WELCOME TO ROOTY HILL HIGH SCHOOL
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Congratulations on enrolling your son or daughter at Rooty Hill High School. Our school is located on Darug lands.
As you already know from the enrolment interview, we offer a high level of personalised support to students and parents.
In this community we know many parents and caregivers have busy lives – working, caring for family members, coaching their children’s sporting teams and just coping with the many challenges of raising teenagers.
Most of our parents (over the very long history of the school) have done a great job raising their own children. We see that at Year 12 Graduation every year.
Our job is to focus on providing every student with the opportunity to do his or her best at school – in academic studies, school service, the arts and sport. We want to work with you and our students to graduate students for employment, further study, achieve citizenship and successful lives
Our job is to understand the learning, social, emotional and physical needs of individual students and to support them from childhood to adulthood and life beyond school.
We focus on students learning to know, to do, to be, to live together and to live sustainably in a high technology learning environment. We want to do more than graduate students with life and career options – we want our students to live the school’s values (PERSIST) and be great citizens who can contribute to their community.
To do this, we know our job is also to provide a personalised service to individual parents and families when they need it.
Increasingly we are meeting positively and proactively with parents to discuss a wide range of issues that affect families and students. We are also offering more targeted opportunities for parents to be involved in the school – in the ways they want.
So, please contact us.
Our senior staff, our year advisers, our teachers and our administrative staff always try to put parent questions first and to get back to parents as soon as they can. Our teachers will also contact you.
For individual enquiries, the fastest way to contact us is by phone during school hours. After hours please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. You can also contact us by email (see page 2).
For general information and notices, please like our Facebook page. You can also look at the website, read our newsletter Missing Link (now online at - https://issuu.com/rootyhill) or follow us on Instagram and X (Twitter) @RootyHillHS.
We do hope you will come to assemblies, events and sporting carnivals if you have the time.
We know that parents and caregivers who make time and show interest in their high school age children add considerably to the success of their children as adults.
We look forward to working with you in the coming years.
Christine Cawsey AM Principal Rooty Hill High School Learning, Leadership, Achievement
FOR STUDENTS IT’S AS SIMPLE AS A – E
A – Attend class
B – Behave in a positive way
C – Complete all work
D – Dress in uniform everyday
E – Expect to do your best (see page 9)
Rooty Hill High School
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: North Parade, Rooty Hill 2766
Postal Address: PO Box 70, Rooty Hill 2766
Phone: (02) 9625 8104
Office Hours: 8:00am – 3:30pm (or by appointment)
Email: rootyhill-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Website: https://rootyhill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/
Facebook: facebook.com/rootyhillhs
Instagram & X (Twitter): @rootyhillhs
YouTube: youtube.com/user/rootyhillhighschool
Principal
STAFF INFORMATION
Deputy Principal - Years 7, 9, 11 2025
Deputy Principal - Years 8, 10, 12 2025
Head Teacher Junior School (Years 7, 8, 9)
Head Teacher Senior School (Years 10, 11, 12)
2025 Year Advisers
Year 6 (Year 7 2026)
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Counsellors
Careers
Student Support Officer (SSO)
Ms Christine Cawsey AM
Ms Caroline (Thelma) Vuki
Ms Conny Mattimore
Ms Sarah Andrews
Ms Kylie Munzenberger
TBC
Ms Renee Tapuska
Ms Sandy Ratnappuly
Ms Daynah Elford
Mr Brendan Crosilla
Ms Kate Short
Ms Kate Pozoglou
Mr Bryce Thompson & Ms Fiona Yau
Ms Debbie Cunningham
Ms Kylie Wilson
https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/school-community-charter
Telephone interpreter service
If you would like to discuss this document with the Principal and need assistance with English please call the telephone interpreter service on 131 450, tell them what language you need and ask the operator to phone the school. The operator will get an interpreter on the line to assist you with your conversation. You will not be charged for this service
https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/translated-documents/behaviour-code-for-students
ROOTY HILL HS SCHOOL VALUES: PERSIST
When students start at the school, when parents view the school’s website, when teachers issue reports and when students reflect on their behaviour, they do so using the school’s values. At enrolment and then in class students learn about the school’s values and learn how to demonstrate those values in their work, their behaviour, their relationships and their language.
THE RAISING RESPONSIBILITY SCHEME
• We expect students to demonstrate good behaviour, to make good choices and to take personal responsibility for their own actions.
• At Rooty Hill High School, the Raising Responsibility System (RRS - designed by Marvin Marshall) is used to develop effective practices and identify behaviour that is “above (or below) the line”. Good is above the line. Good choices are above the line.
• In RRS discipline is defined as self-discipline a quality held by students, staff and parents in managing their work, behaviour and lives. It is the lack of self-discipline that leads to poor choices and negative consequences.
• The role of the teachers, students and adults is to develop practices and systems to help all students demonstrate cooperative and democratic behaviour – doing the right thing. It is also the role of teachers and adults to act when students are bossing, bullying or unable to control their own behaviours (anarchy). Students agree there will be consequences when behaviour is “below the line.” This can include “restorative conversations” to help students get back on track.
• Classroom practices include the BBC (lesson outline tool), class codes for behaviour, class meetings, faculty documentation and assignment rubrics. School practices are outlined below.
• All new students who enrol are taught how to use the school’s values and the Raising Responsibility Scheme.
• If you would like a copy of the RRS chart for your “fridge” at home please ask.
Above the line behaviours include:
• Presenting quality work
• Working well in a team
• Acting co-operatively and accepting difference
• Kindness
• Respect for self and others
• Taking responsibility
• Respect
• Politeness
• Helping others
Below the line behaviours include:
• Bullying, cyber-bullying
• Misuse of social media
• Harming self or others
• Disrupting the learning of self and others
• Poor attendance, lateness and truancy
• Not completing assessment tasks
• Serious misbehaviour including verbal abuse, criminal behaviour, sexualised behaviour and dangerous behaviour
PERSONALISED LEARNING AND STUDENT AGENCY
If students are to learn how to be successful adults who understand themselves and others, who can live and work with others and who can achieve their potential, the school has a mandate to provide opportunities for students to learn in a wide range of academic, emotional and social domains. The school has a focus on teaching both subject and ACARA capability knowledge skills (know-how), capabilities and dispositions.
At Rooty Hill High School each student:
• Has a structured personalised learning program, a personal learning plan and opportunities to reflect on their goals, achievements and plans at least once per semester.
• Sets a subject goal in each subject each semester, collects evidence from success criteria and writes a reflection on his/her academic reports.
• Will have a personalised academic plan, portfolio and (from 2024) passport based on academic performance and expected progress from Year 7 to 12.
• Manages their own individual student digital portfolio.
• My Learning Portfolio – every student will have a digital portfolio on which they can load:
▪ evidence of their work in each of the ACARA capabilities
▪ their CV and personal statement
▪ their personalised learning plans and
▪ their merit, significant achievement and other awards
• Is supported through individual monitoring of attendance, completion of work, behaviour in class and behaviour in the playground.
• Can access the Learning Centre (Years 7-9) and Senior Study (Years 10-12) and have time allocated for customised learning.
• Participates in structured teaching of a social curriculum (through the PDHPE program) to learn about the school’s key values and frameworks in participation, responsibility, safety and “Raising Responsibility”.
• Will be invited and expected to participate in specific targeted programs for identified groups of students and for different year groups.
• Will have opportunities in student leadership, mentoring and mediation programs run by students for students, including the School Ambassador program for Years 7 – 9 and SALSA.
• Will attend assemblies to celebrate learning including deputy principal assemblies in Terms 1 and 3 and academic presentation assemblies at the end of Terms 2 and 4 for students in Years 7 – 10.
• Will experience whole school events and programs including Harmony in Diversity Day, Sustainability Day, and Learning Neighbourhood events.
• Wil have the benefit of our strong connections with the partner primary schools creating effective transitions from pre-school through to high school. Students in Years 7 and 8 can take part in the Gifted Gateway Program.
STUDENT AGENCY, STUDENT SELF-ASSESSMENT AND STUDENT-SELF REPORTING
At this school every student needs to understand their own progress, growth and attainment. As they create and maintain their portfolios, they learn to upload evidence (work samples) and annotate that evidence to show they can assess their progress against capability and subject benchmarks. At the end of each semester, they use their subject based learning goals and their personal evidence portfolio to co-construct and write their own subject report comments which are then “validated” by the teacher.
Our school data and evidence shows that this helps students improve their results over time.
CURRICULUM
A full outline of the school’s curriculum can be found on the school’s website - https://rootyhillh.schools.nsw.gov.au/learning-at-our-school.html
ASSESSMENT TASKS & ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
There are some keys to success at high school.
Attend – Students need to attend school every day and be in class.
Behave – They need to behave “above the line. ”
Complete and contribute – Students need to take an active part in their own learning and they need to complete all set homework and assessment tasks.
We have two main types of assessment in this school:
1. Subject based – grades issued.
2. Capability based – progressive individual assessment using the success criteria from each lesson – self, peer and teacher.
HOMEWORK
A special note about homework – homework in this school is now online and parents and caregivers can see what is required (note: local libraries have wireless access) through each student’s Google account.
Homework is the chance to finish and consolidate work done at school and it is not necessarily set each day. This is different to assessment – where students need to take time to prepare and study.
All students benefit from learning how to manage their time and how to balance school homework with “Home” homework – helping with chores, learning how to shop and budget, and playing sports.
Parents should not do homework for their children – they should be supportive.
EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS
NAPLAN is completed in Term 1 of Years 7 and 9.
VALID (the Science assessment) is completed in Years 8 and 10.
RoSA – The Record of School Achievement. In Years 10, 11 and 12 students complete the RoSA and must also complete the HSC minimum standards assessment.
HSC – Examinations commence in Term.
More details about assessment in Years 7-12 is published in Assessment Booklets published on the Google Year Group and subject class pages annually.
UNIFORM
UNIFORM SHOP
The Uniform Shop at Rooty Hill High School is operated by Daylight Schoolwear.
Normal operating hours during the school term:
Monday 8:30 - 10:30am
Tuesday 8:30 - 10:30am
Wednesday 8:30 - 10:30am
Thursday 8:30 - 10:30am
Onsite shop contact (during operating hours): 0420 979 832
Onsite shop email: rootyhill@daylightcorp.com
Head Office contact: 02 4648 1066
PURCHASE ONLINE (& collect from Uniform Shop): https://www.daylightschoolwear.au/rootyhill
LESSON TIMES
Period 0 7:30am – 8:35am (Years 11 and 12 only)
Period 1 8:40am – 9:55am
Recess 1 9:55am – 10:15am
Period 2 10:15am – 11:30am
Recess 2 11:30am – 11:45am
Period 3 11:45am – 1:00pm
Lunch 1:00pm – 1:40pm
Period 4 1:40pm – 2:55pm
• Monday Week B students finish at 1:00pm.
• School gates closed between 9:00am – 2:30pm (except Monday B).
Whole school assembly:
• Summer Lesson Times (Terms 1 and 4) – After Period 1 Tuesday Week A and B
• Winter Lesson Times (Terms 2 and 3) – After Period 2 Tuesday Week A and B
• Assembly will be held in class on Microsoft Teams during COVID restrictions, exam periods and wet weather.
Years 11 and 12 have a flexible timetable. Classes can start at 7:30am and students who have a 7:30am start must be at school on time.
SCHOOL STUDENT TRAVEL
TYPES OF SCHOOL TRAVEL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Different subsidies or passes are available depending on where you live and the availability of public transport.
SCHOOL OPAL CARD OR SCHOOL TRAVEL PASSES
Eligible students can receive free travel to and from home and school/TAFE on approved metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail during term. Please use the links below for more information:
• Apply for a school travel pass or School Opal card - https://transportnsw.info/school-travel-apply
• Update a school travel pass - https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibilityconcessions/school-student-travel/update-school-travel-pass
• Track your school travel pass application - https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibilityconcessions/school-student-travel/track-your-school-travel-pass
• Lost, stolen or damaged School Opal cards and travel passes - https://transportnsw.info/ticketsopal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel/lost-stolen-or-damaged-school
• Request a review of school travel pass application - https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticketeligibility-concessions/school-student-travel/request-review-of-school-travel
TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
When using public transport other than for school or for excursions, children aged 4 to 15 years are entitled to concession travel. Secondary students aged 16 years and over also pay concession fares with their proof of entitlement card. Find out more - https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibilityconcessions/child-youth
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is critical to success at school and Rooty Hill High School has a long record of student attendance at and above state, regional and local levels. The expected attendance is 95% (a maximum absence of less than 10 school days each year) and the minimum required attendance is 90% in each school term. Failure to meet attendance requirements can affect student progression and the award of credentials. Key aspects of the attendance procedures include:
• There is no “roll call.” Rolls are marked at the beginning of every lesson. Morning classes start at 8:40am for students in Years 7-10. Senior students have a flexible timetable.
• Parents and caregivers need to provide a note, or leave a message, if their son or daughter is going to be absent or late to school before school on that day
• If students leave early, they will be recorded as absent. Classes end at 2:55pm for students in Years 7-10.
• Where a family knows a student will be taking leave or seeking exemption (e.g. surgery), the application for leave must be done at least one week prior to the leave.
• If students will be absent for more than five days parents need to seek leave or exemption for the absence. This includes extended illness, plans to travel and employment/work experience organised individually. Exemption is granted by the principal up to 50 days. Over 50 days the exemption must be approved by the Director Educational Leadership. Exemptions are not automatically granted. Exemption application documents are available at the school office and on the school website.
• Parents and caregivers should make personal appointments outside school hours whenever possible. No student will be able to leave after the start of Period 4 (1:40pm) unless organised before 9:00am by parents/caregivers or there is an emergency.
• The school uses SMS text messaging to advise parents if their sons or daughters are absent and to advise of variations to school routine that might affect attendance. Emergency messages are also sent by text.
• Lateness and truancy are “below the line” behaviours that have negative consequences. Parents and caregivers should note that poor attendance can result in students not meeting academic requirements. This can have serious consequences for students.
• Parents and caregivers who have a concern about the attendance of their sons or daughters should contact the Year Adviser and/or the Head Teacher Administration.
• CONTACT:
- JUNIOR (Years 7 - 9) ATTENDANCE – 02 8805 3608
- SENIOR (Years 10 - 12) ATTENDANCE – 02 8805 3609
INJURY / ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
• Students must stay at home if they are sick and if required, have a COVID or influenza test. Please advise the school
• The school has no “clinic.” Sick students will be sent home under public health orders.
• If students feel sick enough to go home they:
- Report to Student Services
- Parents and caregivers will be contacted BY STAFF to make arrangements
- Contact phone numbers must be UP TO DATE
- If a student is injured, first aid will be given if the student has a minor injury
• In more serious injuries:
- Parents and caregivers will be contacted and/or
- Medical attention will be required and/or
- An ambulance may be called.
• Serious student injuries are reported to Department of Education Health & Safety Hotline.
ASTHMA, ALLERGIES AND ANAPHYLAXIS
Please take note of the following information that you are required to provide to Rooty Hill High School prior to your son or daughter attending.
If your child has asthma, you need a doctor to complete an ASTHMA PLAN – www.nationalasthma.org.au
Additionally, if your child has a diagnosed ALLERGY that is non-anaphylactic you will need to supply a current ACSIA ALLERGY PLAN (NON-ANAPHYLACTIC) to Rooty Hill High School. Also, to be completed and signed by a doctor – www.allery.org.au
Anaphylaxis – it is essential that any student diagnosed with anaphylaxis MUST have a current ACSIA plan (completed and signed by a doctor) and MUST have 2 adrenaline autoinjectors (e.g. EpiPen) at school, one of which is to be left at school the other carried by the student. Please advise the school immediately if your child has anaphylaxis www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis
Please ensure staff are informed of any of these conditions prior to enrolment.
NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM
NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended and funded for adolescents by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in a school-based vaccination program, including:
• diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa)
• human papillomavirus (HPV)
• meningococcal ACWY.
COVID-19 vaccination is not part of the NSW School Vaccination Program. For information about COVID19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 years and over, visit COVID-19 vaccination bookinghttps://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination
Consent for school vaccination
Consent for each vaccine must be provided by parents/guardians for students to receive free vaccinations at school.
From 2023 parents/guardians can provide consent online for their child’s routine school vaccinations on the online consent portal - https://nexus.health.nsw.gov.au/. Select login with Service NSW Account. To provide online consent you will need:
• your Service NSW log-in details
• Medicare card details for you and your child.
Read a step-by-step guide on how to provide consent onlinehttps://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/online-consent-school-vaccination.aspx
Translated guides are available in Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese via the website link above.
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paperbased consent form – available on request from schools.
Parents can withdraw consent at any time before vaccination takes place:
• where consent has been given online, please log-in to the secure NSW Health portal and follow the prompts to withdraw consent, or
• where consent has been given on the physical consent form, please write to or call the school to advise the student's name, school grade and those vaccines the withdrawn consent applies to.
Parramatta Public Health Unit (Western Sydney LHD) – 02 9840 3603
THE NSW GOVERNMENT BANS MOBILE PHONES
IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Rooty Hill High School is a mobile phone-free space. Mobile phones have great utility however, a large percentage of negative incidents reported are mobile phone related. In the past, the use of mobile phones in school has caused significant disruption to teaching and learning, increased conflict amongst peers, increased wellbeing concerns and significantly increased the workload of staff managing student non-compliance with the existing policy.
As a solution RHHS implements the Phone Pouch Program (PPP). The PP Program utilises a simple, secure pouch that stores a phone. Every student should secure their phone in a personally assigned Phone pouch when they arrive at school. Students maintain possession of their phones and are not to use them until their pouches are opened at the end of the school day. Students are required to bring their Phone pouch to and from school each day and are responsible for their pouch at all times.
All newly enrolling students receive a phone pouch at no cost.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I want to reach my child during the school day?
We want our students to be engaged in their learning. If you need to contact your child during the school day, contact the school office at 02 9625 8104
What if a student uses their phone at school?
The phone will be confiscated and kept in a secure phone locker by the deputy principal. In most cases the phone will have to be collected by parents.
What if there is a school emergency?
In case of a school emergency, we direct our students to safety first, following our school emergency response protocol.
Will my student’s mobile phone be safe?
Students are in possession of their phones - in their Phone pouches - for the entire school day. We will advise students to store the pouches in their school bags where it is completely safe.
What if the Phone pouch gets damaged or is lost?
The Phone pouch is property of Rooty Hill High School. If a student damages their pouch they will be referred to the relevant Deputy Principals. From 2024, replacement pouches cost $20.
Note: Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school or Phone staff.
Please see additional information on pages 18 - 21 in using digital devices.
E-CIGARETTES, VAPING AND SMOKING
Vaping and smoking cigarettes are treated in the same way in NSW public schools, as outlined in the Drugs in Schools Policy (https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/pd-2002-0040): Smoking (including vaping) on school premises, including school buildings, gardens, sports fields and car parks, is prohibited. This includes students, employees, visitors and other people who use school premises, including community groups. Students can be suspended for vaping, smoking or using illegal substances including alcohol at school.
Cancer Council NSW: What you need to know as parents.
If you, or a parent you know, is concerned about the risks of electronic cigarette use in teenagers, the following information provides you with the facts.
For advice on existing evidence based methods to quit call the Quitline on 13 7848 or find online support here: www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/smoking/quitting-smoking/ More information on e-cigarettes can be found here: www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/smoking/electronic-cigarettes/
DIGITAL LITERACY AND DEVICES – OUR PRACTICE
Being able to learn using digital tools is critical in secondary school. Digital access is a major equity strategy in a digital age where young people need to be highly skilled in the use of technology for learning.
At Rooty Hill High School all new students will receive a Chromebook to use at school unless they choose to bring their own device (see page 20).
The device for each student will be on loan from the library and details will be recorded in the “Oliver” library software system. The device must be used in a manner that is safe, responsible and respectful.
Student and their carers will be required to sign a loan agreement and will be responsible for the care, charging and safe and correct use of the device.
Minor repairs (that can be managed by the IT team at school) as the result of normal use will be included in the agreement.
If the laptop is damaged or lost due to student misuse or deliberate lack of care, carers will be responsible for the full cost of repairs and/or replacement. Replacement laptops will have similar specifications to the original and will not be new devices.
The expected minimum life of each device is 3 years. Continuing students in Years 10 – 12 will have the option of using their original device if it is in good condition or they can shift to a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) plan.
If continuing students in Years 10 – 12 need to request the use of a new school Chromebook due to personal circumstances they will need to pay the $200 course costs before being eligible for a second Chromebook loan.
We are committed to ensuring that each student has access to an individual device to meet their own individual learning needs. Where possible, the school’s internal IT team will assist to provide general software connectivity support for these devices. It is expected that students bring their device to school each day, fully charged and ready for a full day’s learning activities.
The school acknowledges that there may be instances where devices need to be provided to students for a specific purpose. The departmental focus is moving to ensure that future learners become proficient in the online digital learning environment. One example is the conduct of examinations in an online supervised testing environment such as for NAPLAN and Minimum Standards. In these instances, the school will ensure that each student is provided the appropriate technology and support to be able to complete these examinations.
Students are expected to always keep their devices in their personal possession when on school grounds. It is recommended that the device is kept in a protective case to ensure that no accidental damage to the device occurs. RHHS will not accept responsibility for any damage and breakage to a BYO device. The liability will be on the parent to cover the cost for any breakages to a BYO device.
For additional information on the use of devices please see the Department of Education policy library - https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library
RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS IN SAFE DEVICE USE
For students
• Be safe, responsible and respectful users of digital devices and online services and support their peers to be the same.
• Respect and follow school rules and procedures and the decisions made by staff, knowing that other schools may have different arrangements.
• Communicate respectfully and collaboratively with peers, school staff and the school community and behave in the ways described in the Department of Education Behaviour Code for Students and the school’s PERSIST values.
For parents and carers
• Recognise the role they play in educating their children and modelling the behaviours that underpin the safe, responsible and respectful use of digital devices and online services.
• Support implementation of the school policy, including its approach to resolving issues.
• Take responsibility for their child’s use of digital devices and online services at home such as use of online services with age and content restrictions.
• Communicate with school staff and the school community respectfully and collaboratively as outlined in the School Community Charter (pages 3 - 4).
• Switch off or put their digital devices on silent when at official school functions, during meetings and when assisting in the classroom.
• Provide digital devices that meet school specifications where a school is participating in a bring your own device program and complete any related paperwork.
For the principal and teachers
• Deliver learning experiences that encourage safe, responsible and respectful use of digital devices and online services. This includes:
- Establishing agreed classroom expectations for using digital devices and online services, in line with this procedure and departmental policy.
- Identifying strategies to ensure that all students are able to engage in classroom activities including strategies to accommodate students without a digital device.
- Reading and abiding by the Terms of Service for any online services they use in teaching, including those limiting use by age.
- Educating students about online privacy, intellectual property, copyright, digital literacy and other online safety related issues.
• Model appropriate use of digital devices and online services in line with departmental policy.
• Respond to and report any breaches and incidents of inappropriate use of digital devices and
• online services as required by school procedures, departmental policy and any statutory and
• regulatory requirements. This includes:
- Reporting the creation, possession or distribution of indecent or offensive material to the Incident Support and Report hotline as required by the Incident Notification and Response Policy and Procedures and consider any mandatory reporting requirements.
- Working with the department and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner (if necessary) to resolve cases of serious online bullying and image-based abuse.
- Following the school’s behaviour management plan when responding to any incident of inappropriate student behaviour relating to the use of digital devices or online services.
• If feasible and particularly as issues emerge, support parents and carers to understand strategies that promote their children’s safe, responsible and respectful use of digital devices and online services.
• Participate in professional development related to appropriate use of digital devices and online services.
DIGITAL DEVICE AND ONLINE PLATFORM AGREEMENTS
The Digital Device and Loan Agreement and the Online Platform Agreement must be completed by all newly enrolling students.
PART 1 – DEVICE ACCESS – A digital device on loan from the school library.
On enrolment, all new students are given a device (Chromebook) on loan from the school’s library, unless they have their own device which they wish to use. Students are responsible for the care, charging and use of the device.
• Parents/caregivers give permission for their son/daughter to receive a Chromebook for their use at school and at home.
• Parents/caregivers acknowledge that their son/daughter is responsible for the care of the device, for charging the device and for the safe use of the device.
• Parents/caregivers acknowledge that if the device is damaged or lost, they are responsible for the cost of replacement.
• Parents/caregivers have explained these responsibilities to their son/daughter.
PART 2 - RHHS ONLINE PLATFORM ACCESS AND SAFE USE AGREEMENT
One of the benefits of enrolling at Rooty Hill HS is having access to software and learning platforms through the school’s Google© domain and other learning platforms. All these platforms must be used in line with the school’s values. In particular students must always use online platforms in a safe, responsible and respectful way. The misuse of software, including social media can result in the student being denied access to the school’s accounts and is a breach of both the Department of Education’s and school’s behaviour code and expectations.
Be SAFE
• Protect your personal information, including your name, address, school, email address, telephone number, pictures of you and other personal details.
• Only use your own usernames and passwords, and never share them with others.
• Ask a teacher or other responsible adult for help if anyone online asks for your personal information, wants to meet you or offers you money or gifts.
• Let a teacher or other responsible adult know immediately if you find anything online that is suspicious, harmful, in appropriate or makes you uncomfortable.
• Never hack, disable or bypass any hardware or software security, including any virus protection, spam and filter settings.
Be RESPONSIBLE
• Practise school values and follow instructions from school staff, including when using digital devices and online services.
• Take care with the digital devices you use.
- Make sure the devices you bring to school are fully charged each day and are stored appropriately when not in use. Be careful to keep your device safe.
- Understand that you and your parents and carers are responsible for any repairs or IT support your personal devices might need.
- Make sure the devices you bring to school have the latest software installed.
- Take care with the school-owned devices you share with others, so that other people can use them after you.
• Use online services in responsible and age-appropriate ways.
- Only use online services in the ways agreed to with your teachers and the school.
- Only access appropriate content and websites, including when using the school’s filtered network and personal, unfiltered networks.
- Do not use online services to buy or sell things online, to gamble or to do anything that breaks the law.
- Participate in online learning in a positive and responsible way.
- Understand that everything done on the school’s network is monitored and can be used in investigations, court proceedings or for other legal reasons.
Be RESPECTFUL
• Respect and protect the privacy, safety and wellbeing of others.
• Do not share anyone else’s personal information.
• Get permission before you take a photo or video of someone, including from the person and from a teacher.
• Do not harass or bully other students, school staff or anyone, this includes cyberbullying using a digital device or online service.
• Do not send or share messages or content that could cause harm, including things that might be:
- inappropriate, offensive or abusive;
- upsetting or embarrassing to another person or group;
- considered bullying;
- private or confidential; and/or
- a virus or other harmful software
• Use AI (artificial intelligence) (e.g. ChatGPT) as instructed and do not use AI for assessment tasks.
• Parents/caregivers gives permission for their son/daughter to demonstrate digital citizenship by participating in safe, responsible and respectful online learning and online learning platforms.
• Parents/caregivers understand that unsafe, irresponsible or disrespectful behaviours when using online learning platforms and social media is a breach of Department of Education behaviour code and school values.
• Parents/caregivers have explained these responsibilities to their son/daughter.
COURSE COSTS
• The school has no general contribution (fee) – everything collected is spent to provide equipment, consumables and resources for students in each course
• Course costs are tax deductible. They are donated through the school’s Library Fund and cover the costs of resources.
• Course costs are capped at $200 per student per annum ($5 per week) with a maximum of $600 per family.
• Student assistance is available for families needing extra help and applications should be made through the office with a valid Centrelink Card or other supporting documents.
• All students who purchase and register a new BYO (Bring Your Own) device (computer) for use at school are exempt from course costs for that year. Devices and licenses must be registered –please see the IT Staff Team (see page 23 for more details)
• Years 7 – 11 course costs need to be paid by the end of Term 3 to ensure students receive all items.
• Year 12 course costs need to be paid by the end of Term 1 of the HSC year
• Payments can be made in person (from 8:30am – 1:30pm on school days) at Student Services. See below for online payments.
• Detailed course cost information for each year group is available from the school office.
ONLINE PAYMENTS AND PERMISSION - SCHOOL BYTES PARENT PORTAL
• Online payments and permission for activities can be made 24/7 through the School Bytes parent portal - https://portal.schoolbytes.education/auth/login.
• Access to the School Bytes parent portal can also be done through the school’s website by clicking on ‘Make a payment’ – https://rootyhill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/
• OPTIONAL app download for ease of access and keep all school-related notifications in one easy to find location. Download via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• For information on how to set up your parent portal account, please refer to the following School Bytes Parent Guides: https://support.schoolbytes.education/hc/en-us/categories/4414087688847-PARENT-GUIDES
• The School Bytes parent portal allows parents/caregivers to:
- Manage their child’s account
- Make online payments
- Use credit to make payments
- View payment history
- Give permission to attend excursions/activities
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) OPTIONS EXPLAINED
Students have the option to BYOD in Years 7 – 9 and some families may choose to do so. The student’s device must be registered with the school before the student starts. In general, continuing students in Years 10 – 12 will move to BYOD.
Please Note: Students whose families purchase and register a BYO device will receive the equipment and books at no cost in the year of purchase (i.e. costs waived).
Our students learn face to face and in an online digital curriculum. This includes software resources and tools designed to help students develop their skills and capabilities in all subjects through the use of ICT.
Each student who has a device receives:
1. Access to the Rooty Hill High School digital curriculum (Google Classroom).
2. Access to the Rooty Hill High School electronic portfolio and use of online platforms.
3. Full support from the Rooty Hill High School IT Team to ensure connections to the school’s digital curriculum and platforms.
MINIMUM DEVICE REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The device specifications identify the minimum system requirements/hardware specifications for students so that parents are fully informed about requirements. If you are unsure of any aspect of this specification document, please contact RHHS.
Form Factor (Device Type)
Laptop or convertible device (Tablet with detachable Keyboard).
Note: Must have a durable keyboard for day-to-day use.
Physical Dimensions Minimum Screen Size: 10” Operating System Preferred devices:
• Chrome OS (Chromebook)
• Microsoft Windows 10/11
• Apple MacBook (Mac OS)
Wireless Compatibility
Battery Life
Additional Recommendations
The DEC wireless network installed in DEC high schools operates on certain Wi-Fi standards. For the device to connect to the network it must be labelled with 802.11a/b/g/n or 802.11ac dual band. Devices with only 802.11b/g or 802.11n 2.4GHz will not be able to connect to the internet.
Advertised battery life of at least 6 hours to last duration of school day
• Maximum weight: 2kg.
• Accidental loss and breakage insurance and extended warranty (at the discretion of the parent).
• Hard shell laptop case.
Note: Insurance and warranty: Be aware of the terms of insurance policies/warranties for the device. The school will not accept responsibility for loss or breakage of any BYOD
Software
Security Software
• There are no additional software requirements for all platforms. If the student is in the senior school (Years 10-12) and requires access to any ‘specialist software’ they will need to consult the IT team for any relevant requirements before a purchase is made.
Note: All students will be provided with a school generated Google account to access the school’s learning platform with a unique username and password.
Microsoft Windows 10/11 and Mac OS operating systems require the latest internet security and system updates. These are automatically applied to the device via software updates. Parents have discretion to purchase additional internet security. For further information contact the school.
Note: Google Chrome OS - no additional security software is required.
Accessories Carry case: Supply a carry case or plastic protective case to protect the device.
Hardware
Ergonomics
• Camera
• Microphone
• USB Ports
Students should ensure they are comfortable using their device during the school day particularly in relation to screen size & sturdy keyboard.
CANTEEN
The canteen at Rooty Hill High School is operated by Healthy Canteens Australia. Below is a copy of the 2024 High School Canteen Menu. The canteen menu can also be found on their website https://healthycanteens.com.au/canteen-menus/
