CAWARRAL STATE SCHOOL
PROSPECTUS
For new and potential enrolments and their parents, and newly appointed staff.
Every Child, Every Day, Learning and Achieving Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 2
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION (Revised Aug 2017)
SCHOOL CONTACT DETAILS Name: Cawarral State Primary School. Address: 125 Annie Drive, Cawarral QLD 4702. Telephone: (07) 49 209 333 Email: [email protected]
Website Address: http://www.cawarralss.eq.edu.au
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE HOURS The school Administration Office is open between the hours of 8:45am and 3:15pm each school day. If you wish to have any administrative service provided, it would be best to do this during these office hours.
SCHOOL HOURS Children are discouraged from arriving too early - between 8.15 and 8.30am is appropriate. There is no supervision available before school commences. Children who do arrive early must wait on the verandah of the Administration building until 8.30am and then are to remain in the main covered area prior to 8:55am.
Start: 8.55 am Finish: 3:00pm First Break: 11:00 -11.45am Second Break: 1.30 - 2:00pm
The bell is rung five minutes before start time to allow for preparation for school. The playgrounds are out of bounds after 3pm unless directly supervised by parents.
SCHOOL PROFILE Cawarral State School is a Band 6 school within Education Queensland. Cawarral State School was established in 1874, serving the Cawarral area and surrounding districts. The school has approximately 100 enrolments. The Cawarral community is part of the Keppel Cluster within the Keppel Coast District in the Central Queensland Region. As such there are strong links in sporting and cultural areas with other schools in the Cluster.
SCHOOL VISION As a State School within Education Queensland our purpose reflects Education Queensland’s vision and values:
OUR VISION “Every student is resilient, respectful and ready for success.”
OUR VALUES Safety, Effort, Respect and Self-Responsibility
OUR MOTTO Success with Honour
Our purpose is to assist children to achieve academically, culturally and socially both as an individual and as a member of a group. Also, we consider the physical and moral development and individual differences of children. We do this through the school’s philosophy of Healthy Inside & Out .
In the search for values, the individual should be made aware of the traditions and culture of Australia and of the heritage of the past - its great achievements and the lessons that can be drawn from history.
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CAWARRAL’S CHARTER OF EXPECTATIONS 1. Teachers believe that all students matter, every day. 1. Teachers believe that all students can achieve highly to their potential within a differentiated program. 2. Teachers share accountability for students’ outcomes. 3. Curriculum delivery is underpinned by explicit instruction pedagogy. 4. Cawarral School has a culture of high expectations: High standards of student behaviour Student commitment to high achievement Teacher commitment to high achievement High attendance >94% and punctuality High level of student engagement Wearing school uniform Learning feedback practised and valued by teachers, students and parents Teachers actively supported and coached in skill development
SCHOOL-WIDE PEDAGOGY THAT: Builds respectful relationships with every student Is accountable for the high achievement of every student Uses data effectively to inform curriculum intent and monitor student learning Differentiates teaching strategies to eliminate the tail and cater for all achievers Uses explicit instruction pedagogy – move student knowledge from short to long term memory Student ratings are evidenced-based on identified standards
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Have high expectations of every child Identify high standards of behaviour , presentation and handwriting Success criteria is clearly identified and displayed Student work is regularly corrected giving timely, clear and constructive feedback Quality work is on display – exemplars are relevant and engaging; quality student work samples Has an orderly, supportive and positive tone
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT Student work is appropriate to their ability level Every student is engaged in developing their learning goals each five weeks Students value and respect each other Students ensure their bookwork is well presented Diversity is valued
ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION Assessment is an on-going process at school. It is probably the most important process as it points out to the teachers the areas of need for the children as a group and for individuals. There are many forms of assessment and evaluation and all of those listed below are in use at Cawarral State School:
a) Semester Reports - at the end of first and second Semesters. A full report card will be sent home to parents at the end of Term 2 and 4.
b) Parent Interviews - interviews provide valuable opportunities for a two-way feedback channel. Parents are invited to participate in Interviews once each Semester. Interviews can be requested or at any time by the parent or teacher to discuss any concerns.
c) Standardised Reporting - Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN Test Reports are provided in Term 3 according to their Release date.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 4 RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR PLAN Cawarral State School has a Responsible Behaviour Plan that is based on Education Queensland’s Code of School Behaviour and outlines strategies that encourage and maintain positive behaviours. It is not a punitive plan but rather one that defines expectations and consequences of inappropriate choices. It promotes Safety, Self-Responsibility, Effort and especially Respect. The RBP identifies a range of support strategies from curriculum adjustments to targeted and intensive intervention.
HOMEWORK Cawarral State School Community collaboratively developed their Homework Policy in alignment with Queensland the Smart State policy. PIP 060105 This policy was reviewed in August 2017.
At Cawarral State School we recognise that homework provides students with opportunities to: o consolidate their classroom learning, o pattern behaviour for lifelong learning beyond the classroom, o involve and inform family members in their learning and o develop effective time management skills.
We value homework that: o enhances student learning, o is purposeful and relevant to students needs, o is appropriate to the phase of learning (early, middle) o is appropriate to the capability of the student o develops the student’s independence as a learner o is varied, challenging and clearly related to class work o consolidates basic literacy and numeracy skills o allows for student commitment to recreational, employment, family and cultural activities.
GUIDELINES
Our school community recognises that the homework requirements for students will vary according to year level, school and community commitments, a child’s individual learning needs and the given classroom focus at any given time.
The following is the guide our classroom teachers refer to in determining the amount of set homework that they might expect students to undertake. It is of course open to parents to consult with a student’s teacher about additional materials or practice exercises with which parents can assist their children at home.
Early Phase of Learning (Prep to Year 3)
In the Prep to Year 3, set homework could be up to but generally not more than 1 hour per week. Many activities at home or in play can assist children to develop literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills. Homework tasks may include:
o daily reading to, with, and by parents/caregivers or other family members o listening to sounds and letters o Listening to child read sight words o preparation for oral presentations o spelling and o number work.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 5 Middle Phase (Year 4 to Year 6)
Homework in Year 4 to Year 6 could be up to but generally not more than 2 hours per week. Some homework can be completed daily or over a weekly or fortnightly period and may include:
o daily independent reading o extension of class work, projects and research o sentence development and grammar focus o spelling and o number work.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Teachers: Teachers can help students establish a routine of regular, independent study by: o ensuring their school’s homework policy is implemented o setting homework on a regular basis o clearly communicating the purpose, benefits and expectations of all homework. o checking homework regularly and providing timely and useful feedback. o giving consideration to other academic and personal development activities (school based or other) that students could be engaged in when setting homework o discussing with parents and caregivers any developing problems concerning their child’s homework and suggesting strategies to assist with their homework .
Students: Students can take responsibility for their own learning by: o discussing with their parents or caregivers homework expectations o accepting responsibility for the completion of homework tasks within set time frames o following up on comments made by teachers o seeking assistance when difficulties arise o organising their time to manage home obligations, participation in physical activity and sports and recreational and cultural activities.
Parents and Caregivers Parents and caregivers can help their children by: o showing a positive interest in their classroom work and achievements o reading to them and with them o helping them to complete tasks by discussing key questions or directing them to resources o encouraging them to organise their time and take responsibility for their learning o contacting the relevant teacher to discuss any concerns
2018 QUEENSLAND STATE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS:
Term Dates Length Term 1: Monday 22 January – Thursday 29 March 10 weeks Term 2: Good Friday 30 April, Easter Monday 02 April, ANZAC Day 25 April (Wednesday), Labour Day May 7 (Monday). 11 weeks Tuesday 17 April - Friday 29 June Term 3: Monday 16 July - Friday 21 September 10 weeks Term 4: Tuesday 8 October - Friday 14 December 10 weeks
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ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS CASH COLLECTION POLICY Any money to be sent to the school must be sent to the office in a marked, sealed envelope with your name and information on the front. Payments can now be paid via the B-Pay process. B-Pay details will be included on invoices. Cawarral has no Credit Card or EFTPOS facility. Payments may only be made by Cash, Cheque, B-Pay or Direct Deposit. The preferable payment option would be direct deposit into the school bank account:
BSB: 064719 Account Number: 10000916 Reference: family name
If an amount of cash over $50 needs to be paid to school, we would prefer parents to bring this to the office personally.
SCHOOL TELEPHONE MESSAGES If you wish to speak to one of the staff the best time to ring is before 8:45am
1 2 3 = 4 5 6 and after 3:00pm, or in an emergency during break times. Most times the 7 8 9 R SEKR 0 # Administrative Officer will answer the phone and routinely, messages will be * taken and passed on.
If you wish to speak in person to one of the teaching staff or the Principal, it would be best to ring during office hours to make an appointment.
Protocol for the use of mobile phones and other electronic equipment at school
Preamble Mobile phones and other electronic equipment are discouraged from use at Cawarral State School. Even though they are part of modern society and provide quick and effective communication, they present a number of challenges around the school: If switched on during lessons or other school events they are a disruptive intrusion to learning and the teacher’s right to teach. Students using the phone or texting during lessons are failing to appropriately and effectively focus on their learning They are an easy tool to use to harass or bully other students They are prized targets for theft and often subject to loss The camera/video function available now in most phones can lead to breaches of privacy for other members of the school community
Expectations In normal circumstances if parents need to contact students in school time this can be done by phoning the school on 49209 333. Office staff will assist by passing on messages during class breaks. Students who need to contact home for legitimate reasons have access to a phone through the front office. Students who are unwell are sent to the Office and monitored, and parents are contacted by Office Staff. Parents or Emergency contacts must sign the Early Leaving Register if a child is taken from the school. Students are discouraged from bringing phones to school. The school accepts no responsibility for mobile phones at school and undertakes no responsibility to investigate their misplacement, loss or theft. Cawarral does not have a reliable Mobile Phone Service therefore there is no real need for Mobile phones at school.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 7 Students who bring phones to school must hand them in at the Office in the morning and collect them in the afternoon. They must be turned off - silent or discreet rings are not acceptable. The camera function must not be used on any part of the school campus as it could lead to an invasion of privacy laws. Mobile phones may not be used as calculators or as music players in class
Other electronic equipment As for mobile phones, while it is accepted by the school that these items are part of modern society, parents again need to accept that they are highly prized targets for theft and can be very easily misplaced or lost by students. The school discourages students from having these items at school. We take no responsibility for them and will take no responsibility for investigating their misplacement, loss or theft.
Personal technology devices such as MP3/4 players, ipods, ipads, tablets, or hand-held game devices must be handed into the office before school and collected in the afternoon after school. It is unnecessary for students to have access to these devices during school hours.
Consequences for non-compliance Consequences for non-compliance may include the following:
Confiscation of the device and collection by the student at the Principal’s direction. Confiscation of the device with collection by parents. A ban on bringing the device to school .
PHOTOCOPIER USE The cost of photocopies for the community is 20 cents per A4, 30 cents per A3. Please allow ample time if you require copying, as administration and teaching and children’s needs take priority. Community photocopying cannot be done
1
2
3 between 8:00 am and 9:30 am as the photocopier is reserved for teaching 4 purposes at this time.
LAMINATING Laminating for the community is done the first working Friday of each month. Please leave item at the school office with name attached and payment.
Costs are as follows: A5 $2 A4 $4
Please collect laminated items the following week.
GROUNDS - OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS USE After hours the school grounds are out of bounds except to those who have booked the grounds via the school office . The community is most welcome to use the school facilities when bookings are made and a permit issued. However, failure to adhere to the above can, unfortunately, result in a charge of trespass.
PARKING Parking is provided for staff and visitors at the Coorooman Creek Road entrance. The Annie Drive entrance is for staff, tuckshop personnel, visitors, delivery vehicles and emergency uses only. The driveway near the Administration block is not a drop off and pick up zone. The use of this entrance endangers the lives of children.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 8 SCHOOL NEWSLETTER A school newsletter is issued weekly on Tuesdays giving details of current school activities and matters of interest to parents and citizens. Items of a community nature (and not for private gain) will be included in the newsletter if space permits. These should be restricted to six lines in length. Please have these items ready at the school office before 9:00am on Tuesday morning. Items can be emailed to [email protected]
Advertising on an annual basis can be placed on the back page of the newsletter by contacting Australian Newsletter Services on (07) 38015077.
If you would like an electronic copy of the newsletter emailed to you, please email [email protected].
PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATION (P&C) This association meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The meetings start at 3:15pm – straight after school (please check our school newsletter). Everybody is most welcome to attend.
PARENT HELPERS All parents are welcome at the school. Teachers welcome your interest and concern regarding your child’s progress. We value a team approach to education and encourage all parties (students, teachers and parents) to play an active role in the education process.
Parent helpers can assist: In the classroom as directed by the class teacher; With sports activities – coaching and transport; In the library – covering and shelving books; With reading groups; With computer studies; On school camps; In the grounds; On excursions; With tuckshop; By being active P & C members; and With expertise and skills.
Children particularly like to have their parents/grandparents helping at school. Parent involvement in the school models for children the value of education.
PARENT NOTES Parents can help teachers by observing the following: a) School hours are from 8:55am to 3:00pm. Supervision of students begins at 8:30am; children should not enter the school grounds before 8:15am. b) Please write a note explaining the absence of your child . Forms are available from the Office c) Ensuring that children get a good night’s sleep . d) Overseeing homework is completed and school bags packed for school. e) By helping develop independence in their child – organising and caring for their belongings. f) All children are expected to participate in the Physical Education Program. Only those bringing notes explaining an inability to participate are excused. g) Please have all articles of clothing and equipment clearly marked with a permanent laundry marker with your child’s name and grade - not initials please. h) Parents who are not assisting in the classroom program are requested to leave the learning area upon the 8:55am bell. This allows teachers to concentrate on their first priority - your child’s education.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 9 ENROLMENT PROCEDURES A new Education General Provisions Act 2006 became policy on October 30 2006. All parents enrolling students in Queensland State Schools must provide proof of: • Child’s identity, • Date of Birth, and • Evidence of place of residence.
Parents must apply for enrolment for the Principal’s consideration and an Enrolment Agreement will be provided. This information is available on the school’s website and from the Administration Office at Cawarral State School.
It is compulsory in Queensland for children to participate in a PREP program.
For Prep Enrolment , children must turn 5 between July – December of the previous year or January to June of the year of Prep.
Birth Date Start Prep Year Start Year 1 Child born 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 2017 2018 Child born 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 2018 2019 Child born 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 2019 2020 Child born 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 2020 2021
Education Queensland requires the sighting of a birth certificate for enrolment.
STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME Cawarral State School offers participation in a Student Resource Scheme. In 2018 the Resource Scheme will provide all the books and stationery required for the school year and it is envisaged that the costs will remain the same as 2017. The scheme has been very successful with >90% participation.
The benefits of the SRS are threefold: the materials can be ordered in bulk and all students have the same items e.g. the right size grid and graph pads and writing lines in pads the students have them at the start of term; and parents are saved a lot of time shopping for ‘back to school’ items.
The Student Resource Scheme can be paid in three payments over the year with 50% paid in January; 25% in April and 25% in July. It is easier for school accounting processes for the full amount to be paid up front however this is not necessary. Please see the principal if you are having financial difficulties.
Alternately parents may choose to purchase the necessary materials themselves and a booklist is available from the school upon request.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION SCHEME The Voluntary Contribution Scheme is a one off $30 per child or $85 for a family of three or more. This scheme helps the school provide items that has previously been part of booklists e.g. tissues, paper, paint and brushes which are no longer on a book list.
Every child needs to use these items but rather than asking everyone to supply them with the VCS the school can purchase the items according to the needs of each class.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 10 P&C ASSOCIATION EQUIPMENT HIRING Multi-purpose area The bitumen complex facility of netball, volleyball, or general sports is available for general hiring. The hiring charge is being set aside for improvements and maintenance to the area. Before hiring an Application for Use of Facilities must be made in writing to the Principal and renewed every year.
A minimum hiring fee has been set at $2.00 per court per hour for day use of the court and $6.00 flat rate per hour for use of the lights. Even if lights are used in the late afternoon, evening rates still apply. No racquets or balls are provided.
Responsibility : Whenever any group of people play, any damages incurred must be reported to the Principal or to the person from whom you obtained the key. At least one person will be held responsible within each group for good behaviour from all present. Paper and food scraps must always be removed when departing. Non-combustibles must be removed at all times.
Keys : Keys are held by the Principal (available only on school days). Keys must be returned to the Cawarral Store and money must be enclosed in an envelope and left at the office or given to Cawarral Store when keys are returned. This key will give you access to the court and toilets. A separate key opens the shed and meter box for power. Please lock all areas after you have finished.
The school children have been given first rights to the use of courts on school days between the hours of 8:00am and 3:00pm. As the children do not use the courts for all of these hours, a talk with the Principal (phone or call) will most likely result in permission to play during some of these hours. If you wish to take the chance and just arrive to play, then you are most welcome remembering that others who have booked have first preference.
THE HALL Cawarral State School now has a new Hall with a portable stage and choir stands. The Hall is also available for hire. Tuckshop facilities are adjacent and hire can be arranged through the Principal and P&C President.
Other Community Groups The P&C is associated with some of the other community groups listed below with their contact numbers.
COMMUNITY GROUP NAME CONTACT PERSON PHONE NO.
Cawarral School of Arts Assoc. Inc. Jenny Dittman (Booking 49 397 023 officer) Cawarral Rural Fire Brigade Chairman 49 344 244 Terry Bell 0427344243 IN CASE OF FIRE CALL 000 Fire Warden - Mt Chalmers 49 344 244 Terry Bell 0427344243
Fire Warden - Cawarral 4934 4285 John McDonald 0427344285 1st Officer Donald McDonald 4939 4802 0488528565 Cawarral/Tungamull Bus Committee Allen Wilson 49354 453
Cawarral/Coorooman Creek Bus Katrina Small 49136080 Committee
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ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
We have supervision for students starting at 8:30am. Please do not send children to school before 8:30am. Children are not permitted to play in the lower or upper school fort nor on the oval or flat before school under any circumstances.
All children should come to the front verandah if they arrive before 8:30am.
SCHOOL PERFORMANCES School Performances is the principle provider of arts resources to rural, remote and metropolitan schools throughout the state, and has a policy that seeks to ensure equitable access to performance programs for all schools, regardless of geographic location or school population. Performances are worthwhile educational experiences, with admission fees paid by parents.
ATTENDANCE Regular attendance is necessary and compulsory if pupils are to gain the greatest possible benefit from their school experiences. Education Queensland is committed to improving student attendance. Attendance data is collected and schools are expected to increase the percentage of student attendance. Frequent absences have a detrimental effect on attitudes and results. Even 94% attendance represents 12 days absence per student.
Under the Education General Provisions Act 2006 parents will be prosecuted for failing to ensure that their child receives an adequate education. Procedures in schools have been updated as of the 11 July 2016 to ensure same day notification of absences.
It is extremely important that reasons for absences should be given by the parents either by a phone call or email on the day of absence. The office will follow up any absences on the morning of the absence before 10am.
Parents should use the yellow Reason for Absence form to inform the school of absences. These forms may be collected from the school office.
BOOKCLUB Through our school, we run the Scholastic Bookclub.
The books are reasonably priced and are selected with reading age and interest level in mind. It is another way of fostering the love of books as well as building up a library of books in the home in an age where reading is so important. There is no compulsion on any child to order as that decision is between the child and parents.
When the order forms are sent home and you wish to order, send along the order form with the money or pay directly to Scholastic Australia online or by phone and send along the receipt number on the order form (this is the preferred method) before the due date. About a month after the due date the books will arrive and be distributed. The school Library receives free books on the percentage of books purchased by the children. If you wish to purchase books without your child’s knowledge arrangements can be made with the office staff.
CHAPLAINCY SERVICE From August 2008 the school entered an agreement to have a Chaplaincy Service. In conjunction with Scripture Union, a Chaplain was appointed to visit the school one day per week. The role of the Chaplain is to support students as needed. If one-to-one sessions are required a permission form must be completed. Generally the Chaplain engages with the students through sport and lunch time activities, but also can participate in Camps, excursions and classroom activities. The service is not a religious service but can assist with self-esteem issues, behavioural problems or health concerns for families.
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COMPLAINTS Introduction
Effective partnerships between parents, students and our school are important to educational success.
One part of that partnership is trust and openness. We need to be able to talk to each other when we have concerns, so that those issues can be worked out.
From time to time you may have concerns or complaints relating to our school.
It is important that you share these with us.
Perhaps we haven’t explained something very well. We need to know so that we can put things right.
Perhaps you don’t agree with a decision. We need to talk the issues through.
As a result you could gain a better understanding of why we made that decision. Or we may need to reconsider our decision. Your contribution can help us improve.
How to make a Complaint
We want to hear your concerns. We aim to provide a service that can be improved through your feedback.
You can raise a concern with any member of our staff. Contact the school to make an appointment to see the teacher. Issues you think are serious should be raised with the administration (the Principal, Deputy Principal or an Assistant to the Principal).
All staff are encouraged to deal positively and sincerely with concerns.
They will listen. They will ask questions to make sure they understand. They may take notes to help in following up your concern.
They will help you to take your concern to the right place.
What you can expect
There are usually four phases in handling a complaint. In many instances these can all be worked through quickly in one process.
PHASE 1 – RECEPTION
Try to state your concern calmly, clearly and courteously. Being aggressive will not help resolve the issue.
Someone will listen to your concern and make sure they understand it.
The teacher/administrator will summarise the main points. He or she will usually explain the school policy or procedure on the issue.
He or she will work out an action plan with you: what he or she will do, what you should do, what your child should do and when you will talk again.
He or she may deal with the complaint or refer it to another person.
In many cases they should be able to resolve your concern straight away.
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PHASE 2 – DECIDING HOW TO HANDLE THE MATTER
Some matters must not be handled at a local school level because they are so serious. They must be referred to Education Queensland’s central office or the local regional office.
Other matters will need further investigation. In this phase a decision will be made about how a complaint will be handled.
PHASE 3 – FINDING OUT ABOUT THE MATTER
In this phase the person handling the complaint will try to find out all about your concern. They will try to understand the context and causes.
You should help by providing all the information you can.
They may need to talk to people to get a complete picture. As they do this they may begin to explore options to resolve the matter.
You can help them by focusing on a positive resolution of the matter. Your information will be treated confidentially (but where the matter must be investigated by an external agency it will need to be passed on).
You need to be aware that the person who is being complained about usually has the right to be made aware of the complaint.
PHASE 4 – RESOLUTION
The person who is handling your complaint will use the facts that have been gathered to make a decision that is fair to all concerned.
He or she will work to put things right for you and would appreciate your help to do this. He or she wants to make sure that you accept the resolution.
EXCURSIONS At different times during the year students will attend excursions outside of school. Parents will be informed in the newsletter and with a specific note sent home from the school. Please ensure that you return all permissions to the office along with any payment in a timely manner. Students are expected to wear the school uniform on excursions unless otherwise stated. All information should be provided to the parent in the note home.
EVACUATION DRILLS An evacuation drill is carried out four times a year so that in case of a fire, the procedure of evacuation will be efficient. A continuous sounding of the bell will indicate a fire. Each building has an emergency evacuation plan which should be adhered to. This is important for the protection of lives. This policy is available to view at the school office if required.
LOCK DOWN PROCEDURE A lock down is used to secure the school environment in the event of a school intruder or unsafe hazard which could potentially endanger the well- being of school students, staff and visitors to the school.
A bell will sound, activated from the school office. The bell pattern is a short ring, followed by a pause, followed by a short ring. This pattern will continue 20 times. A copy of the Lock Down Procedure should be placed beside the door of each classroom with the Evacuation Procedure. The drill is only done once per year. This policy is available to view at the school office if required.
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HATS and SUNSCREEN Cawarral State School is a SunSmart school and as such children must wear hats for outdoor activities. If not, they are made to remain in the shade of the covered play area during lunch breaks, or to watch organised sports from the shade of trees. We have a 100% wearing of hats on most days, so please assist us to care for your child’s skin by ensuring that your child has a hat as he/she leaves home.
Sunscreen is available in each classroom. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own protection by applying sunscreen prior to lunch breaks.
HEALTH & HYGIENE Basic Hygiene Personal hygiene is encouraged at school. Soap is provided in the toilet block. All children require a box of tissues. All open sores, boils, etc must be covered.
Head Lice If you find head lice in your child’s hair, please advise the Principal so that we can advise all children and parents of what to do in an attempt to eradicate the problem from the school. Under no circumstances should children return to school before treatment has commenced.
Medical Forms On enrolling your child/ren at Cawarral School please ensure you provide medical details for each child so that a Teacher can be guided by the information given. The medical form is designed to better serve your wishes and provide Teachers with information so your child is given the best treatment.
In all instances of accidents we will endeavour to contact parents. At the beginning of each year you will be requested to update your child’s medical information and emergency contacts. It is very important that the school has emergency contacts apart from yourselves as instances do occur where neither parent/guardian is available. A grandparent, aunt, uncle or close family friend is ideal.
School Dental Therapist Cawarral students are eligible for free school dental treatment. This is available through the Yeppoon Hospital Dental Clinic by making an appointment on 49133082. The school dental van visits Cawarral School for approx.one week each year.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
POLICY STATEMENT
The School Music Program and the Instrumental Music Program.
The School Music Program is the element of the curriculum through which music is made available for all students at the school. This is delivered by a specialist music teacher and is vocally based.
From this general music program for all students, some students may further develop their skills through participation in the Education Queensland Instrumental Music Program.
The aim of this program is very clear and that is: “to provide an extra dimension to a school music program”. This “extra dimension” is in the form of instruction on a group basis together with the opportunity to develop ensemble performance skills. The instrumental program is not directed at providing instrumental instruction for individuals. The program is only offered on Band and Orchestral instruments.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 15 At Cawarral State School, instruction is offered on the following instruments:
Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello.
A specialist instrumental teacher visits the school 1 day each week for a designated period of time. Appropriate recruitment is a necessary prerequisite for participation in the program, as it is not available to all students. To be admitted and remain included in the program, students are required to observe the policy on lessons, rehearsals and performances.
Overview of the program
• Enrolled Strings students may commence tuition from Year 3 onwards. • Lessons are free. • Students may only receive instruction on one instrument at school. (Some students may choose to learn a second instrument outside of school from a private teacher.) • Group lessons are held during school time. • Ensemble rehearsals are established by the relevant conductor. They may be before school, in a lunch break or after school. • The final decision on which students will be accepted into and continue in the program, rests with the Principal, in close consultation with the Instrumental Staff, Music Coordinator and Classroom Teacher.
Student Responsibility
• Attend all lessons, rehearsals, workshops, playouts and concerts. A note from a parent is required if a student is absent for any reason. • Bring all required equipment to lesson every week. This includes instrument, accessories, tutor book, ensemble folder, etc. as requested. (NOT music stand!) • Practice regularly (i.e., daily, 5-6 days per week) between lessons. Being a member of the Instrumental Music Program is not just a 30-minute commitment once a week. The most common cause of students not experiencing success is a lack of regular practice. • Responsibility for the care and maintenance of the instrument (whether school or privately owned). • Provision of consumable items: e.g. rosin, spare strings etc. Students are responsible for these items being in their instrument case and informing parents when they need replacing.
Parents’/Guardians’ Role
• Encourage full participation in all events. • Listen enthusiastically to your child’s practice! • Remind your child to take all equipment on lesson day. • Establish a regular time and routine for practice. • Provide a straight backed chair, music stand, tutor book, black display folder, consumable items, e.g. rosin, strings etc, and (if not allocated a school instrument initially) an instrument for your child. • View your child’s participation in the program as a wonderful opportunity, which may open doorways of experience for all involved. • Assist your child in balancing their weekly activities to allow sufficient time for homework, sports, music practice as well as relaxation and social activities. • Be responsible for the care and maintenance of an instrument with the child. Parents will be responsible for the repair or replacement of damaged or lost instruments. • Assisting with the transportation of instruments to and from school on lesson and rehearsal day/s.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 16 Instrument Selection
• A balanced instrumentation is essential in any orchestra. Instrumental Staff must take this into account when allocating instruments. • A student who owns his or her own (suitable) instrument prior to being accepted into the program, is not necessarily guaranteed a position, however, once accepted, will be able to receive tuition on that instrument. • Physical characteristics play a major part in the selection of an appropriate instrument. Height, length of arms, hand eye coordination and many other factors need to be considered. Learning an instrument in a group can be quite difficult. Instrumental Staff have the professional knowledge and experience to select the instrument that your child will have the greatest potential success on.
Obtaining An Instrument
• School Instruments – A small number of school instruments may be allocated to beginner students for their first year of tuition. Some larger, more expensive instruments, such as ‘cello, may be issued for longer periods of time. Parents are requested to consider purchasing or hiring these instruments in Year 7 or at Secondary School. • Rental or Lease - through some music businesses, • Second-hand - have the instrument checked by a repairer or Instrumental Staff, • New Instruments – seek advice on recommended brands before purchasing. • Consumables – remember that these are an on-going expense.
Rehearsals and Performances
• Students must be available to attend orchestra rehearsals when scheduled. • Students must participate in the Combined Schools’ Concert held each year in Term 3 or 4. This will involve attending at least one workshop and rehearsal plus the concert. • Students and parents must make every reasonable effort for students to be available for all other orchestra performances throughout the year.
INSURANCE
Please note that the Department of Education and Training does not have personal accident insurance cover for students. If your child is injured as a result of an accident or incident, all costs associated with the injury, including medical costs are the responsibility of the parent/carer. Some incidental medical costs may be covered by Medicare. If you have private health insurance, some costs may be also be covered by your provider. Any other costs must be covered by parents/carers. It is up to all parents/carers to decide what types and what level of private insurance they wish to arrange to cover their child. Please take this into consideration in deciding whether or not to allow your child to participate in any school related activity.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 17 MEDICATION a) Teachers are not permitted to dispense medicines to children at school. “All medication, including over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol and alternative medicines, must be authorised by a medical practitioner before it can be administered to students. ” b) Children who are seriously ill should be kept at home until well enough to return to school. Medicines can then be given properly at home. c) If a child is at school and requires medication during the day, teachers would appreciate parents coming to the school at the required time to dispense the medicine. d) Should parents wish medication to be administered at school they must complete an Administration of Medication to Students form. The medication must be in the original container with a pharmaceutical label including the child’s name and dosage details. Children need to remind teachers of the time they need to go to the office for their medication.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM EXCLUSION PERIODS FROM SCHOOL CONDITION TIME OUT CHICKEN POX Exclude from childcare, school or work until all the vesicles have dried and crusted – usually by the fifth day of the rash, usually earlier for vaccinated children with breakthrough varicella. CONJUNCTIVITIS Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased. DIARRHOEA Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased. GLANDULAR FEVER Exclusion is not necessary. HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH Exclude until the blisters have dried. DISEASE HEPATITIS A Exclude until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery but not before seven days after the onset of jaundice or illness started. HEPATITIS B Exclusion is not necessary HEPATITIS C Exclusion is not necessary. SCHOOL SORES, BOILS AND Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced and sores on exposed surfaces OPEN WOUNDS are covered with a watertight dressing. MEASLES Exclude for at least four days from the appearance of rash. MENINGITIS (BACTERIAL) Exclude until well. MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION Exclude until child is well and has received appropriate antibiotics – a written clearance from the doctor is required. MUMPS Exclude for at least nine days or until swelling goes down. RINGWORM, SCABIES, LICE, Exclude until the day after treatment has commenced. TRACHOMA RUBELLA Exclude until fully recovered or for at least four days after the onset of rash. STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS Exclude until the person has received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours and the person feel well. TUBERCULOSIS Exclude until production of medical certificate. WHOOPING COUGH Exclude for 21 days from onset or until child has taken five days of a 10 -day course of antibiotics (erythromycin).
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 18 LIBRARY BORROWING Children are encouraged to use the library each week. Classes visit once a week for borrowing. Small groups of children also use the library during school hours for research. It is important for children to learn to take responsibility in all areas and this applies to library books as well.
Children are required to have a library bag to borrow from the Library.
Children are allowed to borrow as follows:
Prep to Year 3 - one book for one week Year 4 to 7 - two books for two weeks
If books are not returned on time the child is not permitted to borrow again until the books are returned. Extensions are allowed. Likewise, if your child does not bring a library bag they are not permitted to borrow. Hint: fold a tea towel in half and sew up the sides. Place a slip string in the top. Library bags are available from the Uniform Shop at the Tuckshop and calico Reef Guardian library bags are available at the office.
Please encourage your children to bring their library bag so they may borrow books and also return their books on time.
LOST PROPERTY Please name everything your child brings to school: e.g. lunch boxes and lids, shoes, hat, coats, etc. Clearly marked with a permanent marker with your child’s name and grade - not initials please.
The school endeavours to match children with their mislaid property. The lost property box is kept in a laundry basket in the Sick Bay in the school office. Parents are encouraged to come up regularly and check for their child’s lost property. Each term, items not claimed at the end of term are donated to a local charity.
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION Religious instruction is not a program or syllabus provided by the Department of Education, Training and Employment. Principals are required however, to facilitate the provision of religious instruction from ministers of a religious denomination or society, or an accredited representative who has been approved by the Minister for Education, Training and Employment, to give instruction to students who are members of the religious denomination or society in attendance at a state school . These provisions do not extend to Prep students.
Volunteers registered through their local churches run the program. A non- denominational program operates at Cawarral. All students participate unless we receive written advice from parents requesting exemption from the program. All students will stay in class groups and participate as a class with supervision provided by the teaching staff. The Connect program is implemented by all our RE teachers.
A levy ($5 per family) per year covers costs associated with this program, payable at the beginning of the year. Students receive 2 workbooks throughout the year as well as other teaching materials.
STUDENT BANKING Student banking is conducted each Thursday morning and monies are deposited during that week.
At the beginning of each year application forms for new accounts are given (on request) to all new primary school children. These are to be completed by the parent and forwarded to the return address. New account passbooks will be returned to the child’s private address.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 19
SCHOOL TUCKSHOP Tuckshop operates every Tuesday. All Orders must be placed in the tuckshop box before 9am Tuesday. Please write order, name, class and year level on a paper bag with the money in an envelope inside the bag. Further tuckshop days may be offered if sufficient volunteers are available.
TRANSPORT OF CHILDREN By Bicycle Bicycles should be secured at the racks situated near each school gate. Under no circumstances is any child allowed in this area before dismissal from school. Children must walk bikes within the school grounds when entering and exiting the school. Wearing of helmets is COMPULSORY (by State Law). Bikes should be secured at the racks with a lock. Scooters and skateboards are not bikes and should not be brought to school. The school can accept no responsibility for the security of these bikes or these items. .
By Private Vehicle Children being driven to school should be dropped off at the Coorooman Creek Road entrance to the school. Please refrain from driving into the school grounds as this endangers the lives of children. Children are not to be dropped off/collected at Annie Drive entrance as this is the bus collection point. Please observe the speed limit for school areas - 40km/hour.
Conveyance Allowance Parents are eligible for Conveyance Allowance if they live more than 3.2 kilometres (2 miles) from the school, by the shortest trafficable route. Parents or guardians eligible for the allowance must renew applications at the commencement of each school year.
Early Leaving If children are to be collected during normal school hours, parents are required to fill in the details in the Early Leaving Register located in the administration building.
Late Arrivals Any child arriving after 9:00am should report directly to the office. All roll marking is electronic and a late note will be recorded after 9:00am.
Permission Notes Written permission from a child’s parent or guardian is required if that child needs to leave the school grounds for whatever reason. If the Principal does not sight a permission note, the child/ren will not be allowed to leave.
School Buses There are two existing bus services for Cawarral State School. 1. One bus service covers the area from corner of Emu Park/Cawarral Road to Mt Chalmers and Cawarral Road to Cawarral School. Please contact Steve Anderson on 49344473 or 0428420222 for this service. 2. The second service runs from Hedlow Road/Dairy Inn Road to the Cawarral School; and Coorooman Creek Road to the Cawarral School. Please contact Ben at Keppel Coaches on 0459392588 for this service.
To be eligible for the free bus service, children must reside at least 3.2 kilometres from the school, but not within 3.2 kilometres of another school. Parents should contact the member of the relevant bus service who will advise collection points, times and if space permits for the student to travel on either bus. Committee members also have bus service application forms. If altering their regular bus program, parents should advise the school before 1:00 pm .
Waiting for Collection by Parents All students waiting for parents after school must wait inside the school boundary at the Coorooman Creek Road entrance. During this waiting period children are required to sit in a safe area until parents arrive. If parents are delayed beyond 3.00pm children must wait on the Administration verandah and notify the staff when they leave.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 20
Walking to and from School Misbehaviour that occurs on the way to and from school is the responsibility of the parents and the school. As the first bell rings at 8.50am, your child should not arrive before 8:30am. At 8:50am children are to use the toilet, wash hands and have a drink and be ready to start school at 8:55am.
After school, children are to go straight home without any detours. If children are visiting friends please have them come home first or make private arrangements with the parents of the children. Children are not able to use the school phone to get permission from their parents to visit a friend as these arrangements need to be made by the family rather than ‘ad hoc’.
SPORTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Cawarral is divided into three Houses – Cadden, Coorooman, and Luckman. This enables all children to compete at school carnivals and encourages children to develop their sporting talents and promote leadership skills. As children enrol they will be placed in one of the teams. An Inter-house Athletics Carnival for all year levels is conducted annually with the winning house being presented with a shield donated by the P & C Association.
An Inter-house Cross Country for all year levels is held every year with the winning house being presented with a shield donated by Duncan McDonald. From these carnivals and other sports activities we select nominations for the Keppel Coast District
An Inter-house Swimming Carnival for Year P – 7 is held every year with the winning house being presented with a shield donated by the Duncan McDonald.
SWIMMING Prep to Year 6 children have swimming instruction at the Emu Park pool. Each student is charged the cost of the pool entry and bus costs. A number of qualified instructors - including the PE teacher, Class Teacher, Teacher Aide and Parent volunteers - enhance the swimming program and reduce numbers in each group.
Prep to Year 6 students swim in Term 4. Children must wear a sun safe shirt over their swimsuits and a swim cap is a necessity for collar length hair or longer. No jewellery can be worn while swimming.
STUDENT DRESS CODE Cawarral is a SunSmart School so we insist on Sun Safe clothing at all times. Students should wear their uniform with pride. Reinforcement of correct uniform will be achieved through praise for students in uniform, positive expectation as well as reminders in the newsletter. The P&C sells the school uniforms and hats from the Tuckshop.
Day Uniform – to be worn every day and for special occasions such as excursions and performances.
Polo Shirt – Turquoise with gold collar and sleeve trim and black logo printed. Shirts are available through the P&C Tuckshop on Thursdays. Prices are available from the Office
To be worn with: Boys : • Black shorts, preferably with medium length leg. However, it is recognised that some boys may prefer a shorter or longer leg length. Girls: • Black Skort, medium length lg • Black shorts, medium length leg. Tailored style preferred. • Black pleated skirt.
Cawarral SS Orientation Handbook 21 Sports Uniform – to be worn on HPE (Physical Education) days , sports’ days such as cross country events, House athletics carnival days, House swimming carnival.
Polo Shirt in house colour. Cadden – gold Coorooman – maroon Luckman – sea green
To be worn with: Boys: • Black shorts, preferably with medium length leg. However, it is recognised that some boys may prefer a shorter or longer leg length.
Girls: • Black shorts, medium length leg. Tailored style preferred. or • Black pleated sports skirt. Black basketball pants or bike pants to be worn under skirts.
Our uniform is on display at school and for public events. Modesty should also be considered when choosing suitable shorts for both boys and girls to allow for comfort and confidence.
Hats: A black broad brim hat which is SunSmart and has the school logo printed in gold on the front is available from the tuckshop.
Please note that caps are not acceptable at Cawarral. Children who wish to participate in outdoor activities must wear a SunSmart hat. The school has a “No Hat No Play“ Policy.
Footwear: • Black closed-in shoes are preferred but any joggers are acceptable. If choosing new shoes you can assist us by choosing black. Elastic sided boots and sandals are suitable for most school activities and sport. • Socks should be white. • Reef shoes or thongs are not permitted. Children with inappropriate footwear will not be able to participate in outdoor activities.
Winter Uniform Plain black tracksuit. A Microfibre Black jacket can be ordered during winter season.
JEWELLERY The wearing of jewellery to school is against the school dress code. Jewellery is not regarded as suitable attire. Watches, studs, sleepers and signet rings are permitted, no chains or dangling earrings. All jewellery should remain at home on swimming days.
In signing the enrolment form parents are agreeing to the dress code of the school as outlined in the School Handbook. School policy with regard to jewellery across the state is very similar and with good cause – Safety.
Safety – safety from injury and the safety of valuable items. When children run and play at school injury can often be sustained from items of jewellery. Ears can be ripped; necks scratched or choked and fingers cut from jewellery.
Bracelets for medical and cultural reasons are allowed though details of these matters need to be supplied to the Principal.