See Enrolling your child. Further information is available from the Education and Training Reforms for the Future (ETRF) Hotline or from the ETRF website.
See the Middle Phase of Learning. Further information is available from the ETRF Hotline or the ETRF website.
See Senior Phase of Learning. Further information is available from the ETRF Hotline or the ETRF website
State schools provide free instruction, administration and facilities. However, principals in conjunction with the school's Parents and Citizens' Association are able to charge fees or ask for voluntary contributions from parents or caregivers to provide extra resources such as art materials or sporting equipment. The amount varies from school to school. In most schools, parents are responsible for providing such items as stationery and uniforms. Parents also bear the costs of school excursions, camps and extracurricular activities. See State education and financial assistance.
See Enrolling your child.
No - there are some differences, so if a student is transferring from interstate, the new school should be contacted directly. See Enrolling your child.
Most state schools hold classes from 9 am to 3 pm, or in some secondary schools, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. See Hours of operation.
See Choosing a state school. Contact your Education Queensland district office or search for schools in your local area via the Schools Directory on the departmental website.
See Vacation and term dates. Specific holiday dates may vary depending on the year level of the student (e.g. Year 10 or 12) and your locality in the state. Check with your local school for annual vacation dates and student-free days when teachers undertake professional development. Vacation and term dates are also listed on the departmental website.
Many Queensland state schools offer after hours or vacation care for students. Parents and citizens' associations offer some of these services while others are provided by approved private organisations. Contact your school principal to ask about out-of-hours care at your local school.
School communities, through their P&Cs, can decide on a student dress code which reflects the needs and circumstances of that school community. For more information see the Education Policy and Procedures Register.
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts provides assistance to parents of secondary school age students through the Textbook and Resource Allowance. The Queensland Government funds the School Transport Assistance Scheme to help students who meet certain criteria, travel to and from school. Refer to State education and financial assistance. Many schools have school uniform shops and second-hand clothing pools. Contact your school parents and citizens' association for further information. Families in genuine financial difficulties are asked to contact the school principal for assistance and advice with uniform provision.
See Gifted and talented education. Details about Education Queensland's eight Learning and Development Centres (Gifted and Talented) and resources related to gifted education are available on the Gifted and Talented Professional Learning Community website.
See Students with disabilities. For information about financial support, see the State education and financial assistance. Information is also available on the departmental website at Students with Disabiltities.
Schools assist students whose access to the curriculum is limited by learning difficulties to develop competencies in the areas of literacy, numeracy and/or learning how to learn. The needs of students with learning difficulties are identified in primary school through the Appraisement Process. Support Teacher: Learning Difficulties can assist the class teacher to build support into the class environment and into their units of work. More information is available for support for students with learning difficulties.
There is a wide variety of specialised subjects offered in state schools. Refer to specific school websites or individual school principals for information on their school offerings.
See Homework. If you have further queries, please make an appointment to see your child's teacher.
See Making a complaint.
Bullying is a concern that all schools take very seriously and work to address. If you suspect your child is being bullied you should make an appointment with the teacher or principal at the school to discuss your concerns. You may also like to explore the Bullying! No Way 
website which has information and strategies for children, parents and schools.
The Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian is responsible for issuing Blue Cards to people working with children to help protect the interests and wellbeing of children and young people in Queensland. More information about Blue Cards can be found at their website.
Volunteers are always welcome as it helps foster a partnership between school, home and the community. Volunteers at schools need to hold a Blue Card prior to commencing work, however, if the volunteer is a parent of a child at the school, a Blue Card is not needed. Contact the school principal for further information.
Parents are encouraged to play an active role in the education of their children. There are many avenues of parental involvement, ranging from parents and citizens' associations to volunteer work. See Parent participation.
Education Queensland has a Sun Safety Strategy where schools, in consultation with their school community, develop and implement a sun protection plan for students and staff. School plans cover issues such as the wearing of hats, the use of shade, scheduling outdoor activities and developing classroom programs on sun safety. More information about Education Queensland's Sun Safety policy is available.
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