School Hours Enrolment Background Our School Values School Mission and Goals Curriculum Home Learning Calwell Primary School Relational Policy Student Support Programs Oragnisation of Classes Reporting of Student Achievement Progression and Transition Programs Resource Centre Phyiscal Activity and Sport Camps, Excursions, Visits and School Band Student Representitive Council Parents and Citizen's Association School Board and Parent Involvement Parent Financial Contributions Parent Information Uniform Exclusion Guide for Sick Children

Parent Information

Please take particular note of the following areas of importance:

Attendance


Students are required by law to attend school unless parents provide a written reason (sickness etc) requesting that a child be excused for a specific time.  Please ensure that in all cases where your child is absent from school a written note explaining their absence is provided on their return to school.  Written permission from parents is also required for students to leave the school grounds on their own for any reason during the day, including for example, going home for lunch.

We also require parents to complete our sign in/out book when collecting or returning students for any reason during school hours.  This ensures we know the whereabouts of all students at all times.

Illness or accident


At Calwell Primary School the welfare of the students is of prime importance.  In the case of illness or accident, (and in a school with a large enrolment these are inevitable) it is vital that the school is able to contact by telephone the parents or guardian of every child.  Staff responsible for doing this find it is most frustrating to be unable to reach anyone when students need outside and/or parental help, so the co-operation of all parents is sought in this area.  Would parents also remember to keep the school up-to-date with current phone numbers and places of employment.

Immunisation


The ACT Department of Health advises that all children attending school in the ACT should be immunised against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b).  We would ask that you check your child's present immunisation status to see whether it is complete for his/her age. ACT Public Health regulations require schools to request proof of up to date immunisation when enrolling.   Failure to provide this may result in your child being excluded from school should an outbreak of an infectious disease occur.  A copy of exclusion periods for students with infectious diseases is included at the back of this handbook.  Parents are asked to adhere closely to these requirements unless medical advice to the contrary is provided in writing.

Sunsmart at Calwell


The school has a strict sunsmart policy in accordance with ACT Department of Education guidelines and ACT Cancer Council recommendations.

• All students are to wear broad brimmed hats as part of their daily school and home routine.
• Parents and staff are encouraged to model appropriate dress and behaviour regarding sun protection.

Staff will reinforce this policy using positive methods.  Students without hats will be directed under the verandahs of the courtyard during recess and lunchtimes.

Allergies and Anaphalaxis


We have a small number of students who suffer severe allergies to particular foods such as peanuts that may produce a life threatening anaphalatic reaction.  Whilst each of these students have their own individual treatment plan we also encourage the classes and units in which these students are located to be ‘nut free’.  We ask that students in these classes/units do not bring to school as snacks or in lunches any nut products that may pose a risk to students with these medical conditions. 

Collecting children by car


There is a serious danger to students, especially on wet days, if parents pick up and drop off students in the loop at the front of the school.  This loop is designated for disabled parking and buses.  Please park in the car park provided on the lower side on the main administration building when delivering or collecting students.  Streets backing on to the school grounds are also suitable and safe pick up and drop off places.  These include Dougharty Place, Martley Cescent or Bourchier Close.

Riding to school


Because of the dangerous traffic conditions encountered in the vicinity of the school, parents are urged to discourage their children from riding bikes to and from school.  Students who ride bicycles must wear approved safety helmets and secure bikes by means of an appropriate locking device.  The school cannot accept any responsibility for the security of bikes during the day.

Before and after school care


A Before and After School Care program operates each school day from 7.30am to 8.45am and from 3.00pm - 6.00pm.  Application forms are available at the Front Office.  Enquires should be directed to the Co-ordinator between 2pm - 6pm on telephone
(02) 6292 8206.  This service is managed by a committee of parents operating under the auspices of the Parents and Citizens Association.

Playground supervision

Students are supervised at both recess and lunchtimes during school hours.  Playground supervision is not provided before school in the mornings.  However, a teacher is based in the Resource Centre between 8.40 - 9.00am and is available to assist if required.  Students are asked to wait in the Courtyard or on the black top near the Hall before school.  They are not to play on the equipment or play ball games before school.  We ask parents not to send students to school before 8.50am.  Students are instructed to leave the school grounds as quickly as possible after school finishes for the day at 3.00pm.

Stationery and book requirements

Towards the end of each year students are given a list of basic stationery requirements and materials needed for the following year.  This list of stationery requirements may be ordered and purchased in a pack compiled by a reputable educational supplier or parents may purchase items themselves if they prefer.  The stationery list includes items such as pens, pencils, textas, rulers and a limited number of prescribed books, paper and folders. The list of requirements varies with the age of students and may include other items such as library bags, painting smocks and calculators.  It is expected that from time to time parents will need to replace consumable items, so please check at least each term to ensure your child has all the items they require.   Please ensure that all personal belongings are clearly labelled.

Leaving


Please inform the front office staff when students are moving interstate or transferring to another school in the ACT.  Teachers should also be informed with plenty of notice so that they can prepare a written report for the new school.

Canteen


The canteen is open every day of the week and caters for both recess snacks and lunches.  An up to date menu and price list is sent home to all families at the beginning of each term. Lunch orders should be clearly written on the front of a paper bag with the student’s name, class and teacher.  Please try to enclose the correct money.  Lunch orders should be handed in to the canteen before school or placed in boxes provided in each classroom. Recess snacks may be bought over the counter.

We are a health promoting school and sell healthy foods and snacks.  There is a strong liaison between the teachers, students, parents and canteen committee members to ensure that healthy eating is promoted.

The canteen operates as a sub committee of the Parents and Citizens Association with a paid manager and parent volunteers.  The small profit level generated by the canteen assists the school to provide additional equipment and resources for students.


Lost Property


There is a constant supply of ‘lost’ clothing.  These items are easily returned if they are clearly named.  We have a large basket near the front office where lost property is kept and most units also have a lost property box.  At the end of each term, any remaining unclaimed clothes are sorted, uniforms go to the clothing pool and other items are given to charity.


School Newsletter


A weekly newsletter ‘The Calwell Communique’ is sent home to each family on a Thursday.  It is recommended that parents who do not receive a newsletter for any reason contact the school for an additional copy so that important information is not missed.  An electronic version of the newsletter is also available and can be arranged by advising the front office staff of your e-mail address.


Student Banking


Student banking with the Commonwealth Bank is conducted every Friday.  Students are asked to go to the resource centre before school and put their bank book and money in the class folder provided.  Banking is done during the day with the assistance of parent volunteers and bank books are then returned to all students.  Please note that only deposit transactions are conducted at the school.


School Photographs


Each year a professional company takes both class and individual photographs.  Parents are notified of the date in the weekly newsletter and by the individual prepayment form so they can ensure their children wear school uniform and are neat and tidy on the day.


School Assemblies


Whole school assemblies are held regularly throughout the year on Fridays, commencing at 12.30pm.

The Student Council and Units take turns to organise Assemblies, presenting items from across the whole school.  A variety of items are presented, show casing student achievement.  Parents are always welcome and many regularly attend.