2020 PARENT HANDBOOK Hawthorndene Primary School - "Challenging and inspiring students to connect and contribute to their world."

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2020 PARENT HANDBOOK Hawthorndene Primary School - "Challenging and inspiring students to connect and contribute to their world."
Hawthorndene Primary School

2020 PARENT HANDBOOK
“Challenging and inspiring students to connect and contribute to their world.”

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2020 PARENT HANDBOOK Hawthorndene Primary School - "Challenging and inspiring students to connect and contribute to their world."
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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

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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
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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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•   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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.”
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