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2018

St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School

1/1/2018

Parent Information Book

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Principal’s

Welcome

Welcome to St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School. I extend this welcome as a member of a team dedicated to providing a friendly, happy, caring and child-safe environment. Our vision is to create a modern, contemporary and innovative approach to learning that is purposeful and relevant to the lives of children and families today. We believe in partnerships in learning and fostering a nurturing atmosphere in which staff, parents and children work as a team to develop in the children the skills to meet life’s challenges with confidence, resilience and enthusiasm. We are committed to ensuring success in the competencies of literacy and numeracy, as well as a knowledge and understanding of our ever changing world through inquiry learning. We see ourselves as a community of lifelong learners and provide an environment that is challenging, stimulating and one that fosters creativity. In St. Brigid’s School community your child will experience a supportive environment where our dedicated, professional staff encourage each student to feel happy and confident in developing positive self-esteem. St. Brigid’s is one of three schools in St. Michael’s Parish, Berwick which is led by Father Jeff Kleynjans. We are active members of our Parish community. As the Principal of St. Brigid’s I look forward, with excitement, to the ongoing development of our school community. Ken Gale.

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Parish Community

St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School 25 Bayview Road, Officer, Vic. 3809

Postal Address: PO Box 342 Officer, Vic. 3809

Telephone: (03) 5943 2447 Fax: (03) 5943 2579

Email: principal@stbofficer.catholic.edu.au Website: www.stbofficer.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Ken Gale

Deputy Principal: Simon Greely

Administration Officers: Julie McKenna Donna Devine

St. Michael’s Parish Office 121-123 High Street,

Berwick, Vic. 3806 Telephone: (03) 9707 1355

Fax: (03) 9707 5891 Email: secretary@stmichaelsparish.org.au

Sacrament Enquiries: sacraments@stmichaelsparish.org.au

Website: www.stmichaelsparish.org.au

Parish Priest: Fr. Jeff Kleynjans Assistant Priest: Fr. Hilarion Fernando

Parish Secretaries: Mrs. Dorota Shields Mrs. Gail Hall

Pastoral Associate: Mrs. Elizabeth Overdyk Sacramental Coordinator: Mrs. Tara Bau

St Brigid’s R.E.C.: Damian O’Bryan

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In times of change,

learners inherit the earth,

while the learned

find themselves beautifully equipped to

deal with a world

that no longer exists.

-- Eric Hoffer

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Statement of Philosophy

Source of Obligation

The Victorian Registration Standards (sch 2 cl 16) (CECV Guidelines ref 1.4) requires that all schools must

have a clear statement of their philosophy.

Statement of St Brigid's Philosophy

St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School is a school that provides a Catholic education for families in the Parish of

St. Michael’s Berwick. Our school is inspired by the person of Saint Brigid and is an integral part of the faith

community. St. Brigid’s School is respected as a place of learning excellence and a quality resource for the

community where relationships are valued and built upon.

This philosophy is based upon traditional Catholic beliefs with a special emphasis on the virtues of St. Brigid’s

of Faith, Strength, Knowledge and Hospitality. Our school is a place where people are welcomed and we

develop and nurture relationships between family, school and Parish.

At St. Brigid’s School we believe that given appropriate time and resources, every person can learn. We

commit ourselves to providing quality learning and teaching programs in our school. The pedagogy of the

school has as its basis an inquiry approach to teaching and learning that endeavours to empower the

children as lifelong learners.

Our learning environments which are open and flexible, embrace the learning and teaching strategies of

interaction, communication and collaboration enabling students to share and learn from each other.

The flexible learning spaces allow for whole group discussion and direction, small group work areas as well

as space for individual learning to take place.

St. Brigid’s School aims to promote active participation as citizens in Australian society. The education

environment needs to prepare students for a world in which work, society, community and the economy are

constantly changing, in which technology plays a major part, and which is increasingly influenced by

international events.

The use of Information and Communication Technology as learning and teaching tools is an important part

of the skill development of the learner. This will include, but not be limited to, resources such as computers,

digital and video cameras, electronic whiteboards, data projectors and a range of software.

We believe parents, carers and families are by far the most important influences on children’s lives. Their

support can play a vital role at all stages of education. There is a focus on the partnership with parents in the

education of their children. Parent communication and education is a priority in that this occurs effectively

and for the benefit of the students.

We believe we are a learning community. We provide opportunities for all members of the community to

continue learning, keeping parents and staff up to date with the latest and most effective practices in

education.

Explanation of Enactment of St Brigid's Philosophy

Our philosophy is enacted through our teaching and care for students. Our philosophy guides our teaching,

strategic plans and governance decisions.

To ensure that the current and prospective staff, students and parents understand the philosophy of our

school, we publish this philosophy in our parent handbook and also on our school website.

Implementation

St Brigid's has set up a series of compliance tasks on our Assurance System, to ensure that key obligations

under the Victorian Registration Standards and CECV Guidelines are met.

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CONTENTS Introduction Our Vision 9 Our Mission 9 Catholic Ethos 9 St. Brigid 10 School Logo 10 St. Brigid’s Oak 11 St. Brigid’s Prayer 11 Term Dates 12 Bell Times 12

Wellbeing Wellbeing of the School Community 13 Being part of St Brigid’s Community 15 Intervention 16 You Can Do It! program 16 School Counselling 17 Communicable Diseases 17 School Exclusion Table 18-19 Medication 20 Asthma Management 20 Anaphylaxis 20 Other Medical Conditions 20 Illness and Injury 21 Fruit Breaks and Water Bottles 21 Clean Air Policy 21 Sunsmart 22

Teaching and Learning Religious and Spiritual Dimensions of School Life 25 Learning and Teaching 27 Integrated Curriculum 29 Inquiry Learning 29 C.A.F.E. & Read to Self 30 English 31 Mathematics 32 E.M.U. 32 Science 33 The Arts 33 Humanities and Social Sciences 34

Health and Physical Education 34 Swimming Program 35 E Learning 35 Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) 36 Library and Resource Centre 36 Assessment and Reporting 36 School Assemblies 37 Homework Policy 37

Foundation Transition How to prepare your child for school 39 Orientation Program 40

Parental Involvement School Board 42 Social and Fundraising Committee 42 Working with Children Check 42

School Management and Administration School Fees 43 School Forms and Notices 43 St Brigid’s School Website 44 St. Brigid’s School Newsletter 45 St Brigid’s School App 45 Collecting and Dropping Off Children 45 Office Hours 46 Hot/Wet Weather Plan 46 Lost Property 46 Safeguarding Children and Young People 47 Car Parking 48 School Uniform 49 Playground Supervision 51 School Photographs 51 Excursions/Incursions 51 Out of Hours School Care 51 Emergency Contact Number 52 Student Absences 52 Paying Money to the School 52 Prized Possessions 53 Staff Meetings 53 Visitors 53

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Our Vision St Brigid’s is a Catholic community where children know they are valued and experience the love of God in an engaging and contemporary environment.

Our Mission St Brigid’s is one of three primary schools of St Michael’s Parish Berwick. We are an active community, contributing to a wider community which encompasses families from Beaconsfield, Upper Beaconsfield and some parts of Officer and Berwick. The Charism of St Brigid of Kildare inspires us to follow Jesus. The four virtues displayed throughout her life: Faith, Knowledge, Strength and Hospitality, are the pillars that we build our school upon and are reflected in all that we say and do as a community. We see ourselves as a community of lifelong learners and provide an environment that is challenging, stimulating and fosters creativity. We provide a high quality contemporary education for all students through best practice pedagogy, sound curriculum development and effective assessment and reporting. St Brigid’s is a community oriented school. We endeavour to create a meaningful home/school relationship whereby staff work in partnership with parents for the benefit of the students.

Catholic Ethos As a Catholic school we specifically aim to enhance the spiritual needs of our students in partnership with their parents. Central to St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School life is the development of a faith response to the Gospels. This exemplifies the mission and teaching of Jesus Christ and thereby complements the work of our families and parish. We seek to create a culture of respect, tolerance, honesty, patience, trust, justice, peace and care for students, their family, staff and all those associated with our school. We affirm the rights of individuals together with their responsibility to the wider community. St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School endeavours to offer a challenging curriculum that caters to the specific needs of our students and encourages them to develop their full potential by pursuing excellence. Our existence is dependent upon the support of parents. Their faith in the school and its ethos is of paramount importance. Children whose parents are supportive of St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School and spend time assisting or taking a keen interest in them with their school work, are more likely to be successful in their schooling. Our staff supports parents in the development of their child’s faith.

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St. Brigid St. Brigid was born in a quiet village named Faughart in Ireland in 454 AD. As a child Brigid demonstrated a strong will but also a charitable nature. She was a compassionate woman. St. Brigid was strong in spirit and expressed clear opinions on what was right and wrong. St. Brigid wanted to help those in need and often handed out bread, butter, eggs and chickens from her father’s dairy farm. She could not bear to see anyone hungry or cold. As a child she heard St. Patrick preach, which she never forgot. St. Brigid’s life gives us many examples of her willingness to free people from oppression and poverty. St. Brigid had a special love of the poor. She is renowned for her hospitality. At an early age St. Brigid became a Catholic nun. After establishing her first convent with seven nuns St. Brigid established convents all over Ireland. St. Brigid also founded a school of art at Kildare. St. Brigid died at Kildare on February 1st in the year 525 and she was buried at Downpatrick with St. Columba and St. Patrick. Her spirit lives on in the hospitality that is afforded by the nuns of Kildare.

School Logo Our School Logo is a contemporary version of the reed cross of St. Brigid of Ireland and our Motto is Knowledge|Strength|Faith|Hospitality. St. Brigid as our example displayed these virtues throughout her life. St. Brigid was a woman of great faith and was devoted to God’s service. A tiny cross made of rushes was linked with St. Brigid. This cross was said to have been woven by her to explain the Passion of Christ. The tradition of making these crosses has become an annual custom among the Irish on or around her Feast Day. St. Brigid’s life and work inspires the use of hospitality as part of our school’s motto and her strength of spirit and firm convictions inspire the use of strength and knowledge. St. Brigid’s father loved her dearly but often struggled to understand her acts of kindness and practical compassion. As members of St. Brigid’s School community we are called to display kindness and hospitality to those around us. The virtues in our School Logo are the pillars that we build our school upon and are reflected in all we say and do as a community.

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St. Brigid Oak

On the first day of the 2010 School Year, February 1st we celebrated St. Brigid’s Feast Day. On this day Mr. Michael Doyle and Sister Rose Duffy, who represent the Brigidine Order, presented St. Brigid’s School with a little Daniel Delany Oak sapling.

This little oak tree has its own story. Grown from an acorn from an oak tree at Killester College, Springvale, its ancestry is directly linked to an oak tree at St. Joseph’s Echuca, which in turn came from the oak tree in Tullow Ireland, the place where Bishop Daniel Delany re-founded the ancient Order of St. Brigid in 1807.

At the time of re-founding the Brigidine Sisters, Daniel Delany took an oak sapling from Kildare, near where St. Brigid herself had established her monastery in the early sixth century, and planted it at the new foundation in Tullow. The oak was a sign of continuity, a carrying forward of the mythology, the values and works of St. Brigid into a new era. The significance of the oak was again recognised in 2007 at the time of the Brigidine Bi-Centenary when Irish President Mary McAleese planted another oak sapling at Tullow as a symbol of the continuing importance and relevance of the Brigidine story in contemporary times.

Two Daniel Delany Oak Sapling’s have been planted in the school grounds on the side of the school oval.

St. Brigid’s Prayer

Saint Brigid, you were a woman of peace.

You brought harmony where there was conflict.

You brought light to the darkness.

You brought hope to the downcast.

May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious,

and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.

Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.

Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.

Strengthen what is weak within us.

Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.

May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit.

Amen.

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Term Dates 2018

TERM ONE Monday, 29th January to Friday, 29st March . Monday, 29th January Staff Planning Day Tuesday, 30th January Staff Planning Day Wednesday, 31st January Staff Planning Day Thursday, 1st February Year 1-6 Students Start 8:45am-3:15pm Thursday, 1st February Foundation Students Attend 8:45am-1pm Friday, 2nd February Foundation Students Attend 8:45am-1pm Monday 5th February Foundation Students Start 8:45am-3:15pm

(no school on Wednesdays in February for Foundation level) Monday, 12th March Labour Day Public Holiday

(Easter: Friday, 30th March – Monday, 2nd April)

TERM TWO Monday, 16th April to Friday, 29th June

Wednesday, 25th April ANZAC Day Public Holiday Monday, 11th June Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

TERM THREE Monday, 16th July to Friday, 21st September

TERM FOUR Monday, 8th October to Friday, 21st December

Tuesday 6th November Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday

BELL TIMES Children are NOT to be dropped off prior to 8.30a.m. There are no teachers supervising children prior to this time and your child’s safety cannot be compromised in this way.

Morning Monday 8.45 a.m. Assembly/Flag Raising Tuesday to Friday 8.35 a.m. First Bell Classes Commence 8.45 a.m. Second Bell

Recess Eating Time 10.50 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Play Time 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

Lunch time Eating Time 1.00 p.m. to 1.10 p.m. Play Time 1.10 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Afternoon Monday to Friday 3.15 p.m. We usually have a 1pm dismissal on the last day of each Term and on Parent/Teacher Interview days. Reminders will be issued in our weekly school newsletter.

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Wellbeing At St. Brigid’s we believe in the importance of effective wellbeing practices which lead us, as a school community, to promote positive relationships between all members. We endeavour to create a meaningful home/school relationship, whereby parents and staff work in partnership for the benefit of all the students.

Wellbeing of the School Community St. Brigid’s aims to foster the overall development of all students through the provision of appropriate support that will facilitate growth and development in knowledge and skills. St. Brigid’s School policy emphasises the uniqueness and individual worth of each student. We aim to create an environment in which students feel safe, happy and resilient. Intervention is provided because our experience indicates that despite preventative practices some students will, at times, require specific and intensive support. St. Brigid’s Student Wellbeing Coordinator collaborates with teachers, parents and professionals to provide appropriate support for students with a range of special needs, including academic, social, emotional and behavioural/medical. The term “Student Wellbeing” encompasses almost every aspect of school life. St. Brigid’s School seeks to build healthy relationships between students, teachers and families. Our School has many programs and policies that aim to assist children to be happy, to feel good about themselves and to respect other members of our school community. At St. Brigid’s we value:

Respect for school rules Consideration, respect and friendliness towards students, staff, parents and visitors Responsibility for assigned duties Respect for school equipment and property Punctuality Self-discipline in class, the playground and whilst wearing the St Brigid’s school

uniform in the community. St. Brigid’s has a Student Wellbeing Team under the leadership of the Principal and Wellbeing Coordinator. Parents and students are asked to contact the school if there are ever any concerns or issues. If we know about a problem, then together we can work on finding a solution. Many aspects of Student Wellbeing are taught through the Religious Education Program and the Victorian Curriculum. We aim to develop in the students a sense of belonging, an understanding of the values, the ability to build positive behaviours and to engage behaviourally, emotionally and cognitively.

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You Can Help the School by:

Being a positive example to your child in attempting to reflect the ideals of the Gospels

Taking an active interest in the learning activities of your child Supporting school staff Supporting and participating in the activities of the school and its community.

School Rules

Parents are asked to cooperate with teachers in reminding the students of the regulations that exist in the school. The school expects the support of parents in this regard. St. Brigid’s prefers to have as few rules as possible emphasising the areas of:

Common sense Respect for the rights and dignity of each individual The development of trust and responsibility.

General Rules

If my action is likely to hurt another person or myself, it is not permitted. Students are not to be in the classroom at any time unless a teacher is present. Stones, sticks, toy guns etc. are not appropriate play things at school. Students are not permitted to leave the playground in school hours without a

parent’s written consent. Bikes are not to be ridden in the playground and are to be left alone during school

hours.

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What it means to be part of St Brigid’s School Community There are certain expectations for members of St Brigid’s Community. This is not a set of rules but clear expectations of how student who are part of our community work, play and socialise. All students and staff had the opportunity to contribute and the Student Representative Council in consultation with Mr Gale have completed this School Policy. These expectations are present in all aspects of school life including the use of all internet communications.

We learn and let

others learn

We know what is

right and wrong

We listen to others

We play safely

We make the right

decision even when

it is not easy

We make the right

choices in looking

after our school

Students lead by

example

We try to be the

best person we can

We have faith in

God, in ourselves

and others

We value others and

show everyone

respect

We tell the truth

We provide service

for others in need

We care and look

after each other

We welcome

everyone

We support and

encourage each

other

We have fun

together

KNOWLEDGE

STRENGTH

FAITH

HOSPITALITY

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Intervention and Learning Adjustment

At St Brigid’s, our goal is to assist students to reach their full potential. At times, students may

experience some difficulty in their learning and may require some extra assistance or

intervention to help overcome this. Sometimes only minimal intervention is required and a

teacher may cater for this by differentiating the curriculum to match student needs.

For students with more significant learning issues, specialist intervention programs may be

more appropriate. When a student is not making satisfactory progress in their learning over

an extended period of time, it is advisable to seek assistance from other professionals such as

speech pathologists, psychologists, paediatricians or occupational therapists, who can carry

out assessments to identify specific learning difficulties. This information can then be used by

teachers to target their teaching to match the needs of individual students. Our school has a

Learning Adjustment Leader who works with teachers and parents to help identify students

who may benefit from assessment and intervention programs.

You Can Do It (YCDI!) Education

As part of our Well-Being program here at St. Brigid's we use a wonderful resource called "You Can Do It!" (YCDI!). This helps children develop knowledge and skills in the incredibly important areas of social and emotional competencies. If children are to achieve to the best of their abilities and experience social-emotional well-being (positive emotions and behaviour combined with the absence of significant emotional and behavioural difficulties) then learning about getting along, organisation, persistence, confidence and resilience are pivotal. These 5 skills are sometimes called the 'keys to success'. Also, having 'healthy habits of the mind' (like social responsibility, playing by the rules, thinking first, giving effort, etc.) are extremely valuable. All of these things and more are covered in YCDI!

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School Counselling Program The School Counselling Program is contracted by CatholicCare and is currently available at St Brigid’s on 1 day per week. This program is a confidential service offered free of charge to our students. The School Counsellor will be available to discuss child-related issues such as:

Behavioural concerns, both at school and at home Emotional problems such as anxiety, grief, depression, low self-esteem Family issues, such as separation/divorce, parenting difficulties, parent-child or

sibling relationships Peer and social issues including bullying, peer relationships and social skills Developmental and academic concerns where appropriate.

Counselling may involve a number of therapeutic methods including play and art therapies, individual/small group/class programs, skills training, as well as consultations with parents and teachers. Students may be referred by school staff, parents or other professionals (e.g. family doctor), or students may refer themselves. Written parental consent is required for all children prior to commencement of counselling. Our school counsellor is a Registered Psychologist and is currently available on site at school. For further information on CatholicCare and the services it offers please go to www.ccam.org.au.

Communicable Diseases

Health (Immunisation) Regulations

In Victoria, vaccination is promoted in multiple ways. One of these is through the provisions of Health (Immunisation) Regulations. Since 1990, all children enrolling in primary school are required to present an immunisation history statement. There are a number of ways to obtain this statement; you will be sent one when your child turns five years old, however you can request one by:

phoning 1800 653 809 or emailing acir@medicareaustralia.gov.au www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/online visiting your local Medicare Office.

This certificate states if they have or have not completed the required childhood immunisations against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Measles and Mumps.

Note that the legislation does not make immunisation compulsory. However, certification of Immunisation status is compulsory. Doctor’s letters, photocopies of Infant Welfare Books and statutory declarations are not acceptable by the school.

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Exclusion Period for Infectious Conditions

PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELLBEING REGULATIONS 2009 (REGULATION 85)

Table 1: Minimum period of exclusion from primary schools and children's services centres for infectious diseases

cases and contacts (Public Health, Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Schedule 7)

Condition Exclusion of cases (diagnosed) Exclusion of contacts (been in contact with)

Amoebiasis (Entamoeba

histolytica)

Exclude until there has not been a

loose bowel motion for 24 hours Not excluded

Campylobacter Exclude until there has not been a

loose bowel motion for 24 hours Not excluded

Chickenpox

Exclude until all blisters have

dried. This is usually at least 5

days after the rash appears in

unimmunised children, but may

be less in previously immunised

children

Any child with an immune deficiency (for example,

leukaemia) or receiving chemotherapy should be excluded

for their own protection. Otherwise not excluded

Conjunctivitis Exclude until discharge from eyes

has ceased Not excluded

Diarrhoea Exclude until there has not been a

loose bowel motion for 24 hours Not excluded

Diphtheria

Exclude until a medical certificate

of recovery is received following

at least two negative throat swabs,

the first not less than 24 hours

after finishing a course of

antibiotics and the other 48 hours

later

Exclude family/household contacts until cleared to return

by the Secretary

Hand, foot and mouth

disease

Exclude until all blisters have

dried Not excluded

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Exclude until at least 4 days of

appropriate antibiotic treatment

has been completed

Not excluded

Hepatitis A

Exclude until a medical certificate

of recovery is received, but not

before 7 days after the onset of

jaundice or illness

Not excluded

Hepatitis B Exclusion is not necessary Not excluded

Hepatitis C Exclusion is not necessary Not excluded

Herpes (cold sores)

Young children unable to comply

with good hygiene practices

should be excluded while the

lesion is weeping. Lesions to be

covered by a dressing, where

possible

Not excluded

Human immunodeficiency

virus (HIV) infection Exclusion is not necessary Not excluded

Impetigo

Exclude until appropriate

treatment has commenced. Sores

on exposed surfaces must be

covered with a watertight dressing

Not excluded

Influenza and influenza-like

illnesses Exclude until well

Not excluded unless considered necessary by the

Secretary

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Condition Exclusion of cases (diagnosed) Exclusion of contacts (been in contact with)

Leprosy Exclude until approval to return

has been given by the Secretary Not excluded

Measles* Exclude for at least 4 days after

onset of rash

Immunised contacts not excluded. Unimmunised contacts

should be excluded until 14 days after the first day of

appearance of rash in the last case. If unimmunised

contacts are vaccinated within 72 hours of their first

contact with the first case, or received normal human

immunoglobulin within 6 days of exposure, they may

return to the facility

Meningitis (bacteria, other

than meningococcal

meningitis)

Exclude until well Not excluded

Meningococcal infection*

Exclude until adequate carrier

eradication therapy has been

completed

Not excluded if receiving carrier eradication therapy

Mumps*

Exclude for 9 days or until

swelling goes down (whichever is

sooner)

Not excluded

Pertussis (whooping

cough)*

Exclude for 21 days after the

onset of cough or until they have

completed 5 days of a course of

antibiotic treatment

Contacts aged less than 7 years in the same room as the

case who have not received three effective doses of

pertussis vaccine should be excluded for 14 days after the

last exposure to the infectious case, or until they have

taken 5 days of a course of effective antibiotic treatment

Poliomyelitis*

Exclude for at least 14 days from

onset. Re-admit after receiving

medical certificate of recovery

Not excluded

Ringworm, scabies,

pediculosis (head lice)

Exclude until the day after

appropriate treatment has

commenced

Not excluded

Rubella* (German

measles)

Exclude until fully recovered or

for at least 4 days after the onset

of rash

Not excluded

Salmonella or Shigella

infection

Exclude until there has not been a

loose bowel motion for 24 hours Not excluded

Severe acute respiratory

syndrome (SARS)

Exclude until a medical certificate

of recovery is produced

Not excluded unless considered necessary by the

Secretary

Streptococcal infection

(including scarlet fever)

Exclude until the child has

received antibiotic treatment for at

least 24 hours and feels well

Not excluded

Tuberculosis

Exclude until a medical certificate

is received from the treating

physician stating that the child is

not considered to be infectious

Not excluded

Typhoid fever (including

paratyphoid fever)

Exclude until approval to return

has been given by the Secretary

Not excluded unless considered necessary by the

Secretary

Verotoxin-producing E.

coli (VTEC)

Exclude if required by the

Secretary and only for the period

specified by the Secretary

Not excluded

Worms (intestinal) Exclude until there has not been a

loose bowel motion for 24 hours Not excluded

* Vaccine-preventable disease

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Medication Should your child need medication during school time a staff member must administer it. All medications are held in our sick bay area and must be in their original packaging. If the medication is a prescription product, it must be prescribed in the name of the child who is to receive it. Please complete a Permission to Administer Medication Form available from the office or on our website at www.stbofficer.catholic.edu.au and bring the medication along with the completed form to administration. This form will detail the following:

Permission for a staff member to administer The child’s name The time of day/dates the medication is to be administered The dose required The name and phone number of the medical practitioner who prescribed the

medication.

Asthma Management Students with asthma attending St. Brigid’s School must provide a current asthma management plan. This is to be signed by a doctor. We ask that this plan be kept up to date and that any changes in condition are to be notified immediately. Please also provide Ventolin (or equivalent) and a spacer to the school. These are to be clearly labelled with child’s name and both will be kept in sick bay for use during school time. Emergency Care (Asthma): In the event of a student developing what appears to be an asthma attack, their Asthma Management Plan will be followed. If the student does not show improvement within ten minutes of taking their medication, medical assistance will be sought without delay using the telephone contacts recorded.

Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. The most common allergens in school aged children are peanuts, eggs, tree nuts (e.g. cashews), cow’s milk, fish and shell fish, wheat, soy, sesame, latex, certain insect stings and medication. Any student who has been diagnosed by a medical practitioner as being at risk of anaphylaxis will have an individual management plan developed in consultation with the student’s parents. The plan will need to be in place prior to the student commencing at St Brigid’s. If your child requires an EpiPen, one will need to be provided to the school, this will be kept in the school sick bay. Each learning centre where there is a child diagnosed with Anaphylaxis will also contain a school issued EpiPen for emergency use.

Other Diagnosed Medical Conditions

Any student who has been diagnosed by a medical practitioner with a serious medical condition will require an individual management plan developed in consultation with the student’s parents. The plan will need to be in place prior to the student commencing at St Brigid’s. Conditions may include diabetes, epilepsy

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Illness and Injury

When a student is sick or injured a parent/emergency contact will be notified and asked to come and collect their child. Until such time as an

adult arrives, the sick/injured child will be cared for in sick bay which is located in the administration building.

For serious injuries/illness requiring urgent medical assistance, an ambulance will also be called.

Fruit Breaks and Water Bottles At St. Brigid’s we encourage healthy eating habits for the child.

Each class will have a fruit break each day.

The time of the fruit break will be at the discretion of the teacher.

Students are encouraged to have water bottles in class so that they can maintain

hydration (important for optimum brain functioning).

Bottles may only contain water – no cordial or juices.

Clean Air Policy (No Smoking)

In the interests of all parties involved in Catholic education we ensure that a safe working environment is maintained in our school. In order to maintain a safe working environment, the following will apply:

No smoking on school premises No smoking in school buildings at any time No smoking within 4 metres of any gate or entrance.

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Sunsmart Our Sunsmart Policy has been developed in line with recommendations of the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria. It ensures that all children attending this school are protected from skin damage caused by the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun.

As part of general Sunsmart strategies our school has a NO school hat NO play policy during term one and term four.

DURING TERM ONE AND TERM FOUR

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Teaching and Learning

At St. Brigid’s we believe students require the following elements in their schooling:

Values, Understandings

and Skills for the 21st Century

Numeracy To Celebrate Diversity

A Responsible attitude to

Sustainability

An Effective Learning

Environment

Engagement

Faith Community

Independence Sacramental Journey

Resilience

Identity

Physical , Emotional &

Spiritual Health

Literacy

ICT

To work cooperatively

with other students

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Key Elements of St. Brigid’s Teaching Practice

Student's skills, attributes and

learning needs for the 21st Century

Explicit Instruction

and LearningPersonalised

Learning

Rich

Pedagogical

Understandings

Whole School

Support

Active Learning &

Positive Relationships

Assessment

for...

as ...

of ...

Strong & Practical

Team Work

Celebrate Successes

Flexible Learning Spaces

Students as Researchers

Teachers as Facilitators

Authentic Learning

Inquiry and Investigative

Learning

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Religious and Spiritual Dimensions of School Life

At St. Brigid’s, we are part of St. Michael’s Parish, Berwick which is located in the Diocese of Sale. Under the ministry of our Parish Priest, Fr. Jeff Kleynjans and Assistant Priest, Fr Hilarion Fernando, our parish based and school supported Sacramental program combines students from all three Catholic schools (St. Brigid’s, St. Michael’s and St. Catherine’s) as well as Catechist children from non-Catholic schools. The program is supported by St Francis Xavier College.

Role of the Parish

Our Parish works with the School and Family to nurture the Faith Development of your child. As well as celebrating Mass, St. Michael’s works with all three parish schools to coordinate the Sacramental preparations and providing the necessary resources.

Using the latest Sacramental program, the School continues the children’s educational preparation for each of the Sacraments.

The Parish has a Sacramental Team that consists of the Parish and Assistant Priests, Sacramental Coordinator and Religious Education Leaders from our three Parish schools.

The Sacramental Team works with and supports the schools and parents in providing workshops for parents/children for each of the Sacraments. Children usually receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Year Three, First Eucharist in Year Four and Confirmation in Year Six.

The Sacramental Coordinator and Religious Education Leaders keep parents informed regarding the Sacraments through Parish and School Newsletters along with letters sent home to families.

Role of the Families

Parents are the prime educators of their children’s faith. Therefore, parent involvement in Sacramental preparation is most important. The Parish and School are there to support parents in their children’s faith journey. Parents decide when their children are ready to receive the Sacraments and enrol the children in the program at the Parish. It is not mandatory that your child receive the Sacrament with their peers, should they not be ready to participate. This can be completed in later years.

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Role of the school

Our role as a Parish School is to provide a thorough Religious Education Program and to support the Sacramental Team in their work. The School assists families who are involved in the Sacramental Program by attending Sacramental ceremonies and assisting workshops for the various Sacraments as well as providing assistance to students.

The central aim of our Religious Education curriculum is to help students develop a conscious, loving relationship with God, in Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit.

Religious Education Curriculum

The Religious curriculum used in our schools is a sequential program from Foundation year through to Year Six. Teachers are using a revised curriculum of “Journeying Together in Hope”. The Sacraments are taught at every level, which means that the units of work are based at the level appropriate to the students’ ages.

Students in our school are provided with experiences and a curriculum which enriches the values, incorporates the traditions, nourishes the faith and shares the story of our Church.

At St. Brigid’s we foster and nurture your child’s faith journey by:

Teaching, nurturing and living Gospel values. Providing a Foundation-Year Six curriculum, which encompasses Catholic faith

and traditions and ongoing Sacramental education. Regular School Masses, liturgical celebrations and Reconciliation celebrations. Supporting families in Sacramental preparations. Creating a prayerful environment. Providing a supportive environment where each child is valued as a unique

individual. Opportunity for Interfaith Dialogue through the Building Harmony program in

senior years.

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Learning and Teaching

Learning and Teaching at St. Brigid’s is underpinned by the belief that we must empower

students to become independent, self-directed learners.

We are committed to ensuring success in the competencies of literacy and numeracy, as

well as a knowledge and understanding of our ever changing world through inquiry learning

from a Catholic world view. We see ourselves as a community of lifelong learners and

provide an environment that is challenging, stimulating and fosters creativity. In St. Brigid's

school community your child will experience a supportive environment where our

dedicated, professional staff encourages each student to feel happy and confident as a

learner as well as assisting them through more difficult times and in developing positive self-

esteem.

At St. Brigid’s we have flexible classrooms that are designed to engage our students. Much

thought must go into the use of these classrooms and how they accommodate the different

learning needs of our students. Our spaces need areas for students to collaborate and work

in teams while offering quiet spaces for individual work and spaces for whole group

presentations. Above all they need to be classrooms that ignite imagination and creativity

and generate enthusiasm to learn.

Learning at St. Brigid’s is personalized and meaningful and our teachers strive to provide

authentic learning opportunities for all students. Their own learning mirrors that of the

students in that it is personalized, collaborative, innovative and reflective giving great

consideration to feedback and deliberation on their own learning and teaching.

We enable our learners to develop core knowledge, skills and understandings through:

Reflecting, Thinking and working creatively, Communicating and collaborating, Exploring, experimenting and creating new knowledge.

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Curriculum Framework

St Brigid’s school curriculum is based on the Victorian Curriculum and the Religious

Education Curriculum ‘Journeying Together in Hope’ of the Diocese of Sale. We are currently

in a transition to a Revised Religious Education Curriculum.

Learning Areas/Subject Disciplines are:

Religious Education

English

Mathematics

Science

Health and Physical Education

Languages – Japanese

Humanities and Social Sciences (History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Business

and Economics)

The Arts (Performing Arts and Creative Arts)

Technologies (including ICT)

General Capabilities

Victorian Curriculum Capabilities are...

Personal and Social Capabilities

Critical and Creative Capabilities

Ethical Capabilities

Intercultural Capabilities

Curriculum Priorities

Aboriginal Histories and Cultures

Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia

Sustainability

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Integrated Curriculum

In today’s world the amount of information and knowledge available is increasing at a rapid rate. Where once it was expected that a school’s role was to pass on a defined amount of knowledge or facts it is now understood that it is both inappropriate and inadequate. By studying integrated units of work children learn how to find the information they need and how best to apply this knowledge to help them understand and make sense of their world.

Inquiry Learning

Being a 21st Century school, one of our aims is to ‘embrace the diversity of all students by personalising the curriculum.’ Through ‘inquiry learning’ we are able to achieve this for all students from Foundation to Grade 6. An ‘inquiry-based approach’ to teaching and learning allows students to develop deep understandings of relevant topics through a hands on and collaborative approach. We strategically plan learning experiences to ensure they are child centred, motivating, engaging, multisensory and interdisciplinary. The content and skills incorporated provide a balance between curriculum outcomes, real-life contexts, current affairs, global and local and student interest (authentic learning). Through Inquiry Learning, students will:

Address real world questions and solve problems

Ask questions and conduct research

Collaborate and communicate with others and reflect on their learning

Apply new knowledge learnt to their own lives

Develop their curiosity and use their imagination. At St. Brigid’s, our model of inquiry learning reflects the theories of educational experts Kathy Walker, Jeni Wilson and Kath Murdoch.

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C.A.F.E. and Read to Self

As a whole school, we have consistency with our reading program and the C.A.F.E framework for reading is used from Foundation to Grade 6. This framework was developed by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser ‘the 2 sisters’ and stands for:

C – Comprehension

A – Accuracy

F – Fluency

E – Expand Vocabulary During whole class mini lessons, teachers explicitly model reading strategies from the C.A.F.E menu because it is stressed that good readers use a variety of strategies when reading and these include - comprehending, being accurate, fluent and understanding and interpreting new words. After a mini lesson, students engage in Read to Self (also developed by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser) reading good fit books, building their reading stamina and ability to read independently. As students’ stamina builds, teachers can conduct individual student conferences where they identify and model a particular strategy from the C.A.F.E framework for each student to improve their reading. The student is then given the responsibility of practicing this strategy during ‘read to self’ time and is followed up through further conferencing and strategy based groups.

The beauty of teaching reading this way is that student learning is ‘differentiated’ and ‘personalised.’ All students have their own individualised reading goals, are reading books at their level and most importantly can achieve success! http://www.thedailycafe.com/

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Literacy / English At St. Brigid’s, literacy skills are taught through a language experience approach, throughout the day, as part of an integrated curriculum. Therefore, skills are practised and information is presented in a meaningful context. In order to become good readers, writers, spellers and conversationalists, the following three skills are constantly re-enforced through various literacy activities:

1. Understanding the relationship between letters and sounds they can make (phonics). 2. Using the correct grammar of both spoken and written language. 3. Learning to gain meaning from text.

All attempts are encouraged as each child develops at his or her own pace. The teacher is constantly modelling reading, writing, spelling and oral language skills in a variety of real situations. Children are encouraged to take risks as they apply strategies and develop skills in their daily use of language. We promote the children’s enjoyment and appreciation of literature by encouraging the reading of a variety of materials both at home and at school. Take home books are expected to be read daily, this is a great opportunity for children to share literature at home by:

1. Reading books to another person. 2. Reading books with another person. 3. Listening to a book read by another person.

When reading at home, the main focus is to nurture an interest in literature and a love for reading. At St. Brigid’s we also offer support to students in the early years, through our intervention program and small reading groups.

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Mathematics

At St Brigid’s, it is our belief that a sound Mathematics program should include the following:

A wide variety of concrete experiences in the early years. Children’s manipulation of concrete materials provides meaning upon which their mathematical ideas are built.

Recognition of the importance of drawing upon what students already know and using concrete experiences to assist children in grasping more abstract principles.

A variety of practical classroom activities where children are encouraged to solve mathematical problems encountered in the real world.

Time for concentrated practice and application of new skills and strategies.

An appreciation of different learning styles and different rates of learning.

Opportunities for children to verbalise their understanding of mathematical experiences and concepts.

Development of the correct terminology to use when working on mathematical tasks.

Extending Mathematical Understanding (EMU) EMU is a Numeracy intervention program which can be accessed by students in Years 1 – 6.

The program is designed for junior students who are experiencing difficulty with the acquisition of Numeracy skills and for older students who may be struggling to understand new mathematical concepts.

Our specialist EMU teacher, Catherine Murray, implements this daily intervention program and children participate for between ten and twenty weeks.

The goal of EMU is to enhance children’s mathematical learning and to prepare them to benefit more fully from the regular Mathematics curriculum being taught in the classroom.

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Science

To be human is to be curious about the world we live in, and to wonder why it is that way, and to ask about our place in it. A fundamental goal for science education is to stimulate, respond to and nourish such curiosity, wonder and questioning. Scientists use techniques of scientific investigation to create an understanding of the world. Science is dynamic and progressive. Our society is being continually confronted, challenged and redirected by ideas borne from people’s curiosity, imagination and dreams about what might be possible. Science has had, and will continue to have, successes and setbacks as technologies that provide people with an improved quality of life are developed and implemented. It is becoming increasingly important that students understand these challenges and redirections, and the implications of these for their own life choices, the environment and the community (local and global) in which they live. Building students’ science capability is critical to help them develop the skills and understanding necessary to meet these challenges and make responsible, informed choices. At St. Brigid’s, we provide many learning opportunities for our students to develop their knowledge and skills in the area of science.

The Arts The Arts in the primary school curriculum is composed of five main areas:

Dance Drama Media Music Visual Arts

The Arts are taught in all year levels. When planning units of work, the appropriate skill and outcome is introduced to ensure students are provided with a broad range of experiences relevant to their development and interest. These skills empower students to express their creativity through visual, physical, aural, social and verbal responses to the world.

The Arts provide students with the opportunity to respond to, explore and extend their ideas and understandings of the world.

An appreciation and personal response to the Arts is highly valued and encouraged at St. Brigid’s. We believe these skills are life skills and can enhance the quality of experience and participation in life.

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Performing Arts Performing Arts education at St. Brigid’s is very skill based but with a strong emphasis on

developing a child’s confidence and creativity in expressing themselves through music.

Music is a fundamental part of our liturgical worship. Therefore, it forms an integral part of the spiritual dimension of the school. Whether in smaller class liturgies or in whole school Masses we

value the student’s contribution to, and expression of, worship through music. At St. Brigid’s we have a performing arts specialist and the students have a music lesson every week.

Humanities and Social Sciences: Economics, Geography, History and

Civics and Citizenship The Humanities in Prep to Year 10 involve the study of human societies and environments, people and their cultures in the past and the present. The Humanities provide a framework for developing in students the key ideas and concepts that enable them to understand the way in which people and societies have organised their world under particular conditions and make meaning of it. The Humanities provide unique ways to understand how and why groups of people have settled where they have and organised their societies, how they have developed means of generating and distributing wealth, developed codes, laws and beliefs systems, related to other groups of people and interacted with their physical environment.

Health and Physical Education A sound health and physical education program should include the following:

Opportunities for students to participate in physical activity. Students are encouraged to develop basic skills that enable them to participate to the best of their ability in minor and major games.

Promotion of safe practices in everyday activities. Whilst encouraging students to push themselves a little further it is important they learn to recognise the difference between an acceptable and unacceptable risk.

Chances for students to develop understandings with regard to how food affects our physical wellbeing, social and emotional selves.

The opportunity for students to reflect on how their personal behaviours and activities affect their health.

Students have specialist Physical Education lessons weekly.

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Swimming Program St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School aims to participate in a swimming program each year. Notification of dates will be advised individually to parents and also through our school newsletter. The swimming program is traditionally held towards the end of Term 4.

E Learning Information and Communications Technology is an integral part of the learning and teaching process at St. Brigid’s. In our increasing technological society, it is important that students see ICT as a practical tool which aids their learning and performs worthwhile and beneficial functions. All classrooms at St Brigid’s have a learning blog. These blogs are used to deliver curriculum and showcase student learning. The blogs enable the parent and global community to provide authentic audience and feedback to students about their work.

ICT, incorporating access to internet, email and network facilities, is currently used across all year levels to enhance the learning and teaching in most learning areas. The learning strategies and skills introduced in the junior levels are continued and extended into middle and senior levels using additional resources that enable more complex and sophisticated projects.

Utilisation of ICT provides: Wider opportunities of learning and teaching experiences. The ability to access, integrate and present information from a global source. Opportunities for problem solving and creativity. Learning opportunities that respond to individual student needs. Fun learning and teaching projects.

ICT Resources and Equipment Available: iPads Chrome Books G Suite Data Projectors Laptop Computers Email Internet Multi media room with Green screen, teleprompter & lighting Interactive Whiteboards Mathletics

These are available if and when appropriate.

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Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) This program is offered for students in the Foundation year classes to help with coordination and assist both physical and language development. We rely on parents support to run this program. Parental involvement in setting up the equipment and assisting with monitoring small groups for the program is crucial for the success of the program. Parents meet with the PMP Co-ordinator prior to sessions beginning to discuss the best implementation of the program.

St. Brigid’s Library and Resource Centre

The Library houses our general collection, comprising picture books, novels, information books and class sets for author studies and

thematic units. The teacher resources also form an integral part of our collection, supporting staff in the planning and delivery of curriculum. We are continually adding to our resources to ensure that they remain current and relevant to our teaching and learning programs. Children in all learning centres have access to the library for borrowing and research opportunities and are welcome to visit the library at lunchtimes when it is open.

Assessment and Reporting Assessment is an ongoing part of teaching and learning in the classroom. Reporting takes place on a regular basis. This includes:

Formal Parent/Teacher meetings are held twice a year. The first is in Term 1 and the second is at the end of Term 2.

Informal Parent/Teacher meetings may be held at other times, as requested by the parent and/or teacher.

Written reports are provided mid-year and at the end of the year. Parent Support Group (PSG) meetings, for students with special needs, are held at

least three times a year. The information reported encourages a clear understanding of what students have learned. It focuses on students developing skills and competencies and assist in identifying what is needed to improve learning. The focus is on the individual student achievement, rather than comparing and ranking students.

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School Assemblies Parents and all family members and friends are most welcome to attend our assemblies. We usually hold two assemblies as follows:

1. Monday Morning Flag Raising – at 8.45 a.m. The students and teachers gather to sing the National Anthem: Advance Australia Fair and raise the Australian Flag.

2. Friday Afternoon Assembly – this is a whole school assembly at 2.30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Students will have the opportunity to pray together and share class news and their achievements. This usually takes place every second or third Friday and will be advised in our newsletter.

Homework Policy Rationale Homework benefits students by complementing classroom learning, fostering good study habits and providing an opportunity for students to be responsible for their own learning.

Purpose The purpose of this policy is to support and extend classroom learning, to develop positive study habits, and to develop a responsibility for self-learning.

Implementation

Classroom teachers set appropriate homework activities Homework activities are interesting, challenging and where appropriate, open-

ended. Each set task is purposeful, meaningful and relevant to the current classroom

curriculum. Drill and practice activities are avoided. Homework activities are assessed with feedback and support provided by teachers.

Early Years (Foundation – Year 2)

Homework will generally not exceed 30 minutes per day and will not normally be set on weekends or during vacation periods. Homework will consist mainly of:

Reading activities to, with and by parents. Simple extension tasks associated with classroom activities. Gathering of additional information or materials.

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Middle Years (Years 3 - 6)

Homework tasks will be set to correlate with English, Maths and Inquiry topics. Generally, homework should not exceed 45 minutes per day and will be coordinated between teachers to avoid excessive workload. To assist the students with time management skills, homework will be set and due on various days. Homework will not be set during school holidays.

Homework will consist mainly of: Independent reading on a daily basis. Tasks such as continuation of classroom work, application of learnt skills, research

and projects.

Evaluation This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s five-year review cycle or as required.

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Foundation Transition Develop a passion for learning, if you do,

you will never cease to grow.

A. D’Angelo.

The transition process from kindergarten to school is an extremely important time in a child’s life. We believe in working closely with parents and pre-school teachers to ensure students are well prepared for school and feel secure and comfortable in their new surroundings.

In order to assist children to make the transition to school life as smooth as possible St. Brigid’s School recommends parents consider the following suggestions:

How to Prepare your Child for School

Getting Ready Familiarise your child with St. Brigid’s and its surroundings. Your child will need food for fruit breaks, playtime and lunchtime.

As you pack their food please explain and show the difference between each meal and check that children can manage glad wrap or food containers.

Share reading experiences together. Read many books with your child and look at the pictures in books and make up your own stories.

A Sleep Routine Establish a routine with a set bed time to ensure your child gets enough sleep.

Dressing for School

Look for easy fasteners when choosing shoes and other clothing. Encourage your child to dress themselves so they can manage things like taking

jumpers on and off at school and tying shoelaces independently.

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Looking after Belongings Label all your child’s belongings. Show your child where these labels have been placed. Note where lost property is held at the school. Encourage your child to take care of their own belongings.

The school welcomes the opportunity to assist you and your child to experience the positive and happy atmosphere which is present at St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School. As a means of helping your child become more familiar and comfortable with the school surroundings, our Orientation Program is outlined below. This program is aimed at providing a number of positive experiences of school during the year prior to your child commencing at St. Brigid’s. Not only will your child have the opportunity to become more familiar with the school surroundings he/she will also get to know some of the teachers.

Orientation Program for Foundation. 1. Orientation Program – Orientation Session One

Families will be asked to book their child into one of our four available Orientation Sessions. These will be held late October and early November from 9.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Each family is notified of the dates in writing along with details of how to use our

online booking system. Children will experience a school morning and the routine of a classroom

environment, with a small class group to help ease them into school life.

The aim of this morning is to provide children with the opportunity to interact independently in a more structured classroom environment and with a teacher.

It also provides children with the opportunity to experience the school playground in a safe and supervised atmosphere.

2. Orientation Program – Orientation Session Two Late November from 9.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Children meet with the Foundation teacher(s). There is a Parent Information Session held for parents to attend at the same time as

this session. This must be attended by at least one parent and will include a presentation on many aspects of starting school life at St. Brigid’s.

3. Orientation Program – Orientation Session Three (Whole School Orientation) During December from 12.00 noon to 1.00 p.m. St. Brigid’s School holds an Orientation session for all levels of the school.

Our new Foundation level children are invited to this orientation session to get to know their classmates and teacher and to develop positivity about starting school.

In special circumstances other transition arrangements may be made for students with special needs.

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Parental Involvement St. Brigid’s School acknowledges the good work done at home prior to your child’s schooling and that parents have an important role to play in the continuing education of their children. In fact, parents are the prime educators of their children. Our school has a policy of encouraging parents to become involved and we welcome their full participation. There are opportunities for parents to be involved in the classroom or to be of assistance in many indirect ways. This could include:

Contributing and collecting resources which may be of use in the classroom Supporting requests by teachers for items of interest or current themes Supporting your child with class themes (special days) Helping with reading and literacy based activities Helping with the Perpetual Motor Program (PMP) Participation in the School Excursion Program Participation in the School Sports Program Celebrating with the school at assemblies and liturgies Helping with covering and cataloguing books and resources.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

Parents with concerns regarding their child’s progress or who wish to address an

immediate issue are requested to telephone the school office to arrange a mutually

convenient time to discuss with their child’s classroom teacher.

Should the outcome require further clarification or follow-up, parents are then

advised to contact the school office to make a mutually convenient time to discuss

with the Principal or Deputy Principal.

Teaching staff are unable to receive telephone calls or have discussion with parents

regarding any concerns or issues, during class time or without arranging a time to

meet. The reason for this is that teaching staff are committed to their class and to

attend before and/or after school staff meetings.

Likewise, students are unable to contact parents during school time regarding any

issues or concerns. If your child is unwell or injured, the school administration staff

or staff on duty will contact you to notify you that your child needs to go home.

It is important that issues that occur between students during school time are dealt

with in a respectful and confidential manner with all parties concerned being given

equal time to discuss. We therefore urge parents to contact the school to discuss

these issues rather than try to deal directly with the student or parent.

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School Board St. Brigid’s School Board is an advisory board. Members of the board are the Parish Priest, Principal, teacher representative and a representative from the Parents and Friends and four elected parents. Any parent of a child attending St. Brigid’s School is eligible to nominate for a board position. The School Board usually meets on the third Tuesday of every month (except during school holidays).

Social and Fundraising Committee St. Brigid’s Social and Fundraising Committee is a parents’ auxiliary and meets on a monthly basis. While this committee raises valuable funds, it also has a strong social and pastoral role. You are encouraged to become involved wherever possible and to support the Social and Fundraising Committee activities. Funds raised go to purchasing resources and equipment that directly benefits the students at St. Brigid’s. The Social and Fundraising Committee meet regularly and everyone is very welcome.

Working with Children Check All parents who would like to help in their child’s classroom or attend excursions are required to hold a valid Working with Children Check. These are free to obtain for volunteers, for further information or to download an application form go to www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au Cards can take between 3 and 12 weeks to be delivered, so be sure to arrange your Working with Children card well in advance of the new school year.

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School Management and Administration

School Fees School Fees are a necessary part of the school’s funding structure, forming approximately 25% of the annual school recurrent budget. The remainder of the school’s recurrent funding comes from both the State and Federal Governments. School fees are used to meet such expenses as power, heating, insurance, office expenses (i.e. telephone) and maintenance etc. Additional necessary equipment is purchased by local fundraising and parish support.

School fees are charged on a family basis regardless of the number of children attending, levies are payable per child (please see table below).

The Book List levy covers all items of stationery that your child will require in the classroom

for the school year. It has replaced the need for parents to complete and collect a separate

book list and will be added to your school fee account. We request this levy to be paid

within the first 3 weeks of Term One.

Family Fees $1300.00 annually per family

Library/Technology Levy $160.00 annually per family

Capital Development Levy $560.00 annually per family

Mathletics (e-learning) $30.00 per child

Excursion Levy $80.00 per child

Curriculum Fee $170.00 per child

Booklist $120.00 per child

Swimming Program $60.00 per child

Camps are offered to students in years 3-6 and will be an additional cost. If your child is to attend a school camp during the year, this cost will be included on your initial invoice. If you have any concerns regarding payment of school fees or your circumstances change for any reason, please make an appointment to see the Principal to discuss alternate arrangements/payment plans. Fee concessions are available for families who hold a current health care or pensioner concession card. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak to our admin staff or make an appointment with our school principal.

School Forms and Notices To assist ensuring forms that need to be returned to the school are not misplaced we have a colour coded system. If a letter or form comes home on yellow paper, it needs a response and needs to be returned to school. Notices are sent home to families via the students. Copies of notices can be downloaded from our website, www.stbofficer.catholic.edu.au they can be found in the School Forms and Notices section of the website.

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St. Brigid’s School Website

St. Brigid’s school website contains lots of information about our school. You will find our weekly newsletter published on the website, along with a variety of other useful information including:

Copies of classroom notices provided to students Links to our classroom blogs Financial forms including direct debit authority Medical Forms Other School Related information.

At St Brigid’s Primary School, we value your privacy. Access to Newsletters and many School Forms and Notices is password protected. These forms and notices can be found in the Parents Only section of our website. Upon commencement at St Brigid’s, each family is allocated an individual username and password which must be used to access to this area of the website. It is important that parents regularly check the parents only section of the website, particularly to read our weekly newsletter. Please see instructions below. The Parents Only section of the website can be accessed by:

1. Going to - www.stbofficer.catholic.edu.au 2. Clicking on the News and Events tab at the top of the page. 3. Clicking on the Parents Only Tab on the right hand menu 4. From this you be asked to enter your unique username and password (see below) 5. You will then be given access to both School Forms and Notices and Newsletters

via a menu on the right hand side of the page.

Please take some time to have a look through our website and familiarise yourself with what is available. Our website is located at www.stbofficer.catholic.edu.au

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School Newsletter A digital school newsletter is provided every Wednesday. The newsletter is to inform parents of school activities and to act as a reminder of events planned. The newsletter is available to be viewed on our website, www.stbofficer.catholic.edu.au Notification of its availability will be emailed to parents weekly, access is via the password protected Parent Only section of the website. There will be limited hard copies available to collect from the office for those families who are unable to access a computer.

St. Brigid’s School App

St. Brigid’s School has a free app available to download onto all smart phones. This app is a very important source of the most current and up to date information at St Brigid’s. Please be sure to download the app to receive reminders of important school events and other relevant information. You can set the app to only receive notifications for your child’s year level. Search for St Brigid’s Frayneworks to locate and download the correct app for your smart

phone. If you require more detailed information on how to download the app, please collect an information sheet from the office.

Collecting and Dropping off Students

These rules have been adopted to further guarantee your children’s safety: Visitors to the school at any time between 8:45am and 3:15pm must access the school via the pedestrian gate near the administration building. There is a path which leads directly to the school office.

1. VISITING DURING SCHOOL HOURS: All visitors to the school, including ALL parent helpers are required to report to the office to sign in. Visitors to the school will be supplied with a school issued lanyard in which to display their Working with Children Card and sign in docket. These are available from the school office and can be returned when parents are signing out, prior to leaving the school grounds.

2. COLLECTING STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL HOURS: Anyone picking up children during school hours must firstly report to the office. If someone other than a parent/guardian is collecting students during school hours, a note must be supplied or a phone call must be made by the parent/guardian to the office to advise them of this arrangement in advance. Anyone picking up children during school hours will be required to sign their children out at the school office. You will then be given a slip to collect your child from their classroom.

3. LATE ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL: If your child arrives at school after 8:45am, please go to the office to sign them in and collect a late pass. If your child is late they MUST be accompanied by an adult to sign in. After signing in, you may then take your child directly to their classroom. Parents are requested not to enter the classroom buildings at this time, to keep disruptions to a minimum.

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Office Hours The Office hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. during school terms only. The office can be contacted by telephoning 03 5943 2447.

Hot/Wet Weather Plan Hot Weather St. Brigid’s School has a Hot Weather Policy. To ensure that children are protected in summer.

All children must wear a hat outside, and sunscreen is strongly advocated in Terms 1 and 4 as per our Sunsmart policy.

If the weather is above 35⁰C St. Brigid’s School will adopt a Hot Weather Program and reduce the amount of time that the children are outside in the heat of the day.

Children are constantly reminded of the importance of frequent drinks when playing. Teachers provide children with many opportunities to take water during class time. Sporting activities, where possible, are time tabled for early morning. All learning areas are air-conditioned.

Wet Weather St. Brigid’s School has a Wet Weather Policy, this will be activated by the Principal or their delegate when conditions outside are considered unsuitable for children and staff. There is heating provided in all learning areas.

Lost Property Parents are requested to have all articles of clothing clearly marked with their child’s name. Encourage your child to look after his/her belongings. There are two drawers labelled Lost Property in the Administration area. You are invited to check these drawers at any time if your child/children have lost anything.

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Safeguarding Children and Young People Code of Conduct

The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a central and fundamental responsibility of Catholic education. All Catholic schools are committed to strengthened practice for the protection of children in line with the Victorian Government child safety reforms.

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Carparking

School families have the privilege of being able to safely pickup & drop-off children inside the school property, something that not all schools can provide, so we are very fortunate to have this available to families.

Below are some friendly reminders: 1. Speed Limit in School grounds - Strictly 5 KM per hour / Walking Pace.

2. Entry Times into School grounds.

MORNINGS: Carpark entry time in the morning is from 8:20am onwards. Students may enter the school from 8:30am onwards. This is this is the time that teachers start before-school duty.

Please, No Drop-offs before 8:30am

AFTERNOONS: The gates are on a timer so afternoon entry is from 2:45pm for the Gravel Car Park ONLY. Entry into the Basketball Court Parking Area is from 3:00pm ONLY.

Please, Do Not drive over footpaths or grassed areas from one parking area to the other.

3. Parking In Basketball Court / Asphalt Area When parking in the basketball court area, please be mindful to park inside the marked court area between the basketball poles.

You MUST NOT allow children to cross from the footpath area to your car in the middle without an adult to cross with. Do Not call children across.

If you park in the Pickup/Drop-off Zone, you must stay with your vehicle, and park in a sensible manner, so there is maximum parking.

Please try and get as forward as you can in the line and avoid drop offs and pick-ups from behind the fire hydrant.

In the mornings the basketball car park needs to be cleared by 8.50am, especially on Wednesday and Thursday for P.E lessons.

3. Parking Along Bayview Rd Please: If possible, when parking out the front of the school, be mindful that we discourage parking on the opposite side of Bayview Rd due to the narrow road. Keep on the school side of Bayview Road.

Under no circumstances should a student cross Bayview Rd without an adult with them.

The safety of all of our children is our number 1 priority.

Courtesy, Respect and Patience

will ensure all are safe at St. Brigid’s.

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School Uniform

At St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School all students are required to wear the appropriate school uniform. These items are ONLY available to purchase directly from Noone Imagewear, which is located locally in Beaconsfield.

Noone Imagewear Beaconsfield

Beaconsfield Hub - Shop 4, 52-62 Old Princes Hwy Beaconsfield Vic 3807

Telephone: 03 9769 9093

Email: beaconsfield@noone.com.au

Website: https://www.noone.com.au/noone-beaconsfield

TRADING HOURS (CORRECT AT NOVEMBER 2016)

Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm

Please confirm current trading hours by visiting the website or by phoning the above number. UNIFORM OUTLINE: The general practice of wearing uniforms during the school year will be as follows:

Terms One and Four – Summer Uniform including school hat Terms Two and Three – Winter Uniform School Navy Wide Brim Hat is compulsory in Term One and Term Four. Navy scarves are optional in Terms Two and Three. At St. Brigid’s if a child is wearing incorrect uniform, a note will be sent home asking the parent/guardian to ensure the correct uniform is worn. If there are any difficulties in obtaining the correct uniform parent/guardians are asked to contact the school office. JEWELLERY: One pair of plain studs or sleepers only, to be worn in the lobe of the ear. No other jewellery other than a watch is to be worn to school. HAIR: Hair should be kept neat and tidy. Hair below collar length must be tied back off the student’s face. Only natural hair colours are permitted. PURCHASE OF UNIFORM: It is required that parents purchase their child’s summer uniform items before the commencement of the school year, however it is suggested that the winter uniform items be purchased closer to the commencement of second term, when they are required to be worn. This will allow parents the opportunity to allow for growth in their children.

At St. Brigid’s School runners are only to be worn for sport, not as school shoes. Black school schools are to be worn at all other times, buckles, lace up and velcro shoes are all acceptable. Black runners, skate shoes or canvas shoes are NOT an acceptable alternative to school shoes. Please see the following page for examples of acceptable school shoes.

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Examples of acceptable school shoes:

NOT acceptable school shoes

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Playground Supervision There are teachers on duty from 8:30am in the morning and until 3:30pm in the afternoon, and at all play and lunch times. Children are to be supervised by their parents outside of these hours. Students are given direction on appropriate safe behaviour on the playgrounds during supervised times.

School Photographs Arrangements are made on an annual basis to have photographs of individual students, class groups, family groups and the whole school taken by professional photographers. The photographers have a photo package that they offer to parents. While there is no obligation to purchase any photographs, all students will have their photograph taken for school records.

Excursion and Incursions Excursions and Incursions are an important part of the school program. Supervision of children at these outings is very strict and your child is well protected. Attendance is compulsory. Each excursion is an educational experience designed to complement classroom learning. Parental permission is essential before children participate in an excursion. If a notice is not returned prior to an excursion your child will not be able to attend.

Out of School Hours Care St. Brigid’s School offers before and after school care to its families. For further information, parents can contact Camp Australia on 1300 105 343 or go to their website; www.campaustralia.com.au. This service is provided by Camp Australia and not school employees. The before and after school care is located onsite here at St. Brigid’s.

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Emergency Contact Numbers In cases of emergency, the school will need to contact parents immediately. Please make sure that all home, work and emergency numbers are on the school records and are up to date. If any contact numbers change please notify the office immediately.

Student Absences If a child is absent from school, for any reason, a written explanation from the parent or guardian must be provided upon the child’s return to school. The presentation of a note is a legal requirement for schools. Please return the separate signed note to your child’s classroom teacher. Notes in diaries are not sufficient for this purpose. Please phone the office if your child is absent for 3 or more consecutive days. It is not necessary to phone if your child will be absent for just a day or two. Please sign your children out at the school office if you need to take your child/ren from school during the day. Written permission, including the name of the person collecting your child/ren is required if they are to be collected by someone other than yourself within school hours. HOLIDAYS / PLANNED ABSENCES St. Brigid’s is aware of its legal responsibilities to ensure every student attends school and

we have recently reviewed and updated our policies in accordance with the Catholic

Education Office Sale (CEOSale) and Government policies and guidelines. Our School

Attendance Policies are available on the school website.

We have introduced an Exemption from School Attendance Policy and to support this policy

we have an Application for Exemption of School Attendance Form that must be completed

if you are considering taking your child out of school for more than 5 days (one week) during

the time school is normally open. These processes have been put into place to ensure we

have an accurate register of School Attendance and the Parent/Guardian explanation for

non-attendance.

Paying Money to the School At various times parents are asked to pay money for raffles, Foodie Fridays etc. We ask that money be paid by the due date. Money (exact amount) should be sent to the school in an envelope clearly marked with the child’s name, year level and the reason for payment.

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Prized Possessions It would be appreciated if expensive or ‘treasured’ possessions – toys, computer games, expensive watches, etc. – were not brought to school. We cannot take responsibility for these and children become very upset if such items are damaged or misplaced.

Staff Meetings

Staff members gather for formal staff meetings and professional learning after school every Tuesday and Wednesday and are therefore not available for interviews during these times.

Visitors

All visitors to St. Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, including parent helpers are required to enter through the Administration Office and Sign-In electronically. Visitors are required to collect a school issued lanyard in which to display their sign-in docket and their Working with Children Card. This must be displayed at all times. Visitors are also required to leave via the Administration Office and Sign-Out when leaving the school. We ask that school lanyards are returned while signing out. Please see the section on Parental Involvement for further information. All visitors to St Brigid’s are to read, sign and abide by our Code of Conduct. A copy of the Code of Conduct will be available to read electronically upon completing the sign-in process.

VISITOR

BADGE

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I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.

~Author Unknown