INFORMATION BOOK 2020

OFFICER SPECIALIST SCHOOL

WELCOMEWe welcome all students and families as you become part of our Officer Specialist School community. This manual provides an overview of our school for your information and our staff are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Our school mission is to create reflective and independent learners for life through a learning community that provides a challenging and secure environment responsive to individual learning needs.

OUR SCHOOL PROFILEOfficer Specialist School is a purpose built school providing educational programs for students with mild to severe intellectual and associated disabilities in the shires of Cardinia and Casey. Staff includes special education teachers, a physiotherapist, speech therapists, occupational therapists, social worker and specialist teachers, working collaboratively to provide outstanding learning programs.

We believe that every child has the right to learn in an environment of dignity and respect and that effective learning takes place when students are actively engaged, encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and able to build positive relationships.

Our vision is for Officer Specialist School to be:

à Family friendly and inclusive, valuing diversity of community members as we work towards an enviable future for our students.

à A positive and welcoming community facing the future with courage and celebrating success.

à A safe, secure environment in which students feel motivated and empowered and show respect for others and our environment.

à An educational learning community catering for diverse learning styles, abilities and interests. Learning will be based on Personalised Learning Plans, incorporating both broad curriculum and relevant life skills. Our teaching staff will work in partnership with families to ensure that each student has the opportunity to reach their full potential as an independent citizen.

à A school community in which the student is the centre of all we do!

The Officer Specialist School Community has engaged in comprehensive consultative conversation, to clarify its shared vision for education and school values, appropriate for preparing students with additional learning needs for the future.

OUR SCHOOL VISIONOur dream at Officer Specialist School is to create a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment that inspires and empowers each member of our community to be their best.

OUR SCHOOL VALUES Safe Friendly Respectful Responsible

COMMITTMENT TO CHILD SAFETY Child Safe documents and information available on Compass and the school website.

Officer Specialist School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision making.

Officer Specialist School has zero tolerance for child abuse.

Officer Specialist School is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.

Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION 2020Principal: Denise MuntAssistant Principals: Helene Rowe and Kylie ScottBusiness Manager : Lisa ForsythOffice Administration: Keli Fox, Georgina Harris, Kay HutchinsonOut of School Hours Care Manager: Jamie ReardonGroundsman : Tom Howard IT Technician : Tolos Mourelatos

LEARNING SPECIALISTS

Learning Specialists are classroom teachers who also work across the school to lead a specific curriculum area and support teachers to maximise student learning.Digital Technology Adam Marchant

Personal and Social Learning Laura Allen

PRIMARY DEPARTMENT

Leaders: Allicia Holdsworth Cassie Meloche Helene Rowe: AP in charge of Primary Dept

Celani 101 Bec 201

TBA 102 Elise 201

Krystie 103 Ashlea C 203

Amy 105 Ashleigh G 204

Ros 106 Monica/Jess 206

Carme 107 Pheobe 207

Sharon 108 Maddy/Rachel 208

Ashlee O 301 Julia 305

Denise J 302 Marion 306

Hayley 303 Lucy 307

Sally 308

SECONDARY DEPARTMENT

Leaders: Nick Findley Karen Lewis Kylie Scott: AP in charge of Secondary DeptDee 401 Annalise 501

Jodie 402 Karen/Nick 502

Yasmin 403 Anastasia 503

April 404 Adam 504

Laura 405

Sonal 406

Justin 408

SPECIALIST TEACHERSLeader: Gayle McMillanFood Technology Gayle McMillan: Secondary

Jo Sarafis: PrimaryPhysical Education Nick Lonsdale

Raul Vigilanti Art Iana MendygalievaMusic/Music Therapy Glynis VogrigCultural Support Ron TownsendCommunication support Kat McCulloch

ALLIED HEALTHLeader: Fleur DubandSpeech Pathologists Fleur Duband

Tori Smith Liz Gray Carlea Ernst

Occupational Therapists Jess Volkoff Emily CorriganAlysha NguyenJulia Holloway

Physiotherapist Andrew Volkoff

Social worker and Transition coach

Susan Daniel

School Nurse Angie Allott

EDUCATION SUPPORT STAFF Leader: Marie Masterson

PRIMARY DEPARTMENT SECONDARY DEPARTMENT

Ambili Adele

Alicia S Ashleigh McG

Andrew Casey

Anna Ceri-Anne

Carissa Clinton

Charlotte Deb Bailey

Emily Deb F

Francesca Fiona A

Jackie W Jacquie

Jake Jaimie T-class/Fitness Primary-Transition/Travel Ed

Jen H Judith

Jodie C Megan

Jodie H Michelle

Josh Mike

Kara Ruth

Kate-School Show/ Class Stacey

Katrina Sat

Kelly B Tegan

Kerry Uma

Lauren

Leah ALLIED HEALTH ES SUPPORT

Lisa B Kelly Fay OT

Liz R Marie Speech

Meg Le Tina Food - Jun

Mevina Annie Food Sen

Morgan Mark Physio

Natalie Kate School Show/Assembly

Nicole K

Nicole Mills

Nicole W 4 days

Paula

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CAREAn Out of School Hours Care Program is currently being trialled at Officer Specialist School. Care is available after

school and during school holidays. Please see admin staff for contact details.

SCHOOL TERMS 2020Term 1 28 January (Teachers start.) Orientation day for Preps and Graduating students 29th Jan

All Students start 30th Jan - 27 March

Term 2 14 April 26 June

Term 3 13 July 18 September

Term 4 5 October 18 December

SCHOOL ROUTINEARRIVAL AT SCHOOL: 9.00AM GATES WILL BE OPENED AT 8.50 AM: PLEASE WAIT AT GATE HOME TIME: 2.45PM

PICKING UP STUDENTS AT THE END OF THE DAY: GATES WILL BE OPENED AT 2.40PM: PLEASE WAIT AT GATE Please be on time to pick up students at the end of the day. Students become anxious if they are not picked up on time. Also our staff are required for meetings and other duties at the end of the day so we find supervision of students difficult at this time.

ABSENCESIf your child is going to be away please notify the school by 9.15am on the day of absence. If a student is away without explanation parents/carers will receive an email at 9.45am notifying them of the absence and requesting that school is notified of the reason. You can phone the office and leave a message on the answering machine - 03 5943 2800 or use Compass (see below)

COMMUNICATION WITH SCHOOLCompass is a school management platform which we commenced implementing across the school in 2017. Compass offers many features which we will be bringing online over time the school will advise parents when each of these features become available. Compass is a web-based system that is accessible from any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari) or by using the Compass iOS app or Andriod app. Each family receives a separate login to Compass which will be provided to you upon commencement at Officer Specialist School.

What will Compass do for me?

• Monitor your child’s attendance and enter approvals for absence or lateness• Communicate with your child’s teacher, and update family contact details• Download and view your child’s progress and semester reports• Book parent-teacher conferences• Pay and provide consent for events and school fees

We value our partnership with families and encourage you to participate in many school activities.Each student will have a diary so that you can communicate with your class teacher on a daily basis. Your teacher will call from time to time to keep you updated and there is a school newsletter each fortnight. We have Primary and Secondary School Assemblies and you will be notified of times so that you can come along. If you need to speak to your teacher please feel welcome to phone to arrange a time when the teacher is free.

SCHOOL PHONE: 59432800

PLEASE FEEL WELCOME TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS….OUR STAFF ARE HERE TO HELP AND SUPPORT.

ADMINISTRATION STAFFBusiness Manager: Lisa ForsythAdmin Assistants: Keli Fox, Georgina Harris, Kay Harding-HutchinsonOut Of School Hours Care Manager: Jamie Reardon

ASSEMBLYThe Primary School assembly is held every Friday in the school gymnasium commencing at 2.15pm. The Senior School students organise their own assembly and families will be notified of the times. Parents are encouraged to attend the assemblies during which student awards are presented and updates provided on student/class activities and events held during the week.

CAR PARKING

Car parking is available in the designated parking spaces in the school grounds ,in front of the school on Parker Street and to the rear of the school on Flanagan Street. Please be aware of the parking restrictions. Our first priority is the safety of the children, so all students and siblings must be carefully supervised in this area.

We now have a school crossing in Parker St. Please use this when crossing the road.

CLASS STRUCTURE

Officer Specialist School is divided into two sub schools: Primary and Secondary

We run a Transition to School Program for the students starting school for the first time and details will be given to families during the enrolment process

Student transition from Primary to Secondary School at Officer is dependent on a range of factors that are taken into consideration when determining the class that best meets student needs. Parents are advised at the end of the school year regarding placement for the following year.

EXCURSIONS

Throughout the year, students from all year levels may have the opportunity to attend excursions. Additional payment may be required for some excursions. If families are eligible, they can use their Camp Sports Excursion Fund (CSEF) for these excursions. Please see Administration for forms to apply for this funding. Excursions include extra - curricular activities such as art/theatre productions, swimming lessons, ten pin bowling, community activities. Parent permission forms must be completed in writing and returned to school prior to the excursion. Students MUST have a completed permission form to attend the excursion and will not be able to attend without forms completed and returned to school.This can be done through the Compass site. See the Compass Guide for details

FEESTo assist in the effective running of Officer Specialist School and the wide range of programs run by the school, families are asked to pay an annual school fee of $120. This covers all school materials such as books, art supplies, sporting equipment and educational resources. Payments are due in term one and can be paid in full or part payments. You will receive a letter with payment options in week 1 next year. Please speak to Administration if you have any queries about the school fees, including the arrangement of part payments. (See Parent Payment Policy available on Compass and school website)

FIRST AID AND MEDICAL INFORMATIONOur school nurse, Angie, is on duty from 9.00am-3.00pm and will coordinate first aid and medical issues. If your child is requires first aid at school, an first aid report form will be completed on the day of the incident and sent home in your child’s diary. Staff will notify parents, usually by phone, if there has been a head injury (even if it is a minor incident) or there are any other concerns. Please do not send students to school if they are unwell. Complex Care PlansAny student with Complex Medical Needs will have a Complex Care Plan completed at a meeting with parents/carers and the team working with the student including: school nurse, teacher, therapists and a leadership representative. These will be reviewed regularly, coordinated by our nurse.Head Lice Head lice are transmitted by having head to head contact with someone who has head lice. Parents are responsible for the detection and treatment of head lice. Please inform the school if your child has head lice and a letter will be sent home to all students in that class providing information for treatment and control. Children are excluded from school until the lice has been treated. Medical ConditionsParents are requested to complete the Medical Form prior to your child commencing school. This form is required to be updated annually or if there are any changes the school should be aware of. STUDENTS MUST HAVE UPDATED FORMS TO CONTINUE ATTENDING SCHOOLAsthmaAn asthma management plan is required to be completed annually and SIGNED BY DOCTOR . Asthma medication is to be kept with the student at all times and staff will supervise and record administration. EpilepsyAn epilepsy management plan is required to be completed annually and SIGNED BY DOCTOR. Allergies The school must be informed of all allergies as soon as any condition is known. Parents will be asked to fill out an appropriate allergy form so that we can monitor all allergies. Allergy forms are available from the office. AnaphylaxisAn anaphylaxis management plan is required to be completed annually and SIGNED BY DOCTOR . Epipen will be kept in the student’s classroom. Sun SmartHats: Each student is required to provide a sun hat which must be worn in terms one and four when they are outside. Please name hats. We are aware that some students refuse to wear a hat but we will encourage them to do so .Sunscreen: Students are encouraged to wear a broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen (SPF30+). Sun screen will be applied by teachers for students needing assistance. Students must bring their own, named sunblock to ensure it is suitable for their skin. School will stock an emergency supply and permission forms are required to be completed if you would like staff to apply the school’s sunscreen or if your child will be applying school sunblock.

INCURSIONSAn exciting range of incursions are held at Officer Specialist School suited to the age group and learning needs of students. Incursions are activities, visitors and performances held at the school throughout the year and include activities such as woodwork, animals visits, sport sessions, cultural activities, community service visitors and a range of arts performances.

LATE ARRIVAL/PICK UPPlease go to main reception and sign your child in and/or out on the iPad located on the main desk at reception. We do ask that you are on time to pick up your child as staff are required to attend meetings and other duties after school. Please telephone reception and advise if you are running late to collect your child.

LEADERSHIP TEAMPrincipal - Denise MuntAssistant Principals – Helene Rowe and Kylie ScottSpecialist Department Leader – Gayle McMillanPrimary School Leaders – Cassie Meloche and Allicia HoldsworthSecondary School Leaders – Nick Findley and Karen LewisAllied Health Team Leader - Fleur Duband

THE LEARNING PROGRAMOfficer Specialist School provides a stimulating and Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) for each student. Our classroom teachers, therapists and specialists work collaboratively with families to identify the learning priorities for each student.

During term 1 you will be invited to a Student Support Group Meeting (SSG) for your child. Your teacher and some of the other team working with your child (Speech therapist, Occupational therapist, Physiotherapist) will meet with you to discuss your child and give you the opportunity to contribute to the development of a plan for him/her.

Your classroom teacher will then write up the plan for your child and send it home for you to read. The school programs will work towards achieving the priority goals in your child’s plan as well as a range of learning in each curriculum area and you will receive a mid year and end of year report. You will be offered the opportunity to attend an SSG for your child mid year to discuss their progress and celebrate successes and you are able to request an SSG meeting if you would like one at other times during the year. Our teaching staff are always happy to chat with you about your child and the school programs. If you wish to do so please make a time after school because teachers need to spend the start of the day settling the class into the daily routine.

Personalised Learning Plans

Learning Plans are written to cover curriculum areas taught in all Victorian schools and adapted to meet the diverse needs of our student population. Each student will have priority goals in:

English: Reading and Viewing/Speaking and Listening/Writing

Maths: Number and Algebra/measurement and Geometry/Statistics and Probability

Personal and Social Capabilities

Health

In addition Learning Focus Topics will provide learning in History, Geography, Science, Arts, Food Technology, Physical Education, Sustainability and Digital Technology.

LOST PROPERTY

A lost property tub is situated in the Parent Room. Please see your class teacher if your child is missing any clothing or other items. Parents are reminded to clearly label all clothing and personal belongings to minimise the incidence of lost property .

LUNCHAs there is no school canteen, students are required to bring their own drinks, snacks and lunch to school. Soft drinks are not permitted and healthy food choices are encouraged.

MEDICATION

If your child requires any medication at school it must be supplied in original packaging with a signed authority and instructions. Medication forms are available from Administration. Medications must come to school via parents/carers or bus supervisor, not carried by students. Medication is kept in a safe and administration is recorded by staff. Parents /carers must notify school administration as well as class teacher immediately of any changes to medication.

NEWSLETTER

A fortnightly newsletter is available on Compass and the school website every second Thursday.

PLAYGROUNDS

Officer Specialist School has fantastic playgrounds, sand play areas and a cottage garden located in the school grounds The playgrounds are specifically designed for children of all abilities and offer a host of movement options. In addition to the playgrounds, there are also two large trampolines, bicycle paths, basketball courts, the sports oval and a range of games painted on the asphalt to encourage activities such as ball games.

PUBLICITY/PHOTO PERMISSIONThis form must be completed when your child commences at Officer Specialist School Photographs may be used for the school newsletters, website and annual magazine. You also have the option for photos to be used only for teaching purposes. If you have not provided written permission, your child’s photograph will not be printed.

Further permission forms will also be provided for excursions and visits when photos may be taken.

SCHOOL COUNCILThe School Council comprises representatives of parents and teaching staff. Parent representatives are elected for a two year term. Nomination forms are provided to parents to nominate themselves to be elected to the Council. The role of the School Council is to help set the long term future for the school and maintaining oversight (not management) of the school's operation.

THE SCHOOL SHOW

The School Show is filmed on location at our school to deliver behavioural, social, academic and other skills to school communities. The School Show is TV about OUR school, involving OUR students! It's foundation stems from the evidence based principals of Video Self Modelling (VSM) and Video Peer Modelling (VPM) and is underpinned by the School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports framework by George Sugai and Robert Horner.

Students are involved in planning, presenting, filming and producing the show in our school studio. They love watching the shows and you can view them too by using the link below. All students who appear in the School Show have parental permission to do so.

The school show website: http://www.theschoolshow.com.au/

SCHOOL UNIFORM

At Officer Specialist School wearing school uniform is compulsory. See Uniform Policy.The school uniform creates a sense of pride in our school as well as giving our students a sense of belonging. Beleza School Uniforms supply our uniforms with the school motif. 7/99 Bald Hill Rd., Pakenham VIC 3810 Phone: (03) 5941 4989You may also purchase items in the school colours from discount stores and the Parents Association also sell second hand uniforms. The Officer Specialist School uniform consists of:

Navy blue pants/shorts/skort (no leggings please unless under a dress or skirt) Navy and gold school polo Navy blue jumper/hoodie/vest

SCHOOL WEBSITE

Our school website provides comprehensive information about the school, policies and procedures. It also provides links for useful information, calendar dates, the newsletter, news items, photos and videos.The school website: https://www.officerss.vic.edu.au/

SECURITYIt is essential to keep the external school gates closed, especially at drop off and pick up times. This is to ensure the safety of all children. The gates will be unlocked by staff at the beginning and end of the day. Please wait at the gate rather than enter through the main building when picking up/dropping off.During school hours the gates are locked, and access is via Administration.

SECONDARY TRANSITION TO WORK

This program provides secondary students with access to work experience and placements to assist with the transition to work and life after school. Programs and activities include resume writing, interview skills, job seeking, L plates information and industry visits. The elements of this program are modified each year to meet the specific needs of students involved.

STUDENT REPORTSMid year and end of year reports will be sent home providing detailed information regarding your child’s progress towards their learning goals, the class programs and their participation in school life. These can also be accessed through Compass.

SUSTAINABILITY

Students have the opportunity to participate in an exciting range of sustainability programs and activities. The hands on activities include gardening, cooking with ingredients grown and harvested by the students, caring for animals including a turtle, fish and birds.

TRANSPORTWe have a defined bus zone which may provide bus transport for students in the area. Details on the bus zone, route and times will be provided for you should you require them. Please see our Assistant Principal, Kylie Scott. We must have written or verbal instructions from parents/carers regarding changes to bus arrangements so if your child catches the bus and you need to change arrangements for the day, please write the changes in your child's diary or contact the office by 2.00pm.