HARSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
PARENT
INFORMATION BOOKLET
2017
WELCOME TO ALL PARENTS,
Harston Primary School provides a range of activities and opportunities for the children to enhance their learning.
We are committed to preparing our students for the 21st Century by integrating information technologies as a curriculum enhancement tool.
We encourage difference and support creative and lateral thinking through open-ended curriculum tasks.
Parents are always welcome at Harston and we urge you to become part of your children’s education.
HARSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
NO. 1458
155 HARSTON RD HARSTON 3616
PROVIDING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION SINCE 1874
Phone: 03 58548317
Email:
Website: www. harstonps.vic.edu.au
PRINCIPAL:Mr. Owen Holleran
CLASS TEACHERS:Mrs. Lisa Wilson ;Mrs. Bree Petrie; Mrs Nicolle Answer
ART TEACHER:Ms. Sue Cowan (Specialist Teacher)
LIBRARY TEACHER:Ms. Kathryn Gill (Specialist Teacher)
EDUCATION SUPPORT:Mrs. Margaret Holleran
BUSINESS MANAGER:Mrs. Carmel Stanyer
COMPUTER TECHNICIAN:Mr. Jason Rogers
TERM DATES
* The first day of Term 1 is a student-free day in all government schools to allow for appropriate planning to take place for the arrival of students. Each year government schools are provided with four student-free days for professional development, school planning and administration, curriculum development, and student assessment and reporting purposes. The remaining three student-free days are determined by each individual school, so contact your school for details.
Vic school term dates^
2017
Term 1: 30 January (school teachers start) to 31 March *
Term 2: 18 April to 30 June
Term 3: 17 July to 22 September
Term 4: 9 October to 22 December
SCHOOL TIMES
8.45 amSchool Bus arrives
9.00 am-9.30 am Whole School Assembly/Health/Phys Ed/activities
9.30am-10.30 amNumeracy
10.30am-10.50amRecess
10.50am-1.00 pmLiteracy
1.00 pm-1.30 pmLunch
1.30 pm-1.50 pmSilent Reading
1.50 pm- 3.00 pm Integrated Studies
3.00 pm - 3.15 pm“Clean-up”/School finishes and School Bus leaves
As the grounds and buildings are unsupervised before 8.45am it is advisable for parents, if children are not catching the school bus, to bring them after this time.
2016 PREP ORIENTATION COMMENCEMENT DATES
For Preps commencing school in 2018Orientation days will be held during in November and December 2017.
Information regarding dates and times are available by contacting the school
FEBRUARY 2017
During the month of February there will be no school for Preps on Wednesdays.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Vision statement
To prepare students for the 21st century by integrating the best practice employed in information and learning technologies
To maximise learning outcomes for all students, establish positive links with the wider community.
To positively embrace innovation and change: ICT will transform how we learn and what we learn
Our Core Business!
To enhance teaching and learning across the school.
To foster a safe, secure and caring environment that allows all pupils to become
independent learners.
To have open communication that supports staff and student engagement with the broader community.
TECHNOLOGY
All students have a laptop computer and there is a 1;1 ratio of IPADS for students in grade prep to two. Computer technology allows for increased student engagement and promotes and supports independent learning. Computers and IPADS are valuable and essential tools for 21st century learning.
LIBRARY AND ART
Each fortnight we have a visit from the art/craft van and the MARC bus (Mobile Library).
READING AND NUMERACY
Literacy and numeracy are a major focus of Harston Primary School.
The Early Years Literacy Program is conducted in the two-hour literacy block each morning. The Numeracy block is one hour each day.
OTHER CURRICULUM AREAS
These are dealt with in an integrated fashion And may follow a theme that changes from term to term.
EXTENSION PROGRAMS AND CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENT
Each year we endeavour to prioritise excursions and incursions that support our curriculum priorities. These vary from year to year and are often dependent upon cost.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
The wearing of the school uniform is compulsory. Wide brimmed hats must be worn in Terms one and four. All preps and new children to the school will be given a wide brimmed hat upon being enrolled. Replacement of lost or worn hats is the responsibility of parents. Uniform orders are done on a regular basis. Uniforms are very reasonably priced. Please contact the school for more information.
SUMMER
Maroon short sleeve polo top with school logo. Navy shorts/pants/skirt.
WINTER
Maroon polo shirt with school logo, maroon windcheater with school logo.
Navy shorts/pants/skirt.
PLEASE LABEL CLEARLY WITH PERMANENT MARKER ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING
PERSONAL GOODS
Children should not bring valuable toys or belongings to school.
Whilst every care is taken, private property brought to school by children is not insured, nor is the DET responsible for any loss.
PUPIL DETAILS
These are maintained at school so that prompt medical attention can be obtained when needed.If any details are changed, please notify the school so that our information can be kept up to date.
DISCIPLINE
The school discipline policy aims to teach the children to be responsible for their actions, respect other people’s feelings and property, so that everyone can work and play in a happy, safe environment. A copy of School Policy will be provided to all families.
SCHOOL FEES
There are no school fees and initial needs such as pencils etc are supplied, however there may be charges for excursions and incursions.
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
During the year photographers will come to the school and take class and individual or family photographs.
There is no obligation for you to purchase the photographs.
LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS
Parents are asked that children have lunches securely wrapped. In terms one and four it is advisable to include a “cold- pak” with lunch. Children may also put lunch boxes in the refrigerator.
NEWSLETTER
Communication is a very important facet of parent-teacher relationships. A newsletter will be sent home each fortnight to inform parents about school activities, notices and details of special events.
Newsletters and other interesting information can also be emailed to parents with that facility.
WEBSITES
This will provide a link to the SCHOOL BLOG.
Please visit us on Facebook for photos and information
ATTENDANCE AND HEALTH
We are a SUNSMART school. Children are encouraged to wear hats and sunscreen. The wearing of the school broad-brimmed hat is compulsory in Terms 1 and 4. We also encouragethe wearing of sunglasses.
Sunscreen is always available at school for the children to apply.
- Encourage regular attendance and punctuality. This is essential for progress and establishes continuity in the infant grades.
- However, the child’s health is of prime importance, and a sick child should be kept home. The child will not feel well enough to work and can spread infection to others if at school.
- If your child has any medical issue that you feel the school should know of, then it is wise to notify the school as soon as possible.
4.In the event of absence, a note must always be sent to the class teacher so that the reason may be recorded. Absence notes are available from the office.
This is a legal requirement of the DET
5.Where a child is sick or injured at school the child will be put into the sick bay and treated.
If at the end of a half hour no improvement is evident, parents or the emergency contact person will be contacted.
Should the Principal consider it necessary, an ambulance will be called and the child taken to hospital.
Ambulancecosts are very high and are the responsibility of the parents. Please consider
becoming a member of Ambulance Victoria. If you hold a healthcare or pensioner
benefit card, you may not need to take out ambulance cover. However it is your
responsibility to check if you need ambulance cover.
HARSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
CURRENT PROTOCOLS
- STUDENT ATTENDANCE ROLL MARKED DAILY.
- “LATE BOOK” COMPLETED BY PARENTS DELIVERING CHILDREN AFTER SCHOOL HAS COMMENCED.
- ABSENCE NOTES, AS GENERATED BY SCHOOL, SENT HOME WITH STUDENT RETURNING AFTER ABSENCE.
- IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES: TELEPHONE CALL TO PARENTS “MID-MORNING” IF THE SCHOOL HAS RECEIVED NO PRIOR NOTICE OF ABSENCE.
- ALL DATA ENTERED ON CASES 21
- “FLAGGED ABSENCES” REVIEWED FROM CASES 21 PRINT-OUT AT THE END OF EACH TERM.
- ABSENCES NOTED ON STUDENT REPORTS.
- COMMENTS, WHERE NECESSARY MADE ABOUT EXCESSIVE ABSENCES, WITHIN THE REPORT.
- ADVICE SORT FROM:
- REGIONAL OFFICE SUPPORT STAFF.
- IN SOME INSTANCES DHS ETC...
- DECISION REGARDING STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE ATTENDANCE TAKEN COLLECTIVELY BY STAFF.
- END OF YEAR PRESENTATIONS – ALL STUDENTS WITH 90% OR GREATER ATTENDANCE RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE.
HARSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL ABSENCE PROTOCOL
ROLL MARKED TWICE DAILY.
ABSENCE OF TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS TO BE FOLLOWED UP BY:
- SMS TO FAMILY
- PHONE CALL IF NO RESPONSE.
- LETTER IF NECESSARY.
IF ATTENDANCE CONTINUES TO BE PROBLEMATIC WCONTACT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ADVICE.
HARSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL –STUDENT ABSENCE ACTION PLAN
Date / Student Name / Absence Dates / Absence notification from teacher when more than 2 days / SMS / Phone Call / Letter sent home / CommentsMEDICATION
1.All medication brought to school must be taken to the office for safe-keeping.
2.All medication will be administered by the teacher ONLY if the parent has completed the appropriate form. This is available from the school.
3.All medication must be marked clearly specifying dosage and time to administer.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
A record of your child's immunization details is kept at the school. In the case of an outbreak of a serious disease children who have not been immunized may be excluded from school. There is a general exclusion period for common infections such as measles and mumps. If you suspect your child has an infectious disease contact your local doctor and the school to find out if there is an exclusion period. An “exclusion list” is available for parents.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
INTERVIEWS
Interviews with the Principal or members of staff are most welcome and parents are invited to visit the school to discuss the progress of their children or other matters.
In June, parent-teacher interviews are held where a written report of your child’s progress is presented.
In December, a written report is sent home for each child. Parents who have concerns may request an interview with the class teacher or Principal at any time.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
The staff at Harston Primary School welcomes parental participation in deciding school policy. Parents play a vital role in the school. Parents have many skills that children love to hear about and explore. We welcome any assistance you may care to offer. Please contact the School Council President or the Principal for advice on how your ideas may contribute!
PARENTS’ CLUB:
IS CURENTLY IN RECESS YOUR SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED!
The aim of the Parents’ Club is to advance the educational and social welfare of the children at the school. Parental involvement for Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Easter and Christmas is always welcomed by the school and especially the children. Meetings are held monthly at the school, either at night or during the day. All parents are welcome to come to these meetings and enjoy a chat and cuppa. We urge all families to be part of Parents Club as it is a great way to become involved in the school and the Harston community.
How parents can make a good school better:-
- If at all possible, participate on committees and in discussion groups that consider educational issues and give opinions to the staff.
- See the school as “your” school. Encourage your children to see it in the same way.
- By all means offer constructive criticism and suggestions, but direct your comments to the right people - a school councillor or the Principal.
- Encourage your children to co-operate fully, to join in all
school activities and to take pride in the buildings, the grounds
and the school community as a whole.
- Let the Principal and the teachers know that you support them all the way, even if sometimes you have to be a friendly critic or a critical friend.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
The School Council consists of FIVE elected parents, and two Department of Education and Training (DET) members including the Principal.
SUMMARY OF SCHOOL COUNCIL’S AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
•Establish the broad direction and vision of the school within the school's community
•Participate in the development and monitoring of the school strategic plan
•Develop, review and update school policies
•Develop, review and monitor the Student Engagement Policy and the School Dress Code
•Raise funds for school-related purposes
•Approve the annual budget and monitor expenditure
•Maintain the school’s grounds and facilities
•Enter into contracts (e.g. cleaning, construction work)
•Report annually to the school community and to DET
•Generally stimulate interest in the school in the wider community
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SCHOOL PLEASE CALL US ON 58 548317
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