information booklet 2008 - hoxton park public · pdf filehoxton park public school information...

Hoxton Park Public School Information Booklet

HOXTON PARKPUBLIC SCHOOL

Knowledge is Strength

StudentInformationBooklet

Tel: (02) 9607 0005


Department of Education and TrainingSydney South West Region

Hoxton Schools

Hoxton ParkPublic School

Pacific Palms Circuit, Hoxton Park 2171Phone: 9607 0005

Fax: 9608 4937

email: [email protected]: www.hoxtonpark.ps.education.nsw.gov.au


School Mission


Hoxton Park PS Information BookTable of Contents

School Map 6

Staff List 7

Welcome 8

Brief History 8

Absences 8

Assemblies 9

Assessment and Reporting 9

Banking 9

Bikes at school 10

Bookclub 10

Bus Travel 10

Canteen 10

Communication 11

Custody 11

Curriculum 11

Dogs 12

Excursions 12

Head Lice 12

Immunisation 13

Integration Funding 13

Library 13

Lost Property 13

Medication 14

Money 14

Multi Age Classes 14

P & C Association 15

Photographs 15

Playground 16

Religious Instruction 16

Safety 16

School Hours 16

School Pledge 17

School Rules 17

School Song 18

Sick Children 18

Smoke Free Zone 19

Sport Houses 19

Support Staff 19

English as a Second Language 19

Itinerant Teachers 19

Reading Recovery 19

School Counsellor 20

STLA 20

Teacher Librarian 20

Voluntary Contribution 20

Uniform 20

Department of Education and Training 21


HALLC

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Staffroom

Office

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Homebase Block (C)

Homebase Block (D)

Adm

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(A)

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Library

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ESLSTLA 25

School Map

26


Executive StaffPrincipal S CooperDeputy Principal D LeydonAssistant Principals R Francis

J ScalesY Fabian-CarterK PiersonL Clements

Administration StaffSchool Admin Manager B RichAdministrative Officers G De La Garde

L HowellGeneral Assistant D GuyIntegration Aide N Calleja

M RudderA Busch

Support StaffCounsellor J CrosbyRFF L Murphy (technology)

M McKayT McNally

ESL J NovellaM Russell

Reading Recovery Y Fabian CarterR Pastor

STLA R PastorY Fabian Carter

Library M Quilty

Teaching StaffRm Grade Class Teacher01 K Fry-Silver K Smith

L Fegan02 K Spilsbury A Sarmento03 K Schulz K Sandrone04 K Christiansen L Clements15 1 Kepler V Krmac16 1 Marrison G McAllister18 1 Cartwright A Covek19 1 Holden L Heffernan

K Hamersma05 1/2 Olson B Oudshoorn07 2 Goodyear R Graham

K Pierson08 2 Kilby M Khanna17 2 Carson M Conlon06 2/3 Goldmark M Galla09 3 Florey R Francis20 3 Page C Pierobon10 4 James M Johnson21 4 Volta B van Magill11 4/5 Ohm J Ohrynowsky12 5 Clark C Circosta22 5 Holland K Harvey23 5 Strauss J Scales14 5/6 Tsukamoto S Taylor13 6 Stephenson J Slatter24 6 Mars V Marinos

Staff List


WelcomeWelcome to the Hoxton Park school community. We are proud of our school, its student,parents, staff and of the wide range of education opportunities that are provided here. Asyour child begins school at Hoxton Park PS we look forward to working with you so thatyour association with the school will be a very happy and highly rewarding one.

The purpose of this booklet is to provide you with information and suggestions that mayassist you in meeting the needs of your child as s/he begins school. Please do not hesitate tocontact any member of the staff if we can be of assistance to you, in ensuring that your childenjoys a challenging and fulfilling start to his/her school years.

Brief HistoryOriginally a school opened on the site in FirstAve in 1881 but due to falling enrolmentsclosed the following year. A new public schoolcalled Hoxton Park PS opened in 1889 with18 students. The teacher was Mr Albert Reay.By 1901 there were 72 students.

Until the middle of the 1900s, the Hoxton Parkdistrict changed little and remained a broadly based rural economy. Enrolment increasedquickly after the end of World War II and the original school and grounds were no longeradequate. Four weatherboard classrooms were built in 1957, an additional one built in1961 and a further one in 1965. In 1969 a brick classroom was opened. The enrolmentthen was 181 students.

During the 1980s the school population dropped to 115 with five teachers but since then,with new housing development in the area, it has increased dramatically. Today there arearound 600 students from many different cultural backgrounds and a staff of 35. Theschool relocated to its new site in Pacific Palms Circuit in February 2002 due to the wid-ening of Hoxton Park Road, giving us the beautiful learning environment we have today.

Absences Whole day absences

If a student is absent for any reason, parents are required to write a note explaining thereason for the absence. This should occur on the day they return to school. A call to theoffice should be made before a long absence (eg. holiday) or in the event of an extendedillness.


Late Arrival at SchoolAll students who arrive late for school (after 9.10am) must be accompanied to the officeby their parent / caregiver to obtain a ‘late arrival’ pass which is then given to the classteacher and recorded in the attendance roll.

Early LeaversParents wishing to collect their child before normal finishing time (3.00pm) must collect an‘early leavers’ pass from the office to give to the child’s teacher. The attendance roll will bemarked accordingly.

AssembliesAssemblies are held each Friday in the hall. Kindergarten and Stage One conduct theirassemblies after recess from 11.25 . Stages Two and Three have their assemblies between9.10 and 10.00am. Classes are rostered to lead assembly and usually present an item atthis time. Parents are welcome to attend the assembly. We ask parents to help us teach thestudents how to be a good audience during this time by sitting politely through the assem-bly, ensuring any toddlers are quiet and that phones are switched off.

Assessment and ReportingAssessment in academic areas is a continuous process. Consideration is given to generalclass work, weekly exercises, stage tasks and student interviews. Observations are madeof students’ work habits and social development. Written reports are issued at the end ofsemester one and semester two. Family/Teacher interviews are conducted following thesemester one reports. Students in Years 3 and 5 sit for the federal government NAPLANTests in the areas of literacy (reading, language & writing) and numeracy (number, space &measurement). These tests are administered in May each year.

BankingThe student banking day is Tuesday. Students need to hand their bank books to the teacheron Tuesday mornings. Application forms and any inquiries should be directed to the schooloffice staff. All student banking is conducted with the Commonwealth bank.


Bikes at schoolStudents from the age of 10 are permitted to ride their bicycles to and from school.Remember that all children are required by law to wear an approved safety helmet. Chil-dren are to walk their bikes in and out if the school. Students who do not comply withthese requirements may have their parents contacted to arrange alternative transport.

BookclubStudents are able to purchase books from Scholastic Book Club. This operates twice aterm along with an in-school book fair in term three. The excellent variety of books in thebook club provides valuable support to our school literacy program.

Bus TravelNew students, who are eligible, must apply to the senior school assistant for a bus passapplication. All students in Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two are entitled to free bustravel to and from school. Students from Year Three to Year Six are only eligible if theylive outside a predetermined boundary (contact the office for details).

In the case of a lost bus pass, parents must then apply directly to the bus company. A newbus pass will be issued for a small charge. Bus passes are automatically renewed throughthe school at the beginning of each school year.

The Code of Conduct relating to students travelling on buses is available at the school andregularly published in the school newsletter. All students must travel with their bus pass.

CanteenThe canteen is operated and managed by a private contractor. It is open five days perweek during recess and lunch breaks. Students can order their lunch by placing a lunchorder in the basket located in their classroom at 9.00.

The canteen follows the DET guidelines aimed at having a more healthy canteen. Pricelists are regularly issued, subject to slight alteration caused by cost increases or newproduct lines. This price list is published on the school website and is available from theschool office.


CommunicationRegular and open communication between home and school is an essential part of effec-tive schooling. Formal communication occurs through the operation of the Parent Forums,publication of the fortnightly newsletter (Thursday), school website and through interviewsset up between members of the teaching staff and parents.

Smaller issues of concern or daily arrangements can be conveyed on an informal basis bya telephone call, letter or by speaking with a staff member.

If you have a matter to discuss with your child’s teacher, it will be necessary to make anappointment with the teacher at a time that is mutually convenient and outside regularteaching times. Appointments can also be made with the school principal, Mr Cooper, ifyou wish to discuss any matter at all.

CustodyThe school needs to be advised in writing of any special custody arrangements concerningchildren. If a divorce has occurred, a family is split or one parent is denied access to achild, then this type of information needs to be passed on to the school and it will betreated in the strictest confidence. Should custody arrangements change it is essential thatwe be advised as soon as possible. The school must have copies of the relevant papers ifwe are to act on custodial requests.

CurriculumThere is an emphasis on the total education of each individual student in the six KeyLearning Areas:

i Englishii Mathematicsiii Science and Technologyiv Human Society and its Environmentv Creative Artsvi Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.

In addition the following program are offered:Ö Environmental educationÖ Student ParliamentÖ Opportunities for gifted / talented studentsÖ Guided reading program


Ö Internet and computer education programÖ UNSW competitionsÖ Public speaking and debating programsÖ A positive student welfare programÖ Excursion program, including campsÖ Kindergarten development play programÖ Gymnastics lessonsÖ K-6 sporting carnivalsÖ ChoirÖ Musical ensembleÖ Dance and drama groupsÖ School concertÖ PSSA (inter-school sporting competitions)Ö Peer mediation

DogsDogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are not allowed in the school ground, even on aleash, as per council regulations. This regulation, and others, appear on dog registrationforms.

ExcursionsExcursions are planned to give students a broader understanding of work being studied inclass. Permission notes are required for all excursions. These notes must be signed by aparent or caregiver before the student is permitted to go on an excursion. A risk assess-ment is carried out prior to each excursion to help ensure the safety of all students. Theschool has a limited amount of funds that can be used to assist families to pay for excur-sions. Contact Mr Cooper for details.

Head LiceIf your child has head lice you will be contacted. Your child’s hair must be cleaned usingspecial shampoo available from any chemist and it is highly advisable to wash all bed linen,combs, etc. Please check your child’s hair thoroughly for lice or eggs before returning toschool. A class where a student has head lice will all receive a note from the school.


ImmunisationStudents enrolling in Kindergarten should present an Immunisation Certificate. These cer-tificates are issued by doctors (GPs), the chief health officer of local councils, medicalofficers of health at the nearest Public Health Unit, or community health staff.

Students enrolling without an immunisation certificate are deemed to be not immunised.

Integration FundingStudents with special physical and/or intellectual needs may receive additional support atschool through the DET disabilities program. This additional funding may be used to em-ploy personnel (integration aides) or purchase resources to help implement special pro-grams for these students. Strict guidelines are applied to this program. Contact Mr Leydonor the school counsellor for details.

LibraryAll students participate in weekly library lessons which develop research and informationskills. The library is open some lunchtimes (1.40-2.00) for students to make use of avariety of library services, use the computers or play quiet games. Students are encour-aged to borrow books to read during their weekly library lessons.

Lost PropertyWe stress to parents the importance of having all property clearly marked with the child’sname. Parents wishing to inquire about lost property should contact the class teacher or amember of the administration staff. The lost property cupboard is located in the mainoffice, it is cleared at the end of each term.


MedicationAll medication must be presented to the office before school. A note must accompany itstating the dose and exact time to be taken. All medication must be prescribed by adoctor. If it is needed three times a day, endeavour to administer before school, afterschool and at bed time. Asthmatics, who are regular Ventolin users, should keep theirinhaler in their own school bag.

Health Care Plans are constructed in consulation with the parents if the condition warrantsit (eg Anaphylaxis, diabetes etc)

MoneyMoney and notes for excursions should be placed in an envelope and clearly marked withthe child’s name, class, excursion and amount. This envelope should be given directly tothe school office, not the class teacher. Receipts will be issued and given out in class.PSSA money should be presented to the office on Thursdays.

It is advisable that you limit the amount of spending money your child brings to school.

Multi Age ClassesA multi age class, often called a composite class, is one in which there are students whoseages range over a number of years. At Hoxton Park PS these classes may be K/1, 1/2 or5/6. This enables teachers to work cooperatively to ensure the best possible opportunitiesfor each individual student.The benefits for students in these classes are:Ö students accept greater responsibility for their own learning which assists with

independenceÖ students are more actively involved in their own learningÖ there is greater opportunity for each student to progress at an appropriate rateÖ students learn to take risks after realising, in the group situation, that it is acceptable

to make mistakesÖ students have a wider choice of role modelsÖ students’ self esteem is enhanced through support given to less able studentsÖ tolerance for, and understand of, differences is fostered.


P & C AssociationThe Parents and Citizens Association (P & C) meet as a fundraising group regularly at12.00 on Fridays. Please check the newsletter or contact the school office for meetingdates. Parent Forums are held for the sharing of school information and the review ofprograms.

A warm welcome is always extended to parents and carers of our students wishing tobecome part of these meetings. The P & C support the school through strong fundraisingefforts and are an integral part of the school decision making team.

Opportunities for active and genuine parent and community participation are numerous:* Parents and Citizens Association* Curriculum committees* School Development Days* In class assistance* Guided reading* Parent Tutor program* Excursions* Library

PhotographsEach year professional photographers visit the school to take class, individual and familyphotographs. Parents are notified before they are taken and a prepaid system operates.Once photo packages have been distributed, parents who may no longer wish to pur-chase, will receive a full refund from the photography company. Family photos (siblingsonly) are also available.

Kindergarten parents and caregivers will be asked to sign a form to give the school per-mission to publish the school photos with student names attached. From time to timestudents will have work or photos published into the school newsletter or on the schoolwebsite and a Permission to Publish form will need to be signed by both the student andparent.


PlaygroundA K-6 playground operates with all students having equal access to designated playingareas. There are a few areas, which are out of bounds for safety reasons. The main activeplay area is located on the oval and passive play areas are available in the shade under theCOLA. The concrete areas are for passive or small ball play only.

Students are strongly encouraged to wear sun screen and the maroon school hat whenoutdoors. No other hat is acceptable.

Religious InstructionLessons take place in a Thursday morning between 10.00am and 10.30am. Teachers areprovided for Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim religions. All students have theopportunity to attend these lessons, reliant on the availability of suitable instructors.

SafetyWe ask that parents observe the road signs outside the school and refrain from droppingoff and picking up students in the bus zone and parking cars in the Kiss and Drop zone.Parents may be fined by police or council rangers if these rules are not complied with.

The car park is for use by staff only. We ask that parents refrain from walking through thecar park and instead use the main entry between the hall and office buildings.

Rollerblades, skates and scooters are not to be brought into the school. Children are notto play inside the school grounds outside of school hours.

School HoursSchool commences 8.55 amMorning Recess 11.00 am - 11.20 amLunch - eating time 1.10 pm - 1.20 pm

- play time 1.20 pm - 2.00 pmEnd of school day 3.00 pm


Students may arrive at school from 8.30 am, when teachers will supervise the play-ground. No supervision is provided before 8.30am. Parents are requested to collect theirchildren promptly at 3.00pm in the afternoon.

School PledgeThis is our flag!Let us honour it by being:True to ourselves,Loyal to our family and school,Helpful to our community,And proud of our Australia.

School RulesSchool rules are designed to ensure a safe and friendly environment for all students. Theyare part of the school’s Student Welfare policy and should be adhered to by all students.There are consequences when rules are broken and rewards when rules are kept. Theschool encourages safety, courtesy and respect at all times.

Students need to, at all times:* be safe* be kind* try their hardest

The school rules are:1. Follow all teachers’ instructions2. Stay in bounds3. Act cooperatively and safely4. Be polite at all times5. Respect the property of others6. Care for the school environment


Parents are encouraged to contact class teachers or the Assistant Principals if they haveany concerns regarding school procedures or playground behaviour matters.

The HPPS Student Welfare Policy sets out the acceptable list of school behaviours aswell as the way in which the school will manage any unacceptance behaviour and re-ward positive behaviour.

School SongTowards the StarsWe’re a school of many different facesFrom all around this world of oursWe come here to learn from each otherHoxton Park - strong and proudAs we learn each day, we’re aiming highTowards the stars, towards the skyA future of excellence and knowledgeHoxton Park - strong and brightAs we grow with the Bunyas,(and) after they’re goneHoxton Park - together and strong.(repeat and slow)words and music by Kate Bowyer

Sick ChildrenWhen students become sick at school, they either recover quickly after a short rest inSick Bay or parents are contacted and requested to collect the child from school. It isfor this reason that accurate emergency contact numbers are important.

If your child contracts one of the many contagious childhood diseases the school mustbe notified immediately and a clearance certificate from a doctor must be presentedbefore the student recommences class.

If your child is sick, the best place for him/her is at home with your personal attention.

All students who are sent to sickbay from the classroom will have a sickbay note to takehome that outlines the treatment they received.


Smoke Free ZoneAll school premises are totally non-smoking areas as designated by government legisla-tion. This means that even casual visitors must not smoke on school premises.

Sport HousesDuring term one, your child will be placed in a house for sporting and other school activi-ties. If your child has older brothers or sisters s/he will automatically be placed in the samehouse. The houses are:

Kendall redMackellar greenPaterson blueLawson yellow

Students will participate in a swimming carnival in term one, a cross country running carni-val in term two and an athletics carnival in term three.

Support StaffEnglish as a Second Language

Two ESL teachers work with students from non English speaking backgrounds. This sup-port builds the students proficiency with the English language. Lessons are a combinationof student withdrawal, group work and in-class support. Many important school docu-ments are available in translated versions.

Itinerant TeachersThe school has access to teachers with expertise in providing specialised programs forstudents with specific disabilities, such as behaviour, visual and hearing .

Reading RecoveryA specialist teacher works individually with targeted students in Year 1 for half an houreach morning of the week. It is an intensive program to try to significantly improve thereading levels of the targeted students.


School CounsellorThe School Counsellor is available at school every Thursday and Friday. During this timeshe sees students who have been referred to the counsellor by the Learning SupportTeam and conducts interviews with parents and teachers. Appointments can be made bycontacting the school office.

Support Teacher Learning AssistanceA STLA is employed six days per week to assist students with specific learning difficultiesin the basic learning areas of literacy and numeracy. This program is focused on students intheir first three years at school.

Teacher LibrarianThe Teacher Librarian works with staff to ensure students K-6 develop necessary re-search and information skills. The librarian teaches formal lessons with each class once aweek and is available at other times to assist students to locate resources.

Voluntary ContributionEach year, the amount of voluntary contributions is set within the guidelines provided bythe NSW Government. In 2010 the amounts will be:

$50 one student$70 two students or more.

The money from voluntary contributions will be spent to support the classroom learningprograms.

UniformA public meeting and survey in 1989 endorsed the wearing of school uniform. The wearingof school uniform is strongly encouraged to develop the feeling of recognition as a memberof Hoxton Park Primary School.

The school’s Fair Discipline Code established that Hoxton Park Primary School is a fulluniform school. The School Council re-endorsed this in February 1997. Please refer tothe school policy ‘Uniform Requirements’.


Uniform RequirementsBoys GirlsSummergrey shorts grey/maroon check dress (preferred)grey shirt (button or polo style) white socksgrey socks black shoesblack shoes maroon school cap or hatmaroon school cap Black culottes / maroon school polo

Wintergrey slacks or tracksuit pants grey/maroon dressgrey shirt (button or polo style) black slacks or tracksuit pantsgrey socks maroon long sleeve poloblack shoes white socks or stockingsmaroon sloppy joe or jacket black shoesschool spray jacket maroon sloppy joe, cardigan or jacket

Sportblack sport shorts black pleated sport skirtmaroon school polo black sport shortsschool spray jacket maroon school polowhite sport socks white sport sockssport shoes sport shoes

school spray jacket

The school has a policy of ‘no hat, play in the shade’ which is enforced whenever studentsare outside. For safety reasons, suitable footwear should be worn. Thongs are not to beworn at school and sandals with open tops exposing toes are strongly discouraged.

As a general rule, jewellery should not be worn. Only studs or sleepers should be worn inpierced ears. Hair accessories should be maroon, black or white.

Hats, metal badges and the school spray jacket and matching sport track pants can bepurchased from the school office. Girl’s dresses, sloppy joes, jackets, sport T shirts, clothbadges, caps and tracksuits may be purchased from:

Lupco Fashions340 Hoxton Park Road02 9608 4653

Dept of Education and TrainingSchool Education Director Mr Ray PalmerAddress Chester Hill Office

Wolumba StChester Hill 2162

Telephone (02) 9793 4900Facsimile (02) 9793 4943

information booklet 2008 - hoxton park public · pdf filehoxton park public school information...

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