LEARNING BELIEFS.
ENVIRONMENT.
How do children best learn?
We believe children learn best when the Environment is;
- accepting.
- collaborative learning style.
- a place where learning is enjoyable.
- positive both in class and in the playground.
- where there are good role models.
- faith based.
- reflective of Christian values.
- physically inducive to learning by having sufficient light, heat and quite times.
CHILD CENTRED LEARNING
We believe children learn best when the child is;- actively participating.
- learning by ìdoingî.
- reflecting on their experiences.
- able to respect self and others (self esteem).
- able to observe self discipline.
- able to see a purpose for learning.
- able to show personal responsibility.
- involved in deciding learning outcomes.
- having their individual needs catered for.
TEACHING STRATEGIES
We believe children learn best when teachers employ strategies which;- integrate the curriculum.
- teach secular curriculum in a Christian context.
- encourage and reinforce.
- use teamwork between pupils, parents, teachers, parish priest, parish and wider community.
- encourage the development of both self and external motivation.
- inspire.
- recognize the hidden curriculum & Gospel Values.
- make provision of various strategies for different learning styles
- visual
- auditory
- kinesthetic.- have meaningful content.
- have a balance of talking - listening - teaching - learning.
- reward good effort.
- have regard for partnership.
OUR SCHOOL MOTTO
With Heart and Pride(Giving our best and being proud of our efforts)
This motto was created by the Year 6 class of 1986 and endorsed by the school community at that time.
Our School is named after St Patrick. There are various theories as to why 'Mount' is in the name of Mount Saint Patrick. The most obvious one is that the school is built on a hill. There is such a place in Ireland - Mt St Patrick, a place where St Patrick 1500 years ago prayed that the Irish would keep the faith. It is a place of great pilgrimage. The first Bishop of the Lismore Diocese, Bishop Doyle, having opened the school, quite likely had all of these thoughts in his mind. In any case, Saint Patrick is the patron of our school.
HISTORY
On St Patrick's Day 1904, the Convent for the Presentation Sisters was opened by Bishop Doyle and three days later on the 20th March the first day of school was held. More than 50 children were present for the opening.In 1926 an Intermediate Secondary School was added and both the Primary and Secondary Schools were under one administration. The first Principal of the combined schools was Sr Gabriel Weir.
In 1952, as the Kindergarten room had become too small, a new building was erected providing more space for the primary classes.
The total enrolment for 1953 (Golden Jubilee Year) was 336.
In 1966 Mt St Patrick Regional High School was formed (replacing Mt St Patrick High School), leaving Mt St Patrick Primary as a separate school once again.
In 1975 the present building housing the Administration and Library was erected to accommodate 4 classrooms, library, toilets, staff room and administration area. Our remaining students were housed in 4 wooden classrooms at the base of the hill and in 3 classrooms at the top of the hill above Mt St Patrick Regional High.
In 1984, owing to diminishing numbers of Presentation sisters engaged in the teaching apostolate, the first lay Principal was appointed to the school. However, the sisters maintained a presence in the school.
In 1991, the building above the High School was demolished to make way for a two storey brick building for use by Mt St Patrick Regional High School. This left us with two Primary classrooms in the High School building until other rooms could be erected.
In August 1994 Sr Patricia Thomas was transferred to Lismore. This ended the Presentation Sisters direct association with the Primary School after ninety years of service. The Sisters still maintain a presence in the Parish.
In 1997 the last two wooden buildings were removed from the site and replaced with 7 new classrooms, multipurpose room, shelter area and additional toilets. As well, the administration area, staffroom and classrooms were renovated and refurbished.
From a handful of students in 1904, Mt St Patrick Primary has grown to a school population in excess of 270 pupils. The site of the original school now accommodates in excess of 850 students. (Years K-12).
The faith and generosity of parents and their continued support has built, equipped and staffed our school over its history. The example and support of the Clergy and Presentation Sisters, together with the dedicated staffs of the school over ninety years, has enabled the high ideals and Christian values presented to the students over the many years of our history, to be as relevant today as they were in the school's foundation years.
SCHOOL SONG
Loud in praises our voices sing,
To honour our school this song we sing,
For truth and honour we'll give our best,
Put love and friendship above the rest.Let cheers for Mount Saint Patrick rend the sky,
To do it proud we'll always try.
Our life's aim is to do what's right.
And work for God with all our might.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Mt St Patrick Primary School is essentially a community of faith, based on belief in God and the Christian way of Life. The Christian spirit and values take precedence over all other values and permeates through all areas of learning in the life of the school, determining the whole atmosphere of the school.In Mt St Patrick Primary School, the religious atmosphere depends on the presence of a committed Catholic staff and on the faith and values of staff, parents and students. This faith community strengthens and expresses itself in worship and prayer. It works in various ways to make the students aware of the total human family of mankind.
Mt St Patrick Primary School helps students to grow as individuals with unique capabilities, to develop their natural virtues and to grow towards self-discipline. It fosters genuine relationships among students, staff and others associated with the school. It encourages co-operation and controlled freedom that allows students to develop a sense of social responsibility, as well as their own personal identity.
Mt St Patrick Primary School cultivates the intellectual values and promotes in its students integrity, respect for truth and openness to reality. It aims to give its students a mastery of the basic subjects and skills across the seven Key Learning Areas, whilst guiding individuals towards their own levels of achievement.
The decisive role of the parents in education and desirability of a high correlation between the values of home and school is recognised. Hence, there are education programmes designed to aid the family and to involve parents at an appropriate level in the policy making and management of the school.
The staff continually re-evaluates the school's structures and processes and also its relationships with parents, the community and Catholic Education at large, so that there is consonance between the Christian values it espouses and its actual practice.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Each class receives formal religious instruction daily from teachers trained in Religious Education.Most Fridays, classes celebrate the Eucharist or take part in a special Liturgy.
Members of Staff work in close liaison with our Parish Priest. Religious instruction and values are given side by side with, as part of, the other Key Learning Areas. This incidental teaching of Christian values takes place so that children are educated in a Christian context. We are striving then not merely to impart information but to bring the children to live the Christian way of life here and now.
As Christian educators, the teachers realize that the children entrusted to their care are intended to grow to maturity in a community of faith. As stated in the Church's document, 'The Catholic School'.
"The Catholic School has, as its specific duty, the complete Christian formation of its pupils.....It knows that this integration of faith and life is part of a life-long process of conversion until the pupils become what God wishes them to be." (par. 45 P.37)
SACRAMENT PROGRAMMES
Currently the Sacraments are administered as follows:-Confirmation - Year 1.
Reconciliation - Year 2.
Eucharist - Year 3.These programmes are Parish/Family based with school support. Each grade throughout the school studies the sacrament in the period before it is administered.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
As educators, we recognize the parents' right and ultimate responsibility for the education of their children. This school moves to assist them in every way possible in this education. At Mt St Patrick, we believe the education of each child is greatly enhanced by forming a close partnership and maximum co-operation of all involved. Thus, we endeavour to foster a meaningful and helpful liaison with parents by providing many points of contact between the school and home. At present there is a meeting early in the year between class teacher and parents. Some teachers welcome parental assistance with reading groups and other class activities. However, parents are requested not to bring pre-schoolers along on these occasions for safety reasons. Interim written reports are issued in Terms 1 and 3. Mid-Year there are formal Parent-Teacher Interviews with written reports. At the end of the year written reports are issued. From time to time special information evenings are provided to explain various school policies, curriculum and other programmes operating in the school.Parents are very welcome to make an appointment at any time, to discuss their child's progress with the teacher. Please try to make these appointments outside school hours. Children are able to do their best when there is mutual trust and co-operation between parents and teachers. Thus, your attendance at the above mentioned occasions and your participation in parent organizations and school socials and activities, are positive ways of showing your interest in your child's education.
Again from the document 'The Catholic School':
"Having chosen the Catholic School, it does not relieve them, the parents, of a personal duty to give their children a Christian upbringing. They are bound to co-operate actively with the school which means supporting the educational efforts of the school and utilising the structures offered for parental involvement.î (Par 73 P.57)
THE CHILD AS AN INDIVIDUAL
Educators are continually turning their attention to individual achievement. They are increasingly concerned that children should achieve to the best of their ability, regardless of what that ability may be.This is a fact that teachers and parents must accept, just as we accept individual differences in physique and sporting ability among children of the same age. If we can do this, then the school and the home can work together to help children to do their best, by giving many opportunities to be successful and by rewarding good effort.
ENROLMENT
A Catholic School is one in which Christian attitudes and values take precedence over all else. Mt St Patrick School, then, is a Christian community made up of pupils, parents, priest, principal and teachers centred around the person of Christ.In considering enrolments of students to Mt St Patrick's School, the following has to be taken into consideration:
* It is assumed that parents who enrol their children at Mt St Patrick Primary are fully aware of, accept and support the standards expected by the school, and that they also recognise the need for co-operation between school and home in maintaining those standards. This is important in all areas, especially that of discipline, and even more so, in the implementation of the Religious Education program. It is unrealistic to expect the formation and development of Christian values to be a matter of school concern only and it would be unreasonable to enrol students from homes whose values do not complement those of the school.
* School enrolment is dependent on the availability of appropriate classrooms, space and resources.
* The age of enrolment will be in accordance with the Lismore Diocesan Board of Education's regulation which is currently that the child will be a minimum of 4 years and 9 months at the commencement of their schooling In practice, the Kindergarten child should turn 5 years by 31st March.
* In accordance with our philosophy, preference will be given to children of Catholic parents of the Murwillumbah Parish.
(Copy of child's Baptismal Certificate to be presented with enrolment application).* Parents should understand and be supportive of the Catholic school and the means it takes to fulfil its purpose.
* Keeping in mind the specific mission of the school, consideration will be given to children of non-Catholic families on application.
* Non-Catholic parents should have an interest in religious values and understand the importance of the acquisition of those values by their children.
* Non-Catholic pupils are expected to take part as fully as possible in the formal Religious Education and Liturgical Programme of the school.
* It is desirable that there be an interview with the Principal when enrolling a student.
* In choosing a Catholic education for their child, parents must be prepared to meet the financial commitment involved in that decision.
Book Fees must be paid by the end of February.
Building and Maintenance Fee, if applicable, must be met each term.
Unexplained failure to pay full fees will call for a review of a child's continued enrolment.* Enrolment at Mt St Patrick Primary School, Murwillumbah does not necessarily guarantee future enrolment at a Catholic Secondary School including Mt St Patrick College. Application to a Catholic Secondary School should be made when the student is in Year 6.
PASTORAL CARE BELIEF STATEMENT
Pastoral Care is the school's expression of genuine concern for all members of the school community. Pastoral Care is the way in which the school responds to the various needs of the children, parents and staff. The Pastoral Care networks invite all to develop to their full potential and provides the means for all to share their gifts and talents.In this caring atmosphere, everyone is accepted and empathetic relationships are nurtured and strengthened.
Pastoral Care is love in action and, as such, underpins the school's policy and curriculum statements, procedures and organisational structures. It brings the school's vision to life in a practical and tangible manner.
DISCIPLINE
At Mt St Patrick Primary when we speak of discipline, we are referring to the means of bringing the children to practise self control. We are aiming to lead the children to regulate their conduct according to Christian ideals, values and standards.At Mt St Patrick Primary we see our own example of respecting the children and building up their self-esteem as a means of bringing them to respect themselves and others.
We believe that if we take a positive approach to discipline, such as praising, rewarding achievements, encouraging effort, collaboration, exhortation and expressions of disappointment in failure, then we will bring about the achievement of self control.
We believe that children like to be regulated and that they are secure in knowing what is expected of them. For this reason school and classroom regulations are made known to the children and consistently enforced. In this way children learn to own their own behaviour and are able to accept the consequences of it.
Each person has the RIGHT to happiness at the school and to be treated with tolerance and fairness.
Each person has a RESPONSIBILITY to be fair to others.While we strive to use a positive approach to discipline by rewarding good behaviour and effort, the school also has a programme of disciplinary action which; takes into account the nature and severity of transgressions of basic school rules; is sequential; is co-ordinated across the school and is consistently applied to boys and girls.
One of the disciplinary actions in our school is to place children on detention for serious breaches of the school rules which can be summarized under 3 headings;
Putting hands on.
Using offensive language.
Being out of bounds.Children who have been placed on detention twice in any one term will be interviewed by the Principal. On the third occasion parents will be notified. They may wish to discuss these circumstances with the Principal and Class Teacher. If the fourth detention occurs, parents will be requested to meet with the Principal and Class Teacher to discuss the possibility of an in-school suspension.
Consistent non-conformity to the school rules, particularly in serious matters, may result in a student's continued enrolment being reviewed.
THE CURRICULUM
At Mt St Patrick Primary, we follow the various curricula authorised by the N.S.W. Board of Studies. To facilitate the implementation of these curricula, a variety of texts and approaches are used by the class teachers.Each KLA (Key Learning Area) deals with Knowledge, Skills and Understandings relevant and appropriate to primary school students.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education is the ìraison díetreî of our Catholic Schools. Students are exposed to the Good News, that the Kingdom of God is among us.While Religious Education stands alone as a KLA, it is implicit in all other KLAís. Religious Education involves students examining Scripture in the light of their own life experience and being encouraged to make decisions after reflection on what Scripture and their own experience suggests to them.
ENGLISH
English is the Key Learning Area where students develop knowledge, skills and understandings about English language and literature. English also has a wider role as a means of learning in all KLA's and provides a means of communication.MATHEMATICS
Students in Mathematics learn to analyse and solve problems in the areas of space, measurement and number. It involves the study of patterns and relationships.SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Science & Technology provides Opportunities for students to learn about natural and made environments by engaging in scientific and technological activity. Science and Technology involves students in investigating, designing and making and using technology.CREATIVE & PRACTICAL ARTS
The Creative and Practical Arts KLA includes the art forms of dance, drama, visual arts and music.
Learning in these art forms provides opportunities for students to develop their abilities to make works and appraise their own works ant the works of others.
HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT
This area deals with the interaction of people with one another and with the social, cultural and physical environments as they attempt to meet their needs. This Key Learning Area also includes two Elements of Language: learning about languages and learning a language.PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education KLA helps students develop self-esteem, social responsibility, personal fitness and the ability to make informed decisions about health and lifestyle matters.BASIC SKILLS TEST
Students in Year 3 and Year 5 undergo the Basic Skills Tests in Numeracy and Literacy annually. These tests are administered in every N.S.W. School and regarded as a diagnostic test and are used to identify strengths and areas that may need to be addressed.
They are used to support the schoolís overall assessment of students. They are not viewed in isolation from other resources of student ongoing assessment.
Each parent is issued with a report of their childís results.
Costs of these tests are met from Book Fees.PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
As stated in the school philosophy, we aim to develop the whole person. Again, while we realize it is the parents' responsibility to educate their children in Personal Development including the matters of sexuality, the school moves to assist them with special programmes.In this area we follow the Guidelines of Personal Development and Christian Values produced by the N.S.W. Catholic Education Commission. Within these guidelines, the School has implemented a programme called "Fully Alive" which offers parents the opportunity to be more fully involved. Fully Alive is a family life education programme that communicates healthy Christian attitudes and knowledge about sexuality and personal relationships.
This programme has a family handbook which will be sent home to parents when the sexuality component of the programme is being taught in class. This handbook outlines the aims, objectives and contents of the course. Parents are then able to discuss with their children in the various topics and answer their children's questions. In this way, lines of communication are opened between parent and child. The full programme is in the school library and can be borrowed by parents.
All aspects contained in this programme are covered at least incidentally, in other areas of the curriculum - with the exception of sexuality. A variety of texts and videos are used in the process and parents are advised when particular programmes are being presented. Various books and videos are available for borrowing by parents.
HOMEWORK
It is the school policy that Homework is set Monday to Thursday. Mt St Patrick Primary School accepts that Homework should be a purposeful learning experience and that it may contribute in a number of ways to the development and extension of the child's learning and the school's programmes.School requirements in regard to Homework will be communicated to parents at the parent/teacher meeting early in Term 1. Parents are asked to encourage, supervise and sign the child's written Homework, with attention given to the quality of handwriting and general presentation of work. When pupils fail to do set Homework, parents will be advised and an explanation requested. Written homework would not usually exceed the times given overleaf.AIMS:
* to enable pupils to assimilate and consolidate work given at school.* to train and cultivate habits for self-directed reading and home study.
* to develop the home-school partnership in the education of the child.
* to give the child the opportunity to develop independent study skills.
Kindergarten - no set time requirement.
Year 1 - 10 minutes - suggested maximum
Year 2 - 15 minutes - suggested maximum
Year 3 - 20 minutes - suggested maximum
Year 4 - 25 minutes - suggested maximum
Year 5 - 30 minutes - suggested maximum
Year 6 - 35 minutes - suggested maximum
No Homework is set for the weekend.
SCHOOL HOURS
School hours are from 8:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.Supervision of the children begins in the morning at 8:20 a.m. and ceases in the afternoon at 3:45 p.m. Children present at school outside of these hours may be at risk, as no supervision is available.
SOME SCHOOL REGULATIONS
* Children are not permitted to leave the school premises unaccompanied, unless they have written permission from their parents/guardians, or a direct phone call is made to the Office by the Parents.* When parents call to collect children during school time, they should come to the Office. The child will be sent for. This allows us to maintain safety of the children.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
It is required under the Education and Public Instruction Act 1987 that a written note explaining a child's absence from school be supplied by the parents on the child's return to school. If the child is to be away for an extended period, a telephone call would be appreciated. It is still necessary to supply a note when the child returns.MEDICINE
Medicine will not be administered to children by any staff member unless it is accompanied by written instruction from the parents detailing the dosage and how often it is to be administered.From time to time children complain of having a headache. The situation is assessed by the child's teacher. If parents cannot be contacted, suitable medication is given to the child when permission has been granted. by a parent having previously signed the appropriate permission slip.
EXCURSIONS/CAMP
At Mt St Patrick School, we recognise school outings to be beneficial to the academic, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of the children. These outings include performances, visits, sporting trips, picnics and excursions (both major and minor).Currently there is a major camp for Year 5 to Lennox Head Sport and Recreation Centre for five days and a three day excursion to Brisbane and districts for Year 6.
PERFORMANCES
Performances by visiting groups or local schools or institutions are planned as part of each classís curriculum. It is important that children be exposed to this form of education. These will be limited to three each year, one of which will be the Life Education Van. Parents will be notified in advance of any such visiting performance.
Costs for these performances are covered in the annual school fees.
SPORTSport is considered an integral part of the P.D.H.P.E. curriculum. Children will not be excused from Sport without a written note from a Parent/Guardian, unless the child falls ill during the day. Where a child is to miss more than three weeks sport, a medical certificate should be supplied. The Sport Uniform should be worn on Sports Day. Sports days vary from term to term according to the availability of facilities and parents are advised accordingly.
LIBRARY- TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
The school has a well stocked and inviting Library of books and computer software. Children have the opportunity to visit the centre every week with their class, but may visit the centre whenever it is open. Please encourage your children to read their books, take proper care of them and return them on the due date. It is essential that children have a Library Bag to carry library books only, to and from school. These can be purchased from the school.TUCKSHOP
We share a Canteen with Mt St Patrick College. Lunches are available each day and may be ordered using a bag with name, class and lunch order clearly written with money enclosed. A price list is available from school.We have a tuckshop co-ordinator with voluntary assistance. We rely on this help and any time you can spend is appreciated. However, we must request that pre-schoolers do not attend for safety reasons.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
Mt St Patrick College and Mt St Patrick Primary each have their own P & F Associations.
The Primary P & F Association, as well as providing the school with funds to purchase learning aids for general improvements, around the school also provides parents with opportunities to meet other parents on a social level.
The Association meets twice a term, on Mondays of Week 3 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the school library.
The committee meets after each General meeting.NEWSLETTER
A Newsletter is published weekly on the Tuesday of each week. This is an important means of communication between the school and home. Please encourage your child to give the Newsletter to you. The Newsletter (as are all other 'family' notes) is always given to the youngest in the family.ASSEMBLY
Assembly is held in the Parish Hall from 12:00 p.m. on Friday in the even weeks of term. This is a wonderful occasion for the whole school community to gather to celebrate its members' achievements. At each Assembly two classes present items and awards are given to children who have made a good effort in academic, sporting or social areas.RECURRENT FEES, BOOK FEES & CAPITAL FEES
SCHOOL FEES:
1. Book Fees should be paid by the end of February. There is no discounting on Book Fees.
2. Recurrent School Fees and Parish Building Maintenance Fee may be paid per annum, per term, per month, per fortnight or per week. If you would like to pay your fees weekly, fortnightly or monthly please contact the office and an amount will be worked out for you.
3. A discount of 5% will be given on RECURRENT FEES if they are paid in full before 14th April,2000.
FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2000.
1. RECURRENT FEES:
Families with 1 child - $133:00 per term - $532:00 per annum.
DISCOUNTING OF FEES:
2 children 25% reduction - $232:00 per term - $928:00 per annum.
3 children 75% reduction - $266:00 per term -$1064:00 per annum.
4 children100% reduction - $266:00 per term -$1064:00 per annum.
2. BOOK FEES:
$75:00 per child per annum (Please pay before 29th February).
3. BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE FEE: (Capital Fees)
$190:00 per family/per annum.
If you expect that you will have difficulties paying fees, please make an appointment to see me as soon as possible this term. This includes the Capital Fees if applicable. We enjoy excellent facilities here at our school. This has been made possible by our Parish. Everyone has an obligation to contribute to the repayment of the loan.
The reason the school’s existence is the education of the children in the Catholic Faith and hence difficulties in meeting fee commitments should never be a factor in choosing the Catholic School. Ability to pay however, should not be confused with willingness to pay. In the case of your inability to meet all of your commitments, all we ask is that you let us know. This will reduce stress for you and help us to better manage our budget.
In choosing a Catholic education for their child, parents must be prepared to meet the financial commitment involved in that decision.Book Fees must be paid by the end of February.
Building and Maintenance Fee, if applicable, must be met each term.
Unexplained failure to pay full fees will call for a review of a child's continued enrolment.RECURRENT SCHOOL FEES
Fees are set after consultation with the Parish Priest and the Finance Council and are kept as low as possible so as not to cause hardship to parents, but still allow the school to have sufficient funds to provide for costs such as educational resources, teaching aids, library books, computers and computer software, equipment, furniture, maintenance of grounds, building and equipment, ancillary staff expenses, insurances and the day to day expenses such as water rates, telephone, postage, electricity, office stationery and equipment.At present computer generated accounts are sent out each school term. These accounts set out the 'Total' amount owing for the current term.
Alternatively arrangements can be made to pay fees weekly, fortnightly or monthly.There is a 5% discount on School Fees paid in full before the end of Term 1. There is no discounting on Book Fees or Parish Building and Maintenance Fee.
BOOK FEES
Book Fees should be paid by the end of February. As you would appreciate, the Book Fee is very reasonable considering the cost of text books and exercise books these days. Most art and craft materials as well as classroom photocopying are also covered in this fee. We rely heavily on ALL parents paying this fee.CAPITAL FEES
The school is supported by the Sacred Heart Parish which takes out loans for new buildings and takes responsibility for major maintenance on existing buildings.
PARISH BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE FEE
All parents are expected to contribute to these capital costs.
The school collects a modest "Parish Building and Maintenance Fee" on behalf of the Parish.BUS TRAVEL
Free bus travel is available for all children in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 irrespective of the distance travelled.Free bus travel is also available for children in Years 3-6 if they live beyond a radius of 1.6 kilometres from the school. Private Vehicle Conveyance Subsidy is also available for families who reside more than 1.6 kilometres (walking distance) from the nearest transport pick up point. Application forms can be obtained from the school office. Children need only apply once for a bus subsidy, as bus subsidies are automatically renewed each year. However, if a child changes his/her address, a new subsidy form must be filled in immediately. Some bus companies issues passes. If a bus pass is lost, parents must notify the bus company. The highest standard of conduct is expected of students while travelling on buses.
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.excepting Fridays when the office
may be unattended from 9:15 a.m. to
10:00 a.m.As no money is kept on the premises overnight, it would be appreciated if any fees, accounts etc., could be paid early in the day to allow time for banking.
School Phone No. {02} 66721821
School Fax No. {02} 66721536STUDENT BANKING
Student Banking is conducted at the school by the Secretary acting on behalf of the Commonwealth Bank. Students should bring their books to school on Monday or Tuesday and they will be processed as soon as possible after that. New accounts are welcome. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage good saving habits and the management of money.UNIFORM
The wearing of the school uniform is compulsory and therefore non-negotiable.
DAY UNIFORM - GIRLS
Short sleeved blue striped blouse with navy collar and contrast navy trim on sleeves.
Concealed centre front opening.
Navy skirt with 4 knife pleats back and front, elastic waistband, side zippered pocket.
Navy socks with 2 sky blue bands - either long or short.
Shoes - black lace-up leather or leather look-alike shoes, definitely not suede. Shoes above the ankle are not permitted.
Navy V-neck cardigan or jumper. (optional school crest in gold)
Navy tights, stockings or leggings may be worn in winter. (Tracksuit pants are not part of the girl's day uniform.DAY UNIFORM - BOYS
Sky blue 'Midford' style short sleeved shirt.
Navy long leg wash'n wear shorts i.e. Stubbies, Ruggers or Tab Shorts.
Navy socks with 2 sky blue bands - either long or short.
Shoes - black lace-up leather or leather look alike shoes, definitely not suede. Shoes above the ankle are not permitted.
Navy V-neck cardigan or jumper. (optional school crest in gold)
Navy Tracksuits may be worn in Term 2 and 3 but the uniform should be worn underneath. Track pants are not to be worn without its matching top.SPORTS UNIFORM - GIRLS
Unisex pale blue polo shirt. Set in sleeve. Navy and bluestriped knit collar. School crest in navy on front of shirt.
Navy dropped waist skirt with 3 box pleats, elasticised waistband at back and zippered side pocket. Culotte option available.
Plain white special cushion foot sports socks for children in Kindergarten to Year 2 inclusive.
White special cushion foot sports socks with 1 navy and 1 pale blue striped band for children in Year 3 to Year 6 inclusive.
Navy cotton sport briefs.
White sport shoes.
Navy tracksuits may be worn in Terms 2 and 3, but not under their skirt.
Sports skirts should be in their bag ready to change for Sport or P.E. Track pants are not to be worn without its matching top.SPORTS UNIFORM - BOYS
Unisex pale blue polo shirt. Set in sleeve. Navy and blue striped knit collar. School crest in navy on front of shirt.
Navy long leg 'Rugger' shorts or 'Stubbies' or navy Rugby League Football shorts.
White special cushion foot sports socks, for children in Kindergarten to Year 2 inclusive.
White special cushion foot sports socks with 1 navy and 1 pale blue striped band for children in Year 3 and Year 6 inclusive.
White sport shoes.
Navy Tracksuits may be worn in Terms 2 and 3, but shorts should be worn underneath. Track pants are not to be worn without its matching top.HATS
THE SCHOOL HAT IS A COMPULSORY ITEM OF UNIFORM.Legionnaire hats, navy with school crest, must be worn whilst outside.
No other colour or style hat is acceptable.
Our school has a "No hat - No play" rule as part of our Sun-Safe Policy.Unisex pale blue polo shirt and school hat sold ONLY at the school. All other items are available from local suppliers.
JEWELLERY
Wearing of jewellery should be kept to a minimum for both safety and security reasons. Thus, the following ONLY is acceptable.* watch
* signet ring
* studs or sleepers (for girls only)
* chain with crucifix or religious medal
* bangle (for girls)HAIR
Hair should be neat and tidy and appropriately cut. Extremes in style, cut or colour are unacceptable.Girls who have shoulder length or long hair must have it tied back at all times with a navy blue ribbon or navy blue scrunchy.
LOST PROPERTY
All articles of clothing and personal belongings should be clearly and permanently marked with the child's name. Lost property is kept for a time. If unclaimed, it is sent to the local St Vincent de Paul store.SCHOOL BADGE
School badges are available from the school office at a very reasonable cost.
Whilst not officially part of the uniform, when worn on the collar it gives a distinctive touch to our uniform.SICKNESS/ACCIDENT
In the case of sickness or accident at school, the parents will be notified. It is important that we have an alternative contact number for emergencies. If there is a change to phone numbers or arrangements, the school should be notified immediately.UNWELL CHILDREN
We would advise parents to keep unwell children at home. Whilst we will do everything that we can to ease a child's suffering/pain, our facilities for caring for the sick are minimal.Guidelines issued by the N.S.W. Department of Health have been drawn up on the premise that children who have been ill with an infectious disease, will not return to school until they have fully recovered.
Overleaf is a guide to infectious diseases and the length of time that children should be excluded from school.
DISEASE
INCUBATION EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL
ACUTE CONJUNCTIVITIS Variable depending on infection. Until all discharge has ceased.
CHICKEN POX 14-21 days Until fully recovered- seven days after first spots.
DIPTHERIA 1-5 days Until certificate from Doctor is obtained.
GLANDULAR FEVER One-several days Until recovered or until medical certificate is produced.
INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS 28 days At least seven days from first signs of jaundice or until a doctor issues a certificate.
MEASLES 7-14 days 5 days from appearance of rash.
MUMPS 12-28 days 10 days after swelling occurs.
RUBELLA 14-21 days 5 days after rash appears.
WHOOPING COUGH 7-14 days 3 weeks from onset of whoop or a medical certificate is obtained.
IMPETIGO 4-10 days If the sores are being treated and are properly covered by a clean dressing
PEDICULOSIS Eggs of lice usually hatch in a week and reach maturity in approx. two weeks. Until treatment with anti-lice lotion or shampoo has been undertaken and eggs and lice are removed.
RINGWORM 10-14 days Until appropriate treatment has begun.
SCABIES (The Itch) Several days ñ even weeks Until proper treatment has begun.
Any further questions?
Judy Heath (Secretary)Paul Hookway (Principal)This page's contents
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