Parent Handbook

St Agatha’s Catholic
Primary School Clayfield


Principal’sMessage

The children, parents, staff and parish of St Agatha's Clayfield, welcome your family into our community.

St Agatha's school has served the community of the Clayfield Parishfor over 90 years. Our school was founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1925.

Our school's ethos draws its inspiration and identity from the vision and teaching of Jesus Christ, as expressed in the Catholic Christian tradition.

Our school Principal and many parents are past pupils
of StAgatha's School. The identity and charisma of the school and
the gospel values from which it draws its inspiration are embedded throughout the school. This is strongly reflected in the school's prayer life.

Our school acknowledges and celebrates the involvement of the whole community in a rich culture of events, rituals and celebrations.

Strong school and community partnershipsand networks are established and nurtured throughout St Agatha's School. Our Vision for Learning is informed by current research on learning, and is of benefit to students in shaping the high quality learning experiences that they encounter every day.

St Agatha's School has a well developed shared understanding of its unique purpose and place within the context of home and parish.

I look forward to continuing to work together to promote the needs and interests of all our students, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to succeed.

MrsCarolSayers

Principal

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Contents

Our MissionCurriculum Cont.

Vision Statement4Learning Enrichment Program 12

Community Policy41-1 Laptop Programme12 Mathletics 12

General InformationMusical Theatre12

Contact Details5Music, Private Tuition & Band12

Office Hours5Prep Screening12

Reporting to Parents12

Sport & Physical Education12

Timetable5Student Support Teams12

Term Dates For 20175Swimming13

St Agatha’s Parish5Technology13

Tennis13

Policies & Procedures

Absence From School & Absentee Line6Student Services

Birthday Celebrations6Bookclub14

Car Park Safety6Communication with Parents – Parental Portal14

Class Parents – P & F6Field Trip Information15

Dogs6Library Resource Services15

Fire Drill and Lockdown Procedures 6Lost Property15

Forgotten Lunches6Outside School Hours Care (O.H.S.C.)15

Homework6Parent Involvement in School Activities15

Illness Or Injury At School7Road Safety16

Infectious Diseases & Exclusion of 7School Assembly16

Students From School8School Board16

Late Arrivals/Early Departure8School Leadership16

Liturgies8School Newsletter16

Mobile Phones8Senior School Camp Activities16

Parent / Teacher Conferences8Sporting Colour Teams16

Positive Behaviour Support8St Agatha’s School P&F Association17

Sacramental Programme9

Smoking 9Other School Facilities

Student Safety – Before & After School9Credit Card / EFTPOS Facilities17

Sun Safety9Enrolment Application & Confirmation Fees17

Visitors9Financial Procedures17

Volunteers at School9Workplace Health and Safety17

Information for Separated Parents10St Agatha’s Fees & Levies18

Uniforms & Uniform Shop20

Curriculum

Art11BCEStudent Protection Information

Chess11Information for Families21

Dance Cart11

Drama11

Languages Other Than English (L.O.T.E.)11

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OurMission

TheSpiritualDimension:

Wenurture

-Catholicfaithtraditions,liturgiesandvalues

-outreachtoothersthroughservice

-prayerthatdevelopsourrelationshipwithGod

TheAcademicDimension:

Weofferacurriculumthatis

- bothcontemporaryandfuturesoriented

- relevantandinformedbydata

- supportiveofdifferentlearningabilitiesand

styles

ThePersonalDimension:

Wesupporteachothertodevelop

-healthyrelationshipsbasedonfriendship,

compassionandrespect

- selfawarenessthroughreflection

- arangeoftalentsandskills

Community

Policy

StAgatha'sPrimarySchoolisaCatholiccommunitywithastrongsenseofbelongingwithina

frameworkof familyvalues.

Wewillcontinuetobuildacommunitythatisinclusive,caring,compassionate,strivingforexcellence

ina cultureoffaithandrespect.

OurcommunityisaCatholic ChristianCommunitywhich:

-Fostersstronglinksbetweenparishandschoolthroughliturgiesandsacramentalprograms.

-IsempoweredbytheGospelvaluesofalivingCatholicfaithwhichpermeateseverythingwedo.

-Isenrichedbysharedvalueswhichinturnenrichthefamily.

OurcommunityoffersaCatholicEducationthatencompasses curriculum,faithandvalues

developed through:

-Highqualityteachingandlearningexperiences.

-Contemporaryplanningandmethods.

-Empowering selflearningtocreateanddeveloplifelongskills.

OurcommunityprovidesaSupportNetworkwhich:

-Membersofourcommunitycareforeachother,helpeachother,andcelebratetogether.

-Everyone'stalentsandcontributionsarevalued.

-Ourcommunityleadersengagewithstudents,parents,andparishioners.

OurcommunitybuildsRelationshipsthatare:

-Mutuallybeneficialandproductivewithaprimaryfocusonthedevelopmentofthechild.

-Inclusive,thrivingondignityandrespect.

-Nurturinginasafeandsupportingenvironment.

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GeneralInformation

CONTACTDETAILS:

Principal:MrsCarolSayers

AssistantPrincipal:Mr Nick Fogarty

ParishPriest:Fr Anthony Mellor

School Secretary: Ms Katrina Peatey

Enrolment Secretary: Mrs Wendy White

FinancialSecretary:MrsSandyMunro

Financial Secretary & I.T.Officer: Mrs Stephanie Pike

Phone: 0733269222

Fax: 0738623431

AbsenteeLine: 33269233

OutsideSchoolHoursCare: 0733269208

Email: Website: PostalAddress:6HunterLane,Clayfield 4011

OFFICEHOURS:

8am-3.30pm Monday-Friday

TIMETABLE:

Teachersupervisionbegins:8.15am

Morningassembly:8.40am

Lunch:10.45-11.25pm

AfternoonTea:1.35-1.55pm

FinalBell: 2.55pm

TERMDATESFOR2017:

Term1: Tuesday 24 January – Friday 31 March

Term2:Tuesday 18 April – Friday 23June

Term3: Monday 10 July – Friday 15 September Term4: Tuesday 3 October – Friday 1 December

STAGATHA'SPARISH:

OurschoolispartofStAgatha'sParish. Fr Anthony Mellor is our Parish Priest.

TheParishOfficeislocatednexttotheChurchinOrielRoad,(phone0732622859).

Everyschool familyisinvitedtobecomeactivelyinvolvedintheParish.

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Policies Procedures

ABSENCEFROM SCHOOLABSENTEE LINE

UseonlytheABSENTEEILATEPHONELINE0733269233inordertocommunicateyour child'sAbsencee.g. Sick Leave -before8.30amthatday.Whenyourchildreturnstoschoolyoumustprovide theteacherwitha letteror email statingthereasonfortheirabsenceorbeinglatealongwithany otherrelevantinformation. Studentsarenotpermittedtohaveregularabsencesfromschool, eg.Swimming,dance,musiclessons.

Travel Causing Absence from School-Parentsrequestinganabsencefromschoolfortravelorfamilyreasons atingdatesand reasonsforthisabsence. (Thisrequirementdoesnotincludesickleave). Appointments - Please inform both the school office and your child’s teacher by email, if your child is required to attend specialist appointments during the school day. Students MUST be picked up and dropped off at the school office on these occasions.
BIRTHDAYCELEBRATIONS
Students'birthdaysarecelebratedatourweeklyassemblyatStAgatha'sSchool. Parentsare requestedtobringonlycupcakesorwater-basedice-blockstosharewithclassmates. Invitationstobirthdaypartiesmustbedistributed via emailorthroughtheClassGroup email details. Teacherswillnotbeavailabletodistributebirthdaypartyinvitations.

CARPARKSAFETY

Parkinginthecarparkisreserved for staff only.

Forthesafetyofchildren,parentsarerequestedtoparkinthe surroundingstreetsoftheschoolwhenattendingmeetings. The car park is out of bounds to students.

CLASSPARENTS – P&F

AtStAgatha's,parentsarevaluedfortheirparticipationintheirchild'seducation. Our P&F Association support the Class Parent Groups, who communicate with other parents via email regarding Social Activities and other events.

DOGS

Dogsonor offleashesareNOT PERMITTEDonschoolgroundsatanytime. This includes ALL Sporting and School events where children are present off campus e.g. Cross Country, School Athletics, etc. Servicedogsare exempt.

FIREDRILL ANDLOCKDOWNPROCEDURES

OurschoolregularlyconductsFireEvacuationdrillsand Lockdowndrillsinaccordancewith Workplace,HealthandSafetyLegislation. Parentswhoareonthepropertyduringthese

drillsarealsorequiredtoparticipatein thedrill.

FORGOTTENLUNCHES

Sometimesonoccasionsstudentsleavetheirlunchesathomeor inthecaronthe way to school. Theschoolwillcontactparentsofthose studentswhohaveforgottentheirlunch. Parentswillberequestedtoprovidetheirchild'slunch ortoorganiseacarerorotheremergencycontactontheseoccasions. Theschooldoes notprovidelunchforstudents. Duetostudentprotectionandhealthissues itisalsoinappropriatetoaskotherstudentstosharetheirlunch,siblings excepted.

HOMEWORK

Homeworkprovidesstudentswithanopportunitytoreviewandpractiseworkthathasbeen

coveredduringtheschoolhours. Studentswillexperienceavarietyofmethodsincompleting homeworkduringtheirprimaryschooling. Homeworkcanvaryfromcompletiononadaily basisorweeklysethomeworkthatrequiresthestudenttoplantheirhomeworkonaregular basis.

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HOMEWORK (cont). Withthismethodstudentsneedtobeencouragedbyparentsnottoleavethecompletionoftheirhomeworkuntilthenightbeforeitisdue.Thismethodalongwithprojectsand readingshouldbeseenasapreparationforsecondaryschool. Ifachildisunabletocomplete homeworka letterofexplanationisrequiredfromtheparents.Weencourageparentstoallow opportunitiesfortheirchildrentoreadeachnight.
ILLNESSORINJURYATSCHOOL

Anychildsufferingfromahead-knockorheadclashissenthomeforparentalsupervision. MinorinjuriesaretreatedwithEmergencyFirstAid. Ifachildbecomesill,or isinjured,whilstatschool,the parentsareimmediatelynotifiediftheFirstAidOfficerdeemsitnecessary. It is the school’s expectation that parents collect their sick child immediately. Students should not be expected to remain in sick bay for long periods of time. Minorinjuriesare treatedatschool.SeriousaccidentsarerecordedintheWorkplaceHealthandSafetyRegister. StudentstreatedwithEmergencyFirstAidatSickBay,willreceivea SickBay/FirstAidAdviceslip foryourinformation.

Parents responsibility if your child is ILL/INJURED at school - Inordertocontactyouinanemergency,itiscrucialthatyousupplyuswithemergencycontact phonenumbersontheConfirmationEnrolmentForm,andthatyouadviseusintheeventofany changeofthosenumbers.

Sick Bay –If parents are unable to take time from their workplace to care for their child, the expectation of the school is that the person nominated as your Emergency Contact will collect your child. Our Sick Bay is available for Emergency First Aid only, as it is not the school’s role or any School Officer’s role to supervise sick children all day.

Oralmedication-canonlybeadministeredifaccompaniedbyaStudent MedicationRequestForm(issuedbytheSchoolOfficeordownloadedfromourSchool App or Parent Portal andsignedbya MedicalPractitioner). Medicationwillthenbeadministeredbyofficestaffandsigned-offupon dispensing. Thismedicinemustbeinitsoriginalpackage/bottlewiththedosagedisplayed. This procedureincludesover-the-countercoughmixturesorear/eyedrops.

INFECTIOUSDISEASESEXCLUSION OFSTUDENTSFROM SCHOOL
ThefollowinginformationisprovidedbytheQueenslandDepartmentofHealth:

ChickenPox: Excludefor6daysafterthefirstspotsappear.

Conjunctivitis: Excludeuntildischargefromeyeshasceased.

GermanMeasles: Excludeforatleast7daysfromtheappearanceoftherashoruntilamedical certificateofrecoveryisproduced.

HeadLice,Scabies: An alertnoticeandletteraskingforactiontobetakenat homemanagingheadlice,issenthomewith allchildrenintheclassroom(s)concernedorthewholeschool. Teachersarrangeclassactivitiesto minimisehead-to-headcontactbetweenstudents,and encouragethesameintheplayground.

Impetigo:Excludeuntilsoreshavefullyhealed. Thestudent maybeallowedtoreturnprovided thatappropriatetreatmentisbeingappliedandsoresonexposedsurfacessuchasscalp,face, handsor legsareproperlycoveredwithocclusivedressings.

Influenza: All Strains - Influenza or 'the flu' is a highly contagious disease caused by infection influenza type A or B (or rarely C) virus. Ways to protect yourself and others are to:

  • stay home when you are sick.
  • wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel.
  • wash your hands prior to touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

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  • when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues which should bedisposed of immediately.
  • maintain at least one metre distance from people who have flu-like symptoms such as coughing or sneezing.
  • consult your doctor if you have a cough and high fever (38°C or more) and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.
  • Exclude until well.
    InfectiousHepatitis:Re-admitonreceiptofa medicalcertificateofrecoveryoronsubsidenceof symptomswhennomedicalcertificateisavailable.
    Measles:Excludeforatleast7daysfromtheappearanceoftherashor untilamedicalcertificateofrecoveryisproduced.
    Mumps:Excludefor2weeksfromtheonsetofswelling,or untilfullyrecovered.
    Ringworm:Re-admitwhenappropriatetreatmenthascommenced,andissupportedbya medical certificate.
    Slap Cheek: An alert notice is sent home with all children in the classroom(s) concerned.
    Streptococcal:Excludeuntilatleast7daysafterthesymptomshavesubsidedoruntilamedical certificateofrecoveryisproduced.
    WhoopingCough:Excludefor4 weeksfromtheonsetofthewhoop,exceptthattheperiodofexclusionmaybelessthan4 weeksifthereisnowhoopanda medicalcertificateisproduced.
    LATEARRIVALS/ EARLYDEPARTURES
    Studentswhoarriveatschoolafter8.40amandwhodepartbefore2.55pmare requiredtoreporttotheschoolofficetoobtaina"lateslip"or"permissiontoleavethe schoolgrounds".
    LITURGIES
    Ourschoolplacesahighdegreeofemphasisonthe Religious life of the school. Wholeschoolandclass massesarecelebratedthroughouttheterm.Parentsareinvitedtoattendtheirchild's classmassandanywholeschoolmasscelebratedduringtheschoolyear, e.g. Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day.

MOBILEPHONES

Onoccasionsparentsrequirestudentstocarrymobilephonestoschoolfor communicationpurposes. Studentswithmobilephonesarerequiredtosignthemin andoutattheschooloffice.

PARENT/TEACHERCONFERENCES

Teachersarewillingandavailabletomeetwithparentstodiscussconcernsrelatingto yourchild'sprogress. Itisdesirabletoarrangea meetingdateinadvanceinorderto givetheteacherstimetoprepareforameaningfuldiscussion. This process is facilitated by our Parent/Teacher Online Program. Teachersare unavailableforconsultationduringschoolhours. Parent/Teacher Online program is usedforformal parentteacherinterviewappointments.

POSITIVEBEHAVIOURSUPPORT

EveryoneatStAgatha'shastheright to:

  • Feel safe
  • Growspiritually,academicallyandemotionallyinasupportive,community environment.
  • Cyber Safety

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BullyingisnottoleratedatStAgatha'sSchool.StAgatha'sschoolrulesare simple:

  • Besafe
  • Berespectful
  • Beresponsible

Someexamplesoftheserulesare:

  • Dowhattheteachersays,whentheteachersaysit
  • Handsandfeettoyourself
  • Nohat:Noplay
  • Speaktoplease,nottotease
  • Notoysfromhomee.g.Toygunsorweapons,iPodsordigitalgames

A behaviourmatrixhasbeencreatedbystaff, whichdescribesexpectedbehavioursin avarietyofcontexts. Thisbehaviourmatrixcanbefoundonourschoolwebsite.St Agatha'sBullyingPolicycanalsobefoundonourschoolwebsite,andisunderpinned bytheBrisbaneCatholicEducationBullyingPolicy.

SACRAMENTALPROGRAMME

The Sacramental Programme is conducted by the Parish with support from the school. From

2016 children will enrol for all three sacraments, which will be celebrated over a three year

period.Confirmation will be celebrated in Year 3, First Communion in Year 4 and Reconciliation

inYear 5. For more information please see the attached leaflet in your pack.

SMOKING

SmokingisNOT PERMITTEDonschoolgroundsatanytime.
STUDENTSAFETY-BEFOREAFTERSCHOOLHOURS

Nochildshouldbeleftunsupervisedontheschoolgroundsatanytime.Supervisionofferedbytheschoolbeginsat8.15ameachday. Allstudentswhoarriveatschoolbefore 8.15ammustbeenrolledatOutsideSchoolHoursCare,locatedintheO'ConnellCentre. Studentsremainingonschoolgroundsafter3.20pmwillbeenrolledatOutsideSchool HoursCare. Afeewillbeincurredforthisservice. ChildrennotenrolledatStAgatha's, includingsiblingsattendingkindyorPre-Prep,mustnotbeleftunsupervisedbyparentson

schoolgroundsatanytime.
SUNSAFETY

Allstudents,staffandvisitorsarerequiredtoadheretoWorkplaceHealthandSafety

Guidelinesintheuseofsunprotectionwhileonschoolbusiness. Thisisachievedby wearingahatorusinganumbrellawhenoutdoors. Sun-safeswimweariscompulsoryfor studentsduringtheswimmingseasonaswellassunscreenapplication. All students are required to wear the school hat at all times while outdoors.
VISITORS

Allvisitors,parenthelpersandcontractorsarerequiredtoreporttotheSchoolOffice

on arrivalforaccreditation. Visitorsshouldonlybeonschoolpremiseswhileconducting schoolbusiness.
VOLUNTEERSATSCHOOL

Intheinterestofstudentprotection,volunteersareaskedtoreadourVolunteer'sHandbookandsignandreturnthedocumenttoacknowledgetheirresponsibilityforstudentsafety. A registerofvolunteersiskeptattheoffice. Volunteersmustsigninattheschooloneach occasion.

Volunteers Code of Conduct flyer contains Policies and Procedures for all Community members working with students.Parent Code of Conduct flyer contains Policies and Procedures for all parents while on the school campus.

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INFORMATION FOR SEPARATED PARENTS

St Agatha’s School welcomes and supports students in their Primary Years of learning. Our goal for students is to create an environment where they are free to play and to learn so that they can grow and flourish in the academic, spiritual and personal dimensions of their life.

Sometimes students belong to a family where their parents have separated. It is not the school’s role to take sides in any family proceedings, or to be a sounding board for dispute resolution between parents. In order to support and promote a meaningful relationship between parents and the school, we ask to be aware of the following procedures, which will enhance communication between school and parents in this scenario.

  • The school will only deal with those people who are identified as parentsor legalguardiansaccording to the school’s Enrolment Application form.
  • All parents are free to attend school events to which there is a general invitation or for routine events (e.g. pick up), unless there is acourt ordered arrangementin place which may prevent this from happening. We ask that you respect the school’s position and desire to keep your children safe.
  • Parents are required to keep the school informed of court orders in respect of how the parents deal with their child and the school.
  • Both parents are expected to attend Parent/Teacher interviews and/or Learning Support meetings together. Appropriate social behaviour is expected from parents during these meetings.
  • School reports issued at the end of Semester 1 and Semester 2 are uploaded to the School Portal for parents’ access.
  • A donation is requested for duplication of Reports/Newsletters/Naplan Reports etc.

At St Agatha’s we view our responsibility as one that responds to the needs of all students and families to the best of our ability, from a reasonable expectation and with a responsibility for duty of care to respond to safety issues regarding the students. In our years of experience, we have learnt that children’s development is enhanced when they attend school free of the burdens that may exist in their family life. This anonymity allows children and staff to work together in a productive and positive environment, which ultimately benefits the students.

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Curriculum

As a Brisbane Catholic Education school, St Agatha’s is highly committed to Delivering Excellence through Teaching and Learning. We promote a ‘Growth Mindset’ and foster the development of key student dispositions across the school. We encourage all of our learners to be: Engaged, Reflective, Resilient, Self-Directed and Persistent.
The Australian Curriculum is the foundation for teaching and learning from Prep to Yr 6.

The Curriculum learning areas include:

  • Religious Education
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Technologies

All students also participate in specialist lessons for The Arts: Music, Visual and Media Art, Drama and Dance, Health and Physical Education and swimming classes.

ART

All students participate in classroom Art lessons as a component of the Arts syllabus.

Private tuition in “Intensive Art Workshops” are also available.
CHESS

Chess tuition is available from Gardiner Chess for students from Prep to Year 6.
DANCECART

Modern Dance isapartofourArts & Educationcurriculumforstudents fromPreptoYear6.
DRAMA

AllstudentsparticipateinclassroomDramalessonsasacomponentoftheArtssyllabus. PrivatetuitioninSpeechandDramaisalsoavailable.
LANGUAGESOTHERTHANENGLISH(L.O.T.E)

Allstudentsin Years5 & 6participateinJapaneselessonseachweek.
LEARNING ENRICHMENT AND SUPPORT
At St Agatha’s we maintain high expectations and strive hard to provide enriching and supportive challenges for our learners. Forastudentconsistentlyachievingabovetheexpectedyear level or for those experiencing difficulties, in collaboration with the class teacher, our experienced Learning Enrichment Team is able to:

  • Engage in planning discussions to identify opportunities for curriculum differentiation
  • Offer appropriate screening and testing to gather further insight into the child’s learning profile
  • Work with a whole class, small groups or with an individual inside or outside of the classroom for either extension or support
  • Facilitate broader extension and support opportunities throughout the year such as the University of NSW International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS), Cogmed Working Memory Training or the Minilit Reading Intervention Program

Our Learning Enrichment Team works in close collaboration with Parents, Teachers, our school Guidance Counsellor, Principal, a range of Catholic Education Consultants and external professionals to ensure the best possible learning outcomes for all students.

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1-1LAPTOPPROGRAMME

StudentsfromYrs4-6experiencethelatestindigitalpedagogyintheirclassroomthrough

theuseofour1to1LaptopProgramme.StudentsfromPrep to Yr 3useacombinationoflaptops andiPadstosupporttheirdigitallearning. Hi speed,Wi-Ficonnectionexiststhroughout theentireschoolcampustoensurelearninganywhere,anytimeforallstudents.

St Agatha’s purchase these laptops in order for students to have 24/7 use of the devices. A Supporting Tech Levy contributes towards the software maintenance cost of the program.
MATHLETICS

OurschoolsupportsonlinelearningandfamilieswillbeenrolledintheMathletics programme. ThiswillenableteacherstoindividualiseinstructioninMathletics,andfor studentstousetheprogrammeoutsidetheschoolsetting.Therewillbeanannuallevy chargedtoschoolfeesforMathletics.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Our school offers Musical Theatre classes to all students from Prep - Yr 6, where

Students learn basic stage craft, creative skills and the enjoyment of singing.
MUSIC,PRIVATE TUITION, BAND & VOCAL LESSONS
Our schoolhasastrongcommitmentto music,privatetuitionforvariousmusical
instrumentsandtothedevelopmentofaSchoolBand. Parentsareencouragedto consider
providingtheirchildrenwiththeopportunityoflearningtoplayamusical instrument. Theschool
alsoprovidesopportunitiesforchildrentojointhejuniorand seniorchoirs. Private vocal tuition is also available.
PREP SCREENING

All Prep students are proactively screened by Audiology and Occupational Therapy professionals in Semester 1. Our school based Speech Pathologist is available to screen and monitor any child who may be experiencing speech, language or literacy needs. Referrals can also be made to relevant external professionals as required.

These processes greatly assist parents and teachers to maximise school success for all students.
REPORTINGTOPARENTS

Writtenreportsaresenthometwiceayear. Parent/Teacherinterviewopportunitieswillbe

availablethroughouttheyear. Theseopportunitiesarealsosupportedbytheuseof studentfolios.
SPORTSPHYSICALEDUCATION
SportandPhysicalEducationarevaluedatStAgatha'sasan integralaspectofeach

child'sdevelopment.Thereisastrongemphasisonskilldevelopmentthrougha

physical educationprogramthatisbasedon fineandgrossmotorskill

development. Studentsare alsoinvolvedininterschoolcompetitivesports,which

includenetball,AFL,softball,t-ball, zoneathletics, swimmingandcrosscountry.

STUDENTSUPPORTTEAMS

Programmesaredevelopedandimplementedwithteachers,studentsandparentsina

Co-operativemode. Liaisonwithoutsidespecialist(OccupationalTherapists,PaediatricSpecialistsetc.)isan importantpartoftherole.OurStudentSupportTeamprovides strategiesforthe needs of all students.Thisteamiscomprisedofour GuidanceCounsellor,SupportTeacher-InclusiveEducation,Principal,Parentsand ClassTeacher. The school also offers support through the services of a school based SpeechPathologist.

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SWIMMING
AllstudentsareinstructedbyqualifiedswimminginstructorsatSt Rita’s College Pool facilities. In Term 1 we hold our swim carnival at Somerset Hills State School for students in Yrs 3 – 6. In Term 4 a Splish Splash event is held for Prep – Yr 2 at St Rita’s College.Childrenmustwearswimmingcaps,gogglesandsunscreenaswellastheirStAgatha'stogs and swimming shirts in house colours.

TECHNOLOGY
Computersenhancethedeliveryofthecurriculumthroughthe developmentofclassroom

pedagogy. StAgatha'shasincorporatedaschoolnetworkofclassroomcomputers and ipads.Studentsalsohaveaccesstotechnologysuchasdigitalcameras,scanners,DVD-writers andvariedprintersaswellasarangeofcurriculumandreferencesoftware. All classroomsare fittedwithInteractive Whiteboards or LED interactive touchscreensforteachersandstudentuse.StAgatha'spridesitselfonbeingonthecuttingedgeoftheeducationaluseofdigitaltechnology.

All classrooms are fitted with Sound Fields to ensure all students hear their teachers’ instructions.
TENNIS

TennisinstructionisavailablefromFancuttsTennisCentre. Lessonsareconducted

beforeandafterschoolhoursonourtenniscourt. Informationregardingdetailsof these privateclasseswillbesenthomeatthebeginningoftheyear and information is available from the school office.

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Student Services

BOOKCLUB

Ourschoolprovidestheopportunityforchildrento purchasebooks,software,magazines,kitsetc.atareducedprice,throughBOOKCLUB. Thisserviceisprovidedbyavolunteer parentelectedattheP&FAssociationAGM.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS – PARENT PORTAL

The school will communicate with parents using the following digital technology:

  • Parent App for iphones and ipads - please go to the App store anddownload the freeSkoolbag App.
  • eNewsletter – Contact details for the eNewsletter are obtained from your child’s Confirmation of Enrolment form. Please ensure these are current at all times.
  • Facebook – St Agatha’s Primary School Clayfield
  • Twitter @ st_agathas
  • School website –
  • Parent Portal – To access the Parental Portal please go to our School website and click Parent Portal under the quick links tab and follow the instructions
  • P/T On Line – Parent Teacher Interview Process
  • SMS – School to Parent text messaging
  • Talking Board – On Crombie St

These digital methods of communication will enable parents to have current calendar dates,event information, messaging, enrolment information and school news at their fingertips.

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FIELD TRIPINFORMATION

Thislevyispaidatthebeginningoftheyearandcoversfield trips,andclassactivities

(exceptcamp)forallclassesthroughouttheyear.Parentsareinformedinadvanceof

any field tripundertakenbytheirclassandareaskedtoreturnapermissionformforeach trip.

Parentsarealwaysencouragedtobeavailabletoassistwithclassfield trips. Toddlers

arenotpermittedtoattend schoolfield trips.Classeswillalsoparticipateinactivitieswithinourschoolthatarefunded bythislevy.

Supervisedvisits toourParishChurcharepartofouroncampuscurriculum and therefore permissionformsarenotrequiredfor theseactivities.
LIBRARYRESOURCESERVICES

EveryyearourschoolcelebratesBookWeekwithparents'involvementinvaryingways.

Parentsarealsoencouragedtoconsiderdonatingabook/resourcetoourschoollibrary.
LOSTPROPERTY

All unnamedandunclaimeditemsareplacedinthelostpropertyarealocatedinthe

hampersonthefirstfloor.Alluniformsshouldbeclearlylabelledwiththestudent'sname foreaseofidentification.
OUTSIDESCHOOLHOURSCARE(OSHC)

OSHC PhoneNumber:0733269208

Child CareRebateNumber (CRN):555008842J

VacationCareRebateNumber(CRN): 40737992V

Coordinator:Ms Ashleigh Stacpoole

TheOutsideSchoolHoursCareProgrammeisconductedon school premises. BeforeSchoolCarebeginsat7amandconcludesat8.40am.

AfterSchoolCarebeginsat2.55pmandconcludesat6pm. VacationCareisconductedattermholidaybreaks.

Registrationisessential foryourchildtoattendOutsideSchoolHours Care.Bookingsmustbemadeby6pmthedaypriortoattendance. Cancellationsmustbemade by6pmthedaybeforeorthefullfeewillapply.

Allchildrenmustbringa hattoOutsideSchool HoursCare. Theserviceprovides sunscreen.

Itistheresponsibilityofallparentsorguardianstosignyourstudentsoutoftheservice eachday.FailuretodosocouldresultinthecancellationofyourChildcareRebate.
Feesarepayablebycash,chequeorcreditcard/EFTPOS. Accountsaretobepaid in advance.

PARENT INVOLVEMENTINSCHOOLACTIVITIES

Yourinvolvementinschoolactivitiescandemonstratetoyourchildyourinterestinhis/her education.

Thefollowingaresomewaysinwhichparentscanhelp:

  • Listentoyourchildandrespondpositivelyaboutschoolactivities
  • Assistteachersbyhelpingintheclassroomasrequested
  • BecomeactivelyinvolvedintheP&FAssociation
  • Assistother parentswithworkingbees,socialfunctionsandFund-raising activities
  • Read the School Newslettersthoroughly
  • Attendclass/schoolMassesandliturgies
  • Attend Parents FriendsMeetings
  • Assistinthelibrary

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