primary-school-parent-handbook

JUNIOR SCHOOL
HANDBOOK
2016
Table of Contents
Welcome from the Principal of Junior School
Woodcrest State College Map
2016 School Calendar
Access to the Junior School Campus
Parking
Two Minute Zone
Visitors
Assemblies
Attendance
Absences
Arrival and Departure Times for Students
School Hours
Bell Times
Behaviour Management Program
Canteen Operation
Class Organisation
Complaints Management
Communication
Appointments
Contact Details
Messages
QParents
Excursions and Camps
First Day Arrangements
Hats
Homework Guidelines
Library
Lost Property
Lunches
Money Collection
Non-Uniform Days
Parent Communication
Parent Involvement
Parents & Citizens Association
Personal Items
Recreational Activities for Students
Religious Instruction
Reporting
School Travel
Bus Travel
Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters
Sport
House System
The Houses are
Interschool Sport
Stationery
Student Leaders
Student Health and Well-being
Evacuation and Lockdown Procedures
Accident or Illness Procedure
Student Attendance at School when Unwell
Student Medication
Administration of Non-Prescription Medication
Head Lice
School Sores
Student Resource Scheme
Support Services
Swimming
Transferring to another School
Technology
Uniforms
Code of Dress
Summer Dress Uniform
Winter Dress Uniform
Junior School Contact Details
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1
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
I would like to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the staff, students and families of the Junior School
at Woodcrest State College, Springfield.
The Junior School provides education for students from Preparatory Year to Year 6, through a phase
based structure. The community of the Junior School is committed to providing learning experiences
relevant to your child's needs. Students’ different learning rates are embraced and supported. A
teaching and learning approach in the early years provides students with access to opportunities that
enables them to discover learning connected to their own experiences to the real world around them.
This then transitions to the middle phase of learning that engages students in experiences that enables
them to achieve success through intellectually challenging and connected learning.
Junior School is designed around teams of teachers and students who work together to plan, teach
assess and report. With a strong emphasis on the foundation areas of literacy and numeracy, children
undertake units of study which are based on the Australian Curriculum. Social and emotional
development is strongly built into the curriculum, with children participating in specialized programs
throughout the Junior School. Students with specific learning needs are catered for through a
specialised Support for Learning program. Students also have the opportunity to take part in many
cultural and sporting activities.
I wish your child all the very best for the learning journey ahead of them. Feel free to contact any of the
Junior School team if we can assist you with this journey in any way.
Principal
Junior School
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School Map
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GENERAL INFORMATION
TERM DATES
All students commence the school year on Monday, 25 January 2016.
Term
Dates
Length
Term 1:
Monday, 25 January–Thursday, 24 March
9 weeks
Term 2:
Monday, 11 April–Friday, 24 June
11 weeks
Term 3:
Monday, 11 July–Friday, 16 September
10 weeks
Term 4:
Tuesday, 4 October–Friday, 19 December
10 weeks
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Start & Finish times
9.00am
2.50pm
Students should move to class at 8.55am warning bell.
Roll
Session 1
1st
1st
Session 2
Marking
Recess
Recess
2nd
Recess
2nd
Recess
Eating
time
Play time
Eating
time
Play time
10.35-10.45
10.45-11.15
1.15 – 1.25
1.25 – 1.50
9.00-9.10
9.10- 10.35
11.15-1.15
Session 3
1.50 – 2.50
Students are supervised in classrooms until 3.00pm. After 3.00pm, a member of Junior Administration
will contact parents of any uncollected student remaining in the office
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Term
Dates
Term 1:
Tuesday, 26 January – Australia Day
Term 2:
Friday, 25 March – Good Friday
Monday, 25 April – Anzac Day
May – Ipswich Show Day
Monday, 13 June – Queens Birthday
Term 4:
Monday, 5 October – Labour Day
STUDENT FREE DAY
Term
Dates
Term 4:
Monday, 17 October
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Junior Choir
Access to the Junior School Campus
Parking
Parking in school grounds is for approved vehicles only. Drop off and pick up areas are available in Woodcrest Way.
Parents should not enter the school grounds unless picking up students for early departure or meeting with
administration team members. Parents are also reminded that students’ safety is at risk when they enter the school
grounds.
Two Minute Zone
The success of the Two Minute Zone (“Kiss and Ride”) on Woodcrest Way requires cooperation from all drivers to
ensure quick movement of vehicles through the area. Be aware that police regularly visit schools to issue infringement
notices to offending drivers.
We ask that drivers observe these time frames (see example on the sign at left) and stay in the
area no longer than it takes to get children in or out of the car. Drivers must not park cars in
these signed areas and go into the school with the children.
If you need to stop for longer than the designated time, please park in another area and walk to
your destination.
Visitors
Parents on entry to the College must be signed in as a visitor at the Junior Office. On leaving the
College parents must return to the office to sign out. Access to teachers is only out of class time,
preferably by appointment.
Assemblies
Assemblies for Junior School students are held regularly. Parents are most welcome to attend these short assemblies.
Whole school assemblies are conducted for special occasions such as leadership induction and ANZAC Day.
Prep–Year 2
Years 3-6
Wednesdays 11.15am
(fortnightly)
Wednesdays 2.00pm
(fortnightly)
Junior Hall
Junior Hall
Week 2, 4, 6, 8 of
each term
Week 3, 5, 7, 9, of
each term
Attendance
Absences
Student absences are recorded daily. Should students be absent from the school, contact must be made with the
school through an email to [email protected]. If email is not available please phone the
Absence Line 3280 2460. If this does not occur, the absence will be recorded as unexplained.
Please provide the following information:
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student's full name:
year level or roll class:
date of absence:
reason for absence:
expected duration of absence:
your relationship to student:
your contact number:
Parents will receive notification regarding unexplained absences regularly and may in some cases receive phone calls
from the administration team should your child be absent without reason.
In Queensland, the law requires parents to ensure their compulsory school age child is enrolled at school, and attends
on every school day.
Arrival and Departure Times for Students
Students should not be at school prior to 8.30am as playground supervision is not provided before school. Parents of
students who arrive before 8.30am are asked to seek alternative supervision for their children, such as before school
care.
No child is allowed out of the school grounds once they have arrived at school.
Children attending after school care will need to be collected by the staff from the day care centre.
Written permission or phone contact should be made with the school for students to leave the school grounds early. A
parent or guardian must collect the student from the Junior School administration and sign the student out. Do not
collect students directly from classrooms.
Prep students must be brought to the classroom and picked up from the classroom by 2.50pm by an adult or older
sibling (over 12 years of age). If not collected on time, Prep students will be remain in the classroom until 3.00pm then
taken to the office.
Behaviour Management Program
Successful management of behaviour in a supportive school environment at Woodcrest State College is guided by
principles of equity, effectiveness, responsiveness, participation and accountability.
Woodcrest State College is committed to achieving the best educational outcomes for students. The Woodcrest State
College community is committed to help individual students achieve their personal best. The values and beliefs that
drive and influence all our decisions are:
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Respect yourself.
Respect others.
Respect learning.
Respect your environment.
Canteen Operation
The Canteen is operated by LMC Catering, a private contractor, and complies with Smart Choices – The Healthy
Foods and Drinks Supply Strategy. For any canteen enquiries, please contact Mitchell or Linda Crawford on 34279535
or via email [email protected].
Orders must be taken to the Junior Canteen before school it is open at 8am daily for this purpose. Simply write the
order on a paper bag including child’s name, class, and first break or second break. The orders are delivered to the
Junior School at first and second breaks. Online ordering is available through Flexi schools. Register online at
www.flexischools.com.au or call 1300 361 769.
Class Organisation
The Junior School comprises students from Preparatory Year through to Year 6. Students in Prep to Year 4 have a
class teacher who monitor and assess their progress across all curriculum areas. Your child will be participating in
Specialist Music and Physical Education lessons each week.
Students in Year 5 and 6 are provided with a curriculum structure organised by teams of teaching partners sharing
responsibility for two classes, specialising in the teaching of either English/Social Sciences or Maths/Science. Your
child will be participating in Specialist Music, Japanese and Physical Education lessons each week.
Complaints Management
Effective partnerships between parents, students and our school are important to educational success. One part of
that partnership is trust and openness. We need to be able to talk to each other when we have concerns, so issues can
be resolved. From time to time you may have concerns or complaints relating to our school. It is important that you
share these with us. Please raise any concerns regarding your student initially with the classroom teacher. Any
broader issues may be raised with the Principal via email to [email protected] or by contacting the
Junior Office.
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Communication
Appointments
Should you wish to meet with your child’s teacher, please make an appointment time via email to the Junior Office or
send a note with your student. Teachers will make every effort to make time to meet with you around their preparation
and teaching times. Our staff have a wide range of commitments and every endeavour will be made to accommodate
parent requests. Phone calls or emails can also be organised with your child’s teacher to discuss student progress.
Contact Details
It is important to keep the college fully informed of any changes to family and contact details. Any changes should be
emailed to the Junior Office as soon as possible.
Messages
Phone messages will only be relayed to students in cases of emergency. Please make all personal and transport
arrangements before your student arrives at school.
QParents
Coming to our school in Term 2 2016 see attached information sheet.
QParents allows parents to connect instantly with their child’s school to access and manage their child’s student
information, including:
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Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
Behaviour details
Academic report cards
Class timetables
Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, and making payments online
Viewing and updating personal student details, including medical conditions and address
Enrolment details
Excursions and Camps
Throughout the year, your child as part of the curriculum program at the school may be asked to participate in
excursions and camps. Parents and guardians will be notified at least four weeks in advance. See ‘Money Collection’
for information about making payments.
Should you have difficulties with payment and require special consideration, please do not hesitate to contact the
Business Services Manager via email [email protected]
First Day Arrangements
On the first day of the year, students should go directly to their new classroom. Staff will be available to assist you to
the correct room. Your child will need a small bag along with a hat, drink bottle, morning tea, lunch and a change of
clothes if required.
Hats
All students are expected to wear a hat during lunch breaks and when required in the conduct of lessons at school. In
the interest of providing students with a common expectation, a broad brimmed hat is preferred. Students without a hat
will not be able to play in unshaded areas during lunch breaks. A bucket hat is provided to Prep and Year 1 students
as part of the Student Resource Scheme upon payment.
Homework Guidelines
Homework is primarily a powerful form of communication between school and home. It provides practice of already
acquired skills and knowledge and is habit and routine forming. Homework provides positive reinforcement of school
learning.
The maximum expectations per night are 10-15 minutes for Year 1 to Year 3 students and 15-25 minutes for Year 4 to
Year 6 students. In the Prep year, generally students will not be set homework.
Library
Junior students are able to borrow books on a weekly basis and will require a clearly named library bag for this
purpose. Library bags are available for purchase from our Uniform Shop.
Students are encouraged to care for the loan books with the understanding that the books are school property. Parents
will be responsible for replacing books that are lost or damaged.
Lost Property
To avoid lost property, all clothing, stationery and other articles should be clearly marked with student’s name.
All lost property is held in the container outside the Junior School administration block.
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Lunches
Most children are quite hungry by first break and we encourage them to eat their main lunch, generally a sandwich at
this break. The second break is generally more of a snack time. Students are encouraged to bring nutritious and filling
food to school for first and second break. If you choose to give your child tinned food (ring top cans) please empty
these into a plastic food container at home first. The tin lids can be sharp once removed and we find most children
have difficulty removing them.
Money Collection
Money will be processed Monday to Friday mornings from 8.00am to 10.30am at Student Services Building. Facilities
are available for over the counter EFTPOS and cash. Alternatively, parents are encouraged to utilise BPoint for
convenient internet payments any time @ www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dete. Please ensure you provide your email
address on enrolment so that your invoices can be sent to you.
Prep–Year 4 students should give any money in a clearly marked envelope to the roll class teacher to place in money
pouches and deliver to the Junior Office by 9.30am each morning.
Year 5–6 students are required to take any money to Student Services Window in a clearly marked sealed envelope.
No Junior School money will be processed in the Junior Office. Parents who wish to pay money direct to the school will
need to present at the Student Services window.
Non-Uniform Days
During the school year, non-uniform days may be held for gold coin charity fund-raising purposes. On such days,
students would donate a gold coin to the sponsored charity or cause, in lieu of wearing school uniform. The Student
Council would be closely involved in this process so that fundraising opportunity was maximised.
For reasons of health and safety, students must dress modestly and to a standard comparable with the social
expectations of school uniform, such as:
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closed-in shoes
minimum jewellery
clothing that is not revealing or see-through
shoulders, midriff, waist and hips to be covered
tops not low cut
skirts or shorts not excessively short
logos and slogans appropriate to school values.
Parent Communication
A college newsletter is published electronically three times a term and distributed via email and the school website. It is
important that we have parents’ email address for this purpose. For those who cannot access the internet, a copy may
be requested through the Junior Office.
Class specific communication methods will be outlined by the classroom teacher.
Parent Involvement
Parents are invited to participate in their child’s educational program. Please see your child’s teacher to discuss ways
in which you can assist in the classroom.
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Parents & Citizens Association
P&C meetings are held regularly and everyone is welcome to attend. Our P&C is run by a dedicated band of parents
who support the school in fundraising and support other parents when needed. Meetings commence at 5:00pm for the
duration of approximately one hour once per term. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact the
President via email address [email protected].
Personal Items
Students in the Junior School are not permitted to have mobile phones with them during school times. Upon arrival at
school, phones must be signed in at the Junior School office. These will be locked away for collection after school. No
toys or other electronics such as ipods, portable DVD players are allowed at school. We take no responsibility for loss,
theft or damage of items brought to school against the college policy.
Recreational Activities for Students
Activities for students and supervised sporting activities may be offered at various break times.
publicised to students and parents as they are organized.
These will be
Religious Instruction
Religious Instruction is offered to students from Year 1 to 6 for 30 minutes per week. The school uses the information
on the Application for Student Enrolment to place students in either religious instruction
or alternative instruction unless advised in writing by parents.
Reporting
Semester Term Activity
Parent teacher evening
One
Individual parent/teacher meetings offered to all parents
One
Two
Formal written report to parents
Two
Four
Formal written report to parents
School Travel
Exemplary behaviour is expected when travelling to and from school. If travelling by bus, students must be aware of
the State Government Transport Department’s ‘Code of Conduct for School Bus Travel’. Unacceptable behaviour may
result in exclusion from bus travel.
Bus Travel
Bus travel is provided by Westside Bus Company. Information about this service can be accessed by contacting the
company on 3288 1333 or translink.com.au
Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters
Bicycle racks are available in the Junior School. The bike rack is locked for the duration of the school day. Students
should not use the bike racks in the Senior or Middle School. Students are reminded that when travelling to and from
school they should wear helmets. Contact will be made with parents of students who are not wearing helmets. All
bikes, skateboards and scooters must be locked with a bike chain in the bike rack.
Sport
House System
All students at Woodcrest State College are assigned to a
school house. Siblings are allocated to the same house.
The Houses are:
Bandicoots
Green
Falcons
Red
Kingfishers
Blue
Wallabies
Yellow
Interschool Sport
Our students participate in a variety of sporting codes. Primary school sport is conducted on Fridays. Students who
participate in interschool sport are bound by our Behaviour Management Program. Information is circulated by our HPE
staff.
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Stationery
Students in all year levels are responsible for providing their own stationery. Woodcrest State College has a preferred
supplier arrangement with OfficeMax to provide Individual Student Packs with simple Online Ordering Process.
Parents benefit from 24/7 online ordering capability via a fast and secure website. Stationery lists and ordering
information will be distributed to parents in Term 4.
Students who do not provide the required stationery in the first week of attendance will be provided with a reminder. If
stationery is not provided, class teachers will contact the parent.
Student Leaders
The Junior School elects two school captains, two vice captains and eight house captains. The election process of
student leaders occurs in Term 4 of the prior year.
The Junior Student Council is comprised of elected student representatives from each Year 6 class as well as the two
Junior School captains. The Student Council plays an active role in the organisation of many worthwhile events during
the year.
Student Health and Well-being
Evacuation and Lockdown Procedures
The College has documented evacuation procedures, lockdown and fire warning procedures for use in cases of
specific emergencies. Regular ‘evacuation drills’ and ‘lockdown drills’ are held so that all students and staff are fully
acquainted with these procedures and the purposes for which they are used.
Accident or Illness Procedure
Students who are unwell will be sent to a supervised health room. Should it be determined that the child is not well
enough to return to class within a short time, parents will be contacted and requested to collect their child from the
college. In case of accidental injury, first aid will be rendered and parents contacted if the matter is serious.
If parents cannot be contacted, persons listed as Emergency Contacts will be telephoned. Where the illness or injury is
deemed to be serious, the designated medical practitioner and/or the Queensland Ambulance Service may be
contacted.
N.B. It is essential that parents inform the school of any change in contact numbers, or those of the student’s
emergency contacts or medical practitioner.
Student Attendance at School when Unwell
If a student has any condition that may be infectious to other students, he/she should remain at home until the danger
to other students has passed.
Student Medication
A form must be completed before staff are permitted to administer medication. A Request for Medication Form must
be accompanied with a doctor’s letter, or medication with a prescription label requesting the administration of any
medication by the school office. This must clearly outline correct dosage and times for administration. A parent
permission form must also be provided. These forms are available on the school website. Students may keep asthma
puffers on their person and self-administer.
Administration of Non-Prescription Medication
Staff are not authorised to administer non-prescription medication without written instruction from a medical
practitioner. Therefore the only circumstances in which non-prescription medication (including Panadol, Aspirin and
other painkillers) will be administered by the school is with written instruction from the child’s medical practitioner.
Students are not permitted to bring medication to school for self-administration.
Head Lice
If your child has head lice, it is important that the condition be treated as soon as possible to reduce discomfort and
minimise the risk of passing them on to others. The school has a responsibility to prevent other students from being
affected by head lice.
School Sores
If your child has school sores, they will need to be covered before attending school.
Student Resource Scheme
A Student Resource Scheme approved by our Parents and Citizens Association operates throughout the college. The
annual membership fee for Junior School is $85. Participating in the scheme allows your student access to enhanced
resources
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The scheme provides support for:
 Individually issued and/or class sets of books
 Extension resources for individualised learning such as novels and source documents
 Reproduced class workbooks and worksheets
 Specialist materials & consumables for practical studies (e.g. cooking ingredients, art supplies)
 Specialist equipment (e.g. cameras, ipads, robotics equipment, musical instruments)
 Classroom consumables and project materials
 Student reference material (e.g. library reference books, audio-visual material, software)
 Administration and Replacement costs
It does not cover:
 Items listed on stationery list
 Excursions, camps and sporting trips.
Payment of the Student Resource Scheme assists in our delivery of enhanced curriculum in the Junior School. The
Year 6 Graduation Shirt is only able to be purchased by members of the Student Resource Scheme.
Support Services
Support for individual students in the Junior School is provided through members of the Junior School Support
Services team in conjunction with class teachers. This team is made up of specialist support staff including Learning
Support Teacher, EALD teacher (English as an Additional Language/Dialect), Head of Special Education Services,
Guidance Officer and members of the administration team. Students experiencing difficulties at school can be referred
to this team by school staff and parents.
Swimming
Students across the Junior School may undertake swimming lessons in two lesson blocks per year. These lessons are
conducted by staff at the Waterworx complex adjacent to the Junior School.
Transferring to another School
If you are intending to transfer your child to another school, please inform the school via a Junior School Exit Form
available on the school website. All outstanding resources such as library books and home readers must be returned
prior to leaving.
Technology
Woodcrest State College has a focus on technology and students will have access to computer technology along. A
computer and ipad program are incorporated into the Prep curriculum to enable students to begin familiarising
themselves at an early age.
Uniforms
Code of Dress
The P&C Association, students and staff agree that Woodcrest State College is a uniform school. Students at
Woodcrest State College wear their uniform with pride.
Due to safety regulations, students are to wear footwear that adequately protects their feet in practical classes.
A hat or cap is to be worn at all times outside of buildings. School caps and hats form part of the school uniform.
Dress Uniform (Summer) for Junior School Students
 Uni-sex green sports polo shirt with the College logo
 Black shorts with the College logo
 Black leather joggers with white ankle socks
 School cap or hat
Dress Uniform (Winter) for Junior School Students
 Green and black taslon tracksuit
 Black fleecy pullover with the Woodcrest State College logo
 Black plain slacks appropriate for school wear
 Black leather joggers with white ankle socks
 School cap or hat
The Uniform Shop is operated by Permapleat. The shop is located in the main precinct of the college (see school
map). Enquiries should be directed to the Uniform shop by phoning 3280 2483 during operating hours or email
mailto:[email protected]. Opening hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8.00am to 10.00am,
closed on Wednesday, Thursday 2.00pm to 3.30pm. Extended opening hours will be available for Back to School and
published on our website.
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Contact Details
Telephone: 07 3280 2477 (Junior Office)
07 3280 2444 (Campus Administration)
Fax: 07 3280 2499
Office Hours: 8.00am-4.00pm
Email: [email protected]
Website: woodcrestsc.eq.edu.au
Absences: [email protected]
Finance: [email protected]
Address: 38 Nev Smith Drive
Springfield Q 4300
PO Box 4016
Postal: Springfield Q 4300
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