Organisation

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Structure

Our school is organized into four teaching and learning units. These are based on curriculum levels.  Classes are a majority of straight grades with a small number of composite classes, if required. Organizational decisions are made which reflect the needs of the children, the demographics of the school population and the preferences of the school community.

Term Dates: 2009

School Hours

During the first five weeks of school Prep. children will not attend school on Wednesdays. Attendance on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday is from 9:00am to 3:25pm. Full time attendance commences on Tuesday March 9th. This is the day after the Labour Day Public Holiday.

Religious Education              

Accredited volunteer teachers provide the lessons as listed. The approved course is taught. Times: Wednesdays  for Grades  1-6 and  Prep Grades by arrangement.  Whether or not a child participates in Religious Education is a parent/carer decision.

School Council

Meets at the school at 7.30 pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Elections if required are held in March. 

Parents' Association

Meets at the school each month. All parents are most welcome.

Newsletter

The school Newsletter is issued every Thursday, and is given to the eldest child in the family at the school.  This is one of our most important means of communication.

Student Code of Conduct

This code of conduct provides the framework for the management of student behaviour in our school.  It reflects our legal obligations, anti discrimination and DEET regulations and policy. The Student Code of Conduct is a development of the General Principles statement that precedes the Codes of Practice.

Our goal is to maintain and enhance our school tone and provide students with high quality social skills.

GUIDING STANDARDS

 STUDENTS WILL:

• treat all members of the school community with respect and courtesy

• act with regard for the safety of others and themselves

• accept appropriate responsibility for their learning

• work out problems calmly and sensibly

• accept appropriate responsibility for their behaviour

TEACHERS WILL:

• emphasise positive reinforcement of responsible behaviour

• provide a supportive network for students

• assist pupils to work out problems calmly and sensibly

Wangaratta West Primary School believes that a positive approach to behaviour will foster a school climate within which personal responsibility and self discipline will be developed.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO STRATEGIES THAT:

• give constant positive reinforcement

• improve self confidence

• encourage friendship

• acknowledge, respect and value differences

• enhance and encourage parent and teacher contact

• involve and assist children with problems and their solutions

• are consistent and fair in applying logical consequences

TEACHERS WILL:

• evaluate teaching strategies continually

• encourage awareness and understanding of school rules

• set a good example and provide adequate supervision

• request advice and assistance when needed

SCHOOL RULES:

Our five school rules are designed to provide a safe and secure school environment.

1. Care for the school.

2. Respect and care for others.

3. Work out problems calmly and sensibly.

4. Move and play sensibly.

5. Care for your own and other people’s property.

• Each classroom may design their own set of class rules within this framework.

• On some occasions the school may need to create a specific purpose rule eg. When tradesmen are working in the grounds.

Discipline Policy and Procedures

Our school provides a structure and atmosphere where children are encouraged to develop self-discipline through social skills programs and modelling. To encourage a common approach, the rules and discipline procedures of the school will be displayed around the school and published for all families, teachers, relief - teachers, aides and visitors working with children.

Children are generally well behaved.  These procedures are for children who disrupt others or infringe upon other’s rights. Therefore these behaviours are unacceptable in our school:

• Physical abuse like fighting, intimidation and so on.

• Verbal abuse like teasing, put-downs, name-calling and so on.

• Use of dangerous objects like stones, sticks and so on

• Absence without permission from the classroom or school grounds.

• Damaging or interfering with buildings, equipment or gardens.

• Being in school buildings without permission.

Responses to Unacceptable Behaviour

When responding to incidents teaches may follow this sequence as far as necessary.

• discussion of correct behaviour

• a warning for the pupil

• a written or verbal apology

• yard duty

• withdrawal of privileges

• withdrawal from group

• special program to reinforce acceptable behaviour

• detention - lunchtime time out

• detention – after school (by prior arrangement) time out

• referral to principal

• parent contact

• making good the damage or loss

• detention after school

• suspension (in accordance with regulations) or as an alternative “In School Suspension.”

• expulsion (in accordance with regulations)

Educational Allowances

Both the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments now make money available directly to parents to assist with the cost of education.  Families receiving a Commonwealth Family Allowance receive an amount in their February payment.

Educational Maintenance Allowance

To be eligible for this allowance a parent must hold a current Commonwealth Health Card which must be presented when the application forms are completed at the school office.  This allowance provides money to assist with the educational costs for primary children and is payable in two half yearly installments. Seventy percent of the money is given in the first payment and thirty percent in the second payment. The school receives the same amount.  Application forms and additional information are available from the school office.

School Council Pupil Contributions 

In developing this year’s pupil contributions, school council carefully considered all of the needs of the children and all of the funds provided by the Department of Education Employment and Training. After so doing the council decides what level of contributions to ask for from parents. These contributions support the necessary extras to provide each student with our educational programs.

The school purchases all class materials. Through bulk purchasing and government contract pricing - considerable savings are made. These benefits are passed on to all families. Your financial support is required to ensure the ongoing excellence of school programs.

Where families are experiencing difficulties in meeting the levy we would request that you speak with the Principal. Confidentiality is always respected.

Those in receipt of the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will receive cheques from the DET to support the educational program for their child/children. The school receives part payment by direct payment.

Full documentation about the payment of these voluntary contributions is distributed on the first school day.

Money Sent to School

The school provides money envelopes. If your child is required to bring money to school, please make sure it is carefully sealed in the envelope, clearly labelled with the child's name and grade, and purpose for which the money is sent:

To minimise interference to teaching and learning time you are requested to send money to school on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

School Lunches

There is no canteen at school but lunches can be ordered at shops near the school (West End Milk Bar and Mr. Munchies).  Times and arrangements are -

• Preps to Year 2: Lunches eaten in school from 1.20 - 1.35pm.

• Years 3 to 6:      Lunches eaten in school from 1.25 - 1.35pm.

All children going home for lunch dismiss at 1.30pm.  Lunch orders for all grades to be placed with shopkeeper before school, for delivery at lunchtime.

It is a good idea for children to bring a snack for morning recess.

Drinks and soups brought from home should be in plastic containers or cartons because of the danger of broken glass.  Children are not permitted to visit the shops at recess or lunch times.  All luncheon requirements should be ordered at the shops before school.

In the Winter Terms the Parents’ Association supply Hot Dog lunches on a fortnightly basis (Fridays).

School Uniform

School uniform is compulsory. All clothing must be clearly marked with the child’s name.

BOYS

GIRLS

** All clothing items to be plain ie no slogans, advertising or brand insignias.

A royal blue windcheater with large pale blue emblem for both girls and boys.
Navy zippered jackets and vest with school emblem.

Grade 6 have the option of wearing white special edition polo tops

• Wearing a broad brimmed hats is part of the uniform during terms 1 & 4.

• Sunscreen is provided at the school. Children should apply a base coat at home.

Footwear must be worn at all times. Children may wear shoes, boots, track shoes or sandals. Thongs are not to be worn at school.

School Jumpers/Windcheaters/Uniforms

These are available through, North East Uniform Shop - 119 Murphy Street

(Tel: 5722 4644) and Steer Clothing Company, Norton Street (Tel: 57217773). Some secondhand garments are available by request through the school.

State Schools' Relief

State Schools' Relief assists with the provision of clothing for children in need.  Please feel free to consult with the Principal if you require assistance.  This organisation which is funded solely by donations from schools provides a valuable service to children. It is a confidential service.

Art Smock

Some protective clothing is required for all art sessions.  Make sure that the fabric of the smock is thick enough to absorb paint.  Applying a waterproof spray can be a good idea.

Library Bag

A draw string bag to protect books borrowed is required at school.

Jewellery

A number of children wear jewellery to school.  Rings, bracelets, studs and chains are the most common items.  In some sports and activities the wearing of jewellery has the potential to cause injuries to children.  There have been incidents of students receiving first aid treatment as a result of ear rings being knocked.

To help make school activities as safe as possible children may be asked to remove jewellery prior to certain Physical Education and Sports activities.  It would be appreciated if parents ensured that children wore a minimal amount of jewellery to school.

Lost Property

Private property brought to school by students is not insured nor is the DET responsible for any loss.

Please put names all clothing and articles which are brought to school.  Train your children, as much as possible, to look after their belongings.  The school does not accept responsibility for lost articles.  You may inspect lost property at any time. It is stored near Room 2.

Those little accidents that do happen from time to time are unavoidable.  We do have a few spare sets of clothes to help out on those occasions.  Please return clothing promptly, washed and ironed.

Visitors to the School 

Parents are welcome to participate in a variety of activities in the school.  You will be informed of these events throughout the year.

Reporting to Parents

The school’s current policy provides for both parent/teacher interviews and the issuing of written reports.

Two written reports will be provided, mid year and end of year.  Parent/teacher meetings are scheduled throughout the year. A Parent/Teacher Interview Day may be set aside in June to facilitate the process.

In addition, either the parent or teacher may request an interview at any time where it is considered to be in the best interest of the child.  This interview is organised through the Principal or Teacher.

Emergency Cards 

There is an emergency card on file for each child in the school.  This enables contact with parents or an emergency person in case of illness or accident.  Parents are asked to advise the school without delay of any changes in their own or their contact's address or telephone number. Keeping this information up to date is vitally important.

Pupil Absences

The DET requires parents to supply to the school a written explanation of the absence of any child.

Leaving School Early

We ask for the usual courtesy to be extended to teachers advising them of your intention to take your child from school early.  Sometimes an early departure is unavoidable. We understand this but we need to know the reason.

Punctuality

Pupils are expected to arrive early for all their school sessions.  Parents are asked to ensure that children leave home in enough time to arrive early. Once children have arrived at school they are not allowed to leave the grounds.

Playground Supervision

Supervision commences at 8:45am.  Parents are encouraged to ensure that their children do not arrive at school too early as they will not be supervised.

Wet Weather

On days of inclement weather, children remain inside, supervised during recess periods.  Excess noise is not permitted, nor is running in corridors.

School Excursions 

During the year children are taken on various excursions.  They are arranged to enable children to have first-hand contact with a variety of experiences.  Care is taken to make sure that there are educational objectives in the excursion and that there are preparatory and follow-up lessons.

Continuing regard is given to the cost to parents and any family suffering financial hardship is invited to discuss the matter with the principal or assistant principal.  Our policy is that no child should miss out if it can reasonably be avoided. Parents have the opportunity to pre-pay for a number of excursions and activities at the start of the school year.

Parents can expect to be notified in writing in advance of any proposed excursion.  Consent MUST be given by a parent for a child to take part in these activities.

Please make sure all consent forms are signed and returned to school promptly.

Camping

Parents are notified of grades when the children are to go on camps.  The school makes use of the 15 Mile Creek camp, Pax Hill in Ballarat and Canberra as venues for major camps and excursions.

Would you please make sure all details are filled in correctly on forms for permission for children to attend camp.

Swimming

Swimming is part of the Physical Education program.  Children should be able to swim by the time they leave primary school. Special care is taken of children who have specific health needs.  To ensure the highest quality program the school uses the instructors and facilities at the Indoor Pool at the Barr Reserve.  The cost of this program is payable by parents/carers.

N.B. Excerpt from the Schools of the Future Reference Guide re children who are epileptics:

                "…if a child has been observed or is otherwise known to be subject to epilepsy or any other form of medical condition involving periodic loss of consciousness, he should not be permitted to swim unless a medical certificate is produced by his parents stating that it is safe for him to do so.  Such a certificate would normally be valid for twelve months.  A new certificate is required after a period of twelve months or earlier if a further episode occurs."

Parent Support

HOW CAN I HELP  MY CHILD AND OUR SCHOOL?

1. Prepare your child for school.

2. Join a parent organisation.

3. Attend parent-teacher interviews.

4. Attend parent-teacher evenings.

5. See that your child attends punctually and regularly.

6. Take an encouraging interest in your child's school work.

7. Label clothes, books, etc. clearly.

8. Encourage your child to obey school rules.

9. Send money on due date, and in the morning.

10. Read your child stories.  Demonstrate that the members of your family are all "readers" and listen to your child reading to you.

11. Serve as a parent helper. 

The types of assistance we are looking for include:

• Joining In a Variety Of Classroom Activities

• Excursion Supervision

• Clerical Work/Typing

• Helping With Fund Raising

• Helping Organise Social Activities

• Being An Active member of Council

• Parents' Association, Sub Committees, Etc.

• Helping With Reading

• Going On School Camps

• Contributing To Policy Formulation

• Making Suggestions To Improve Learning Experiences for Our Children

• Determining Community Needs

• Participating In Curriculum Days

• Contributing To Our Newsletter

Sick Bay

For those times when children do become ill, or have a school ground accident, we do have a sick bay facility.  Every effort is made to help a speedy recovery, but there may be times when we will phone you requesting that you take your child for medical attention.

Infectious Diseases

The following are extracts concerning the most common of the infectious diseases and were taken from the most recent instructions issued by the DET.

NOTE:   

1. IMMUNISATION CERTIFICATE:  Parents or guardians of Prep enrolments and transfers are responsible for providing an Immunisation Certificate for their child.  These are available at the City Offices.

2. NOTIFICATION:  The school would appreciate early notification of a contagious disease outbreak in children as this would aid identification of such outbreaks and the withdrawal of "at risk" children.

Medication

This is the DET’s regulation concerning medication at school.

"Many children attending school need medication to control illnesses such as asthma and epilepsy and conditions causing hyperactive behaviour.  The children's continued attendance at school, and benefit from education is dependent on this therapy.

While it is wise to encourage older children to be responsible for looking after and taking their own medicine, usually tablets, many primary children are not ready to do this, so it is necessary to request teachers, who take the part of parents when children are under their care, to share in this work.

To assist teachers, parents should supply such tablets in a container which gives the name of the child, the dose, and the time the tablet is to be given.  The name of the tablets should be clearly marked on the container, particularly when the tablets are kept at the school. If tablets for more than one day are supplied they should be locked in a cupboard, preferably somewhere other than in the classroom.

It should be noted that substances prescribed for a particular child should be retained solely for the use of that child and under no circumstances be given to another."

Child and Family Health Program

The Child and Family Health Program offers all Victorian children a health assessment in their first year at school.

This program is delivered by school nurses.  It gives parents/guardians, teachers and nurses an opportunity to work together for the well being and educational progress of children.

In order to carry out a health assessment, the nurses need to know information that only parents and guardians have about their child.

Prior to school nurse’s visit parents will receive a School Entrant Health Questionnaire which will assist them to provide this information.  Parents are encouraged to consult the school nurse at the time of her visit to the school to discuss any concerns they may have.

All information is confidential.  The Health assessment is not intended to replace your normal source of health care. School nurses are also available to see children from other grades causing concern to parents or teachers. For further information please contact your School Principal or child’s teacher.

Student Support Staff

 Wangaratta Schools have the services of:

• Guidance Officers

• Speech Therapist

• Social Worker

 When a staff member consider he/she needs advice concerning a particular child we ask these people to see the child.  However, parents are ALWAYS notified before any children are considered for referral to any of the support services staff.  Parent permission must be granted before any referrals are made.

email: Wangaratta West Primary School