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ADMISSION AGES FOR 2009
Prepatory must turn 5 by 30 June 2009
Year 1 must be 5 by 31 December this year
ABSENTEEISM
If children are absent from school, parents are required to either contact the school by telephone or send a note, signed and dated with reason for absence. If a student has considerable days absent, then a medical certificate must be provided to the Principal.
AMBULANCE
All students are covered for ambulance costs through the parents/carers Energex accounts.
ASSEMBLIES
Junior P - 3 assemblies are held weekly on Wednesday mornings. Senior assembly is held for 4 - 7 classes on Friday mornings. Parents are invited to attend assemblies.
BICYCLES
Bicycles are not to be ridden inside the school grounds. They are to be pushed to and from the bicycle area set aside for bikes to be housed during the day. Chains and locks are to be used. All students riding bicycles must, by law, wear a helmet.
BOOK CLUB
Scholastic bookclub operates at the school approximately twice per term. It offers a variety of levels of quality books and computer software at low prices. The school gains bonus books for purchases and these are placed in the resource centre for all students to access. Order forms are sent home with a return by date. These orders are to be accompanied by the correct payment. Any cheques are to be made out to Scholastic Bookclub.
BUS OPERATORS’ CONTACT NUMBERS
Transport Department Runs:
Surfside Buslines 55 716 555
Any inquiries/complaints about bus runs, costs, behaviour on buses etc. are to be directed to the bus operators in the first instance.
CLASS ALLOCATIONS
On enrolment, students are allocated to classes according to numbers, balance, ethnicity and suitable class level. Each year some combined classes may be formed by request or in accordance with individual and staffing needs. Every attempt is made to meet class size limits as agreed between the Queensland Teachers’ Union and Education Queensland.
CURRICULUM
Key learning Areas in the Primary School are English, Maths, Science, Studies of Society and Environment, Health and Physical Education, Languages Other Than English (Japanese), Information Technology and The Arts (Music/Art). Specialist teachers are appointed for Health and Physical Education, Music and Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Please ensure that addresses, phone numbers and emergency contacts are kept current in case we need to contact you in a hurry. You, as parents, have a responsibility to your child and the school in your Duty of Care to keep the school informed of changes.
EXCURSIONS & CAMPS
The children participate in a variety of excursions and camps as part of their regular educational program. An emphasis is placed on environmental studies. You will be advised when excursions are programmed. Costs for these are borne by parents. Parents who have economic hardships are asked to contact the Principal to discuss the matter.
FAMILY LAW COURT ORDERS
Some families are bound by Family Law Court Orders. Documentary evidence of these must be provided to the school where these exist to provide clear legal guidelines for school authorities in these sensitive issues.
FIRE DRILLS
All students participate in fire drills at least once per term.
FIRST AID
The majority of staff are qualified in first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). When students receive minor injuries they report to the office where qualified staff make appropriate decisions in the circumstance. Actions are recorded in the medical register. If a student has a serious accident or becomes ill while at school, medical attention is applied by the trained first aid officer and parents/caregivers are immediately notified of the incident so they can make the decision to take further action if necessary. In an emergent situation, where parents/caregivers cannot be contacted, the Principal or Principal’s delegate will contact the Queensland Ambulance Service or doctor as directed by written instructions from parents.
HOMEWORK
Teachers may set homework activities. Children are expected to complete these tasks to the best of their ability. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if there are any problems.
HOMEWORK GUIDE
Year 1 up to 10 minutes Year 2 up to 15 minutes
Year 3 up to 20 minutes Year 4 up to 30 minutes
Year 5 up to 30 minutes Year 6 up to 40 minutes
Year 7 up to 40 minutes
INFECTIOUS DISEASES EXCLUSION TABLE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Pacific Pines Primary School is very proud of the technology program we offer to students. All students access computers and have technology classes to enhance their skills. We provide a developmental technology program for all students through our computers and printing facilities. Technology skills are integrated across key learning areas. A local area network (LAN) operates using the EQ Connect Ed resources and is administered by the technology manager from the Resource Centre. The Information Technology Learning Agreement 2002-2004 guides the implementation of the information technology resources and programs. You can contact staff via E-mail by clicking on the staff photo located on the web site.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
Instruction in playing woodwind, brass and stringed instruments may be offered to Year 3 - 7 pupils. A limited number of instruments are available to lend to the students but after one year parents are encouraged to buy their own. Applications to enter this program are made through the instrumental specialist music teachers early in the school year.
LEARNING SUPPORT
Learning support is provided through specialist teachers and intervention program. Access to extra support is through consultation with a Learning Support Teacher or a Guidance Officer, who meet with parents to make decisions on the most effective program for students within available resources. This school has a strong and focussed Special Needs Program.
LOCK DOWNS
All students and staff participate in lock downs at least once per term.
LOST PROPERTY
All items of clothing need to be named. When so many items are the same this helps to identify them. Sweaters, shoes and lunch boxes are among items most frequently “lost” and unclaimed. A lost property box is placed in the Maths Resource room in the Canteen block and is accessible between 8-9am daily. At the end of term, lost property is displayed and any unclaimed items are recycled or donated to charity. Toys and personal items of sports gear are not permitted at school unless special permission is approved.
MEDICATION
Should medication prescribed by the student’s medical practitioner be required to be administered while the student is at school or involved in school approved activities, a parent/legal guardian must in the first instance, make a written request to the principal of the school. School staff authorised by the principal to give medication to a student, will administer medication as per the written instructions provided on the medication container by the pharmacist at the medical practitioner’s direction. The instructions on the medication container need to indicate specific times at which medication is to be administered, as well as the quantity of medication to be administered. On written permission from a parent/legal guardian and with the approval of the school principal, students may be responsible for asthma inhalers. Appendix 2 can be used for this. Under no circumstances can staff administer over the counter medications eg, cough medicine, pain relievers.
MONIES SENT TO SCHOOL
Any money sent to the school must always be in an envelope and marked with your child’s name, class and reason for the money. School printed envelopes are available and will be used wherever possible. Correct cash would be appreciated or if paying by cheque, please make it payable to Pacific Pines Primary School. Payments can be made daily at the payment window of the Administration building between 8:15am - 9:00am. The school has Eftpos facilities in the Office and in the Tuckshop. Please note that most excursions will have cut off dates for payment and payment will not be accepted after the due date.
NEWSLETTER
The school newsletter is distributed fortnightly. A copy is sent home with the oldest child in each family. Please look for it as it contains information regarding the running of the school, date claimers and class news.
OUTCOMES BASED PLANNING
All classes are taught using outcomes. We are meeting the needs of the syllabuses as well as the targets set by Education Queensland 2010. Parents will be invited to the end of unit culminating activities.
PARENTS AND CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION
Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month - 7:00pm in the administration block. This Association organises their fund raising events to provide for areas in education, which are not covered by the school budget. It also plays a social role within the school community and provides an avenue for families to get to know one another. In addition it gives parents an opportunity to become involved in decision making and become informed and express views on school policy. The school needs parental involvement to provide an even better education for your children.
PARKING
A car park was built to provide parents with extra parking. Please be aware that access to the staff carpark is off limits.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Classes are conducted weekly by a number of religious denominations. Pupils are expected to attend the classes of the group to which school records show they belong (shown on enrolment form). Children will be exempted from religious education classes only on the written application of parents. If parents wish to change the lessons the children attend, notice must be given in writing.
SCHOOL DRESS CODE
Introduction
The Parents and Citizens Association of Pacific Pines Primary School has resolved that it supports a student dress code policy for Pacific Pines Primary School because it believes that a student dress code policy promotes the objectives of the school, and in particular that it:
· promotes a safe learning environment for learning by enabling ready identification of students and non-students of the school
· promotes an effective teaching and learning environment by eliminating the distraction of competition in dress and fashion at the school
· fosters mutual respect among individuals at the school by minimising visible evidence of economic, class or social difference; and
· promotes a supportive environment at the school by fostering a sense of belonging.
Rationale
Uniforms are in place, having been adopted and accepted in the development of the school. Whilst individuals have rights, they also have responsibilities. The school must accept its responsibilities in relation to a number of legislative and Departmental Policy issues.
1. Uniform
The only school uniform we promote is maroon jade and navy blue, our school colours. It is a colour uniform, not a design, to allow everyone maximum flexibility. Girls have the option of wearing skorts, shorts or a dress. Children are expected to wear socks and shoes - joggers are quite acceptable. Shoes should be black with white socks. Our school motto ”Learning for Life” should be promoted.
New and some second-hand uniforms are available from the tuckshop between 8:30am and 10.00am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Stocks of uniform requirements include t-shirts, shorts, skorts, and hats - slouch and caps. The school hat/caps should be worn. A current price list is available.
2. School/Community Expectations
· School uniform will be worn on all occasions.
· Uniforms should be worn with pride and when in uniform, students should behave in a way that reflects well on themselves, their family and their school.
· The wearing of the school uniform includes the wearing of the school hat and shoes ( black).
· The school strictly enforces a NO HAT NO PLAY policy.
· All items should be clearly marked with the student’s name.
· The wearing of jewellery (except ear studs and ear sleepers) or other adornments to school is not permitted as it often causes a distraction to learning and in other cases may be a cause for concern on health and safety grounds. Therefore, neck-chains, rings, anklets etc are not permitted.
· A watch may be worn, however the student must take full responsibility for its safekeeping.
· Make-up is not appropriate to be worn at school. Sunscreens or protectors are actively encouraged. However, colourful zinc creams and the like are not permitted.
· The school encourages children to be neat and tidy at all times and to take pride in their appearance. For example, tying long hair back in the interests of health and safety.
SCHOOL PUPIL REPORTS
Written reports will be issued towards the end of each semester. Parents and/or teachers may request interviews at any time of the year to discuss a child’s progress. Information Technology is used to prepare reports.
SPORTS HOUSES
There are four sports houses:- Jade - Rafter
Maroon - Hackett
Gold - Norm
Blue - Freeman
STUDENT COUNCIL
Representatives from each of the Year 6/7 classes are elected annually to be part of the school’s Student Council. This group meets monthly with the Deputy Principal and teacher coordinator about matters that arise ensuring the best possible outcomes for students at Pacific Pines Primary.
SUNSMART
A policy exists at our school whereby students must wear hats to be outside. Velcro, fitted hats and wide brim hats are the only type of headwear acceptable for outside play. These can be purchased from the uniform shop. Our school and P & C support the "No Hat, No Play" policy.
SUPPORT UNIT
Our school incorporates services provided for District schools in the following specialist areas:
· Speech Impairment
· Senior Guidance Officer Services
· Behaviour Advisory Team
· Learning Support
TECHNOLOGY LEVY
These voluntary contributions go directly to your child’s technology program. $40 per pupil per year or $100 for 3 or more students. This school has over a 60% payment of this levy and our students benefit from state of the art resources. For 2005, the school will be incorporating video production into its curriculum.
TIMES
First Bell 8.45am
School starts 8.50am
First Break 10.50-11.30am
Second Break- Grades 4-7 12.50-1.30pm
Grades 1-3 1.30-2.10pm
School finishes 2.55pm
TRANSFERS
All children leaving the school require a transfer certificate to their new school. This can be collected at the school administration office on the last day of attendance. Please ensure all school equipment including library and reading books are returned prior to departure. Teachers will complete a transfer report if appropriate notice is given.
TUCKSHOP
Open daily and depends on voluntary help from parents. If you can spare a few hours once a month or even more frequently it would be much appreciated. Tuckshop profits depend on your support and go towards special school projects like the resource centre or a special equipment purchase. Please check that your order matches up to the items available on that particular day. We do not cash notes $10 or larger unless for direct payment. A tuckshop menu is sent home at the start of each semester. Additional copies can be obtained at the school office.
VOLUNTEERS
The school actively encourages parent volunteers in the classrooms. Please check with your child's teacher regarding suitable times. All volunteers must sign in the School Office's visitors book.
WITHDRAWAL OF CHILDREN
Any parent/guardian wishing to withdraw children from school during the day must sign children out on the register at the office. A note to the teacher in the morning would also be helpful.
YEAR 2 NET, YEARS 3, 5 and 7 TESTS
All children in Year 2, 3 5 and 7 will undertake assessment activities to determine level of ability on external tests set by Education Queensland.
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