gordon west public school handbook
TRANSCRIPT
Learn and Advance
Gordon West Public School
Handbook
Page
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE 2
VISION AND MISSION 3
DIRECTORY / SCHOOL TIMES 4
COMMUNICATION 5
TRAVELLING TO SCHOOL 6
SCHOOL UNIFORM 7
SPORT 9
STUDENT WELFARE 10
GENERAL INFORMATION 11-16
SCHOOL HISTORY 17
SCHOOL PLEDGE & SCHOOL SONG 18
SCHOOL MAP 19
HEALTH 8
CONTENTS
1
Page
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Welcome to Gordon West Public School.
At Gordon West the school, home and community work together to provide the best possible opportunities for our students.
Since the establishment of the school in 1951 fine traditions and a strong feeling of school pride have developed. High standards have been set for the students by both the school and community. Students are always encouraged to do their personal best in all facets of school life.
The handbook in conjunction with the school website endeavours to explain to parents the organisation and operation of the school. If any questions remain unanswered please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
T J Huckerby B.A (Mr)
Principal
WELCOME
2
VISION To be seen as a school of excellence with a definite
purpose and direction.
MISSION STATEMENT
At Gordon West Public School we strive to develop in our children self discipline and a desire to achieve their personal best, to develop to their full potential in all facets of school life, in a caring
environment where the school and community work closely together to achieve this end.
VISION AND MISSION
3
The school’s address for all correspondence is:
Gordon West Public School Telephone: 9498 4644
146 Ryde Rd Fax : 9498 4436
Pymble NSW 2073
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.gordonwest-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Enquiries are handled by administrative staff who also direct calls to the principal and relay telephone messages and emails to teachers.
All telephone enquiries should be directed to the office, between the hours of 8.15am and 3.15pm.
(Messages may be left on the answering machine after hours)
Before and After School Care (OSHC) Telephone: 0433 480 264
The school playground is supervised by teachers from 8.45am onwards. It is therefore unwise to send your
child to school before 8.45am unless he/she is attending an authorised school activity or the Before and After
School Centre which is open from 7.00am.
No responsibility will be accepted for students before 8.45am or after they are dismissed in the afternoon.
Children are expected to leave the school grounds promptly after dismissal.
School begins at 9.10am.
Recess is from 11.15am to 11.35am.
Lunch is from 1.05pm to 1.55pm.
School ends at 3.10pm. Late Arrivals/Early Leavers are to go to administration where the student’s absence will be recorded.
Any students not collected after the bell are requested to wait on the Administration steps until their
parents or guardians arrive.
CONTACT US
SCHOOL TIMES
4
Open lines of communication are crucial for effective school management. The school expects that should a parent have a concern or wish to seek clarification on a particular issue, it will be discussed with the teacher concerned, his/her supervisor, or the school principal. Appointments can be made by contacting the school.
School Bulletins
A detailed fortnightly Bulletin is available on the school website. A link is emailed to parents and a hard copy sent home if requested. It contains reports on happenings throughout the school and advises of forthcoming events. It includes a report from the Principal, P & C Association, FRASC and various other school and parent organisations. The Bulletin concludes with items of student news.
Skoolbag App
Information regarding school events and activities are available for parents to view on the Skoolbag App for mobile phones.
Notes to Parents
As far as possible notes are sent home on Thursdays. When a response is requested it is appreciated if this is returned to the class teacher on or by the appropriate day.
Reporting to Parents
All parents should feel free to make appointments at any time with the class teacher if they have any concerns regarding their children.
During first term, teachers meet with parents at an information evening. The purpose of these meetings is for parents to gain an understanding of the teachers’ expectations and class programs for the year. Written reports are sent home twice each year, one towards the end of second term and another at the end of fourth term. The reports are designed to keep parents informed of their child’s progress across Key Learning Areas as well as to provide information about children’s work habits.
Formal Reporting
Mid Year: Kindergarten to Year 2, interviews using half yearly reports and work portfolios.
Primary written reports and interviews using half yearly reports and portfolios of work.
End of Year: K-6 written reports with interviews where necessary.
COMMUNICATION
5
School Entrances/Car Park
Children should enter and leave the school grounds through one of four gates:
The main gate on Ryde Road at the pedestrian crossing.
The pedestrian gate in Kooyong Street near the corner of Ryde Road.
The pedestrian gates in Kooyong Street next to the hall (not the car park gate).
The rear gate in Kiparra Street adjacent to Peewee Park.
Please do not drive vehicles into the school grounds at any time to deposit or collect children.
Children are not permitted to ride bicycles, skateboards or scooters anywhere in the school grounds during school hours.
Children who ride bikes to school must wear an approved safety helmet. Children are asked to walk their bikes while they are in the school grounds.
The car park is out of bounds to children and parents unless accompanied by a teacher.
In order to avoid traffic congestion in Kooyong Street it is suggested that parents use Kooyong Street and part of Kiparra Street as a one way (heading towards Ryde Road) for afternoon school pick-up (as shown in diagram).
Pedestrian Crossing The light controlled pedestrian crossing is located on Ryde Road. It is unsupervised in the mornings and great care should be exercised when using the crossing at this time. In the afternoons teachers are on duty and are in control of the crossing. Unaccompanied children are not allowed to cross until a teacher is present. Parents are asked not to intervene by pressing the control switch, or directing children to cross.
Travelling to and from School Parental cooperation is sought in assisting us to attain the highest standards of conduct in public. Parents are asked to give their children periodic reminders of their obligation in this matter. Please refer to the School Student Transport Scheme Code of Conduct on the front of the Application for Travel and in the brochure available from the school office.
Bus Travel Free bus travel is currently available to all children in Kindergarten to Year 2 and is also available to students in Years 3/6 who live more that 1.6kms from school. Student bus passes (Opal Cards) can be applied for online. Boarding of buses after school is supervised by school staff. The Principal and/or bus company has the prerogative to withdraw free bus passes from students whose conduct on the bus, or waiting for the bus, is unsatisfactory.
Transdev 8700 0555 is our local bus company
TRAVELLING TO SCHOOL
6
School Uniform Policy
School policy, determined in consultation with the school community under the auspices of the Department of Education and Communities Fair Discipline Policy, is that children are to wear school uniform.
We are very proud of our children and school. The wearing of school uniform helps foster pride in our school and assists in developing good tone and conduct.
Please Note Makeup, finger nail polish or jewellery should not be worn to school, with the possible exception of wrist watches and sleepers or studs in pierced ears if needed.
We thank all parents for their support in this matter.
Uniform Shop The school’s Uniform Shop is run by a coordinator and voluntary assistants. It has a large variety of new and used school uniforms and is situated in a separate small building adjacent to the computer room and is open on Fridays between 8.30am and 9.30am. Orders can be made using the online ordering system. Log onto www.flexischools.com.au. The orders will then be filled by the Uniform Shop coordinator.
The Uniform Shop’s email address is [email protected].
Summer Uniform Girls Boys Blue check dress Grey Shorts
White socks Blue short sleeved shirt
Black shoes Grey socks, with school colours on top
Black laced shoes
School hat for protection against the sun for both boys and girls.
“No hat - no play” (Hats are also available from the school office)
Winter Uniform Girls Boys Grey, blue & yellow tunic Grey shorts/long pants
White blouse Blue Shirt
School tie School Tie
Grey school socks/tights Grey school socks
Black shoes Black laced shoes
Sport Uniform Girls Boys Royal blue shorts or skort Royal blue shorts
Yellow polo shirt with emblem Yellow polo shirt with school emblem
School tracksuit School tracksuit
Micro fibre sports jacket Microfibre sports jacket
White socks White socks
White sports shoes White sports shoes
SCHOOL UNIFORM
7
First Aid Basic first aid for minor injuries suffered at school is administered by School Assistants who have
First Aid Certificates. In all cases where the injury is of a more serious nature the school tries to contact
parents by phone. If the school is unable to contact a parent, further medical aid is sought.
The school is covered by an Ambulance Fund so that injured or sick students may be transported
immediately to hospital (free of charge to parents).
Sick Students and Notes for Absences Sometimes students become sick at school and are placed in
the Sick Bay which is located at the school office. Parents are notified if a student appears to be too ill to
return to the classroom. While good school attendance is important, parents should not send sick children to
school.
All absences must be covered by a written note to the teacher, explaining the reason for the student’s
absence. The note should be sent the day the child returns to school.
Immunisation It is advisable that your child has the required immunisations before starting school. This
helps to prevent the threat of serious diseases affecting your child. Make sure immunisation against
measles, whooping cough, mumps, chicken pox, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria has been completed.
Allergies Should your child have any allergies or significant medical conditions, it is imperative the school is notified in writing.
Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe allergy which can be fatal. Parents and carers are asked not to send their children to school with nut products as even a slight exposure can be fatal. Parents of children with anaphylaxis are asked to provide the school with a current epipen and an action plan. Staff receive training updates. Children are not permitted to share food at school.
Medication All students requiring prescribed medication to be administered at school must have a signed
Request for Administering Prescribed Medication at School form. These forms are available from the school
office. The school is not permitted to administer non prescribed medicine or “over the counter” medicines.
Asthma If your child suffers from asthma, we ask that you provide an action plan to the school, ensure your child has reliever medication with them at school each day and that you inform the school office of any changes to your child’s condition. Asthma sufferers may use their inhalants when necessary, and keep them with them at all times. Infectious Diseases Exclusion from School:
CHICKEN POX: Exclude for 5 days from onset of the rash and the blisters have dried.
GASTROENTERITIS: Exclude for at least 24 hours after diarrhoea stops.
HEPATITIS A: Exclude for 2 weeks after first symptoms or 1 week after onset of jaundice.
MEASLES: Exclude for 4 days from appearance of rash.
MUMPS: Exclude for 9 days after onset of swelling.
RUBELLA(German Measles): Exclude for at least 4 days after the rash appears.
SLAPPED CHEEK: No exclusion, infectious period is before rash appears.
WHOOPING COUGH: Exclude until the first 5 days of a special antibiotic have been taken.
IMPETIGO: Exclude until treatment starts. Sores should be covered with watertight dressings.
CONJUNCTIVITIS: Exclude while there is discharge from eye.
HEALTH
8
The school employs a specialist physical education teacher who teaches sport developmental skills K-6.
Sport Skills All children participate in sports skills and gross motor programs on a weekly basis. These activities are taught by the specialist PE teacher and further practised in follow up lessons by the classroom teacher.
Tennis tuition and lessons are also available before and after school on a user pay basis provided by our resident tennis professional “Tennis Advantage”.
The school enters teams in the district PSSA competition.
Primary School Sports Association (PSSA)
Summer Term 1 & 4 Modball, cricket and touch football
Winter Term 2 & 3 Netball and soccer
This primary interschool sports competition is held weekly on Fridays, between Kuring-Gai PSSA teams and involves sporting teams whose members are selected at school based trials.
All Year 3 to Year 6 students who turn 8 years and above in the year of competition are eligible to attend selection trials. Please see website for PSSA sport selection trial procedures.
Selected players from team sports participate in trials for the selection of zone teams. Those successful are eligible for
possible selection in area or state teams.
Students 3/6 who are not involved in this weekly competition participate in organised physical education activities at school.
Sports Carnivals
During the year we organise a school Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnivals (Years K-2 and Years 3-6) and Cross Country Competition. From these carnivals/competitions children are selected to compete in zone events.
Children in Year 2 who turn 8 during the year are eligible to participate in the Year 3-6 carnivals.
Intensive Swimming Lessons are offered to Year 2 and junior primary students once a year.
The four sports houses are Mulgo, Gareaway, Waugan and Marayong.
Children are placed in a sports house from Kindergarten.
SPORT
9
Welfare Policy
Discipline is the responsibility of the school community through a system of relationships, rules, rewards and sanctions designed to progressively develop self discipline within students.
School rules will be stated in a positive way and conveyed to all concerned in simple language. Every effort will be made to ensure that each student knows not only school rules but also the reason for the rules.
Rules will be communicated to the children regularly and students are reminded that it is their responsibility to know and abide by the school rules.
Rules will be clear, enforceable, reasonable and kept to a minimum. They will be designed to produce or ensure one of the following:
safety of persons within the school;
efficiency and economy of management, movement and communication in the teaching/learning process; and
an environment of trust, respect and responsibility.
Our Student Welfare Policy includes:
roles and responsibilities of staff, students and parents;
recognition of achievement;
referrals to a counsellor;
referral to our Learning Support Team;
Anti Bullying Policy;
Drug Education Policy;
Emergency Disaster and Critical Incidents Policies;
Homework Policy; and
Supervision Policy.
Students at Gordon West have the responsibility to:
show respect to people and property;
do their personal best;
work and play safely and co operatively; and
listen to and follow directions carefully.
School rules will be communicated to parents through Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) and the Fundraising and Social Committee (FRASC) channels and by our fortnightly news bulletin.
STUDENT WELFARE
10
After School Activities The following after school activities are available at the school on a user pay basis.
Tennis Lessons: Scott Gregson 0414 554 612 Premier Dance: Lyn King 0437 737 967
Ballet Lessons: Marion Fix 9487 1821 Drama: Kids Up Front: 0417 432 002
Mandarin Stars: 8437 2498
Anti Bullying Policy Gordon West Public School promotes proactive programs to support anti bullying. Bullying is defined as the intentional and repeated harming or hurting of a person, or their belongings. Bullying behaviour includes verbal, physical, social and psychological.
The Plan of Action followed is: ‘No, Go, Tell’
The student asks the bully to stop.
The student ’tells’ an adult if bullying continues.
The incident is investigated and recorded.
Repeated incidences will lead to parent involvement, school counsellor support and serious action being taken.
Our Anti Bullying policy is available from the Administration Office.
Annual School Report The Annual School Report is the end product of the school self evaluation process. The Annual School Report provides information on the current status of the school, its progress towards achieving stated targets and the intended targets for the following year. It also provides the community with information regarding student achievement, data from the NAPLAN (National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy), details on specific focus areas and an overview of school plans. The most current report is available from the school’s website. Some hard copies are available from the office.
Assemblies Whole school assemblies are an integral feature of our school and reflect our commitment to an inclusive K/6 philosophy. Fortnightly K/6 assemblies are held in the school hall and provide the opportunity to recognise student achievement. Daily morning whole school assemblies are conducted to inform students of significant activities and deliver important messages and reminders.
Assessment Student’s work is assessed on a continuous basis. Teachers track student progress through observation, class tests, discussion, anecdotal records, work samples and selected diagnostic instruments. Results are used to inform teacher programs, seek extra support if needed and provide the basis for student reports.
Band The school has four bands, two concert bands, a training band and a jazz band. All primary children (Years 3/6) are invited to participate in the band program. Auditions are held in Term 4 for the following year. Limited instrument hire is available for members of the training band. The band is co-ordinated by the principal and the band director. Any questions regarding the school bands can be directed to the school’s email - [email protected]
Strings Group The school has a very successful Strings Ensemble Years 2-6 and is conducted by the very experienced Mr Nurlanov.
Before and After School Care (OSHC) Primary OshCare provides an attentive, friendly and very professional environment for students requiring out of hours care. The service includes care for students on Staff Development Days and vacation care.
Times for the centre are: 7:00am - 8:40am Monday - Friday
3:10pm - 6:00pm Monday - Friday
The centre can be contacted on 0433 480 264
GENERAL INFORMATION
11
Camps Year 4 attend a 3 day camp once a year. Usually this is held at the Narrabeen Sport and Recreation Camp. Year 5 & 6 attend alternate camps that are usually a five day camp to Milson Island or a three day camp to Canberra/Snowy Mountains. These camps are regarded as an invaluable opportunity for children to engage in social and outdoor activities. Interpersonal skills, self discipline, peer support and self esteem are all improved as a result of the camping program.
Nominated students attend a leadership camp during Term 2.
Canteen Our school canteen provides fresh and nutritious snacks and lunches at affordable prices. The canteen is now open for lunch orders and recess from Monday to Friday. Orders can be done by using the convenient online ordering system. Log onto www.flexischools.com.au by 8am and follow the prompts. The orders are then made up by our canteen supervisor and/or volunteer assistants. We are always looking for parents to help out in the canteen, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. This is a great way of meeting other parents and helping the school.
Child Protection Gordon West Public School is committed to a coordinated and comprehensive response to promote the protection of children. This includes mandatory employee checks and thorough responses to circumstances which indicate that a child has been, is being or is at risk. All parent helpers are required to sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration Form.
Choir If your child loves to sing and learn new songs they can join one of our many choirs K/6. The choirs attend practice sessions and perform at school functions throughout the year and may also be involved in singing outside the school, e.g Opera House, Chatswood Concourse.
Collection of Children Children must be collected on time. For safety reasons please DO NOT park on the school grounds and please obey all traffic signs around the school entrances. Council Rangers regularly patrol the streets surrounding the school and will fine any offenders. At all times be aware of children. Please refer to the Gordon West traffic plan.
Computers All children, Kindergarten to Year 6 have access to computers. The computer room, library and classrooms are resourced with the latest computers for group instruction and research. Each child is issued with their own department logon and password. Interactive whiteboards have been installed in all classrooms. The school employs a specialist technology teacher 5 days per week.
Counsellor The school counsellor’s role is to provide guidance and counselling to both children and parents. If you would like to see the school counsellor you can make an appointment via the teacher or school office. These referrals are treated confidentially. The school counsellor attends the school one day per week and works very closely with the Learning Support Team.
Custody Orders In a divorce or separated family situation and where custody is other than “joint custody”, court orders must be sighted by the school principal. A copy is kept on file. Please ensure you notify the school of any issues regarding collection of children.
Dance Senior students can audition for a place in a school dance group. The number and type of dance groups may differ from year to year as it is dependent on the personnel, other activities being offered and available resources. Dance groups may perform at school functions as well as externally. Our senior group regularly performs at Glen St Theatre and at the Opera House. Parents pay a fee to cover such costs as costumes and transport to concert venues.
Debating and Public Speaking Students learn debating skills during senior primary years when debating teams are entered into competitions against other schools. Public speaking opportunities are provided for all students K/6.
Dogs should not be brought onto school property and they should not be left unattended while tethered to the school fence. This is to facilitate the safety of our students while they are at school and while they are arriving and departing from school.
12
Education Week Gordon West Public School sets aside a week each year to showcase the talents of its students. Please check the school calendar on our website for dates of our Open Day and Performing Arts Showcase as it may not coincide with the official DET Education Week celebrations.
Enrolment Children who reside in the local designated area are guaranteed placement at our school. . Enrolment of non local children is dependent upon a place being available in the appropriate class. Recently we have been unable to enrol non local students. Kindergarten children must be 5 years of age by July 31st of the year in which they are enrolling. All applicants must provide proof of
current address, birth certificate or passport and current immunisation records. Information sessions for new kindergarten parents and orientation days for kindergarten children and their parents are held each year. Details are on the school website.
EALD English as an Additionla Language or Dialect For students who do not speak English at home or who have language difficulties due to English not being their primary language, the school has an EALD teacher for 5 days per week. Students spend varying time periods with the EALD teachers and are assessed on a basis of need.
Ethics Classes A senior and junior ethics class has been established at Gordon West. Years 3/6 can attend ethics classes if requested. Additional information regarding ethics classes can be found on the school website.
Excursions Excursions are part of the education program. Permission notes are sent home with the students and must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school prior to the excursion. The cost of these excursions is invoiced on your term account. Risk assessments are completed prior to all excursions.
Fees Parents will receive an invoice for each term. The invoice includes fees for performances, excursions and extra curricula activities offered by the school, as well as levies for items such as photocopying and technology. Parents will have one month to pay the invoice for that term. If a family is experiencing financial difficulties, they should contact the principal to arrange assistance or payment by instalments.
Fund Raising & Social Committee (FRASC) The FRASC is a subcommittee of the school P&C. Parent volunteers get together to organise the social events and fundraising drives for the school. New and innovative ideas are always welcome in the fundraising area. Your support is very helpful in raising money for educational, sporting and ancillary equipment. Class parents are volunteers from each class who distribute FRASC information to the school community.
Hats Because of the high rate of skin cancer in Australia, we encourage students to wear a hat at playtime. This means that unless children are wearing a hat in the playground, they must stay in the shade. School hats are available from the Uniform Shop and the school office.
Secondary School Information regarding Secondary school enrolment is sent home to parents of Year 6 students mid year. Zoning is a major factor for high school placement. Year 6 children may apply to sit the Selective High School entrance exam. Notification of Year 7 enrolment places are issued to parents during semester 2 each year.
Homework Homework is set by class teachers and outlined to the parents in communication at the beginning of each year.
Parents are encouraged to monitor and assist the child in homework activities.
As a general guide:Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 shall be given set homework at the teacher’s discretion according to grade level and the needs of the child.
Where such “homework” is given it should not occupy more than 10 —15 minutes of the child’s time.
Students in the Years 3 and 4 shall be restricted to not more than four nights per week, and it is suggested the time be limited to not more than half an hour per night.
Students in the Year 5 and 6 should be restricted to four school days, limited to an hour per night.
13
Interpreters Non English speaking parents and carers may ask the school or regional office for an interpreter to be present when discussing matters involving their children.
Intensive Swimming Lessons are offered to Year 2 and certain other non swimming junior primary students once a year in conjunction with the Department of Education and Communities School Swimming Scheme.
Learning Support The Learning Support Team consists of the school counsellor, the support teacher (Learning Assistance), and at least one member of the executive plus nominated classroom teachers on a needs basis. The Learning Support Team provides learning support to children who are identified as in need.
Library Our library is a special place integral to teaching and learning at our school. The library is well resourced with print and digital resources that aim to meet curriculum needs of all students. All classes attend the library for formal library lessons or research lessons. Throughout the year varied literature experiences are organised for the students. We encourage the use of a library bag and that all books are returned by the due date.
Lost Property The Uniform Shop has introduced a system of electronic tagging so that children are more easily reunited with their lost uniforms. Names should be written or sewn on all belongings. Items that can be identified easily are returned to their owners. Unclaimed lost property is kept near the library for a reasonable period of time, after which it is either used as emergency clothing or given to the clothing pool to sell as second hand uniforms. Valuables should not be worn or brought to school. It is unwise to give children money that is in excess of their anticipated needs for each school day.
Lunches and Lunchtime Lunchtime is from 1.05pm until 1.55pm. Please try to make lunch as nutritious as possible and label all lunch boxes and drink bottles with a permanent marker. We have many students with food allergies and therefore do not encourage children to share their food or bring nut products to school. Canteen facilities are available on Monday to Friday at recess and lunch. Please refer to the Flexischools online ordering policy.
Mobile Phones Students bring mobile phones to school at their own risk and are advised to label these with their names. The school does not accept responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged mobile phones. Students are not permitted to use their mobile phones without the permission of their teacher.
NAPLAN National Assessment Program For Literacy and Numeracy Students in Years 3 and 5 are assessed in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy (data, measurement, number, patterns and algebra) using the national assessment program. Parents are provided with a report outlining their child’s performance and schools are provided with valuable comparative data which is used to inform programs and focus areas.
Opportunity Classes are specialist classes for academically gifted primary schools throughout NSW. These classes operate in Years 5 and 6 with students being assessed by means of a standardised test in Term 3 of Year 4. Places are offered during Term 4. Gordon West students usually attend opportunity classes at Artarmon Public School and Waitara Public School if successful in gaining placement.
Parents & Citizens Association is the primary Gordon West parent representative body. All parents are warmly invited to attend P&C meetings. The Gordon West P&C provides a forum for parent/school dialogue and is responsible for fundraising through its sub committee, the FRASC. Meetings are held on designated Monday evenings in the staffroom. School community members have been provided the opportunity of nominating a number of specific presentation topics to be presented by school staff prior to the formal P&C meetings over the course of the year.
14
Photographs School photographs are taken each year. Individual, family and class photographs may be purchased. The P&C Association also organises family portraits.
Play Equipment The fixed play equipment is very popular with the children and can be used during supervised lunch and physical education sessions. Children cannot play on the fixed play equipment during school hours unless supervised by a teacher. Our existing play equipment has been renovated and a new climbing apparatus added.
Relief From Face to Face Teaching (RFF) Every full time teacher employed by NSW Department of Education and Community is entitled to 2 hours per week relief from face to face teaching duties. This time is used by the teachers for parent interviews, marking student work, preparing of lessons, organising materials and meeting with other teachers. Schools have the flexibility to organise RFF to suit the needs of the students and the expertise of the teachers. At Gordon West students participate in library lessons, Creative and Performing Arts and science instruction during the RFF times.
Religious Instruction On Wednesday mornings the school is visited by a number of lay teachers and clergy for half hour periods of religious instruction. Provision for these lessons is dependent on having sufficient scripture teachers available. Classes are formed according to religious denominations. Non scripture children are supervised separately at these times. Our school currently has lessons for catholic, anglican and buddhist. Ethics classes for Year 3/6 are held concurrently at this time.
School Development Days There are five school development days each year. These student free days are used by staff for planning and professional development. The school development days are usually held on the first day of Terms 1, 2 and 3 and the last two days of Term 4.
Security The school has an electronic surveillance system connected to a 24 hour security control room. Activation of the alarm results in a response by the security firm who will in turn notify police if necessary. Unauthorised entry to the school buildings or grounds is an offence under the Enclosed Land Act and is punishable by law. Trespassers, suspicious or illegal activity in school grounds after hours should be
reported immediately. School Security 1300 88 00 21.
Skoolbag The school uses the mobile app “skoolbag” to send alerts for events and other school activities. Parents are given information on how to install and use this app when they enrol their children.
Speech Night The annual school Speech Night is held during the last weeks of the school year. The evening is a rather formal occasion where we acknowledge excellence and performance in academic, social, cultural and sporting areas.
The annual Commendation Awards ceremony is also held at this time at a day assembly to acknowledge participation in a variety of school activities.
Stages The school curriculum is divided into stages.
Kindergarten is referred to as Early Stage;
Years 1 & 2 are Stage 1; Years 3 & 4 are Stage 2; and Years 5 & 6 are Stage 3.
This continues into high school where:
Years 7 & 8 are Stage 4; Years 9 & 10 are Stage 5; and Years 11 and 12 are Stage 6.
Student Representative Council The student representative council is currently made up of the captains, prefects, two elected representatives from each class (Year 3/6) plus two members of staff. Roles of the council include: Formulation of school playground rules and responsibilities, assisting staff in setting positive values within the school, arranging fundraising activities for charitable institutions, assisting in
15
formal ceremonies e.g flag raising, assemblies and having input into improvements to the school environment. A copy of the Election Policy is available from the Administration Office.
Tennis The court is available for hire through the school office.
Values Values are reinforced everyday at school whether it be at a school assembly, a classroom lesson, during a discussion in the playground, at a staff meeting or in an article in the school newsletter. The core values are: integrity, respect, cooperation, democracy, care, excellence, responsibility, participation and fairness.
Video Conferencing Video conferencing facilities enable students to participate in virtual excursions whereby students can access, interview and speak to others from around the globe, whether they be experts in a field the children are studying or whether they are children from other schools. Video conferencing also enables teachers to access a range of professional training programs.
Visitors A number of parents and other visitors come to the school for a variety of reasons, including assisting teachers in the classroom. If helping in the classroom, we ask you to sign on in the classroom where you are helping. All other visitors must sign in at the office.
Website Our site includes the most up to date information available. You can access the calendar, view weekly events and newsletters, permission slips for excursion, order school uniforms, new enrolment and other information about the school. The website also contains a number of links to DEC sites. The address is www.gordonwest-p.school.nsw.edu.au
16
The Munday family were the first Europeans to live on the current Gordon West site.
Mr George Munday and his wife, Agnes, came to Australia in the service of Lord and Lady Jersey, George as head groom and Agnes as lady in waiting to Lady Jersey. Lord Jersey came to Australia as Governor of NSW from 1891-1893.
The Mundays built their home from locally sawn hardwood weatherboard and lined with flat sheets of tin. It was built directly on the ground with an asphalt floor.
The Mundays worked an orchard on the property in addition to having a horse paddock. Their only child, Charles Cecil, grew up here and went to Gordon Public School on the Pacific Highway.
At this period of time most of the current school site was natural bush, through which there was a popular bush track to Gordon.
The property remained in their name until the death of Agnes after World War II, George having died several years earlier. The property was then sold to Mr Spessot from whom it was acquired by the Education Department.
Over the years the site has further developed and today we have a school of over 570 students nestled into three hectares with a beautiful bushland setting on Sydney’s Upper North Shore.
Gordon West School opened in November 1951 and by the end of that month there were 40 children enrolled in Kindergarten. In February 1956, by which time Mr MacKinnon was principal, there were 342 children with 9 teachers in classes from K/6.
In 1957 there was a period of rapid expansion as the War Service Homes areas, Ryde Road, Dunoon Avenue, Duneba Avenue, Kooloona Crescent and Boronga Avenue were all developing and each week saw new enrolments with each class numbering over 50 students.
West Pymble Public School opened in 1960 and over a hundred children were transferred to that school from Kindergarten to Year 3.
School numbers have fluctuated over the years.
Following the closure of Gordon Public School in 1990 the majority of children transferred to the school, once again increasing the numbers at Gordon West.
Points of Interest Early in Mr MacKinnon’s term as principal the matter of school houses came up for consideration. It was decided to get away from the rather trite custom of naming them after prominent Australians. The idea of Aboriginal names was decided since the school was in Ku-ring-gai. The names Gareaway (white cockatoo), Marayong (emu), Mulgo (black swan) and Waugan (raven) were chosen.
The school ceramic mosaic mural, on the southern end of the Administration block, was designed by the artist, Mr Byram Mansell. Mr MacKinnon had gone to him seeking his help in designing “House” flags. The school never did get the flags, but finished up with a mural which was completed in 1961 and was featured in the “Education Gazette” in 1964. The garden and Australian shrubs beneath it were also suggested by Mr Mansell, to complement the mural. (The same artist designed the school badge in 1966 and the original shield is above the entrance to the classroom/computer building.)
House banners and a school banner were designed by Miss Harper, a teacher at the school, in 1998. They are displayed in the Assembly Hall.
The school has a “bush regeneration” area at the front of the school grounds, adjacent to Ryde Road. This
was the inspiration of Lady Janet Fairlie Cuningham, when her son was attending the school in early 1980s.
SCHOOL HISTORY
17
SCHOOL PLEDGE
This is our school.
Let peace dwell here.
Let the rooms be filled with contentment.
Let love abide here.
Love of God.
Love of one another.
Love of life itself.
Let us remember that
as many hands build a house
many hearts make a school.
I honour my God.
I serve my country.
I am loyal to my school.
I respect the flag.
SCHOOL SONG
We are gathered here together
in our school that we esteem.
Where the pupils and the teachers
pull together as a team.
Sport and lessons we enjoy.
Let us pledge each girl and boy
to love our God and serve our school.
Gordon West. Gordon West.
We are proud of this our school.
SCHOOL PLEDGE
SCHOOL SONG
18
School Hall
COLA
Staffroom
Principal
Computer
Lab
Toilets
Canteen
Play Equipment
Counsellor
OSHC
(Before &
Aer Care)
Kooyong Street
Clothing
Pool
Staff Parking
Tennis
Court
Infants Toilets
Ryde Road
1st Floo
r
Map of School
Library
Compound
Entry Gate
Entry Gate
Entry Gate
School Oval
Entry Gate
Pee Wee Park
Administra on
19