasons of security, no student will be allowed to depart with an unauthorised person. This includes family friends and other parents, unless previously arranged through the school office or in possession of a family pass.
Children leaving grounds
HOPE has a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds during the school day except with permission from the office. Parent communication is required for early departure and the student is to check out through the office.
Collecting children early
Parents wishing to collect students early must report to the school office upon arrival.
Helmets
Please ensure that students, parents and other associated adults riding to and from school on motorbikes or bicycles wear helmets.
Absences
It is realized that many families have conferences and events which the entire family may need to attend. It would be appreciated if you could inform the school, at least one week in advance, of anticipated absences of a week or more. It is preferable that this be done in writing.
Absences due to illness
If your child is ill please call the school office on 023 217 565 to report the illness as early as possible in the school day. If using the recorded message service please leave your name, the name of the child who is absent and the reason e.g. illness. If possible also indicate the expected date of return.
Medication
Parents are requested to complete a medical and health information questionnaire at the time of enrolment. This information should be updated at the beginning of each year or whenever there is a change in the child’s condition.
Teachers are not expected to accept responsibility for administering medication except where no practical alternative exists.
If medication must be administered at school the parent must ensure that the preparation is clearly marked with the child’s name and that it is accompanied by a letter from the doctor outlining the dose and frequency of the medication. Where the medication is only required in the short term then it is appropriate to rely upon the directions typed on the bottle or packet by the pharmacy.
Under no circumstances will school staff dispense medication to children unless the parent has consented in writing. All administrations will be recorded and dated. Please discuss any other medical issues with the Director.
Allergies
If a child has a serious medical condition and/or allergies the school should be informed, in writing, and the antidote supplied to be kept at school. Full instructions should be included.
Please note that some children have severe allergies to certain foods. Please ask your child not to share food at break or lunch with other children.
Illness/injuries at school
If your child becomes ill or is injured at school you will be notified and asked your advice as to what steps should be taken. If you are not available and further medical help is necessary the advice you have given on your emergency contact form will be activated.
While first aid equipment is kept at school, medication will not be administered unless authorized by a parent in writing.
It is important that the school be kept informed of your current telephone numbers, both at work and at home, and that you inform the school in writing when you plan to be away from home.
Punctuality
Punctuality impacts positively on the learning process of the student, the class and the teacher. Students who are not punctual disrupt the class and the teacher. If tardiness becomes an obvious problem both parents and students will be consulted.
Infectious illnesses
Please be aware of the following periods of exclusion required for various infectious illnesses.
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Chicken Pox - excluded for at least 7 days and until blisters are healed.
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Conjunctivitis - (acute infection) excluded until discharge from eyes has ceased.
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Head Lice - excluded until effective treatment has been carried out. Parents should keep a check on children’s hair. Please inform the school (in confidence) so other parents can take the necessary steps to prevent infection.
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Hepatitis - excluded until medical certificate of recovery is produced.
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Impetigo (school sores) - excluded until effective medical treatment has been carried out and sores covered.
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Measles - excluded for 7 days from appearance of rash or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced.
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Mumps - excluded for at least 14 days from onset of symptoms.
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Ringworm - excluded until medical certificate produced stating child is being treated.
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Rubella - excluded for 10 days from appearance of rash.
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Scabies - excluded until medical certificate is produced stating child is being treated.
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Whooping cough - excluded for 4 weeks or until medical certificate of recovery is produced.
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Other diseases where children may be excluded from school include: Diphtheria, Leprosy, Meningococcal Infection, Poliomyelitis, Streptococcal Infections, Scarlet Fever, Trachoma, Tuberculosis, Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever.
Immunization
Prevention is the best way to make certain that your child grows up healthy, happy and disease free. Various authorities recommend immunization against the seven major childhood diseases before children enter school. Inoculations include diphtheria-pertussis (DPT), polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Please talk to your doctor about immunisation should you wish to.