2020 PARENT HANDBOOK Hawthorndene Primary School - "Challenging and inspiring students to connect and contribute to their world."
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Hawthorndene Primary School 2020 PARENT HANDBOOK “Challenging and inspiring students to connect and contribute to their world.” 1
Dear families, Welcome to Hawthorndene Primary School. We look forward to being an integral part of your child’s education and hope you enjoy being part of our school community. Hawthorndene Primary School was established in 1965 and while the number of students has fluctuated over the years, a steadfast feature of the school is its community focus. A strong sense of belonging and pride in the school is evident amongst the students, staff and parents. The school is pleased to present a challenging and engaging curriculum supported by a caring and experienced staff. There is a focus on the needs of the individual and an endeavour to challenge each student to achieve their full potential. We encourage our students to participate in the broad scope of activities offered by the school and in particular become involved with the instrumental music and out of school hours/SAPSASA sporting opportunities provided. There are also many opportunities for you to become involved with your child’s learning and activities, and various parent groups that enhance the life of the school. Children learn best when parents and school work together, so we invite your active participation. We hope your child’s journey through the school will be productive, active and enjoyable for all. This booklet contains information about how the school operates, and background to some of the programs. It has been developed by parents and staff using feedback provided by the school community. We hope you find this a useful reference and welcome any suggestions or comments. Diane Winterling Principal 3
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Contents Welcome Letter 3 Governing Council 12 Vision 3 Grievance Process 12 Values 4 Hats 12 Strategic Directions 4 Head Lice 13 History 4 Illness or Accident at school 13 Term Dates 4 Infectious Diseases 13 Kindergarten 4 International Students 13 Curriculum 5 NAPLAN tests 13 Specialist Curriculum 5 Lost Property 13 Performing Arts 6 Lunch Orders 14 Instrumental Music Tuition 6 Money & Valuables 14 Physical Education 6 Newsletters 14 Resource Centre/Library 6 Out of School Hours Care 14 STEM 6 Parents and Friends 14 General information Parent involvement 14 Absences 7 Parking 15 Admissions 7 Pastoral Support Worker 15 Assemblies 7 Placement of Students 15 Assessment and Reporting 7 Resource Centre 16 Bank 8 SAPSASA 16 Student Behaviour 8 School Sport 16 Bell times 10 Swimming/Aquatics 17 Buddy classes 10 Uniform – Dress Code 17 Choir 10 Communicating with teachers 10 Competitions 11 Dental Clinic 11 Emergency Contacts 11 Fees 11 Fire 12 Statement of Purpose 5
Hawthorndene Primary School is a community of committed students, parents and staff within a supportive, dynamic and responsible learning environment in which student learning potential and wellbeing is enhanced. School Logo We have a real connection to our gecko lizard which is prevalent in our school environment. School Vision Challenging and inspiring students to connect and contribute to their world. Creating a vibrant learning community where: • Effort & achievement is valued • We are all accountable • There is high performance • Teaching & learning is pursued with enthusiasm, passion & enjoyment School Values We are committed to supporting, teaching and acknowledging the following values: • Care • Learning • Confidence 2019-2021 Strategic Directions • Literacy – Writing: Teachers enable students to explain and justify the textual and linguistic choices they have made in their writing. • Numeracy: Increase student achievement in mathematics, particularly in number and develop an understanding of connection of maths to our everyday lives. • Critical and Creative Thinking: Students are immersed in a culture that supports critical and creative thinking. A Brief History From 1957, Mr Van Tyjn, a local resident along with other residents wrote to the Education Department and parliamentarians requesting a school at Hawthorndene because of the expected increase in the number of residents. At that time, children had to walk from ‘Blackwood Estate’ to and from Blackwood school, a distance of 2 miles each way, no matter what the weather. 6
After a meeting on the 31st March 1960 in the Baptist Church, corner of Pasteur Ave and Myrtle Road, which 31 residents attended, a committee was formed to petition the government. Finally, 8 acres of land was requisitioned and advice regarding the building of the school was given in The Advertiser in 1962. The school opened on 25th May 1965 with 154 pupils, most of whom transferred from Blackwood. At the mid-year intake on 28th June another 9 boys and 9 girls commenced school. Students occupied only 4 classrooms, mostly because older children chose not to transfer, although The Department thought the school would be full at the outset. The following year there were 215 students and 5 teachers. Term Dates Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4 2020 28 Jan – 9 Apr 27 Apr – 3 July 20 July – 25 Sept 12 Oct- 11 Dec 2021 27 Jan – 9 Apr 27 Apr – 2 July 19 July – 24 Sept 11Oct – 10 Dec 2022 31 Jan – 14 Apr 2 May – 8 July 25 July - 30 Sept 17 Oct – 16 Dec Kindergarten Hawthorndene Kindergarten is situated on Suffolk Road, diagonally opposite the school. It is our main feeder kindergarten and there is an excellent transition program for children entering school. Our Reception teachers and students visit the kindy regularly. The kindy children attend school assemblies once every term. For enrolment information and session times please contact the director on 8278 4161. Australian Curriculum From 2012, schools right across Australia began using the Australian Curriculum as it was gradually released to replace the various state curriculums. Hawthorndene Primary School now fully implements the Australian Curriculum. Broadly the curriculum is divided into eight required areas of study. They are: • English • Mathematics • The Arts (Visual Arts, Media Arts, Dance, Drama, Music) • Technologies (Digital Technologies, Design Technologies) • Science • Humanities & Social Sciences (History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, Business and Economics) • Languages (Japanese at HPS) • Health & Physical Education 7
Included in these required areas of study are general capabilities. These include skills in: • Literacy • Numeracy • ICT • Critical & Creative Thinking • Personal & Social Capability • Ethical Understanding • Intercultural Understanding Also included are the following Cross-curricular Priorities: • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Histories & Cultures • Asia & Australia’s engagement with Asia • Sustainability At Hawthorndene Primary School Japanese, Performing Arts and PE are taught by specialist teachers. Other subjects are taught by the classroom teachers, who take prime responsibility for monitoring the progress of the students. Students benefit from the use of information technologies, with this technology being integrated across the curriculum. Each classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard or screen and students have access to computers and iPads. Specialist Curriculum Japanese Within a three-year rotating program of learning themes, students: • develop communication skills such as listening, speaking, reading and writing, via a wide range of authentic, “real life” activities; • acquire cultural understanding and a greater awareness of diverse ways of thinking; • learn about how language is constructed and make comparisons across languages. Blackwood High School and Urrbrae also offer Japanese, providing an opportunity for many students to continue learning this language. Performing Arts Performing Arts is valued at Hawthorndene Primary School as part of the education of the whole person. Specialist sessions are planned to include music, drama, dance and media arts. 8
Instrumental Music Tuition There are a limited number of lessons available through the Instrumental Music Service in a range of string and brass instruments. These lessons are free of charge. Expressions of interest are invited at the end of each school year for the following year. Private Instrumental Tuition Private tuition is currently available in piano, guitar, ukulele, drums and voice. Information is available through the school office, but this is a private agreement between parents and the tutor. Physical Education The Health and Physical Education curriculum incorporates health, physical education skills development, fitness and games skills. Skills clinics are periodically organised to introduce students to various sports. Students attend a water safety program as part of the PE curriculum each year. Reception – Year 5 students have lessons designed to increase water confidence. The year 6/7 students participate in an aquatics program at Port Noarlunga. Costs are determined by student numbers, transport, pool and equipment hire fees. Instructors are employed by the Department for Education. Resource Centre/Library The Resource Centre is open daily from 8.30am until 3.30pm for students and families to come and read or to borrow. All students borrow and return their own books, with parent volunteers putting resources back onto the shelves. Our Teacher-Librarian works with each class as a co-teacher on a rotational basis as a co-teacher. STEM The school has appointed a STEM Coordinator who works alongside staff as a co-teacher. The STEM Coordinator models STEM pedagogy, accesses resources and optimises opportunities for students in science and numeracy. General Information Absences If your child is ill or unable to attend school, we ask that you email via the Skoolbag App or ring the Front Office by 9am to inform us of your child’s absence. The Front Office staff will contact parents if notification of absence isn’t received by this time. Absences of more than two days (for any reason other than illness) require the Principal’s permission i.e. a family holiday. Forms to apply for exemption from school are available from the Front Office. Admissions 9
All Reception children have a single entry into primary school. This will be at the beginning of Term 1 each year. Children are under compulsion to attend school from the time they turn 6. Children enrolling in the school are invited to attend four transition visits before they officially start. Reception students start at the beginning of each year providing they turn 5 by 30 th April of the enrolling year. If they turn 5 after 30 th April they can begin school at the beginning of the following year. Assemblies Assemblies are held in the gym in weeks 3, 6 & 9 each term. If there are any changes to the day or time of a particular assembly, parents are informed via the newsletter or by e-mail. Each class is rostered to organise an assembly. Assemblies play an important role in strengthening our school spirit. They also provide regular opportunities for celebrating student achievements. Parents and friends are invited to attend assemblies and share these special occasions. Assessment and Reporting Hawthorndene Primary School actively encourages close contact between parents and the class teacher. If you wish to talk to your child’s teacher, please schedule a time to do so. Tuesdays after school are scheduled for staff meetings so please select another time. Reporting on student achievement is critical to students, parents and teachers alike. The following components form the basis of reporting a student’s progress to parents. Term 1 Acquaintance Night This is held early in the term. The teacher outlines details regarding their educational program to parents. Interviews To be held towards the end of the term. Children’s books will be available so that children’s learning can be presented and reviewed. Term 2 Written Report Mid semester report outlining students’ progress against the relevant Achievement Standards of the Australian Curriculum sent home to all parents. 10
Term 4 Written Report End of year report outlining students’ achievement against the relevant Achievement Standards of the Australian Curriculum sent home to all parents. Throughout the year Teachers will invite families to classroom events that showcase learning. Bank Children may bank at the school through the Commonwealth Bank school deposit service. Children may deposit into their accounts on a Thursday morning by bringing their money and bankbook to school. The bankbooks are sent to the Front Office where staff will process deposits and return the books to the child’s class. Applications for school banking are available from the Front Office. Student Behaviour At Hawthorndene Primary, we aim to provide an environment that is safe and supportive, inclusive and conducive to learning. This is built on the understanding that: • Everyone is responsible for their own decisions and behaviour, that these have an effect on others and that they must accept the consequences of their behaviour. • We focus on providing opportunities and support for students to experience success. • Students respect their own and others’ right to learn and the teachers’ right to teach. • Students identify and solve their own problems. • Every person is valued, and it is the behaviour that is unacceptable, not the person. • Responsible behaviour will be reinforced through specific feedback. • Through consistent practices the rights of all members of the school community will be supported. The school’s Behaviour Management Policy has been developed accordingly and is consistent with the School Discipline Policy of The Department for Education and has been ratified by the Hawthorndene Primary School Governing Council. The Behaviour Management Policy provides the opportunity for students to learn appropriate behaviours, to take responsibility for their own behaviour, and also for the imposition of consequences for inappropriate behaviour. 11
Positive Reinforcement Positively reinforcing appropriate behaviour is as important as having consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Our approach aims to provide more positive reinforcement within a class than negative consequences. Classroom Expectations The following basic expectations will be displayed in classrooms; teachers will clarify and elaborate on these with their classes. • Show respect for ourselves and others'. • Care for our own and other’s property. • Promptly follow instructions given to us. Establishing Consequences The consequences of breaking classroom agreements are clearly described. The critical features of establishing consequences are: • To allow students space to change their behaviour. • To have clear warnings. • To refer consistently to the classroom agreements. Consequence steps are: • STEP 1: Student is given a verbal reminder for breaking a rule. • STEP 2: Student is sent to time out space in the classroom. • STEP 3: Students may be sent to a time out space in another classroom. • STEP 4: Student is sent to the Front Office with a referral form. Staff will then arrange for the Principal or Deputy to see the student. See Severe behaviour: omit steps 1, 2, 3 if necessary. If a student reaches Step 4 the School Principal or Deputy Principal has responsibility for contacting parents. Severe Behaviour Severe behaviour in the classroom or the yard is: • Deliberate physical or verbal abuse (may be via electronic media). • Deliberate damage to school or others’ property (including theft). • Potentially or actually dangerous to others. The severity clause entails bypassing some classroom management steps and seeking the direct and immediate support of the Principal or Deputy Principal. The School Principal or Deputy Principal has responsibility for contacting parents at home or work and in some circumstances requesting that parents collect their child from school. After further discussion with the teacher, the Principal or Deputy Principal will record the details of the incident and its consequences. The consequence of this behaviour may mean internal or external suspension. The leadership team may also enlist the support of DECD Behaviour Management support personnel. 12
Focus room Students who engage in inappropriate behaviour before/after school, recess or lunchtime, may be sent to the Focus area in the Resource Centre from 1.10- 1.30pm with the focus area teacher. • The teacher on duty completes a notification slip and puts it in the class teacher’s pigeonhole. • Staff members are rostered onto Focus Area duties. They use Restorative Justice questions to talk with the students about why they are there. • A note is sent home that parents are asked to sign and return it to school. Inappropriate Behaviour in Class and or the Yard The following is the course of action undertaken following 3 referrals, for inappropriate behaviour, of a student over a period of one term: • The Principal or Deputy Principal holds a discussion with the student about the inappropriate behaviour. The discussion is documented. • The course of action could include: • parents contacted and an interview arranged with the appropriate school personnel and student. • behaviour contract. • regular diary/email contact between home and school. • internal suspension. • suspension from school. • exclusion from Hawthorndene Primary School. All of the above is documented and managed by the Principal or the Deputy Principal. Grievance Procedures The following grievance procedures are available to any member of the school community who believes the behaviour management is not being supported properly. 1. Make an appointment to meet with the teacher. 2. If the issue is unresolved, make an appointment with the Principal or Deputy Principal. 3. If the matter continues to be unresolved, contact the Principal again by phone or letter to arrange further possible meetings. If the matter is not resolved after steps 1, 2 and 3, then the issue can be raised with the Education Director. 13
Bell Times 8:50am Start of school day 10:50am Recess 11:10am End Recess 1:00pm Children eat lunch under supervision of class teacher 1:10pm Children go out to play 1:50pm End lunch 3:10pm Dismissal Buddy Classes At the beginning of each year, older classes and younger classes are buddied together for the year. During this period, the teachers and students plan a variety of activities together so that vital relationships are developed and strengthened between older and younger students. Communicating with Teachers Staff are available to meet with parents to discuss any part of the school program, or any problems children may be having. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with the classroom teacher. It is always best to talk over a concern early rather than let it go on and perhaps get worse. Some classes have a diary or message system, where both teachers and parents can communicate with each other via the child’s diary, reader folder, or message bag. Seesaw Classes may use Seesaw, a software program, to communicate digitally and provide a snapshot of students learning. SKOOLBAG App Skoolbag is a mobile app used by the school to communicate directly with families. It works through both smartphones and smart devices. How to install Skoolbag on your Smartphone: Phone & iPad users: 1. Click the “app store” icon on your Apple device. 2. Type your school name in the search, using suburb name will help. 3. If iPhone you will see your school appear, click ‘Free’ then’ Install’. 4. If iPad change the drop list to ‘iPhone Apps’, your school will then be visible, click ‘Free’ then ‘Install’. 5. When installed click ‘Open’. 6. Select ‘OK’ to receive push notifications, when asked. 7. Click the ‘More’ button on the bottom right of the App, then ‘Setup’. 8. Toggle on the Push Categories that are applicable for you. Android Users: 14
You must first have signed up with a Google Account before installing the app. 1. Click the ‘Play Store’ button on your Android Device. 2. Click the magnifying glass icon at the top and type in the school name. 3. Click the school name when it appears in the search. 4. Click the ‘install’ button. 5. Click ‘accept’ for various permissions (please note, no personal data on your device is modified). 6. Click’ Open’ when installed. 7. Click the ‘More’ button on the bottom right of the App, then ‘Setup’. 8. Toggle on the push categories that are applicable for you. Dental Clinic Hawthorndene Primary School students are able to access the dental clinic, which is situated at Marion. It is the family’s responsibility to take the children to and from the dental clinic. The telephone number for SA Dental Service located in the GP Plus Healthcare Centre, Marion is 7425 8400. Emergency Contacts All families are required to complete an enrolment form, which includes emergency contact information when enrolling their child at Hawthorndene Primary School. At the beginning of each school year, a record of the current information the school has for contacts is sent home for you to verify. If the information changes throughout the year, we ask that the school be informed as soon as possible so that the database can be updated accordingly. Should there be any legal information, such as custody of the child, it is essential for the wellbeing of the child that this information is clear on these forms. Fees The Governing Council sets the school fees each year. These, together with government grants and fundraising, cover the provision of quality education at Hawthorndene Primary School. These fees cover consumables, stationery, books, resources and equipment (including computers) used in the eight areas of the curriculum. You are asked to pay your children’s fees (materials & services charge) as soon as possible. Our financial resources make it difficult to “carry” outstanding accounts for other than a short period of time. Payment can be made by cash or cheque (made out to Hawthorndene Primary School). Credit card facilities are available online via the school website www.hthdeneps.sa.edu.au or via our QKR app. Time payments can be negotiated with the Business Manager if you experience difficulty paying fees in a lump sum. Payments can be made in person daily at the front office. QKR App 1. Download QKR App from the Apple or Google Play store. 15
2. Register your Country of Residence as Australia. 3. Find our school. 4. Register your child and add your children’s details in Student Profiles. The Governing Council has authorised the use of a debt collection agency in circumstances where payment does not occur in an agreed or appropriate time. If you are on a low income or are the holder of a Health Care Card, there is a government scheme called “School Card” to which you can apply for assistance. Approval for school card is dependent upon proof of family income. School Card application forms may be obtained from the Front Office. There are critical cut off dates for this scheme so please see the Business Manager when you enrol or receive your Material & Services Charge invoice. Fire Fire drills for evacuation of classes from their rooms are carried out at random times so that the students become familiar with what to do in case of a fire at the school. An evacuation plan is prominently displayed in all classrooms. Our Bushfire Action policy is sent out to families at the beginning of each year, with copies available from the Front Office at all times. Governing Council The Governing Council has 16 members consisting of: • Persons elected at the Annual General Meeting held February/March each year • The Principal • A staff member • Nominees from Hawthorndene Kindergarten, Parents & Friends • Two community nominees The Governing Council is responsible for developing an understanding and basis by which a partnership can be formed with the Principal and staff and the community, including students, so that the vision and direction of the school is shared by all. The Governing Council in this framework is responsible for developing policy in a number of areas. 16
• School tone – uniform. • Guidelines for standing committees and approval structures. • Approving the school’s financial budget and establishing priorities for expenditure. • Facilities priorities within the overall budget concerns. • Fund raising policy and management. • Feedback policies which enable the appropriate school personnel to make informed decisions. The Governing Council is responsible for developing a strategic plan which has appropriate targets and also meets the government priorities. In all these areas of responsibility, the Principal and the Governing Council should be in partnership. Governing Council meetings are generally held in weeks 4 and 9 of each term on the Tuesday commencing at 7.30pm in the Resource Centre. Grievance Process From time to time, issues or problems can arise concerning your child’s education or wellbeing at school. We believe all members of the school community must be given the opportunity to express their opinions and voice their concerns. A general set of “rules” for students, staff, and parents need to apply so that these issues and problems can be overcome in a rational non- threatening way. For a student having difficulty with another student, they should attempt to solve it in a sensible way with their peers. If this is unsuccessful, then a staff member, with whom they are comfortable, should be consulted. If not resolved, the Principal or Deputy Principal should be contacted to discuss the matter. Similarly, if a parent is concerned about any aspect of the classroom program, they should initially discuss it with the class teacher, then the Principal or Deputy Principal, then the Educational Director if necessary. Parents should arrange a time in advance, particularly if their concern is about a serious matter. Not all grievances can be fixed immediately, and parents should allow reasonable time for action to be taken before taking the next step. A copy of the Grievance Policy is available from the Front Office. Hats All students and staff are expected to wear an appropriate hat during recess and lunchtimes from August - April. The hat must protect the face, neck and ears (broad brimmed or legionnaire style NOT a baseball cap). School hats are available from the Uniform Shop. For more details about this policy please refer to our “Sun Smart Policy” available from the Front Office. Head Lice 17
Getting head lice is NOT a social stigma. It is NOT a sign of uncleanliness or poor health habits, but it can be very upsetting and a nuisance. If your child has head lice, please inform the school. If school staff discover head lice in students at school, we will request that they be taken home and their hair treated. We ask that all students are checked for head lice regularly. Illness or Incident at School The First Aid Room is available for children who become unwell during the day. Please do not send sick children to school, as this infects other students and staff. Whenever children are unable to continue normal sessions during the day due to illness or injury, parents will be contacted and asked to collect them from school. Staff will only store and supervise medication that has been prescribed by a doctor and is clearly labelled. Analgesics and other medication (e.g. Panadol), which can be purchased over the counter without prescription, should also be prescribed by a medical practitioner if staff are asked to supervise their use. Staff are not required to measure doses of medication. An Asthma/Medication Plan needs to be completed by the prescribing doctor and parent/guardian for students who require supervision of daily mediation (e.g. ADHD medication) at school. All medication must be handed over from adult to adult. Children with asthma are encouraged to carry their medication with them where recommended by a doctor. In case of serious injury or illness, the school will take the necessary steps to gain immediate medical assistance. Infectious Diseases Children suffering from Infectious Diseases shall be excluded from school until a Medical Certificate is produced or the periods stated as followed are observed: Disease Exclusion From School Chicken Pox 5 days from the appearance of spots Common Infectious Excluded until medical certificate of recovery is Infective Hepatitis produced. If this is not available, readmit once symptoms have subsided Diseases Measles 7 days from appearance of the rash Mumps 10 days from onset of illness Rubella 5 days from the appearance of the rash (German Measles) Excluded until appropriate medical treatment given Scarlet Fever and a medical certificate of recovery is produced All of these precautions are designed to reduce the frequency of infectious diseases at school. Viruses should also be treated as potentially infectious diseases and doctor’s advice should be sought and adhered to. 18
International Students On occasion the school receives requests to host international students, some as homestays. Families may be asked if they are able to host an international student. NAPLAN Tests During Term 2 each year, students in Year 3, 5 & 7 are required to participate in a nation-wide testing programme entitled NAPLAN. Results of these tests are given to parents during Term 3. Lost Property The lost property box is located by the back door nearest to the COMA. Please label all children’s property clearly (particularly hats and jumpers) so that items can be returned to their rightful owners. When there is a large accumulation of unclaimed, unmarked clothing, it is donated to charity. Lunch Orders The school does not have a canteen, but we do have an arrangement with Blackwood High School which runs a lunch service for our students on Fridays. Orders are done through the QKR App. Money and Valuables Please do not allow your child to bring unnecessary amounts of money or valued/valuable items to school. Classroom teachers care for essential monies but cannot be held responsible for losses by children. If an item is brought to school, it is with the understanding that parents take responsibility for any loss or damage to that item. Newsletters Hawthorndene Primary School Newsletters are emailed every 3 weeks to parents on Thursday/Friday of odd weeks. Newsletters are also available via the internet at www.hthdeneps.sa.edu.au. 19
Out of Hours School Care This vital program offers before and after school care as well as vacation care. The program is available to children aged 5 to 13 years who are attending Hawthorndene PS, whose parents are both working, single parent families where the sole parent is working, families where parents are studying, families with special needs and to families who require occasional care. An enrolment/medical form must be completed and a registration fee ($25) paid before a child can attend the program. Before and after school care operates from: • 7.00am to 8.30am • 3.15pm to 6.15pm Vacation care operates during the school holidays from 7.30am to 6.15pm. For further information contact the director on 82781323 or obtain a brochure from the Front Office. Parents and Friends This extremely active support group meets 2 -3 times per term. Its focus is to ascertain school/community needs and then assist in the provision of activities which are organised at the school for the benefit of all students. P&F has a vital role in welcoming new parents to our school community, providing a communication network for each class, promoting special food days each month, organising some fundraising activities, maintaining the Kids Eat Fresh Programme and supporting the Uniform Shop. Parent Involvement Parents are both welcomed and encouraged to be an integral part of the Hawthorndene Primary School community. Individual teachers value support and help in their classrooms (e.g. listening to children read, assisting with excursions, camps, cooking activities, art/craft activities, computing etc). There are also more formal ways to participate in our community by being elected onto the Governing Council, joining the Parents & Friends group, participating in the LAP program (Learning Assistance Program), helping in the Resource Centre, assisting with sporting teams and activities and being co- opted onto a variety of committees or working parties. Parents must have Ran-EC and a police clearance to be involved in many school activities. 20
WWCC (Working with Children Check) Parent involvement in primary schools is valued and encouraged. If you intend to be part of classroom activities which includes excursions, weekly walks, sporting and performing arts events then you must have a WWCC clearance and have completed Responding to Abuse and Neglect in an Education Centre. The WWCC process is all completed by the applicant online at www.screening.sa.gov.au and takes minimal time. Print out the certificate and bring to the front office for verification and recording. WWCC remain current for 5 years. RAN-ec (Responding to Abuse and Neglect - Education and Care) RAN-ec can also be completed online by following the directions below. What you need before you start: • A current individual email address. • A computer or mobile with an internet connection. • A recent web browser, like Google Chrome (50 or later), Internet Explorer (10 or later), or Firefox. Register for a plink volunteer account: • Go to the website: https://www.plink.sa.edu.au/pages/signup.jsf • Fill in your details: o in the field “Select Account type” select Volunteer. o enter your email address (this will be your plink username), choose a password, and type in your name. • Select “I accept the terms of use and code of ethics”. • Select “Create Account”. Start the training: • Select the course “Responding to Abuse and Neglect-Education and Care online induction session for volunteers”. • Select “Register”. • Select “Register” again. • Select “Open Module” when you’re ready to start. Parking Parents are not permitted to use the staff car park for either dropping off/collecting children or for general parking. Car parking is available along the designated areas on Suffolk Road, Cunard Drive and Acheron Ave. Please be aware of the no standing zones and the bus zone which are monitored by local government personnel. 21
Pastoral Care Support Hawthorndene Primary School is fortunate to have the services of a Pastoral Support Worker. This person’s role is to: • Work in co-operation with the teachers, Deputy and Principal to support students. • Be available to students as a listener and facilitator to improve student wellbeing. • Offer support, resources and referrals for families, teachers and other members of our school community. This person is employed for 9 hours each week by the Mitcham Hills Interchurch Council. For more information about this role, please obtain a brochure from the Front Office. Placement of Students When forming balanced classes, we take into account the following considerations for each child: • Student’s age, length of time at school and current year level arrangement. • Specific learning needs of each individual. • Range of academic abilities and spread of students with One Plans/students with high intellectual potential/students identified with literacy and numeracy support issues. • The spread of students with complex behaviour issues. • The support for cultural groups, English as a Second Language, or Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander students. • Maturity levels/experience as the oldest or youngest in a class/continuity of learning environment if appropriate. • Health care plans/physical access needs of students. • Social considerations such as productive/unproductive peer combinations/size of minority year level within composite classes/gender groups. • School wide needs and numbers. DfE schools are staffed at a ratio of 1:26 for R-2 students and 1:30 for Years 3-7. Resource Centre The Resource Centre is open every day from 8.30am to 3.30pm except on Tuesdays when it closes at 3.15pm due to staff meetings. Students may borrow items before school, after school, and also during set lesson times. Items may be borrowed for a fortnight and extensions to loans can be made when required. Parents will be asked to pay for a book that their child has lost or damaged. Resource Centre staff are grateful for any help you can give them in re-shelving books and other organisational tasks. 22
SAPSASA SAPSASA stands for the South Australian Primary Schools Amateur Sports Association. Each year, children in years 6 and 7 are given the opportunity to try out for selection in district teams in a wide variety of sports. These teams travel to various locations for a week’s exchange, playing against other teams. We also take part in a number of “knockout” competitions against other schools in many sports. The winners of these knockout competitions take part in state championships at various times during the year. Children playing in district or knockout competitions may also have the opportunity to try out for state selection for interstate competitions or attend talent camps. School Sport School sports begins from Year 2. However, the actual availability of the sport is determined by: • The number of children interested. • The availability of coaches/managers/helpers (in nearly all cases these are parent volunteers). The Sports Committee comprises of the Governing Council representative, school leadership, a teacher and coordinator/representative of each sport. This committee manages all sports at Hawthorndene Primary School. Nomination forms for students to play sports are distributed in Term 4 (summer) and Term 1 (winter). The HPS sports policy can be located on the school website. Swimming and Aquatics Reception to Year 5 students participate in the Water Safety program at Marion State Aquatics Centre during Term 4 each Year. Year 6 & 7 students participate in Aquatics at Port Noarlunga each year. Due to travelling and entrance fees to facilities, there is a cost involved with each program. Uniform The Hawthorndene Primary School uniform is based on the school colours of navy blue and gold. All students who attend this school are expected to wear school uniform. The Uniform Shop is open each week on a Tuesday morning from 8.30-9.00am and on a Thursday afternoon from 2:30-3:30pm. Please refer to the ‘Uniform Policy’ that is available from the Front Office or on our website www.hthdeneps.sa.edu.au for more detailed information about this policy. Powerful Learner Attributes 23
At Hawthorndene Primary School we strive to develop Powerful Learners who are: Open Minded: We embrace new ideas and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of others. Respectful: We value ourselves, others and the world around us. Critical Thinkers: We challenge our thinking, analysing and interpreting situations and information. Curious: We wonder about our world and are eager to explore and investigate to learn more. Adaptable: We are flexible and adjust to different conditions, positively embracing change. Creative: We are innovative and imaginative, expressing ourselves in a variety of ways. Balanced: We understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional harmony to achieve wellbeing. Problem Solvers: We see ‘problems’ as opportunities for learning and seek solutions. Collaborators: We listen, share, investigate and work with others towards common goals. Communicators: We share our ideas and understanding confidently and clearly. Knowledgeable: We build on our experiences and learning to better understand our world. And Have Growth Mindset: We are courageous learners who are willing to have a go and continually improve. Hawthorndene Primary School Suffolk Road, Hawthorndene SA 5051 P: 8278 3551 F: 8370 2681 E: dl.0972.info@schools.sa.edu.au “Challenging and inspiring students to connect and contribute to their world.” 24
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