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Parent Information Book 2008 - pdf Annual School Report 2007 - pdf
FAITH AND CULTURE
DAILY PRAYER:
The whole school prays together daily at morning assembly at 8.55am.
STAFF PRAYER:
Conscious of our responsibility as Christian educations and aware that Jesus is the cornerstone of all our activities the teachers seek God’s assistance, guidance and blessing by praying regularly as a staff.
CHURCH:
Year/ Stage Masses: Most classes attend a week day mass approximately once a term.
Whole School Masses: These are held for special occasions approximately once a term.
SACRAMENT PROGRAMS:
The children will be prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation in Year 2 and the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist during Year 3. The times for these Sacraments will be decided after consultation with our Parish Priest and our Bishop.
PASTORAL CARE AND STUDENT WELFARE:
Pastoral Care is the genuine concern for all members of our School Community. It is the way in which the School responds to the various needs of the children, parents and staff. Pastoral care seeks to invite all to develop to their full potential and provides the means for all to share their gifts and talents. It underpins our School policies, curriculum statements, procedures and organizational structure. Pastoral Care brings our School Vision to life in a practical and tangible manner.
WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT PLAN:
The school has a Whole School Community Behaviour Management Plan. This applies to all members of the school community and is based on the codes of Safety, Effort, Respect and Self Responsibility.
BULLYING:
The school has a policy on Bullying which is closely linked to the Whole School Community Behaviour Management Plan.
SCHOOL COUNSELLOR:
A school counsellor visits the school once a fortnight. Referrals are made from staff and parents or guardians with the approval from parents or guardians.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC):
Two students are elected from each class Years 3 to 6 to serve on the SRC for a period of one semester. School captains remain on the SRC for the full year. The main charter of the SRC is to represent fellow students and present their views, issues and concerns at regular meetings. The SRC has a mission of service whereby monies are raised for charities such as our local St Vincent de Paul Chapter, Caritas, Mission Australia and other charitable needs.
PEER SUPPORT:
This program provides the opportunity for students to befriend and support their peers across the grades from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Trained Year 6 Peer Support Leaders conduct small group sessions under the close supervision of a staff member.
The Peer Support Group will meet on some Wednesdays during the school year and complete a series of programmed activities together. These activities will develop communication, self esteem and leadership skills.
BUDDIES:
Kindergarten students are linked with a Year 6 student who acts as a mentor and buddy for the younger student.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
The seven primary syllabuses cover:
Religious Education
- Profession of Faith
- The Celebration of Christian Mystery
- Life in Christ
- Prayer.
English
- Talking and Listening
- Reading
- Writing.
Mathematics
- Working Mathematically
- Number
- Patterns and Algebra
- Measurement and Data
- Space and Geometry.
Science and Technology
- Investigating Scientifically
- Designing and Making
- The Natural Environment
- The Made Environment.
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)
- Change and Continuity
- Cultures
- Environments
- Social Systems and Structures.
Creative Arts
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Dance
- Drama.
Personal Development, Health and Physical
Education (PDHPE)
- Fundamental Movement and Physical Activity
- Healthy Choices
- Self and Relationships.
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
Parent information evenings are conducted early in Term one.
Parent/Teacher Interviews are usually held at the end of Term 2. We would expect that all families would speak with their child’s teacher at this time.
Written reports are sent home in June and December. Parents are encouraged to come to speak with teachers at any time but please phone for an appointment beforehand.
READING RECOVERY:
Reading Recovery is an individual intervention program for Year 1 children designed to promote successful reading for all students. It requires the provision of intensive, high quality assistance to individual students experiencing reading difficulties.
The Reading Recovery teacher provides daily individual instruction for 30 minutes over a period of 12 to 16 weeks. This program has been implemented at St. Mary’s as we see it as the most productive investment of resources.
The early years are critical for students who are at risk of failure as this period sets the stage for later learning. Students selected for Reading Recovery are the most in need of support after the first year of reading instruction. Parents are notified if their child is to take part in the program.
HOMEWORK
Children will be given some work to revise or learn at home on most nights
In Kindergarten and Year 1 we encourage parents to read daily to, and with their children and to regard writing and mathematics practice as encompassed by activities regarded as part of daily living. Some project work, linked to class activities may be set.
To develop good study habits, a sense of responsibility for their own learning and to consolidate or revise work introduced in the classroom, children from Years 1-6 will be assigned homework regularly. Work given for homework will generally be of a revising nature. Some project work, to be completed over a longer period of time may be set. No homework will be set at the weekend. Homework should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete in Year 2, 20-30 minutes in years 3-4 and approximately 30-40 minutes to complete in Year 5-6.
It is strongly recommended that children complete the work set. Homework can only be successful and beneficial when parents, working in partnership with the school, support it. Teachers and parents are asked to ensure that homework is completed.
Teachers are asked to monitor the borrowing and return of home readers so that readers are returned before new ones are issued.
INFORMATION COMMUNCIATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
Information Communication Technology, (ICT), learning is integrated into all of Key Learning Areas (KLAs) of Primary School.
At St. Mary’s School we have a well equipped Library, two Computer Laboratories and computers in each classroom which all students use regularly. Skills are being developed in word processing, typing, research, E-mail and Internet usage. Each class has the opportunity to use the equipment each week with guidance and help from the Library Assistant and class teacher. ICT will increasingly be used in the classrooms to enhance teaching and learning.
MUSIC PROGRAMS
- K – 6 choral program
- K – 6 recorder and /or percussion program
- Instrumental music lessons
- Participation in the Coffs Harbour Eisteddfod
EXCURSIONS:
School Excursions and visits by performers or groups from outside the school are an integral part of the school curriculum. Many of the themes and topics of each Stage in Primary School can be enhanced by an excursion or visit where children can see, touch, hear, taste and smell the atmosphere on such an outing.
At the heart of excursions is the belief that the experience of ‘hands on’ for the children is the most beneficial way to learn. Reading about a topic is perhaps our first means of learning. Being told about it may be second. Looking at pictures, television, movies or the internet may be the next step but actually being there gives us all the greatest chance to understand.
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ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION
ENROLMENT:
The school has a comprehensive enrolment policy. Enrolment applications can be obtained from the school office.
PUPIL/FAMILY INFORMATION:
It is important that information given on the Application To Enrol Form is accurate. It is even more important that you update this information should it change from time to time. If you change your address or phone number, if you change your name or receive custody of a child, if your emergency names and phone numbers change PLEASE INFORM US SO THAT RECORDS CAN BE KEPT UP TO DATE.
SCHOOL FEES AND LEVIES:
In choosing a Catholic Education for your child, parents must be prepared to meet the financial commitment involved in that decision. Accounts for School Fees are sent home in the second / third week of term. Any families with genuine financial difficulties should contact the Principal.
School fees include the provision of resources for each child to begin the year, excercise books, work sheets, provision of services, the use of materials and equipment, as well as the day to day costs of running the School. The fees are kept as low as possible, so we rely on all families being faithful to their commitments to provide necessary resources for all.
ATTENDANCE:
We are obliged by law to keep a record of attendance of all children at St. Mary’s. If a child is absent for any reason a written note must be given to your child’s teacher. This note should detail the date and reason for any absence.
It is important that children are punctual. Please be aware of the School Timetable below. Our school day begins at 8.55 a.m.
The roll should be marked at 9.00am. It is distressing for children when they arrive late to school after the class roll has been marked, after lessons have started, after their class has moved to another place for Library or Computing or Mass, and they can’t locate their group.
Children who arrive after morning bell time at 8.55 a.m., are late and are to be escorted by a parent/carer to the School Office to complete a late pass.
EARLY DEPARTURE:
Students must have a note from their parent or guardian giving an explanation and requesting permission to leave school at a specific time. Students need to take the note to their class teacher who will send the note to the office where they will be issued with an EARLY DEPARTURE PASS. If a student returns to school later in the day they must report directly to the office before returning to class.
SCHOOL HOURS
8.30 a.m. Teacher supervision of playground and crossing begins.
8.55 a.m. Children assemble. (After 8.55 a.m. children are late)
9.00 a.m. Lessons commence.
10.00a.m. Fruit break
11.30 a.m. Lunch
12.30 p.m. Lessons recommence
2.00 p.m. Recess break
2.15 p.m. Lessons recommence
3.15 p.m. School finishes
Supervision of the crossing and bus lines is until 3.30 p.m. when the last bus leaves. The school is not responsible for students and their activities outside these hours. Special arrangements are made in relation to supervision of authorized school activities that require attendance of students outside these hours.
FRUIT BREAK
Our fruit break occurs each morning at 10.00am. Children need to bring fresh fruit or vegetables to eat at this time.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is very important that the school has a contact phone number for you if an accident occurs. On the Application Form for Enrolment you have filled out an EMERGENCY CONTACT name and phone number. This will be used to contact you.
EVERY TIME THIS CONTACT CHANGES IT IS IMPORTANT TO LET THE SCHOOL OFFICE KNOW OF THESE CHANGES.
ACCIDENTS AT SCHOOL
Children must report all accidents to the class or playground teacher. It is very important that the school has a current contact phone number for you if an accident occurs. On the Application Form for Enrolment you have filled out an EMERGENCY CONTACT name and phone number. This will be used to contact you.
Every time this contact changes please let us know immediately.
At this school we have a First Aid Officer and a number of other persons qualified to administer First Aid.
The following procedures apply where accidents occur:
· Minor cuts, bruises, abrasions are treated.
In the case of a more serious accident:
· First Aid is applied.
· Parents are contacted and medical aid is arranged
In serious cases, the ambulance is called immediately and parents are then notified.
A detailed accident register is kept.
ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCESS:
The official CCI accident report book details must be completed by the school staff as soon as possible that day and the Principal notified immediately.
SICKNESS:
If a child complains of being sick, he or she will be accompanied to the sick bay by another child. The child’s parents will be contacted and the child will be sent home if not well enough to remain at school.
On these occasions we rely on the accuracy of the parent and/or emergency contact details.
EVACUATION / LOCK DOWN PROCEDURE
The school has in place an evacuation and lock down procedure for all emergencies. Regular drills are carried out.
SMOKE FREE ZONE:
Parents are reminded that the school and the surrounding Church and School playgrounds are smoke free zones.
BUS TRAVEL:
In the morning many buses drop and pick up children outside our front gate. These buses proceed to other schools and move off, as children who may have alighted on the opposite side of the road, are ready to cross. St. Mary’s children MUST WALK ACROSS THE MARKED CROSSING. Everyone needs to be extremely careful at all times.
After school all children line up in their bus lines and are supervised on the crossing by staff teachers. Children must walk when they are in the bus zone.
CHANGE OF TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:
Any change of routine, especially as to how your child is to go home in the afternoon, should be conveyed to the child’s teacher preferably by a written note.
BUS TRAVEL FORMS:
Bus travel forms are available from the school office. These must be completed and returned to school as soon as possible.
BUS ZONE:
Extreme caution needs to be taken by children and parents in the SCHOOL BUS ZONE on Park Street.
CROSSING IN PARK STREET:
Parents should use the marked crossing. Parents are asked to act with extreme caution when parking to drop off or collect children between 8.30 a.m. - 9.00 a.m. and from 3.00 p.m. - 3.45 p.m.
PARKING:
The parking area in front of the church and school is RESTRICTED PARKING ONLY. Parents are asked to be aware of, and adhere to, the traffic restrictions.
BICYCLES/SCOOTERS:
Children riding to school must remember that the wearing of a helmet is compulsory. Children must dismount and walk their bikes or scooters into, and out of, the school playground. A bicycle rack is available in the school grounds. Children need to lock their bikes securely.
FLOODS:
Bellingen is affected by floods from time to time. We have a comprehensive emergency policy for flood times. However, if a flood is iminent each family needs to have their own flood plan should early evacuation of children from school occur.
IMMUNISATION:
Parents with children starting school in Kindergarten class must present an Immunisation Certificate at the time of enrolment. Failure to do so means that, in the event of a disease outbreak, unimmunised children will have to stay at home for their own protection and the protection of others.
ASSEMBLY:
We have two types of weekly assembly.
Monday Prayer, Notices, Birthdays and Merit Awards.
The school community assembles in the Parish Hall each Monday for about half an hour at 9.00am. A teacher is rostered each week to conduct the assembly. This involves a whole school prayer, weekly merit awards, birthdays, notices, sports awards and reminders are given for the week.
Class Presentation
These are held on Wednesdays at 12.30pm. Each class prepares a presentation of the children’s work approximately once a term. Peer Support Meetings are also held at this time when there is no class rostered for presentation.
LIBRARY BOOKS AND BAGS:
The School has a well stocked and inviting Library of books. Please encourage your children to read their books, take proper care of them and return them on the due day. It is essential that children have a Library Bag to carry Library books only, to and from School. Children will be notified early each year when Library Day is scheduled.
LOST PROPERTY:
All articles of clothing, bags, books, stationery etc. must be clearly marked with the name of the current owner.
COMPLAINTS:
Parents who have concerns are encouraged to come to the School for assistance. Initially, parents should make an appointment to speak to the teacher or individual staff member involved. It is more helpful for all concerned if an open mind is maintained until the facts of the situation have been explored. Sometimes there are two sides to a story. Parents are also encouraged to contact the Principal with any concerns as mutual resolution of difficulties is most desirable.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL:
It is school policy that teachers do not administer medication, including panadol etc. to children. If a child has a chronic medical condition requiring regular medication at school, details in writing must be given to the Principal before such medication can be administered. An appropriate form is available from the school office. Any medication needed on a regular basis must be kept locked in the school office and administered at the appropriate times by the Office Staff.
MOBILE TELEPHONES:
The School recognises that, for some families, it is important that their son or daughter has a mobile phone. Students bringing a mobile phone to school are required to have them turned off at all times during the normal school day – this means from arrival at School, right up until they leave the School grounds. Mobile phones are NOT to be used during the school day for any purpose. Students are permitted to use their phone after 3.15 p.m. at School to advise parents if there is a need to be picked up after training or practice etc.
Students found using their mobile phone during School time (of if the phone rings during class time) will have the phone confiscated and parents will need to come to the School to retrieve the phone. The phone will be returned to parents or guardian ONLY, and will NOT be returned to students.
Parents and students also need to realise that if mobile phones are brought to school, no responsibility will be taken for their loss or theft.
NEWSLETTER:
This is printed and sent home each Thursday. We give it to the eldest child in your family and expect them to deliver it to you. It often contains information we think you need and we often ask for a reply. Please treat our Newsletter as an important form of communication between school and home. The newsletter is available online at www.bellp.lism.catholic.edu.au
PARENT HELPERS:
Parents are welcome to become involved in the many activities here at St. Mary’s School. All parent helpers are asked to sign a child protection declaration form before commencing any form of voluntary work with children. It is of utmost importance that the privacy and confidentiality of all students, teachers and community members is respected by not passing on information about individuals gained through voluntary service work at School.
VISITORS:
All visitors are asked to sign in at the front office. There are Visitors’ guidelines on display there.
TOYS AND COLLECTABLES AT SCHOOL:
Children are NOT PERMITTED to bring toys and other ‘collectables’ to school. When children do bring such things they often tend to get damaged and broken or lost and spoilt at school when the enthusiasm of a group exceeds the intention of those ‘displaying’ such items.
Things such as collectable cards, battery operated toys and personal type teddy bears belong in this category and must not come to school.
However, children are often asked to bring in different artifacts related to their topic of study. This is acceptable provided children have parental permission to bring such items to school.
TUCKSHOP DAY:
This is run by the parents and can operate only with the services of volunteer parents. It operates for lunch on Mondays and Thursdays. New volunteers are called for at the beginning of each year and are always needed.
Price lists are sent home when necessary. When ordering your child’s lunch please indicate clearly on the bag, NAME, CLASS and the order. Please enclose the EXACT money, if possible, and secure it well within the bag.
Orders are collected in class baskets. Additional items are sold at the tuckshop at lunchtime and the children may bring money to purchase these items.
If children do have additional money for the tuckshop please place this money in a wallet of some sort as little children tend to lose it if it is in a pocket.
SUNSMART POLICY:
The wearing of a broad brimmed school hat IS COMPULSORY! Our school operates with a system of NO HAT --- NO PLAY!
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