School News

30th January,2020

Values:

Respect Excellence Co-operation Responsibility School Mission- The community of Glenroy West Primary School works in partnership to inspire every child to do their best and encourages them to grow and achieve excellence

School Vision - Inspire, Grow, Achieve

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

School Website: www.glenroywestps.vic.edu.au

Term 4 Victorian School Terms- 2020 Term 1, 2020- Wednesday 29th January and ends Friday 27th March, 2020. Term 2, 2020- Tuesday 14th April and ends Friday 26th June, 2020 Term 3, 2020 – Monday 13th July and ends Friday 18th September, 2020 Term 4, 2020- Monday 5th October and ends Friday 18th December, 2020. Term 1 February

Wednesday 12th February- MEET & GREET FROM 3.30-7.30PM

Friday 14th February- Curriculum Day on Writing

Tuesday 18th February- Parent Helpers Information Session

Tuesday 25th February- Shrove Tuesday F-2/ School Council Meeting 5pm

Friday 28th February- Family Working Bee, BBQ & Games

March

Monday 9th March- Labour Day Holiday

Tuesday 23rd March- School Council Meeting 5pm

Thursday 26th March- Celebration of Learning 3.15-5.00pm

Friday 27th March- Dismissal at 2.30pm

IMPORTANT REMINDER: ASSEMBLY IS CANCELLED FRIDAY 31ST JANUARY,2020 DUE TO THE EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Principal’s Report Pamela Streete Dear Parents and Guardians, Principal’s Message

WELCOME TO THE 2020 YEAR Welcome to our new families who have joined us this year and welcome back to our existing families. Hopefully everyone had a good break over January. We were all saddened by the recent devastation of the Bushfires across the country. I hope none of you or your family members were affected by this tragic event. Our hearts go out to those who may have been affected.

School Mission- The community of Glenroy West Primary School works in partnership to inspire every child to do their best and encourages them to grow and achieve excellence

School Vision - Inspire, Grow, Achieve

PARTNERSHIPS As part of our commitment to developing excellent partnerships between home and school we have arranged our Meet the Teacher (Meet & Greet) on Wednesday 12th February. Bookings can be arranged via Compass or see your child’s teacher and they can arrange a time with you. IMPORTANT REMINDER Friday 14th February is a Curriculum Day. IB PYP (PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME) SCHOOL Teaching and Learning at Glenroy West P.S. To help your transition into our school this information might help to understand our way. Our school aims to deliver best learning and teaching practice to support and develop learners who are knowledgeable and seek to display an international perspective. Teachers, students and the wider community assist in developing life- long learners who contribute responsibly to the global community. Our teaching and learning mission is to provide challenging, rigorous and significant programs incorporating an international perspective. As a community it is incumbent on us all to help nurture the individual talents of children so that they become critical and compassionate thinkers, life -long learners and individuals who are open to the differences that exist in our global community. Glenroy West Primary School is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention is paid to all children inclusive of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and / or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability. Following is a reminder of the IB’s mission statement that helps shape our approaches to learning and living. Glenroy West has its own guiding statement that follows. IB INTERNATIONAL BACCALEAURATE MISSION STATEMENT The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IB works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. Learning so far- ‘LEARNING TO LEARN’ Classes have been working on the ‘Start Up’ program- setting the tone for happy, productive classrooms with high expectations and a genuine appreciation for effort and learning. We congratulate the students and teachers for the high standards and excellent values being demonstrated. Children across the school have settled in well and are working on their Essential Agreements developing good personal, educational and social practices. Please encourage your child to make positive relationships with their new class friends and teacher. Each class will begin their first PYP unit of inquiry next week and we look forward to seeing the engaging, challenging work the children undertake. FOUNDATION STUDENTS Our Foundation students have settled in well, enjoying their new classrooms, making new friends and showing confidence and independence at school. We look forward to a

productive year head.

PYP LEARNER

PROFILES

ATTRIBUTES

Inquirers

Knowledgeable Thinkers Communicators Principled Open-minded Caring Risk-takers Balanced Reflective

School Mission- The community of Glenroy West Primary School works in partnership to inspire every child to do their best and encourages them to grow and achieve excellence

School Vision - Inspire, Grow, Achieve

UNIFORM SHOP The Uniform Shop will be open for your convenience both Wednesday and Friday from 9-110.30am during the month of February. UNIFORM NEWS- $14.00 HATS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE OFFICE HATS ARE AVILABLE AT BOTH THE UNIFORM ABSENCES: LEARNING BEGINS AT 9AM Please let us know when your child is absent, on the day is most preferable otherwise you will receive a phone call. Parents can contact the school using Compass, phone in after 8am or send a note to the classroom teacher. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation. ENROLMENTS -2020 All 2020 Foundation students to receive a free schoolbag, hat and satchel once enrolled. Enrolment packs can be collected from the office. The following documents must be brought with you before the pack can be handed out. The documents are:

Immunisation history statement, downloaded from My Gov.

Birth certificate

Other documentation as required

Please speak to our Administration Enrolment Officer Anita or call the school on 9306-8955. Enrolment forms are available on our school website. School tours are available at your request. Please speak to the Principal or Assistant Principals for further information or to arrange a tour. ONLINE CANTEEN ORDERS- CLASSROOM CUISINE classroomcuisine.com.au Each Wednesday you can order your lunch online at Classroom Cuisine. REPORTING AN ABSENCE SAME DAY NOTIFICATION OF UNEXPLAINED STUDENT ABSENCES: All parents and guardians can access COMPASS to log student absence or otherwise contact the school directly or via the school email glenroywestps.@edumail.vic.gov.au We kindly request that you inform the school via COMPASS OR A PHONE CALL TO THE OFFICE OF YOUR CHILD/REN’S ABSENCE. SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP-OPEN WEDNESDAY 8.30- 10.30AMAVAILABLE ONLINE Please be advised you can also purchase school uniform online on our school website under Student, then click on Uniform and go to essential Clothing on their website. FREE

DELIVERY AVAILABLE. Phone Debra at Essential Clothing on- Phone: 03 9305- 5177 Mobile: 0409 185 524. Debra OSCH BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE Please phone Aaliya for any bookings on 0469 813 336. If your child is attending OSCH School Care please ensure you have completed the application form. All bookings need to be communicated to Aaliya via the mobile above or online XPLOR booking app. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation. Kind regards Pam Streete Principal.

PYP ATTITUDES

Appreciation

Enthusiasm

Cooperation

Creativity

Confidence

Commitment

Curiosity

Integrity

Empathy

Tolerance

Independence

Respect

Glenroy West Primary School

Home Reading and Sight Words INSPIRE GROW ACHIEVE

Dear Parents and Carers,

All children from Foundation to Grade 6 are expected to read daily at home.

Children choose their own book at the correct level for their reading ability.

Children should also be reading sight words daily until these have all been learnt.

When reading at home remember to:

Practise sight words daily until your child’s teacher tells you they have all

been learnt

Listen to your child read aloud – this is still important when children read longer books and are older

Encourage them to read with expression and use the punctuation

Talk about the book together, you could choose some questions from the list below

Use the child’s reading log book so their teacher knows they have read

Make reading an enjoyable experience

For further advice on reading at home please see the information on our school website:

http://www.glenroywestps.vic.edu.au/uploaded_files/media/201_literacy__maths_tips_booklet.pdf

If you have further questions please speak to your child’s classroom teacher.

Anne Kyriacou & Lisa Brandecker

Assistant Principals

Questions to ask when reading with your child

Before reading:

• What do you think will happen in this book?

• What makes you think that?

• What characters do you think might be in the book?

• Do you think there will be problem in the story? Why?

• Can you make any connections?

During reading:

• What has happened so far in the story?

• What do you predict will happen next?

• How do you think the story will end?

• Why do you think…..?

• What would you have done if you were the character?

• How would you have felt if you were the character?

After reading:

• Why is the title a good title for the book/story?

• Were your predictions correct?

• If there was a problem, did it get solved? How did the character try to solve the problem?

• What happened because of the problem?

• Did any of the characters change through the story? Who changed, and how did

they change?

• What is the most important point that the author is trying to make in his/her

writing?

• What was your favourite part? Why?

• If you could change one part, what would you change?

• If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask?

• Can you retell the story in order (use your fingers and sequence words: first,

second, then, next, etc.)

• Does this book remind you of another book you know?

Child Safe Standards

Glenroy West Primary School is committed to child safety. As a community we want children to be safe,

happy and empowered. We support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers. We are

committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children. There is zero tolerance of child

abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously and consistently with our

robust policies and procedures. We meet our legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we

are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously.

Glenroy West Primary School is committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early, and

removing and reducing these risks. We have robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff

and volunteers. Our school is committed to regularly training and educating our staff and volunteers on

child abuse risks. As a community we support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers.

We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from a

culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with

a disability. Glenroy West Primary School has specific policies, procedures and training in places that

support our leadership team, staff and volunteers to achieve these commitments.

At Glenroy West Primary School:

Everyone connected to our school can help children be safe.

We have zero tolerance for any abuse of children.

We already have policies and processes in place to protect the care, safety and welfare of children.

These are being strengthened to ensure a zero tolerance approach to child abuse. As policies are

ratified at school council, they will be made available to your through the newsletter and on our

web page.

Attached is our commitment to Child Safe Policy

There will be clear boundaries about how adults in our school community may interact with the

children here set out in our school’s Child Safe Code of Conduct.

Please read extensive information provided on our school’s webpage. There is a raft of documents

for parents and community to read and become familiar with.

Glenroy West Primary School’s Child Safe Officer is Anne Kyriacou.

Our commitment to child safety Glenroy West is committed to child safety. As a community we want children to be safe, happy and empowered. We support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers. We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children. There is zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously and consistently with our robust policies and procedures. We meet our legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously. Glenroy West is committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks. We have robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers. Our school is committed to regularly training and educating our staff and volunteers on child abuse risks. As a community we support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from a culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability. Glenroy West has specific policies, procedures and training in places that support our leadership team, staff and volunteers to achieve these commitments. If you believe a child is at immediate risk of abuse phone 000. Our children This policy is intended to empower children who are vital and active participants at Glenroy West We involve them when making decisions, especially about matters that directly affect them. We listen to their views and respect what they have to say. We promote diversity and tolerance in our organisation, and people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds are welcome. In particular we:

• promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal children

• promote the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds

• ensure that children with a disability are safe and can participate equally.

Our staff and volunteers This policy guides our staff and volunteers on how to behave with children in our organisation. All of our staff and volunteers must agree to abide by our code of conduct which specifies the standards of conduct required when working with children. All staff and volunteers, as well as children and their families, are given the opportunity to contribute to the development of the code of conduct.

Training and supervision Training and education is important to ensure that everyone in our organisation understands that child safety is everyone’s responsibility. Our organisational culture aims for all staff and volunteers (in addition to parents/carers and children) to feel

confident and comfortable in discussing any allegations of child abuse or child safety concerns.

GLENROY WEST PRIMARY SCHOOL 4809

COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY POLICY (Child Safe Standard 2)

INSPIRE GROW ACHIEVE

We train our staff and volunteers to identify, assess, and minimise risks of child abuse and to detect potential signs of child abuse.

We also support our staff and volunteers through ongoing supervision to: develop their skills to protect children from abuse; and promote the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from linguistically and/or diverse backgrounds, and the safety of children with a disability.

New employees and volunteers will be supervised regularly to ensure they understand Glenroy West’s commitment to child safety and that everyone has a role to play in protecting children from abuse, as well as checking that their behaviour towards children is safe and appropriate (please refer to this organisation’s code of conduct to understand appropriate behaviour further). Any inappropriate behaviour will be reported through appropriate channels, including the Department of Health and Human Services and Victoria Police, depending on the severity and urgency of the matter.

Recruitment We take all reasonable steps to employ skilled people to work with children. We develop selection criteria and advertisements which clearly demonstrate our commitment to child safety and an awareness of our social and legislative responsibilities. Glenroy West understands that when recruiting staff and volunteers we have ethical as well as legislative obligations. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal peoples, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability. All people engaged in child-related work, including volunteers, are required to hold a Working with Children Check and to provide evidence of this Check. Please see the Working with Children Check website <www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au> for further information

We carry out reference checks and require proof of police record checks where applicable to ensure that we are recruiting the right people. Police record checks are used only for the purposes of recruitment and are discarded after the recruitment process is complete. We do retain our own records (but not the actual criminal record) if an applicant’s criminal history affected our decision making process. If during the recruitment process a person’s records indicate a criminal history then the person will be given the opportunity to provide further information and context.

Fair procedures for personnel The safety and wellbeing of children is our primary concern. We are also fair and just to personnel. The decisions we make when recruiting, assessing incidents, and undertaking disciplinary action will always be thorough, transparent, and based on evidence. We record all allegations of abuse and safety concerns using our incident reporting form1, including investigation updates. All records are securely stored.

If an allegation of abuse or a safety concern is raised, we provide updates to children and families on progress and any actions we as an organisation take.

Privacy

All personal information considered or recorded will respect the privacy of the individuals involved, whether they be staff, volunteers, parents or children, unless there is a risk to someone’s safety. We have safeguards and practices in place to ensure any personal information is protected. Everyone is entitled to know how this information is recorded, what will be done with it, and who will have access to it.

1 Glenroy West Incident Report Form

Legislative responsibilities Glenroy West takes our legal responsibilities seriously, including:

Failure to disclose: Reporting child sexual abuse is a community-wide responsibility. All adults in Victoria who have a reasonable belief that an adult has committed a sexual offence against a child under 16 have an obligation to report that information to the police.2

Failure to protect: People of authority in our organisation will commit an offence if they know of a substantial risk of child sexual abuse and have the power or responsibility to reduce or remove the risk, but negligently fail to do so.3

Any personnel who are mandatory reporters must comply with their duties.4

Risk management In Victoria, organisations are required to protect children when a risk is identified (see information about failure to protect above). In addition to general occupational health and safety risks, we proactively manage risks of abuse to our children. We have risk management strategies in place to identify, assess, and take steps to minimise child abuse risks, which include risks posed by physical environments (for example, any doors that can lock), and online environments (for example, no staff or volunteer is to have contact with a child in organisations on social media). Regular review This policy will be reviewed every two years and following significant incidents if they occur. We will ensure that families and children have the opportunity to contribute. Where possible we do our best to work with local Aboriginal communities, culturally and/or linguistically diverse communities and people with a disability. Allegations, concerns and complaints Glenroy West takes all allegations seriously and has practices in place to investigate thoroughly and quickly. Our staff and volunteers are trained to deal appropriately with allegations. We work to ensure all children, families, staff and volunteers know what to do and who to tell if they observe abuse or are a victim, and if they notice inappropriate behaviour. We all have a responsibility to report an allegation of abuse if we have a reasonable belief that an incident took place (see information about failure to disclose above).

If an adult has a reasonable belief that an incident has occurred then they must report the incident. Factors contributing to reasonable belief may be:

a child states they or someone they know has been abused (noting that sometimes the child may in fact be referring to themselves)

behaviour consistent with that of an abuse victim is observed5

someone else has raised a suspicion of abuse but is unwilling to report it

observing suspicious behaviour

2 A person will not commit this offence if they have a reasonable excuse for not disclosing the information, including a fear for their safety or where the information has already been disclosed. Further information about the failure to disclose offence is available on the Department of Justice and Regulation website <www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/safer+communities/protecting+children+and+families/failure+to+disclose+offence>. 3 Further information about the failure to protect offence is available on the Department of Justice and Regulation website <www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/safer+communities/protecting+children+and+families/failure+to+protect+offence>. 4 Mandatory reporters (doctors, nurses, midwives, teachers (including early childhood teachers), principals and police) must report to child protection if they believe on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection from physical injury or sexual abuse. See the Department of Health and Human Services website for information about how to make a report to child protection <www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/documents-and-resources/reports-publications/guide-to-making-a-report-to-child-protection-or-child-first>.

Evaluation:

This policy will be reviewed every three years and following significant incidents if they occur. We will

ensure that families and children have the opportunity to contribute. Where possible we do our best to

work with local Aboriginal communities, culturally and/or linguistically diverse communities and

people with a disability.

This policy was ratified by School Council 14 June 2016

The policy will be next reviewed 2019

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is an acute allergic reaction to certain food items and insect stings. The condition develops in approximately 1-2% of the population. The most common allergens are nuts, eggs, cow’s milk and bee or other insect stings, and some medications.

At Glenroy West Primary School, we currently have some students with anaphylaxis who require epipens and medication. Our intention is to keep all families informed about what ‘anaphylaxis’ is and how we support these students and their families. The aim at GWPS is to provide a safe and healthy school environment that takes into consideration the needs of all students, including those who may suffer from anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is best prevented by knowing and avoiding the allergens. Glenroy West Primary School will manage anaphylaxis by:-

Providing regular professional development for all staff to enable them to recognise and address the following symptoms: hives/rash, tingling in or around the mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhoea, facial swelling, cough or wheeze, difficulty breathing or swallowing, loss of consciousness or collapse, or cessation of breathing.

Placing photos of students with anaphylaxis and their allergens on display in the first aid room and bringing management plans to the attention of all staff.

Placing photos of students with anaphylaxis displayed in an accessible folder in the office, in Casual Relief Teacher information folders, Yard Duty folders and Out of School Hours Care Room.

Informing the community about anaphylaxis via the newsletter.

Not allowing food sharing, and restricting food for those children to that approved by the parents.

Keeping the lawns well mown and ensuring children always wear shoes.

Requiring parents to provide an emergency management plan developed by a health professional and an EpiPen as required, both of which will be maintained in a secure location accessible only to staff.

Auditing enrolment forms to identify students at risk.

Ensuring swimming/excursion/visiting performance checklists include a section on students with anaphylaxis attending so that EpiPens are taken with the child, even when regular teacher is not attending.

Not banning certain types of foods that put children at risk (e.g. nuts) as it is not practicable to do so, and is not a strategy recommended by the Department of Education or the Royal Children’s Hospital. However, the school will request that parents do not send foods that are likely to cause an anaphylactic reaction.

Ensuring that our canteen eliminates all foods that are likely to cause a reaction.

Reinforcing the rules about not sharing and not eating foods provided from home unless it is a specially approved occasion e.g. class party and is labelled with ingredients.

Anne Kyriacou - Assistant Principal The GWPS Anaphylaxis Policy can be found on the school’s web page FREE ANAPHYLAXIS ADVISORY SUPPORT LINE FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS & PRINCIPALS Phone: 1300 725 911 or 9345 4235 Email: carol.whitehead@rch.org.au

Dear families

Does your child have a medical condition or allergy that you need to

alert us to? If so please come to the office and provide us with details

so that we can support your child.