Parent Handbook - Oatlands Primary School
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Parent Handbook
Oatlands Primary School
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCHOOL BACKGROUND
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
VALUES, VISION & MISSON
The Strategic Plan
Curriculum
English and Maths
Early Years of Schooling
Reading Recovery
Additional Junior School Maths Programs
GRIN - Getting Ready in Numeracy Program
Toe by Toe
Speech Pathology Program
MiniLit
Thinking Outside the Box Program
Confident Kids
Middle Years of Schooling
Information & Communication Technologies
School Library
Information Literacy
LOTE - Italian & Japanese
Music
Art
Kitchen/Food Technology Room
Drug Education
The Start Up Program
Buddies
Classroom Assistance
Homework
Holidays
Excursions
Children with Special Needs
Interschool Sport
Reporting to Parents
Getting To Know You Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews
Student Led Conferences
Junior School Council
Oatlands House System
Professional Development Activities (P.D.)
Student Essential Educational Items
Books and Requisites
ROUTINES
Emergency Information
Absences - What to do?
Students wishing to Leave School Early
School Hours
Punctuality
Transfers
Visitors to the School
Newsletters/Facebook
School Bank
School Rules - Code of Conduct
Detention
Bullying
Parent Handbook Page 1
Oatlands Primary School
Book Club
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
School Council
School Council and its Sub Committees-
Finance Committee
Education Committee
Buildings and Grounds Committee
Canteen Committee
Oatlands Parents and Friends Association (P.F.A.)
Canteen
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
School Crossings
Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)
Multi Purpose Hall
Working Bees
TRANSITION
Prep Transition
Grade 6 to Secondary College
GENERAL INFORMATION
Hot Day/Wet Day Timetable
Court Orders/Restraining Orders
Education Maintenance Allowance
Valuables and Money
Lost Property
Bicycles
Staff Car Park
First Aid
Medication
Asthma
Anaphylaxis
Child Health Program
Dental Health Service
Immunisation Certificates
Exclusion from School Due to Infectious Diseases
School Uniform
Student Support Staff
School Readiness
FINALLY
Parent Handbook Page 2
Oatlands Primary School
PARENT HANDBOOK
SCHOOL BACKGROUND
A Planning Committee responsible for the design of the buildings at Oatlands Primary School was
established in June 1994. This Committee consisted of parents of children who were to attend the
school, teachers, Directorate of School Education officers and architects. The construction of the
school commenced in February of 1995 and was completed in January of 1996. The school
opened with 238 students.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Oatlands Primary School is an architect designed government school which opened in January
1996. Adjacent to the school is Oatlands Pre-School, whilst on the southern boundary is a large
acreage managed by Melbourne Water on which walking tracks and a soccer field(s) have been
established.
The facilities at the school consist of:
permanent classrooms of flexible design which include shared withdrawal rooms, wet areas
teacher workspaces and storage rooms
portable classrooms located in close proximity to the main building
a spacious computerised library
a free standing art/craft room
a free standing Kitchen/Technology room
a physical/recreational hall including a canteen
a free standing basketball stadium
a Music Room/Performing Arts Room
a Reading Recovery Office/Room
a self contained Before/After School Care Room
two undercover basketball courts
LOTE classroom.
All school buildings are fully air-conditioned.
The grounds are attractive with extensive grassed areas featuring a wide variety of shade and
native trees. There are two undercover basketball/netball courts, a fitness track circles the oval,
sandpit areas, four clusters of playground equipment, a pirate ship playground, a number of
pergolas and two large sail areas which provide summer shade.
Oatlands Primary is a feeder school to the Fountain Gate Secondary College and Berwick
Secondary College.
VALUES, MISSION AND VISION
Oatlands has a set of school values and a vision for the future and a mission to achieve. These
are achieved in collaboration with the teaching staff and students and have allowed us to have
common perspectives and goals.
Values
Courage
Friendliness
Confidence
Respect.
Parent Handbook Page 3Oatlands Primary School
Mission
The Oatlands Primary School Community is committed to providing a safe and nurturing
environment where everybody feels valued, takes responsibility for their own choices, actions and
consequences and is able to take risks and explore new concepts which allow them to reach their
best academically, socially and emotionally.
Vision
Oatlands Primary School’s vision is of students and teachers enjoying learning.
Oatlands has a Code of Conduct in place. It aims to express the values of Courage, Friendliness,
Confidence and Respect.
All teachers will discuss the rules with the students during the early weeks of the school year.
Class rules are developed in a collaborative manner through the involvement of both students and
their classroom teacher.
School and class rules may be displayed in the classroom for easy reference.
The school is committed to a system of positive reinforcement and the promotion of self-esteem
amongst the students. This system operates through the presentation of awards and/or the
recognition of children who are playing or working in an acceptable manner.
The School Strategic Plan
The School Strategic Plan is an agreement between Oatlands Primary School and its community
and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DET) regarding the learning
outcomes for students on which the school will focus. The priorities Oatlands Primary School has
chosen are directed towards student improvement in:
English and Maths as they move through the school
Ensuring that the majority of students are performing at or above the expected Victorian
Curriculum in English and Maths.
Strategic Plan development is an approach to school a management which aims to ensure that the
school functions in a co-ordinated manner while maintaining continuous quest for improvement. It
is therefore concerned with:
determining goals for student achievement
providing and maximising professional learning opportunities for teachers
improving the processes and procedures relating to assessment and reporting
the provision of an inclusive curriculum.
The Strategic Plan 2014-2017 details the curriculum priorities and the level of student achievement
the school aims to attain. A copy of the Strategic Plan is available from the office.
Curriculum
Oatlands Primary School Curriculum is based on the evolving Victorian Curriculum. The following
is a list of the Victorian Curriculum domains and dimensions taught at Oatlands:
Parent Handbook Page 4Oatlands Primary School
English Reading Recovery
Handwriting
Word Study/Spelling
Conventions of Grammar
Writing (personal/reports/recounts etc.)
Listening/Speaking
Maths Number and Algebra
Measurement and Geometry
Statistics and Probability
Information & Communication Information Literacy
Technologies Library
Science
Design, Creativity & Technology
Humanities Economics
Geography
History
Health & P.E Bike Education
Traffic Education
Personal Safety
Food Technology
Interpersonal Development
Personal Learning
The Art Visual Arts
Performing Arts
Grade 3-6 Choir
Music
LOTE Italian
Japanese
The Curriculum Policies are available for parents to read.
English
At Oatlands, we have a strong English Literacy focus across the curriculum. All students participate
in our explicit Literacy model which incorporates the Daily 5 and the CAFE reading strategies
program. Individual needs are catered for ensuring that all students are given many opportunities
to maximise their learning. Whilst our approach is structured it is also sequential and consistent
across all year levels. Our Literacy program provides our students with varied and relevant
language experiences.
Reading comprehension is a priority as well as grammar, punctuation, spelling, speaking and
listening and writing. We provide our students with a Literacy program that provides them with the
language skills required to make sense of and operate in our ever changing world. Our goal is to
assist our students to be lifelong English Literacy learners.
Parent Handbook Page 5Oatlands Primary School
Maths
The Mathematics program at Oatlands Primary School is based on students developing
appropriate skills and understandings and applying them in daily situations. Students will be
exposed to a variety of Mathematical experiences that:
emphasise the use of strategies and problem solving
are both positive and enjoyable
build confidence in Maths
promote investigation and problem solving skills
provide hands on learning experiences.
Individual abilities are catered for through support & extension activities and groupings. Open
ended tasks and maths investigations are utilised to challenge and extend students' abilities.
Maths is taken on a regular basis in the Numeracy Block.
As well as the daily explicit teaching of mathematics we offer a variety of activities throughout the
year to ensure students are kept motivated and enthusiastic while learning Maths. These
include; Mathletics (on line Maths program) that can be used at home as well as school (P - 6),
Participation in Maths Games Days competing against other schools (Gr 5 & 6), Participation in
an online problem solving competition each term (Gr 3 - 6), Take home Maths Share Packs that
include a variety of Maths games to be played at home (Gr P - 5), Grandparents / parents Maths
Games afternoon (P - 6), Annual Maths Extension Sessions and incursions (Gr 2 - 6), Maths Expo
(exhibition of student's work).
We aim to provide our students with rich experiences in Maths that develop lifelong Mathematical
learners and future problem solvers.
Additional Junior School Maths Programs
At Oatlands Primary School, selected students in grades Prep and One are given the opportunity
to participate in the following maths programs;
- Maths Support Program
- GRIN - Getting Ready in Numeracy Program
- Maths Enrichment Program
The Maths Support Program aims to provide selected students with additional support to assist
with their development of mathematical skills and number sense.
The Maths Enrichment Program aims to provide selected students with an opportunity to apply
their consolidated mathematical skills to problem solving tasks.
Reading Recovery
The Reading Recovery program provides an opportunity for students in Grade 1 who are
experiencing difficulties in reading and writing to receive intensive individual instruction.
Our Reading Recovery teacher works with individual students on a 1:1 basis during daily
30 minute sessions. The students actively participate in reading and writing text that is
instructional program for approximately 20 weeks by which time their improved reading skills and
abilities usually enable them to successfully move back into the regular classroom programs.
Toe by Toe
Toe by Toe is a reading intervention program designed to assist students in Grades 2-6.
Speech Pathology Program
Speech Pathology support is provided to students who have significant articulation and/or
language difficulties. Children’s speech and language skills are assessed and therapy is provided,
often on a consultative basis, through the child’s aide or through the Language Support Program
with Leona Miller.
Parent Handbook Page 6Oatlands Primary School
MiniLit- Meeting Initial Needs in Literacy
Newly introduced in 2016 MiniLit is an early literacy intervention program, designed for small
groups of up to four children in Prep to Grade 1.
Thinking Outside The Box Programs
Thinking Outside The Box withdrawal programs are developed by Penny Willoughby, who is an
experienced teacher specialising in gifted and talented children. Program participants are
challenged to work beyond their usual level and are likely to be surprised by what they achieve.
The programs support and complement the children’s regular classroom learning, by developing
skills and strategies that will enable children to get the best out of any learning environment.
Students in the programs will develop more rigorous thinking habits and practise creative problem
solving.
The goals of the Thinking Outside The Box programs are to:
- Develop deeper thinking habits and strategies.
- Learn and practise a range of problem-solving skills.
- Provide opportunities for children to learn alongside like-minded children.
- Develop reflective skills and encourage students to challenge themselves in any
learning environment.
- Building children’s confidence in their abilities and increase their expectations about
what is achievable.
- Encourage each child to develop and pursue personal interests and passions.
Confident Kids
Confident Kids Performing Arts School. At Confident Kids the focus is to help build confidence in
children through performing arts while developing skills to be the best performer they can be!
At Oatlands we offer lunchtime classes in: - Junior Music Theatre/Senior Glee Club – signing,
dancing and performance. Drama and Confidence – acting for stage and screen, creativity,
improvisation and imagination.
We work as a team towards our amazing end of year production where we join with students from
our other venues. Contact Phone number: - 0422 221 461, confident_kids@hotmail.com
Digital Technologies
At Oatlands Primary School, we run a Digital Technologies specialist program that provides
students with rich digital learning opportunities that enable students to become confident and
creative developers of digital technology. The Digital Technologies curriculum is divided into three
key concepts:
Digital Systems: Focuses on the hardware, software and network components of digital systems.
Data Collection, Representation and Interpretation: Focuses on the properties of data and how
they are collected and represented.
Digital Solutions: Explore the four processes of analysing, designing, developing and evaluating.
Across these three areas, students will learn to apply safe practices to protect themselves and others
as they interact and communicate online. Students will have the opportunity to create a range of
digital solutions through guided play and integrated learning, such as using robotic toys or
programmable devices.
Parent Handbook Page 7Oatlands Primary School
In Foundation to Year 2 classrooms, there are six shared Chromebooks per class. In Year 3 classes
there are 9 shared Chromebook devices and in Years 4 - 6 we run a Bring Your Own Chromebook
(BYOC) program. All students participate in a 50 minute Digital Technologies session each week
with a specialist teacher, in addition to the use of their devices within their classroom.
School Library
The school library is available to the whole school community. The library has a computerised
catalogue and borrowing system which can be used by students, teachers and parents. All
students can borrow books from the library. Books may be borrowed for a two-week period.
Reimbursement will be sought for damaged or lost books.
Each year the Library staff conduct a Book Fair to coincide with the mid-year Student Led
Conferences and Parent/Teacher Interviews. Books maybe purchased by children and their
families.
Art
Classes are conducted by specialist teachers (in the Art room) who expose the students to
activities including painting, modelling, design and shape.
Extension activities are also offered to the more talented and interested grade 5 and 6 students.
Student’s work is displayed on pin boards about the school.
An Art Show held every second year provides students with another opportunity to display their
talents and abilities.
Kitchen/Food Technology
Each year all of our students have an opportunity to work in our Kitchen/Food Technology Room.
The Food Technology program is run by one of our staff members and enables all students to work
‘hands on’ in preparing and cooking food. At all times students are closely supervised by an
adult(s) as they work.
The room is designed with:
6 gas hotplates
4 under bench ovens
6 sinks
2 dishwashers
The opportunities for students to cook and prepare food are closely associated with the area of
study in which their class is working.
There are several groups of students from across the grade levels involved in special programs
which use the kitchen on a weekly basis.
Drug Education
Each year the student’s complete units of work relating to Drug Education. These units are
designed to provide students with skills and knowledge so they are better able to make informed
decisions about their own personal safety. Students learn about health issues so they can develop
an understanding of factors which influence the health and the wellbeing of individuals or
communities.
As part of the Drug Ed. Program the:
Life Education Van will visit the school every second year
Parent Handbook Page 8Oatlands Primary School
students in Grade 6 experience a more intensive study involving Drug Education. Units of
work include the study of volatile solvents, alcohol, smoking, illegal drug use and basic first
aid.
The Start Up Program
At the beginning of each year all classes/students are involved in developing a class mission and
vision statement. The statement contains a class goal(s) and expectations for the year.
At the end of week three it is planned that every student will take home (to their parents) a
pamphlet or a written letter outlining the vision, mission and goals that they have developed in their
class.
The Start Up Program helps students and their teacher to focus on their personal and class goals
for the year and assists to set a very positive tone both in the classroom and out in the school
grounds (further detail re: the mission, vision and goals appears earlier in the Handbook).
Buddies
Buddies is a program which sees our older students working co-operatively with younger children.
Children are presented with an assigned task and work together until it is completed. Buddies
sessions between grades occur mostly during the first half of the year and as a program conducted
mainly between the grade 6 and Prep students.
Here are comments from two grade 6 students re the Buddy Program:
“This year my grade had buddies. We made lots of different things such as, fridge
magnets, fire engines and vehicles that help people, we also made pizzas for lunch,
windmills, spider stories, pictures out of paper and paper planes. We traced around our
buddies and put clothes on them. We made fish, sea-creatures, Mother’s Day cards,
Easter cards and Easter baskets. We’ve had a lot of fun and sometimes we play with our
buddy in the yard. We enjoy helping our buddies and being with them. The older students
all like their buddies and wish the best for them in the coming school year.”
“This year my grade had Prep buddies. We have made pizzas, cardboard fire engines, peg
magnets, bodies, fish, Easter Cards and Easter Baskets. Our buddies have fun helping us
do things. We play with our buddies outside sometimes. They are good and friendly
buddies.”
Classroom Assistance
Throughout the school class teachers encourage parent participation and assistance in their child’s
educational program. If you have time and interest to assist in the classroom, please contact your
child’s class teacher.
We encourage our parent helpers to complete the Parent Helper Course. The course is designed
to increase parent’s understanding of how children’s literacy skills develop and provide them with
further skills and knowledge to better assist in the classroom. The times and dates when this
course is conducted will be advertised in the School Newsletter.
If you are planning to be involved in your child’s day to day schooling you must hold a current
Working with Children Check. Please find all the details at;
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Homework
The Education Committee has developed a Homework Policy which has been ratified by the
School Council. It is at the discretion of the classroom teacher as to the setting and content of
homework. Tasks such as completing reading, specific projects or unfinished work may be
assigned at most grade levels.
Parent Handbook Page 9Oatlands Primary School
Daily Reading with a family member is a basic requirement of our Prep to Grade 2 students and is
a legitimate form of homework. The main focus is while the child learns reading skills every day
with their teachers at school, every night the parents share reading with their children by talking
about the book and its pictures.
Students should be given positive parental support and encouragement during their homework
activities.
A copy of the Homework Policy is included in the appendix of this document.
Holidays
During the year some parents take their children out of school to go on a holiday as off peak travel
is more affordable. It is school policy that students going away on such holidays during school
time will not be given homework tasks to complete while they are away but rather encouraged to
complete a diary of their holiday.
Excursions
Excursions and incursions are seen as integral to the learning opportunities of the students and as
such are an essential part of the school’s curriculum. Excursions are planned to link in closely with
the curriculum; pre-excursions and/or follow up activities are an important part of the particular
theme being taught. It is anticipated that all children will attend unless precluded by health,
financial or religious reasons.
Teachers have the opportunity to hold class excursions and incursions each year.
The importance of excursions/incursions for students are to:
provide first hand experiences which are difficult to achieve in the classroom
widen the student’s understanding of the complexities of the environment
learn about and live in co-operation with others
develop the skills of observation, note taking and the reporting of events.
Before a student attends any excursion it will be necessary for him/her to return the
Permission/Medical Form which must be signed by their guardian. If the school has not received
such written permission, then the guardian (at Principal’s discretion) may give verbal permission
over the telephone.
If, for some reason, there is a financial concern, parents may be able to negotiate other
arrangements for payment. Any students not attending the excursion will be expected to attend
school on the day.
Parents invited to assist on excursions will be given specific instructions concerning student
supervision, safety aspects and responsibilities. In order to be considered to attend an excursion
parents must first have successfully gained a Working with Children’s Check
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
All children are expected to wear uniform when going on an excursion (unless notified). The failure
to do so may preclude them from that excursion.
Students with Special Needs
The integration of a student with special needs does not merely consist of their attendance at a
regular school, but as much as possible, involves their meaningful participation in the academic
and social activities of the school.
Upon enrolment each child with special needs shall have a Program Support Group (PSG) formed
in accordance with DET Guidelines. The PSG will meet each term (or as deemed necessary) to
review and/or plan the student’s academic or social program or other issues which may need
clarification.
Parent Handbook Page 10Oatlands Primary School
Interschool Sport
Grade 6 students participate in interschool sporting activities against other schools in the region.
Interschool sport involves Winter Sport in Term 2 and Summer Sport at the end of Term 3 and the
commencement of Term 4.
Students participating in sport experience a sense of team and school spirit. They play matches
both at Oatlands and at the opposing school. Students may compete in a swimming carnival in
Term 1, a cross-country run during Term 2 and other athletic sports during Term 3. Other
competitions including basketball, netball, football and soccer are also organized. The more
talented students have the opportunity to represent the district and zone in sporting activities
and/or teams.
Reporting to Parents
The formal interview/information meetings for the year are as follows:
An Information Night for Prep parents and Getting To Know You Interviews for all parents
will be held before the end of February
The written June Report and Parent/Teacher Interviews will be held in the final week of
Term 2
Student-Led Conferences will be conducted with all Grade 4, 5 and 6 students and their
parents during the second last week of Term 2
Written Reports are forwarded to Parents in June and December.
Teachers are always available for additional parent interviews if required. Such an interview can
be arranged through the class teacher and/or the Principal at a time convenient to all parties.
Getting To Know You Interviews
Early in the school year all teachers will conduct Getting To Know You Interviews where parents
and teachers can discuss the child’s strengths, interests, goals for the year and generally get to
know each other.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Formal interviews are offered to parents of students in Grades Prep to Four to complement the
June Reports.
Student-Led Conferences
In June, the Grade 4, 5 and 6 students conduct a Student Led Conference involving the teacher
and the student’s parents. This conference encourages the students to take greater responsibility
for the own learning and actions. It assists to demonstrate to the students that their teacher and
parents positively support their learning and acknowledge the value we place on their self
assessments.
The Grade 4 students will firstly complete a Student Led Conference and then after the students
leaves the room the parents will have the opportunity to spend additional time with the teacher to
discuss their child’s progress.
Junior School Council (JSC)
The Junior School Council (JSC) is made up of student representatives from Grade 3 - 6 and
provides a forum for students to discuss issues and present them to School Council and/or staff.
The JSC is also involved in fundraising for school and outside organisations whilst providing the
student members with further opportunities to learn organisation and leadership skills.
The JSC conducts a biannual Mini Fete where all stalls and activities are organised and conducted
by the students. Any monies raised are spent according to JSC wishes.
Parent Handbook Page 11Oatlands Primary School
Oatlands House System
At Oatlands we have retained the usual house colours: red, yellow, blue and green but have given
the houses names which are those of Australian Olympians.
Fraser (red)
Dawn Fraser won gold medals in the 100m freestyle at the 1956, 60 & 64 Olympic Games.
Boyle (green)
Raelene Boyle was a finalist in the 200m she won silver medals the 100m and 200m.
Elliot (blue)
Herb Elliot was the gold medallist in the 1500m at the 1960 Olympic Games.
Perkins (yellow)
Kieran Perkins was a gold medallist in the 1500m and 400m at the 1992 Olympic Games,
and the 1500m at the 1996 Olympic Games.
Professional Development Activities (PD)
The staff at Oatlands pursue an ongoing program of Professional Development both on a personal
level and as a whole staff. Each year the DET provides Curriculum Days to be used by the staff.
Curriculum Days are student free days, so it will be necessary for all parents to make other
arrangements for the supervision of their children on these days. Prior warning re: the
dates of these Curriculum Days will be printed in the school Newsletter.
Student Essential Educational Items
Each year at a meeting in October/November School Council determines the school Student
Essential Educational Items for the following year.
Books and Requisites
Booklists are determined by the class teachers at each grade level and are then put out to tender.
In this way the school ensures the cheapest price is obtained and that all students have the same
books and supplies to begin the new school year.
Parents will be advised (in November of the previous year) of the costing of these supplies along
with the Parent Contribution for the year. Student Essential Educational Items are paid at
reception from December each year and can be paid in full or by instalments.
Parent Handbook Page 12Oatlands Primary School
ROUTINES
Emergency Information.
There should be a detailed emergency form for each student in the school. This must be
completed as soon as the child is enrolled. The telephone numbers listed on this form offer the
school immediate contact with the parents or their emergency contacts in the case of student
illness or accident.
Parents are asked to advise the school immediately of any changes in their own or their
contact’s address or telephone number.
Absences - What to do?
It is a requirement of the DET that an absence note be sent to school to explain the reason for a
child being away. In the case of a student being absent for an extended period of time the parent
should notify the school by telephone or in writing.
Students wishing to Leave School Early
If parents wish to collect their children from school earlier than 3.30pm they must firstly report to
reception and complete the Early Leavers Record Book and hand the dismissal slip to the
classroom teacher when collecting the child.
School Hours
The hours of instruction at school are from 9.00am until 3.30pm each day. These hours will not
vary except on the last day of each term when the students will be dismissed at 2.30pm and
1.30pm dismissal on the last day of the year.
The school hours are as follows: -
School commences 9:00am
Morning Recess 10:45am – 11:15am
Lunchtime 1:00pm - 1:50pm (lunch will be eaten in the classroom)
Dismissal 3.30pm
Last day of term 2.30pm
Last day of the year 1.30pm
Punctuality
Punctuality is encouraged at Oatlands Primary School as it assists the students to develop such
qualities as responsibility, self-discipline, good manners and respect for the rights of others.
In order for the school to fulfil its responsibility for the safety and welfare of students, the school
insists on punctual attendance. Students arriving at school after 9.00am are expected to bring a
note explaining their lateness and sign in at the school office, collect a late pass, prior to going to
class.
Arriving after 9.00am is also a safety concern as the City of Casey supervisors on the school
pedestrian crossings complete their shift at 9.00am sharp.
Transfers
If you are moving to a new location and wish to transfer your child to another school, you will need
to notify the office and the class teacher as soon as possible. On the day the child leaves the
school a Transfer Note together with a copy of the Birth Certificate and Immunisation Certificate
(lodged with our school at time of enrolment) will be forwarded to the new school by our office staff.
Three to four days’ notice of your intention to move schools is required, this will allow time for
teachers to prepare the transfer reports for the new school.
Parent Handbook Page 13Oatlands Primary School
Visitors to the School
In order to provide a safer environment in our school, all visitors are requested to call at reception
prior to going to the classrooms. This will assist the school in identifying any unauthorised or
unwanted persons who may wander into the school buildings/grounds. A Visitors Book is kept on
the reception desk; all visitors should sign into and out of the school.
Newsletters
The Newsletter is produced each Thursday fortnight and will contain all current information
pertaining to the school and is a most important means of circulating information to the wider
community.
It is uploaded to our Website www.oatlandsps.vic.edu.au Parents can receive a copy of our
Newsletter electronically by signing up where indicated on the website. In addition to the newsletter
Oatlands have a Facebook site for event notification.
School Bank
The students’ School Bank Accounts are Commonwealth Bank Dollarmite Accounts. Students
hand their bank books to their class teacher EACH MONDAY who in turn forward all account
books to parent volunteers who process the deposits at school every Tuesday morning. The
books are then returned to the students the following day.
By processing the accounts, the school earns commission from the bank, the commission assists
in the purchase of equipment. By banking through the school your child is helping raise funds for
further equipment.
School Rules - Code of Conduct
Teachers have a planned approach for the way their students are going to behave in the
classroom based on the model of Assertive Discipline. As a planned approach to classroom
discipline teachers need to recognise disruptive behaviour, its extent and have a planned set of
consequences for such behaviour.
Teachers with their students develop a set of class rules and consequences and rewards for
appropriate or inappropriate behaviour which along with the 4 values:
Respect
Courage
Confidence
Friendliness are known and understood.
These rules are displayed in classrooms and discussed as the need arises.
Teachers recognise positive and effective student/teacher relationships revolve around responding
to positive behaviour and teachers aim to respond to appropriate behaviour more often than
inappropriate behaviour.
There are specified consequences for misbehaviour, which increase in severity.
In incidents of severe misbehaviour there is an agreed procedure for removing the student from the
classroom.
Discipline procedures are implemented calmly, non-punitively and consistently with all students.
Students are always informed that it is their choice to behave either appropriately or inappropriately
and there are consequences for both types of behaviour.
Time Out procedures will be implemented with students who continue to behave in a manner,
which is dangerous to others or themselves outside the classroom.
The Principal will implement the four Stages of Discipline with students who display unacceptable
behaviour.
Parent Handbook Page 14Oatlands Primary School
Staff have been trained in Restorative Practices which is a method of dialogue to manage conflict
and restore friendships amongst students.
A copy of the Oatlands Code of Conduct Policy can be found in the appendix of this folder.
Detention
No student will be kept in after school without prior communication with parents.
Students attending a detention will commence the session at 3.30pm and conclude it at 4.10pm.
Students will be supervised at all times.
Bullying
Oatlands Primary School has taken a pro-active stance against bullying. The Junior School
Council in collaboration with all students has developed an Oatlands Primary School - A Bully Free
Environment brochure which details:
What bullying is
Types of bullying
How people feel who are bullied
What our school is doing about bullying
The development of this anti-bullying initiative has led to much discussion amongst students,
parents and teachers and is proving a catalyst in reducing the incidents of bullying at our school.
A Bully Busters Program has been implemented throughout our school. The students have been
taught skills to assist them in dealing with bullying behaviour (physical, emotional or verbal).
Book Club
Four times per year a brochure advertising books which can be purchased through the Book Club
is distributed to the students.
If you choose to purchase any of the listed books, then complete an Order Form and return it with
the money before the due date. The books will arrive about two weeks after the closing date.
If requested books can be ordered as gifts will be held for collection at a later date.
Parent Handbook Page 15Oatlands Primary School
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
School Council
Government schools in Victoria have the responsibility to develop their own educational programs
for the benefit of all students within the guidelines of the DET.
The Oatlands Primary School Council is the focal point for decision making on school
policies. It is the governing body of the school.
The School Council is a representative body with a membership reflecting the important
partnership between students, teachers and the community. The Oatlands School Council is
made up of eight community members and five DET employees who are elected to the position for
a two-year period. The School Council has the option to co-opt two additional members.
School Council elections are held annually as half of the elected members retire. Elections take
place in March.
The School Council is accountable to the local community and also has responsibility to the
Minister of Education and the Auditor General. School Councils are constituted as a legal body
under state legislation and represent the Crown.
School Council Sub Committees include:
1. Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing all financial matters related to the school.
Part of its role includes the development of the annual school budget. This document is available
for viewing at reception.
2. Education Committee
The Education Committee membership consists of teachers and parents who work to develop
school policies. Once the Education Committee has passed a policy it is forwarded onto School
Council for ratification.
3. Buildings and Grounds Committee
The Buildings and Grounds Committee is responsible for the maintenance and further
development of all facilities within the school. This Committee oversees a buildings and a grounds
budget ensuring the repair of all vandal damage, the calling of Working Bees and the planning for
future improvements to school facilities.
4. Canteen Committee
The Canteen Committee oversees the operation of our canteen. The Committee members
determine the menu and its pricing, employment of the Canteen Manageress and oversee the
stocktake. Members also make decisions re equipment that will be purchased for the school from
the profits.
Parent Handbook Page 16Oatlands Primary School
Oatlands Parents and Friends Association (PFA)
The PFA is an official school organisation with a twofold purpose. Firstly, it raises funds for the
school and secondly it aims to provide an enjoyable social contact for parents.
Members of the PFA learn what is happening within the school, share ideas, pass on
representative views to the School Council, raise money and support each other. The PFA meets
each month. There is one official PFA member on the School Council whilst members of the
School Council can also attend PFA meetings. The PFA may also have representation on
Finance, Education and Canteen Committees etc. Parents are always most welcome to attend
meetings.
Canteen
The Canteen opens three days each week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Canteen is run
by a School Council employed Manageress along with an Assistant (two days per week) and
supported by parent volunteers. The Canteen Manageress contacts all school families for
assistance through requests in the Newsletter.
Our Canteen abides by the national guidelines re: the sale of confectionary and soft drinks.
Lunch orders are ordered online (by 9am on the day) through Flexi schools website.
http://www.flexischools.com.au/
Classroom canteen monitors will collect the completed lunch orders and deliver to the classroom
prior to the lunch break at 1pm.
Canteen price lists is updated when necessary.
From time to time special Fun Food Days are organised. Profits from Fun Days and the Canteen
are used to purchase additional school equipment.
Parent Handbook Page 17Oatlands Primary School
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
School Crossings
The school crossings that service Oatlands Primary School are manned with supervisors who are
employed by the City of Casey. It is vital that parents convey to their children the importance of
using crossings correctly.
Two manned school crossings are located outside the school on Kurrajong Road. Crossings are
manned from 8.15am until 9.00am and from 3.15pm until 4pm.
CAMP AUSTRALIA Before and After School Care
Camp Australia conducts an Out of School Hours Care program in our OSHC building.
The hours of operation are from 6:45am – 8:45am and from 3:30pm - 6:30pm on school days.
A Holiday Program is offered for the Christmas vacation period and the two weeks of each
holiday period during the year, for exact times and prices please contact Camp Australia on 1300
105 343.
Register with Camp Australia at: www.campaustralia.com.au or phone 1300 105 343
The aim of the program is to provide the students with a safe, friendly and co-operative
environment where they can experience a variety of planned recreational activities before and after
school and during the Holiday Program.
Multi-Purpose Hall
The Multi Purpose Hall consists of a full sized basketball court and an adjoining kitchen/canteen. It
is used extensively during school hours for educational programs.
Currently the hall is hired out to:
Hope Community Church
Narre Foxes Netball Club
Titans Basketball Club
SES Taekwondo School
Active After School Activities Program.
Working Bees
Working Bees are organised by The Buildings and Grounds Committee. They are usually held on
Sunday mornings between 9:00am – 12:30pm. Parents, teachers and friends are encouraged to
attend.
Parent Handbook Page 18Oatlands Primary School
TRANSITION
Prep Transition
Beginning school is both a stressful and exciting time. At Oatlands Primary School we attempt to
reduce the stress by easing kindergarten students into the school.
Leap into Learning
Starting in Term 3 we have the Leap into Learning transition program. The Leap into Learning
program is one hour a week operating between 8 and 10 weeks. This program allows students to
become familiar with our school and teachers, make some friends, and our teachers will get to
know your child.
In December parents, teachers and children will meet together in their next year’s classroom.
While the children become familiar with their classmates and teacher, parents will have an
opportunity to attend a Beginning School Familiarisation discussion. Parents are welcome to visit
their child’s classroom after the meeting.
Dismissal times for Preps will be as follows:
Term 1 week 1 9am until12.noon
February 9am until 3.30pm
There will be no classes held on a Wednesday for February
Wednesdays in February will be student free days for the Prep Teachers to conduct interviews.
March onwards Monday to Friday 9am until 3.30pm
Please ensure you collect your child at the correct time.
If you need to collect your child earlier than normal dismissal time, please call at reception to obtain
the correct permission form. This is done as a safety measure for your child.
Grade 6 to Secondary College
To assist our current graduating Grade 6 students ease of exit from Oatlands Primary School and
entry to Secondary College a series of procedures known as Transition occur.
For the teachers of Grade 6 students there is ongoing contact with staff from the receiving
Secondary Colleges to ensure a flow through of educational programs and mutual understanding
of education expectations.
The students make visits to the Secondary College during the year to familiarise themselves with
their new school. The Secondary College selection process begins in May (each year) when our
Grade 6 Transition Coordinator forwards the Selection Forms to parents. For all graduating
students a Transition Day is held in December when they have the opportunity to visit their new
College.
Information Evenings are conducted throughout the year which enable our parents to discuss the
transition of children from Primary School to Secondary College.
Parent Handbook Page 19Oatlands Primary School
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wet Day / Hot Day Program
On days when it is raining at recess time or lunchtime the students will be kept inside and
supervised. If permitting (it stops raining) the students will be able to go outside but will be confined
to the asphalt/concrete play areas.
A Hot Day Program will be implemented if the forecasted temperature is 35 degrees or over. On
these days, morning recess will operate as normal. Students will go outside at recess time and for
the first half of lunchtime. During the second half of lunch students will return to their rooms where
they will be supervised.
Court Orders/Restraining Orders
It is of extreme importance that parents holding Court Orders or Restraining Orders forward a
photocopy of these documents to the school, otherwise the Principal or teachers have no legal
rights to refuse either parent taking the child from the school.
Valuables and Money
The school and the staff of Oatlands cannot be held responsible for any valuable items or
heirlooms students may wish to bring to school. School insurance does not cover their loss;
therefore, it is advisable that students DO NOT bring valuables to school.
All parents are encouraged to limit the amount of money they allow their children to bring to school
to spend at the canteen.
Monies for excursions or special events should be placed into an envelope and clearly labelled
with the following:
the student’s name grade
teacher’s name purpose for payment e.g. excursion
amount in the envelope room number (if known).
Lost Property
Lost Property is placed into a box located outside the Grade 6 classrooms.
At the end of each term unclaimed garments are donated to charity. Oatlands marked clothes are
kept and laundered. These are donated to needy families or used in the Sick Bay as spare
clothing. Please note: It is strongly advised that all clothing is clearly marked with the
owner’s name and grade.
Bicycles
Parents should ensure their child’s good road sense and sensible use of their bike before
permitting them to ride to and from school.
All children must wear an approved helmet when riding their bike
No bicycle may be ridden within the school boundaries.
The security of bicycles cannot be guaranteed so labelling and the use of a safety chain is
advisable whilst bikes are stored in our bike shed.
Due to immaturity and poor visual and auditory awareness of young students, the Oatlands
Primary School Council strongly advises parents not to allow their children to ride a bicycle (while
unsupervised) to school before they have reached Grade 4.
Parent Handbook Page 20Oatlands Primary School
Staff Carparks
For the safety of all students, parents are requested not to park in the staff car park when picking
children up from school at 3.30pm. Please park in the street and walk into the school grounds to
meet your child(ren) or arrange to meet them at a pre-determined point.
First Aid
Oatlands Primary School provides equipment, first aid supplies and trained staff (including a
qualified nurse) to administer first aid within the limits of teaching staff skill, expertise and training.
The First Aid Room is maintained to an appropriate standard including the availability of equipment
and supplies. In case of minor accidents/injury, first aid will be administered by the school nurse or
a first aid trained teacher.
The school continually updates all medical records of students with existing medical conditions (i.e.
asthma, epilepsy, diabetes). Forms will be sent home to families at the beginning of the year.
Unwell students will be observed in the First Aid Room for a short time. Should their condition
persist parents will be contacted to make arrangements for their child to be collected from school.
If an accident does occur in the playground, the student will be issued with a First Aid Card and
sent inside to the nurse or the teacher on first aid duty. The injury will be treated and appropriate
action will follow. If the injury is of a serious nature the parent(s) will be contacted.
Medication
Generally, teachers are not permitted to administer medicines but will assist parents if pre-
arranged with a letter of authority.
There is an expectation that students taking medication on a daily basis will have their medication
placed into a Medi-Dose Box. The class teacher will retain this box with the medication being
distributed at the agreed time(s).
Where ever possible medication should be scheduled outside of the school hours eg. medication
required 3 times per day is generally not required during a school day, it can be taken before and
after school and before bed.
Asthma
Oatlands Primary School has adopted the Asthma Management Policy as per The Asthma
Foundation of Victoria. This policy emphasises:
students with asthma should have a Management Plan filled out by their doctor/paediatrician in
consultation with their parents
the usual medical treatment
the action plan detailing medications to be used in case of deteriorating asthma, recognising
symptoms.
Parent Handbook Page 21Oatlands Primary School
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe and rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening
and some children may need an injection and/or hospitalization if they consume or come into
contact with such foods. The most common allergens in school aged children are peanuts, eggs,
nuts, cow’s milk, fish and shell fish, certain insect stings and medications.
Students who suffer from anaphylaxis must have a management plan developed in consultation
between the school and his/her parents. Prevention strategies must be agreed to and awareness
of the students who suffer from anaphylaxis will be known by staff.
The school will ensure that all teaching staff have been trained in responding appropriately to a
student who is experiencing a reaction. A pouch containing the students’ management plan,
Epipen and student details will be kept in a common place in the sickbay.
To minimize the risk and to support these students all parents are encouraged not to give their
children peanut butter/nutella or raw nuts (e.g. almonds, peanuts, pistachios) in their school
lunches and/or send chocolate treats (Snickers, Mars Bars etc) that contain nuts to school.
Child Health Program
A school nurse from the Child and Family Health Services, Health Department Victoria, visits the
school each year to provide a health assessment for all Prep students and any other referred child.
The assessment includes testing vision, hearing and general observation of each student. A
discussion with the class teacher is conducted regarding any concerns relating to the children in
their care.
If there are no concerns following the health assessment, the results will be forwarded to
parents via their child; otherwise the school nurse will contact the parents of students with
medical concerns.
Dental Health Service
The Health Department of Victoria offers free dental treatment (within a seventeen-month cycle) to
all eligible primary school children.
Eligibility:
students in prep and grades one, two, three and four
students in grades Prep to Grade 6 whose parents hold a Health Benefit Card
students in grades Prep to Grade 6 during school holidays.
For further information, contact:
Cranbourne Integrated Care Centre
140-154 Sladen Street
CRANBOURNE 3977
Ph.: 1300 342 273
Option 3
Immunisation Certificates
When enrolling your child as a Prep, a completed copy of the Immunisation Status Certificate
should be presented with the Confidential Student Information Form at Reception. These
documents are referred to when an epidemic of one of the following break out - if your child has not
Parent Handbook Page 22Oatlands Primary School
been immunised against any of the diseases as listed below, they will be excluded from school for
the duration of the epidemic.
This Student Immunisation Form can be obtained from Medicare Online.
Exclusion from School Due to Infectious Diseases
There are certain infectious diseases which when contracted by students, will preclude them from
attending school until they have recovered.
The following information is provided by the DET regarding diseases and the exclusion period in
the event of a student contracting one of these conditions.
Disease or Patient shall be excluded
Exclusion of Contacts
Condition from school
Chickenpox Until fully recovered or at least one week Not excluded
after the eruption first appears
Conjunctivitis (acute Until discharge from eyes has ceased Not excluded
infectious)
Diphtheria Until receipt of a medical certificate of Domiciliary contacts excluded until investigated
recovery from infection by the medical officer of health, or a health
officer of the dept, and shown to be clear of
infection.
Giardiasis (diarrhoea) Until diarrhoea ceases Not excluded
Hepatitis Until receipt of a medical certificate of Not excluded
(infectious Hepatitis) recovery from infection or on subsidence of
symptoms
Hepatitis B Until recovered from acute attack Not excluded
Impetigo Until sores have fully healed. The child
(school sores) may be allowed to return provided that
appropriate treatment has commenced and
that sores on exposed surfaces such as Not excluded
scalp, face, hands and legs are properly
covered with occlusive dressings.
Leprosy Until receipt of a medical certificate of Not excluded
recovery from infection.
Measles Until at least 5 days from the appearance Non-immunised contacts must be excluded for
of rash or until receipt of a medical 13 days from the first day of appearance of rash
certificate of recovery from infection. unless immunised within 72 hrs of first contact.
Meningococcal Until receipt of a medical certificate of Domiciliary contacts must be excluded until they
infection recovery from infection have been receiving appropriate chemotherapy
for at least 48 hours
Mumps Until fully recovered Not excluded
Pediculosis Until appropriate treatment has Not excluded
(head lice) commenced
Pertussis (whooping Until 2 weeks after the onset of illness and Domiciliary contacts must be excluded from
cough) until receipt of a medical certificate of attending a children’s services centre for 21
recovery from infection days after the last exposure to infection if the
contacts have not previously had whooping
cough or immunisation against whooping cough
Poliomyelitis Until at least 14 days after onset of illness Not excluded
and until receipt of a medical certificate of
recovery from infection
Ringworm Until appropriate treatment has Not excluded
commenced
Rotavirus (diarrhoea) Until diarrhoea ceases Not excluded
Rubella Until fully recovered or at least 5 days after Not excluded
onset of rash
Scabies Until appropriate treatment has Not excluded
commenced
Shigella (diarrhoea) Until diarrhoea ceases Not excluded
Streptococcal Until receipt of a medical certificate of Not excluded
infection, including recovery from infection
scarlet fever
Trachoma Until appropriate treatment has Not excluded
Parent Handbook Page 23Oatlands Primary School
commenced
Tuberculosis Until receipt of a medical certificate from a Not excluded
health officer of the department that the
child is not considered to be infectious
Typhoid and Until receipt of a medical certificate of Not excluded unless the medical officer of
Paratyphoid recovery from infection health or a health officer of the department
considers exclusion to be necessary.
School Uniform
The wearing of our Oatlands School Uniform is compulsory.
It helps promote a pride in the school and promotes the school image within the Narre Warren
community and in places beyond.
A range of clothing is available through:
Beleza School Uniforms
Shop 7, 151-159 Princes Hwy
HALLAM. 03 9702 3181
To avoid losing any clothing PLEASE label all items.
Students are strongly discouraged from wearing clothing/footwear considered dangerous and/or
unsuitable for school:
thongs, sleeveless tops, high heels, open heeled/toed sandals
jewellery (studs and sleepers are permitted)
make up, nail polish.
The wearing of a sun screen during the summer months is strongly recommended. Rubber boots
may be worn to school during the winter but must be removed before entering carpeted areas.
All students are expected to remove their shoes when entering classrooms. It is optional whether
they remain in socks or wear slippers when inside.
Hats
It is school policy that all students wear a wide brimmed or Legionnaires hat from the start of
September to the end of April. The school policy is No hat no play.
Student Support Staff
At Oatlands Primary School we have a range of multidisciplinary support services
available to our students, including:
Psychology – We have onsite support through our school psychologist including
assessments and classroom support, counselling through OzChild, and weekly SSSO
psychology support.
Speech Pathology – We have onsite speech pathology support and weekly SSSO
speech pathology support.
Occupational Therapy – We have an OT visiting fortnightly through Kid Link
Occupational Therapy.
Social Work – We have access to a SSSO social worker who visits during the year to run
therapeutic groups.
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