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St Michael’s Catholic Primary School—Parent Handbook

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St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Berwick

Handbook for Parents

2019


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OUR SCHOOL VISION

Embracing our faith

to inspire courage and kindness

Igniting a passion

for dynamic learning

A knowing and belonging

for every child


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Welcome

We welcome you, and your family to our St. Michael’s School Community.

We are here to support you in your parental role and to ensure that your child learns within a stimulating and dynamic environment that encourages co-operation as well as the development of individuality.

We invite you all to participate in continuing the growth and development of our school, a school where the Catholic faith is nurtured and our children are guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ through the Gospels. Together with you the parents, we will endeavor to foster in your children, an appreciation that all life is precious, that they have a unique place in the world and that it is vital that they develop relationships of care, respect and trust.

We look forward to sharing the dreams and aspirations you hold for your children and our school.

We consider you and your family vital to the life and energy of our school community.

Angela Kelly Principal


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Table of Contents School Contact ................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Parish Contact .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

School Personnel ............................................................................................................................................................... 9

School Term Dates ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

School Closure Days ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

School Hours .................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Before School ................................................................................................................................................................... 10

After School ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10

After School Safety .......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Absences from School ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

Access to School .............................................................................................................................................................. 11

Assemblies ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Assessment, Reporting and Testing................................................................................................................................. 11

Bank Day .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Book Club ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Camps .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Canteen ............................................................................................................................................................................ 12

Change of Address, Telephone Number, Email Address ................................................................................................. 13

Class Photos ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Closure Days .................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Court Orders .................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Contacting Staff ............................................................................................................................................................... 13

Dogs ................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Early Departure ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Emergency Plan/Natural Disasters and Threats .............................................................................................................. 13

Excursions ........................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Fees and Levies ................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Flag Raising ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Grievances ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Health .............................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Head Lice ......................................................................................................................................................................... 15

IPads ................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

Library .............................................................................................................................................................................. 18

Lost Property ................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Newsletter ....................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Nutrition .......................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Out of School Hours Care ................................................................................................................................................ 18

Parents Involvement ........................................................................................................................................................ 18

Privacy.............................................................................................................................................................................. 19


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Religious Education Program ........................................................................................................................................... 19

Masses & Liturgies ........................................................................................................................................................... 19

Sacraments ...................................................................................................................................................................... 19

School Security and Safety Procedures ........................................................................................................................... 19

School Sports ................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Sport ................................................................................................................................................................................ 20

Staff Meetings.................................................................................................................................................................. 20

St Michael’s Hall .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Student Programs ............................................................................................................................................................ 20

Sunsmart .......................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Supervision ...................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Toys .................................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Traffic ............................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Traffic Management Plan ................................................................................................................................................ 22

Transfer of Students to another Primary School ............................................................................................................. 23

Uniform ............................................................................................................................................................................ 23

Working with Children Check .......................................................................................................................................... 24


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School Contact

St Michael’s Catholic Primary School

16 Scanlan Street

Berwick Vic 3806

Postal address: P O Box 424 Berwick Vic 3806

Telephone: 8794 2400

Office Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Website: www.stmberwick.catholic.edu.au

Parish Contact

St Michael’s Catholic Church 129 High Street Berwick Vic 3806

Telephone: 9707 1355 Fax: 9707 5891 Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 am - 3 pm Mass Times: Monday 9.30am Tuesday 7 pm

Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 9.30 am Saturday 6 pm Sunday 9 am, 10.30 am and 6 pm

Website: www.stmichaelsparish.org.au Email: [email protected]

Presbytery: 119 High Street, Berwick Vic 3806

Parish Priest: Fr Jeff Kleynjans

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.stmberwick.catholic.edu.au/

http://www.stmichaelsparish.org.au/



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School Personnel Principal: Angela Kelly

Administration: LeeAnne Muzzolini

Deputy Principal: Andrew Greco Finance: Madeleine Edwards

Deputy Principal: Jenny Benbow

Teaching & Learning Leader: Andrew Greco Education Support Officers

Religious Education Leader: Jenny Benbow Tess Schouw (Whole school)

Learning Adjustment Leader: Luisa Wilkinson Claudia Sajeba (Foundation)

Well Being Leader: Pam McKillop Ana Marinovic (Year 1)

Learning Coach: Jacinta Browning Nina Farrar (Year 1)

LLI Support: Sarah Sykes Victoria King (Year 2)

Middle Leaders Tracey James (Year 3)

Jo Tomkins Stephanie McAuliffe (Year 4)

Renae Phelan Julie Cleland (Year 5)

Monica Deayton Marisa Morando (Year 6)

Rachel Harrison

Foundation Learning Group Teachers Year 1 Learning Group Teachers

Esther Kelly (FE) Karina Brady (1B)

Jessika Bradshaw (FJ) Anne Kowalski (1K)

Michelle Dennis-Wilcox (FM) Estelle Natoli (1N)

Year 2 Learning Group Teachers Year 3 Learning Group Teachers

Rachel Harrison (2H) Monica Deayton (3D)

Raesha Jay-Chapman (2RD) Donna Ward (3W)

Liz Hansen (2HD) Beth Andrews (3AC)

Lauren Doherty (2RD & 2HD) Therese Camilleri (3AC)

Year 4 Learning Group Teachers Year 5 Learning Group Teachers

Richard Greco (4R) Alison Wood (5W)

Jo Money (4M) Renae Phelan (5P)

Marg Leane (4L) Georgie Benbow (5G)

Paul Mackey (4M)

Andrew Greco (4L)

Year 6 Learning Group Teachers Specialist Teachers

Patrick Nelson (6N) Creative Arts: Pam McKillop/ Liz Elliot

Jo Tomkins (6T) Gemma van Laeren (6JV) Jude Clarisse (6JV)

Physical Education (5-6): Karen Hughes Physical Education (F-4): Carmel Ingram

Library: Joan Somers Canteen: Maylee Green Maintenance: Paul Rodriquez

Performing Arts: Kim Johnson Japanese: Yuko Tamura

Grounds: Mark Sweeney

Administration: LeeAnne Muzzolini

Finance: Madeleine Edwards

Education Support Officers

Tess Schouw (Whole school)

Claudia Sajeba (Foundation)

Ana Marinovic (Year 1)

Nina Farrar (Year 1)

Victoria King (Year 2)

Tracey James (Year 3)

Stephanie McAuliffe (Year 4)

Julie Cleland (Year 5)

Year 1 Learning Group Teachers

Karina Brady (1B)

Anne Kowalski (1K)

Estelle Natoli (1N)


Monica Deayton (3D)

Donna Ward (3W)

Beth Andrews (3AC)

Therese Camilleri (3AC)


Alison Wood (5W)

Renae Phelan (5P)

Georgie Benbow (5G) Specialist Teachers

Creative Arts: Pam McKillop

Creative Arts: Liz Elliott

Physical Education (5-6): Karen Hughes

Physical Education (F-4): Carmel Ingram

Performing Arts: Kim Johnson

Japanese: Yuko Tamura


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School Term Dates

2019 TERM DATES 2019 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Term 1: January 29 – April 5 Term 2: April 22 – June 28 Term 3: July 15 - September 20 Term 4: October 7 - December 20

Australia Day (observance): Monday January 28 Labour Day: Monday March 11 Good Friday: Friday April 19 Easter Monday: Monday April 22 ANZAC Day: Thursday April 25 Queen’s Birthday: Monday June 10 Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday November 5

School Closure Days

The dates for 2019 are May 8, July 30, August 29, November 1 and November 4.

School Hours

8.45 am Music Learning spaces open

8.50 am School Bell All children in their learning space with teacher supervision

9.00 - 11.00 am Learning time

11.00 - 11.10 am Eat play lunch

11.10 - 11.40 am Recess

11.40 - 1.40 pm Learning time

1.40 - 1.50 pm Eat lunch inside

1.50 - 2.30 pm Lunch recess

2.30 - 3.30pm Learning time

3.30 pm Dismissal

Families who need to drop their children off at school before 8.30am or are unable to collect their children by 3.45pm will need to register with Out of School Hours Care so that children can be supervised by this agency at these times. Register directly with Camp Australia on: 0413 350 107 or Head Office on 1300 105 343.

Before School Children must not arrive at school before 8.30am as there is no supervision for them. The Junior Playground on Scanlan Street will be out of bounds to all children from 8.30 to 8.45am. Children who arrive at school before 8.45am will be supervised on the oval, the basketball courts, between the portables and the new Junior Learning Centre and in front of Foundation House.

After School At the end of the day, those children waiting for pick-up by parents must wait at exit points of school where they will be supervised by teachers. If parents have not arrived by 3.45pm, children will be taken to Administration of the school where they will await their parents.


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After School Safety No playground areas or equipment are supervised by staff at the end of the school day. Teachers are rostered to supervise exits to the school at this time. If you wish to remain at school after this time so that your child/ren can use the play equipment, you must provide direct supervision at the playground with your own child/ren. All responsibility for the safe and appropriate use of the playground equipment at this time is placed on the supervising parent. No child is allowed on the play equipment without their parent right there with them. All parents are asked to support St Michael’s in this safety requirement. St Michael’s is a child safe school. All children have the right to feel safe and to be safe all the time, but safety does not just happen. A child safe organisation takes deliberate steps to protect children from harm. Responsibility for taking action must be understood and accepted by everyone. This directly and indirectly creates a culture in which everyone – staff, parents, carers and children feel confident, enabled and supported regarding the issue of safety.

Absences from School

The school must be contacted if your student is absent for any reason. A note, phone call or email will meet this requirement. Parents can also submit an absent form through the Skoolbag App by clicking eForms then on Student Absent Notes. Absent slips can also be found on the St Michael’s website. These can be given to the classroom teacher. Phone number for registering absences: (03) 8794 2400 or email [email protected]

Access to School

Student leaders open and shut external school gates each day shortly after 9.05am and will not be opened until 3.25pm. This allows minimum access to the school site. Anyone who wishes to gain access or needs to exit at times other than when all gates are open are asked to enter and exit school through the administration area. Access is available at all times but is a monitored access by administration staff.

Assemblies

Each Friday afternoon at 2.45pm, the school community gathers in the Stadium prayer, recognising awards, birthdays, and school events. Families are welcome to join the school community at this time. Foundation Parents are notified if their child is to receive an award.

Birthday certificates are distributed to children who have birthdays on day of Assembly and following 6 days.

Please note that this is subject to change when school events and holidays occur.

Assessment, Reporting and Testing

Our assessment and reporting policy focuses on what students learn, the way they learn and provides information to parents, students and teachers in a clear and concise manner. This is done through a variety of ways e.g. anecdotal notes recorded by the teacher, observations, discussions with the students, keeping continuous records and testing

Formal school reports are sent home at the end of Term 2 and Term 4. Formal meetings between parents and teachers are at the beginning of Term 1 and the end of Term 2. To book a meeting time we have an internet-based booking system – School Interviews. Using this system, you can book a time that suits you best from any internet- connected computer. If you do not have internet access, please contact the school office and an appointment will be made for you. The procedure to access the system is as follows: Go to the school’s home page www.stmberwick.catholic.edu.au Click the icon as shown here

ASSESSMENT, REPORTING AND TESTING

Bank DayAssessment, Reporting and Testing


http://www.stmberwick.catholic.edu.au/


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Enter the Event Code to book a time. Parents are encouraged to meet with their student’s teacher at a mutually convenient time to discuss any area of concern outside formally planned meeting times.

Testing: At certain times of the school year our children are engaged in testing. These tests help teachers to assess the overall learning needs of their class for the forthcoming year. Grades 3 and 5 children are involved in NAPLAN testing. NAPLAN is a compulsory government testing and uses national education standards to assess children in all schools.

Bank Day School bank accounts are processed through the school on Tuesdays. All students are given the opportunity to open an account. Parents can do this by collecting a form at the school office or directly through the Commonwealth Bank.

Book Club Your student will receive Scholastic Australia Book Club catalogues and order forms throughout the year. These provide you with an opportunity to purchase quality students’ literature from Scholastic Australia. There is no obligation to purchase.

Camps The children in Grades 4, 5 and 6 attend camps.

Grade 4 attend a 2-day camp at Phillip Island (April 23 – April 24)

Grade 5 attend a 3-day camp at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat (27 February – 1 March)

Grade 6 attend a 4-day tour of Canberra (March 4 – March 7) Notice of the camp, time and venue will be sent home prior to the date. Permission and medical information is required to be completed by parents for each camp through our online forms, on Care Monkey. Care Monkey is a platform to collect data from students for health and safety, consent forms, medical records, camps and excursions.

Canteen The canteen at St. Michael’s has been highly successful in providing a service to the whole school community due to the dedicated work of many parents who prepare and distribute the lunches. A warm welcome will be given to all parents who are prepared to involve themselves in this task. Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunches can be ordered from the school Canteen. Lunch Orders: A list of the food available and prices applicable will be sent to each family and is also available on the school website. http://www.stmberwick.catholic.edu.au/school-community/102/p/canteen/ The canteen operates an online ordering system accessible via Skoolbag App or you can log on to the following web address: https://stmberwick.cdfpay.org.au and get set up or online ordering.

The canteen is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Lunch Orders will close 9am each canteen day.

No over-the-counter sales after 2.05 pm.

There are no over-the-counter sales during wet day program.

Lunches are distributed to classes at lunchtime.

Please limit the amount students bring to spend at the canteen to $1-00. Children cannot purchase food from the canteen for other children nor can they accept being given money or food. Over the counter sales are from 1.40 pm - 2.10 pm. There are no over the counter sales on wet days. Hot Dog Days: On the first Monday of each month, the students are able to order hot dogs as they do for general canteen orders. Parents will be notified of these dates via the school newsletter and on our Skoolbag app.

http://www.stmberwick.catholic.edu.au/school-community/102/p/canteen/


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Change of Address, Telephone Number, Email Address

It is most important that Administration is notified of any changes in your home address, email address, telephone number, work telephone numbers and emergency contact. Parents either contact Administration or submit a change of details through the Skoolbag App by clicking eForms then on change of Details. If your student should have an accident at school, we must have full details so that parents can be contacted immediately.

Class Photos Class photos are taken each year by a professional photographer. Pre-paid orders are placed for individual, class groups and family photos. Parents are under no obligation to purchase these photographs.

Closure Days The school is granted closure days during the year for the development of curriculum. These days are approved by the Parish Priest, School Board and the Catholic Education Office. The aims and activities of these days are clearly stated prior to approval being granted. The dates for 2019 are: May 8, July 30, August 29, November 1 and November 4. Children do not attend school on these days.

Court Orders In the event where a current court order applies to a family situation, the custodial parents is obliged to present the school with a copy of the court order to ensure that the school is aware of any custody arrangements. Where there is no court order in place and parents are separated, the school needs to be notified of current mutual access arrangements.

Contacting Staff The school encourages parents to discuss any queries or concerns with their student’s teacher, since teacher/parent contact often leads to a better understanding of the student. However, teachers are unavailable for interviews or discussion during class time. To contact teachers, parents can ring the Administration on 8794 2400 to arrange an appointment. If you would like to email teachers, email addresses for all staff are their first name. surname followed by @stmberwick.catholic.edu.au. For example, Angela Kelly can be contacted via email at [email protected]. Teachers do not have access to emails during learning times and often have duties during break times. Hence, do not expect a response to your emails on the day you send them. Teachers are encouraged not to manage school emails at home in family time. Please ensure urgent matters e.g. change in pick up arrangements are communicated through Admin to be managed.

Dogs For safety reasons, dogs are not permitted on school grounds during school hours.

Early Departure If for any reason a child has to leave school prior to the normal dismissal time, e.g. dental or doctor’s appointment, the parent is required to complete the Sign Out register in Admin before collecting their child. Children are not permitted to leave the school ground without the above approval.

Emergency Plan/Natural Disasters and Threats The school has an extensive Evacuation Plan. Each year the school practises evacuation procedures. In the event of a natural disaster or threat, government guidelines are in place with strict recommendations followed.

CHANGE

ADDRESS

mailto:[email protected].


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Excursions All children attend venues away from the school to extend their learning experience. Each year level organises excursions / incursions to give students opportunities that cannot be gained in the regular classroom setting. Notice of the excursion, time and venue will be sent home prior to the date. Permission and medical form are required to be completed by parents for each excursion through Care Monkey.

Fees and Levies

The School Board, through its Finance Committee in consultation with the Catholic Education Office establish the level of fees needed to supplement Government funding. The school receives funding from the State and Federal Governments. This funding covers approximately 80% of the school’s running costs. The school community is expected to raise the remaining amount through school fees and fund raising. School fees assist in meeting the required amount for the general running costs of the school. Educational levies are for classroom resources and student insurance. Each family is expected to pay the school fee and each student’s applicable educational/camp levy. Annual payment should be made as early as possible. Educational levies are included in the annual school fee account. Any family having difficulty with paying fees will need to contact the Principal.

Fee Schedule 2019

School Fees (per family) ($425 x 4 terms) $1760.00

Capital Levy ($175 x 4 terms) $ 700.00

Student Levy (Foundation-Gr4) Per child per year $ 245.00

Student Levy (Gr5 & Gr6) Per child per year $ 265.00

Fees payable to St Michael’s School can be remitted by:

School accounts will be emailed to the nominated fee payer at the beginning of each term. This will include the full year’s fees and levies. Fees can be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly, by the term or annually.

Settlement date for all fees and levies is 30th November each year.


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Flag Raising Each Monday morning, except the first Monday of each new term, the school community gathers together at the Flagpole to recognize Traditional Owners of the Land, to pray our School Prayer and sing the National Anthem.

Grievances At times you may have a grievance and/or concern about the school. The principal and staff need to know about it so that appropriate action may be taken. The school will only deal with grievances and/or concerns that have been communicated to the principal and staff by the concerned party. The following procedures are set out to ensure that a fair and just system is available for all parties.

1. Concerns regarding a student, or inquires about classroom operations, are directed to the class teacher in the first instance.

2. All grievances/concerns regarding the school teachers, teaching methods, books and materials, etc. are directed to the principal in the first instance. Where appropriate the principal will direct the complaint to the teacher concerned.

3. The classroom teacher and the parent (and where appropriate the principal) will meet to discuss the complaint, where all relevant information is shared. On most occasions the problem is resolved at this level. Where no suitable agreement is made the following steps are taken.

4. The parent approaches the Parish Priest who will act as an arbitrator in seeking a suitable resolution.

5. Where the parent is not satisfied, he/she has the right of appeal to the Catholic Education Office, where further negotiations will take place.

6. The role of the School Board is not to arbitrate over questions or grievances. Recommendations, suggestions and questions, within the guidelines of the constitution, may be directed in writing to the Board. These must arrive seven days in advance of the next meeting in order to be placed on the agenda, otherwise they will be tabled at the next meeting.

Health Accident Insurance Every day there are accidents involving children. To assist parents with the costs associated with those accidents, Catholic Education in association with Catholic Churches Insurances Limited have developed the School Care Children’s Accident Insurance Program. St. Michael’s School is pleased to be a part of this program and our School policy provides protection to all students attending our school. The School Activities Only - Basic policy includes cover accidents on school camps, school sports (including sports out of school hours, as long as they are organised by the school) and travelling to and from school or school activities. It also includes any activity organised or authorised by the school. The policy covers three important areas of care; any one accident may be claimable under one or more of these areas. It is important to note that the policy cannot cover (restricted by legislation) any Medicare service including the Medicare gap.

Accidents and Illnesses Details of minor accidents are recorded and parents notified through an accident report form sent home on the day of a minor accident. You will be contacted by phone if your student falls ill while at school and requires going home or needs further care. If your child is involved in a serious accident at school and we cannot contact you, an ambulance may be required to transport your student to the doctor/hospital. Schools are not covered by the ambulance subscription; hence it is advisable for each family to subscribe to a family membership. Teachers are not permitted to transport seriously injured students.

Asthma St Michael’s is an “Asthma Friendly” School. The school will provide assistance to children who suffer an asthma attack. If there is a need for daily/ongoing treatment related to asthma then this must be discussed with LeeAnne Muzzolini in the school Administration, in order for the most suitable arrangements to be decided upon. Management of asthma is part of the school day. Teachers are trained in asthma management. Asthma Plan forms are available from Administration and may be downloaded from Asthma Victoria.

Head Lice Head Lice is a common problem in all Victorian Schools. The insects are 2mm long and lay their eggs (nits) on hair close to the scalp, particularly at the back of the neck and behind the ears. Eggs are about 1mm in length and are connected to the hair. Egg cases that remain once the lice have hatched are dull white and generally found on shafts of hair further than 1cm from the scalp.


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Parents are asked to keep a constant check for head lice. They are highly contagious and need to be treated immediately they are discovered. The occurrence of head lice does NOT reflect on the cleanliness of the person who has them. For further information, parents can visit the Department of Health, Victoria on http://www.health.vic.gov.au/headlice/index.htm

Health check for Foundation Children The students in Foundation receive a complete health check by the visiting School Nurse. Students in other grades may be examined upon referral or if there was a concern the previous year. If you are worried about your student’s hearing, sight, speech, etc. please contact the teacher as these matters can be referred to the medical services. Parents will be notified prior to the School Nurse visiting the school.

Immunisation A school entry Immunisation Certificate is a specific document which shows your child’s record of Immunisation. The Certificate is an important record that will assist health authorities in protecting children in the event of a vaccine preventable disease occurrence at the school.

Please note that it is a legal requirement to provide a school entry Immunisation Certificate on enrolment to primary school in Victoria or provide an authorised exemption from a medical practitioner. There are now two ways parents can obtain a school entry Immunisation Certificate:

1. Parents will automatically receive a history statement from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register after your child has completed the 4 year old vaccine schedule and has completed all childhood immunisations required.

On the bottom of the statement it should state: “This child has received all vaccines required by 5 years of age.” If it does, this is now accepted as a school entry immunization certificate in Victoria.

2. Parents whose child’s Immunisation records are incomplete, missing or your child has never been

vaccinated, contact your local council’s Immunisation service who will be able to assist you in obtaining a school entry Immunisation Certificate.

Infectious Diseases A child must be excluded from school for the following diseases: Chicken Pox Until fully recovered or at least 1 week after the eruption first appears Conjunctivitis Until discharge from eyes has ceased. (acute infectious) Diphtheria Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection. Giardiasis Until diarrhoea ceases (diarrhoea). Hepatitis Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection, or on (Infectious) subsidence of symptoms of Hepatitis B. Exclusion is not necessary Impetigo Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced. Sores on exposed surfaces

must be covered with watertight dressing. Leprosy Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection. Measles Until at least 4 days from the appearance of the rash or until receipt of a medical

certificate of recovery from infection. Meningococcal Exclude until adequate carrier eradication therapy has been completed. Mumps Exclude for 9 days or until swelling goes down. Pediculosis Re-admit the day after appropriate treatment has commenced. (Head Lice)

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/headlice/index.htm


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Slap Face This disease can be easily spread AND poses risk to pregnant women. Any child who contracts this disease is to be kept at home until the rash has disappeared. This may assist in breaking the cycle and also be a responsible approach to those mums who may already be pregnant or may be in the very early stages and unaware of their pregnancy.

Pertusis Exclude the child for 5 days after starting antibiotic treatment. (Whooping Cough) Poliomyelitis Until at least 14 days after the onset of illness and until receipt of a medical certificate

of recovery from infection. Ringworms Re-admit the day after the appropriate treatment has commenced. Rotavirus Until diarrhoea ceases. Rubella Until fully recovered and at least five days from the onset of the rash. (German Measles) Scabies Until appropriate treatment has commenced. Shigella Until diarrhoea ceases. Streptococcal Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection (including Scarlet

Fever). Trachoma Until appropriate treatment has commenced. Tuberculosis Until receipt of a medical certificate produced from a health officer of the

department, that the child is not considered to be infectious. Typhoid Until receipt of a medical certificate of Paratyphoid recovery from infection.

Medication Arising from the duty of care that we owe our students and in the interests of the students being able to continue to attend classes there will be occasions when the administration of medication is necessary. Prescription medication administered to students of St. Michael’s by staff members will be permitted within specific guidelines.

1. Two members of staff will be responsible for the administration of medication. A Medication Permission form is available at the school office or can be downloaded on the school website.

2. No medication will be administered without the written permission of the parents or guardians.

3. All medicines must be handed into Administration in clearly marked containers.

4. Where a student needs to be injected a parent or their representative must be present to dispense

the injection.

5. Any untoward effects of the drugs must be explained to the school by the parents or guardians.

IPads St Michael’s School works to ensure that the school is equipped with technological resources. These technologies are used within all learning areas in the school as tools to support the learning and teaching. The school currently has a 1:1 IPad program for Grades 3-6. Students are given the opportunity to bring their own IPads to school to enhance their learning. Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have an IPad at school will have use of a school IPad. Foundation –Grade 2 students will have access to a bank of class IPads located in their learning areas.


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Library

St Michael’s Library houses much of the book stock of our school. Our library of books contributes directly to students’ learning experiences. All students are encouraged and expected to borrow books from the school regularly throughout the school year. Volunteers to assist with library tasks such as shelving of books, are always very welcome.

Lost Property

To ensure the return of your child’s belongings please clearly name all student’s belongings. All property handed in will be held in the lost property boxes located in the Senior and Junior Learning Areas and can be claimed back by the owner. At the end of each term, all unclaimed school uniforms will be sent to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Newsletter Every second Wednesday a newsletter is published on the school website, Skoolbag App and posted to all family emails. The newsletter aims to keep parents and guardians informed of the latest events and items of interest related to the school. Disclaimer: St Michael’s does not promote or publicise events/activities unless they are specifically for the health and well being of the students in our care or are advocated by and through the Board or our Parents and Friends Committee. St Michael’s does not promote profit making for private businesses or family interests in this publication.

Nutrition Parents are encouraged to provide healthy foods for school lunches and to avoid the inclusion of junk foods. Students are permitted to bring fresh fruit or vegetables to eat during designated times within the school’s learning programs. Children have water bottles with them in class.

Out of School Hours Care This operates at St. Michael’s and is provided by Camp Australia. The hours are from 7.00 am to 8.45 am and from 3.30 pm - 6.00 pm. If you require supervision for your child before 8.30am or after 3.45pm you will need to register directly with Camp Australia on 0413 350 107 or Head Office on 1300 105 343.

Parents Involvement School Advisory Committee The School Advisory Committee members meet twice per term commencing at 7.30 pm. The Annual General Meeting for the School Advisory Committee is held in March each year. This is an open meeting. Role of the School Advisory Committee: St. Michael’s School Advisory Committee acts as a forum for discussion on matters concerning education in the school. It comes together in a spirit of co-operation between Parish Priest, Principal, staff representative and elected parent members. Elected members come to the Board after being nominated by the school community. Once elected, they serve a 2 year term and are eligible for re- nomination for a further term if they wish. The Board meets a least twice per term. The Advisory Committee acts as an advisory body to the Principal on the following issues;

policy • pastoral care of community

finance • resourcing the school

staffing • maintenance

Thus the Board provides an opportunity for all areas of the school community to work together for the benefit of our students both spiritually and educationally.

Canteen Parents are welcome to volunteer in the school canteen. Each term a notice is sent to families asking for volunteer assistance.

Parent Group The Parent Group plays an integral role in our school community. It helps raise much needed funds for the school through fundraising activities, such as our fete, trivia nights and mango drives. Parent Group has a


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community focus involving the pastoral care of the St Michael’s community through promoting the values of the school, welcoming and supporting new families and building networks where together we connect and support each other. The Group also organises social activities throughout the year for parents to meet or catch up. All our families are most welcome to join the Parent Group.

Reading Parents and grandparent volunteers are most welcome to listen to the children read.

Privacy St. Michael's School complies with the Privacy Legislation (2001) as required. A privacy statement is presented to parents on enrolment and this must be signed off on. It is the parent's responsibility to notify the school should there be any alteration to their status as regards this policy. Parents are expected to be mindful of the privacy of others by ensuring that no children, other than their own are published via photo or video on websites such as Facebook, Instagram etc.

Religious Education Program Our Religious Education program aims to: assist the students to recognise the presence of Jesus in their lives, through his message in the Scriptures; encourage the students to experience themselves as part of creation and to recognise all creation as a sign of God’s goodness;

provide a climate where the students’ faith can be nurtured in trust and freedom;

lead the students to know, to understand and to appreciate the spiritual and religious dimensions of life as expressed in the Catholic faith tradition;

assist the students to appreciate belonging to and celebrating with the local parish community;

Masses & Liturgies On particular occasions the whole school community attends Mass and Liturgies at St. Michael’s Church. Parents are most welcome to attend all Masses and Liturgies.

Sacraments The St. Michael’s Sacrament Program, in line with Diocesan policy, is Family centred, Parish based and School Supported. Whilst the Sacramental program is part of the Prep to Year 6 curriculum, specific emphasis is given in Year 3 to Reconciliation, Year 4 to First Eucharist and Year 6 to Confirmation. Class programs also work in closely with the seasons of the Church and special Feast days.

School Security and Safety Procedures All visitors to the school during school hours are required to report to Admin and complete Sign In Register. They must show a Working with Children Check.

School Sport

St Michael’s organises its own sporting events – School Sports at Edwin Flack Reserve, Cross Country (Grades 3 – 6) at Akoonah Park and Fun Run (Foundation – Grade 2) at St Michael’s School. In 2019 these events will be held the following days:

School Sports (Field Events for Gr 3 – 6 children) - Wednesday March 27 School Sports (Whole School) – Thursday March 28 Country (Grades 3 -6 children) - Thursday April 24 (morning) Cross Fun Run (Foundation – Grade 2) -Thursday April 24 (afternoon)

These sporting events involve house teams of Casey, Flack, Gallagher and Presentation. Students within the one family are in the same house. Students are assigned this team throughout their primary school years. Younger siblings are assigned to the team of their older brother or sister. The background of the team names is as follows:

Gallagher Named after Monsignor Gallagher who was Parish Priest at St Michael’s for 27 years. As Monsignor Gallagher was from Ireland, Green, the colour of Ireland, was the perfect house to name after him.


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Flack Edwin Flack, a resident of Berwick, was Australia’s first Olympian and first gold medalist. Gold is therefore the colour for Flack.

Presentation St Michael’s was founded by the Presentation Sisters in 1962. The Presentation Sisters wore blue and the colour blue was chosen to represent the Presentation Sisters.

Casey Lord Casey was the Governor General of Australia in 1965 and lived in Berwick for a period of time. The colour red is dedicated to Lord Casey.

Sport St Michael’s is a member of School Sport Victoria, thus, children at our school have these opportunities available to them. The sporting activities include: Australian Rules Football, Badminton, Basketball, Bat Tennis, Cricket, Cross Country, Cycling, Soccer, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Orienteering, Rounders, Rowing, Rugby League, Softball, Springboard Diving, Squash, Surfing, Swimming and Diving, Table Tennis, Tee Ball, Tennis, Touch Football, Track and Field, Triathlon, Volleyball. Please see Karen Hughes (Sports Coordinator) for more details. Parents are responsible for the transportation of their children to these events.

Staff Meetings St Michael’s staff are involved in staff meetings after school every Tuesday and Wednesday from 3.45pm— 5.00pm. Hence they are not available to meet with parents during these times.

St Michael’s Hall The St. Michael’s Church is used as a multi-purpose space in our school. The St Michael’s Hall is used for various school activities. The hall is also available for hiring on week nights and weekends.

BOOKING A DATE: CONTACT: Maylee - St Michael's Hall Hire Volunteer mailto: [email protected] Phone: 0439 206 229

Please read Hall Hire Agreement (available on the school website) prior to hiring the hall. The following programs support our students to develop as strong, competent individuals who know they have the resources within them when needed.

Student Programs Buddy Program

Our Buddy Program is designed to help our young students feel secure. The older buddies are keen to connect with the younger students in a wide variety of fun activities and act as mentors and role models for them.

Chill Out Zone (COZ) The COZ program operates twice per week, at lunch time providing alternative activities to outside play.

EMU Program Extending Mathematical Understanding (EMU) is a special assistance program that identifies students in need in the area of maths. The specialist teacher and classroom teacher, along with the staff are able to identify students in need and then make decisions about the best way to deliver the program. The EMU program can be conducted in small groups, or by an individual withdrawal program implemented by a specialist teacher for 30 minutes a day.



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Seasons The Seasons for Growth program is designed to assist our students in managing and understanding the effects of significant change, loss and grief in their lives. Using a set of well- crafted resources, and a teacher who supports small peer groups, the program provides a safe and creative way to explore feelings, memories, loss and grief.

Tournament of Minds Children in Grades 5 and 6 are involved in Tournament of the Minds. This involves multi-age teams of primary students, who spend seven weeks developing a creative solution to a given problem. Teams then present their solution through drama, art, music and media to a real audience and panel of judges, against other schools.

Public Speaking The Lions Club support St Michael’s students who are interested in public speaking.

Sunsmart The wearing of an approved school sunhat at St. Michael’s is compulsory for all students from September 1 to April 30 as part of the school’s Sunsmart Policy. The school uniform has a hat that is ideal for complete sun protection. Parents are asked to provide sunscreen for their children. During these times, students will be required to wear their hats at school at all times when they are outdoors. Students who are not wearing hats will be restricted to a designated area.

Supervision Supervision of students in the school grounds begins at 8.30 a.m. ends at 3.45 p.m. At recess and lunch times, staff members are on yard supervision at all times, as well as attending to the First Aid Room.

Toys Toys must not be brought to school for play purposes. The school provides a diverse range of materials and equipment for its students.

Traffic Parents picking up their children from St. Michael’s should drive with extreme caution and be constantly aware of children.

One Way Traffic in Bain Street and High Street Service Rd: The City of Casey has approved one-way traffic around St. Michael’s and have erected appropriate signage. Traffic flows in an anti-clockwise direction in Bain Street and the Service Road. ‘No entry’ signs have been erected on Bain Street at the service road facing northbound traffic and on the service road at Peel Street facing westbound traffic. These traffic arrangements are enforceable in law by the City of Casey.

The school provides each family with a traffic safety sticker to be used to remind all drivers of their duty of care to our precious children.


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Traffic Management Plan


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Transfer of Students to another Primary School Parents of students transferring from St Michael’s to another Primary School are asked to notify Administration well in advance in order that a transfer note may be prepared so that all arrangements are in order.

Uniform St. Michael’s School Uniform are available from: Noone Beaconsfield Menswear and Schoolwear

Beaconsfield Hub - Shop 4 Old Princes Hwy Beaconsfield Vic 3807 Phone: 9379 5037 Trading Hours: Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm

WINTER UNIFORM Terms 2 & 3

BOYS GIRLS

Jacket or knitted jumper Jacket or knitted jumper

Grey long pants or grey shorts Winter tunic or Navy bootleg pants

Long sleeved polo Long sleeve white blouse

Grey socks (not foot socks) Navy knee high socks or tights

Black regulation school shoes (black runners are not acceptable)


SUMMER UNIFORM Terms 1 & 4

Grey shorts Green Short sleeve shirt

Summer dress

School jacket or knitted jumper School jacket or knitted jumper

Grey socks (not foot socks) White knee-hi or short socks (not foot socks)



School hat with logo School hat with logo

Scrunchies or Green hair ties or green ribbon

SPORT UNIFORM This uniform is to be worn on the day that your child has their Physical Education lesson.

Sport polo Sport polo

Sport shorts Sport shorts

School jacket School jacket

White sport socks (not foot socks) White sport socks (not foot socks)

Footwear - runners Footwear - runners

OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE but not compulsory

Grade 6 students are able to purchase a Jacket School bag with logo

Library bag

Book bag

Waterproof rain jacket

PLEASE NOTE: School Jacket can also be used for sport.


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Please note: Students whose hair is longer than the nape of the neck (boys or girls), must wear hair tied back. The wearing of jewellery is limited to a wrist watch (no apple watches or watches that take photos) and ONE pair of earrings - either sleepers or studs. Children are also permitted to wear religious necklaces and school medals. Nail polish is not part of the school uniform.

Working with Children Check Parents who wish to walk beyond the Administration area of the school must have a WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK. This can be obtained online at no cost if you mark volunteer. This card must be presented at Administration so that a copy can be filed.

http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

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