Middle School Parent information booklet 2019 - www.sacs.nsw.edu.au
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Middle School Parent information booklet 2019 2019 www.sacs.nsw.edu.au Sydney Square, Sydney
Contents
Middle School information booklet 2019
Welcome 02-04 Getting involved in school life 30-35
Head of School Co-curricular activities – Sport, Dance,
Deputy Head of School Drama, Music
Head of Middle School Chapel, Cru groups and camps
Outdoor Education Program
Getting off to a great start 05-09 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
List of activities offered
A Middle School with purpose
Term dates and school holidays
Building connections 36
Commencing the school year in 2019
and keeping minds well
Tutor groups
Getting into gear 10-11
House system
Guide to wearing the school uniform Girls’ Coordinator
Counselling
Getting ready for Middle School 12
Tips to help students thrive Middle School Study Centre 37
Checklist of essential items for every day
Getting answers (FAQs) 38
Getting into learning 13 Absence from school
The IB Middle Years Programme Health Centre
Leave requests
SACS Character Strengths 14 Canteen
Learner profile Mobile phones
Padlocks for lockers
Fortnightly routine and timetable 15 Bullying
Lost property
Middle School Office
The curriculum and how it is organised 16
Key Learning Areas Public transport information 39
Reporting
Student Opal card
Backup transport plan
Parent Portal 17-23
Steps to logging into the portal Association of Parents and Friends 40
Portal features
Updating your contact details P&F and Foundation events in 2019 41
Steps to update your child’s medical details
The St Andrew’s Cathedral 42-43
Getting support for learning 24 School Foundation
The Gawura Scholarship Fund
Getting connected for learning 25 SACS School Foundation
iPads and textbooks SACS Building Fund
Technology User Agreement Heath Bursary Fund
Stationery Australian Sports Foundation
Communication in the Middle School 26-29
Newsletters
SACSConnect
Getting in touch – who to contact when
Key contacts
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 1
Head of School
welcome
Welcome to the journey which is St Andrew’s Cathedral School 2019!
When the additional factors associated John Partington was appointed Head
with adolescence are included – more of Middle school at the beginning of
hormones, more choices, more 2017. Previously he was Head of
pressures – it is unsurprising that the Humanities and Head of English at
early years of high school can be Blue Mountains Grammar School in
tumultuous. These middle years are Wentworth Falls. Mr Partington has had
exhausting for parents as well as teens. considerable high school experience as
a Head of House, Dean of Students and
Nonetheless, with all the challenges,
Year Coordinator, across three schools.
these can be exhilarating times. It is
He is experienced with the International
during these years that boys and girls
Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
make giant strides to adulthood. It is
in two schools and has taught English,
during these years that they lay the
History and Legal Studies. He has been
foundations of work habits that will
heavily involved in school camps and
underpin academic achievement in
the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
later years. It is during these years that
He has been involved in policy
they entrench the character traits that
formulation and has been responsible
will shape the decades to come. As the
Within the story of for uniform enforcement. He is also an
writer of Ecclesiastes has it, there is a
a young person’s season for every activity under heaven;
ex-police officer (into which we should
not read too much! It is not that our
educational experience, the middle years of adolescence are a
students need to be arrested; rather
season unlike any other.
the transition from occasionally some aspects of teenage
primary school to Our Middle School culture recognises behaviour need to be arrested). His
the distinctiveness of these early and police training has given him specific
secondary school is a mid-adolescent years. This culture skills and experience in the fields of
notable turning point. recognises that our students are not investigation and conflict resolution. Mr
The changes are obvious: little versions of Year 12, but have their Partington’s other training is in
own specific learning and maturation education and theology. He is
more teachers, more needs at this formative stage. We married, with four children, and his wife
classrooms, more subjects, therefore aim to build challenge in is also a teacher. Mr Partington is very
more homework, order to extend capacity. This is so eager to meet our new Middle School
within our educational, Christian students and their parents.
more peers. Development, co-curricular, sporting
Yours faithfully,
and outdoor education programs.
At St Andrew’s Cathedral School, we
treasure these middle years. The Middle
School is established with the students
in mind; we want to make these years
good years for them. We are honoured
that you have chosen us to partner with
Dr John Collier
you in educating your child. We trust
Head of St Andrew’s Cathedral School
that the story will be a positive one for
all of us.
2 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019
Deputy Head of
School welcome
Important dates for 2019
Dear one and all, If there are any questions related
to the commencement of the year,
I know that we have only please do not hesitate to contact
me on 02 9286 9505 after
just finished our school
21 January 2019.
year but I thought I would
For the convenience and the
give you some details
efficiency of receiving information
on the start of the 2019 regarding the start of year in 2019,
school year. We would this information and the information
like all students to have booklets for Junior School and
Senior College will be available to
easy access to the
download on the school’s website
information regarding (www.sacs.nsw.edu.au) from
the start of the school 17 December 2018.
year that applies Finally, our wonderful P&F will provide
specifically to them. a welcome cup of coffee or tea for
parents dropping their children off on
Therefore, I have 29 and 30 January in the School Foyer.
organised the details in Yours sincerely
Year groups and given a
brief summary of the
calendar for the last week
of the holidays and the
first week of Term 1.
Mr Brad Swibel
Deputy Head of School (Secondary)
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 3
Head of Middle School
welcome
We aim to develop the Heart, Mind and Life of each student
On reflection I realised that these things Secondly, the school is well equipped
are indeed true, but I have come to a to serve your family. We have excellent
greater appreciation of the Middle facilities that enable staff to design
School community, within St Andrew’s creative and interesting lessons. We
Cathedral School. I want to make it have have an outdoor education centre
clear that I like working at St Andrew’s and will shortly have a state of the art
because it is such a good place for sports centre on the ground level of
students, parents and staff. St Andrew’s House.
I also wanted to speak more directly to Finally, the Middle School is well
parents of Middle School students. positioned to teach your child because
There is no doubt that parenting a child we are willing to adapt and improve
during the ‘muddle years’ can be what we do. Many of our staff are
challenging. They are filled with many regularly updating their skills and
wonderful moments that remind you of knowledge through post-graduate
the blessing that children can be. studies. In recent years there has been
However, they can also be punctuated a dramatic shift to use information
by times of great difficulty. I have about students’ academic and personal
When the request to chaired many meetings in my office progress to set and track individual
review our Middle School that are testament to this struggle. goals. The Parent Portal has also been
Adolescents are often unsure of where refined to improve communication
Booklet came through, I they fit in and how their future will between home and school.
was tempted to ask for it unfold. This can leave them feeling
It is with confidence that I say that after
to be left unchanged. defensive and fragile (even if they
two years in this role, I am convinced
express that as hostility). This can also
After all, aren’t the things have an impact on the relationships
that the Middle School is a wonderful,
nurturing place for students to grow. I
that I said two years ago within the family.
want to reassure you that you have
true today? The staff are In saying this I want to highlight the made a good decision to send your
still excellent, the positives of these years and remind you child to this school and I hope that you
that we are here to work in partnership. will feel the same way. I look forward to
students are still well There are three things that mean we seeing you at the Parent Information
cared for and the school are in a good position to support your evenings, on the sideline, at the Kirrikee
community is growing. son or daughter as they grow. The first Picnic Day and many other school
is that we are committed to the welfare events.
Many of the staff are the of your child. The Middle School staff
Welcome to 2019.
same and the building are at the school because they want to
certainly hasn’t moved. help young people. They have decided
to work in the Middle School, they
understand their responsibilities and
they genuinely want to encourage and
guide their students.
Mr John Partington
Head of Middle School
4 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019
A Middle School
with purpose
We seek to develop the heart, mind and life of every student
heart A restorative culture
that promotes positive
attitudes towards
learning and relationships
mind
with others
A distinct approach
to Middle School
pedagogy that results
in engaged, confident
life
and independent
learners
A purposeful community
that fosters acceptance,
courage and hope
The information in this booklet and
other important details for parents
at St Andrew’s Cathedral School
can be found on SACSConnect at:
www.sacsconnect.sacs.nsw.edu.au
Please bookmark this web page
and refer to it regularly
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 5
Getting off
to a great start
2019 term dates and school holiday dates
Date Term 1
Tuesday 22 January – Friday 25 January Staff Development Days
Monday 28 January Australia Day Public Holiday (School Closed)
Tuesday 29 January Term 1 commences for Year 7 (Induction day 1)
Tuesday 29 January GLP Interviews (Year 8 and Year 9) – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Tuesday 29 January New Year 8 and Year 9 Induction – 12pm-1.30pm
Wednesday 30 January Term 1 commences for Year 8 and Year 9
Thursday 31 January Year 7 Parent Welcome and Information Evening
Friday 01 February Year 7 (Induction day 2)
Monday 4 February – Friday 8 February Year 7 Kirrikee Camp – Group 1
Monday 11 February – Friday 15 February Year 7 Kirrikee Camp – Group 2
Wednesday 13 February Year 8 and Year 9 Parent Welcome and Information Evening
Monday 18 February – Friday 21 February Year 7 Kirrikee Camp – Group 3
Saturday 16 March Kirrikee Picnic Day
Tuesday 19 March Year 9 Parent/Teacher Interview evening
Tuesday 26 March Year 7 Parent/Teacher Interview evening
Monday 1 April – Friday 5 April Year 8 Kirrikee Camp – Group 1
Monday 8 April – Friday 12 April Year 8 Kirrikee Camp – Group 2
Friday 12 April Term 1 concludes for all students
Saturday 13 April - Wednesday 24 April (School Holidays) Year 8 Optional Camp
Wednesday 17 April – Sunday 28 April (School Holidays) Year 8 Optional Camp
Date Term 2
Monday 29 April Staff Development Day
Tuesday 30 April Term 2 commences for all students
Tuesday 14 May – Thursday 16 May NAPLAN Testing (Year 7 and Year 9)
Thursday 16 May Year 8 Parent/Teacher Interview evening
Friday 31 May Year 7 – Year 12 School Photo Day
6 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019
Getting off
to a great start
2019 term dates and school holiday dates
Date Term 2
Monday 10 June Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday (school closed)
Tuesday 11 June Secondary School Grandparents’ Day
Wednesday 26 June Showcase
Friday 28 June Gala Day
Friday 28 June Term 2 concludes for all students
Date Term 3
Monday 22 July – Tuesday 23 July Staff Development Days
Wednesday 24 July Term 3 commences for all students
Friday 26 July Year 7 – Year 12 Co-curricular Photo Day
Tuesday 20 August Year 7 – Year 12 Athletics Carnival
Sunday 25 August – Friday 30 August Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp – Group 1
Sunday 1 September – Friday 6 September Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp – Group 2
Sunday 8 September – Friday 13 September Year 9 Outdoor Education Camp – Group 3
Thursday 26 September Term 3 concludes for Year 8 and Year 9
Friday 27 September Term 3 concludes for Year 7
Friday 27 September Valedictory Service
Date Term 4
Monday 14 October Term 4 commences for all students
Friday 15 November Year 7 - Year 12 Swimming Carnival
Friday 29 November Middle School Annual Awards Assembly
Tuesday 3 December Evening of Celebration and Prize-giving
Wednesday 4 December Middle School Picnic Afternoon
Thursday 5 December Term 4 concludes for all students
Friday 6 December Staff Development Day
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 7
Commencing
the school year
Middle School commencement details
Important dates for New Year 8 and 9 students Friday 1 February 2019
the start of the school Students in these years who are new
Year 7 students will meet in the Open
to St Andrew’s meet in the Library
year are set out on these (Level 4 north) from 12pm–1.30pm.
area, Level 4 of St Andrew’s House
from 8.15am (please do not arrive
pages. Please check Students will meet key staff and set up
earlier). This will be day two of their
the school calendar technology to ensure a smooth start.
orientation to Year 7. Students will not
They will need a working iTunes
on the website for a account and their iPads.
be in regular classes for this day.
School will conclude at 3.15pm as
complete calendar Returning Year 8 – Year 11 students usual.
for the year: Students will briefly come into school Year 8 and Year 9 students will attend
for an individual interview with their classes as normal.
https://www.sacs.nsw.edu.au/ Tutor to develop a Growth Learning
news-events/term-dates/ Plan for the year ahead. This will be For the convenience and the efficiency
held in the Heath Centre for Year 8 of receiving information regarding the
and Year 9. An email will be sent to start of the year in 2019, this information
Calendar events for parents in early January inviting them and the information booklets for Junior
School and Senior College will be
the Middle School are to book an interview time.
available to download on the school’s
provided regularly in All Year 7 parents: The P&F will be website: www.sacs.nsw.edu.au
school newsletters. welcoming all new and returning
families at 8am–11am for coffee in
Sydney Square. Any questions related to the
commencement of 2019 should be
directed to: Mr Brad Swibel, Deputy
Wednesday Head of School on (02) 9286 9505.
30 January 2019 All staff will be present at school
Year 7 students will go to their Tutor from Wednesday 23 January 2019.
Group room for Period 1 at 8.30am The Middle School Office will be open
from 8am on Wednesday 23 January
Year 8 and Year 9 students commence 2019.
Tuesday Mr Hasler will meet Year 8 students in
29 January 2019 the Level 5 Open Area (St Andrew’s
House) at 8.30am.
All Year 7 students commence
Mr Boddy will meet Year 9 students in
All Year 7 students meet in the Square
the Level 6 Open Area South (St
and the Foyer of St Andrew’s House
Andrew’s House) at 8.30am.
from 8am. (Please do not arrive
earlier). They will be met by Year 11 They will be placed in tutor groups, Parent lanyards
Peer Support Leaders and Year 7 receive timetables, student diaries and Parents can register for a 2019
tutors. The orientation program locker allocations. Lessons will Parent Lanyard in the SAH
will commence at 8.30am, led by the commence in Period 2. School will Foyer. A staff member will be
Year 7 Coordinator, Miss Rebecca conclude at 3.15pm as usual. issuing lanyards each morning
Leeds and her team. This will be during the first two weeks.
Year 8 and 9 parents: The P&F will be Adults must have a current
day one of a two-day orientation for
welcoming all new and returning Parent or Visitor lanyard pass
Year 7. School will conclude at 3.15pm
families at 8am-11am for coffee in to enter beyond the foyers of
as usual.
Sydney Square. SAH and BBC.
8 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019The first few weeks
January Key Dates January / February Key Dates February / March Key Dates
Monday 21 January 2019 Monday 28 January 2019 Monday 4 February 2019
Foundation Uniform Store open Australia Day Public Holiday Year 9 Student Leaders
(9am-4pm) APPOINTMENTS ONLY SCHOOL CLOSED Commissioning Assembly
Year 7 Kirrikee Camp – Group 1 depart
Tuesday 22 January 2019 Tuesday 29 January 2019
Foundation Uniform Store open Year 7 commence at 8.30am
Friday 8 February 2019
(9am-4pm) APPOINTMENTS ONLY Orientation Day 1
Year 7 Kirrikee Camp – Group 1 return
Staff Development Day Students and parents are invited to arrive
from 8am and wait in the Square and
the Foyer of St Andrew’s House. The Monday 11 February 2019
Wednesday 23 January 2019 Year Coordinator will meet the students
Year 7 Kirrikee Camp – Group 2 depart
shortly before 8.30am in the Foyer of
Foundation Uniform Store open
SAH, and take them to Level 4.
(9am-4pm) APPOINTMENTS ONLY
Wednesday 13 February 2019
NEW students in Years 8 and 9
Staff Development Day
ATTEND 12pm–1.30pm Year 8 and Year 9 Parent Welcome
and Information Evening – 6pm
Year 8-11 Growth Learning Plan
Thursday 24 January 2019
Interview Day
Foundation Uniform Store open Returning Year 8 and Year 9 in the Friday 15 February 2019
(9am-4pm) APPOINTMENTS ONLY Heath Centre by appointment.
Year 7 Kirrikee Camp – Group 2 return
Staff Development Day P&F Welcome in the Square -
8am-11am coffee Monday 18 February 2019
(new and returning parents)
Friday 25 January 2019
Year 7 Kirrikee Camp – Group 3 depart
Foundation Uniform Store open
Foundation Uniform Store open
(8am-3.30pm)
(9am-4pm) APPOINTMENTS ONLY Tuesday 19 February 2019
Staff Development Day Wednesday 30 January 2019 P&F General Meeting – (Wine and
Cheese) – The Community Hub
All Year 8 and Year 9 students Level 4 SAH
commence at 8.30am
P&F welcome in the Square - Friday 22 February 2019
Foundation Uniform Store
8am-11am coffee
open (9am-4pm) Year 7 Kirrikee Camp – Group 3 return
(new and returning parents)
For uniform fittings, please make an
appointment with the Foundation Foundation Uniform Store open Saturday 16 March 2019
Uniform Store (8am-3.30pm)
ONLINE APPOINTMENTS ONLY. Kirrikee Picnic Day
www.schoolinterviews.com.au Thursday 31 January 2019
(Event code: zeadd) Tuesday 19 March 2019
ear 7 Parent Information and
Y
Email: Welcome Evening – 6pm Year 9 Parent/Teacher Interview
Katharine Reed evening – 4pm
kreed@sacs.nsw.edu.au Foundation Uniform Store open
(8am-3.30pm)
Tuesday 26 March 2019
Friday 1 February 2019 Year 7 Parent/Teacher Interview
evening – 4pm
ear 7 continue with their Orientation
Y
Day 2 program
Foundation Uniform Store open
(8am-3.30pm)
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 9Getting into gear Maintaining a high standard of uniform presentation St Andrew’s has an impressive reputation, developed over many years. The school seeks community support in maintaining and enhancing this through a high standard of uniform presentation as students travel to and from school and move around the city precinct Blazers are worn every day, to and from school and between buildings. When conditions are overly hot in the summer months, senior staff may permit the removal of blazers. Pride in the school uniform is a key part of visibly demonstrating participation as a member of the SACS community. All articles of clothing are to be clearly labelled and kept in good order. Blazers are to be dry cleaned/washed and repaired at the end of each term. The wearing of rings or other items of jewellery is not permitted, except the School and House badge, plus special badges denoting school position eg. School Captain, House Captain etc.. All badges are to be worn on the left side of the blazer. All information regarding school uniforms is available from the Foundation Uniform Store, which is located on Level 6, St Andrew’s House. It operates during term time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during school hours. Parents will need Middle School Summer Uniform to book an appointment for uniform with Blazer fittings – phone 02 9286 9547. 10 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019
Getting
into gear
A guide to wearing the school uniform (Years 7-9)
Please note
Information regarding our school
uniform, PE uniforms, sporting
team uniforms and dress code can
be found in the Student Diary
or on SACSConnect:
sacsconnect.sacs.nsw.edu.au
Middle School Summer Uniform Middle School Winter Uniform
with Blazer
Middle School Summer Sport Uniform Middle School Winter Sport Uniform
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 11Getting ready
for Middle School
The following tips will help you thrive at St Andrew’s
Personal grooming • Remember home and parent General St Andrew’s
phone numbers (personal phones
and presentation can get lost)
requirements
• Dress and groom yourself neatly • Have an emergency plan if transport • Show respect and concern for others
• Take pride in your appearance is disrupted or delayed • Prove trustworthy and reliable
as a St Andrew’s student • Adopt ‘City-Safe’ strategies • Cross streets safely at lights on
• Change from school uniform ‘Walk’ signal only
to sports clothes and back Excellent manners • Respect teachers and peers,
(without losing anything) • Speak and listen to adults and engaging in lessons enthusiastically
peers with respect and politeness • Work with peers in groups or
Bringing equipment
• Listen to others and engage in individually as required
to and from school conversation • Respect school facilities and the
• Pack bag, checking that you • Work effectively in groups, SACS environment
have all materials needed making a positive contribution
• Use a student diary to record
homework and other important
information
• Bring a fully charged iPad each day
What you need
• Organise a neat and tidy locker
to remember each
• Read a timetable
day – checklist of
• Bring the right materials to
essential items
each class
• Organise subject material in
plastic coloured folders
• Only bring labelled and named
possessions to school
• Check SACS emails and Schoology
everyday
Getting to school
and back home
• Be at SAH at 8.15am for an 8.25am
move to classrooms
• Know the correct route to and from
school and an alternative (if required)
• Obey transport rules regarding
standing for adults and presenting
as a positive St Andrew’s citizen
• Leave school for home at the end of
the day – to arrive at an agreed time
12 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019Getting into
learning
Committed to best practice learning in the Middle School years
SACS is committed to For more information
on the IB MYP, follow the link:
best practice learning in
http://www.ibo.org/en/programmes/
the Middle School years.
middle-years-programme/curriculum/
We recognise that the
or contact Mrs Kate Layhe
academic needs of Director of Learning (Middle School).
students through this klayhe@sacs.nsw.edu.au
stage are varied and
different from those in
In the light of Christ, we
primary education and strive for students to have:
the final secondary years. • Hearts that love,
• Minds that grow and
The IB Middle Years Programme • Lives that give.
Students commencing Year 7, 8 or 9
undertake the Middle Years Programme
Grateful
of the International Baccalaureate, an
internationally recognised framework
Open
representing best practice in Junior Servant
Minded
Courageous Hearted
Secondary schools.
The IB MYP is a natural fit for the Reflective Knowledgeable
St Andrew’s Cathedral School Learning
Model which aims for teaching and
learning to be Significant, Challenging,
Networked and Future-focused, graduating
Principled Caring
Heart
Mind
Thinking Inquiring
from school with Hearts that Love,
Minds that Grow and Lives that Give.
The IB MYP is an internationally Life
accredited framework for learning
which is specifically designed for Self
students aged 11 to 16 and caters for Controlled
their particular learning needs and
styles during this stage of life. Persistent
Communicative
It does not provide content but rather
the manner in which the subjects are
taught. It is inclusive in nature, providing
for all students, including gifted and Balanced
Hopeful
talented and those needing support.
Students continue to follow the content
of NSW syllabuses, while the MYP provides
the framework in which it is taught.
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 13SACS
Character Strengths
Attributes also valued by IB World schools
Heart Mind Life
We love because he first Do not conform to the pattern I have come that they may
loved us. – 1 John 4:19 of this world, but be transformed have life, and have it to the full.
by the renewing of your mind. – John 10:10
Caring – Romans 12:2
We are kind, friendly and forgiving. Hopeful
We show love for all people just as Knowledgeable We have a positive outlook on life as
Jesus showed his love for us. We enjoy learning new things in we have meaning and purpose. We
many areas. We engage with expect the best for the future and
Have you been a good friend?
significant issues and seek to have plans to accomplish our goals.
Grateful understand them deeply. What plans do you have?
We are thankful for everything we What have you learnt?
have. We show gratitude to God and Self Controlled
others for what we have received. Thinking We are disciplined, respectful and
We make good decisions by thinking organised. We work towards our goals
How have you shown your
carefully. We solve problems critically and can eliminate distractions.
appreciation?
and creatively. We set our minds to How have you shown self control?
Principled think on noble things.
We are trustworthy and act with Can you think of a better, smarter or Persistent
honesty, fairness and justice. We more creative way? We don’t give up. We have a growth
take responsibility for our actions mindset and enthusiastically strive for
and their consequences. Inquiring excellence in all that we do.
Do you take responsibility for We are curious and ask good How are you working hard towards
your actions? questions. We wonder about things your goals?
and enthusiastically search for truth
Courageous with others and on our own. Balanced
We explore new things with What questions do you need to ask? We keep a well-balanced life to be at
confidence and determination. our best and for the good of others. We
We are resourceful and resilient in Open Minded use our time well for learning, play and
the face of challenge and change. We are open to new ideas and ways of rest and look after our wellbeing.
We speak up for what’s right. doing things. We listen with respect and How are you looking after yourself?
How have you faced your challenges? critically appreciate the values, views
and traditions of others. We consider Communicative
Servant Hearted how Christian perspectives interact with We express ourselves confidently and
We put others first. We are humble, other perspectives. creatively. We listen to other points of
selfless and responsible. We use our How have you considered other views? view and respond effectively and
gifts and abilities to help others. respectfully. We build each other up
How have you helped? Reflective with encouraging words.
We understand our strengths and What encouraging things have
weaknesses to improve. We strive you said?
to be wise and discerning, learn
from our mistakes and consider the
feedback of others.
How have you helped?
14 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019Fortnightly routine
and timetable
The school diary identifies the Week A and Week B timetable
Start Finish Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8.30am 9.30am Period 1 Period 1 Period 1 Period 1 Period 1
9.35am 10.35am Period 2 Period 2 Period 2 Period 2 Period 2
10.35am 10.55am Recess Recess Recess Recess Recess
10.55am 11.55am Period 3 Period 3 Period 3 Period 3 Period 3
12.00pm 12.30pm Week A Week A Week A Week A Week A
Tutorial Tutorial Middle School Year Meeting Tutorial
A A Chapel
12.00pm 12.30pm Week B Week B Week B Head of School Week B
Middle School Tutorial Middle School
Assembly Tutorial
B B Assembly Chapel
12.30pm 1.10pm Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
1.10pm 2.10pm Period 4 Period 4 Period 4 Period 4 Period 4
2.15pm 3.15pm Period 5 Period 5 Period 5 Period 5 Period 5
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 15The curriculum
and how it is organised
Significant, challenging, networked and future-focussed learning
The curriculum at individuals an understanding of Reporting
themselves as valued children of
St Andrew’s is organised God, with personal gifts to be nurtured,
St Andrew’s Cathedral School has three
according to the formal methods of reporting on student
developed and engaged with, in such a
progress. They are:
guidelines laid down by way that the students are well prepared
for life, able to enjoy it and able to • Interim reports, issued towards the
the NSW Education contribute effectively to our school and end of Terms 1 and 3. They provide
Standards Authority the wider community. Our city location a general overview of how students
(NESA). The MYP is a significant asset in our planning and are performing. They cover aspects
development of learning opportunities. such as participation, organisation
framework sits over these skills, group work, independent
Student progress is regularly
guidelines and is also learning, presentation of work,
monitored using a variety of strategies
shaped by our SACS appropriate to the activity and the
behaviour and academic progress.
Students are awarded grades of
Learning Model. stage of development of the student
consistent, often, sometimes, rarely.
within the subject.
Our aim is that learning There are a number of additional
• School reports are issued at the
end of Terms 2 and 4. They provide a
will be significant, services for students with particular
comprehensive summary of student
challenging, networked needs. They include:
progress for Semester 1 and
and future focussed, with • Specialised Learning for support Semester 2 respectively.
and extension activities
students engaged and (Reports are posted online and are
• Gifted and Talented Education
growing every day. programs
accessible at all times. Parents may
print reports as required.)
The courses at SACS fall within • Special interest programs
• Parent/teacher interviews occur
the Key Learning Areas: • After school support for targeted annually for Middle School students,
• Christian Development students usually in Term 1 or 2. This provides
• English • SACS achieve homework support an opportunity for parents to meet
• Mathematics Middle School academic and with individual teachers to discuss
• Science assessment guidelines their child’s progress.
• Technology and Applied Studies Families will be provided with separate As well as this, there are informal
• Human Society and Its Environment Homework and Assessment Guides opportunities for parents to discuss their
Sciences outlining the school Assessment Policy child’s progress through conversations
and other important information with individual class teachers. The
• Languages Other Than English
regarding assignments, homework and Director of Learning (Middle School)
• Creative and Performing Arts assessment tasks. This information will exists as a resource to students and
• Personal Development, also be available on the Parent Portal as parents. A programme of academic
Health and Physical Education it is updated. Parents should be aware tracking allows for the monitoring of
that there is an expectation that progress in effort and achievement.
Elective subjects are studied
students will do homework (either Parents receive a weekly digest
from Year 9.
structured or unstructured, eg. wide summarising information on their child.
The teaching programs at St Andrew’s reading) each weeknight.
aim to foster a passion for learning that
will stay with our students throughout
their lifetime. They aim to develop in
16 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019Parent Portal
Your one-stop platform to access information
about St Andrew’s Cathedral School
Please sign up before your child starts school!
Parent Portal login details will be available from 23 January.
Look out for your reminder email in January 2019!
4 Single sign-on 4 School calendar events
Portal features The single sign-on allows you to Shows all events (K-12) from the current
log in once. day until the end of the school’s
Help with these features calendar year.
can be found in the 4 School directory
YouTube Help videos. 4 Assessment task calendar
This feature will help you find a staff
member by name, department or role. This calendar displays all Year 7-12
These are screen assessments.
recordings of how to 4 Quick link tiles
use the different These tiles will link you to the most
4 Update contact details
features within the commonly accessed areas of SACS A quick and easy way to update your
communications including; email or phone details in Edumate.
Parent Portal. Access
the Parent Portal Help • Newsletters
videos at:
4 Update medical information
• Canteen and immunisations
• Uniform Store Accessible by laptop or desktop devices
https://bit.ly/2P45d8Q
only. Having these details completed for
• Junior School each student is a legislative
requirement.
• School Interviews
• Paying fees 4 Events and bookings
• Friendship Groups, map and chat Connect to the Events page of the SACS
website, where you can get more
information about upcoming events
and make bookings.
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 17Portal features
Log-in steps Access the Parent Portal via
the emailed link Help with these features
You will receive an email from the can be found in the
Access the Parent school which will contain the link to YouTube Help videos
Portal via the the Parent Portal and your personal
log-in details. Click on the link in the https://bit.ly/2P45d8Q
SACS website email and utilise the provided log-in
information to access the Portal.
1
he Portal links (Staff, Parent
T 4 Social media
and Student) can be found in the Google Connect directly to SACS pages on:
top-right corner of the SACS
Go to Google.com on your device Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and
website (www.sacs.nsw.edu.au) Instagram.
and search “SACS Portal”. It will be
2 the first item that comes up in results.
Select ‘Parent Portal’
4 Newsfeeds and community
3 Portal Landing Page
announcements
4
Announcement Bar, Junior School,
Parent Portal Home Page
Middle School and Senior College
Newsfeeds.
1
4 Associated websites
These tabs (found at the top of the
homepage) will quickly link you to other
SACS websites: Kirrikee, Gawura and the
Old Andreans Association.
4 Academic and pastoral
information
This will take you to Edumate, our main
student management database. It is
only available when the Parent Portal is
2 accessed via Desktop or Laptop devices.
4 Friendship tile
Welcome to the new opt-in Friendship
List. By default, you are opted-out. Click
on the tile for more information.
4Friendship map
You will be given access to the
Friendship Map once you have opted-in
3 to the Friendship List.
4 Chat facility
Enables you to talk with other parents
who are also members of the same
group.
4 Forms and search facility
4 Search for important documents
and forms.
4 Policy document library
This is a library for School Policy
documents. It contains information
on student conduct, uniforms and
other policies.
Please note - there are key differences
between navigating the Parent Portal on
Mobile and Desktop devices.
18 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019Trouble-shooting access to the Parent Portal
Why haven’t I got access 3. I forgot my password. 4. How do I change my password
to log in? (while logged in)?
When you have opened the portal
1. I don’t have my username. landing page, select ‘Parent Portal’. • Via the portal log-in page; or
From the portal landing page, after After clicking ‘Parents’ and where you • From within the Parent Portal home
clicking ‘Parents’, a dialogue box type in your log in details, you are page (top left corner)
appears where you should enter your presented with a ‘Forgot Password’ link.
log-in details. You will need your username to request 5. How do I change my password if I
a new password. don’t have a current email or mobile
You received your username in your number in Edumate?
original welcome email from the If you don’t have your username, see
point 1 – ‘I don’t have my username’. This is the same process as point 2 – ‘I
school. If you don’t have/didn’t receive
Enter your username and select either have my username, but didn’t receive
your username, there is also a ‘forgot
email or phone. The password will an email or SMS’.
username’ link. You can also email:
be sent.
ppsupport@sacs.nsw.edu.au
Once you receive it, enter the activation
2. I have my username, but didn’t receive code sent to you in the space required.
an email or SMS (my current phone/ If you never received an email or text,
email isn’t in the school database). see point 2 – ‘I have my username but
You will need to contact the Enrolments didn’t receive an email or SMS’.
Department to have your details in After typing in the activation code, you
Edumate updated, please email: can choose a new password. You are
enrolments@sacs.nsw.edu.au ready to now log in.
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 19Medical form
How to update student details
Please complete before your child starts school!
How to update The Edumate My Details screen allows
parents and guardians to update their
PLEASE NOTE: This is the first
iteration of an electronic update
your contact details own details and the details of any of to the My Details form and as such,
their children who attend the school. it isn’t yet supported on tablets or
and your child’s From here you are able to update phones. In order to ensure a smooth
medical details. personal details, work information experience in entering your details,
and your child’s medical details. Once it is best to use your PC or Macintosh
updated, the details will be sent to desktop or laptop and the following
appropriate school staff for approval. supported web browsers:
Google Chrome, Firefox and
Parent Portal log-in details will be
Safari web browsers.
available from 23 January. Look out
for your reminder email
in January 2019!
1. and 2. Accessing A C B
the “My Details”
screen
rom the Edumate Home screen
F 1
you are able to get to the My
Details screen via any of the
below methods:
A. Home > My Details or
B. Clicking on the user photo
in the top right of the screen
C. If you have not updated your
contact details within the past
12 months, there will be a
reminder message you can
also click. 2
A
20 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 20193. My details 3
The “My details” screen will have
a number of different tabs:
A. Personal
B. Work
C. Relationships
D. My Child Details (including medical)
*
* Don’t forget to click each tab!
especially the ‘My Child Details’
to update medical information.
A B C D
4. Submitting details 4
DO NOT SUBMIT UNTIL: A
Please note a ‘submit’ is final and
should be only done when all changes
on all four of the above tabs (Personal,
Work, Relationships and My Child
Details) are complete for all children.
You can submit via either of these
buttons.
A. Orange square located at top
right-hand corner of page.
B. White bar located at the base of page.
Update the information for all
of your children and click submit B
only after you have satisfactorily
completed the details for all children,
otherwise it will lock you out of doing
any more changes (as it goes into an
approval status for internal SACS
administration).
5. Relationships 5
Relationships is a read only screen –
there is a text box where any request
you have for updated relationship details
can be sent to the school for approval.
For any incorrect information eg. an
emergency contact change, please
type in the description box.
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 216. My child details 6
A. You can update information on the
children you have attending the school.
B. Select which child’s information
you wish to update by clicking
on their name.
A B
7. Medical Information 7
Enter the fields below to update
your information, then scroll for
further sections.
8. LIFE THREATENING 8
MEDICAL CONDITION
PLAN UPLOAD
If your child suffers from a medical
condition such as anaphylaxis, diabetes,
epilepsy or asthma, please fill out and
upload the action plans listed BELOW.
For Diabetes or Epilepsy, please attach
your plan within the Asthma or
Anaphylaxis upload area.
Anaphylaxis – Download form
Diabetes – Download form
Asthma – Download form
Epilepsy – please attach your own personalised management plan
For any other known condition, please ensure you complete and attach your own management plan.
22 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 20199. Immunisations 9
A B D
Add in THE FOLLOWING ORDER
A. Click ‘add’, then click on the arrow to
select the immunisation.
B. Click in the date alongside the
immunisation and enter a correct date.
C. To add another, click ‘add another’
D. Please attach your immunisation
certificate(s) under ‘Upload’
E. To save your selections, please
remember to click ‘Save’ first, then
‘Close’ in that order.
C
10. Medical conditions 10
Tick all known medical conditions.
A. You can add more information into
the Notes box if required - in particular,
additional medication and/or treatment
Complete the sections for Known Allergies,
Dietary Needs, Prescription Medications,
Authorised Medications.
A
11. and 12. Submit request 11
Update the information for all of your
children and CLICK “SUBMIT” ONLY
AFTER YOU HAVE SATISFACTORILY
12
COMPLETED THE DETAILS FOR ALL
YOUR CHILDREN, OTHERWISE IT WILL
LOCK YOU OUT OF DOING ANY MORE
CHANGES (as it goes into an approval
status for internal SACS administration)
Then SUBMIT request and confirm click
‘Yes’ if you have completely finished.
Your information will be reviewed
and updates will be made.
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 23Getting support
for learning
Specialised Learning and online study skills
Specialised Learning K-12 • The development of individual Mrs Tammy Campbell
Learning Plans and the creation of Specialised Learning Teacher
This team is led by the Leader of
Student Learning Profiles (Year 7 and Year 8)
Specialised Learning and in the Middle
• Targeted intervention programs 9286 9558
School comprises of Mrs Margaret
eg: Literacy, Executive function tcampbell@sacs.nsw.edu.au
Burke (EAL/D), Ms Pauline Oh
(Specialised Learning and EAL/D), • Support for students identified as Mrs Estee Stephenson
Mrs Tammy Campbell and Mrs Estee twice exceptional Specialised Learning Teacher
Stephenson (Specialised Learning (Year 9 and Year 10)
Teachers), Ms Natalie Foster (Aboriginal • 1:1 or small group academic 9286 9487
Education mentor), Mrs Nicola Burge organisational support where estephenson@sacs.nsw.edu.au
and Mrs Roberta Viant (Teacher’s Aides). appropriate
• Parent information sessions
Online Study Skills
It is the role of the specialised learning
team to work closely with teachers, Our school has subscribed to the ELES
• Professional development sessions
students, parents and outside Online Study Skills Handbook. This is a
to enhance teacher skills and
professionals to cater for the individual great web-based resource for parents
understanding
needs of students. We also work and students to address all their study
closely with the Head of Careers, • Assistance with the modification of skills issues and concerns, enabling
Pathways and Partnerships and our curriculum, assessment and exams students to learn new ways to improve
school psychologists. • Transition programs their results at school. The handbook
has a huge amount of information for
This collaborative approach ensures • Collaborative planning with students and parents, as well as many
communication and sharing where teachers, students, parents and interactive activities. It taps into
parents and professionals work outside professionals students’ affinity with technology to
together, supporting each other to
• Determining appropriate create a new and effective way to
provide a learning environment that is
adjustments for students with improve students’ study skills.
differentiated and accessible. At
St Andrew’s Cathedral School, a disability The Online Study Skills Handbook
teachers are mindful of students’ • Collection of data to access will be used extensively in the tutorial
social, emotional, spiritual and Commonwealth funding program throughout the Middle School
academic development. We aim to (NCCDSWD) experience, but we encourage parents
create a learning environment where and students to explore the site and
students are able to access the Please contact Specialised Learning make use of the material contained
curriculum, have opportunities to with any questions, concerns or to therein. The site can be accessed at
contribute to class discussions and provide additional information that will www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.
participate in class activities. assist the school in meeting your child’s
individual learning needs. The login details for all members of the
Services provided by Specialised St Andrew’s Cathedral School secondary
Learning in the Middle School Key staff community (students, teachers and
may include: Mrs Margaret Burke (Semester 1) parents) are:
EAL/D Teacher
• In-class support User name: standrews
9286 9541
Password: 163results
• sacsAchieve – after school mburke@sacs.nsw.edu.au
homework and study support You will hear more about the Online
Study Skills Handbook in the year
• Diagnostic assessment
ahead, but feel free to explore the site
in the meantime.
24 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019Getting connected
for learning
Setting up your iPads for classroom learning
iPads in the classroom Textbooks Stationery
St Andrew’s Cathedral School utilises Year 7-9 students have digital textbooks Stationery can be purchased at the
iPads as Personal Learning Devices purchased through the Box of Books Foundation Uniform Store or online
for students in Years 7 to 9, providing website: through trybooking:
great opportunities for enhancing and
www.boxofbooks.com.au trybooking.com.au/ZEZE
enriching learning inside the classroom
and beyond. Each day students are or the tile on the Student Portal. Online purchases can be collected by
required to bring a charged iPad, Textbooks for Years 7-9 do not require students from the Foundation Uniform
in a protective case. ordering and are supplied directly to Store when school commences.
students on their first day of school
The school provides access to a
each year. All Year 7-9 textbooks are
number of services including Office365
covered by the Service Levy.
for access, storage, collaboration and
sharing of files and folders, along with Technology
mail and other associated services.
User Policy
A Digital Citizenship program runs
Purchasing your iPad
throughout the school, helping
Parents are responsible for purchasing to fulfil the important responsibility
the iPad and the ownership of the of assisting in the development of
device will stay with the child. mature and positive practices in the
Individual families may seek the use of technology.
best deal available in the marketplace.
Students are required to read and
Further details on technology at abide by the Technology User Policy
St Andrew’s can be accessed on upon enrolment. The device
sacsconnect management system installed on
student iPads allows for access to the
http://sacsconnect.sacs.nsw.edu.au network, appropriate monitoring and
restrictions and the provisioning of
Search for: ‘Technology at SACS’ apps bought by the school for students.
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 25Communication in
the Middle School
Communication, fortnightly newsletters, SACSConnect,
Schoology, Parent Digest
Educating young SACSConnect • View year-to-date student
discipline records – rewards,
people is shared between This is an electronic St Andrew’s detentions and awards
the home, the school Community Information page that
• Download academic reports
contains a wide range of procedures
and the individual and information pertaining to many
• Record of absences
student. For this reason, aspects of school life. There is a link to • View student timetable and teacher list
• Download assessments, tasks and
clear channels of the Parent Portal and school information
is regularly updated on this page notices given during each term
communication are vital. • Download Growth Learning Plans
sacsconnect
At St Andrew’s, there are a number
The Parent Portal website is accessed
of ways in which parents are able to
through a link on the St Andrew’s
be kept informed about their child’s Schoology Cathedral School website home page:
progress. These include the school
This online lesson management
student diary, the Interim and End of www.sacs.nsw.edu.au
system, accessible through the various
Semester Reports, on-line reporting
school portals, provides students and or via SACSConnect:
and parent-teacher interviews. We
parents with current classwork,
also encourage parents and teachers to sacsconnect
assignment details and links pertaining
make direct contact with one another
to teaching and learning at St Andrew’s.
through phone calls, emails and
meetings as needed. There are comprehensive instructions
Weekly parent digest and a list of FAQs available on that
Fortnightly newsletters Parents will receive an emailed site. Early in 2019, each parent with
weekly bulletin which summarises a separate email address will be sent
St Andrew’s communicates with
awards, events, academic progress their unique username and password
parents through regular e-Newsletters.
and discipline. and log-in. It is vital that the school is
Middle School parents will receive
kept up-to-date with current email
three newsletters from: the Head of
School/Deputy Head, the Head of
Parent portal addresses. Should a change be made,
please email Mrs Debra Northwood
Middle School and the P&F. It is A vital resource for Middle School
in the Middle School Office –
important that parents provide a parents to keep informed of their
dnorthwood@sacs.nsw.edu.au
current email address for this child’s progress.
communication. Specific emails to The electronic portal enables parents
parents of Year groups and other and carers to access the following
important announcements are also information regarding their child:
sent when appropriate.
• View and update address
and contact information
• View contact lists
• Email tutor / teachers and
Year Coordinator directly
26 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019Getting in
Touch
Who and when to make contact
Rationale know” basis to staff. If parents have a General hierarchy of
specific request regarding the extent of
All communication access to information given, that request
contact for most issues
between members of the St The following guide for parents and
should be made known at the time of
contact. carers indicates the best manner in
Andrew’s Cathedral School
which to direct specific issues related to
community, including staff, Members of staff will endeavour to return the welfare of your child:
parents, carers and phone calls and/or emails within two
working days. Please be aware that it is
students, should reflect school policy that teachers will not Academic Issues
the school’s values of grace, leave classes to receive or return calls
integrity and justice. The or conduct interviews. Years 7-9
school encourages parents The school is committed to attempting Class teacher
to be actively involved in to resolve issues of concern speedily for
parents. Often the incompleteness of
their children’s education Leader of Learning (Head of department)
information, or the multiple demands on
and in the school generally, people’s time prevents an immediate Director of Learning
believing that involvement resolution. Parents are asked for their
Head of Middle School
enhances student learning. patience in following through matters.
For this reason, the school Deputy Head of School (Secondary)
places great emphasis on What does the school
Head of School
the establishment and expect of parents?
maintenance of effective Communication – parents should:
channels of • Direct their concerns to the Pastoral or
communication with appropriate staff member as outlined wellbeing issues
in the hierarchy (see graphic);
parents. Our procedures
• Make an appointment in advance Years 7-9
will be characterised by
when seeking personal
fairness, mutual respect and communication with staff;
Tutor
a spirit of cooperation in Year Coordinator / Girl’s Coordinator
• Approach matters in a calm and
resolving issues and rational manner, ensuring
concerns. interactions result in a clear path to Head of Middle School
resolution;
Deputy Head of School (Secondary)
• Provide contact details so we can
What can parents expect call or email you within two working Head of School
days;
of the school?
• Communicate any extremely While it may seem quicker to go to the
We are committed to preserving a safe
important matter in writing to higher authority in a sequence it is
learning environment where individual
ensure all the details of the matter usually more appropriate to start with
rights are respected and our school
can be fully understood; the person who knows the student or
community works together for a
the details of the incident best. Only if
common purpose. We are committed • Only contact staff members during
the matter cannot be resolved at the
to dealing sensitively with parents and office hours (Monday – Friday,
initial level should it progress through
carers and will respond as quickly as is 8am-5pm). Please refrain from
the hierarchy of responses.
practical to all matters. We will maintain contacting staff on their mobile
confidentiality where appropriate, phone outside these hours.
releasing information on a “need to
SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 | 27Getting in
Touch
Who and when to make contact
Communication from
Visiting procedures
the general public
If a member of the general public wishes Before 9am and after 5pm
to express their concerns over a matter
Parents should wear a Parent
specifically related to St Andrew’s
Lanyard when visiting St Andrew’s
Cathedral School, they are advised to
House and accompanying their child
contact the Deputy Head of School by onto the campus. These are given to
calling 9286 9500 or through the registered parents and carers at the
website via the Feedback link: start of the school year. Parents
www.sacs.nsw.edu.au visiting BBC are required to sign in at
reception for a visitor’s pass.
St Andrew’s undertakes to reply to written
complaints in a timely manner and would
ask the person listing their concerns to
give the school appropriate contact
details to enable a response either in
writing or by phone.
Breaches of this code
The school values its relationships with
parents but cannot accommodate Between 9am and 5pm
aggressive or rude behaviour by either arents should make an
P
parents or visitors. Where behaviour Media release consent appointment in advance with the
becomes aggressive or rude the person Parents can request that their child’s relevant staff member or
in question may be asked to leave image does not appear in any marketing department, sign in/out at Reception
school grounds and/or may be referred or media materials by contacting the and wear a Visitor Lanyard while on
to the Head of School. Registrar Mr Bruce Perry. Please email the school premises. A staff
representative should meet the
bperry@sacs.nsw.edu.au
parent at Reception. The only
exception is when the parent
is heading directly to the Uniform
Shop, After School Care or the
Health Centre on Level 6 of SAH.
School events
For school events which involve
multiple visitors (such as parent
teacher meetings or social
functions), parents do not need to
report to Reception or wear a
lanyard. Clear signage will be
displayed at the entrances to the
school and staff and/or student
representatives will be on hand to
assist in directing visitors to and from
28 | SACS - Middle School Parent Information Booklet 2019 the event venue.You can also read
