POLICY STATEMENT - (October 2015) Reviewed April 2016

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POLICY STATEMENT - (October 2015) Reviewed April 2016

Wulungarra Community School(School Code: 1416)is registered for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 10 students and enrolment decisions are made according to details based on age, residential location and educational needs. As an Aboriginal Independent Community School in the very remote location of Kadjina Community, Wulungarra Community School meets a unique set of criterion based upon the needs of the local indigenous and non-indigenous population. Enrolment policy and procedures are fully andculturally responsive managing enrolment processes in a transparent manner.Appropriate community advice and inputmay be sought by the Principal to assist parents, carers and guardians to complete a child’s enrolment.

Relevant enrolment information is communicated to the community during the year relating to teachers, year levels and subjects, resources, programmes, health care records and facilities which the school can provide to meet the educational needs of the child. It is the responsibility of the Principal to implement enrolment policy and procedures according to theSchool Education Act 1999 and to maintain compliance as per theSchool Education Regulations 2000. Wulungarra Community School refers to further enrolment policydetail in related documentsthat hold relevant legislation or authoritypublished by W.A. Department of Education.Enquiries as to enrolment at Wulungarra Community School may be made in the first instance to the Principal.

REVIEW DATE: March 2016 Reviewed April 2016 NEXT REVIEW DATE: March 2017

ENROLMENT PROCEDURES: MANAGING ENROLMENTS

All Enrolments: (refer to DOE Enrolment Policy -

The assessment by the Wulungarra Community School Principal to enrol students will take into account future planning and the school’s current resources including infrastructure and staffing.

Enrolment is only permissible at one school at a time. The Principal may enable the child to attend without formally enrolling the child if the period of attendance is likely to be less than four weeks and if the parent/carer of the student wishes to retain enrolment at the original school.The Principal considers the child who attends for a short period of time and consults with the previous school in which the student may be already enrolled. If attendance is more than of four weeks duration the student relinquishes enrolment at the school in which the student is already enrolled (refer to Note of Transfer.) Wulungarra Community School does not enrol a student who is enrolled at another school or another kindergarten unless transferring. In the special circumstances when a child is visiting the community, an enrolment form is completed and details are recorded although formal enrolment is not validated until after a set date of four weeks. Wulungarra Community School endeavours to maintain original enrolment and continuity of a child’s schooling unless it is not in the child’s educational interests to do so.

The Principal, in consultation with a community advisor/sif it is appropriate, will assist the Parent/Carer/ Guardianto enrol a student using the Wulungarra Community School Enrolment Form. The definition of the person responsible for the child is explained: A Parent/Carer/Guardian in relation to the child,is a person who at law has responsibility for the long term care, welfare and development of the child, or the day to day care, welfare and development of the child. By completing the enrolment form it is acknowledged that the usual place of residence is Kadjina Community.

In consultation with parents andif necessary the previously enrolled school, the Principal will determine the year level placement of the childreflecting an age-appropriate placement.Children whose usual place of residence is not Kadjina Community are accommodated.

ENROLMENT PROCEDURES: MANAGING ENROLMENTS

Early Enrolment for Aboriginal Children:(Pre-Kindergarten – PKG)

This is before a child’s pre-compulsory education age of 4:5 years.

Wulungarra Community School responds to the early education and cultural needs of the community andthe Principalmay enrol athree-year old child who turns four by the end of the year.In this instance it is recommended to do so from Week 4 of Term One to give newly enrolled and slightly older Kindergarten students the opportunity to enrol at the commencement of school year. The parent/carer is advised the child will complete two years of Kindergarten and is requested to remain in the classroom and on the school campus with the child at all times.

Pre-Compulsory Years: (Kindergarten - KG)

A child’s pre-compulsory education age is that of 4:5 years.

Aboriginal Kindergartens provide educational programsthat include Aboriginal culture,language and learning styles and assist in the transition from home to school. Aboriginal students may be enrolled up to six months earlier younger than the general student cohort. The Pre Compulsory education period is from the beginning of the year in which a child reaches the age of four years and six months and until the end of that year. Wulungarra Community School operates two Kindergarten sessions daily. Kindergarten children are provided with a hot cooked lunch before returning home.

Compulsory: Pre Primary to Year 10

A child’s compulsory education age begins at 5 years.

Wulungarra Community School is registered to teach K – 10. On behalf of the parent/carer and community members the Principal will liaise at an early stage with such nominatedsecondary schools as; Christian Aboriginal Parent Schools – CAPS – Coolgardie, CAPS – Wongutha (AICS) to facilitate the transition of a secondary school enrolment for the student at a given time.

ENROLMENT PROCEDURES: MANAGING ENROLMENTS

Students with Disability:

A student with a disability is offered enrolment on the same basis as all. The Principal will collect information about the disabilityconsider if the student meets criteria for support servicesand specialist provision and provide an educational program that meets the needs of the student. The first day of attendance is negotiated with the parent/carer to ensure educational adjustments are in place. Consultation withthe Department of Educationin regards to services and disabilityis to be taken.

ENROLMENT RECORDS

Records are in digital and manual form. The Principal requests the Enrolment Form to be lodged by a parent/carer/guardian and requires evidence ofa child’s name, age, proof of address and relevant papers. In the best interests of the family,Wulungarra Community School assists the parent/carer to obtain a Birth Certificate and other proofs. The school refers to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the District School Health Nurse for information such as immunisation details, disability, health conditions and records. These are attached to the enrolment form and kept on student file and on the Enrolment Register.Emergency contacts are provided on the enrolment form.In the event of no documentation available for the child the school may ask for community verification through interview or by signatory and letter.The school where a child attended is consulted and documents requested.

Retention of Enrolment Records:

The school will retain records of enrolment for seven years on file. If the school has closed enrolment records are sent to the Department of Educational Services, WA. Changes from year to year are updated.

Transfer of Records for Students Between Schools:

The Principal will manage Notices of Transferand records and notify the former principal withinfive days that the student is now enrolled in Wulungarra Community School.The dates of transfer are recorded on the Enrolment Register and in Notes on Student Attendanceand Transfer Notes are kept on file.

ENROLMENT RECORDS

Removal of Names from the Enrolment Register:

Names may be removed from the Enrolment Register on reasonable grounds if a child has a Transfer Note from another school or a parent/carer notifies the school of a child’s departure. Steps are taken to reengage the student for non-attendance and notes taken.

Student Tracking System

In the case of the whereabouts of a student not known the school and Principal make every effort to ascertain the location of the missing student by phone call, letter, family liaison or contact of schools in the region or through community agencies. A form from the WA Department of Education Services is completed and sent to inform them of the student’ continued unknown absence. This is maintained until further notice is given to the student whereabouts and records adjusted accordingly.

Enrolment Disputes:

In the case of dispute the Principalis contacted in the first instance and a meeting with parent/carer/guardian arranged. The Principal may approve attendance for less than four weeks without formal enrolment through the application of a Section 24 Arrangement.Before recommending an application for a child with a disability be declined the principal will seek advice from Department of Education.

Confidentiality:

All information on the enrolment form is treated confidentially in accordance with section 242 of School Education Act, 1999.)

Information about Parent/Carer/Guardian Occupation and Education:

Wulungarra Community School requestsinformation about family background to complete a student enrolment form. The Principal explains that providing this information is voluntary and its purpose is to promote an education system that is fair to all Australian students regardless of background. Cultural sensitivities are respected if the request is denied by the parent/carer/guardian.

Consent:

Consent forms are attached to the enrolment form for the parent/carer/guardian to consider and sign if in agreement. Media Consent – publication of images of the student and their work, Internet Access – appropriate use, Viewing Consent – PG parental guidance items deemed suitable by the school, Local Excursions – agreement to minor excursions.

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Wulungarra Community School Enrolment Policy/Procedures follow W.A. Department of Education Enrolment Policy/Procedures v2.3 and v2.6 – (Updated 23/9/2015) and maintained by all employees of the school.

Enrolment Policy/Procedures – October 2015 Principal Reviewed April 2015