Goulburn East

Public School

2

Tennis Court

Toilets

Hall / Canteen

Play Area 3

Play Area 2

Kindergarten Classroom

Library

Classroom Classroom

Classroom

Classroom

Administration Building

Play Area 1 COLA

May Street Gate

Park

Rd E

ntra

nce

Eleanor Street (Main) Entrance

Play Equipment

Goulburn East Public School

Classroom

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Mrs Charmian Cribb Principal

Mrs Belinda Baxter Teacher

Mrs Helen Sharwood Assistant Principal

Mrs Annette Pattison Teacher

Mrs Jenny Anderson Librarian

Mrs Ayeiisha Jones Teacher

Mrs Gail Joyce Learning & Support Teacher

Mrs Kim Hall School Learning Support Officer

Mrs Sue Peden School Admin Manager

Ms Janna House School Admin Officer

Mrs Bron Robinson Assistant Principal

Mr Jackson Fleming School Learning Support Officer

Mr Patrick Manning Teacher

Ms Jordan Huntley Teacher

Mrs Jennifer Gliddon Teacher

Additional staff: Mr Neville Robertson - General Assistant Ms Tara Craft - Counsellor

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Professional and Caring Teachers Deliver Excellence in

Education

At Goulburn East Public School we take pride in delivering an excellent education in a

warm and nurturing environment.

Our teachers are highly trained, caring individuals who are committed to helping all our

students reach their full potential across all the key learning areas (KLAs) as well as the

broad range of extra-curricular activities our school offers.

We are an innovative school community supportive of the idea of life-long learning. We

continuously evaluate our approaches to learning to ensure that our school is providing a

quality education for our students.

A Secure and Friendly Environment

Our strong relationship with all members of the school community contributes to the

creation of a happy, safe, secure and welcoming school environment.

We believe the welfare of students and their families is paramount. We are committed to

building high self esteem in students to ensure both responsible behaviour and a strong

sense of civic pride is promoted.

Strong Foundations in Literacy and Numeracy

Goulburn East Public School has always had a strong commitment to Literacy and

Numeracy. Our experienced staff is always up-to-date on current teaching practices. We

also strongly value and promote the role of parents in developing and improving children’s

literacy and numeracy skills.

Literacy and numeracy skills for students are developed across all Key Learning Areas

(KLAs) and student progress is carefully monitored through regular assessments.

In both literacy and numeracy, quality support programs and specialist teaching staff are

available to assist students experiencing difficulties.

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Technology that Prepares Every Student for the Future

Technology is a vital component of our curriculum from Kindergarten

to Year 6. We have a computer lab with internet access. All classrooms

have a complement of computers with a mini lab in 4 of our classrooms

and access to the computer lab for our other 2 classrooms. Our school

has 4 Interactive White Boards (IWB). Video Conferencing facilities

are used to enhance learning within our school.

Active and Healthy Students

The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education curriculum provides structured

opportunities for students to enjoy regular physical exercise. Our school promotes an active

lifestyle through fun activities, play on our excellent play equipment and participation in

competitive and non-competitive sports at PSSA and district events.

Goulburn East Public School participates in local and regional inter-school sports

competitions, the Premier’s Sporting Challenge and has an intensive Learn to Swim

program each year. Specialist sporting programs such are offered throughout the school

year for students to participate in. Our school has many visiting sports clinics that have

included AFL, cricket, football (soccer) and touch football.

All students participate in our annual athletics and swimming carnivals. Students 8 years

and over participate in the cross country carnival each year. Those students aged 8 years

and up who are successful then go on to represent the school at the Goulburn District

PSSA carnivals.

Healthy eating is promoted at Goulburn East and we encourage all of our students to pack

a healthy lunch for school. Fruit and water are great additions to your child’s lunchbox!

Effective Welfare and Discipline Programs

Our school community strongly supports our welfare and discipline program.

We believe that in order to learn successfully, students have a number of rights and

responsibilities that must be respected.

Our students have the right to:

• be and feel safe

• learn without interruption

• be treated with respect and fairness

• communicate and be listened to

• use and share the equipment available at our school

learn and play in a clean, safe and healthy environment

Our students have the responsibility to:

• help themselves and others to be safe and feel safe

• learn, and allow others to learn without interruption

• treat others with respect and fairness

• listen to others and respect their opinions

• use, look after, and share school materials appropriately

respect and care for the school and its environment

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To instil these values in our students we have:

• a positive learning environment

• appropriate teaching methods

• caring and consistent staff

• effective use of positive reinforcement

• liaison with parents

clearly defined rules and consequences

GOULBURN EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL

WELFARE POLICY

RATIONALE: The NSW Department of Education and Goulburn East Public School (PS) are committed to providing a school environment that is based on our core values of integrity, excellence, respect, responsibility, cooperation, participation, care, fairness and democracy.

The critical role of parents and care-givers is recognised as the primary influence on each child’s character and behaviour and as essential partners in supporting the core rules and the successful education of their children. Goulburn East PS believes that each child and staff member has the right to a school environment that is safe, productive and collaborative. As a team, together with our parents, we promote positive relationships and responsibility at the school.

Our motto ‘Success Through Participation’ encompasses all aspects of school life and protects the rights, safety and health of all school community members. These rules are continually referred to and reinforced to the students to establish and maintain an acceptable code of conduct.

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NSWDEC CORE RULES

We accept and promote the core rules as outlined in Departmental policy. All students in NSW government schools are expected to: Attend every school day, unless they are legally excused, and be in class on time

and prepared to learn.

Maintain a neat appearance, including adhering to the requirements of the school’s uniform or dress code policy.

Behave safely, considerately and responsibly, including when travelling to and

from school. Show respect at all times for teachers, other school staff and helpers, including

following class rules, speaking courteously and cooperating with instructions and learning activities.

Treat one another with dignity and respect. Care for property belonging to themselves, the school and others. Behaviour that infringes on the safety of others, such as harassment, bullying and

illegal or anti-social behaviour of any kind, will not be tolerated. At Goulburn East PS we communicate these core rules explicitly.

Goulburn East PS Whole School Values

Be Tolerant Be Proud Be Safe Be Considerate

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School Rule What does this mean for

students? How will the school promote this

whole school rule?

BE TOLERANT

Accept differences and

similarities of others Solve problems without

fighting, violence or bullying

Life Education and

Multicultural-Education Anti-racism expected Anti-discrimination expected Social skills program

development. Aboriginal Education Peer support/ Peer buddy

program Encourage restitution All assemblies reinforce

happy and safe ideals

BE PROUD

Wear full school uniform

appropriately Keep the school clean Show pride in personal

appearance Always give personal best

efforts Respect school property Respect the property of

others Be proud of our personal

achievements and the achievements of others

Expect and encourage all

children to wear school uniform with pride according to the School Uniform Code and Sun Protection Policy

Encourage the clear labeling

of all property Expect all children to

dispose of rubbish appropriately and assist in keeping the school clean

Promote recycling Reward students for best

efforts Constantly promote the

positive aspects of the school in the community

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BE SAFE

Keep within recognised

safety boundaries Wear a hat in the

playground Travel safely when on

buses Walk when on paths and

walkways Play safely Follow class safety

procedures The school will be free of

alcohol, cigarettes, illegal substances and weapons

Identify and teach boundaries and use of different play areas

Expect the school’s blue

hats to be worn at all times when outside

Display safety messages

throughout school Expect a high standard of

safe behaviour on buses Train children in road

safety issues Always expect children to

walk on concrete areas Promote peaceful

co-existence in play areas

Teach children games

suitable for small areas Develop and teach class

rules and display them Demonstrate how to play

safely with all equipment

BE CONSIDERATE

Children will solve their

problems without teasing, bullying or violence

Children will be truthful,

cooperative and trustworthy.

Children will show respect

to each other Children will use appropri-

ate verbal and non-verbal language.

The rights of all people will

be respected Children will learn that

with rights go responsibili-ties

Children will stay on task

and complete set work

Provision of both passive

and active areas of the playground

Children will be made

aware of positive conflict resolution skills

Only appropriate equip-

ment necessary for child use will be allowed at school

In all situations children

will be taught to under-stand that rights involve reciprocal responsibilities

Children will respect the

learning time of other students.

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Goulburn East PS Whole School Values System

At Goulburn East we expect the highest standards of behaviour from our students,

and our classrooms encourage the development of caring, responsible and engaged

learners. The School Values System rewards the positive aspects of students’

performance, application and behaviour.

Every child receives a ‘Being a Good School Citizen’ poster at the start of each year.

Children strive to receive stickers to put on their poster for each category:

Be Safe

Be Proud

Be Considerate

Be Tolerant Once a student receives 10 stickers for a value, they receive a certificate at the next

assembly. They will also be recognised in the school newsletter the following week for

their achievement.

At each assembly, class teachers will award 4 Merit Certificates to students in their

class. Each student who receives a class certificate will also receive a sticker on their

poster for the appropriate value.

House Points

We have two House Groups – Hume (blue) and Hovell (red).

Students receive house points in their classroom and in the playground for

demonstrating our School Values.

A student receives 5 house points for every sticker on their ‘Being a Good School

Citizen’ chart and when they receive a Merit Certificate.

These scores are totalled by our school leaders and the House Cup is presented to the

wining house at our fortnightly assembly.

Inappropriate Behaviour Classroom teachers respond to low level inappropriate behaviours by giving clear

directions and reinforcing positive behaviours.

When a teacher is discussing inappropriate behaviour with a student, the teacher will

refer to the School Values and classroom rules and expectations. Children are

encouraged to identify strategies for improving their behaviour and are expected to

accept responsibility for their actions and behaviour.

If a child does not follow a specific direction and the inappropriate behaviour continues,

the child will be sent to another class for ‘time out’ or to the principal. This may lead to a

detention at the Principal’s discretion and the parents will be contacted.

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L In the playground;

All teachers on playground duties may refer any child to the Principal for breaking school

values. Students are to be directed immediately to the Principal/delegate for serious inci-

dents on the playground.

Responsible Citizens and Leaders

Students are able to experience democratic processes and to develop effective

problem-solving strategies through participation in peer support programs and student

conferencing.

Students and teachers work together. Students are encouraged to have discussions and

to make their own decisions as individuals as well as members of a group and/or team.

2016 School Leaders

Uniform

There is strong support from both parents and staff at Goulburn East Public School for

the wearing of a school uniform. We believe it helps to promote school pride and

encourages the students to feel part of a cohesive and supportive community.

The design of the uniform was the result of consultation between the school and

parents. It is inexpensive and easy to care for. Uniforms are available from Lowes

Goulburn store. Goulburn East Public School is a Sun Safe School and promotes the

wearing of the school hat. During terms 1 and 4 the ‘No Hat: Play In the Shade’ policy is

enforced. Children who attend school out of uniform will be supplied with the correct

uniform to wear for the day.

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Summer Uniform

Boys Uniform

School polo top (royal blue with red trim)

Grey shorts

Grey socks

Black shoes

Girls Uniform

School polo top (royal blue with red trim)

Navy Skirt or Navy Skort

White socks or navy stockings

Black shoes

Boys and Girls Sports Uniform

Royal blue shorts

Red polo shirt with blue trim and school emblem

(reverse colour of the daily summer polo shirt)

Winter Uniform

Boys Uniform

School polo top (royal blue with red trim)

Grey trousers

Royal blue polar fleece jumper with school emblem

Royal blue school jacket

Black shoes

Girls Uniform

School polo top (royal blue with red trim)

Navy slacks or navy skirt with navy tights

Royal blue polar fleece jumper with school emblem

Royal blue school jacket

Black shoes

Sport

Royal blue polar fleece jumper with school emblem

Royal blue track pants

Red polo shirt with blue trim and school emblem

(reverse colour of the daily summer polo shirt)

A GEPS hat must be worn during Terms 1 & 4.

GEPS Beanies may be worn during Terms 2 & 3.

Please put your child’s name on all clothing items

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L A Dynamic School Community

Our parent body meets in weeks 2 and 7 of each term on Tuesday evenings at

7.00pm. There is a high level of involvement and support from our parental body.

We actively encourage parents to support our teaching and learning programs.

Parents will receive information from their child’s teacher at the beginning of each

term regarding homework, class expectations etc. Currently at GEPS we have 6

classes. Please be assured that if your child is in a multi-grade class, they will still be

working at their appropriate stage level as determined by the NSW Department of

Education and Communities.

Accidents at School

At school every care is taken to avoid accidents. This is achieved by both the

enforcement of school rules and the provision of safe, supervised play areas. In the

event of accidents involving children at school, first aid will be administered by the

relevant first aid officer as per DEC guidelines. If a child is admitted to ‘Sick Bay’,

their condition will be monitored by staff until the child feels better or the parent has

arrived to take the child home. In the case of serious injuries, parents are

immediately notified by telephone and medical advice or parental direction sought.

An ambulance may be called in some situations.

Staff at Goulburn East PS have Senior First Aid, CPR and anaphylaxis qualifications.

Administration

The front office is open from 9.00am through to 3.30pm. Please ensure that the

Administration office is contacted in writing of any changes to contact

numbers or addresses so that entries on our database can be altered accord-

ingly. This information is kept confidential.

Afternoon Pick up

If home time arrangements change during the day, please telephone the school

office to let us know.

Ambulance

In the case of emergency, an ambulance is organised and the school will contact the

parent(s) as soon as possible. The student would be taken to Goulburn Base

Hospital. There is no cost to parents, as the school pays an annual membership cost.

Assembly

Parents are encouraged to attend the school’s fortnightly assemblies. This is a very

good way to keep in touch with the many activities your children are involved in

throughout the school year. At most assemblies, one of our classes will perform an

item. Your child’s teacher will let you know if your child is involved. Our students love

to have an audience!

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L Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the year and does not depend entirely on formal

assessment. Across grade tasks are set, checklists and work samples are kept and

observation records are maintained. It is through a variety of CTJ (Consistent

Teacher Judgement) assessment procedures that an accurate profile can be kept of

each child. Written reports will be sent home in Terms 2 & 4 and followed up with

parent/teacher interviews. The class teacher and/or the Principal will be happy to talk

with you at any mutually convenient time throughout the year. Please phone the

school for an appointment.

Attendance at School

Under the Education and Public Instruction Act 1987, parents have a legal

responsibility to ensure the regular school attendance of their children aged between

5 and 17 years.

Is regular attendance important? – Yes

From the first day. If students miss the basics in the early years of school, they often

experience difficulties later. It has been shown that irregular attendance in the infants

and primary years often lead to the development of poor attendance and attitude to

learning at High School.

Must children be sent to school every day? – Yes, unless:

the child is too sick to leave the house

the child has an infectious disease like chicken pox, mumps or measles

the child is incapacitated by injury preventing movement around the school

the child has to honour a religious commitment or

the child is accompanying his or her parents on a family holiday which cannot be arranged in school vacation. (This should be communicated to the Principal prior to absence)

Wherever possible, dental, medical and other appointments should be made out of school hours.

Must the school be notified if a child has been away? – Yes

Parents/guardians are required to ALWAYS send a note to explain the reason for any absence

When a child is to be absent for more than two days, parents/guardians are requested to inform the school verbally as well as by note

Should the school be notified if a child refuses to go to school? – Yes

Parents/guardians should contact the Principal and seek assistance as a matter of urgency

What kind of assistance is available?

The Home School Liaison Program is a supportive resource to students, parents/

guardians and schools. It aims to ensure the full participation of all students.

What is the role of a Home School Liaison Officer?

The Home School Liaison Officer:

is a contact between the home and the school when there are attendance problems

finds out why the child is not attending school and arranges appropriate help

encourages regular attendance of students

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Bell Times

9.00am Playground supervision commences

9.25am Assembly/Morning session commences

11.25am Lunch

12.15pm Mid session commences

1.45pm Recess

2.10pm Afternoon session commences

3.25pm Dismissal

Parents are requested to ensure that children are at school no later than 9.25am.

Late arrival is disruptive for others and should be avoided. Parents/guardians must

report late arrivals to the office and complete a late arrivals note. This must be handed

to the child’s teacher.

Afternoon Dismissal:

All children, including Kindergarten are dismissed at 3.25pm. Bus travellers line up in bus

lines and are supervised onto appropriate buses. Walkers are escorted to the Eleanor

Street gate and Park Road exit to meet parents or be supervised across the road by the

crossing supervisor.

Parents are requested to use the crossing at all times.

Birthdays

If you wish to send cakes to celebrate your child’s birthday, please send items such as

cup cakes, crackles or lamingtons rather than large cakes that require cutting as these

small items are easier and more hygienic for handling. Please do not send candles,

matches or knives for birthday cakes. Please keep in mind when preparing or purchasing

cakes that GEPS is a NUT AWARE school.

Breakfast Club

The school has a breakfast club Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from

8.15am to 8.50am. All children are welcome to attend on a regular or casual basis.

Breakfast Club offers a healthy start to the day for our students. A gold coin donation is

appreciated.

Book Club

Approximately 4 issues per year are sent home with students. Payments of cash or

cheques (made out to Scholastic) are accepted at the school. Credit card payments can

be made over the phone to Scholastic or on their website. If paying by credit card, the

receipt number should be recorded on the order slip that is returned to the school.

Canteen

The P&C operate a canteen at our school on Friday each week of the school term.

Students are asked to write their order on a brown paper bag and place it in the crate by

9:25am. The crate is situated on the verandah near the 4/5 classroom. Regular notes will

be sent home regarding the menu items and meal deals. Parents are more than welcome

to help in the canteen. Please let the office know if you are interested.

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L Change of Contact Details

It is most important to notify the school of any changes, so that our records can be kept

up to date. Information relating to telephone and personal contacts in case of emergency

is obtained when students enrol. THE OFFICE SHOULD BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY

OF ANY CHANGE IN TELEPHONE NUMBERS OR CONTACTS.

If events change at home that may impact on your child’s learning or behaviour at school

such as death of pet or family member etc. PLEASE contact the school office or

classroom teacher. All matters are treated with the strictest confidence.

Communication

Open lines of communication between home and school is crucial. The school expects

that, should a parent have a concern or is seeking clarification on a particular issue, it will

be discussed with the member of staff concerned, the Assistant Principal or Principal.

If at anytime you would like to speak with the Principal, please phone the office to

arrange a mutually convenient time.

The school operates on information that is shared directly with all involved parties. Our

central focus is the child and his/her learning, self esteem and confidence. If we all work

in a partnership to this end, maximum potential is more likely to be reached.

Computers

Computers are an indispensable element of modern society. Students are introduced to

them from Kindergarten onwards. Students are encouraged to view computers as a tool

or a resource to be used across all subjects and not to be viewed as a subject in

themselves. Our students are encouraged to use the Interactive Whiteboards in our

school on a regular basis.

In support of this view, computers are widely distributed throughout the school and

software resources are spread across all Key Learning Areas.

Curriculum

The curriculum is defined in terms of Key Learning Areas (KLA) and other areas of

learning: The KLAs are:

Creative and Practical Arts—(CAPA, Music, craft, drama etc)

English

Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)

Mathematics

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PD/H/PE)

Science and Technology (Sc &T)

Other programs offered:

Special Religious Education (Scripture)

Sport

Interest group – choir, dance

Support Programs offered

Support Teacher Learning Assistance

Learning Support Team

School Counsellor

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L Custody of Children

The Principal should be informed of the conditions of custody when parents are

separated. If this involves a court order, a copy must be sighted and kept at the school.

If these orders are changed through the courts, an update must also be sighted and a

copy kept at the school. The school must follow Departmental Policy and guidelines and

cannot act only on parental verbal advice regarding custody orders.

Emergency Contact Information

An emergency contact file is kept at the school office. On enrolling a student, parents will

be requested to complete emergency information. Please ensure that all details are filled

in correctly and returned promptly to the school office. The school should be advised

immediately should any details change. Only contacts who live close or reasonably

close to the school should be included. Please do not include yourself as the emergency

contact. Emergency contacts are only contacted should we be unable to get hold of you,

the parent.

Enrolment

Children can be enrolled at the school from Kindergarten to Year 6. Enrolments are

taken at the main office in the school administration block. Proof of address must be

supplied. A Birth Certificate and a recent immunisation certificate are required for all

enrolling students.

Parents of children from overseas enrolling in a state school for the first time must

present the appropriate documents, which include a current passport with visa and entry

permit.

Evacuation Procedures/Lockdown

The school organises regular evacuation and lockdown drills so that students are aware

of these procedures.

Excellent Facilities

Our school is well equipped with modern facilities. We boast a well resourced library,

computer lab, large playing fields, tennis court, covered outdoor learning area (COLA),

playground equipment and a large hall suitable for performances and other school func-

tions.

Excursions

Educational excursions are encouraged and supported at the school. Parents receive

detailed information and a permission note for each excursion. Children’s experiences

beyond the classroom contribute to their growth and development. For some children

such experiences, organised and implemented by the school, are the most significant

opportunities they have for integrated learning of living skills.

All excursions must have the approval of the Principal, who will have sighted a risk

assessment and considered the educational value of the proposed excursion in relation

to the child’s needs and the total learning program.

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L Permission by the Parent/Guardian for a child to participate in a specific excursion is

required in writing.

A student’s attendance on an excursion will be at the discretion of the Principal and staff

and based upon behaviour and attitude.

In the case of an excursion involving payment of money for fares or entry, all money is to

be paid prior to the excursions due date.

Where financial hardship would prevent a student participating in an excursion the

parent/guardian may approach the Principal in confidence and the school may provide

financial assistance to enable the student to attend. (See Student Assistance Scheme).

First Aid

Children who are obviously ill in the morning should be kept at home. We

understand that at times it is hard to tell and that a child can fall ill suddenly throughout

the day. If this happens, you will be contacted to collect your child from school.

Where necessary basic first aid will be given by the school’s first aid officer if a child is

injured at school. When immediate medical attention is required, an ambulance will be

called and the parents or emergency contact will be notified.

Homework

Children need to read everyday to encourage fluency development. Daily practice in

tables and basic number facts will help develop sound knowledge and skills to support

learning. Homework for each class is set by the classroom teacher.

Interviews with Principal or Teachers

Parents are encouraged and are welcome to visit the school and discuss any relevant

matters with their child’s class teacher or the Principal.

Parents should ring the school on 4821 4007 and make an appointment or write (or

email) requesting an appropriate time to meet with the relevant staff member. The staff

are aware that parents are busy and will make every attempt to accommodate parents’

requests in this regard.

Parents are asked in the first instance to meet with the child’s class teacher if they have

any concerns regarding their child’s schooling. If the parent wishes to seek further

advice, or the matter cannot be resolved, an appointment can be made with the Assistant

Principal or Principal.

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L Jewellery, Makeup, Electronics etc.

Children should not wear jewellery to school (except small sleepers or stud earrings).

Fake nails and other adornments are not permitted in order to prevent injury. No makeup,

nail polish or tattoos are to be worn at school. Ipods, hand held electronic games and

mobile phones should not be brought to school. Toys should only be brought to school if

they are part of a class news item.

Responsibility for any jewellery, watches, ipods, mobile phones, toys etc cannot be

accepted by staff.

Learning Support Team

The Learning Support Team, comprising of the Counsellor, the Principal, the Assistant

Principal and the School Learning Support Teacher meet on a regular basis in order to

discuss planning and programs for specific groups of students. This is done in

collaboration with classroom teachers.

Library

It is the aim of the school to encourage maximum use of the library both for enjoyment

and as a resource centre for learning. All classes have regular timetabled lessons

learning research skills and literature appreciation. Students are informed at the begin-

ning of the school year which day their class will have library.

The library houses an ever growing collection of books, magazines and audio-visual

material covering a wide range of topics both fiction and non-fiction.

Bulk loans are issued to classes as the need arises and individual borrowing is

encouraged each week.

Students, K-6, are encouraged to participate in the Premiers Reading Challenge

Students are taught responsibility for borrowing

A library bag is required to borrow books

Each year, the school holds a Book Fair, which provides an opportunity for the

community to purchase books, either for themselves or to donate to our library.

Lost Property

All enquiries should be made through your child’s teacher. Lost property is NOT kept at

the school office.

PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING, LUNCH BOXES etc ARE

CLEARLY LABELLED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME SO THE ITEM CAN BE

RETURNED TO YOUR CHILD’S CLASS IF FOUND.

Medication

If your child has an illness that requires the administration of medication at school, a

medical permission form will need to be completed before the medication can be given

to the child. This includes medication such as antibiotics, drops etc. Only prescription

medication can be administered. All medication must be provided in the original

packaging that has on it the administration directions and the doctor’s name. If this is not

possible, then a letter from the doctor stating the administration details is needed.

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L Panadol, Nurofen and other pain relieving medications will not be given to any student.

Medication must be brought to the school office by the parent. No Panadol etc. is kept in

the school office for student use. A register is kept detailing when the medication has

been taken, the dosage given and by whom the medication was administered.

Mobile Telephones

If for some reason parents wish their child to bring a mobile phone to school they must

write a letter stating the reasons to the Principal. Any mobile phone that is brought to

school must be turned off and handed in to the office before school and collected at the

end of the day. Whilst every effort is made to ensure they are secure, no responsibility

can be accepted for loss or damage.

Office Hours

School office hours are 9am — 3:30pm.

Outside of School Hours Care

Cool Kids, Romp and Stomp and Kids Choice operate before and after school care

programs in Goulburn. All of these services provide a pick up and drop off bus that

attends Goulburn East each morning and afternoon. Please contact these providers if

you require before or after school care for your child.

Parent Involvement

Parents and Carers are encouraged to join the P & C to become involved in school

programs and special projects.

If you can help in any way, your time and effort would be most appreciated. Please

contact the Principal or class teacher.

All volunteers in the school, including parents helping with educational programs are

required to sign in at the front office when they arrive at the school. It is the volunteer

worker’s or visitor’s responsibility to ensure that they sign this book, in case of an

emergency evacuation or lockdown.

REMEMBER: All volunteers must undergo a Working With Children Check for volunteers

before being eligible to assist at the school. This is a legal requirement of the NSWDEC.

Parents and Citizen’s Association

The Parents and Citizens’ Association meet in the school library in Week 2 and 7 of each

term on a Tuesday evening at 7:00pm. Dates are confirmed in the weekly school

newsletters.

The role of the P&C Association is to be the parent representative body within the School

community. Through its executive and associated committees it provides financial,

technical, managerial and other forms of support.

Regular P&C meetings provide one of the main forums for communication between all

parents and the school.

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All notes and money are to be left at the office. It is appreciated if the notes and correct

money is placed in an envelope or zip lock bag with the child’s name, amount enclosed

and the event on the outside.

Please keep money for P&C organised events and GEPS events separate when sending

them in to the office.

Performances

Performances are organised from time to time to support programs or to provide

experiences which will enhance children’s learning.

PLEASE NOTE: There is usually a cost involved with these school activities and some-

times families find it difficult to meet these commitments. If you find that you are having

trouble at any time PLEASE contact the office to discuss your payment options so your

child need not miss out on any activities. All matters are kept strictly confidential. (see

Student Assistance Scheme).

Playgroup

Paint and Play is run each Monday morning of school terms in our school hall from

9:30am to 11am. The playgroup is co-ordinated through the Goulburn Schools as

Community Centres program. Anyone with preschool aged children is welcome. Morning

tea is supplied and it is free to attend!

Presentation Evening

Presentation Evening is held towards the end of Term 4. It is an evening to recognise

and celebrate the students achievements over the year. The students usually perform an

item and the Year 6 students are farewelled at this formal occasion.

Publishing Student Photos/Written Work

At the beginning of the new year or when a student enrols a form needs to be completed

by new families. This form seeks parents/carers permission for their child/children to be

photographed/ videoed and for these items to be published in the school newsletter,

website, intranet, local paper or other publications relating to the school.

Refunds

Refunds will only be given when notification is given to the Principal or Office staff seven

(7) days prior to an event and only if the amount is $10.00 or more. In the event of the

child suffering from an illness, notification must be made as soon as possible prior to the

day of the event. Refunds will only be given in this case for amounts that are not

identified for a payment.

Reporting to Parents

Newsletters

The school issues a weekly newsletter on Wednesdays which contains school and P&C

news, and dates of coming events. The newsletter is sent home to parents with their

eldest child, and can also be viewed online at our school website:

www.goulburne-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

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important notices which are sent home. The newsletter is an essential communication

link between the school, parents and the local community.

Interviews The school encourages contact with parents. Please make arrangements through the

office for an interview appointment with the class teacher. Parents will be invited to a

formal interview with teachers at the end of Term 2. Parents and teachers can also

request interviews outside of this time.

Respect and Responsibility

Goulburn East students are involved in local community and school activities that

promote respect and responsibility. They participate in ANZAC and Remembrance Day

Services, Reconciliation Week, and take part in Clean-Up Australia Day. Each year our

infants students visit local nursing homes and sing to the residents. Our senior students

grow in leadership through peer support programs. Everyday values of Goulburn East

Public School and the core rules of the Department of Education and Communities are

promoted through a focus on respect, good sportsmanship and reliability.

Voluntary School Contribution (Formerly known as School Fees)

Goulburn East Public School asks each family to pay $48 per family to assist with the

schools costs, as well as other educational resources. We do not ask for any other

school fee or contribution.

School Counsellor

The school has the services of a school counsellor. The school counsellor’s role is to

assist teachers with classroom learning and behaviour management, to test and assess

students, to assist parents with advice about their children’s education, development and

adjustment. Please contact the office to make an appointment.

School Hours

Supervision is provided for students from 9.00am until 3.25pm each day. Morning

lessons commence following assembly. It is important that children should not arrive at

school before 9.00am (unless attending Breakfast Club) and no later than 9.25am.

School Photographs

Class, individual and sibling photos are taken each year at school. Parents are notified of

the date and cost in advance. Students are to wear full school uniform.

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Our Sport Program is developmental and sequential. It consists of:

Fitness

Fundamental movement skills

Lead-up games

Modified sports

Traditional sports

Representative sports - School - District – Region – State

Sports uniforms should be worn each Friday.

Sporting houses are Hume (blue) and Hovell (red). If you are unsure of which house your

child is in, please ask at the office.

Scripture

Religious instruction is provided by volunteer lay people. Parents are to advise the school

as to which scripture class they would like their child to attend. Scripture is not

compulsory and students have the option of attending scripture or staying in class with

their teacher. All religious denominations are taught by the same scripture teacher.

Scripture lessons take place each Thursday between 12.15pm and 12.45pm.

Starting School Successfully

Our orientation program operates during Term 4 and provides many opportunities for

children starting Kindergarten to settle into school routine, mix with groups of other

children and engage in both structured and unstructured play activities.

Goulburn East Public School conducts the Best Start Assessment Program for all

Kindergarten students at the beginning of the school year.

The Best Start Assessment Program provides:

Information that supports the teacher in meeting students individual learning

needs

Parents and caregivers with feedback on what their child can do

Information on how the teacher can best support the student’s learning

Assistance in the monitoring of student learning throughout Kindergarten

Student Transport Scheme

BUS TRAVEL

Buses run to and from GEPS in the morning and afternoons. Please call PBC on

48212320 if you would like more information on which buses are available. Bus pass

application forms are available from the school office.

PRIVATE VEHICLE CONVEYANCE

Private Vehicle Conveyance (PVC) subsidy is available for eligible families who are

residents of NSW, where there is no public transport for all or part of the journey. Please

contact the office for application forms and further information.

Student Banking—Commonwealth Bank

The school has student banking packages available at the office for all students wishing

to participate. Student banking deposit books should be handed in at the office on

Thursday mornings when students arrive at school.

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Students are not encouraged to be in the school grounds before 9.00am (unless they are

attending breakfast club), as no direct supervision is provided by staff prior to this time.

If you consider that you have a valid reason for your child arriving earlier that 9.00am

please inform the Principal in writing. It is stressed that the Principal authorises entry to

the school, not the parent. This authorisation is necessary for the protection of pupils and

staff against accident, injury, and damage to property.

Students on the school premises before 9.00am must sit quietly on the silver seats

outside the 3/4 and 4/5 classrooms.

Unless special school activities have been arranged, students should not be on school

premises outside of school hours.

Students Leaving Early

If parents wish to collect children during school hours, they must call at the office; sign an

early leaver’s slip and present this to the class teacher.

Any person other than a child’s parent, who wishes to collect a child, must have

signed written permission from the parent. Identification must also be sighted.

No child is permitted to leave the school ground on his/her own before 3.25pm.

Student Assistance Scheme

A small amount of money is provided by the Department of Education and Communities

to assist families. As the name suggests money is available to assist parents in meeting

some of the expenses of educating a child.

The money can be used to assist parents to purchase school uniforms, school materials

and textbooks or meet the cost of school excursions. Applications must be received in

writing by the school Principal for approval.

If at anytime you are unsure of procedures or have any questions, please contact the office.

We are happy to help!

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For further information, or to enrol your child, please contact: Goulburn East Public School Eleanor Street Goulburn NSW 2580 Telephone: 02 4821 4007 Fax: 02 4822 1381 Email: goulburne-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: www.goulburne-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

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Success Through Participation