Parent Information Handbook 2018

Last updated March 2018

Address:

10 Yass Road QUEANBEYAN NSW 2620

Telephone:

(02) 6297 2619

Fax No: (02) 6299 4128

Email:

queanbeyae-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website:

http://www.queanbeyae-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Facebook

Like us and follow us on FB https://www.facebook.com/Queanbeyan-East-Public-School-1274484759266928/

School Stream APP

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1. From your mobile device go to the APP

Store (iPhone/iPad) or Play Store (Android), search for School Stream and download the APP to your phone.

2. Make sure you agree to push notifications

3. Once School Stream has finished

installing, open the app, type Queanbeyan East Public School into the search then select our school.

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Contents

Welcome to QEPS

Contacting Us………….……. ... 3

About us……………………...… 4

School Hours……………...…... 5

School Routines…………… ..... 6

Uniform……………………….... 8/9 School Program Staff…………………………….. .7

Curriculum………………………10

Extra Curricula………………….11

School Policies Student attendance……………. 12

Student health………………….. 13

Student services and welfare… 14

Parent services………………… 16

Communication………………… 17

Emergency Procedures……….. 18

Important Contacts…………….. 19

School Calendar/Term dates 19

School Song……………………..20

Transition to School Playgroup.. 21

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Contacting Us All families whether you are a prospective family or current family are always welcome to make a time to discuss your child's particular needs or simply to meet and take a tour of the school.

A suitable meeting time or tour of the school can be requested through contacting the school office by email at queanbeyae-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au or by phone on 02 6297 2619.

For those times when a formal meeting may not be required, teaching staff and the principal may be available for a quick chat before or after school. This is sometimes all that is needed to ensure that any requests or concerns are communicated and managed quickly and efficiently.

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About Us

Queanbeyan East Public School is a middle sized school which prides itself on providing a strong academic and welfare program to a supportive school community. The drawing area provides a mix of rural and urban children and the size of the school allows an environment where teachers, students and parents are well known to each other.

Our school values explicit and systematic teaching methods leading to quality teaching and learning programs targeted to the needs of the students. Literacy and numeracy enhancement of the students is the top priority of this school and community.

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School Hours

Before School Supervision 8:40am – 8:55am Class 8.55am Morning Session 8.55am – 11.00am Crunch’n’Sip 10:00am – 10:10am Recess 11:00am – 11:35am PE (Mon, Tue & Wed only) 11:35am – 11:55am Lunch There is currently no operating canteen at QEPS. Please ensure you pack all food and a drink bottle for the day

1:15pm – 2:00pm

Afternoon Session 2.00pm – 3.00pm End of School Day 3.00pm

No child should arrive at school before 8.40am or remain at school after 3.00pm

Before and After School Care Camp Australia offers Before School Care between 7.00 and 9.00am and After School Care between 3.00 and 6.00pm in the School Multipurpose Room. Please contact Camp Australia on 1300 105 343 for details.

www.campaustralia.com.au

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School Routines The School Day

The school day commences at 8.55am and concludes at 3:00pm. Playground supervision prior to formal instruction commencing is provided from 8:40am.

Leaving School Early

If for any reason you require your child to leave school early, all students are to be signed out in the early leavers register in the school office.

Late Arrivals

Students who arrive late are required to collect a late slip from the school office. Late attendance to school counts towards your child’s overall attendance rate.

Absences

If your child is absent from school for a short period, the school is required to be notified verbally or in writing or via the School Stream App.

Lunch and Recess

QEPS does not currently have an operating canteen. Students are required to pack nutritious food for these break times. On occasion, special food days are organised by the School.

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Staff 2018 Principal Mrs Fiona Senior-Conroy

Assistant Principals Miss Kim Smith

Mrs Kristen Campbell

Mrs Rebekah Lindsay

Class Teachers

Support Teachers

K Red Mrs Abbey Bruce Library/ESL Mrs Letichia Boekel

K Blue Mrs Rebekah Lindsay Learning Support

Mrs Kristen Campbell

1/2 Red Mr Jesse Browning Japanese Mrs Kristin French

1/2 Blue Miss Gemma Hawkins

Mrs Letichia Boekel

School Counsellor

Ms Melinda McBeath

1/2 White Miss Melany Budakoski School Wellbeing Officer

Ms Janet Forster

3 Red Mr Geoffrey Smith

3/4 Blue Miss Kim Smith Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri

Mrs Kristen Cambpell Wed

4/5 Red Mr Dave Marchant

5/6 Blue Miss Amanda Bell

K/6 Red Mrs Naomi Feeney

School Administrative Manager School Learning Support Officer Mrs Frances Fisher Mrs Lindy Hall

School Administrative Officers General Assistant Ms Paula Millar & Helen Knight Mr Mark Palmer

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Uniform The school community strongly encourages the wearing of the school uniform. This uniform has been selected as being comfortable, easy to wash and sunsafe. Please note that thongs and croc style slip-ons are not allowed. With the exception of medical alert bracelets and necklaces, jewellery is not to be worn. Students with pierced ears are requested to wear studs or sleepers.

Footwear: The department is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment for all students in accordance with statutory and regulatory obligations.

Footwear is an important safety item. Good soles provide a sound grip on the floor preventing accidents such as slips, trips and falls from occurring. Footwear can also protect feet from damage caused by accidents such as falling objects and spillages.

Students are encouraged to wear enclosed leather footwear. Sandals and open footwear are not permitted.

It is essential that names are written on all items of clothing.

GIRLS’ SUMMER UNIFORM

Blue & White Checked Dress

Red, white & blue polo shirt

with school logo

Navy blue skorts or shorts

Navy blue hat

White socks

Black shoes.

BOYS’ SUMMER UNIFORM

Red, white & blue polo shirt

with school logo

Navy blue shorts

Navy blue hat

White socks

Black shoes.

GIRLS’ WINTER UNIFORM

In addition to the above:

Navy blue, red & white polar fleece jumper with school logo

Navy blue track pants

BOYS’ WINTER UNIFORM

In addition to the above:

Navy blue, red & white polar fleece jumper with school logo

Navy blue track pants

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Uniform

Hats It is expected that every student will wear a school hat. School hats are available from the front office of the school. All students in Kindergarten have a school hat included in their book pack.

Sun Smart School Our school is recognised as a sun smart school. All year round children are strongly encouraged to wear hats while in the playground. The school recommends the wearing of a broad-brimmed or bucket hat as recommended by the NSW State Cancer Council.

The school rule is ‘no hat stay in the shade’. It is suggested that children arrive at school already wearing SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. School sunscreen is available at sporting events and excursions.

Our uniforms are sold by: Savvy School & Formal Wear School hats are on sale from 2/72 Cassidy’s Arcade, Front Office Monaro Street Bucket Hats: $12.00 Queanbeyan Caps: $ 20.00 Ph: 6162 3070

Curriculum Queanbeyan East Public School delivers the mandatory NSW Board of Studies K‐6 curriculum. The curriculum is organised into six key learning areas that include; Mathematics, English, Science and Technology, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education and the Creative Arts.

These key learning areas are organised into four stages of learning that include:

Early Stage 1 ............................ Kindergarten

Stage 1 ..................................... Years 1 and 2 Stage 2 ..................................... Years 3 and 4

Stage 3 ...................................... Years 5 and 6

Library Students attend weekly library lessons with their class teachers. Research and information skills are taught in line with relevant class themes. Technology Each class also utilises the school computer lab. Classrooms contain interactive whiteboards and classroom computers, and portable devices.

Special Religious Education Religious education provided to students is conducted by representatives of various religious denominations approved by the Department of Education. Classes will be held depending on the availability of Scripture teachers. Parents are asked to nominate the Scripture group they want their child to attend. Any change to this nomination must be advised in writing. Student Assessment and Reporting We provide written reporting of student achievement twice a year supported by a parent conference mid- year. Outside of these reporting mechanisms parents are welcome to make arrangements throughout the year to meet with their teacher as required.

The Australian curriculum We are implementing the Australian Curriculum in English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography Links to NSW curriculum documents: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au www.syllabus.bos.nsw.edu.au/

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Extra Curricula In parallel with a strong academic focus, music, the arts and sport programs are integral to a diverse and enriching education at Queanbeyan East Public School.

Performing Arts

Each year students in Years K-2 have the opportunity to participate in the Queanbeyan East Public School Dance Group and students in Years 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in the Queanbeyan Arts Festival. The Arts festival is a variety performance featuring over 400 students from public schools in the Queanbeyan School Education Group. Performances include dance and movement, drama, vocal and instrumental and are based on a common theme.

Junior and Senior Choir

Students may join the Queanbeyan East Public School choir. The choir performs at various assemblies throughout the year as well as the Queanbeyan Schools Choral Festival.

Student Attendance

Attendance

Regular attendance at school is essential to assist students to maximise their potential. By promoting regular and punctual attendance, students will:

• Develop continuity in their

education that is necessary for them to succeed

• Develop social networks with their peers that is part of a healthy school experience

• Learn vital concepts and building blocks essential to their education in future

years

• Enhance effective classroom organisation of activities, excursions, assessment tasks and reporting procedures

• Develop a sense of responsibility/self‐discipline

Acceptable reasons for being absent from school include: an unavoidable medical or dental appointment (preferably these should be made after school or during holidays), attendance at special religious ceremony, attendance at a serious/urgent family situation, too sick to go to school or has an infectious illness.

Exemptions from attendance at School:

• Parents may apply for consideration for an exemption from school attendance if a student will be absent for a period of more than 1 week.

• The application form must be obtained from the Principal and returned to the Principal.

• Exemptions may be sought on the grounds of a Domestic necessity or the health of a child.

• The exemption must be sought before the student commences the period of absence

For more information please visit http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/a-z/attendance.php

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Student Health Allergies Students with allergies are a high priority for Queanbeyan East Public School. We require all families with students with allergies to make a time with the school to develop an allergy management plan.

Anaphylaxis and Asthma All students who are identified as requiring an Epi‐Pen or require asthma preventers/relievers are required to provide the school with a management plan completed by your child’s GP. You must meet with the School Principal to complete an Individual Health Care Plan.

Staff training All staff are provided with annual CPR, emergency management and EPI‐Pen training administered by certified trainers.

Nut Products We ask that all families assist us to support students with allergies through not packing nut based foods and spreads in children’s lunches.

Administration of Medication Parents/carers of students needing prescribed medication during the day at school for a short-term complaint must make arrangements in writing for this to be administered. The principal, student’s class teacher and the office staff must be informed. A permission form must be completed by the parent and signed by the principal / assistant principal prior to any medication being administered at school.

If a long-term medical or allergy condition requiring medication exists, parents must provide information in writing outlining the nature of the drug, the appropriate dosage, use and possible side effects.

All medications must be provided to the school by the parent in the original packaging. Students are not to bring medication to school.

Students who routinely administer medications themselves for conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy etc will be supervised by a class teacher at the school as negotiated between the teacher, parent and Principal. The parent will provide the school with an action plan.

Sickness and Accidents Health issues in schools are extremely important. Parents are therefore asked to co- operate in complying with any requests from the school concerning health issues. When children become ill during school time, parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child. Occasionally children do have accidents and first aid is given. In the case of serious accidents an ambulance is called. Parents are notified immediately.

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Student Services and Welfare

Student Discipline and Welfare Queanbeyan East Public School establishes clear guidelines for expected behaviour of students. This includes consequences that apply for inappropriate behaviour. We endorse the Core Rules and Values for student in NSW public schools.

QEPS has a zero tolerance policy to bullying. We believe in prevention rather than remediation as our key focus in supporting all students to feel safe at school.

Learning Support Team Students with identified learning needs are referred to the learning and support team. The role of the team is to develop personalised learning plans in consultation with parents to support referred children achieve success. These plans are delivered by dedicated learning and support teachers and reviewed on a regular basis.

School Counsellor The Department of Education and Communities provides a student counselling service for students who are experiencing learning or behavioural difficulties. Additionally the counsellor advises on students with diagnosed disabilities where the aim is to ensure that adjustments are made to facilitate equitable and successful access to the mainstream academic program. Access to the counsellor is by referral after consultation with the learning and support team.

Personal Belongings The school takes no responsibility for toys, personal belongings or electronic equipment brought to school. It is recommended that these items are left at home.

Safe Use of Technology With increased exposure to technology and different mediums for communication, collaboration and sharing information, safety and security remains a priority. All students are supervised and educated on cybersafety.

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Sport Programs We provide comprehensive sport opportunities for all students K‐6. In addition, we are a competitive school within the Public Schools Sporting Association (PSSA) program.

School Houses

JINGERA TINDERRY COWAN GOOGONG

Yellow Green Red Blue

Local Aboriginal word meaning - mountains east of Queanbeyan

Used by bushrangers

Peak 1600m in height to the South of Queanbeyan.

Originally a forest area

Local property name Local Aboriginal word for waterway

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Parent Services Parents and Citizens Association QEPS P&C is a school‐based organisation with membership open to parents, teachers, and interested citizens. Our P&C meets twice a term. Dates are advertised on our Facebook P&C page. Queanbeyan East Public School P&C . All welcome.

Parents as Helpers Parents are welcome at school and encouraged to participate in all activities with teacher permission. All volunteers are required to fill in a Working with Children Declaration and provide 100 points of identification. Helping at the school could include assisting with: reading and other class activities sports and excursions enrichment programs

Interviews with Teachers and the Principal The principal and teachers are available for interview at any time during the school year. Parents are asked to make an appointment by booking through the front office to discuss learning programs, assisting in the classroom and questions that may arise.

Travel Please enquire at the school office for details concerning bus travel. If you live in a rural area you may also be entitled to Private Vehicle Conveyance payments. Contact the office for information.

It is important that your child knows what travel arrangements you have made. If those arrangements have to be changed unexpectedly please notify the school. Please inform the school if someone else is collecting your child. If the school does not receive formal notification children will follow normal routine. Any student not collected by the time the last bus has departed will be taken to the office and the parent contacted.

Car Park For safety reasons parents are requested not to park in the school car park.

Yass Road Crossing Parents are responsible for escorting their children across roads in the mornings. A teacher will escort children across the Yass Road crossing in the afternoon, after assembling in the breezeway at 3:00pm.

Mulloon Street and Thurralilly Street Crossings Parents are responsible for escorting their children across these roads in the mornings and afternoons and to use the marked school crossing areas. Please abide by all road rules and street signs in our school zone and keep your child and others safe. School perimeter gates will open school days from 8:30am. Gates will then close from 9:30am and reopen by 2:45pm. All access gates will be closed by 3:30pm when our front office closes.

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Communication

School Assemblies Every second Wednesday we host a whole school assembly starting at 9:00am. These assemblies bring our student and parent community together to celebrate student successes as well as providing an opportunity for a selected class to perform a short item or showcase impressive class work. All parents and friends are welcome to attend.

School Stream APP

We are working to make our free SCHOOLSTREAM APP the main form of communication to our families. You are now able to access

all our newsletters via the APP. Please see page 2 for instructions to download the APP.

School Newsletter We publish a school newsletter. The newsletter is sent via the school stream app to and contains important school news, upcoming events and community information. Please visit the school website to view our current newsletter.

School Website Our school website is an important resource for parents. We ensure that all school policies, publications and notes to parents are available for download and easily accessible. The school website can be viewed at http://www.queanbeyae-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/

School Facebook Page “Like” our school facebook page for regular updates on all that happens at East! Queanbeyan East Public School

Notes, Money Collection and Online Payments Please return signed permission notes and money envelopes for excursions/visiting shows to the school promptly. Your child could be excluded if permission is not received by the due date.

When sending money to school, please place in an envelope/zip lock bag for each child stating name, class, amount and event. Money is to be placed in the blue mailbox in the front office before 8.55am.

Alternatively, you can pay online via our parent payment portal linked to our school website to make it easier for you to pay for school related payments. This is a secure payment page hosted by Westpac.

Log onto the school website and click on ‘Parent Online Payments’ for more information. 17

Emergency Procedures

Lockdown Alarm Continuous Bell - The School Bell will sound in the event of a Lockdown

When the lockdown bell sounds:

• Lock the door, pull down blinds/curtains • If outside, move to nearest building • Do not leave your location until

advised to do so

Evacuation Alarm 3 Long Bells - 3 Long Bells will ring in the event of an Evacuation

When the Evacuation alarm sounds:

• Evacuate the building/area and proceed to the corner of Mulloon Street and Yass Road as identified in the evacuation map

• Do not leave the area until advised to do so

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Important Contacts

School

Front Office……………….6297 2619

DEC Regional Office…….6200 5000

School Security Unit……..1300 880021 (to report suspicious behaviour outside school hours)

Before and After School Care

Camp Australia …..1300 105 343

Travel

Q City Transit………………..6299 3722 (formerly Deane’s)

Community

Queanbeyan Community Health………………………..6298 9233

Community Dental………….1800 450 046

SACC………………………...6297 2167 (Schools as Community Centres)

NSW Government Schools Term Dates

School development days occur at the beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3 and the last two days of the school year. Some of these days may

vary – please refer to our school website for further details. 2018 2019

Term 1

Monday 29th January to Friday 13th

April

Students return

Monday 16th April

Tuesday 29th January to Friday 12th

April

Students return

Monday 15th April

Term 2 Monday 30th

April to Friday 6th July

Students return

Monday 23rd July

Monday 29th April to Friday

5th July

Students return

Monday 8th July

Term 3

Monday 23rd July to Friday

28th September

Students return

Monday 15th October

Monday 22nd July to Friday

27th September

Students return

Monday 30th September

Term 4

Monday 15th October to Friday 21st December

Students return

Tuesday 29th January 2019

Monday 14th October to Friday 20th December

Students return

Tuesday 28th January 2020

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Queanbeyan East School Song

To do our best we work side by side

We never protest for we’re filled with pride

East! East! That’s how we’ll stay

Friends together, working together,

Happy together, ‘til the very last day

We’re all good sports, although we’re small

When we play our games, we are fair to all

East! East! That’s how we’ll stay

Friends together, working together,

Happy together, ‘til the very last day

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Transition to School Playgroup every Wednesday 10am till 12pm

at our school in the Multipurpose Room

Help give your child the best transition to Kindergarten!

Playgroup is FREE

Please bring a piece of fruit for morning tea

For more information please contact: Mrs Fiona Senior-Conroy Principal, Queanbeyan East Public on 6297 2619 or Alison Coster and Paola Mendez Local Facilitators, Schools as Community Centres on 6297 2167

NOTES

NOTES