LARA PRIMARY SCHOOL. Handbook 2015

Transcription

1 LARA PRIMARY SCHOOL Handbook 2015 The Lara Primary School community values a love of learning, a sense of fun, unique talents and an inquiring mind. Students are challenged to achieve their personal best in a safe and caring learning environment. This handbook is updated every year and is also available on our website at

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3 WELCOME TO LARA PRIMARY SCHOOL It is our privilege to welcome you and your family to Lara Primary School. We look forward to sharing the excitement and celebrations of your child s learning. Students are well catered for by a caring staff with high expectations for student learning. The school community is committed to student learning within a supportive, co-operative and positive environment. Students are supported by a productive partnership with staff and parents/carers. This partnership is based on mutual trust and understanding, and maintaining open and honest lines of communication. We give out two messages to every child you can succeed and I will help you do that. Lara Primary School values a love of learning, a sense of fun, unique talents and an inquiring mind. In 2011 the school developed a Strategic Plan for This plan maintains a clear focus on continued improvement in Literacy and Numeracy, a focus on building student independence, empowering students to embrace responsibility in their learning and creating positive and seamless transitions through the school. We look forward to sharing the learning with our community, particularly continuing the work around building positive home-school partnership. Lara Primary School supports their school vision by a collection of 6 catch cries: - Difference makes us unique. Strive for personal best. Be a problem solver. Care for ourselves, others and our environment. Wonder and discover. Think safety. These catch cries were developed with extensive school and community consultation. These are clearly displayed throughout the school and underpin our learning programs throughout the school. Staff work collaboratively to plan and deliver a rich classroom learning program, with a specific focus on Literacy, Numeracy, Information and Communication Technology and Whole School Inquiry Units. Classroom learning is supported by focused specialist areas in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Indonesian and the Serendip Sanctuary Multi-Media Experience. Classroom teachers enable students to access the library weekly. A range of additional opportunities are available to students including the school band The Passions, a school choir, debating, Rotary Club Challenge, Lara s Got Talent, Robotics, Computer Club, Geelong College Challenge and participation in local academic and sporting challenges. Lara Primary School, with a student population of approximately 400 students, is well resourced with physical resources. All classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards and excellent ICT facilities. Other facilities include a well stocked library, large gymnasium, music room, 2 computer laboratories (one located at Serendip Sanctuary) and an art room. The school added a new learning facility in 2011 as a part of the Building Education Revolution, which our 5/6 student enjoy the open plan and team environment. You can find out more about our school on the school s website at and if you require further information please speak to our friendly office staff, your class teachers or the school leadership team. We look forward to a long, positive relationship with you and your children. Elissa Jackson and Carolyn Kent-Hughes 4

4 LOOKING FOR INFORMATION? ADDRESS The school address is: 120 Flinders Avenue PO Box 42, Lara 3212 Phone Number: Fax: Web Address: ALLERGIES If your child is allergic to any medical applications e.g. bandaids or sticking plaster which may be used at school, please advise your child's teacher in writing. Students are not permitted to have nuts, peanut butter sandwiches or peanut snacks at school. ANAPHYLAXIS See website Parent/Policy/Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is an increasing problem and staff are trained to deal with anaphylactic episodes, should one occur. Parents are required to notify the school if their child has a serious reaction to any substances and require an Epipen. Parents are requested to provide an Epipen for their child at school, which will be kept at the office along with a Management Plan which must also be completed by your child s doctor. APPOINTMENTS We encourage communication between home and school, but it is not possible for teachers or the Principal to see you without an appointment. Sometimes the concerns you have are better dealt with by the classroom teacher. The office staff will always ask what your concern is so they can direct you to the most suitable person. Appointments are to be made through the office or class teacher. If your child has a concern, please encourage them to discuss it with the class teacher, or a teacher on yard duty. Early in the year each class teacher will send a note home explaining the best way to communicate with them. ASSEMBLIES We hold whole school assemblies fortnightly in the gym on Fridays from 3.00pm to 3.20pm. Our School Captains proudly and competently run these assemblies, and family members and friends are warmly encouraged to attend. Students performing at assemblies will certainly let you know in advance of their performance so you can be a part of this event. Asssembly performances can be watched again on our website Students/Assembly Performance ASTHMA Parents are required to notify the school of Asthma requirements. Students who require Asthma puffers should have them close by (in their school bag or classroom). Students with Asthma must have an up to date School Asthma Management Plan (completed by the child s doctor) when enrolling at Lara Primary School. This form needs to be updated when there are changes to treatment and before students go on camp in grade 3/4. ATTENDANCE For more information see website Parent/Policy/Student Engagement Policy At Lara Primary School, we aim to maximise student learning opportunities and performance through regular school attendance and without unnecessary absences. Education is a sequential process. Absences often mean children miss important stages in the development of topics, meaning they are placed at a disadvantage and miss many learning opportunities. Attending school every day makes learning easier for your child and helps them to build and maintain friendships with other children. It is the parents responsibility to ensure regular attendance. If a child is absent (including a late arrival or leaving school early), a note should be forwarded to the class teacher informing the school of the reason (a telephone message, , absence notification via the website or office is accepted). This is a legal requirement. Regular absences will be followed up by the class teacher, Student Wellbeing Leader, Assistant Principal or Principal and absences are recorded on student reports. Children learn best when they attend school every day. This gives them the best chance of achieving success, making friends, and experiencing the wide range of school programs and activities we offer at Lara Primary School. BANKING Students are offered school bank accounts with The Commonwealth Bank or Bendigo Community Bank. All new enrolments to the school may use accounts at branches or get information regarding opening a new account through the school office. Please enquire at the office if you are interested in this service. New Prep parents will receive an information pack with the orientation package. STUDENT BANKING DAY IS THURSDAY 5

5 BIRTHDAYS Unless there are religious or other family reasons for not celebrating birthdays, the children s birthdays are recognised by the teacher and class. Cupcakes (or similar) are permitted to be brought for the class to share, but this is purely optional. Please remember that some children do have allergies so check with your child s teacher in regard to their class birthday routine and the provision of birthday foods. BOOK BAGS Students receive some minimal supplies in a reusable book bag at the commencement of term one after payment has been received. The majority of student supplies are distributed by the class teacher. BOOKLISTS More information is available on our website Enrolment/Materials charges Booklists are sent home towards the end of the year outlining classroom requisites for the next year, as well as payments required from parents. Student supplies will be given to the parent or student when full payment has been received. The office is open for parents to pay their contributions from 1st December to 18th December am to 3.45pm and Tuesday 27th January am to 3.00pm. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, EFT, Bpay or credit card over the phone if necessary. BRAIN FOOD It is very important for all the children to have eaten a healthy breakfast before coming to school as this can impact on their ability to concentrate and learn. The purpose of brain food is to stimulate brain function to aid the focus of students and to also endorse and advocate healthy eating. If your child would like brain food parents are encouraged to provide students with fresh fruit or vegetables. Implementation of brain food will vary at each level and information will be provided by the classroom teacher early each year. BUDDIES All students are involved in a Buddy Program. At the beginning of the year classes are Buddied Up and throughout the year they are involved in activities together. One of the highlights is the assembly item they present to the school on a Friday during the year. BULLYING For more information see our website Parent/Policy/Statement of Values & Student Engagement policy Lara Primary School does not tolerate bullying or harassment in any form. All members of the School Community are committed to ensuring a safe and caring environment which promotes personal growth and positive self-esteem for all. Set class and yard procedures are enforced to address bullying and inappropriate behaviour. Please reinforce with your child to speak to the yard duty teacher, then the classroom teacher, if they are feeling threatened or unsafe. Parental concerns regarding bullying should be directed to the classroom teacher or our Student Engagement Leader. Lara Primary School conducts a safety survey at the end of every term and issues are followed up with the individual students and their parents/carers. BUS More information is available on our website Enrolment/Bus Travel The eligibility criteria for free travel on the school bus are: Students attending a government primary school must be attending their nearest school and must reside more than 4.8 km from that school. The school bus covers some outlying areas. It is a shared service between the three Government schools in Lara, Little River and Anakie. Please see office staff for further details and to apply for this service. CAMPS See website Parents/Policy/Camps and Excursions Children in grades 3 6 take part in overnight camps each year. Details of camps and costs are given to parents/carers during the year, with an instalment payment plan available. Camps in 2015 are; Camp Rumbug, grade 5/6 2 nd 4 th September Sunnystones camp, grade 3/4 9 th 11 th September CANTEEN The school canteen is operated by a private company contracted by School Council and provides healthy food choices. The canteen operates from Monday to Friday. Lunches are available on these days. The canteen has a strict NO CREDIT policy and is open for counter sales at morning recess and lunchtime each day. A menu is distributed early in the year. We request that Preps do not have counter sales at morning recess and lunch for term one. Lunch orders can be made in the normal way through the lunch basket. Please check the website for current prices and 6

6 how to order News/Canteen Menu CASUAL REPLACEMENT TEACHERS (CRT) When your child s teacher is ill or absent a casual replacement teacher will teach the class. We expect students to respect and cooperate with these teachers the same as they would for their class teacher. Where applicable, parents will be informed of extended leave. CHEWING GUM Chewing gum and bubble gum are not permitted at school. CLASSROOMS Students are not permitted to enter classrooms unless supervised by a teacher. COMMUNICATION Our primary form of communication to our families is via our website, app, newsletter and classroom blog. Visit our website for all school information such as programs, policies, photo gallery, whole school news and upcoming events and absence notification. The Lara PS app is available on Iphone and Android. You can read our latest news, newsletters and has an alert function to remind you of upcoming events. A fortnightly newsletter is available. It is distributed to all families every second Thursday via . Subscription to our newsletter can be done on the website. The Classroom blog keeps our families up to date with the classroom news and events. It includes photos, movies and samples of students work. We recommend you check the blogs regularly for classroom news and updates. Links to blogs can be found on our website Students/Blogspot CUSTODY RESTRICTIONS It is vital that the school be kept informed of any access or custody restrictions. Photocopies of any orders must be given to the office. DETENTIONS See website Parent/Policy/Student Engagement Students may be required to do detention for inappropriate behaviour in the yard or classroom. Parents are asked to support the school in this matter. Students may be detained for half the recess or lunch break without parent permission. DIABETES Parents are requested to supply the school with a Diabetes Management Plan either on enrolment or when a child has been diagnosed. Parents are also requested to supply the school with a Glucogen injection which will be stored in the refrigerator at the office. DIGITAL GAMES These expensive games/toys can cause disruption to class and are therefore not permitted at school. DISMISSAL Classes are dismissed at 3.30pm. On the last day of term dismissal time is 2.30pm. DRIVEWAY For student safety the gates on the driveway will be closed between 8.40am and 9.10am every morning and between 3.10pm and 3.45pm each afternoon. There is a 5km speed limit in the driveway and car park. Please do not use the school driveway to drop off or collect your child. A drop-off zone is provided at the front of the school. Parents/carers may also park on streets close to the front of the school a car park is also provided at the back of the school. DONATIONS Donations of items useful in classes include plastic containers, small boxes, magazines and catalogues with coloured pictures, buttons, material, cotton reels, etc. are warmly accepted. Please contact your child s teacher or the Art teacher before bringing donated goods. DOGS For safety reasons, dogs are not permitted on school grounds during school hours. EARLY DISMISSAL Although it is preferable for medical and dental appointments to be made outside school hours, if you need to collect your child early from school (e.g. appointment or emergency), you should complete the appropriate form at the office and take it to the classroom teacher to indicate early dismissal has been approved. EMERGENCY CLOTHING It is a good idea to have some emergency clothing in your child s bag if you are aware it may be needed. Any clothes used from the school must be laundered and returned to school as soon as possible after use. Prep parents are asked to supply a change of underwear. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Lara Primary School has developed an Emergency Management Plan and procedures. 7

7 The Emergency Management Plan is for ensuring everyone is safe and this is practised once per term and then reviewed. Part of the Emergency Management procedure is to ensure that access to the school is kept clear especially in the driveway and that personal and medical details of each child are kept up-to-date. In consultation with Lara CFA the Assembly Point is the Hall, as there is access to toilets, water and first aid. In the unlikely occurrence of an emergency, parents will be notified if and when students can be collected safely. ENROLLING STUDENTS When enrolling a student, the following documents are required: School Entry Immunisation Certificate (obtainable from Medicare). Original Birth Certificate not an extract Enrolment form Out of School Hours Care enrolment (if you wish to use this service) A number of permission forms - consent to release and publish photos/video/ Classroom work local walking activities, Serendip, head lice checks and outside school hours care emergency school form. Current rates notice/utility bill or lease stating current address. More information is on our website Enrolment EXCURSIONS See website Parents/Policy/Camps and Excursions When appropriate, students will be taken to places of educational value. All children are expected to participate, as excursions are integral to the curriculum. If parents/carers are experiencing concerns in any areas relating to excursions, please contact the office. We can usually solve the problems together, so all children can benefit from experiencing the hands on nature of excursions. Permission forms must be returned for every excursion and payment made by the due date. Late payments will not be accepted unless prior approval given. FIRST AID See website Parents/Policy/First Aid & Medication Staff should administer first aid when necessary for minor problems (cuts etc). If an injury requires medical attention, we first try to contact the parent/carer, then the emergency contact. If we are unable to contact anyone we may arrange for a child to receive such medical attention as deemed necessary. Should an ambulance be required, it is the parents/carers who are billed for the service. We therefore advise families to subscribe to an ambulance service. FUND RAISING Lara Primary School run a range of regular fund raisers to support the school. Lara Primary School Friends, parents group, also provides services for the students like Mothers Day and Fathers Day stalls. The Junior School Council are involved in some fundraising for charity organisations, and determine the charities they will contribute to collaboratively early each year. HEADLICE See website Parents/Policy/Headlice HEALTH It is important that the teacher knows of any medical condition a student may have, e.g. vision, hearing difficulties, asthma, epilepsy, etc. Equally, it is necessary for teachers to know of any medication your child is taking as it allows the teacher to make allowances for any effects from these. HOMEWORK See website Parents/Policy/Homework ILLNESS The best place for an ill child is at home. If a child becomes unwell at school and the parent/carer cannot be contacted, the emergency contact will be called. A sick-bay is available for minor problems, or for your child to rest until collected. IMMUNISATION An Immunisation Certificate must be provided to the school for every child upon enrolment. Children not immunised, or without a certificate, will be excluded from school as necessary if a child in their class has an infectious disease. INCLEMENT WEATHER During inclement weather conditions, we operate an inclement weather timetable at the school, where the children remain indoors with supervising teachers. The most common reasons for implementing this timetable are rain, extreme heat or wind. We have considerable shade cover around the school and most classrooms are airconditioned, making for quite comfortable conditions for our children. If the weather is inclement before school, early entry to classrooms is permitted with teacher supervision. We do not dismiss early because of inclement weather. If your child experiences any medical problems associated with particular weather conditions, it is very important to advise us of this. 8

8 INDEPENDENCE As students begin learning at Lara Primary School we actively encourage personal organisation and independence. As a guide for prep students we suggest: For term one only, bring your child s bag and assist with unpacking their bags e.g.: brain food, drink, notes, library book and reader. From term two onwards, we would like the children to be independent and unpack their bag themselves. INTERNET ICT is a critical tool for learning. Students are to use the internet appropriately, and inappropriate use may result in a loss of privileges. Students are to use the internet with respect under direct supervision of the teacher. INSURANCE Parents/carers are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including any transport costs. Most medical costs will be refundable by Medicare. If you are a member of an ambulance or health insurance fund, you may also be able to claim transport or other expenses from the fund. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not hold accident insurance for school students. LIBRARY The library is a quiet, pleasant and engaging space. Students are encouraged to use the library regularly for borrowing and browsing. Library is open 8.30am 8.50am each morning for students and families to browse and exchange books. LOST PROPERTY All property - clothing, shoes, books, bags, should be clearly labelled with your child s name. Lost property is kept in the sick bay and may be collected at any time during school hours. At the end of each term, unclaimed lost property is forwarded to a charitable organisation or sold as pre-loved uniform. If your child brings home someone else s property by mistake, please return it to school promptly. LITTER Students are expected to assist in keeping the school grounds clean and tidy. Bins are strategically placed around the school each day. LUNCH Children at Lara Primary School always eat their lunch under supervision of a teacher. Only under exceptional circumstances would we expect that children go home for lunch. The canteen is open from Monday to Friday. To help students learn and concentrate, we expect a healthy lunch and recess snack with a minimum of high sugar or high fat foods. Students are not to bring food to school that requires heating or hot water added. Staff are not permitted to heat or add hot water to any food for students. MANDATORY REPORTING Teachers are required by law to report all cases of suspected abuse or neglect. MEDICATION The school must be informed in writing of any medication to be taken whilst your child is at school and the correct dosage. Please ensure the child s name and the details for administering medication is attached to the container. Prescribed medication must be in the same packaging it was prescribed or purchased in and to include the childs name and doctors instructions. MEDICAL ALERT STUDENTS See website Parents/Policy/First Aid & Medication To ensure we provide the maximum care and safe environment for all students, parents must inform us of any student medical alerts e.g. Asthma, Anaphylaxis or Diabetes and provide a medical management plan completed by a medical practitioner. MOBILE PHONES Students are not permitted to have mobile phones at school unless there are special circumstances or arrangements have been made with the Principal. MONEY If you need to send money to school with your child e.g. for an excursion, please put the note together with the correct money in an envelope which is clearly marked with the child's name, grade and what the money is for. This should be handed to the teacher first thing in the morning as the teacher completes the cashbook to avoid confusion. You can also send money straight to the office. Money will not be accepted after the due date unless prior arrangement has been made with the office. MUSIC TUITION The school works closely with the music school OXYGEN to offer individual private lessons in a variety of musical instruments. Lessons are on a 9

9 rotated basis so children taken from regular class do not miss the same subjects each week. You can arrange lesson by phoning Oxygen on Please contact the school if you wish to obtain more information about this program. NOTES The oldest child in the school from your family will usually be the one to bring home any wholeschool notes. Excursions notes will be distributed to the individual. OFFICE HOURS The office will be open from 8.00am to 4.30pm. An answering machine takes messages out of these hours. OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE (O.S.H.C) The Out of School Hours Care Program is outsourced to Camp Australia who runs the entire program. As the school is not responsible for the program all enquiries can be made directly to Camp Australia on (03) or or by Please visit the school website for further information. The program runs daily: Before School Care Program operates from 6.45am and 9.00am After School Care program operates from 3.30pm to 6.30pm The program commences from 12.30pm on Thursday 29th January (term 1) to accommodate Prep children. Bookings are essential for these dates. On the last day of each term, the program operates from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. This includes the last day of the year. On curriculum days, the program will be offered depending on numbers. All parents are asked to complete an OSHC enrolment form as an emergency back-up. If students are not picked up from school by 3.45pm or an emergency arises and you are unable to pick up your child they will be sent to the OSHC program and a fee charged. PARENT/TEACHER MEETINGS Working Together on Learning and Building Positive Partnerships The partnership between parents/carers, teachers and the child are a critical component of your child s education success. The first couple of weeks in our school year provides a strong classroom focus on establishing routines, understanding learning expectations and building positive relationships within the classroom enabling students to work effectively with their teachers and each other. Classroom teachers are eager to form positive partnerships with parents from the first days of the school year. To that end, they will share, via information letters, a little about classroom routines, expectations and best ways to contact them. Parents are encouraged to make contact with classroom teachers at mutually convenient times to discuss matters pertaining to their child s education at any time through the school year. In addition to this ongoing communication, there are two formal opportunities arranged for parents, teachers and students to meet together and discuss the child s learning. The first is the Engaging in Learning Meetings which will take place in late February or early March. These meetings enable participants to share and discuss the child s learning history and planning the support for this year. This may include establishing a shared approach to support specific needs, including challenging talented students, in your child s learning or behaviour. At mid-year, a Sharing Our Learning Meeting involving students, teachers and parents is held. This follows the written report in June. Students share their learning with parents and teachers, with discussion about their portfolio and learning goals for the second semester. PASSAGEWAYS Our passageways are often very congested before school, just prior to dismissal time and after school. To try to avoid this and make the passageways as safe as possible we ask that students do not enter or exit from the main doors at the office and parents/carers to wait outside to collect students. PAYMENTS/EFT Cash or EFT payments will only be received up until 3.45pm each day. Payments will not be taken on the last day of each term. Please note that we have BPAY available for payments of materials and services, excursions and camps. Payment plans can also be arranged, please contact the office if you would like to arrange payments plans or pay by BPAY. See website for more information Parents/Policy/Parent Payments PERSONAL INFORMATION It is important that parents details, occupations, home, mobile and business telephone numbers, 10

10 addresses and details of their emergency contacts are kept up to date. Every assistance can then be given to students who become ill or involved in an accident whilst at school. Please inform the office immediately of any changes to the above-mentioned details. PHOTOGRAPHS (Parent taken) Parents are reminded that when taking photos of their child at school events e.g. camps, assemblies and sports days; these photos, if they contain other children, should not be reproduced or published in any way i.e. ed, uploaded to internet sites or displayed. PHOTOGRAPHS (professional) School photographs will be taken each year on a specified date. The date is: Wednesday 18th March PHOTOGRAPHS (staff taken) Photographs taken by staff of students may be displayed around the school, used in the school newsletter and magazine, used on our web page or put in Lara Happenings. Parents sign a permission form at the time of enrolment which is for the whole time the child is at school for permission to use their child s photo, work or video footage on the internet, in newspapers, being entered into computer competitions e.g. ATOM awards, Sprockets and Flares as deemed appropriate by the school. PLAY EQUIPMENT Lara Primary School currently has four separate playgrounds for the students. These playgrounds have equipment that are age appropriate and students are encouraged to play in their own designated playground. Students are expected to use the equipment in a co-operative and friendly manner at all times. PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION The school provides supervision for your children between 8.45am and 3.45pm each school day. There are always a number of supervising teachers in the yard during each recess and lunchtime. A teacher supervises children at the front and back gates at the end of each day. Please ensure that your children are collected from school by 3.45pm, unless they are officially enrolled in the Outside School Hours Care Program between 6.45am and 6.30pm each school day. Any students not collected from the front or back of the school by 3.45pm will be returned to the office to attend OSHC. POLICIES All school policies are approved by School Council. Please enquire at the school office or check the school website for further information. All other policies are inline with the DEECD policy and Advisory guide. PREP TIMES 2015 Thursday 29 th January 9.00am to 12.30pm Friday 30 th January 9.00am to 12.30pm Preps are to bring a snack and lunch. From Monday 2 nd February to Friday 27 th February students attend fulltime 9.00am to 3.30pm every day excluding Wednesdays. On Wednesday 4 th, 11 th, 18 th and 25 th February, individual appointment times will be made for 1:1 student assessment in Literacy and Numeracy. You will be asked to come along with your child at this time. From Monday 2 nd March students attend fulltime 5 days a week 9.00am to 3.30pm PROGRAM FOR STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES (PSD) The Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) provides a range of supports and initiatives to assist government school students with disabilities. For students receiving support through the program for Students with Disabilities, a Student Support Group is established. The aims of the Student Support Group are to: ensure that those with the most knowledge of, and responsibility for the student, work together to establish shared goals for the student's educational future; plan reasonable adjustments for the student to access the curriculum; provide educational planning that is ongoing throughout the student's life; and, monitor the progress of the student. The Student Support Group is the primary source of advice to the principal on the appropriate mix of resources required. SCHOOL CROSSINGS Students must use the school crossings. The Crossing Supervisor is on duty from 8.20am to 9.05am and 3.15pm to 4.00pm daily. There is a 40kph speed limit on Flinders Avenue along the front of the school. SCHOOL SECURITY Although the school has an alarm system there are times when there are unwanted visitors on our site, especially during school holidays and weekends. We do encourage families to use the school grounds during holidays and weekends and ask that you report anything suspicious to the police as soon as possible. 11

11 SCHOOL TIMES Punctuality is very important, so that there can be a smooth start to the day for all children and staff. The school yard is supervised from 8:45am. The first bell is sounded at 8.50am each day for students to unpack bags, change books, deliver notes to the class teachers and settle into the day. About ten minutes needs to be allowed for the children to be ready to commence their first classes promptly. The children should enter their classrooms at 8:50am, by the nearest doors. We do ask that they do not use the front door near the office. Formal instruction begins at 9.00 a.m. 8.50am-9.00am Session am Students line up and go into their classroom, unpack their bags and set up for the day. Recess am Children should have a snack to eat at this time and fruit is ideal. Session pm Lunch pm Children eat their lunch supervised in their rooms between 1.30pm and 1.40pm. Session pm Students are dismissed at 3.30pm except on the last day of term when students are dismissed at 2.30pm SERENDIP See Website Programs SMOKING The Victorian Government has legislated that smoking is not permitted on school grounds, including the driveway or in school buildings at any time. SPECIAL RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION Special Religious Instruction sessions of 30 minutes duration per week are conducted by accredited teachers who visit the school. The agreed syllabus is the one that is followed and a cost covers materials. The sessions will depend on the availability of teachers. For students to attend this program parents are must opt in. SPORT It is vital students are involved in daily fitness activities. Every student will do a minimum of 30 minutes fitness per day. Lara Primary School is proud to have the use of a full-sized indoor sport venue. In the hall footwear should be white soled and suitable for sport. The schools house colours and names are: Gold - Hume Green - Flinders Red - Hovell Blue - Bass. STUDENT SAFETY Student safety is of extreme importance to us all and many school policies and rules are implemented to ensure our school is both a happy and safe place to be. Parental support of such rules and policies is appreciated. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES The school has a Student Engagement Leader, who supports students with special learning needs, including PSD. Where students require support beyond the school e.g. psychologists, speech pathologist or a social worker; additional assistance can be sought through the Student Engagement Leader. We also have a school Chaplain, who is here two days per week. Appointments can be made through the office. SUNSMART See Website Parent/Policy We are a SUNSMART school. Each child is required to have a school broad-brimmed or bucket hat for outdoor use in every term except for the Winter months. SWIMMING Each year the school offers a water awareness program. All children from grade Prep - 4 can participate in the program, which aims to teach the water skills, water safety and strokes required for a child to become confident and competent in the water. Details, fees and consent forms are provided prior to the program. TAKE HOME BOOKS A book cover is issued to every child in their prep year to carry their books for home reading. The covers are retained and usually last for a few years. Covering the book cover will prolong its life and protect it from accidental spills etc. In the lower grades, books are carefully matched to reading needs and the intent is that reading should be easy and enjoyable for you and your child. Your praise and excitement over their achievement has a significant impact of your child s attitude to reading. The best way to help reading at home can be discussed with your child s teacher. TISSUES Because very few children carry handkerchiefs these days, we ask parents/carers to provide one 12

12 large box of tissues for each child - to be used by the grade throughout the year. These are usually brought to school in the first week of term one. TOILETS Parents/carers are asked to reinforce with their children that toilet areas are to be used sensibly and they are not play areas. VALUABLE EQUIPMENT/TOYS Private property brought to school by students is not insured and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not take responsibility for any loss. Please do not permit your children to bring any items of monetary or sentimental value to school. VISITORS See website Parent/Policy/Visitors For emergencies and safety reasons, the school needs to know all visitors, including parents or carers and tradespeople who come to the school between the hours of 9.00am and 3.30pm. All visitors must report to the office upon arrival. VOLUNTEERING AT LARA PRIMARY SCHOOL See website for more information Parents/Volunteers We encourage parents, grandparents and friends to volunteer their time and expertise and to participate and become involved in school activities. this advice. A bike rack is provided for the students to park their bikes or scooters, outside the prep playground area at the front of the school. WORKING BEES Working bees are vital to keep the school grounds safe for your children and to help the school to look attractive. Working bee dates for 2015 are; Sunday 18 January 2015 Saturday 28 February 2015 Sunday 3 May 2015 Saturday 28 June 2015 Sunday 23 August 2015 Sunday 18 October 2015 WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS See Website Parents/Policy/Working with Children Under Lara Primary School Policy, Working with Children Checks are required for all volunteers who attend camps or excursions. Working with Children Checks are not required if the volunteer is supervised by a teacher at all times e.g. reading in the classroom however it is preferred. Volunteer applications only incur the cost of a passport photo. WATER BOTTLES Students should have a water bottle available in class time throughout the day. We encourage students to drink water regularly to keep the brain hydrated. Only water is permitted in these bottles. WHEELED RECREATIONAL DEVICES Includes bikes, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades Victorian road rules state that bikes, scooters, skateboards and roller blades are called Wheeled Recreational Devices in the road rules. Wheeled Recreational Devices can travel on footpaths and on roads where the speed limit is 50km per hour or less. All wheeled recreational devises are to be walked through the school grounds and ridden safely between home and school. The wearing of correctly fitted approved cycle helmet is compulsory. According to the Road Safety Authority standards it is recommended that before the age of ten children should not ride a bicycle to school without adult supervision. We ask you to follow 13

13 UNIFORM School uniform is compulsory. The school colours are gold and green. Bellarine Uniforms are on site Thursday mornings 8.30am 11.30am and they operate from the foyer of the hall. The uniform is also sold in their store in Geelong 162 Moorabool Street, Geelong Phone No: Where possible the school logo should be on appropriate items. A supply of iron-on logos (green or gold) are available from the school office at a cost of $2.00 per log Green and white check dress Green windcheater Gold skivvies Green tights Knee length check skirt Green knee length skirt/skort Green rugby top Green baseball jackets Green trousers Long/short sleeve gold polo tops Green shorts Green track pants Black or brown shoes that cover the toes Sports shoes with soft white soles Green/grey/white socks Thongs or open toed sandals are not permitted ART SMOCK An old shirt with elastic inserted in the sleeve is ideal, or you could buy a commercially produced one. This should be clearly marked with the child's name, preferably on the front at chest height. This also helps the art teacher to identify the children. Check that the smock is very roomy and will be comfortable with a jumper underneath. Check also that the length is well below the knees and that there are no back openings. A large smock like this should last for two years. JEWELLERY Jewellery is not a part of school uniform and therefore not permitted at school. Students may wear a watch, medical bracelets and single chain necklaces for religious and medical reasons only. Students with pierced ears must wear standard size studs or small sleepers (see Dress Code Policy). No other types of earrings are permitted. HAIR Hair should be clean, neat and tidy. Shoulder length hair is to be kept tied back at all times. No hair sprays, rinses etc. in bright colours are to be sprayed onto hair. HATS The wearing of school hats is compulsory except for the winter months. It must be a school hat. School hats must be broad-brimmed or bucket style. Caps are not permitted as they do not protect the neck and ears from the sun. If students graffiti or take the binding off the brim, a new hat will need to be purchased. MAKE-UP Make-up (e.g. foundation, lipstick, mascara, eye liner, eye shadow) is not part of school uniform and therefore not permitted to be worn by students. NAILS Nails are to be kept clean and at a safe length, and only clear nail polish is permitted at school. PRE-LOVED UNIFORM The Parents and Friends Association runs a pre-loved uniform shop before and after assembly. Items will be very reasonably priced. Donations of uniform can be left at the office. 14

14 SUNSCREEN Students are expected to have their own sunscreen and apply it before going out to recess and lunch breaks and on school excursions and sporting events. Students are responsible for applying the sunscreen. ONLINE SAFETY FOR KIDS When working online and using technologies, Lara Primary School students need to ensure that they follow these important guidelines. They are designed to make sure that you enjoy yourself and learn in a safe environment. Always take great care of equipment Always respect and follow teacher directions Always tell your parents or teacher right away if you come across anything that makes you feel uncomfortable Never share any of your usernames or passwords with anyone and never log in as another student Be a good online citizen and never write or post anything that could hurt anyone else Make sure you publish only your own work. Under no circumstances use other people s work and call it your own Make sure that you read over your writing before you post it to check the spelling and that it reads okay Only ever use your first name or a nickname when you are writing on a wikis or a blog Never use any other student s last name Never post any personal information such as your home phone number or home address online Remember the grandma rule that anything you put on the internet could be read by your grandmother so only write things you could say to the nicest of grannies! Always check with an adult if someone asks for your phone number or to meet you Never make arrangements to meet anyone over the internet without telling your parents Carefully read the terms and conditions before signing up to sites Follow the advice regarding the appropriate age recommended for using social networking sites. These suggestions are there to protect you. 15

15 SCHOOL COUNCIL 2014 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Please note: Elections for School Council take place in term one each year Executive Officer (Principal) President Mel Tattersall - parent Vice President Linda Tigani - parent Treasurer Sharyn Rodger - parent Secretary Megan Tainsh - staff member Councillors - Melanie Sezun - staff member Michael Benne- staff member Brendan Beck - staff member Andrew Stevenson- parent Carin Shiell - parent John Westwood - parent Matthew Grills parent Luke Scott parent Please contact one of the above members at lara.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au marking it to the attention of School Council if you would like to talk about school council matters. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF SCHOOL COUNCIL Establish and maintain School Vision Develop, review & update school policies e.g: dress code, student code of conduct and internet Financial matters Oversee the maintenance of school grounds and facilities Promotion and development of the whole school welfare Support selection of principal Represent all children and parents Risk management approval of overnight camps and excursions and student safety and welfare The School Council meets at least eight times per year. Councillors are elected for two-year terms during elections (if required) which are held in the first term each year. Any member of the school community is welcome to attend the meetings. SUB-COMMITTEES Sub-Committees assist the School Council to meet its aims. They are a great way to become involved and find out more about the school. Sub-committee members are not required to be on School Council and may consist of parents, grandparents and other community members. They assist the work of School Council and report regularly on advice and recommendations. They also utilize the expertise of members of the School Community who are not members of the School Council. Working parties are set up from time to time to complete tasks within a given time frame. The sub-committee for School Council is: Finance If you would like to attend one of the meetings please contact one of the school councillors DATES FOR SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETINGS The 2015 meeting dates for School Council are: 16 th March 9 th May 15 th June 17 th August 7 th September 19 th October 16 th November 7 th December Christmas dinner 16

16 COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (INFECTIOUS DISEASES) Published by the Communicable Diseases Section, Victorian Government Department of Human Services February 2004 Minimum Period of Exclusion from Schools and Children s Services Centres for Infectious Diseases Cases and Contacts The following table indicates the minimum period of exclusion from schools and children s service centres required for infectious diseases cases and contacts as prescribed under Regulations 13 and 14 of the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 Schedule 6. In this Schedule medical certificate means a certificate of a registered medical practitioner. Conditions Exclusion of cases Exclusion of contacts Amoebiasis (Entamoeba Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased Not excluded histolytica) Campylobacter Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased Not excluded Chicken pox Exclude until fully recovered or for at least 5 days after the eruption first appears. Note that some remaining scabs are not a reason for continued exclusion Any child with an immune deficiency (for example, leukaemia) or receiving chemotherapy should be excluded for their own protection. Otherwise not excluded Conjunctivitis Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased Not excluded Diarrhoea Diphtheria Haemophilus type b (Hib) Hand, Foot and Mouth disease Hepatitis A Herpes ( cold sores ) Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV/AIDS) Impetigo Influenza and influenza like illnesses Leprosy Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased or until medical certificate of recovery is produced Exclude until medical certificate of recovery is received following at least two negative throat swabs, the first not less than 24 hours after finishing a course of antibiotics and the other 48 hours later Exclude until medical certificate of recovery is received Until all blisters have dried Exclude until a medical certificate of recovery is received, but not before 7 days after the onset of jaundice or illness Young children unable to comply with good hygiene practices should be excluded while the lesion is weeping. Lesions to be covered by dressing, where possible Exclusion is not necessary unless the child has a secondary infection Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced. Sores on exposed surfaces must be covered with a watertight dressing Exclude until well Exclude until approval to return has been given by the Secretary Not excluded Exclude family/household contacts until cleared to return by the Secretary Not excluded Not excluded Not excluded Not excluded Not excluded Not excluded Not excluded Not excluded Exclusion of cases and contacts is NOT required for Cytomegalovirus Infection, Glandular fever (mononucleosis), Hepatitis B or C, Hookworm, Cytomegalovirus Infection, Molluscum contagiosum, or, Parvovirus (erythema infectiosum fifth disease). 17

17 Conditions Exclusion of cases Exclusion of contacts Measles Exclude for at least 4 days after onset of rash Immunised contacts not excluded. Unimmunised contacts should be excluded until 14 days after the first day of appearance of rash in the last case. If unimmunised contacts are vaccinated within 72 hours of their first contact with the first case they may return to school Meningitis (bacteria) Exclude until well Not excluded Meningococcal infection Exclude until adequate carrier eradication therapy Not excluded if receiving carrier has been completed eradication therapy Mumps Exclude for 9 days or until swelling goes down Not excluded (whichever is sooner) Poliomyelitis Exclude for at least 14 days from onset. Re-admitNot excluded after receiving medical certificate of recovery Ringworm, scabies, Re-admit the day after appropriate treatment has Not excluded pediculosis (head lice) commenced Rubella (German measles) Exclude until fully recovered or for at least four Not excluded days after the onset of rash Salmonella, Shigella Exclude until diarrhoea ceases Not excluded Severe Acute Respiratory Exclude until medical certificate of recovery is Not excluded unless Syndrome (SARS) produced considered necessary by the Secretary Streptococcal infection Exclude until the child has received antibiotic Not excluded (including scarlet fever) treatment for at least 24 hours and the child feels well Trachoma Re-admit the day after appropriate treatment has Not excluded commenced Tuberculosis Exclude until receipt of a medical certificate from Not excluded the treating physician stating that the child is not considered to be infectious Typhoid fever (including Exclude until approval to return has been given by Not excluded unless paratyphoid fever) the Secretary considered necessary by the Secretary Verotoxin producing Exclude if required by the Secretary and only for Not excluded Escherichia coli (VTEC) the period specified by the Secretary Whooping cough Exclude the child for 5 days after starting Exclude unimmunised antibiotic treatment household contacts aged less than 7 years and close child care contacts for 14 days after the last exposure to infection or until they have taken 5 days of a 10 day course of antibiotics Worms (Intestinal) Exclude if diarrhoea present Not excluded 18

18 WHO DO I GO TO? Parent Inquiry Student Related School Related School Policies Grounds Fundraising School Council School Child Behaviour & Uniform Childs work & assessme nt Curriculum Excursions & Camps Payments or finances Other areas or general enquiry Teacher Please make an appointment Teacher Office Who will direct you to the appropriate person Student Engagement Leader Camp Co-ordinator for year level Principal Department of Education and Early Childhood Development DEECD 19

19 CATCH CRIES 20

20 2015 STAFFING Prep Prep Prep Andrea Newman Jenna Beaumont Brittany Hudgell Prep N Prep B Visual Arts/ Performing Arts Physical Education Prep H Prep Indonesian TBA Sue Hartshorne Kathy Ferrarese/ mathematics specialists Year 1 Lynne Rankin 1R LG ICT Marcia O Brien Year 1 Julie Bennett 1B Carolyn Kent-Hughes Year 1 Annalise McCoy 1M Mathematics Kathryn Sier Specialists (0.5) Justin Year 2 2J Lynda Patterson Jankowski Business Year 2 Fiona Grills 2G Jenny Salcombe manager (0.9) Year 3/4 Janet Volkov 3/4V Office (0.8) Judy-anne Gillett Year 3/4 Brendan Beck 3/4B Office (0.6) Rosie Noonan Year 3/4 Jodie Towne 3/4T Library Glenda Porter Year 3/4 Lyn Coller 3/4C Library Dawn Menzies Year 3/4 Elisa Brislane 3/4E Year 5/6 Katrina Daws DLG Literacy Resources Language Support Program (0.4) Dawn Menzies Rosie Noonan Year 5/6 Mandy Brennan MLG Technician Reuben Johnson Year 5/6 Patrice Podbury PLG Year 5/6 Barb Whelan WLG Executive Assistant Band/Assembly /Graduation Kelly Darkes Rod Whelan Year 5/6 Michael Benne BLG Maintenance Trevor Mack Principal Elissa Jackson Cleaning George & Gloria Williams Assistant Principal Student Engagement ICT/ Serendip Carolyn Kent-Hughes Kathryn Sier Marcia O Brien Education Support - PSD Janiece Spalding Kerryn Hall Jodie Knocker Amie Bewley Erin Cassar Lauren Leech 21

21 DATES TO REMEMBER 2015 Term 1: 28 January to 27 March th January 29th January 4th February 13th March 5th March 9th March 18th March 27th March Student free day. Teachers in school Students Return Student levies due Halogen Foundation Excursion (School Captains) Student free day. Engagement in Learning meetings Public Holiday (Labour day) School Photos End of term pm Dismissal Term 2: 13 April to 26 June th April Start of term 2 25th April 7th May 10th May Public Holiday (Anzac Day) Mothers Day stall Mothers Day 12th 14th May Naplan testing (grades 3 & 5) 8th June 24th June 26th June Public Holiday (Queens birthday) Student free day. Student learning conference End of term pm dismissal Term 3: 13 July to 18 September th July Start of term 3 27th August Fathers Day stall 2nd to 4th September Camp Rumbug (grade 5/6) 6th September Fathers Day 9th to 11th September Sunnystones Camp (grade 3/4) 18th September TBC End of term pm dismissal Student free day Term 4: 5 October to 18 December th October Start of term 4 21st October 17th December 18th December Public holiday (Geelong Cup Day) Grade 6 Graduation End of term pm dismissal. 22

22 PARENT/CARER NOTES 23

23 INDEX WELCOME TO LARA PRIMARY SCHOOL 4 ADDRESS 5 ALLERGIES 5 ANAPHYLAXIS 5 APPOINTMENTS 5 ASSEMBLIES 5 ASTHMA 5 ATTENDANCE 5 BANKING 5 BIRTHDAYS 6 BOOK BAGS 6 BOOKLISTS 6 BRAIN FOOD 6 BUDDIES 6 BULLYING 6 BUS 6 CAMPS 6 CANTEEN 6 CASUAL REPLACEMENT TEACHERS (CRT) 7 CHEWING GUM 7 CLASSROOMS 7 COMMUNICATION 7 CUSTODY RESTRICTIONS 7 DETENTIONS 7 DIABETES 7 DIGITAL GAMES 7 DISMISSAL 7 DRIVEWAY 7 DONATIONS 7 DOGS 7 EARLY DISMISSAL 7 EMERGENCY CLOTHING 7 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 7 ENROLLING STUDENTS 8 EXCURSIONS 8 FIRST AID 8 FUND RAISING 8 HEADLICE 8 HEALTH 8 HOMEWORK 8 ILLNESS 8 IMMUNISATION 8 INCLEMENT WEATHER 8 INDEPENDENCE 9 INTERNET 9 INSURANCE 9 LIBRARY 9 LOST PROPERTY 9 LITTER 9 LUNCH 9 MANDATORY REPORTING 9 MEDICATION 9 MEDICAL ALERT STUDENTS 9 MOBILE PHONES 9 MONEY 9 MUSIC TUITION 9 NOTES 10 OFFICE HOURS 10 OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE (O.S.H.C) 10 PARENT/TEACHER MEETINGS 10 PASSAGEWAYS 10 PAYMENTS/EFT 10 PERSONAL INFORMATION 10 PHOTOGRAPHS (Parent taken) 11 PHOTOGRAPHS (professional) 11 PHOTOGRAPHS (staff taken) 11 PLAY EQUIPMENT 11 PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION 11 POLICIES 11 PREP TIMES PROGRAM FOR STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES 11 SCHOOL CROSSINGS 11 SCHOOL SECURITY 11 SCHOOL TIMES 12 SERENDIP See Website Programs 12 SMOKING 12 SPECIAL RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION 12 SPORT 12 STUDENT SAFETY 12 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 12 SUNSMART See Website Parent/Policy 12 SWIMMING 12 TAKE HOME BOOKS 12 TISSUES 12 TOILETS 13 VALUABLE EQUIPMENT/TOYS 13 VISITORS 13 VOLUNTEERING AT LARA PRIMARY SCHOOL 13 WATER BOTTLES 13 WHEELED RECREATIONAL DEVICES 13 WORKING BEES 13 WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS 13 UNIFORM 14 ONLINE SAFETY FOR KIDS 15 SCHOOL COUNCIL 2014 COMMITTEE MEMBERS 16 COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (INFECTIOUS DISEASES) 17 WHO DO I GO TO? 19 CATCH CRIES STAFFING 21 DATES TO REMEMBER PARENT/CARER NOTES 23 24

24 Contact: Elissa Jackson Principal Carolyn Kent-Hughes - Assistant Principal Telephone - (03) lara.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au 25