Gisborne Primary School Parent Information Booklet - 2021 E-mail
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Telephone: (03) 5428 2022
35 Fisher Street
GISBORNE 3437
Gisborne Primary School
Parent Information Booklet
2021
(version 12/11/2020)
E-mail: gisborne.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Website: www.gisborneps.vic.edu.au
WELCOME TO GISBORNE PRIMARY SCHOOL IN 2021
We welcome you and your children to Gisborne Primary School and hope that
your family’s association with us will be happy, rewarding and positive.
Throughout the years of schooling, parents continue to play a vital educational
role, especially in the development of self-confidence, language acquisition and
attitudes towards learning. Some of your child’s most important learning has
already taken place even before beginning school and we aim to extend that
learning in a caring and nurturing environment.
We hope that the information set out in the following pages will help you to
understand many matters concerning your child while at Gisborne Primary
School, and familiarise you with much of the school’s organisation and operation.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Principal: Mrs Julie Soutter julie.soutter@education.vic.gov.au
Assistant Principal: Mrs Lisa Maxwell lisa.maxwell@education.vic.gov.au
Business Managers: Ms Ilsa Dahlstrom ilsa.dahlstrom@education.vic.gov.au
Ms Claire Dean claire.dean2@education.vic.gov.au
Administration: Ms Iris Simpson iris.simpson@education.vic.gov.au
The school telephone numbers are: 5428 2022 or 5428 2691
The school postal address is: 35 Fisher Street,
Gisborne 3437
The school email address is:
gisborne.ps@education.vic.gov.au
OFFICE HOURS
The school office is open 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
VISITORS
All visitors to the school (including parent helpers) are to sign in at the school
office before visiting classrooms or participating in activities conducted at the
school. Visitor lanyards are to be worn by all persons visiting the school and all
visitors must have a current Working With Children Check.
1
SECTION 1: The School’s philosophy
SCHOOL ORGANISATION The school's philosophy is based on the
belief that every student has the ability
SCHOOL PROFILE- Gisborne Primary to learn and that this occurs best in a
School - Excellence in Education safe, happy, calm and positive
Gisborne Primary School (PS) is situated environment. These values also tie in
in the picturesque country town of with our motto of ‘caring’, featured as a
Gisborne, 53km from Melbourne. The logo on the school uniform.
school has a current enrolment of 525 Our teachers differentiate the
pupils with 50 staff. curriculum to suit the learning needs of
The school's facilities provide a all students.
stimulating and safe learning Wellbeing Programs
environment for children, where they Gisborne PS incorporates many
are supported in their pursuit of wellbeing initiatives across the school
excellence and in the realisation of their including the Respectful Relationships
maximum potential. Curriculum. Promoting and modelling
School facilities include a library, respect, positive attitudes and
gymnasium, canteen, visual arts and behaviors teaches our children how to
music rooms and diverse play spaces. build healthy relationships, resilience
and confidence. This links with our
Building Works 2021 school values of Caring, Respect,
During 2021 building works will Responsibility, Resilience and Personal
continue for a further few months to Best.
continue improvements of our
facilities. These include a new School Wide Positive Behavior Support
administration building, a competition (SWPBS) is a framework we use across
grade gymnasium and enhancements to the school with a focus on the expected
the library and classrooms. We are behaviours of staff, students, families
continuing to upgrade our play spaces and visitors. Our main focus is to ensure
to ensure our students are provided all students have the opportunity to
with a range of activities during recess learn in a calm and engaging classroom.
and lunch breaks. The building Bully Stoppers supports leadership,
compound is securely fenced and teachers, parents and students in
extremely well managed by the working together to help put a stop to
Victorian Schools Building Authority bullying including cyber safety.
with minimal disruption to our Inclusion
students. Our schools facilities will be
Gisborne PS supports diversity and
greatly improved by these changes and
inclusion. Every child brings their own
of great benefit to our students for the
unique set of strengths and challenges
remainder of their primary school years.
and all children have the ability to learn.
We provide an inclusive education that
ensures that all children living with
2
disabilities or additional needs can singing). These programs, in addition to
participate, achieve and grow. Physical Education/Health, Personal
and Social Capabilities contribute to the
Purpose, Pedagogy, and Curriculum school’s commitment to the ‘Healthy
High value is placed on minimal Schools Achievement Program’, which
disruption to the daily two-hour Literacy guides the health and well-being of
and one-hour Numeracy sessions. students, increases engagement and
Teacher learning is undertaken in decreases absences. Our current focus
Professional Learning Communities is on Healthy Eating, Oral Health,
(PLCs), with teachers learning from each Mental Wellbeing and Physical Activity.
other focusing on refinements using
The Assistant Principal and Principal
High Impact Teaching Strategies, goal
oversee all wellbeing programs with the
setting based on student needs and
support of a qualified Wellbeing Officer.
monitoring of student learning.
The Wellbeing Officer supports groups
The school culture nurtures creativity and individual students as well as their
and imagination through Literature and teachers and links families with
the Arts. There are intervention and community allied health services as
enhancement programs at all levels for needed.
Literacy and Numeracy as well as
additional supports for Social and Student Leadership
Emotional Learning. Our specialists Students at Gisborne PS are encouraged
programs include Physical Education, to build agency and their ‘voice’ in their
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering everyday learning and through the
and Maths), LOTE (Italian) and The Arts many leadership opportunities offered.
(including Visual Arts, Music and Our School Captains lead school events,
Performing Arts). Other learning areas assemblies and school tours and
include Humanities and Health with the represent the school at community
Victorian Curriculum Capabilities events such as Anzac Day. Other
(Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical, leadership initiatives include School and
Intercultural and Personal and Social) House Captains. Each classroom is also
incorporated into key learning areas led by two Class Captains with
across the curriculum. Digital representatives for the Arts, Library,
technologies enhance learning in all STEM, Sports, Communication, Health,
curriculum areas. The school is Sustainability and Community.
committed to continually improving the
technology infrastructure throughout
the school.
Special Programs
Extra-curricular programs in 2020
include lunch time activities such as
gardening group, weekly choir, fitness
and four visiting specialist music School Captains 2020
teachers (keyboard, guitar, piano and
3
Child Safe Standards Foundation (Prep) students commence
Gisborne PS complies with Child Safe Friday 29th January 2021. See page 14
Standards, to ensure that the safety of onwards for further information
children is promoted, child abuse is
prevented and allegations of child abuse BELL TIMES
are responded to effectively and in a Instruction commences at 8:55am and
timely manner. finishes at 3:25pm. This allows children
to catch the after school buses.
School Payments 2021 per student (per
annum) At the end of breaks, children are
Essential Educational $225.00
expected to be at their respective
items (subject per student assembly points when the bell rings.
contributions & class (lump sum or Due to COVID, break times are
materials) payment plan) staggered to allow for smaller groups of
Technology Payments Prep $20; Yr1&2 students at any one time. Bell times are
$50; Yr3&4 $75; as follows:
Yr5&6 $100 8.50am Warning bell & music (all grades)
8.55am Class bell (all grades)
Excursions, Incursions, Additional
10.55am to 11.25am - Break 1 for Prep to Yr 2
Sports Activities and Charges. 11.40am to 12.25pm – Break 1 for Yr 3 to 6
Camps (Advised 1.40pm to 2.25pm – Break 2 for Prep to Yr 2
separately 2.25pm to 2.55pm – Break 2 for Yr 3 to 6
throughout year) 3.25pm Dismissal (all grades)
Voluntary Financial $20 - $100
Contribution
Family Statements are sent home at
the beginning of each school year and
at regular intervals throughout the
year.
Our preferred method of payment is via Qkr. PUNCTUALITY
https://qkr.mastercard.com/store/#/home
It is important that children arrive on
Term Dates 2021 time to begin the school day. Late
Term 1: Teachers commence on Wed 27th January arrivals upset class routines and
2021. The 27th and 28th of January are curriculum learning time is lost. Children should
days for students. All students start on Friday 29th
of January including Preps. Term concludes on
arrive around 8:45am. If arriving after
Thursday 1st April. 9:00am children must be signed in at
the office or provide the teacher with a
Term 2: 19 April to 25 June note of explanation signed by the
Term 3: 12 July to 17 September
Term 4: 4 October to 17 December parent. The school grounds are
supervised before school from 8:30am
2021 Curriculum Days and after school until 3:40pm and
27th & 28th of January 2021. Other dates students should not be left in the school
are not yet available. grounds before or after this time.
4
SCHOOL UNIFORM
It is School Council policy that school
uniform is compulsory and is to be
worn by all students. ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is important for
The Uniform Policy can be found on the continuity of children’s learning, their
Parent Portal or on the school website: social adjustment, development of
http://www.gisborneps.vic.edu.au/pub positive attitudes and is a government
licationsforms.html requirement. Research shows that
Summer Uniform children who attend school regularly
School hat have better outcomes.
Blue/white/teal checked dress. Parents are required to inform the
Blue trousers or shorts (not below the school of reasons for a child’s absence
knee /no denim) no later than 10am on the day of the
Blue school polo shirts absence. Teachers will provide
Skort appropriate work upon request for
children who are absent from school for
Winter Uniform
extended periods. Please log into the
Long-sleeved polo shirt.
Parent Portal to report a Future
Jacket, vest or jumper.
Absence or approve an Unexplained
Blue trousers, pinafore or track pants. Absence
(No denim) https://sentral.gisborneps.vic.edu.au/p
Blue tights or socks. ortal2/#!/login
Bomber jacket
COLLECTING CHILDREN DURING
School uniform can be purchased
SCHOOL HOURS
through:
When collecting your child from school
Beleza –42C Aitken Street between 8:55am and 3:25pm, including
Gisborne VIC 3437 lunch and recess breaks, please call the
Phone: (03) 5428 1285 office. Due to COVID no parents are
Tuesday - Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm permitted on the school grounds. The
Online Store: http://store.beleza.com.au/ office phone number is 5428 2022. The
School Council has also adopted a office staff will give you further
SunSmart policy, which requires instructions from there.
children to wear an approved school This procedure must be strictly adhered
hat for Terms 1 and 4. to, and is there for your child’s safety as
Note: If you have difficulties with well as staff.
purchasing uniform items due to BUSES
financial circumstances, please speak Bus travel is available for our students
to our staff in confidence in the office, from Bullengarook and Gisborne South.
or our principals Julie Soutter and Lisa Staff at Gisborne Secondary College
Maxwell. (5428 3691) co-ordinate all bus travel.
The bus driver or the school has the
5
right to exclude any child from travelling School Council meetings are conducted
on the bus if his/her behaviour is twice a term.
unacceptable. The school must be
advised if a change to normal routine Current Members of School Council 2020:
occurs. Staff supervise children onto President: Tamara Sullivan
the buses each afternoon. Treasurer: Jarrod Byham
Parent Representatives: Ian Boorman,
ASSEMBLY Samantha Izzard, Kristy Phillips and
During COVID school assemblies are not Kristie Lawson.
taking place. Under normal
P.F.A. Representative: Barbara Blake
circumstances, a whole school assembly
Staff Representatives: Julie Soutter,
takes place each Friday afternoon at
Lisa Maxwell, Barb McRae & Justine
3:05pm in the school gymnasium, when
Elliott.
we inform students and parents of
upcoming events, school news and School Council Policies are available on
celebrate students’ successes. Parents our website.
whose children receive special awards,
will be notified prior to their Due to COVID, all school council
presentation. Student award meetings are being held online via
information is also published the week WebEx.
after assembly in the newsletter.
STUDENT BANKING
SCHOOL COUNCIL A parent volunteer processes the
Our School Council sets high children’s banking transactions with the
expectations for student learning and Commonwealth Bank on a weekly basis.
teaching practices. Our parents are Notification of bank day will be
shared partners in student learning; we published in the school newsletter at
value their input and encourage them to the start of the year. Due to COVID, no
contribute through both formal and student banking is currently taking
informal avenues. place.
The school council consists of parents, NEWSLETTER
teachers and community members who Our main source of information to
work together to determine school parents is the weekly newsletter. This is
policy, make financial decisions, distributed each Thursday via email and
improve the school and its facilities and is available on the Parent Portal. The
endorse curriculum initiatives. The current newsletter is also available on
council welcomes new parents’ the school website.
involvement and input. If you wish to http://www.gisborneps.vic.edu.au/
become involved, please speak to the
principal or members of the current PARENT PORTAL
council. School council elections are Across the school we have a student
conducted at the beginning of each management tool called 'Sentral'. This
year. Members are elected for a two system allows us to streamline school
year term. data and communication. It also enables
6
us to utilise a 'Parent Portal' which assist in organising special events and
provides parents information about fundraising, or just to attend meetings
their child's progress in our school, to be better informed and participate in
provides curriculum resources, events decisions that affect the school. The PFA
notification, absence management, usually meets on the third Monday of
newsletter access, notices, the month. You can contact the PFA by
teacher/parent communication and email gisborneprimarypfa@gmail.com
much more. Parents will be emailed
details on how to register. WORKING BEES
A supportive group of parents organise
CANTEEN working bees and provide ongoing
The main aim of the canteen is to labour to improve the school
provide nutritious lunches at a environment. All families are welcome
reasonable price. It is currently open to assist. Dates of working bees are
Wednesday and Thursday for lunch advertised in the school newsletter.
orders. It is usually open at morning
recess and lunchtime for the sale of THE SCHOOL HOUSE SYSTEM
snacks on these days, however due to The school has a 'House' system which
COVID no over the counter sales are involves all children being placed in a
available. 'House' or team. These Houses are
named after the four streets
Canteen Ordering Procedure: surrounding the school and each House
Orders must be placed through the Qkr is represented by a different colour:
Brantome Yellow
App or via the website Fisher Red
https://qkr.mastercard.com/store/#/home. Howey Blue
Prince Green
Special reusable lunch order bags are
available on the online canteen menu.
House Captains are appointed from
These are currently not in use due to
Year 6 and are allocated specific
COVID. The purchase of a brown paper
responsibilities within the school. The
bag for every lunch order is required in
purpose of this is to encourage team
lieu of this. The canteen price list is
spirit and friendly competition. House
available online. Due to COVID, no
points may be awarded to individuals or
canteen volunteers can assist at this
groups according to academic or
time. A limited menu is available at as
sporting achievement, or positive
a result of this as our canteen manager
attitudes in the classroom or
is working on her own.
playground etc.
PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOC. (PFA)
The PFA is a group of parents and House
friends who are interested in having Captains
2020
closer contact with the school. They
organise fundraising for playground
enhancements and whole school
activities. You may like to join PFA to
7
PAYMENTS involved in your child’s classroom,
Our preferred method for making speak to the class teacher.
school payments is through the secure Sometimes new parents find it difficult
Qkr! App (pronounced ‘quicker’) that is to become involved at school.
provided through Mastercard. This Here are some examples of activities in
includes canteen ordering as well as which you may be able to take an active
charges for camps, excursions and role:
school fees.
1. Various classroom programs
Simply download the App from the App
2. Reading Groups
store, search for Gisborne Primary
3. Excursions and camps
School and establish a profile for your
4. Assistance with book making or book
child. If you already have a Qkr account,
repairs
please ensure you update your child’s
5. Assistance with I.C.T activities in the
new grade at the start of each year.
classroom
Other payment options, including
6. Join the Parents & Friends
payment plans, can be discussed with
Association
the school office.
7. Join a School Council sub-committee
PARENT HELPERS 8. Offer to be included on the canteen
Due to COVID, at the moment no roster
parents are permitted on the school 9. Become involved in Grounds
grounds. Under normal circumstances Maintenance
we encourage and value your support 10.Offer to help with training for sports
in all program areas. Teachers welcome Your child will take great pleasure in
your assistance and parent training seeing you at school and actively
programs are held to educate parents involved in his/her education.
on how best to assist children at school
or home. The GPS School Council BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE
requires that volunteers hold a After School Care provided by
Working with Children Check. Schools OUT onsite at Gisborne
Application forms are available at Primary School.
https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/wwccu Phone: 0448 667 747
/onlineapplication.doj Email: schoolsoutgps@gmail.com
Facebook: SchoolsoutGPS
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Due to COVID, at the moment no The Learning Sanctuary - Gisborne
parents are permitted on the school Address: 93 Sheedy Road, Gisborne
grounds. 3437; Phone: 03 5428 4455
The school is an integral part of the local http://www.thelearningsanctuary.com.au/ce
ntres/childcare-gisborne/
community and we feel that there are Email:
many people who have something to gisborne@thelearningsanctuary.com.au
contribute, either in a classroom, or
another aspect of the school’s
operation. If you would like to become
8
SECTION 2: STUDENT WELLBEING
PARENT/TEACHER CONTACT
Please note that due to COVID, parents
are not permitted on the school
grounds. As parents and teachers are
partners in your child’s education, it is
most desirable that a friendly, co-
operative and open approach prevails.
PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION
During the year a formalised process of At recess and lunchtimes staff members
‘Reporting to Parents’ is arranged. are on duty in the grounds and are
Parents are given advance notice of the visible to students. Any child who has a
dates and bookings are made via Sentral problem, or needs attention for injury
to book a session date and time. or illness will be supported by one of
Ideally, however, if any facet of your these teachers.
child’s education is causing concern,
FIRST AID
you should feel free to make an
In the case of minor accidents, first aid
appointment to see your child’s class
will be administered at school. In the
teacher. Conversely, if the class teacher
case of injuries of a more serious nature,
has a concern, he/she will arrange a
every effort will be made to contact a
mutually agreeable time to discuss the
parent or the nominated emergency.
matter.
Medical aid may be sought if contact
If you wish to speak with the teacher, cannot be made, and such aid is deemed
please do not go to the classroom necessary. The school strongly advises
during class times. This is disruptive for parents to subscribe to the Ambulance
the teacher. Teachers are available to Service.
speak to parents before and after school
at pre-arranged times. EMERGENCY INFORMATION
It is essential that the confidential
You can contact teachers either through Student Enrolment Information Form
the Seesaw App or via email links found be completed accurately when each
on our school website. child enrols and is updated when
necessary. This provides the school
Due to COVID, parents are not permitted with home details, medical information,
on the school grounds. Appointments to custodial restrictions and emergency
see classroom teachers will most likely contact numbers. The school must be
occur via phone or seesaw during this notified immediately of any change to
time. In exceptional circumstances an this information for the safety of your
onsite appointment may be arranged child.
with prior permission. .
9INTEGRATION OF STUDENTS WITH
SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
DISABILITY AND IMPAIRMENT
SUPPORT (SWPBS)
The school provides for the welfare of
The school has prepared behaviour
all its pupils. Where funding is available,
matrixes for all community groups –
Education Support Staff are provided to
students, staff and
assist students with a disability. These
parents/carers/visitors. These are
personnel work with the class teacher
discussed and used to ensure everyone
to provide a supportive environment for
interacts using respectful language and
all children and the most appropriate
expected behaviours as outlined in each
learning program.
matrix.
RAISING CONCERNS
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL
Gisborne PS has a Raising Concerns
Medicine sent to school will only be
Procedure to assist families wishing to
given if absolutely necessary. All
raise a concern at school. The document
medicines are stored and administered
outlines the steps to take to have the
at the office. A note must accompany
matter resolved. The Raising Concerns
the medicine outlining time and dosage
document is found on the Parent Portal
to be given (Medication at School Form
under the ‘School Resources’ tab.
can be obtained from the Sentral Parent
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT POLICY Portal or the school office). The
Gisborne PS has a strong commitment medication should be clearly labelled
to creating a safe, happy and supportive with the child’s name.
environment. We aim to foster self- If your child suffers asthma, a Ventolin
esteem, independence and self- puffer and spacer should be provided
discipline. Our policies and practices, and kept at the school office. This must
are based on recognising our own and be clearly labelled with the child’s
others rights and responsibilities. name, year level and dosage. Care plans
must be updated yearly. No medication
STUDENT MANAGEMENT should be kept by your child in their
Our behaviour management plan guides bag.
students to develop responsible
behaviour and in doing so, raise their INFECTIOUS DISEASES
self-esteem and increase their academic Following is a list of the most common
success. Using guidelines formulated as diseases or conditions, which require
part of this policy, classroom teachers, children to be excluded from school. A
in consultation with students, draw up a doctor’s certificate is to be produced on
set of expectations, positive recognition return to school.
rewards and consequences. The Condition Exclusion of cases
consequences apply consistently across Chickenpox Exclude until all blisters
the school. have dried. This is usually at
least 5 days after the rash
appears in unimmunised
children, but may be less in
10previously immunised Ringworm, Exclude until the day after
children scabies, appropriate treatment has
commenced
Pediculosis Exclude until the day after
(head lice) appropriate treatment has
Conjunctivitis Exclude until discharge commenced.
from eyes has ceased Thorough, regular checking
Diarrhoea Exclude until there has not is essential to aid in
been a loose bowel motion controlling this pest. Please
for 24 hours notify the school of any
Hand, foot and Exclude until all blisters infection so that
mouth disease have dried preventative measures can
Hepatitis A Exclude until a medical be taken. The child must be
certificate of recovery is kept at home until the day
received, but not before 7 after appropriate treatment
days after the onset of has been undertaken.
jaundice or illness The school has a head
Herpes (cold Young children unable to lice policy and it is a
sores) comply with good hygiene requirement that
practices should be children with long hair
excluded while the lesion is will attend school with
weeping. Lesions to be hair tied back.
covered by a dressing, Rubella* Exclude until fully
where possible (German recovered or for at least 4
Impetigo Exclude until appropriate measles) days after the onset of rash
(school sores) treatment has commenced. Salmonella or Exclude until there has not
Sores on exposed surfaces Shigella been a loose bowel motion
must be covered with a infection for 24 hours
watertight dressing Severe acute Exclude until a medical
Influenza and Exclude until well respiratory certificate of recovery is
influenza-like syndrome produced
illnesses Streptococcal Exclude until the child has
Measles* Exclude for at least 4 days infection received antibiotic
after onset of rash (including treatment for at least 24
Meningitis Exclude until well scarlet fever) hours and feels well
(bacteria, Tuberculosis Exclude until a medical
other than certificate is received from
meningococcal the treating physician
meningitis) stating that the child is not
Meningococcal Exclude until adequate considered to be infectious
infection* carrier eradication therapy Worms Exclude until there has not
has been completed (intestinal) been a loose bowel motion
Mumps* Exclude for 9 days or until for 24 hours
swelling goes down
(whichever is sooner)
Pertussis Exclude for 21 days after
CYCLISTS
(whooping the onset of cough or until We ask parents to support us in
cough)* they have completed 5 days ensuring roadworthy bicycles are
of a course of antibiotic maintained, helmets are always worn
treatment and good road sense is reinforced.
11Bicycles must be walked through the violin, flute & clarinet and keyboard
school grounds. We recommend and piano.
children under the age of 10 years are 5. Interest based clubs e.g. Running
supervised if riding to school. Club, Choir etc. are offered to
children during lunchtimes.
SECTION 3: CURRICULUM
The Victorian Curriculum is used as the
basis for school policies and programs
throughout the school. Comprehensive
and sequential learning programs are
developed across all seven year levels in
School Choir Winner of Geelong Eisteddfod 2019
the following Learning Areas:
English
Mathematics
The Arts
Health & Physical Education
The Humanities
Languages
Science
Technologies School Choir 2020
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES LIBRARY RESOURCES
Gisborne PS has a number of learning Each week children will be given the
programs for students who require opportunity to browse and borrow from
extension. These include: a large selection of library books.
1. Teachers modify the curriculum to
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
meet children’s individual learning
All students have access to iPads and
needs. Within the grades many
netbooks and classes use these most
activities are based on the multi-
days, anywhere from 30 minutes up to
intelligence model enabling each
2 hours in Year 6. We are very mindful
child to develop his/her strengths.
of screen time and the importance of
2. Children in the middle and upper
cyber safety. We have programs in
school are encouraged to enter
place to educate our students to be
various Australia wide competitions
safe and responsible users of digital
e.g. The International Competitions
technologies. Students are always
and Assessments for Schools (ICAS),
supervised whilst using digital
Maths Olympiad and Maths Games
technologies. We review the safety
and Writers Group.
and appropriateness of online tools
3. All children are encouraged to enter
and communities. The school supports
sporting competitions at district,
the recommendation that children
division and state levels.
under 13 not use social media. Our
4. Visiting instrumental teachers
internet service is filtered to block
provide music tuition on a user pay
inappropriate content where
basis for interested students in
possible. We recognise the importance
12of addressing issues or incidents that Printing, Modelling, Textiles, Painting,
have the potential to impact on the Drawing, & Construction.
wellbeing of our students. We provide
Children also develop skills including:
support to parents and care-givers to
singing, dancing, and instrument
help them to understand safe and
playing, listening and responding to
responsible use of digital technologies.
music. They have the opportunity to
Whilst computer skills and further extend their musical skills by
competencies are important and participating in a music extension
included in our curriculum, it is essential program.
that we provide our students with 21st
Century skills that enable them to INTERSCHOOL SPORT
communicate, share and use Our school encourages interschool
information to solve complex sport in a range of activities. These
problems. We must create innovative include:
learners who are able to adapt their Athletics, Tennis, Swimming, Cricket,
ways of thinking and expand their Football, Netball, Cross Country and
methods for productivity. The digital Soccer.
devices we use provide access to a
range of applications that will support
students in processing information and
building understandings of content and
concepts. It additionally offers the
students the ability to design, create,
share and solve problems. EXCURSIONS AND CAMPING
Many opportunities are offered within
BUDDIES PROGRAM the curriculum for educational visits to
The essential characteristic of a buddy places of interest with relevance to
system is that it supports students’ topics covered. Teachers plan
transition during their first year of excursions to support and extend
school. It also involves older students classroom learning experiences. School
participating in positive, supportive, camps are conducted every year for
structured and facilitated one on one Years 2, 4 & 6. Due to COVID
relationships with younger students. restrictions, camps may look diferent in
The buddy system enables younger 2020 and camp providers must adhere
students to feel safe and cared for, to a strict set of guidelines stipulated by
while the older students feel valued and the Dept. of Education.
respected. Our preps are supported by
Year 5 buddies and this continues when
they progress to Year 1 and Year 6.
THE ARTS PROGRAM
A specialist visual arts teacher conducts
lessons for all classes. Children
participate in activities including:
13SECTION 4: FOUNDATION (PREP) If you are concerned about whether
ENROLMENT INFORMATION your child is ready for school, please
discuss the matter with your child’s
FOUNDATION TRANSITION (PRE PREP) pre-school teacher or the school.
PROGRAM
Our school operates a comprehensive ENROLING YOUR CHILD IN PREP
transition program between the local You will be required to complete an
kindergartens and the school. The enrolment form for your child. A copy is
kindergarten children are given the available at our website. A copy of your
opportunity to attend our school in child’s birth certificate should also
term 4 to meet the classroom teachers accompany the form. The form should
and to familiarise themselves with the be completed and submitted ideally by
classroom routine and programs. More early Sept. We confirm enrolment
information will follow about this in places later in Sept.
September in your enrolment letter of
offer. Due to COVID restrictions, our ENROLMENT AND IMMUNISATION
transition program may look different in A school entry immunisation status
2020. The length of time at school in certificate is required along with an
Term 1 2021 will be increased to enrolment form to enrol your child into
support the transition of children. primary school. This certificate must be
Further resources will be made available issued by the Australian Childhood
online for parents to assist them with Immunisation Register (ACIR).
the transition process and their children You can obtain a copy of your child's
starting school. immunisation details at any time:
SCHOOL STARTING AGE through your Medicare online
To start primary school your child will accounts or Medicare Express
need to turn five years of age by 30 April App
of the year that they start school. by calling the Immunisation
Register on 1800 653 809
Your child must be at school in the year
that they turn six years of age - this is INFORMATION WE NEED TO KNOW
the compulsory school starting age. Parents should tell office staff /
teachers of (1) any problems with
eyesight, hearing, speech or illness; (2)
any worries you child may have about
school; (3) changes in family situations;
(4) changes in address or contact
details; (5) changes to arrangements
for collecting children from school; (6)
toileting problems. Going to the toilet
at school can cause problems, e.g
asking permission or unfamiliar toilet.
Accidents can sometimes occur. If your
14child is prone to accidents it is a good teacher at times other than regular
idea to put in a change of clothes just recess periods.
in case.
If you have any problems concerning
your child, please do not hesitate to
1ST DAY AT SCHOOL 2021
discuss it with the teacher concerned. If
PROCEDURE FOR BEGINNING SCHOOL
there are any concerns, we recommend
The start date for Foundation (Preps) in
you put a spare set of clothing in their
2021 will be:
bag. Teachers and support staff handle
Friday 29th January
these situations sensitively and
8.55am to 10.30am (No morning snack
discretely.
required)
Monday 1st February PREP TRANSITION ASSESSMENTS 2021
8:55am to 11.30am (morning snack As part of Gisborne PS commitment to
required) quality and purposeful education, we
Tuesday 2nd February ask that you bring your child to school
8:55am to 1:00pm (morning snack for an hour long assessment so that we
required) can plan a program that will foster your
child's interest and enhance their
Wednesday 3rd February -
learning from day one at school. The
No school for Foundation students
assessment has a strong emphasis on
(Preps)
Literacy and Numeracy and is a great
Thursday 4th February - chance for your child and their teacher
8:55am to 3:25pm (morning snack & to get to know each other. Parents will
lunch required) PTO> be notified of dates and times available
Friday 5th February - to make a booking. Bookings are
8:55am to 3:25pm (morning snack & required. Assessments usually occur in
lunch required) the first 2 weeks of Term 1.
Foundation (Prep) students will NOT be Exact dates and times for prep testing in
required at school on the following 2021 will be advised separately shortly.
days:
Wednesday 3rd February DISMISSAL TIMES & PICK UP
Wednesday 10th February Make sure your child is aware of the
Wednesday 17th February finish time for each school day and
Wednesday 24th February where you expect to meet.
From Monday 1st March 2021, GRADE PLACEMENTS
Foundation (Prep) students are Your child’s pre-school teacher will
required to attend school from 8:55am group students and advise Gisborne PS
to 3:25pm Monday to Friday. staff of their recommendations for
student placement. Gisborne PS staff
TOILETING will prepare grades in consultation with
During the first month, children will be pre-school staff. Friendships will be
taken to the toilet as a class by the looked at with your child’s best interests
15at heart but we will also take into Art smocks can be ordered through the
consideration an optimal learning school from Smart Stuff & Mini Whisk.
environment for all. Families will be Please contact the office for an order
given an opportunity to provide form
friendship information as part of the
enrolment acceptance process. Long sleeves are essential – plastic
sleeveless smocks are not suitable.
SCHOOL LUNCHES Elastic at neck and sleeves makes an
Children will require play easy garment for preps to put on.
lunch and a separate small
lunch. These will be eaten in the
classroom in the 15 minutes prior to
recess and lunch breaks. At Gisborne PS
we promote sustainable practices such
as ‘nude food’ (no wrappers) and
healthy food for optimal learning.
Children are encouraged to drink water
from their drink bottle throughout the
day and snack on ‘brain food’ (cut fruit As the time approaches for your child to
or vegetables). start school, there are a number of
Lunch boxes should be easy to open and things that parents can do to help your
close. Please label lunch box and drink child settle in easily. Here are some
bottle. ideas:
REQUIREMENTS NEEDED If practicable, walk your child to
Please ensure that all possessions are school so that the child knows the
clearly labelled with your child’s name. way. Even if you plan to drive most
days, it is a good idea for a child to
Each child is required to provide: know their way around the local
Lunch box, plastic drink school environment.
container.
Art smock.
Point out the different school
2 large boxes of facial tissues
buildings and playground areas.
(these are for a class supply).
Water bottle for classroom use.
Once school starts, make sure your
Library bag
child knows where to meet you at
ART SMOCKS the end of the day.
It is necessary for children in primary
school to have a smock for artwork. A If children are to feel secure, it is
suggested style for infants is to make it important that they are met on time.
big enough to fit comfortably over all
clothing.
16 being able to tidy up;
knowing how to open their
lunch box and drink
containers.
Label all clothes (especially clothes
that may be taken off) together with
things like lunch boxes and school
bags. Make sure children are
familiar with their own belongings so
they can claim their own items.
Sandwiches that are individually
packaged are easier to handle. We
encourage the use of containers
rather than plastic wrapping.
Encourage your child’s
independence as follows:
in packing and unpacking their
school bag at school;
dressing themselves, doing up
zippers, buttons and putting
on socks and shoes;
going to the toilet and washing
their hands;
knowing where their food and
drink is in their school bag;
being able to look after their
belongings such as knowing
their own school clothes
which are clearly labelled;
17A PROFILE OF THE PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (PFA)
The PFA is a group of parents and friends of Gisborne PS who are interested in having closer
involvement with the school, whether that be to assist in organising special events and
fundraising or to attend meetings to be better informed, and give feedback about issues that
affect the school community and our children. The PFA has formal meetings once a month.
The PFA fundraise with one major activity per term, and it is most satisfying as a member to
get a say in what those funds are spent on. This is just one aspect of our role.
We also organise special events such as Mothers'/Fathers' Day stalls where the children
choose from a huge variety of gifts. We help out on sports days or at school functions and
sometimes organise events such as discos, trivia nights etc. We organise non-fundraising
social events for our members where partners are welcome too.
One of the most important aspects of being in the PFA is that at our meetings we are
informed, usually by the Principal, of important factors, events or decisions that affect our
school and our children. We have a PFA representative on the school council, to promote our
opinions and suggestions regarding the policy and procedures of our school. You can also
find current information about the PFA's activities on the Gisborne Primary School's
website if you follow the link http://www.gisborneps.vic.edu.au/pfa.html
If you would like to be informed of, and involved in, decisions concerning the education of
our children, then coming to the PFA meetings is a good place to start. If you are concerned
about being enticed into too many jobs, don't let that stop you from coming, as involvement
in tasks is purely on a voluntary basis.
The PFA is also a great way to meet other parents and develop friendships. Pre-schoolers are
also most welcome at our meetings as we have a large box of toys.
So, remember whether you want to use the PFA only as an information source or you would
like to become more involved, come along to our meetings. They are advertised in the weekly
school newsletter, “Chalk Talk”.
1819
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