These guidelines are designed to foster a safe, respectful, disciplined and supportive environment for all children, parents, teachers, the Dhamma school committee and venerable monks. They embody Buddhist values and promote the holistic development of children through Dhamma and Sinhala language education.
The Dhamma and Sinhala Language School of Canberra exists to serve the community by:
Teaching the Lord Buddha's Dhamma to children in an age-appropriate and practical way
Teaching Sinhala language and cultural values
Supporting children to develop good conduct, discipline, compassion and mindfulness
Celebrating key cultural and religious events, fostering a strong sense of community, identity and shared Buddhist values among children and families
Creating a respectful connection between children, parents, teachers and the temple while encouraging families to practice Buddhist values in daily life
The school operates within the temple environment and follows Buddhist principles of respect, compassion, discipline and harmony.
2.20 – 2.30 pm: Arrive at the temple
2.30 – 2.50 pm: Observing Pansil
2.50 – 3.50 pm: Dhamma School
3.50 – 4.10 pm: Interval
4.10 – 5.10 pm: Sinhala Language School
5.10 – 5.15 pm: National Anthem
Class Allocation (Based on ACT School Grades)
Class 1: Pre-school – Year 2
Class 2: Year 3 – Year 4
Class 3: Year 5 – Year 6
Class 4: Year 7 and above
Students are allocated to classes based on their ACT school grade and Sinhala language proficiency, particularly for students who are fluent in spoken and written Sinhala and have recently migrated from Sri Lanka. The timetable may be adjusted during the final semester to accommodate Annual Concert rehearsals.
Annual Event Calendar
An annual event calendar will be prepared and distributed to parents at the beginning of each year to support advance planning, participation and family commitments.
Discipline is a core value of the school.
All students and parents must show respect to venerable monks, teachers, elders and volunteers and in turn, will be treated with respect by all members of the school community.
The temple must be treated as a sacred and safe space at all times.
Treat all children with patience, fairness, dignity and respect
Maintain a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment
Provide the best possible knowledge and guidance to children, appropriate to their age and learning needs
Never use physical punishment or any form of inappropriate discipline
Use positive behaviour guidance that aligns with Buddhist values
Act in the best interests of the child at all times
Respect children’s wellbeing, privacy and individual needs
Follow the school’s child safety, behaviour and reporting guidelines
Model appropriate conduct and respectful communication at all times
Attendance
All children are expected to maintain regular attendance throughout the year.
Attendance records will be reviewed when students participate in the Annual Concert.
Annual Concert participation guidelines are outlined in Appendix A.
Students are expected to:
Behaviour and Discipline
Attend school regularly and be punctual.
Follow instructions given by teachers, venerable monks and adults.
Use respectful and acceptable language at all times.
Swear words or inappropriate language are strictly not allowed.
Show polite, kind and courteous behaviour.
Bullying, aggression, or unacceptable behaviour will be reported to parents and addressed by the venerable monks, Dhamma School committee and relevant parents.
Inform a teacher immediately if they see any inappropriate behaviour.
Respect and Safety
Show respect to venerable monks, teachers, elders and fellow students.
Behave in a way that keeps themselves and others safe.
Respect temple buildings, property and the belongings of others.
Wear appropriate clothing suitable for a temple environment.
Learning Responsibilities
Attempt all learning tasks and home study activities to the best of their ability.
Bring required textbooks, writing books, pens, or pencils each week.
Keep books neatly organised in a folder.
Textbooks provided by the school: Lost textbooks will only be replaced at the printing cost, payable by parents.
Cleanliness and Environment
Keep the temple clean and tidy.
Do not litter.
Follow the rubbish and recycling policy, including:
General waste
Recycling
Green Waste
10c refund containers (drink bottles and boxes) to be placed in the designated collection
Mobile Phone Policy
The school does not consider it necessary for children to bring mobile phones to Dhamma School, as parent contact details are collected during registration and will be used to contact parents in the event of an emergency.
Mobile phones are not strictly permitted during school hours.
Phones may only be used:
Before the start of Dhamma School
After all classes have finished
If a child needs to contact a parent during school hours, they must inform their relevant class teacher.
If a child does not follow this rule, the phone will be confiscated and handed directly to the parent at pick-up time.
Prohibited Items
Children must not bring:
Mobile phones (unless there is a requirement)
Tablets
Toys
Games
Sports equipment
Other important information
Children must bring their own labelled water bottle each week.
Parents play a vital role in supporting the school and are expected to:
Support for Learning
Ensure children attend school regularly and arrive on time.
Make sure children bring textbooks, writing books, pens or pencils, neatly organised in a folder.
At home:
Discuss class material with children and what they’ve learnt at Dhamma School.
Parents must inform the school at the time of registration (or as soon as possible) of any special requirements, including:
Vision or hearing needs that may affect learning
Learning or mobility support requirements
Medical conditions, allergies, or special dietary requirements (particularly relevant during tea time and special events)
• Parents are responsible for keeping this information up to date and notifying teachers or the committee of any changes.
• In the event of a medical emergency, the school will immediately contact 000 and then notify parents using the contact details provided at registration. Any costs incurred, including ambulance charges, will be the responsibility of the parents and will not be covered by the Dhamma School.
Behaviour and Environment
Ensure children understand and follow school rules.
Wear appropriate clothing suitable for the temple environment.
Help maintain a quiet, respectful environment during class times.
Notify the relevant class teacher if a child arrives late or needs to leave early.
Community Involvement
Participate in organising annual events such as:
Vesak celebrations
Excursions
Sil programs
Annual Concert
Food Fairs
Support the Dhamma School committee by:
Sharing ideas, views and constructive feedback
Assisting with teaching arrangements when required
Volunteering whenever possible to help improve/streamline school activities and admin processes.
Tea Roster and Kitchen Responsibilities
Parents must attend at least 15 minutes early on their rostered day unless otherwise specified.
Clear tea roster guidelines will be circulated via email.
Parents on tea roster duty are encouraged to bring healthy food options for children.
Detailed tea roster duties and requirements are provided in Appendix B.
Responsibilities include:
Preparing Buddha Poojawa
Organising refreshments before the interval
Cleaning the kitchens, bathrooms, courtyard and common areas where classes are held.
Please be mindful of:
Proper rubbish disposal
Recycling
Using designated bins for 10c refund containers
Feedback from parents is always welcome.
Concerns or suggestions should be shared respectfully with teachers or the committee.
Open communication helps us improve the school and better support our children.
Any serious or repeated breach of rules will be addressed by:
Teachers
Venerable monks
Dhamma School committee
Relevant parents
The approach will always be fair, compassionate and focused on guidance and improvement, in line with Buddhist values.
The Annual Concert is a key cultural and community event of the Dhamma and Sinhala Language School of Canberra. Participation reflects a child’s commitment to learning, discipline and respectful behaviour, supported by parents and families.
1. Attendance and Eligibility
Regular attendance throughout the year is required for students to participate in the Annual Concert.
Attendance records from Terms 1 to 3 will be reviewed as part of eligibility.
Priority will not be given to students who attend irregularly during the year and only attend in Term 4.
Students are expected to maintain a minimum of 70% attendance, particularly in Sinhala Language classes.
2. Student Participation and Item Limits
All students may participate in up to three (3) concert items, including the compulsory group singing activity.
Participation in additional items requires prior approval from the Dhamma School Committee.
Selection for concert items is based on:
Attendance
Student skills, abilities and suitability
Behaviour and cooperation
Commitment to rehearsals and preparation
3. Behaviour Expectations
Students
Students must follow instructions from teachers, item coordinators, venerable monks and volunteers at all times.
Respectful behaviour is required during rehearsals and performances.
Failure to meet behaviour expectations may result in removal from an item or withdrawal from concert participation.
Parents
Parents are expected to support rehearsal schedules and school decisions.
Respectful communication with teachers, coordinators and committee members is required.
Disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Constructive feedback is welcome.
4. Rehearsals and Venue Arrangements
All rehearsals will be conducted only at the temple premises.
This approach minimises insurance, Work Health and Safety (WHS) and risk management issues associated with external venues.
Parents are responsible for ensuring that children attend all relevant rehearsals punctually and consistently according to the communicated schedule, as the school does not have the resources to individually guide or follow up with each child for their assigned activities.
5. Costs and Financial Responsibilities
The Dhamma School will cover material costs related to concert activities.
Parents are responsible for all individual costume-related expenses, including:
Costumes
Accessories
Any additional costs required for costume preparation
6. Communication and Concerns
Parents who have concerns regarding:
Item selection
Rehearsal commitments
Concert arrangements
may directly approach the Dhamma School Committee for discussion and clarification.
Concerns should be raised respectfully and through appropriate channels.
7. Final Notes
Participation in the Annual Concert is a privilege and requires cooperation between students, parents, teachers and the committee.
The Dhamma School Committee reserves the right to make final decisions in the best interest of fairness, safety and the overall quality of the concert.
General Expectations
Families assigned to a tea roster are expected to work together as a group.
If you are unable to attend on your rostered day, please arrange a replacement in advance.
If contact details are required to coordinate swaps, please contact Dileepa.
Items to Be Brought by the Roster Group (Due to Limited Supplies)
Paper plates and cups (spoons, forks if required.)
Disposable bowls for children
Toilet paper (pack of 6 rolls)
Kitchen Towel pack (2 rolls)
Tea bags (small pack)
Long-life milk (1 litre) OR Milk powder pack
Candles (small pack)
Flowers for the Pooja.
Tasks to Be Completed on the Day
Be present at the temple by 2:00 pm.
Place class name plates outside shoe areas (collect from the cupboard above the computer room).
Prepare Pooja items (flowers, candles, etc.) for Gilanpasa Pooja commencing at 2:30 pm (with assistance from Class 4 (E) students).
Arrange tables, chairs and whiteboards for all classes.
Bring suitable food items and drink packets for children before the interval.
Food restrictions: No food that may contain nuts (e.g. cashews, walnuts, peanuts), beef, pork, papaya or passionfruit.
Prepare tea for venerable monks and offer at 3:00 pm.
Ring the bell at 4:00 pm, 4:20 pm and 5:20 pm.
Stack all chairs, tables and whiteboards into storage.
Cleaning Responsibilities
Ensure the following areas are cleaned:
Courtyard
Library room
Shrine room
Main Hall
Downstairs Hall
Clean both kitchens after the interval.
Take home leftover food, used milk and juice.
Avoid leaving any food items in the fridge.
Vacuum clean the temple after school.
Clean both toilets and the laundry area.
Rubbish, Recycling and 10c Containers
Collect all eligible 10c containers (milk and juice cartons, etc.) separately.
Deposit them at a Return It centre.
Use 02 6296 2503 to print container return labels.
Tea Roster – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do you have an oven facility at the temple?
A: No. The temple has a cooktop, microwave and a small air fryer only.
Q: How many children attend the school?
A: Around 100 children are registered, with approximately 80 children attending on a typical day.
Q: Do I need to bring cups and plates?
A: Yes. Please bring disposable bowls for children and cups for parents to have tea or coffee.
Contact for Tea Roster Support
For further information or coordination, please contact Dileepa on 0466 535 380 via SMS or WhatsApp.
Any serious or repeated breach of rules will be addressed by:
Teachers
Venerable monks
Steering committee
Relevant parents
The approach will always be fair, compassionate and focused on guidance and improvement, in line with Buddhist values.
By working together, we can ensure the Dhamma and Sinhala Language School of Canberra remains a respectful, disciplined and nurturing environment for all children.