"Live Justly, Lovingly and Faithfully in Christ" Established in 1901 by the sisters of mercy.
St Philomena's Primary School
Enrolment Handbook Revised November, 2006
A downloadable version can be found here: Download Handbook
Contents:
1. Philosophy
2. St Philomena's School - An Early History
3. School Management
- Diocese of Bathurst Catholic Education Office (CEO)
- School Chaplin, Parish Priest and School Manager
- The Principal
- Sacramental Program
- Merit award system
- Merit award system
- Christian Living Award
- Merit Certificates
- Principal's Award
- Award of Excellence
- Sports Award
- Class of the Week Award
- Class of the Semester
- Certificates of Representation
- Birthdays
- Discipline Policy
- School Captains
- House Captains
- SRC
- Library Monitors
- Mandatory provisions
- Priority of enrolment
- Enrolment procedure
- Start
- Recess
- Lunch
- Finish
- Assembly
- School Level
- Class Level
- Child Protection Act
- Parent / Teacher Interview
- Half Year Report
- End of Year Report
- Communication
- Curriculum Outlines
11. Sport & PE
12. Assemblies
13. Newsletter
14. Working Bees
15. Library
16. Medication
17. Uniform Requirements
18. Beginning Kindergarten
- The School and the Home
- Helping Your Child
- Tips for the Kindergarten Parent
- Lost Property
- Change of Clothing
- Bringing your child to school
- Address
- Phone/Fax
1. Philosophy
As educators at St Philomena's Catholic Primary School we are dedicated to theformation of the young and we accept our presence among the young not as a mere task, but as a mission. We are committed to establishing a Christian community wherein Christian values are communicated among ourselves, among the parents, and with the young. Our aim is to help the children develop spiritually, intellectually, psychologically, socially, culturally, physically, and to help him/her to learn.As a Catholic School, we have an important role in fostering the Spiritual and Moral development of the children in our care. We strive to integrate religious truths and values with daily living, keeping abreast of social and technological changes, preparing them for the adult world of which they will become part. At St Philomena's we attempt to meet and challenge the individual and collective needs of students living in today's multi-cultural society. We draw enlightenment and inspiration from the example and teachings of The Sisters of Mercy who came to St Philomena's in 1901, and stayed for over 80 years teaching and spreading the 'good news' of Jesus Christ.
St Philomena's School is part of the Cathedral Parish of Ss Michael & John and our School Chaplain, Fr James Cutcliffe, is a regular visitor to the school and classrooms.
Through its philosophy, the Catholic School fulfils the mission of the Church in accepting the mandate of Jesus Christ Himself. "Full authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth: go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations ... Teach them to carry out everything 1 have commanded you" - Matthew 28:18 20
2. St Philomena's School - An Early History
St Philomena's has a long history. The original school was located on the corner of Seymour and Rocket Streets prior to its relocation to Lloyds Road in 1983.It was established as a church-school in 1901 by Bishop Dunne to serve the needs of the Catholic community of "Milltown", as South Bathurst was then called. The pioneer staff of Sisters of Mercy were Sr Mary Gertrude McLean (First Principal), Sr Mary Vincent Wheeler and Sr. Mary Joseph McMahon (Music).
Following the opening of St. Joseph's Mount in 1909 and what used to be St. Joseph's Girls' Home (now Holmhurst in William Street) in 1916, the staff was provided from these two places. Many fine nuns contributed to the establishment of St. Philomena's, including Sr. M. Philomena Rahilly and Mother Mary Laurence Quirk, who worked there in the pioneering days, and Mother Mary Paul and Sr Mary Clare, who between them, guided the destinies of the school for close on thirty years.
A new apse and sanctuary were added onto the School Church in 1912. In 1922, Dr. O'Farrell added a large classroom to the original building, and in 1936, Bishop Norton added three more classrooms. The Sisters of Mercy Novices had been doing their teacher training at St. Philomena's for some years ~ possibly since 1910. In 1931 the status of St. Philomena's was raised when St Joseph's Mount was registered as a Teachers' Training College under the Catholic Education Board. In 1968, the then Bathurst Teachers' College staff requested that their Trainee-Teachers be permitted to do their Practice Teaching at St. Philomena's.
In 1970, St. Philomena's discontinued the enrolment of 5th and 6th Grades; however, after months of discussion between Bishop Norton and the Diocesan Director of Education, Fr Daly, as well as Pastors, Parents and School Principals, the Primary School reopened at the beginning of the 1973 school year.
In 1979, the Diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Laurie Jennings, wrote (on behalf of Bishop Thomas) to Dominican Mother Superior, Sister Josephine Compton in Canberra enquiring as to whether land could be purchased for a new school complex.
The land was purchased and Bishop Patrick Dougherty, officially opened the new school on Sunday, 13th November 1983. This was the first school opened by the then newly installed Bishop.
3. School Management
Diocese of Bathurst Catholic Education Office (CEO) The CEO is established by the Bishop to advise and assist him in educational matters pertaining to all systemic Catholic Schools in the Diocese. The Bishop has delegated employer responsibilities to the Director of Schools.The Executive Director of Schools provides leadership for Catholic Education through the Diocese of Bathurst CEO. The Executive Director is charged with the determination and implementation of Diocesan educational policies and is responsible to the Bishop for the quality of that implementation. The Executive Director is also responsible for the management and supervision of the Catholic Education Office and its work.
School Chaplin, Parish Priest and School Manager Father James Cutcliffe, as Parish Priest and School Manager, is responsible to Bishop Dougherty for the Religious instruction and spiritual formation of the children in the Parish, including those at St. Philomena's
In addition, he bears an essential responsibility for implementing Diocesan educational policy in the parish. Father James meets regularly with the Principal. At these meetings, Father is kept informed and up to date with the day to day running of the school. He plays a part in staff selection (as part of the interview panel), and is consulted when offers of enrolment are made for Kindergarten each year. On occasions, Father makes a contribution to the school newsletter and he is a regular visitor to the School.
The Principal: The Principal is employed by the CEO to run the school. All concerns and questions should be directed to the Principal. The Principal, CEO and Parish Priest work as a team to provide a school environment which is safe and educationally sound.
4. Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is essential for developing a school spirit, which is welcoming and positive, and creates a bond among staff, students and parents. Pastoral Care has its inspiration in the image of Jesus as shepherd, a symbol of God's constant love.Pastoral Care may be defined as the expression of care in the school community, which brings together the diverse academic, social, physical and religious aspects of a school's life. Pastoral Care is love in action and invites members of the school community to make choices about life. Children are encouraged to fulfill their destiny as sons and daughters of God, created in God's likeness.
Pastoral Care is an expression of the philosophy and vision of the school, reflected in the quality of daily relationships. It embraces all facets of the Curriculum and is sustained by values that reverence life and respect the dignity of each person and the contribution they make to the school community. St Philomena's pastoral care policy is concerned with formation in responsibility. Affirmation and acknowledgement of positive characteristics displayed by students are essential elements. By developing a sense of worth, students become more tolerant of others and confident that they have something to contribute to society. Pastoral Care aims to draw people together into a community where the school culture says: 'We really do care.'
- Sacramental Program
The Sacraments of Penance (Year 2), Eucharist (Year 3) and Confirmation (Year 6), may only be received by children who are Catholic. Preparation for these sacraments takes place during Religious Education lessons in class and are part of the Parish of Ss. Michael & John's parish sacramental program.
Non-Catholic children in the class take part in the lessons presented and are a support group but are ineligible to part-take of these sacraments.
St Philomena's School is very much part of the Cathedral Parish. The centre of our Diocese and Parish is The Cathedral Church of Ss Michael & John located on the corner of William & Keppel Streets. Bishop Patrick Dougherty, by reason of his office, is responsible for Catholic Education in the Diocese of Bathurst. His jurisdiction extends to the supervision of all aspects of all diocesan schools. - Merit award system
St Philomena's School strives to affirm and acknowledge the genuine efforts of the students. Positive reward and positive recognition is a good way to assist the school's overall approach to discipline. To assist in this, an Award System is in place. Criteria for Award Presentation include:- Work presentation
- co-operation
- involvement
- improvement in different areas
- manners
- excellence in different areas
- effort
- enthusiasm
- motivation
- sporting skills
- contribution to discussions
- working conscientiously
- uniform
- Christian Living Award
Awarded weekly to a child in each class who demonstrates consistent Christian attitude to others and displays the Gospel Values in the way they interact with others. - Merit Certificates
Awarded by the class teacher for a range of reasons including manners, work presentation, improvement, consistency, excellence, group work, effort, etc. There will be 4 - 6 of these awarded per class per week. - Principal's Award
Awarded to any child who receives a total of 5 Merit Certificates. All children who receive a Principal's Award during a term will have morning tea with the Principal during the last week of that term. - Award of Excellence
This is awarded to any child who receives a total of 5 Principal's Awards. This will take the form of a certificate, a letter of commendation and a book voucher to a local bookshop. - Sports Award
Awarded weekly to one Primary student and one Infants student for participation, sportsmanship and effort. - Class of the Week Award
Classes will receive points from the School Captains for lining up but this weekly award also includes points awarded for wearing of uniform with pride, moving around the school quietly, bags neat and tidy, no rubbish outside classroom, listening to the teacher on lines, etc. This will be supervised by the Principal. The winning class will have their photo displayed in the foyer and will also receive 15 minutes extra play during the following week on a day of the teacher's choice. - Class of the Semester
The class with the most number of weekly awards for two terms will receive a special reward eg, Ten Pin Bowling, Movie, etc - Certificates of Representation
These will be awarded to children who are selected to represent the school eg, sport, chess, CWA Speaking, etc. - Birthdays
Birthdays are important to all of us but especially to a young child. It is an occasion that they like to share with school friends. If you wish to send a cake to school for your child's birthday please let the teacher know in advance. A small celebration will probably take place just before recess. Birthdays are also acknowledged at morning assembly.
For celebrations that are held outside of school, we would prefer you not send in invitations to be handed out by the children, unless either all children (or all of one gender) are invited. A feeling of being left out for those children who are not invited can be very hurtful and divisive. - Discipline Policy
Discipline implies learning a way of life, which is faithful to the teachings of the Gospel. Therefore, at St. Philomena's our belief about discipline is based on concepts of justice, fairness and positive growth. Discipline is concerned with the modification of behaviour so that it contributes to the creative energy of the school community.
Students are expected to behave in a manner that is respectful of staff, visitors and other students. This behaviour would include: being courteous, co-operative, using buildings and equipment carefully, behaving safely. The major orientation of St Philomena's discipline policy is the fostering of self-discipline. School rules are not impositions placed on unfortunate students by teachers, but rather guidelines to promote the Christian development of the whole school community. Similarly, punishment must not be viewed as the consequence of failure by students, but rather as a process challenging them towards transformation and personal growth.
Parents are expected to behave in a manner that is respectful of staff, students and other parents and mindful of normal administrative processes and procedures of the school.
All problems need to be addressed by a member of staff or the Principal. Parents are not permitted to approach students regarding a problem involving their child.
Corporal punishment, involving physical action by a staff member, is not permitted in St Philomena's. St Philomena's does not explicitly or implicitly sanction the administering of corporal punishment by non-school persons, including parents, to enforce discipline at the school. Psychological Harm
For a matter to involve reportable conduct of psychological harm, the following must be present:- a description of persistent and targeted behaviour, eg scapegoating, humiliation or verbal abuse;
- signs of harm, eg displaying patterns of ‘out of character behaviour;
- an alleged causal link between the behaviour and the harm.
Philosophy and principles of school discipline
School discipline at St Philomena's is based on:- The loving concern God has always for his people throughout the history of salvation.
- The value and uniqueness of the individual person created in the image of God.
- The fact the “Catholic School is committed to the development of the whole person, since in Christ, the Perfect Man, all human values find their fulfilment and unity. (The Catholic School; 1980:n 35)
- The recognition that the ministry of each member of the school community contributes to the development of the climate in the school. The understanding that, "the entire effort of the Catholic teacher is oriented towards an integral formation of each student."
5. School Leadership
St Philomena's empowers children so they become leaders of the future. It is believed children develop leadership skills as they are given more and more responsibilities. The following leadership positions are given to nominated children.-
School Captains
At the conclusion of each year Year 5 children may nominate themselves to become school captain for the following year. Children then give a one-minute speech at morning assembly outlining why their peers should vote for them. All children and staff then vote for the candidates. The boy and girl School and Vice Captains are then announced at the end of year Graduation Mass. - House Captains
The school runs a house system where all children are allocated to a house team. The house names are Mitchell (red), Chifley (yellow), Evans (green) and Macquarie (blue). As house teams the children take part in our annual athletics and swimming carnivals. The house group votes for a year 6 boy and girl to be their House Captain for the year. These positions are announced at the end of year Graduation Mass. -
SRC
The Student Representative Council (SRC) is made up of a student from years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The students stand for one term whereupon the class votes for another student to represent them during the following term. School Captains are automatically on the SRC. The SRC has a meeting once a fortnight with the Principal. During the meeting representatives organise fundraising, mention OH&S issues and develop policy to help with the organisation of the school. - Library Monitors
Year 5 children are chosen by the Librarian to help with the running of the Library. These children are trained to put return and locate books and help younger children.
6. Enrolment Policy
The School Executive and the Parish Priest develop St. Philomena's Enrolment Policy jointly. Parents are invited to make an application for an enrolment placement after an interview with the Principal. Application is made in writing on the appropriate enrolment form.
From its foundation back in 1901, St. Philomena's was established with the primary aim of providing a Catholic education for children of Catholic families. As a result, preference for enrolment is given to children of parents who are members of the Catholic community.
Non-Catholic children may be accepted for enrolment if a place is available, provided the parents of these children agree to support the values, principles and teaching programs taught at the school.
Mandatory provisions- Catholic students shall make up a minimum 85% of the school enrolment.
- Children entering Kindergarten must turn 5 years of age by 30th June of their first year of school.
- The Principal or Assistant Principal will interview each parent, for whose child application is made.
- A copy of the Baptismal Certificate and Birth Certificate must accompany the application.
- If enrolment is accepted, both parents must read and sign all components of the 'Acceptance of Enrolment' form.
Priority of enrolment
1. Catholic children of practising Catholic parents.
2. Catholic children of a Catholic parent.
3. Siblings of children already enrolled at the school.
4. Non-Catholic children of practising Christian families who are prepared to allow their children to take part in all religious activities at the school.
5. Non-Catholic children whose parents / brothers and/or sisters once attended the school.
6. Non-Catholic children who were enrolled at a Catholic School in another parish.
7. Non-Catholic children of Non-Christian families who are prepared to allow their children to take part in all religious activities at the school.
8. Unbaptised children.
Enrolment procedure
In June of each year, the school advertises for enrolment applications for the following year and application forms are given to interested parents.
The application, together with references and copies of Birth, Baptismal Certificates and Immunisation Certificate should be forwarded to the school.
In consultation with the Parish Priest, applications are listed in order of priority. The Principal and P&F President interview parents. Letter, as to the success of the application, informs parents.
While consideration is given to each application, the school reserves the right to make the final decision regarding enrolment.
7. Set School Times
- Start - 9.00am
- Recess - 11.00 to 11.30am
- Lunch - 1.00 to 2.00pm
- Finish - 3.05pm
- Awards Assembly (Odd weeks) - 2.40 pm
- School Assembly (Even weeks) - 2.00 pm
Start and Finishing Times
Children should arrive at school no earlier than 8.30 am. Teacher supervision of children begins at 8.35 am until the commencement of school at 9.00 am. Prior to going into school the children assemble for prayer, birthday wishes and any announcement that teachers may have for the children.
School concludes at 3.05 pm. Children who walk home, or who are waiting for parents to pick them up must wait with the bus duty teacher prior to their dismissal. All children are taken by their teacher to bus lines where they are supervised by the duty teacher and put on the bus.
Recess and Lunch
The eating of morning tea (recess) and lunch is part of the school's health program. The teachers supervise the children and reinforce correct eating behaviour and the order in which to eat their food i.e. sandwiches, fruit and drink and last of all any special treats.
If a child for whatever reason, doesn't have his/her lunch, the class teacher will arrange for them to have something from the canteen. The School Secretary will inform parents of this by phone and will pass on the cost of the lunch. Parents are asked to send payment to school as soon as possible. Please note the school is obligated to make a report to DOCS if a child does not have lunch/recess on a continual basis.
Occasionally parents express concern that their child is not eating all their lunch. There are a number of reasons why this occurs eg, they are not hungry on the day or they have too much food.
Teachers endeavour to get the children to take home uneaten food, suggesting they might like to eat it for afternoon tea. We hope that this helps parents in gauging their child's needs.
8. Parent Involvement and Participation
The school is blessed with a strong P&F Association which meets twice a month at the school. The P&F raises money for much needed school resources. Watch the newsletter for scheduled times, dates and agenda items.
At St. Philomena's School we actively encourage parent involvement. Through active parent participation and involvement all members of the school community — the children, the parents and the staff benefit. There are a number of ways in which parents can be involved:
School Level- Attending P & F Meetings on the second Tuesday of the month.
- Volunteering to join the canteen roster.
- Volunteering to work on the P&F Food Van
Class Level- Attending Parent/Teacher interviews
- Complimenting and showing interest in your child's work
- Reading to your child each night and listening to your child's reading.
- Involving yourself in your child's interests both at school and at home.
- Volunteering help when the school requests assistance.
- Being a regular 'reading mum/dad'.
Child Protection Act
Child Protection Legislation requires parent volunteers (and teachers), in child related employment (which includes volunteers) to sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration, which is available from the school office.
9. Reporting
Communication between teachers and parents is paramount if each child is to develop to his/her full potential. Formal reporting procedures at St. Philomena's are as follows:- Parent / Teacher Interview
A formal parent-teacher meeting takes place late in Term One. During this meeting teachers and parents discuss student progress noting strengths and areas for development. It is also an opportunity to discuss how your child has settled into the school routine. - Half Year Report
Half-yearly written reports are sent out in the final weeks of Term Two. These reports present an overall picture of your child's progress in each of the Key Learning Areas (subjects). As well, the report highlights work habits and social development. Students are graded for both effort and achievement. - End of Year Report
Yearly written reports are sent home in the last week of Term Four and provide feedback on your child's effort and achievement during the latter half of the year.
Apart from these formal procedures, you are encouraged to contact the class teacher to discuss your child's progress, or any other problem that you may have. Please make an appointment time with the teacher first. Likewise, the class teacher will contact you outside these formal reporting times as the need arises
Curriculum Outlines
Curriculum outlines are sent out to parents at the beginning of each Term. These outlines present an overview of what will be covered in each of the Key Learning Areas throughout the Term. They also advise you of any special events, or requirements needed, during that Term.
10. Canteen
Canteen operates three days a week and is run on a voluntary basis by the P&F. Lunches may be ordered Mondays and Fridays. Snacks may be purchased at recess and lunch times on Monday and Friday. Iceblocks may be purchased on Wedsnday at lunch time. When ordering lunch from the canteen parents are asked to write their child's name and class on a paper lunch bag. Where possible the correct money should be included in the bag.
11. Sport & PE
Our sports uniform is worn on Wednesday and Friday. One hour of compulsory physical activity is conducted on both days.
12. Assemblies
Presentation of all awards will take place at a weekly assembly to be held on Thursday afternoons. These will be as follows:- Even weeks: 2.00 pm School Assembly - presentation of weekly awards plus an exhibition of some aspect of their learning by a particular class. Each class will have a turn. We will alternate between Primary and Infants. (Terms 1-3)
Note: If there is a visiting cultural performance (eg Musica Viva) or a special occasion (eg Bookweek Activity Day) on the day of the School Assembly, awards only will be presented on that day. Dates and classes for School Assemblies
13. Newsletter
The school newsletter is sent home with children once a week on Wednesdays. It contains valuable information about upcoming events and general organisation of the school. It is imperative you read the newsletter so you keep up-to-date with the school calendar.
14. Working Bees
Working bees are conducted from time to time. These are often used to clean the grounds, weed gardens, work in the food van and prepare for special events. They are advertised through the newsletter.
15. Library
Children attend Library lessons once week. During the lesson children borrow books and are taught library skills. Your teacher will inform you of when your child has his/her lesson. Library is also open some lunch times for reading and quiet activities.
16. Medication
From time to time it is necessary for medications to be administered to a child at school. Parents are requested to obtain a Parents Request Form for the Administration of Medication at School from the front office. Form Available here
Parents are then asked to give any medication/s to the school secretary, with the Parents Request Form which will have written instructions as to the dosage, times for administration, as well as other directions if required. In this way we are able to ensure that the instructions are followed.
No child is to keep any type of medication in their school bag. Parents need to give precise instructions to their children as to when they take their medication.
17. Uniform Requirements
Summer Uniform
Grey shorts (not cargo shorts)Boys:
Open neck blue shirt
Black leather shoes or boots (not work boots or joggers)
Blue/Maroon reversible hat with crest
Pink and white checked dressGirls:
White socks
Black lace up leather shoes
Blue/Maroon reversible hat with crest
Winter Uniform
Grey trousers (not cargo pants)Boys:
Blue shirt
V Grey woolen or cotton knitted jumper*
Maroon tie
Grey socks
Black leather shoes or boots**
Maroon slacks or A-line Maroon tunicGirls:
Beige blouse
V Maroon woolen knitted jumper*
Maroon tie
Fawn socks
Black leather shoes**
*Sloppy-joes may not be worn as part of the summer or winter uniforms
Parkas: either Navy or Maroon
**Shoes must be polishable
Sports Uniform
Blue, uni-sex shorts with crestBoys:
Blue 'scungies'
Blue collar white Polo-shirt with crest
White long sleeve Polo-shirt with crest
White joggers
St Phil's white ankle socks
Blue microfibre tracksuit with crest
Blue sports skirt or uni-sex shorts with crestGirls:
Blue collar white Polo-shirt with crest
White long sleeve Polo-shirt with crest
White joggers
St Phil's white ankle socks
Blue microfibre tracksuit with crest
St. Philomena's has a no hat ~ no play policy
18. Beginning Kindergarten
a) The School and the Home
For the first four to five years of a child's life, education is provided by the parents or caregiver. The experiences gained during this period provide the foundation upon which the infants' school builds. By the time the child arrives in Kindergarten many attitudes and habits are well established.
When the child begins school, and the school becomes involved in the child's development, education becomes a home and school enterprise with both parties working together for the child. If education of the child is seen as a partnership, the child is the beneficiary.
For this reason, communication between home and school is most important. We will endeavour to contact you when some aspect of your child's development is concerning us.
We would appreciate your contacting us when the need arises. A simple note outlining changes to routine or concerns helps develop the communication process. A note is appreciated if:- an event has occurred which could influence your child's happy disposition. This may include the sudden illness with a family member or loss of a pet.
- you are concerned about any aspect of schooling affecting your child.
- your child feels he/she is being treated unfairly by other children at school.
- your child is ill or needs special consideration.
Staff are well aware that the new Kindergarten child needs time and support in adapting to the larger environment with its greater number of children of differing ages. These factors are taken into consideration, especially during the early weeks by:- restricting the children during the early weeks to one or two areas of the playground but as they gain confidence they are encouraged to explore further afield;
- introducing children to other staff members;
- visits to all other classes;
- encouraging the more senior children to be caring and supportive;
- providing longer periods for eating;
- taking the children to the toilet before/after breaks;
- providing the children with strategies for developing their social skills;
- developing skills in the use of playground equipment e.g. climbing equipment.
As your child moves through St Philomena's School, the class teacher will offer many suggestions as to how you can help in the learning process. It is widely recognised that oral language (listening and speaking) are essential factors in a young child's learning. The following hints may be useful to you in helping your child:- Listen to what your child is trying to say. The child learns correct listening behaviour through observing others listening.
- Talk about familiar things and experiences e.g. shopping trips, picnics, a television show. Provide a range of everyday experiences which will motivate your child to talk e.g. weeding the garden, visits to places, making a cake.
- Establish a storytime routine and read to your child from a wide range of books.
- Talk about books, including print and pictures.
- Provide books for your child.
- Read and teach nursery rhymes, finger plays and number rhymes.
- Tell stories such as The Three Bears, The Little Red Hen.
- Provide story tapes with read-a-long books ~ linking listening, talking and reading in an enjoyable way.
- Provide a dressing up box.
- Talk about your child's drawings and attempts at writing.
- Teach your child to use the telephone.
- Talk about signs, displays, advertisements etc. in the community.
- Encourage your child's attempts at reading.
c) Tips for the Kindergarten Parent- Please send notes to explain all absences from school. These should be directed to the class teacher. Notes are required for full day absences and partial absences ~ those which occur for any period less than a day. These absences must be recorded on the class roll.
- If children are wearing incorrect uniform, the teacher may send a standard form home, pointing out that the uniform is incorrect.
- All monies and permission notes etc. should be handed to the class teacher at the beginning of the day (when called for). This allows the class teacher to keep accurate records.
- When money is sent to School: Please place any money and any additional information in anenvelope with your child's name on it. Also, indicate amount enclosed, what the money is for and any special instructions.
- As mentioned, the school canteen is open on Mondays and Fridays. Lunch orders are collected prior to the first lesson. Lunch money should be in the
- Please do not allow your child to bring excessive spending money to school. Money should be left in a zippered pocket, or a purse in your child's bag.
- Please make sure that the school secretary has a telephone number to call in case of an emergency or illness. It is a good idea to include your mobile number if you have one. A work number would be helpful and a contact person's number as well.
- Please keep your child home if ill. He or she will recover more quickly and will not infect others in the group. We appreciate a call to the office (6331 1198) if you know your child will be absent.
- In the early part of the year, Kinder children, apart from those catching the bus, will be kept at the doorway to the Kindergarten corridor until they are collected.
- The School Newsletter is sent home every Wednesday.
- It is important to attend parent/teacher interviews.
- Be sure your child eats a nutritious breakfast.
d) Lost Property
This is always of concern to teachers. Parents are asked to label all items of clothing. This ensures lost items are returned to the rightful owner. The lost property bin is located in the Primary 'wet area'. We would appreciate parents notifying the school if items are lost so that together we can reinforce in the children the need to take care of their own property.
From time to time class readers, pieces of lego, counters, unifix cubes, coloured pencils and other school resources find their way into pockets and bags. These items have high appeal to the children and the concept that they belong to the school and the class as a whole is difficult for them to understand. We would appreciate parents sending back to the class teacher any items that don't belong to them. In this way we can reinforce the idea of 'shared—ownership' and the care of the school's property. Parents can be assured that any instance is treated confidentially.
e) Change of Clothing
It is not unusual for a Kindergarten child to forget to go to the toilet sometimes when engrossed in work and play. Although we do have some spare clothing it never seems to be adequate. The school would appreciate parents putting a spare set of underpants in their child's bag for those very odd occasions.
The school has spare clothing on hand in case of an emergency. It would be appreciated if these clothes were returned (washed) to the Secretary's office as soon as practicable.
f) Bringing your child to school
It is very important to say good-bye and allow the teacher to settle the class into a regular routine. The job is made more difficult if mum and dad stay after children have gone into class. The first days of school are difficult for us all, however, experience has shown that children settle better if left with their teacher. Although leaving your child may be difficult on those first occasions, we would appreciate your departing. You are leaving your child in very caring hands.
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