STATE SCHOOL PREP INFORMATION HANDBOOK

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Hannant Road Hatton Vale QLD 4341 School Office: 07 5460 4333 School Fax: 07 5460 4300 Student Absence Line: 5460 4360 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hattvaless.eq.edu.au

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Welcome to Hatton Vale

Welcome to our Prep students and their families. We are delighted that you have chosen to join our Hatton Vale School Community. At Hatton Vale, we believe learning should be fun, exciting and challenging. We aim to build upon the skills and knowledge your child brings with them to Prep.

We have a caring and committed teaching and support staff who will assist your child from Prep to Year 6. We work together to ensure your child experiences school as a happy and safe sanctuary for learning.

We have a very supportive parent community with an active P&C who raise valuable funds for our children. The P&C have been providing resources to our children for years including airconditioning in every classroom, digital cameras, scanners and microphones, printers and excursion subsides. Please consider volunteering some of your time to help our wonderful P&C.

We look forward to working with you as your child grows and develops throughout the year. Enjoy your first year of school and welcome to the Hatton Vale community.

Ashley Lawless Janet Smith Principal Deputy Principal

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School Day

Before School

All children in Prep are to be dropped off and signed in by a parent/carer or responsible adult. When you arrive at school, please wait in the covered area at the front of the Prep classrooms. Children are not allowed to play on the Prep playground at this time as they are not supervised by teaching staff.

SCHOOL WEEK - MONDAY to FRIDAY School day commences 8:40 am Classroom instruction commences 8:45 am First break for all classes 11:00am ---11:45am Eating time in Prep outdoor area 11.00am – 11.20am

Second break for all classes 1:15 pm ---1.45 pm

Eating time in Prep outdoor area 1:15pm – 1:30

School day concludes 2:.45 pm

After School All children in Prep are to be collected and signed out daily from the Prep classrooms by a parent/carer or responsible adult. Wait in the same area where you gather before school. You will be invited into the classroom to collect your child. No child is allowed to leave the room so ensure you arrange to come and collect your child or advise the teachers of the person coming in the afternoon. This is for the safety of all of our Prep children.

Important Note If your child is catching one of our three buses, the teachers must be advised. If your child is attending our Outside School Hours Care Program or a neighbouring centre, they will be collected from the Prep classroom. If a different person is collecting your child, the teaching staff must be advised.

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Important Dates

Queensland term dates – 2018

Queensland term dates - 2018

Term Dates Length

Term 1 Monday 22 January – Friday 29 March 10 weeks

Term 2 Tuesday 17 April – Friday 29 June 11 weeks

Term 3 Monday 16 July – Friday 21 September 10 weeks

Term 4 Tuesday 8 October – Friday 14 December 10 weeks

Public Holidays for 2017

• Australia Day – Thursday 26th January 2018 • Good Friday – Friday 30th of March 2018 • Easter Monday – Monday 2nd of April 2018 • ANZAC Day – Tuesday 25th April 2018 • Labour Day – Monday 7th May 2018 • Royal Queensland Show Holiday Monday 13th August 2018 • Queen’s Birthday – Monday 1st October 2018

Student Free Days 2017

• 18th and 19th of Janurary 2018

• 11th, 12th, 13th and 16th of April 2018

• 22nd of October 2018

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About Hatton Vale

Hatton Vale originated from an initiative by our earliest settlers eager for education for their children. On the 6th September 1880 a school was established in the private residence of Joseph Steffan. On the 1st January 1881 a school was opened under the administration of the Department of Public Instruction being school no 390 in the State of Queensland.

Mr Williams was the first teacher. With a growing enrolment and minimum space and a road that was impassable in wet weather, it became necessary to move the school to a different location. The school was moved and reopened, on what is now the old location on the opposite Summerholm Road. It opened on 1 September 1905.

In 1995, construction commenced on the present site of Hatton Vale State School of a new $5.5 million school. The school moved from the Warrego Highway site with 120 students and started the new year (1996) with 220 students at the current site. We currently have an enrolment of just under 440 students.

The school now boasts a kindergarten, three purpose-built Prep learning areas, seven Years 1 to 3 learning areas, six Years 4 to 6 learning areas, a Student Services Support block with Special Education Facilities, a Cultural/Arts Centre, a stimulating new Resource Centre, an indoor Sports Complex along with outdoor play areas, a dam and a school oval in a natural bush setting.

The school has a dedicated and professional staff, including a full-time Principal and Deputy Principal, Head of Curriculum, eighteen classroom teachers, specialist Health and Physical Education, Music, Instrumental, eLearning and Teacher Librarian. Our support staff include a Head of Special Education Services, a Guidance Officer, Support Teacher Literacy and Numeracy, Chaplain and a number of very experienced Special Education Teachers. We are extremely fortunate to have very experienced, highly-skilled teacher aides, a Business Services Manager who oversees all budget and facilities management and our administrative support staff; wonderful cleaners and an excellent school’s officer who keeps our grounds and school looking fantastic.

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Our School Pledge

I pledge today to do my best In reading, math and all the rest. I promise to obey the rules, In my class and in our school. I’ll respect myself and others too, I’ll expect the best in all I do. I’m here to learn all I can, To try my best and be all I am.

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Our Hatton Vale Expectations

Treat others as you want to be treated • Follow directions immediately • Speak kindly • Take care of yourself, property, others and spaces • Accept differences

Think before you act

• Use equipment properly • Move around the room carefully • Be in the right place at the right time • Consider your actions and the re-actions

Do your best

• Be prepared to learn • Give everything a go A Lear • Stay focused on the task • Be considerate of other’s learning

Make good choices

• Consider your actions and the re-actions • Take ownership of your choices • Accept rewards and consequences

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Our Code of School Behaviour Essential to effective learning is a safe, supportive and disciplined learning environment that respects: the rights of all students to learn; the rights of teachers to teach; and the rights of all to be safe. Our School provides a safe, supportive and disciplined learning environment through a consistent standard of behaviour inclusive of students, staff and parents. Our four expectations of ‘Being a Learner, Being Respectful, Being Responsible and Being Safe’ apply to both the classroom and the playground.

Our staff model and practise fair, equitable, non-discriminatory language and behaviours and provide positive support to promote high standards of achievement and behaviour. Our Prep teachers work collaboratively with students and parents to maximise the educational and social outcomes of all students through identification and reduction of barriers to learning, especially for those vulnerable to marginalisation and exclusion.

As part of our Code of School Behaviour, our Prep teachers have a buddy class. As part of the consequences for inappropriate behaviour, your child may be sent to their buddy class or to the Reflection Room. Parents will be advised if there are repeated referrals to a buddy class or for any referral to the Reflection Room. We have a zero tolerance on bullying and any incidents in the playground or classroom will be dealt with in a timely, efficient manner. Please refer to our school handout on our Hatton Vale State School Expectations and Management Plan or the full Code of School Behaviour on our school website.

Rewards Day Students from Prep to Year 6 participate in a Rewards Day at the end of each term to recognise and reward those students following the school expectations of Being a Learner, Being Responsible, Being Respectful and Being Safe. This Rewards Day will usually occur in the last week of each term and will generally occur on the school premises. Examples include a movie show with popcorn, disco with drink, water slide, bike/cycle activity or visit from a special guest.

Suspensions / Exclusions Similarly, inappropriate behaviours may result in a child being suspended or excluded from the school. In the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, Prep children are considered to be enrolled in a school and subsequently can be suspended or excluded even if the program is not compulsory. During a suspension children will be provided with suitable work from the Prep teacher. A re-entry meeting must be attended by the student and parent/carer on return from suspension.

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Getting Ready for Prep

ü Name all your child’s school items.

ü Discuss coming to school – make it positive, happy, genuine.

ü Read to your child every day – make reading enjoyable and talk about the story.

ü Explore how to use a lunch box before coming to Prep. Your child should know how to open lids, poppers, yoghurt, drink bottles and sandwich wrappers.

ü Allow your child to have a packed lunch like this at home.

ü Talk about which foods to eat first eg sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, or cheese.

ü Allow your child to practise putting rubbish in the bin, closing containers and lunch boxes by themselves.

ü Allow your child to practise packing their school bag – make sure they can open and close zips and recognise their bag.

ü Have your child practise getting dressed for school.

ü Practise putting shoes on and off without adult help.

ü Model how to use the teacher and teacher aids name

ü Provide lots of positive praise when your child does, says the right thing. ü Bring on the first day – with your child’s name on each item: § A box of tissues § A waterproof library bag § A plastic cup with a handle § A water bottle § Overhead headphones with no microphone

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Getting Ready for Prep – the first day

ü Have a substantial breakfast – first break is not till 11am!

ü Be on time – school starts at 8.40am .

ü Parking is available in Norman Court or Hannant Road.

ü Let your child carry their school bag.

ü Sign your child in at the daily sign-in book.

ü Introduce yourself and your child to the Prep teacher and teacher aide.

ü Follow the teacher’s instruction on where to put all belongings.

ü Look for your child’s name for any newsletters or notes each day.

ü Be positive and calm and talk about what a great day they will have.

ü Be on time for pick up as children will get anxious if you are late.

ü Include a spare set of clothes in a plastic bag for unforeseen accidents.

ü Do not send security items, valuables to school or toys as they might be misplaced or lost. Explain they can have these when they get home or in the car.

ü Try to have all your child’s items on day one.

ü Introduce yourself to the teacher and teacher aide and other parents.

ü Remember to tell your child that you are coming back in the afternoon.

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Why is coming to Prep every day so important?

Attendance at School The Prep is now considered the first year of school. It is a parent or carer’s responsibility to ensure that each child in your care attends school on a daily basis.

All class rolls are marked twice daily and attendance data is checked weekly. If a child is continually absent without an explanation, parents and carers will be contacted by the Principal. If the unexplained absence of a child continues, the Education Department will be contacted and further action will occur which could include fines.

Absence from School Prep students should attend school every day to gain the maximum from their learning. Non-attendance can be excused only in cases of illness, injury or legitimate family reasons. In order to satisfy the Education Provisions Act 2006, parents are required to provide a note of explanation regarding a child’s absence from school; an email to the class teacher; a phone call to the school absence line on 5460 4360 or a verbal explanation to the class teacher or member of the administration or office team.

Late Arrivals Students who arrive after 9am are required to pick up a late slip at the school office. Please note a slip will be provided for the classroom teacher and a record of Late will be entered on your attendance record. It is important for success at school that all children attend school on time and participate fully in the educational program.

Early Departures If your child has to leave the school prior to 2.45pm you must come to the Office to sign-out your child so that we can update our attendance records. The office staff will then contact the classroom teacher so your child may be sent to the office. Under no circumstance are parents allowed to remove their children from the school prior to 2.45 without following this procedure. This is to ensure the safety of our students.

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What does it cost to send my child to Prep?

Prep Student Resource Scheme Rather than a booklist, parents/carers of Prep students are invited to pay a Prep Levy. This allows the classroom teacher to purchase consumable items, pens, art and craft resources to support the Prep play-based curriculum. This scheme operates under the policy and guidelines of the Department of Education and is endorsed by the Hatton Vale P&C. It is managed by the school and operates in accordance with section 51 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006.

The scheme is voluntary and you are under no obligation to join. However, please be aware that books, materials and consumables required under this scheme are not funded by school grants. Therefore if you do not wish to join the scheme you are responsible for providing your child with the items that would otherwise have been listed on a student booklist.

Cash/Credit Card Payments Parents will be issued with a term statement for any excursions or payments that are required. Parents may pay for school excursions or other voluntary contributions through cash, credit card or BPoint payments. There is also the option of deductions from Centrelink payments for parents who would like to access this service. These payments may be made at the school office. Please note that payments may also be left in the locked payments drawer (green) in the School Office. Parents will be issued with a receipt on the day payments are made.

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What is a day in Prep like?

Lunch Breaks Students across the school have two lunch breaks – lunch at 11am and afternoon tea at 1.15. All Prep students are expected to eat in their designated Prep area in front of their classroom and to remain seated whilst eating. All students are responsible for putting their own rubbish in the bin, for packing their lunch away at the end of eating time and for taking their lunch boxes and drink bottles with them at the end of lunch time. Children have time to play at both breaks. Children in Prep have their lunch and afternoon tea breaks at the same time as the rest of the school. The Prep students remain in the Prep play area for the first two terms to enable teachers to carefully supervise play and to assist with eating time.

Rest Time Rest time is not required as a formal component of the Prep Program. However, we do understand that some children are extremely tired by the end of the first couple of weeks of school. Teachers cater for this by providing quiet activities in the afternoon program.

Toileting It is important your child knows where to find the toilets and how to use the toilet when they start school. It is a good idea to take your child to the toilet each morning when you sign them in to Prep so they get used to using the toilets. Some children do not use the toilet when they first go to school because they are afraid to ask, are afraid of bigger children, are not sure of managing their clothes or have forgotten where the toilets are. This can lead to discomfort and sometimes to accidents. In the early years it is important to keep a spare pair of pants in your child’s school bag in case this happens. Please advise your teacher if your child has any toileting concerns.

Drinks Prep children get very hot and thirsty running around at both breaks. Please ensure your child brings their named, plastic cup with a handle and that they can recognise it. Our Prep children are encouraged to regularly drink water to keep up their fluids.

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What can my child bring to Prep?

Books, Bags and Belongings Your child is responsible for their own belongings and should ensure that all items including hats, jumpers and lunchboxes are stored securely in their school bag. All items must be clearly named for your child including jumpers, lunch boxes, bags, water bottles and any other items brought along to school.

Bag spaces are provided for all children and it is important that each child recognises where their bag goes. Later as Prep students have home reading and other activities to complete, students will be responsible for making sure that home readers and homework folders are returned to the classroom daily. Parents are encouraged to support the school as we develop ‘responsible students’ in our school community.

Birthdays and other Celebrations Your child may bring a birthday cake to school to share with the children if you wish. Please discuss this with your child’s teacher beforehand as there may be some children in the class with allergies. Please note it is not an expectation that parents provide a cake or cupcakes for all students. This is at a parent’s discretion.

Please also note that students may participate in many traditional Australian celebrations such as Easter and Christmas. If you wish your child to be excluded from these festivities, please advise the classroom teacher. If there are special cultural celebrations that you would like your child to recognise, please discuss these with the Prep teacher.

Toys and other treasures from Home All children have favourite toys but they are not permitted to bring these to school unless for a specific reason such as their own class talk. We expect all parents to support us in this rule as we do not want valuable toys broken, lost or stolen. If your child accidentally brings a toy to school, the Prep teacher may keep it safe during the day and return it to your child at the end of the school day. Staff cannot assume responsibility for any loss or breakage.

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How do I know what is happening at Prep?

Communicating with Prep teachers You will talk to your child’s Prep teacher every day. The Prep teachers have one afternoon a week for parents/carers to make appointments to discuss your child’s progress or any changes in family circumstances or other events that may impact on learning. Outside of these interview times, you may contact the teacher to make an appointment to see them either before or after school. Please note, class teachers will not be available for interview during teaching time. It is important that any concerns are discussed with the class teacher first before approaching the Deputy Principal or Principal.

Class Newsletters Prep teachers provide regular newsletters and updates on their parent noticeboard to keep parents informed of what is happening in Prep. Please ensure you keep informed of class events and peruse our website for further information on school and class events. It is advisable to download our the QSchools app so you can get regular updates on the latest events and reminders.

School Newsletters A school newsletter is sent home fortnightly on a Friday to inform parents of school events, school successes, P&C news, school fundraisers and individual academic and social awards. Most parents now receive the newsletter electronically so please advise the school office if you would like to receive it online. All newsletters may also be viewed on the school website at www.hattvaless.eq.edu.au

QSchools APP Have you downloaded the QSchools smartphone app, which integrates with our Hatton Vale school website? The app allows parents/carers to have instant access to live school updates and information, connecting the school community. The app displays our school location, contact information, news, calendar events and newsletters. When content is updated and published to our school website each week, the app is automatically updated.

Online Parent Resources To keep all Queenslander parents up to date on education news and events the department has created Schools + Parents online. Subscribing to this monthly e- newsletter is a convenient and timely way to keep informed on matters that affect

Believe and you will dare to become Queensland schools and students. For more information, visit http://www.vision6.com.au/em/forms/subscribe.php?db=110596&s=19796&u=7 84&k=290790b

Assemblies Beginning in second term, prep students will participate in Whole School Assemblies each Monday morning at 9am in the Hall. This is an opportunity to share learning’s, review school expectations, celebrate individual successes and share stories with our parent community. Class awards are issued each week and parents will be notified if their son/daughter is receiving an award. Prep will start after they settle in to the routine of school and parents will be advised.

Whole School Assemblies occur when it is important to celebrate special, cultural or sporting events such as ANZAC Day and Volunteer Week. We also have whole school assemblies to celebrate the achievements of all of ours students. This is a means of bringing the community together.

Awards – Classroom and Playground All students are recognised for academic and social awards at our school assemblies. Students receive a Certificate for Academic Progress, a Certificate for demonstrating our Term Behaviour Expectation and there are prize draws for students recognised for outstanding Playground Behaviour. We also have awards for school focus areas including bookwork, sight words and recognition of success in literacy and numeracy through the term.

Class Teacher Changes Sometimes throughout the year, classroom teachers may be on leave for personal reasons, sick or long service leave. Under these circumstances, parents will be advised of changes through a class letter. Wherever possible, teachers familiar with the school policies and procedures will be employed to ensure continuity of the curriculum program.

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What information do I share with the Prep teacher?

Custody Orders If your family has a Custody Order in place, the office must keep a copy of this. We are expected to abide by the Court Orders and will ensure classroom and specialist teachers are aware of parental access and contacts. It is advisable to provide a term calendar with dates of access visits to enable easy monitoring by school staff if your child lives between two households.

Family Events/Changes Events in your family life such as illness, new babies and visitors can be a prime source of excitement or concern for young children, and so affect their behaviour at home and/or at school. It is important for the home and school to share information that may affect children, and we would appreciate it if parents would inform us of any unusual happenings of this nature.

Family Contact Details Records are maintained on every child attending the school. Should you have a change of address, telephone number, important medication information, custody requirements, and/or emergency contact changes it is essential that you advise the office immediately so that our records are kept up to date. This is important if we have to contact you when illness or accidents occur. It is very important that each family provides us with a current emergency contact phone number. This can be a friend or relative of the family and is used in emergencies when we cannot reach you by normal means.

Phone Numbers It is vital that parents keep the school office updated of any changes in family circumstances especially phone numbers and work locations. Often when we contact parents/carers, the number is no longer in use. Please always advise the office in writing of any phone number changes either at home or work.

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What does my child wear to Prep?

Uniform Policy Our School has a School Dress Code which can be found on our school website. The Dress Code helps children to feel they belong, helps contribute to equity because all children can look equally smart and assists with safety as all children are easily identified in the school grounds. All students are expected to wear the correct school uniform every school day. Prep students wear shorts/skort/skirt and a polo shirt. All students are expected to wear the wide-brimmed school hat.

Sun Safety Due to the high incidence of skin cancer in Queensland all schools have a Sun Safety Policy. Students must wear a bucket school hat each day. If a child is not wearing the school hat, they will be excluded from play. Prep hats are left at school during the week and parents may collect them on Fridays to wash them. This alleviates problems with hats being left at home.

Free Dress Days – Fundraising Each term, the Student Council or P&C conduct fundraising free dress days. Funds raised are donated to charities such as the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, Autism Day or Footy Jersey Day. Parents will be advised when these occur. Parents are expected to dress students appropriately on these occasions including no midriff tops, thongs or short skirts.

Lost Property Throughout the school year your child may lose items of clothing at school. It is vital that all items and clothing are clearly named with your child’s surname and initials. Items to be named include school bag, hat, jumpers, shoes and shorts/shirts. Large amounts of unnamed clothing accumulate especially during winter months. A lost property basket is located outside the Prep classrooms and near the tuckshop in the senior undercover area. All students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own belongings.

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What if my child gets sick or has an allergy or medical condition?

At Hatton Vale State School, we take your child’s health very seriously. All of our regular teaching and non-teaching staff are trained in first aid or asthma and anaphylactic administration. It is vital that parents/carers keep the school informed of any known medical conditions or changes to medication to ensure the safety of all of our children.

Medical Conditions Children who require medication of any kind must have a Request to administer medication at school form provided to the school office where they will be entered on a medication register. This form must be signed by an authorising practitioner including all details of the medication to be administered, strength, dosage, route, times and other information. This form must be completed for any Prep child who is anaphylaxis, diabetic or for students who require medication for A.D.D. / A.D.H.D. If at any time the dose of the medication is altered, a Doctor’s note is required to advise the school staff of the changes. Medication must be administered through the office and must always be delivered to the school by the parent/carer or another responsible adult.

Prescribed medication must clearly state (on the container given by the pharmacist) the child’s name, dosage and times of dosage. It should be brought to the school in such a container. All medication must have a label from the chemist with the child’s full name and medication details printed. Medication sent with a child will not be administered unless the parent’s declaration is also completed. All medication should be handed in at the office on arrival at school by the parent/carer or responsible adult.

Asthma Plans With the increasing number of students with asthma, we expect all Prep students with asthma to have an Asthma Action Plan completed by their medical practitioner. Asthma medication MAY be kept by the Prep teacher after completion of My Asthma Action Plan.

Anaphylaxis Management

All staff at our school take the treatment of students with specific illnesses very seriously and each year staff are trained on how to manage and treat students with

Believe and you will dare to become anaphylaxis. Parents are to provide one epipen and the school provides an additional one for use in the school grounds.

Our School develops Individual Anaphylaxis Action Plans, which must be completed in full and signed by a medical practitioner. This plan should incorporate information such as the signs and symptoms and planned responses to your child’s severe allergic reaction.

At Hatton Vale State School, we have adrenaline auto injectors for general use to cover situations when:

Ø a second dose of adrenaline is required after the administration of the student 's prescribed auto-injector Ø the first dose of adrenaline has not been able to be successfully administrated due failure of the adrenaline auto-injector, or misfire. Ø a student not previously diagnosed presents with signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Other Medication at School School personnel are not permitted to provide or administer analgesics such as Panadol, Panadeine and the like (unless prescribed within above guidelines). Children are not to have any medication at school without school knowledge. Only teachers and office staff may administer medication, unless the parent is willing to come to school to do so. This is necessary for Workplace, Health and Safety standards.

Absence due to Illness Children who have been absent or cannot take part in school or physical education lessons must bring a signed note of explanation. Children with severe Asthma, Heart conditions or Epilepsy must have a medical certificate indicating that they can take part in such activities. Sometimes throughout the year your child may develop an illness that requires medication at school. It is vital that medication is handed in at the front office and the Request to Administer Medication at School form completed.

Accidents at School While all attempts are made to minimise risk of injury to any student on school grounds, there may inevitably be an incident. Staff trained in first aid will assist any sick or injured student. If the staff member feels that further medical attention is required, we will make contact with the parents or emergency contact person and call an ambulance. If parents identify any risks on the school premises, please report them immediately to the school office.

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Ambulance In cases of severe accident or sudden illness the Ambulance is called to render first aid and, if necessary, transport the patient to a Doctor or the Hospital. It is essential that we have current home and work phone numbers on our records to aid communication in cases of emergencies. Please also provide the name and contact number of at least one other emergency contact.

Dental Health A Dental Caravan visits the school every second year. The service is free and only modern equipment and fully trained personnel are used. If required, emergency treatment can be obtained from nearby school clinic.

Head Lice

Education Queensland recognises that the occurrence of head lice is the most common insect infestation in humans throughout the world. Education Queensland acknowledges that although head lice infestation may affect people of any age, nationality, gender or socio-economic status, in Queensland, infestation occurs mainly in children of primary school age. It is seen as much a social issue as a health or educational issue, and the way that it is approached can have significant influence on a student's emotional, social and educational development.

Parents have the prime responsibility for the detection and treatment of head lice on their children. At Hatton Vale State School, we take into account that the main route of transmission for head lice is head-to-head contact and promote general measures that help in the prevention of infestations. Students suspected of having live head lice or eggs present in their hair are not removed from class or school. Such students, and their whole class, are provided with information to take home to their families and a letter requesting immediate treatment be commenced.

Health – Infectious Diseases Diseases spread quickly in schools so it is vital that any students who are not well are kept home from school. Parents should stress the need for good hygiene practices – covering coughs and sneezes and ensuring that washing hands after toilet use becomes a regular habit. Children suffering from infectious diseases may be excluded from attendance at school for varying lengths of time. Parents should be guided by the advice of their Doctor.

Believe and you will dare to become Medical Exclusions from School (HLS-PR-004) There are many medical conditions that are contagious and parents are encouraged to act responsibly and refrain from sending students to school when they have any of the following illnesses. The responsibilities outlined below apply only to the specific conditions which are prescribed under the Public Health Regulation 2005. As the list of prescribed conditions may change from time to time, it is important to consult with Queensland Health if concerns are raised.

The prescribed contagious conditions include:

Diphtheria Enterovirus 71 (EV71)

Gastroenteritis outbreaks Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB) infection

Hepatitis A infection Measles

Meningococcal infection Pertussis (whooping cough)

Poliomyelitis Rubella

Typhoid paratyphoid Untreated Tuberculosis

Varicella (chicken pox)

Sickbay The School office has a sick bay for children who do not feel well or who are injured during the school day. If a child identifies as seriously ill, the parents or emergency contact person will be called to collect the child. Please do not send sick children to school as there is every chance that their sickness will spread to other children in the class.

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What extra support is provided at school?

A range of support services are available to support all students at Hatton Vale State School. These include both school-based support staff and itinerant support staff provided by our Region. The school has a Student Services Referral process that supports the early identification and screening of students with academic, social, emotional or behavioural concerns. Referrals may be instigated by classroom teachers, the leadership team or by parents.

At kindy, your child will have been screened by our Support Teacher literacy and numeracy. The Brigance Screener gathers information on your child’s cognitive, language, motor, self-help and social-emotional skills. The information is for school purposes only in identifying specific learning needs, individual strengths and areas for further referral or assessment. Based on this information gathered, your child may participate in focused literacy support programs.

The Hatton Vale kindy and Hatton Vale State School also received AEDI funding to enable occupational therapy and speech pathology screeners to be conducted with qualified and experienced occupational therapists and speech pathologists from Ready, Set, Go! Occupational Therapy and Language and Speech. Parents will receive a summary letter of these observations and recommendations for ongoing support if needed. There will also be information sessions conducted for parents at the commencement of 2014 by Hatton Vale School staff and the Speech and Hearing and Occupational Therapy Services Division of the University of Queensland.

Inclusive Curriculum – SEP Program

All students with a disability are supported in state schools. The Education Adjustment Program (EAP) is a system of identifying and responding to the educational needs of students with disabilities. Education Queensland promotes ‘local child for local schools’ so it is an expectation that any child will enrol at their local school. Our inclusive curriculum identifies the teaching adjustments that are made in a class/school program to provide an inclusive education for students with a verified diagnosis in:

• autistic spectrum disorder • hearing impairment • intellectual disability • physical impairment • speech-language impairment

Believe and you will dare to become • vision impairment or a combination of these.

We are very fortunate to have the expertise of a Head of Special Education Services, Mrs Sandra Calam, and Special Education trained teachers to support students with a disability. Prior to school aged children with high support needs will be supported in our school through an Early Childhood Development Program that operates from the school one morning a week.

While the responsibility for the ongoing management, planning, implementation and reporting of support programs rests with the class teacher, they are supported by the Support Teacher Literacy and Numeracy who provides individual and group intervention programs to support literacy and numeracy development.

We provide access to several support and extension programs for students in Prep. These include the OLEY Program followed by the PMAP-2 Program, Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) and our Step-Up Program for early achievers. The former programs support oral language and metalinguistic skill development. Students are identified through ongoing monitoring and screening for individual programs and parents will be notified by the class teacher.

In addition to school based programs, our Prep teachers have access to Regional Support Staff. These include Advisory Visiting Teachers for speech language, ASD, OT, Physiotherapy, behaviour and other identified areas of concern. Their role is to assist teachers with the adaptation and delivery of educational programs that target a student's learning and participation goals; providing information about disabilities and suggesting strategies for teaching students with disabilities; advocating for the supply of, and training in the use of, specialised equipment; helping teachers and families to access support networks; and providing professional development activities to school personnel.

Chaplain The model used in Hatton Vale State School is a pastoral care model with our chappie, Dave, working alongside students, staff and families to provide welfare and support services. Our Chaplain works Wednesday and Thursday and provides a range of support including before school brekky club, pastoral care activities and advising parents of support available in the local community.

Believe and you will dare to become General Information

Banking The School Banking Program is provided by the Commonwealth Bank with forms available from the School Office. Our school banking day is every Thursday and is operated electronically by a trained parent volunteer. A commission is paid to the school on each transaction. An account may be opened at any time.

Bicycles You may like to ride to school with your Prep child. Bikes are secured in the bike racks provided at the side of the school administration building. The bike racks are out of bounds to all children during school time. Queensland law requires that cyclists protect their heads by wearing properly fitted safety helmets. Scooters and roller blades are not encouraged at school. If they do appear at school then they must be kept in the office for the day and collected at the end of the day.

Book Fair A book fair operates through the school library at least twice per year. The fair is designed to encourage children to read. Parents and students are invited to purchase books. Class time viewing of the books is co-ordinated with the teacher librarian and Prep teacher. Parents are most welcome to view books at organised times as noted in the school newsletter.

Emergency Procedures Evacuation or lockdown procedures are practised each term so that students are aware of the correct procedure to follow in the event of a fire or critical incident in the school. Procedures are discussed prior to the drill. All students should follow their classroom teachers’ directions quickly, quietly and carefully. Any parent helpers should become familiar with the school evacuation and lockdown procedures and follow the teachers’ instructions if an emergency occurs.

Photographs Each year a private photography company is employed to take class and group photographs which families may purchase in individual or packs. Please note the time of class photos varies from year to year but it is usually in term two. Parents will be advised via the school newsletter and payment must be made upfront. Photographs are delivered to the school after a period of up to six weeks.

Believe and you will dare to become Queensland Times and Gatton Star Prep Photos Each year (QT) newspaper from Ipswich and the Gatton Star (our local free paper), takes photographs of all Prep students in the Ipswich/Gatton and surrounding areas. Our Hatton Vale Prep students feature in this special lift-out edition in the QT and the Gatton Star. Parents/carers must advise the Prep teachers if your child is to be excluded from these photos.

Smoking Our school is a Queensland State Government facility and, as such, is subject to a total ban on smoking by staff, students, clients and visitors.

Special Events Throughout the School Year many special events are celebrated across the school. These may include Mother’s Day or Father’s Day stalls, free dress fundraisers, sporting events, Under 8’s Day amongst many others. Parents and relatives are very much encouraged to attend and support these events. Please look for the Term Calendar that is sent home with the Parent Newsletter at the start of each term.

School Excursions Throughout the school year, the Prep teachers may arrange excursions or class visits that are related to the current curriculum program. For each of these there may be costs associated and parent permission will be sought. Parents will be given at least two weeks’ notice for any excursions and any associated costs will be included in term statements. We encourage parent participation in all school excursions and are very fortunate to have P&C subsidise bus costs per class each year.

Tuckshop The school tuckshop is available Monday to Friday for lunch orders. All parents of Prep students must place orders in brown paper bags clearly marked with the order and child’s name and class. Orders are placed at the tuckshop prior to school starting. Prep students are NOT permitted to buy over the counter at the tuckshop. Tuckshop volunteers are always needed, please contact the P&C on [email protected] to register your interest.

Believe and you will dare to become Violence on School Grounds Violence, inappropriate language and aggression towards students, parents or staff members will not be tolerated in the school grounds. Any person causing a disturbance will be reported immediately to the local police. The Department of Education will also forward warnings to any parent/guardian who causes a disturbance on the school premises.

Visitors All visitors to the school are expected to sign in at the office. Visitors to the School must sign in at our office and they will be issued with a visitor’s badge to be worn whilst on the premises. This is to ensure a safe and secure environment for our students.

Extreme Weather Routines On days when there are extreme weather conditions including heavy rain, storms, hail or heat the Principal will call a weather lunch or afternoon tea. In such circumstances, students will eat in their classrooms and be supervised for toilet breaks. If storms or severe weather warnings occur around 2.45pm, parents may collect children early for safety reasons.

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Parent/Carers and Community

P&C Association Parents are valuable partners in education with teachers and students. The School believes that students, staff and parents working together make the best decisions. Our school encourages parent involvement in school life and it is particularly valuable in the Prep years.

The P & C Association meets on a regular basis. You will be advised of the current schedule of meetings via the school newsletter. All parents are encouraged to attend the P&C meetings in order to contribute to decisions regarding the school and to hear reports from the School Leadership Team.

Parents as the first Teachers All parents/carers are highly valued at our school and your engagement in your child’s education is vital for success. Throughout the year you may be invited or encouraged to participate in parent-teacher-student coaching sessions around developing literacy and/or numeracy skills. This is to assist families to achieve success for every child in our school. Your availability and participation is strongly recommended to ensure your child gets the most out of their year in Prep.

Parent helpers in Classroom Parent helpers are strongly encouraged in the Prep classroom to assist with literacy, numeracy, the arts, making resources and sporting activities or excursions. Please note that classroom teachers will invite parent helpers at the commencement of the year when classroom routines are established. Parent assistance is greatly valued and research has shown that strong parent-teacher relationships positively influence a child’s success at school. Please note that a register is to be signed by all helpers to the classroom at the school office.

Uniform Shop The school has its own Uniform Shop which is run by the P& C Association and is located in the “Uniform Shack” outside of F Block opening on a Monday 8.00 – 10.00; Wednesday 2.00 – 4.00 and Friday 8.00 – 10.00. There are also a number of second-hand uniforms that are available for purchase at a reduced price. Parents may also like to donate or sell their uniforms to the uniform shop when they leave the school.

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