Schools are required to provide parents, guardians and independent students with these validation forms in each year. They allow you to check our information and make any corrections. This information provides details about the form and the information you'll need to provide.

How to update information on the validation form

The printout you receive lists student and parent/guardian details currently on record.

Each question lists:

• the type of information required

• the recorded details - headed this is our record, and

• an area to note any changes.

If the recorded information area is blank, this means that there are no details on record or the question is new. Please make changes to incorrect information and note new information in blank areas. You may be contacted by your school to provide additional or missing information.

Change of name

If the student's name has changed, evidence of the name change must be provided to update school records. Acceptable forms of identification are listed on the Student Change of Name Application Form, available from your school.

Evidence of student's independent status

If the student is over 18 or is able to provide proof of living independently, he/she will need to be recorded as an independent student. Evidence of independence must be provided from one of the following:

1. Evidence of Centrelink payment

2. Current Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY Notice of Assessment indicating the student is receiving the independent rate

3. A document signed by the parent or guardian to say that the student is independent.

4. Original rental or utility documents (Aurora Energy or Telstra bill) in the student's name, with a letter from the school's social worker or guidance officer attesting to the student's independent status.

Permission for Minor excursions

Consent to allow students to attend all activities that are part of the school's curriculum, such as visits to museums and parks, is now incorporated in the validation form.

Permission slips for individual excursions or activities are no longer required. However, you will still be informed prior to the excursion through the school newsletter, student diary or other notice.

If you do not want the student to participate, you will need to give written notice and state the reasons for withdrawing from the activity. Overnight excursions and activities that have an inherent risk will require a separate permission form.

Transporting The student in an emergency

In the event of an emergency, the student will be moved to a safe place for appropriate care. This may be by ambulance or other form of transportation so that the student may be provided with appropriate care or treatment. Transportation costs are the responsibility of the person signing the enrolment form.

Medication administration

The student's medical conditions are noted on the validation form. If medication must be administered during school, separate written notification must be provided.

Vaccinations/Immunisations

Any changes to the student's immunisation status should be noted. You do not need to provide proof when updating any details.

Permission to Publish student's work samples and photographs

The validation form states whether you have provided permission to allow the student's work and/or photographs to appear in school and departmental publications, such as newsletters and websites.

The validation form also asks for your consent to include the student in any photographs and interviews in articles about education and school activities produced by the media (newspapers, radio and television).

Student Financial Assistance

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) details, including Centrelink and Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) numbers, are noted on the validation form. Any changes to this information may be confirmed with Centrelink or DVA.

Questions you might have

• Why are details validated?
  Information about parents, guardians and the student is vital to the school. Correct personal, emergency and medical information is needed to make sure that the school looks after students in a responsible manner.

• What if my details change after this?
  If any information about you or the student changes, you should notify the school.

  A separate form is required to change either the student’s name or personal details. These are available from your school's office.

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• What if the student changes school?
  If the student moves to another Tasmanian government school or continues on to high school or college, a new enrolment form does not need to be completed. The student's details will be forwarded to the new school. You may be asked to verify the student's details. A validation form like this will be sent out from the new school in Term 1.

  You must inform the new school of the student's medical conditions and medication requirements.

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• Why do I need to provide details of my background on the validation form?
  The Federal Government now requires schools to provide a greater level of information. The annual validation form has been expanded to incorporate the details for national reporting.

  This information is used to measure the achievements of students from various backgrounds. Individuals are not identified.

  These new measures have been put in place to ensure that student performance is not unduly influenced by socioeconomic background or other student characteristics and to promote an education system that is fair for all Australian students.