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2014 PARENT INFORMATION BOOK
Atwell Primary SchoolAn Independent Public School
2
Welcome to Atwell Primary
Independent Public School.
The school opened in January 1998
and since then has seen a rapid rise
in enrolments. Over the past few
years enrolments have stabilised in
the mid 800’s.
At Atwell, we believe that every
child has the right to the best
possible education, and the
educational process is best served
when the school, the child, the
teacher and the parent/carer
work together in a positive way to
support learning.
The school aims to provide
opportunities for children to
develop their intellectual, physical,
social, cultural and emotional skills.
We have exciting programs for
students and over the next few years
will be introducing a number of
specialist programs. The Australian
Curriculum is currently being
implemented and we have a strong
and committed teaching staff ,
with specialist teachers in physical
education, music, art and languages.
We are also further developing our
Student Services team to enhance
our strong commitments to building
and supporting a safe learning
environment for all our students.
Atwell Primary Independent Public
School has modern, attractive
facilities that enhance the learning
experiences of all students. The
billabong provides a captivating
area for junior children to play
and engage with each other
and with nature. Our purpose
built art and music rooms ensure
learning experiences in the arts
are maximised. Our school hall
provides a quality venue where
the community can take part in,
and students can showcase their
learning through a variety of events.
To accommodate our enrolments,
we have a series of transportable
rooms which are currently being
used by children in the middle
primary classes. We have a new
purpose built early childhood
building that has enabled us to
bring our kindergarten children on
site to create a modern, spacious
learning environment for all of
our 4 and 5 year olds. The use
of technology is integrated into
learning programs for all year groups
and it is our intention over the next
few years to be at the cutting edge
of technology-assisted learning.
Parents are welcome to take an
active role within the school. We
have an enthusiastic School Board
who have taken on an enhanced
role that has come with becoming
an Independent Public School.
Opportunities are also available for
parents to be involved in the school
through the P&C, special classroom
programs, class excursions and a
variety of other school activities.
I join the staff in wishing you and
your family a happy, rewarding and
memorable association with our
school.
David Lee
Principal
WELCOME
The school aims to provide opportunities for children to develop their intellectual, physical, social, cultural and emotional skills. We have exciting programs for students and over the next few years will be introducing a number of specialist programs.
3
SCHOOL ETHOS
Atwell Primary Independent Public School off ers a student centered education,
focused on the present and developmental needs of the children.
The prime focus of the school is the intellectual development of the students and we are committed to the achievement of high academic
standards, particularly in literacy and numeracy.
The promotion of positive self-esteem for all students is an important element in the school culture.
We are committed to provide a quality work environment for students and adults.
We work as a team with all staff members contributing to the educational program of the school.
Learning programs incorporate Information Technology as a fundamental tool in the communication process.
Relationships between students, staff and parents are based on mutual respect and open communication.
We appreciate cultural diff erences and respect the individuality of all members of the school community.
We encourage each student to develop critical thinking and strong interpersonal skills for their participation in society.
All members of the school community are committed to the notion of ‘life long learning’. Learning to learn eff ectively, is a matter of
importance.
We off er a safe and friendly environment that is free of harassment and prejudice.
We value the importance of a positive school tone and the creation of an attractive and stimulating school environment.
4
Welcome 2
School Ethos 3
Atwell In Brief 5
School Organisation 5
School Hours 5
School Rules 6
Absences 6
Accidents 6
Allergies 6
After School Enrichment
Program 7
Assemblies 7
Before And After School
Care 7
Bikes & Scooters 7
Book Fair 7
Canteen 7
Collecting Students
During School Hours 7
Confi dential Declaration 8
Custody Issues 8
Dental Care 10
D.O.T.T. (Duties Other
Than Teaching) Time
8
Enrolment 8
Excursions / Incursions 8
Excursion Contribution 9
Factions 9
Footwear 9
Fruit time 9
Hats 9
Health 10
Health Care Forms 12
Illness 10
Immunisation Status 10
In-Term Swimming 14
Insurance Cover And
School Children 14
Infectious Disease
Exclusion Periods 11
Administration of
Medication 12
Health Care Forms 12
HeadLice 13
Lost Property 14
Lunch arrangements 14
Mobile Phones 14
Money, Toys and
Valuables
14
Newsletters 14
Parents and Citizens
Association 14
Parent/Teacher
interviews 15
Parking 15
Phone calls 15
Physical Education 15
Reporting to Parents 15
Student Personal
Requirement Items 16
Religious Instruction 16
Reduce, reuse, recycle 23
Resource Centre/Library 16
School Board 16
School Premises/
Vandalism 16
Student Services 17
Student Behaviuor
Management 18
Code of Conduct 19
Term Planners 20
Transferring to another
School 20
Voluntary Contributions 20
Working with Children
Check 20
School Dress Code 21
School Uniform 22
School Map 30-31
Pre Primary 24
Pre Primary
Requirements
24
What your child needs to
bring to Pre Primary 24
Birthdays 25
Collection of Children 25
Immunisation 25
Parent involvement 25
Parent roster 25
Toys 25
Kindergarten 26
Additional Items 27
Attendance 27
Delivery And Collection
Of Children 27
Parent Help Roster 28
Parent Involvement 28
Personal Requirement
List
28
Voluntary Contributions 28
Session Times 29
Timetable For The First
Weeks Of Term 1 29
What to wear 29
What To Bring everyday 29
CONTENTS
5
ATWELL IN BRIEF
ATWELL PRIMARY SCHOOL
160 Lydon Boulevard
Atwell W.A. 6164
Phone: 9414 5017
Fax: 9414 5175
Email [email protected]
District: South Metropolitan Education District Region
Principal: Mr David Lee
Deputy Principals: Mr Peter Gerrard Information Technology
Mrs Tanya Dique Curriculum
Mr Tom Jones Administration
Mrs Janice Cuculoska Student Services
Registrar: Mrs Dianne Smith
School Offi cers: Mrs Robyn Walpole
Miss Sharanne Summers
Mrs Bronwyn McNaughton
TERM DATES FOR CHILDREN 2014
Term Commences Ends
1 Monday 3/02/2014 Friday 11/04/2014
2 Tuesday 29/04/2014 Friday 4/07/2014
3 Tuesday 22/07/2014 Friday 26/09/2014
4 Tuesday 14/10/2014 Thursday 18/12/2014
Public Holidays:
Labour Day Monday 3rd March
Good Friday Friday 18th April
Easter Monday Monday 21st April
ANZAC Day Friday 25th April
WA Day Monday 2nd June
Queens Birthday Monday 29th September
School Development Days :
30th January and 31st January 2014
28th April 2014
21st July 2014
13th October 2014
10th November 2014 (to be confi rmed)
19th December 2014
SCHOOL HOURS
Pre Primary – Year 6
8.45am Commence School
10.45am Morning Recess
11.05am End of Recess
1.05pm Lunch
1:40pm Classes Commence
3.00pm School Closes
Kindergarten
Full Days 8:45am – 2:45pm
In line with Department of
Education policy, staff are
required to be on school
premises 15 minutes before and
after school, therefore your child,
for his/her safety, should not
come to school before 8.30am
and should leave promptly at the
fi nal siren.
Parents are reminded that school
commences promptly at 8:45am.
We would ask your assistance in
ensuring children arrive on time
and come prepared for their
day’s lessons. If a child is late
arriving a note of explanation is
required from their parent.
Doors open at 8.30am to allow
students to prepare for the day.
Parents collecting children are
respectfully asked to do so
promptly at 3.00pm. Children
who are not engaged in
organised after school activities
should be off the school grounds
by 3.15pm.
6
ABSENCES
Under Section 25 of the School
Education Act 1999, parents are
required to notify the Principal of
the reason for their child’s absence
as soon as possible or within three
days of the fi rst day of absence. The
Principal may also request a certifi cate
from a medical practitioner to
support the reason for absence.
At Atwell Primary Independent Public
School, parents are requested to
advise their class teacher in writing
of the reason for their child’s absence
on the child’s return to school or
within three days of the child’s fi rst
day of absence to meet with the
requirements of the Education Act.
ACCIDENTS
If your child is injured or becomes
ill during school hours, all care and
attention will be given and you will be
contacted. Minor injuries or illness
during the day are attended to at school
and children then return to their class.
In an extreme emergency, the school
will seek outside medical assistance.
If you have a change of address or
telephone number it is important to
inform the school, so there won’t be
delays in contacting you.
ALLERGIES
We have some students in our school
with severe and potentially life-
threatening allergic reactions to nuts
and nut products. Traces of nuts left on
other children’s hands and close contact
during eating or children laughing,
spitting, sneezing or coughing after
consuming nuts or nut products can
cause these children to have an allergic
reaction. This means that they do not
need to eat the food to get a reaction.
The Atwell Primary Independent Public
School Community has been working
together to reduce the danger to these
children. You can help by not sending
nut products to school with your
children. This includes:
• Peanut Butter, Nutella or other nut
spreads,
• peanuts or other nuts,
• nuts in or on top of birthday cakes,
and
• food where the packaging clearly
states “traces of nuts”.
Thank you for your understanding and
cooperation in assisting us to provide
a safe environment for all children by
making sure that you or your children
do not bring nut products to school.
SCHOOL RULES
1. NO ‘PUT DOWNS’.
2. SHOW RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELF, OTHERS AND THE SCHOOL.
3. WALK ON THE BRICK PAVING AND VERANDAS.
4. WALK BIKES AND SCOOTERS WITHIN THE SCHOOL GROUNDS.
5. STAY WITHIN THE SCHOOL GROUNDS DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
6. WEAR A HAT WHEN PLAYING IN THE SUN.
7. ENSURE BIKES AND SCOOTERS ARE LOCKED.
GENERAL INFORMATION
We have some students in our school with severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions to nuts and nut products. You can help by not sending nut products to school with your children.
7
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT
PROGRAM (ASEP)
ASEP is an acronym we use for our After
School Enrichment Program, which
is off ered to students after school
hours. This program provides extra
curricular activities that enhance the
“normal” school program by providing
opportunities for students to follow
interests, develop individual/team
skills and achieve their potential in
self-selected areas. These programs
are not compulsory and are off ered by
program co-ordinators for the year or
on a term basis. Parents pay a small fee
for participation in these activities. The
availability of programs, costs, times and
start dates are advertised through the
school newsletter.
ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are held weekly on
Tuesdays. Pre-Primary students come
to assemblies once every four weeks
in Terms 2 and 3. All classes have an
opportunity to host an assembly.
Details of assembly dates are advised
through newsletters and Term Planners.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
CARE
Atwell Primary Independent Public
School hosts a before and after
school program which is operated
independently by Bounce on the school
site. Vacation care is also available.
Bounce can be contacted on: 9455
4495.
Before and After school care is also
provided by the City of Cockburn at two
centres.
South Lake Activity Centre
Ph: 9417 7771.
ABC Atwell
Ph: 9498 7222
For more information contact, the,
City of Cockburn out of school care
coordinator on 9337 8746.
BIKES AND SCOOTERS
Children who ride a bike or scooter to
school are required to wear a helmet
and bikes and scooters are to be placed
in the bike racks and secured with a
chain. Bikes and scooters are not to be
ridden on school grounds.
BOOK FAIRS
The school runs two Scholastic Book
Fairs throughout the year where good
quality books can be purchased at
reasonable prices, to help extend
children’s reading skills. Dates are
advertised through the school
newsletter.
CANTEEN (SNACK SHACK)
Our canteen is organised and run by
the P & C Association and is reliant on
volunteers. The canteen is open three
days a week - Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday. Lunch orders can be ordered on
line at www.fl exischools.com.au or by
completing a lunch order bag obtained
from the classroom. The canteen menu
and price list is distributed at diff erent
times through the year to refl ect
seasonal variations. If you would like to
volunteer please contact the Canteen
on 9414 6727.
COLLECTING STUDENTS DURING
SCHOOL HOURS
All parents collecting students from
school during school hours are required
to complete the Student Collection
Book in the front offi ce and complete a
form to give to the child’s teacher. This
form becomes the child’s Absentee
Note.
8
CONFIDENTIAL DECLARATION
In 1997, the Department of Education
in Western Australia joined other
Australian states to implement the
National Strategy in Schools for the
Prevention of Paedophilia and Other
Forms of Child Abuse. All parents
who assist in classrooms or with
school camps and other activities
need to complete a Confi dential
Declaration annually to comply with the
Department of Education’s policy. The
completed forms will be treated with
the utmost confi dentiality at all times.
These forms are available at the offi ce
and parents and community members
involved in any activities within the
school are requested to complete a
form at the beginning of each school
year.
CUSTODY ISSUES
Where custody issues exist for your
child or children, please advise the
school offi ce and provide relevant
documentation to avoid any confusion.
D.O.T.T. (DUTIES OTHER THAN
TEACHING) TIME
With the commencement of Pre-
Primary fi ve days a week, teaching staff
and education assistants are provided
with DOTT time for preparation of
programs and activities. At Atwell
Primary Independent Public School
each Pre-Primary class will have a DOTT
teacher and assistant for one day a
week to allow the regular teacher and
assistant their preparation time. To
ensure continuity and familiarity for
students, these staff are appointed to
the same class for the whole year.
ENROLMENT
Under the Education Act 1999,
parents are required to complete an
Application of Enrolment and upon the
application’s acceptance, an Admission
Form. These Admission Forms are legal
documents which when completed
contain important information relevant
to your child. In August 2001, Atwell
Primary Independent Public School
was declared a local intake school
which gives priority to enrolment of
students in Years PP - 6 for families
living in the school catchment area.
Proof of residence (Alinta Gas, Synergy
Accounts or Lease Rental Agreement
only), birth certifi cate and immunisation
details must be sighted at the time
of enrolment. Please ensure that the
school is kept informed of any change
of telephone numbers, address, parent’s
employment or emergency contact
numbers.
EXCURSIONS/INCURSIONS
Most teachers use excursions/
incursions to support and consolidate
their teaching programs and these
activities require funding by parents.
Under the Department of Education’s
Excursion Policy a Medical/Consent
form is required to be completed each
year by a child’s parent or guardian.
Students are not permitted to attend
an excursion without these forms being
completed. Parents are reminded
that students are required to be in full
uniform as specifi ed by the School
Board.
Students will have the opportunity
to participate in some excursions/
incursions throughout the year. The
cost for these is kept to a minimum and
information will be sent home when
these arise. Every care is taken to keep
the costs to a minimum.
In August 2001, Atwell Primary Independent Public School was declared a local intake school which gives priority to enrolment of students in Years PP - 6 for families living in the school catchment area.
9
EXCURSION CONTRIBUTION
For the convenience of parents, an
excursion/incursion contribution may
be paid to the school offi ce at the
commencement of Term 1. As children
attend excursions and activities, the
costs are deducted from this levy.
These activities do not include school
photos, In-Term swimming, VacSwim
or charitable collections. Parents are
notifi ed when the levy has been used or
a refund of balance will be issued at the
end of the year if requested, otherwise
the balance is carried over to the
following year. In 2014 the levy will be
$70 per student in years 1 to 6, and $60
for students in kindy and pre-primary.
FACTIONS
Children are placed in factions upon
enrolment at the school and remain in
the same faction during their time at
school. We endeavour to place all family
members within the same faction.
Faction names at Atwell Primary
Independent Public School are:
MARSH Gold
ELLIOTT Green
LILLEE Blue
McKENZIE Red
FOOTWEAR
Appropriate footwear while at school
includes joggers, shoes and socks.
Inappropriate footwear includes high
heels or platform shoes, thongs or
slip-ons. Sandals are not considered
appropriate during winter and autumn.
FRUIT TIME/CRUNCH AND SIP
Each child is asked to bring along one
piece of fruit per day, for morning
recess. Please advise the teacher if your
child has any food allergies. Please see
page 6 regarding food allergies.
HATS/SUN SMART POLICY
In line with recommendations from the
Cancer Council of Western Australia, our
school has adopted a ‘No hat – No play
in the Sun’ policy. This means that for
sport and physical education, children
will not be able to participate unless
they are wearing the school uniform
faction hat During lunch and recess
breaks, children without hats will be
directed to play in shaded areas or in
the covered assembly area. This is for
the protection of your child.
In line with recommendations from the Cancer Council of Western Australia, our school has adopted a ‘No hat – No play in the Sun’ policy.
10
Good health is vital to school progress
and our students health needs are
supported by a team of qualifi ed
professionals. This includes:
• A registered nurse attached to the
Health Department making periodic
visits to the school to conduct health
checks.
• A school psychologist attached to
the South Metropolitan Education
Region who provides a range of
services to students, parents and
teachers. Parents should contact
their child’s class teacher to refer their
child to the psychologist and teachers
wishing to refer students will contact
parents for approval before doing so.
• The Government of Western Australia
provides a School Dental Service to
all children from the year they turn 5
until the age of 17. The local dental
therapy centre is on site at Harmony
Primary School and enrolment forms
are forwarded to parents upon
enrolment in school. Appointment
notes are sent home with students
and parents are responsible for
transport. The Harmony Dental Clinic
can be contacted on 9414 6243.
It is possible that at some time during
your child’s education he/she will
contract one of the common diseases
of childhood. Parents are asked to note
the exclusion periods for particular
diseases, as the danger of spreading
the infection is prominent not only
whilst the child is suff ering from early
symptoms, but they can still retain
infection in their bodies or clothing after
symptoms fade.
For some common medical conditions
the Health Department provides
information on recommended exclusion
periods, which have been included on
page 11.
ILLNESS
The best place for an ill child is at
home or with a carer. If your child has
symptoms such as vomiting, eye, ear or
nose discharge, please keep them home
until they are well rather than putting
others at risk of infection.
IMMUNISATION STATUS
Please advise the school as your child’s
immunisation status is upgraded.
HEALTH
11
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM PERIODS OF EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL FOR
CONTACTS OF AND CASES WITH INFECTIOUS DISEASES
CONDITION EXCLUSION EXCLUSION OF CONTACTS
Chicken pox Exclude until all vesicles have crusted. Refer any immunosuppressed children (e.g. leukaemia
patients) to their doctor. Do not exclude other contacts.
Conjunctivitis Exclude until discharge from eyes has
ceased
Do not exclude.
Diarrhoea Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased. Do not exclude.
Hand, Foot and
Mouth disease
Exclude until vesicles have crusted. Do not exclude.
Hepatitis A Exclude until 14 days after onset of
illness or 7 days after jaundice appears.
Do not exclude. Contact management will be
coordinated by Department of Health staff .
Herpes simplex “Cold
Sores”
Young children unable to comply with
good oral hygiene practices should be
excluded if lesions are uncovered and
weeping.
Do not exclude.
Impetigo Exclude until day after antibiotic
treatment has commenced. Lesions
on exposed skin surfaces should be
covered with a waterproof dressing.
Do not exclude.
Measles Exclude for 4 days after the onset of
rash.
Do not exclude vaccinated or previously infected contacts.
All other contacts should be excluded until 14 days
after the onset of the rash in the last case. If susceptible
contacts are vaccinated within 72 hours of their fi rst
contact with the fi rst case they may return to school
following vaccination. Contact management will be
coordinated by Department of Health staff .
Meningococcal
infection
Exclude for 24 hours after antibiotic
treatment commenced.
Do not exclude. Contact management will be coordinated
by Department of Health staff .
Molluscum
contagiosum
Do not exclude. Do not exclude.
Mumps Exclude for 9 days after onset of
symptoms.
Do not exclude.
Parvovirus
(B19 erythema
infectiousm, fi fth
disease)
Exclude until well. Pregnant women who have been exposed to parvovirus
B19 should consult their doctor.
Ringworm, scabies,
pediculosis (lice),
trachoma
Exclude for 24 hours after treatment has
commenced.
Do not exclude.
Rubella (german
measles)
Exclude for 4 days after onset of rash. Do not exclude. Refer pregnant contacts to their doctor.
Streptococcal
infection (including
scarlet fever)
Exclude for 24 hours after antibiotic
treatment has commenced.
Do not exclude.
Whooping cough Exclude for 21 days from the onset of
cough or for 5 days after starting antibiotic
treatment.
Contact management will be coordinated by Department of
Health staff .
Worms (intestinal) Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased. Do not exclude.
12
MEDICATION
Atwell Primary Independent Public
School adheres to the Department
of Education’s Student Health Care
policy in relation to the administration
of medication. A brief description is
outlined below and a copy is available
at the offi ce for parents to borrow.
Procedures for the administration
of medication
The students should administer their
own medication where capable of
doing so and have authorisation for the
taking of medication. The student may
be supervised/assisted by school staff in
administering their medication where
there is an agreement to do so.
Where possible, it is requested that
parents/guardians ask their doctor to
stagger the doses around the school
day. Students should not keep any
medication in their bags.
It is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility
to provide the school with adequate
details of the child’s medical condition
which may require specifi c action
and/or treatment under emergency
conditions (ie arising from asthma,
diabetes and serious allergic reaction).
An emergency action plan will then
be developed, if necessary, between
the school, parents, family doctor and
school nurse, if applicable.
Students should not bring bulk supplies
of any drug to school. Medication
which is not labelled correctly will not
be accepted for use. It is the parents’/
guardians’ responsibility to ensure that
medication is clearly labelled, is not
out of date and is provided in suffi cient
quantities for the child’s needs.
Parents may request school staff to
administer prescribed or non-prescribed
medication to students for a short
period of time when their child has
a condition that does not require a
long-term health care plan. For short-
term administration of medication,
parents are required to complete an
Administration of Medication form
available at the front offi ce
Clarifi cation, more information or
additional forms are available from the
offi ce.
HEALTH FORMS
Health forms specifi c to the child’s needs listed below are available from the school
offi ce:
Form 1: Student Health Care Summary (every student with health condition
requires this form) see appendix A
Form 2: Generic Health Care Management/Emergency Response
Form 3: Administration of Medication (Short Term)
Form 4: Severe Allergy/Anaphylaxis Management & Emergency Response
Form 5: Mild & Moderate Allergy Management & Emergency Response Plan
Form 6: Diabetes Management & Emergency Response Plan
Form 7: Seizure Management & Emergency Response Plan
Form 8: Asthma Management & Emergency Response Plan
Form 9: Activity Of Daily Living
Form 10: Emergency Response Plan For Students With Special Needs
Form 11: Short/Long Term Medication
Form 12: Administration of Medication Record
Form 13: Daily Medication Chart
13
HOW ARE HEAD LICE SPREAD?
Head lice are spread by head-to-head contact
with another person who has head lice eg. when
doing group work at school, playing or hugging.
Head lice can run from one head to another
in seconds. Brushes and combs are unlikely to
transfer head lice and do not transfer viable eggs,
as these are hard to detach from the hair shaft.
Head lice are not spread through bed linen,
clothing or hats as they do not leave the scalp
unless they are dead or dying. Eggs (nits) do not
fall off until weeks after they have hatched as the
egg shells are glued tightly to the hair shaft.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEAD LICE?
The scalp may itch as the skin reacts to the
saliva of the head lice. Itchiness can take weeks
to develop. Crawling head lice may be seen in
the hair, but they can move at a rate of 30cm a
minute and can be diffi cult to spot. Head lice can
quickly run and hide from searching hands. Adult
lice are usually dark brown and about 2 to 3mm
long. Eggs (nits) may be seen attached to the hair
shaft but they may be very tiny and hard to see,
especially newly-laid eggs close to the scalp. Nits
are grey-white and about the size of a grain of
salt.
HOW DO I LOOK FOR HEAD LICE?
Carefully comb plenty of hair conditioner through
the dry hair, then comb again in sections with a
fi ne tooth comb. The hair conditioner slows the
head lice down so they can be trapped in the
comb. Wipe the combings on a white tissue. Check
behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
WHAT DO I DO IF I FIND HEAD LICE?
• Check all family members to see if anyone else
has head lice.
• Select a treatment – see the school for
alternative treatments or check the Health Dept’s
website www.health.wa.gov.au/headlice .
• Inform the school and any other close contacts
that your child has head lice.
• When treatment is completed, with all head lice
and eggs removed, check the hair regularly for
further head lice infestation.
WHAT WILL THE SCHOOL DO IF HEAD LICE ARE FOUND?
• Notify the parents of the child with head lice via
letter at the end of the day.
• Treatment must be commenced and all live
head lice removed before the child is permitted
to return to school. Confi rmation of treatment
needs to be in writing to the child’s teacher.
• When the child returns to school a section of the
letter needs to be completed and returned to
the childs teacher.
• Under the School Education Act 1999, the
Principal may exclude a child with head lice from
school until treatment has commenced.
PREVENTION
• Check hair regularly
• Tie long hair back / place in braids
• Apply hair gel or mousse to keep stray hair
strands from contact with other heads
• Avoid head-to-head contact with other children
HEAD LICE
14
IN-TERM SWIMMING
Each year, children in Years 1 - 6 are
off ered swimming lessons held during
term time. No tuition contributions are
charged for these lessons although bus
transport and pool admission charges
must be met by parents (approximately
$60). These lessons are part of the
school curriculum. Dates will be advised
through the school’s newsletter and
permission notes will be sent home.
INSURANCE COVER AND SCHOOL
CHILDREN
To avoid any misunderstandings with
regard to school children and insurance
cover, your attention is drawn to the
following:
• The Department of Education does
not insure children against injury
at school or when on an excursion,
camp, visit, etc. This is considered to
be the responsibility of the parent.
School children’s accident insurance
cover is available from the C.G.A.
Accident Insurance Co. This insurance
provides twenty four hour per day
cover.
• The Department of Education does
have public liability insurance cover
that covers their liability in cases of
accidents caused through defects
in school buildings, equipment or
playgrounds, or through negligence
on the part of an employee of the
Department.
When travelling on school excursions,
camps, swimming etc, students are
covered by normal third party insurance.
• Bus companies carry an additional
public liability policy, but again it
would only cover negligence on the
part of the company.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property is kept in a box in the
Library. Children and parents may check
the box before and after school each
day for misplaced items. The box is
cleared at the end of each term, and
notice is given through the school
newsletter. Items with names are
returned to owners if possible and
remaining items are donated to charity.
Parents are requested to clearly label
ALL property with the child’s full name
LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS/LEAVING
SCHOOL GROUNDS
During lunchtime students are required
to be seated in the covered assembly
area or central block areas for a ten
minute period to ensure that they eat
their lunch before engaging in other
activities. Students going home for
lunch must bring a note to school
showing parental approval to do
so. Please see Page 6 regarding food
allergies. Students may not leave school
without permission.
MOBILE PHONES
We understand the need for some
students to have mobile phones with
them at school eg. for security reasons
walking to and from school. The school
policy is that all student mobile phones
need to be handed to the class teacher
at the beginning of the day. Under no
circumstances should mobile phones
be brought into class by students other
than to pass it over at the beginning
of each day to the teacher. It is not
advisable for mobile phones to be left
in school bags. Teachers will return the
phone at the end of the school day.
MONEY, TOYS AND VALUABLES
It is recommended that students do
not leave money or valuables in their
school bags, desks etc, and money
should be handed to class teachers
for safe keeping. Children should be
encouraged NOT to bring valuables
to school as we cannot guarantee
safety for such articles. Parents are also
requested to discourage students from
bringing toys to school for the same
reason.
NEWSLETTERS
The school newsletter is available on
our school website at www.atwellps.
wa.edu.au under the latest newsletter
tab. Parents who do not have access
to the internet please advise the offi ce
so that a hard copy can be issued to
their children. The Atwell Update (which
includes information from the Principal
and P&C) is sent home with the
youngest child every second Friday in
conjunction with the school Newsletter
being uploaded on the website.
PARENTS & CITIZENS
ASSOCIATION
The Parents and Citizens Association
(P&C) has a valuable role to play in the
development of the school’s resources
and facilities in order to provide a better
education for all students. Parents are
invited to attend P&C meetings held
in Weeks 4 and 8 of each school term
in the school staff room from 7.30pm.
New parents should feel welcome
to volunteer to help in any way.
Membership is $1.00.
15
In 2013 the P&C funds were made
available to purchase numerous
resources including;
• Electroboard $19,365.00
• Kindy Climbing Frames $899.80
• Book Awards $661.01
• Interschool Team Shirts $3036.00
PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Parents are encouraged to visit the
school to discuss with the class teacher
and/or Principal any problems or
concerns they may have regarding their
child. Parents will appreciate though,
that unscheduled visits to talk to staff
before daily lessons may hinder lesson
preparation. To help provide the best
learning conditions for all students
please ensure that interviews and
discussions are by appointment only.
PARKING
Parking on the school grounds is very
restricted and parents dropping off
and picking up students are requested
to take great care and to observe all
traffi c laws. For safety reasons please
endeavour to keep all entry and exits
clear. Parents are requested not to use
the staff parking area to drop off or
collect students.
The P&C Safety House committee has
worked with Road Wise and the strip
along the front of the school (either side
of the crosswalk) has been approved
and marked as a “Kiss and Drive” zone.
The driver must remain in the car in this
area to ensure traffi c fl ow.
The grassed area in front of the tennis
courts is also available for parking. A
reminder that areas of Tapper Road
are “No Standing” zones and the local
council regularly issues infringement
notices to illegally parked cars.
Everyone’s cooperation is needed to
ensure the safety of all children.
PHONE CALLS
Parents are not required to phone in
absences. Phone messages to children
will only be passed on in extreme
circumstances and these can be
communicated to class teachers by
note or email.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Department of Education requires
that all primary aged students are
provided with the opportunity to
participate in two hours of physical
activity each week. As such, physical
activity is undertaken on a regular basis
by all students and if a child cannot
participate (usually on medical grounds)
then a note must be sent. Movement
and game skills are taught throughout
the school and it is important that all
children are suitably attired and the
school uniform is ideal. Inter-School
Sport takes place during winter and
summer for students in Year 6 and
Inter-School Cross Country and Athletics
Carnivals supplement the Faction
Athletics Carnival, all of which are held
in Term Three and Four.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
Reporting to parents occurs in
diff erent ways throughout the year.
Year 1 to Year 6:
Term One
Meet the teacher meetings (Week 3)
Term Two
Semester One Report (Week 10)
Term Three
Learning Journey (Late Term 3)
Term Four
Semester Two Report (Week 10)
Pre-Primary and Kindergarten
Portfolios showing student
development across various learning
areas are sent home to parents at
the end of each semester.
Parent-teacher interviews to discuss
children’s progress are available on
request. Please telephone 9414
5017 to arrange an interview time or
speak to your child’s teacher.
16
STUDENT PERSONAL
REQUIREMENT ITEMS
In Western Australia, government
funds provide most resources used
by students in schools. However,
personal items of stationery remain the
responsibility of parents. Class personal
requirement lists are distributed at the
beginning of Term 4 for the following
year. Orders may be placed on line
to Offi ce Max who will collate the
requirements and deliver home free
of charge. A percentage of sales are
donated back to the school for purchase
of educational resources. Parents are
free to purchase the items on the list
from wherever they choose ready for
the following year. Please ensure that
all items are clearly marked with your
child’s name.
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
Special Religious Education has been
part of Western Australian Public
Schools since 1893. On enrolment
of your child you will be given the
opportunity to participate in this area
of the school curriculum or you may
withdraw your child. More information
on the program is available from the
front offi ce.
RESOURCE CENTRE/LIBRARY
Our school has an excellent Library
which houses a computer bank
and Resource Centre. Students are
permitted access to the library on
rostered class times and have open
access to Inquiry Based Learning at
any time. Lunch times are open to the
students for computer work, research
activities, general reading and games.
The Centre is fully automated and is
staff ed by both a full-time and a part
time Library Offi cer.
Library opening times are displayed
on the library door. When borrowing,
children are encouraged to use a library
bag. Loans are made for a period of
7 days and may be renewed upon
presentation of the book/s. If books
are lost, parents are asked to pay for the
cost of the book. Should the book be
located and returned in good condition
a full refund is made.
SCHOOL BOARD
The School Board is made up of elected
parent representatives, staff members
and the Principal and its key role is to
set priorities and monitor progress of
the school.
SCHOOL PREMISES/VANDALISM
Children should only be on the school
grounds out of school hours if they
are under the direct supervision of a
teacher or another adult who has been
given approval to use the school.
The assistance of parents is requested
in helping to stop vandalism and theft
at the school. If, outside school hours,
you see any suspicious behaviour in or
around the school, please contact one
of the numbers listed below. No further
action will be needed, as the person you
contact will do whatever is necessary.
Police Communication: 131 444
Education Security: 9264 4771
Co Safe Cockburn
Safety and Security 1300 267 233
17
Atwell Primary Independent
Public School has a Student
Services Team that works
together with students, staff ,
parents, outside agencies
and the wider community
to support, liaise and assist
student development and foster
progress in all areas. Detailed
information about the Student
Services Team can be found
on our school website at www.
atwellps.wa.edu.au
At Atwell Primary Independent
Public School, we have a
policy of early intervention in
supporting students who are at
educational risk. Teachers have
a range of assessment strategies
to help identify students who
are having diffi culties in their
learning, physical development
or social and emotional
development.
Your child’s teacher will discuss
with you if there are any
concerns regarding your child’s
development so that a plan can
be put in place to help your
child make progress. This may
involve the Student Services
Deputy Principal and the School
Psychologist.
STUDENT SERVICES
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR CHILD:
• Speak to your child’s teacher
• Make an appointment with the teacher.
• Let the teacher know what you want to talk about.
• Before the meeting, be clear about the issue that concerns you
• Prepare for your meeting with the teacher by thinking about and writing down what worries you.
• Think about what you would like to see happen
• Prepare for the meeting by thinking about what you would like to see happen to improve things.
• At the meeting, express your concerns and discuss options
• At the meeting, be clear about your reason for being there and what you’d like to aim for.
• Make sure you understand and are happy with what is decided at the meeting.
• Arrange for some way of being kept informed about what is happening at school.
• Support the teacher and the plan of action decided on
• Keep in touch with your child’s teacher.
• Support the plan of action proposed by the teacher or worked out between you.
• Monitor the situation
• If, after a reasonable period of time, things don’t seem to improve, get further help. As a matter of courtesy and if appropriate, let your child’s teacher know of your decision.
• Make an appointment to see the deputy principal. Explain your concerns and the actions you have taken so far.
• Aim to fi nd a way of addressing your child’s needs.
• Try to secure a plan of action.
18
At Atwell Primary Independent Public
School we will build a culture that
promotes a safe and caring environment.
Our focus is to encourage the
development of self-disciplined students
who are able to positively interact in the
learning opportunities off ered at our
school.
In order to achieve this we:
• Have established a set of rules that
protect all individuals.
• Have developed a Behaviour Policy
that establishes a set of consequences
for individuals who do not accept their
responsibilities to encourage them to
recognize and respect the rights of
others. Encourage and support students
to make positive, non-violent resolutions
to confl icts.
• Have a commitment to establish
relationships between students, staff
and parents that are based on mutual
respect and open communication.
• Deliver teaching programs to explicitly
teach and develop resiliency skills.
At Atwell Primary Independent Public
School we have established a set of
rules that are explained to students on
a number of occasions throughout the
course of the school year. These rules
are refl ected in the class rules that each
teacher establishes with their students at
the beginning of each year.
SCHOOL RULES
• No “Putdowns”
• Respect and Responsibility for self,
others and the school
• Walk on brick paving and
verandahs
• Walk bikes, skateboards and
scooters within school grounds
• Stay within the school grounds
• Wear the school approved bucket
hat when playing in the sun or
moving around the grounds.
STUDENT BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
At Atwell Primary Independent Public School, we provide a safe and caring environment that will develop self-disciplined students who are able to responsibly interact with peers and adults.
Positive Incentives
There are a variety of positive incentives
for responsible behaviour, both in the
playground and in the classroom. These
include faction slips, merit awards,
recognition of work and behaviour,
stickers and stamps and whole class
awards.
Consequences
Where possible, immediate and logical
consequences are administered for
misbehaviour. Teachers keep a record
of all playground and classroom
misbehaviour and develop plans to
help individual children. Consequences
include loss of privilege, isolation in
class, isolation in buddy class, detention
(in normal break), isolation from class
and suspension.
Teachers or the administration notifi es
parents/caregivers when a child’s
behaviour is of concern or a severe
breach of rules occurs.
19
OUR RIGHTS OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Learn in a purposeful
and supportive
environment
• Be treated with respect,
courtesy and honesty
• Work in a clean, safe,
secure and friendly
environment
• Be free from Cyber-
bullying. Cyber - bullying
is abusive texts and
emails. Imitating others
online. Excluding others
online. Tagging others
inappropriately. Posting
unkind messages or
inappropriate images on
social networking sites.
• Ensure their behaviour
does not interfere with
the learning of others
• Strive to keep the school
neat, safe and clean
• Ensure they are
punctual, polite and
positive
• Behave in a safe manner
• Not to bully others.
Bullying is the conscious
desire to hurt, persecute,
intimidate, exclude
or put down another
through looks, actions
or words. Bullying is
unacceptable and will
not be tolerated.
• No to engage in Cyber-
bullying which involves
the use of information
and communication
technologies to support
deliberate, repeated and
hostile behaviour by
an individual or group,
that is intended to harm
others.
CODE OF CONDUCT
OUR RIGHTS OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Be informed of
decisions about their
child’s health and
welfare
• Be informed of their
child’s progress
• Access a meaningful
and adequate
education for their
child
• Be heard in an
appropriate forum
• Be informed
about behaviour
management
procedures and
decisions aff ecting
their child.
• Ensure that their
child attends school
regularly and is
punctual.
• Ensure that their child’s
health and welfare is at
an optimum level for
learning
• Ensure their child has
the materials needed
to make eff ective use
of school
• Support the school in
the education of their
child
• Inform the school of
any health issue or
other issues which
could impact on the
child’s learning or
schooling.
• Build a co-operative
and supportive
relationship with
teachers.
• Model respectful,
courteous and honest
behaviour.
PARENTS
OUR RIGHTS OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Teach without
disruption
• Be treated with respect,
courtesy and honesty
• Work in a clean, safe,
secure and friendly
environment
• Have cooperation and
support from parents
• Establish positive
relationships with
students
• Model respectful,
courteous and honest
behaviour
• Ensure the
environment is clean,
safe and friendly
• Report student
progress to parents
• Operate positively
in harmony with the
direction set by the
Code of Conduct.
STAFF
STUDENTS
20
TERM PLANNERS
Term planners list assemblies, events
and notable dates and are a quick
reference guide for what is happenning
each term.
These can be found on the school
website for parents, www.atwellps.
wa.edu.au
TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER
SCHOOL
Parents are asked to notify the school
one week prior to departure when
children are likely to transfer, so that
Department obligations are met.
Students take with them all their
personal belongings, and if transferring
interstate or overseas, their school
records, reports etc. Please ensure that
any resources belonging to the school
are left at the school before leaving
ie.library books, class readers.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
The voluntary contributions for 2014
are $60 per child for primary and $45
for pre-primary and kindergarten. Funds
from voluntary contributions are used
to enrich the opportunities available
to your child. Library books, subject
resource materials, computer programs
and audio visual materials and art and
craft materials are purchased from
contributions received. These can be
paid directly to the school offi ce or via
direct deposit BSB 016268 Account
number 340931119.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK
All staff are required by law to have a
current Working With Children Check.
Parents attending school camps are
also required to have one, these can be
obtained from the post offi ce at
www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au.
For all other activities parents should
complete a Confi dential Declaration
form. These are updated annually and
are available at the school offi ce.
The voluntary contributions for 2014 are $60 per child for primary and $45 for pre-primary and kindergarten. Funds from voluntary contributions are used to enrich the opportunities available to your child.
21
The School Board of Atwell Primary
Independent Public School has
established a dress code for all students
attending the school that took eff ect
from 2013. Students are expected to
wear school uniform and acceptance
of the dress code is assumed
upon enrolment at Atwell Primary
Independent Public School.
The Atwell school community believes a
school dress code:
• fosters and enhances the public
image of the school;
• assists in building school and team
spirit;
• allows quick identifi cation of our
students and promotes a safer school
environment;
• ensures students are safely dressed for
specifi c school activities;
• promotes equity amongst students;
and
• fosters an understanding amongst
students that being suitably groomed
is an expectation of any future
workplace.
SCHOOL DRESS CODE
Adherence to the Dress Code
Students not following the dress code
will:
• be counselled by a designated staff
member on the benefi ts of a dress
code;
• have their parent or carer contacted
to ensure that the family is aware of
the dress code and to discuss why the
student is not in school uniform;
• receive assistance/support in
obtaining suitable clothing, if
necessary; and may be given a pass
for an agreed length of time for dress
modifi cation;
• may be denied the opportunity
to represent their school at offi cial
school activities, which include
choir, sporting activities and non-
compulsory excursions.
Students who, for religious or health
reasons, may wish to apply for an
exemption or modifi cation to the
school dress code are required to make
an appointment with the Principal. Staff
will be informed of any student granted
an exemption or modifi cation to the
dress code.
Availability of Dress Code items
All items of school uniform have the
school logo and can only be purchased
through the school uniform shop.
Non – conforming items regardless of
their colour match are not acceptable.
Students whose families experience
fi nancial diffi culties regarding the
purchase of a uniform should contact
the School Registrar to discuss their
options.
Parents are asked to ensure that all
clothing is clearly marked with their
child’s name.
22
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Polo Shirt
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Skirt for Girls
(Navy stockings/tights may be worn with the skirt during cold
weather)
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Cargo Shorts for Boys
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Fleece Jacket
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Fleece Pants for
Years K to 2
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Micro-fi bre Jacket
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Micro-fi bre Pants for
Years 3 to 6
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Bucket Hat
Sports Uniform (Unisex)
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Sports Shorts
Atwell Primary Independent Public School Faction Shirts
Sportswear:
Sports shorts and faction T-shirts have been included in the
uniform for organised sports on Fridays. For short physical
education classes during the week the normal school uniform
applies.
Footwear:
Appropriate footwear includes joggers, shoes and socks.
Inappropriate footwear includes high heels or platform shoes,
thongs or slip-ons. Sandals are not considered appropriate during
winter and autumn.
Jewellery:
Small sleepers/stud earrings and a wrist-
watch are acceptable.
To minimise competitive dressing and for
health and safety reasons the wearing of
other jewellery is not acceptable.
Make-up and Hair Styles:
When students are in uniform, make-
up (mascara, nail polish etc) is not to
be worn. While the Board recognises
that students may like to express
their individuality through wearing a
range of hair styles, radical hairstyles
are discouraged and the colouring of
hair (with the exception of temporary
colouring for school sports days) is not
acceptable or compatible with the school
dresscode.
School Uniform Shop:
The Uniform Shop is run by the P & C Association and is open every Monday and Wednesday morning from 8:00am - 9:00am in the covered assemby area. For your convenience EFTPOS facilities are available. Uniforms can also be ordered on-line at fl exischools.com.au
Please note: Navy stockings/tights will not be held in stock by the Uniform Shop and will need to be purchased elsewhere.
23
WE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO
BRING MATERIALS FROM HOME
THAT CAN BE RECYCLED AND
REUSED.
Aluminium foil
Balloons
Beads
Boxes (cereal, tissues toothpaste etc)
Bottles
Bottletops
Buttons
Cardboard
Cardboard tubes (not toilet rolls)
Cards
Carpet squares
Cellophane
Computer print-out paper
Confetti
Corrugated paper/cardboard
Cotton reels
Costume jewellery
Dress-up clothes/shoes
Easter-egg wrappers
Egg cartons
Fabric
Foam scraps
Ice-cream containers
Paper/plastic cups, plates etc
Pipe cleaners
Ribbon, rickrack
Sandpaper
Scarves
Seashells
Shoeboxes
Sponges
Styrofoam trays
Tin cans
Velcro
Wood shavings/sawdust
Wool
Wrapping paper
Yoghurt/butter containers with lids
Any other items you think may be suitable
REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE
24
Information with specifi c relevance to pre primary
students has been included below. For all other
information please refer to the main book.
The Pre-Primary year is one of excitement for
children and parents. It is a time when a child
learns about the need to share and co-operate
with others. The foundations laid during the year
are very important and can set the pattern for
many years to come.
At Atwell Primary Independent Public School,
pre primary students are taught the Australian
Curriculum in English, maths, science and history.
They are also taught skills and understandings
in the arts,.technology, physical education and
society and environment.
A key to the year being successful is the
communication between parents and teachers.
Please keep teachers informed about any
changes that may have bearing on your child’s
educational progress. We will provide regular
information to you about the things that are
happening at school.
Education is a partnership. By working together,
parents and teachers can ensure that every child
gets off to a good start at Atwell pre-primary.
Please endeavour to have your child here
for 8.45am as this is when formal teaching
commences.
PRE-PRIMARY INFORMATION
PRE-PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS
All parents are requested to supply the following:
• 1 Refi ll of liquid soap
• 2 boxes of tissues
• 2 library bags, 1 for home reading, 1 for library
• 1 hand towel – Please attach a loop for hanging purposes.
What your child needs to bring to Pre-Primary
• a drink bottle – water only please.
• 1 piece of fruit with your child each day
• a school bag (large enough for belongings and easy to open).
• a suitable change of clothes in their bag in case of little accidents, illness or mishaps with water play or wet weather.
• a Hat
• Lunch and a recess snack
Please ensure all personal items are clearly labelled with your child’s name.
25
Birthdays
Turning fi ve and six is an important part
of your pre-primary child’s life. You are
welcome cup cakes or patty cakes for
the group to share as part of your child’s
celebration.
Collection of Children
Students in pre primary will not be
released at the end of the school day
until their parent/guardian is at the
classroom.
Great care is taken by the teacher in
handing pre-primary students over to
the care of a student, relative or sibling
under the age of 18 years, even if the
parent or guardian of the kindergarten
or pre-primary student has given
instructions to this eff ect.
The Duty of Care owed by a teacher to a
student necessitates the teacher being
satisfi ed that no foreseeable harm will
come to the student when discharging
him/her at the end of the school day.
Factors to be taken into consideration
are:
• the age and ability of the person
collecting the student;
• the route to be taken home (e.g. does
the student have to cross busy roads,
walk past lakes, through bushland?);
and
• the parent/guardian’s instructions
and the basis upon which these
instructions were given.
Instructions as to the discharge of a
kindergarten /pre primary student
should be in writing.
Student’s from years 1 to 6 will be
released from classes at the end of each
day. Please ensure your child has clear
instructions about who is picking them
up, where to meet you or how to get
home.
Immunisation
The school nurse advises parents to
have their child fully immunised before
the commencement of pre-primary.
Children need to have their 2nd MMR
and their 5 year old DTP and Polio.
These can be given by your family
doctor or by your local immunisation
clinic. Please notify the school offi ce
of the dates once your child has been
immunised.
Parent involvement
Parents play a vital role in a child’s
school experiences, and as such your
attitude greatly aff ects your child’s
perception of schooling. The following
suggestions may be useful:
• Take an interest in school activities.
• Become familiar with how your child’s
class operates.
• Keep in touch and co-operate on
matters concerning child health and
well-being.
• Assist in rostered duties and in any
other way you can.
• Help with and take part in any social
and extra fundraising activities.
Parent roster
Parents are welcome to put their
names on the roster at pre-primary.
Parent rosters enable parents to learn
about the class program, be involved
in learning activities and have time
to see how their child is developing
and interacting with other children.
We encourage all parents to be
involved and also welcome visits from
grandparents and other relatives and
friends.
A Confi dential Declaration form will
need to be fi lled out before starting
on roster. This can be done in the front
offi ce. Unfortunately due to Duty of
Care guidelines, we would prefer that
babies and toddlers not attend with
their parents on roster to allow your
maximum involvement.
Toys
Parents are asked to please discourage
children from bringing toys to Pre-
Primary as these can be “lost” or broken.
26
KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION
Welcome to Atwell Primary Independent Public
School kindergarten. The kindergarten program
aims to:
• provide children with the opportunity to enjoy
a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• encourage individuality, independence and
the development of social, emotional, creative,
intellectual and physical skills.
• promote the opportunity for open
communication between parents and staff by
encouraging parental interest and participation
in the program.
• provide for and integrate students with
special needs and those from diff erent cultural
backgrounds.
27
Additional items
There are some items we would
like to purchase for our end of year
presentations on your child’s behalf.
We ask that $5 be given to your child’s
teacher within the fi rst two weeks of
commencing the Kindergarten program
to cover the cost of these items.
Attendance
While there is no legal requirement for
children of pre-compulsory age to be
enrolled in kindergarten, once enrolled,
those students must attend as required
by Section 23 of the School Education
Act 1999.
At Atwell Primary Independent Public
School, parents are requested to advise
their class teacher in “WRITING” of the
reason for their child’s absence on the
child’s return to school or within three
days of the child’s fi rst day of absence to
meet with the requirements of Section
25 of the School Education Act 1999.
Birthdays
Turning four and fi ve is an important
part of your pre-primary child’s life. You
are welcome cup cakes or patty cakes
for the group to share as part of your
child’s celebration.
Delivery and Collection of Children
Children must not be left
unaccompanied prior to session times.
Come into the Centre with your child.
Children should place fruit and drink
bottles inside and you can settle your
child into an activity such as a puzzle or
book. Before leaving, make sure you say
goodbye and reassure your child that
you will be returning. Please do not be
concerned about tears as this usually
lasts only a few minutes. Please be
assured, we would contact you should
your child continue to be distressed.
As teachers will have set up outdoor
equipment to enrich our learning
program it would be appreciated if
parents could discourage children from
playing with or moving the outdoor
equipment before school starts.
When collecting children, please wait
outside the class door and the teacher
will send the children to you when
they have seen you. This way we can
maintain supervision of the children.
Please be patient during the fi rst few
weeks as the teachers get to know you,
and the children learn the routine.
If you have anything to discuss with the
teacher, you are welcome to wait until
all the children are dismissed. Please
note, Kindy staff attend meetings every
Monday after school and will not be
available for appointments at this time.
If you would like to discuss any major
issues, you are most welcome to make
an appointment with the class teacher
during non-contact time on Wednesday,
the “Duties Other Than Teaching “ time
(D.O.T.T).
If you are unavoidably late to pick up
your child, please phone us on
9414 5017 to let us know.
Great care has to be taken by the
teacher in handing Kindergarten and
pre-primary students over to the care
of a student, relative or sibling under
the age of 18 years, even if the parent
or guardian of the kindergarten or pre-
primary student has given instructions
to this eff ect.
The Duty of Care owed by a teacher
to a kindergarten student necessitates
the teacher being satisfi ed that no
foreseeable harm will come to the
student when discharging him/her at
the end of the school day. Factors to be
taken into consideration are:
• the age and ability of the person
collecting the student;
• the route to be taken home (e.g. does
the student have to cross busy roads,
walk past lakes, through bushland?);
and
• the parent/guardian’s instructions
and the bases upon which these
instructions were given.
Instructions as to the discharge of a
kindergarten student should be in
writing.
Where, after taking into account factors
such as those above, the Principal still
has doubts about the judgement of the
parents, the Principal may wish to speak
with the parents and express his/her
concerns for the safety of the student.
28
Parent involvement
We always appreciate any help with
preparation such as cutting out, book
covering, sewing or making resources.
We look forward to hearing from you.
We aim to enrich the children’s
experiences, so if you or any friends
have special talents you would like to
share such as:
• play an instrument
• sing or tell a story
• talk about a hobby or craft
• talk about a trade and show the tools
used
• cook a special dish
Please let us know.
Personal requirement list
Please send all your child’s personal
requirement items to Kindy in the fi rst
week of school.
Voluntary contribution
Voluntary Contributions for the year are
$45.00 and can be paid at the Atwell
Primary Independent Public School.
Parent roster
The Parent Help Roster will operate
when staff have had some time to
settle the children into the kindergarten
routine. Your kindy teacher will notify
you when the roster begins in your
classroom.
We always appreciate any help with
preparation such as fruit preparation
– for fruit sharing cutting out, book
covering, sewing or making resources.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The roster enables parents to learn
about the kindergarten program and
see how their child is developing and
interacting with other children. We
encourage all parents to be involved
and also encourage visits from
grandparents and other relatives. A
Confi dential Declaration form will need
to be fi lled out prior to coming on
roster. These will be distributed by your
classroom teacher.
Unfortunately due to Duty of Care
guidelines and to allow for maximum
participation we would prefer that
babies and toddlers not attend with
their parents on roster.
29
What to bring everyday
• lunch
• a LARGE school bag (large enough
for children to independently access
their hats, lunchboxes, shoes and
spare clothes)
• a plastic bottle of water (no juice or
cordial please) with name clearly
marked
• a piece of fruit, raw vegetable, dried
fruit or cheese to each session
• a spare change of clothes to remain in
your child’s bag in case of accidents.
Please keep current with season
changes.
If it is your child’s birthday, you are
most welcome to send patty cakes
for the group to share as part of your
child’s celebration. Please see page 10
regarding food allergies.
What to wear
The children need to wear comfortable
clothes that will enable them to play
freely. Parents may choose to buy their
child a school shirt. For safety reasons,
children will keep their shoes on while
at kindy. Please ensure your child has
shoes with non-slip soles. All children
must wear a hat every day for outdoor
play and we encourage you to put
sunscreen on children before coming to
Kindergarten. Please label all items of
clothing with your child’s name.
MONDAY
3 February
TUESDAY
4 February
WEDNESDAY
5 February
THURSDAY
6 February
FRIDAY
7 February
WombatsEchidnas
Possums Koalas Emus
AlternateClasses
Commencing Week 2
WombatsEchidnas
PossumsKoalasEmus
Group A
(A – K
surnames)
8:45 – 12:30
Group A
(A - K surnames)
8:45 – 12:30
No Students
DOTT
Group B
(L – Z
surnames)
8:45 – 12:30
Group B
(L - Z surnames)
8:45 – 12:30
MONDAY
10 February
TUESDAY
11 February
WEDNESDAY
12 February
THURSDAY
13 February
FRIDAY
14 February
WombatsEchidnas
Possums Koalas Emus
AlternateClasses
Commencing Week 2
WombatsEchidnas
PossumsKoalasEmus
All students
8:45–12:30
All students
8:45–12:30
Students who
attend even
weeks
8:45 – 2:45
All students
8:45 – 2:45
All students
8:45 – 2:45
MONDAY
17 February
TUESDAY
18 February
WEDNESDAY
19 February
THURSDAY
20 February
FRIDAY
21 February
WombatsEchidnas
Possums Koalas Emus
AlternateClasses
Commencing Week 2
WombatsEchidnas
PossumsKoalasEmus
All students
8:45 – 2:45
All students
8:45 – 2:45
Students who
attend odd
weeks
8:45 – 2:45
All students
8:45 – 2:45
All students
8:45 – 2:45
SESSION TIMES
Students attend kindergarten for a fi ve day fortnight, attending two full days per week
either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday, and every alternate Wednesday from
8:45am to 2:45pm.
To ensure a positive start to Kindergarten, we have adopted a phasing-in program for
students to build up to full-time participation in Week 3 of Term 1, as described right. We
recommend this phasing in model in order to provide some time to adjust to the newness
of kindy, however parents can send their children full time from day one if they choose to.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3 Normal Timetable CommencesThe children need to wear comfortable clothes that will enable them to play freely.
30
Kitchen
Uniform Shop
Undercover Area
Canteen
ATWELL PRIMARY SCHOOL MAP
31
BILLABONG
ATWELL PRIMARY SCHOOL
160 Lydon Boulevard
Atwell W.A. 6164
Phone: 9414 5017
Fax: 9414 5175
Email [email protected]