P A R E N T & C A R E R I N F O R M A T I O N H A N D B O O K

2017

Parent & Student Information Handbook Updated January 2017 Information contained herein is subject to change Feedback about the contents of the Parent & Student Information Handbook is very much welcomed. Please email dandenong.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au with suggestions or speak with school staff to provide us with ideas for how to make our Parent & Carer Information Handbook as helpful as possible for our school community.

W E L C O M E Australians now identify with around 300 ancestries and speak almost as many languages. The second most culturally diverse locality in the country of Australia and the number one most culturally diverse locality in the state of Victoria is that of Greater Dandenong. It is home to residents from over 150 different birthplaces, including those from Afghanistan, Iran, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, China, Vietnam and Sudan. Around one-third of all asylum-seekers in Victoria are living in Greater Dandenong. Dandenong Primary School has a rich and proud history of high quality learning and teaching that extends from before 1881 through to today. This year we are home to almost 400 children from Prep to Year 6. The school is made up of four Prep classes, two Year 1 classes, three Year 2, five composite Year 3/4 classes and 4 composite Year 5/6 classes. We offer specialist classes in physical education and sport, information and communication technologies (ICT), visual art, library and French. We have a specialised English as an Additional Language (EAL) class and we offer additional language and literacy support across all year levels. In addition to our learning and teaching staff we have a team of highly dedicated wellbeing staff available to support the health and wellbeing of our children and families. Our highly dedicated school staff are almost as diverse as our student population. Our staff speak a range of languages including Dari, Hindi, Spanish, French, Serbian, Albanian and English. We have our very own 'Community Hub' which brings local information and services around education, health, community and settlement into a familiar and friendly place. It aims to help families create friendships and support networks, and develop a sense of belonging. Our Community Hub is open to all families, mothers, fathers and carers from the Dandenong Primary School community. We make use of online and social media to provide a window into the life and learning at Dandenong Primary School. We invite you to share and celebrate the learning with us on Facebook and Instagram. We welcome you to our school community and we look forward to learning and teaching together with you to bring about the best possible student learning, engagement and wellbeing outcomes for the children of Dandenong Primary School. If you are unsure about any of the information provided in this handbook or if we can help you or your family in some way, please do not hesitate to drop in at school or contact me on 9792 2743. Sincerely,

Daniel Riley Principal

Y O U R C H I L D ’ S F I R S T & M O S T I M P O R T A N T T E A C H E R

The research shows that families have the most significant influence on their children’s learning, development, health, safety and wellbeing. Therefore you play a key role in helping your child succeed at school. In fact, you as a parent are your child’s first and most important teacher. Working together, families and schools can provide the greatest opportunity for children to have the best possible start in life. Literacy and maths skills are crucial building blocks in our children’s lives. At the beginning of this year at Dandenong Primary School you will be provided with a copy of Ontario’s Reading and Writing with Your Child and Doing Mathematics with Your Child. The two parent guides are excellent resources for supporting children’s development in literacy and maths from pre-school through to Year 6. These two resources are available in 14 different languages and we are more than happy to make sure you have a copy of each in your preferred language.

طفلتك،/طفلك مع للحساب الدراسية الواجبات عمل للوالدين دليل – السادس الصف إلى الحضانة من

与孩子一起做数学，

从幼儿园到6年级 – 家长指南

與孩子一起做數學，

從幼稚園到六年級 – 家長指南

والدين راهنمای – 6 کالس تا کودکستان خود، فرزند با رياضی درس انجام

अपन ेबच्च ेके साथ गणित करना, ककिं डरगार्टन से कक्षा 6 तक - माता-पपता के लिए एक गाइड

유치원~6학년 자녀와 산수 공부 – 학부모 안내서

Praticar atividades de matemática com o seu filho, desde a pré-primária ao 6º ano – Guia dos pais

ਆਪਣੇ ਕ ਿੰਡਰਗਾਰਟਨ ਤੋਂ ਗਰੇਡ 6 ਤੱ ਦੇ ਬੱਚੇ ਨਾਲ ਕਿਸਾਬ ਦੀ ਪੜ੍ਹਾਈ ਰਨਾ – ਮਾਕਪਆਂ ਲਈ ਇ ਗਾਈਡ

Guía para padres: Cómo practicar Matemáticas con su hijo, desde el jardín de infantes hasta sexto grado Paggawa ng Matematika Kasama ang Iyong Anak, Kindergarten Hanggang Grado 6 – Patnubay sa Magulang

گريڈ تا کنڈرگارٹن کرنا، ميتھيميٹکس ساتھ کے بچے اپنے

رہنماء ايک ليے کے والدين – 6

Làm Toán với Con của Quý Vị, Mẫu giáo đến Lớp 6 - Tài liệu Hướng dẫn Phụ huynh

I M P O R T A N T D A T E S

S C H O O L S T A F F

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM Daniel Riley – Principal Anne Pereira – Assistant Principal Terri Truscott – Leading Teacher Svet Blagojevic – Leading Teacher SCHOOL OFFICE + ADMINISTRATION Denece O’Shea – Business Manager Donna Mersin – Office Administration Carol Campbell – Office Administration STUDENT WELLBEING Kelly Finch – School Social Worker Amy Mitchell – DET Psychologist COMMUNITY HUB Alison Rogers GROUNDS + MAINTENANCE Stuart Cordy EDUCATION SUPPORT STAFF Sharyn Tour Sengjul Rasidovski Joyani Pereira Jaihoona Kakar – Multicultural Aide Kathy Wilson Vicky Brannan Ellen Tsang Christine Broderick – Literacy Support Morgan Quinn Tilly De Silva Michelle Parker Isaac Mead – Youth Worker SPEECH PATHOLOGY Hazel Wood – DET Speech Pathologist

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Shanaka Habarakada – DET Specialist Technician

Robert Muresian – School Based Technician

TEACHING STAFF Prep Team

Narelle Albert Elise Curnow

Susanna Presti-Farkas

Rod Martinez Grade 1

Wendy Sinclair

Felicia Runcan / Ani Arzoyan Grade 2

Colinda Yallapa

Janelle Jarvis

Beth Carpenter Grade 3/4

Maureen De Baize

Sam Hill Paul Krol Daniel Mersin

Nyssa Wescombe Grade 5/6

Nicolette Pratt Eva Sukumar Bec Harris / Kane Douglas

Maureen Fernandez

Specialist

Leanne Skaftouros – Art

Sue Bowman – Library & French

Kane Douglas – Phys Ed

Nigel Willcock – ICT

EAL Specialist Mary Andara Kris McCarthy Literacy Support Maryanne Bell Ani Arzoyan

G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N - A T O Z

Absence from School The Department of Education & Training of Victoria expects a minimum attendance rate of 95% for each child. This means that your child should not miss more than 2 to 3 days per term. If your child is absent for any reason, it is important to let the school know as soon as possible. You can telephone the school’s absence line on 9792 2743 (select ‘Option 1’) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you do not leave a message on the absence line, an explanation for each child’s absence must be made in writing on the day each child returns to school. This is a legal requirement for all schools. Every Day Counts at Dandenong Primary School! If your child is unwell then the best place for them to be is at home in bed to aid a speedy recovery.

Allergies and Asthma Many children and adults suffer from allergies to various foods, insects, drugs and chemicals. It is the responsibility of the parents to notify the school if their child is at risk of any allergic reaction. This notification should occur at the time of enrolment or as soon as possible after a diagnosis is made by a health professional. Anaphalaxsis Management Plans should be made available on enrolment. If your child suffers from Asthma, please ensure the school is given a copy of your child’s Asthma Management Plan.

Assembly Assembly is held in the hall every fortnight on a Monday from approximately 9 – 9:30am. Dates for school assemblies will be made available in the school newsletter. We would love for you to join us at each of our school assemblies to help celebrate the wonderful things happening at Dandenong Primary School.

Awards To encourage positive behaviour the school has a range of award and reward systems in place. Students are able to earn rewards such as stickers and house points for various achievements in class or demonstrating positive social skills in the playground. Students can also be nominated by their home group or specialist teacher for a Principal’s Award which is presented to children at our school assembly. Excellence Awards are awarded at the end of each term.

Behaviour Policy Our school regularly updates our Student Engagement and Behaviour Policy. Part of this policy involves the whole school, individual classrooms and specialist programs establishing a set of ‘Essential Agreements’ through shared expectations, based on the ideas of:

✓ Respect for Yourself ✓ Respect of Others ✓ Respect of Our Learning Environment.

Dandenong Primary School celebrates students who meet the shared expectations outlined in this policy through recognition and encouragement. When students do not meet these expectations, a staged response will be implemented consistent with the logical consequences outlined below. This is to be implemented using the restorative approach to:

• Re-establish significant relationships • Ensure consequences for misbehaviour are relevant and meaningful • Foster and develop individual responsibility and empathy

Bullying Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

There is no place for bullying in the Dandenong Primary School community.

For more information visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au

Breakfast Club We have a FREE Breakfast Club available to all children. Breakfast is very important for children as research has shown students who have a nutritious breakfast perform better in their learning throughout the day. Breakfast Club is run each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning in the hall from 8:15am – 8:45am. Breakfast Club dates and news will be available in the school’s newsletter.

Birthday Celebrations Sometimes families like to have their child’s birthday celebrated by their classmates at school and this usually takes the form of a special treat provided for the class. If birthday treats are being provided the best way is to provide a small item for each child that can be easily distributed to each class member such as a cup cake, lolly bag, donut rather than a single, large cake that is difficult for the teacher to cut and distribute. Parents are asked to see the home group teacher well in advance of plans to celebrate in this way. This is to ensure that what is being provided does not put a child at risk who may suffer from any possible food allergies.

Camps Sports & Excursion Funding (CSEF) A parent or legal guardian who holds a Centrelink Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card valid on the first day of Term 2 or term 3, a 2017 Veterans Affairs Gold Card or Refugee parents with a letter from their support worker are eligible. This is an annual payment of $125 per year for primary students and can be used for Camps, Sports (including swimming) and Excursions. Applications are accepted at the beginning of term 2. No application can accepted after the end of term 3. Please contact school office for an application form and more details.

Choir All children from Year 1 to 6 are encouraged to join the School Choir. Rehearsals are generally held during lunch times once a week. Being a member of the school choir is a very rewarding experience. The choir performs at assembly and are involved in special celebrations within the school and in the wider Dandenong Community.

Communication Between Home & School For your child to gain full benefit from school, close co-operation between home and school is essential. Parents are always welcome to discuss their child‘s progress or concerns with the Class Teacher or Principal. We ask that you make an appointment time, which allows time for the Teacher to gather information relevant to the discussion. It is important for teachers to be kept informed of circumstances that may have an impact on a child's learning on any given day. In this case parents or carers are requested to provide the teacher with the necessary information. Parents or arers are requested that unless otherwise arranged with the teacher, the time before school is generally a very busy time for teachers and not appropriate for unannounced interviews. If parents feel that an issue is not resolved, please contact the office administration staff to organise a suitable appointment time with the Principal.

A fortnightly newsletter is the major communication link between home and school. It is distributed every second Friday to the eldest family member at the school as well as emailed to parents who have registered their email address with the school. Dandenong Primary School makes use of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Soundcloud to communicate important news and information and to celebrate achievements and milestones. The school also makes use of an email and SMS messaging system so please ensure your email and telephone number details held at the school are up-to-date

Community Hub

Community Hubs is a national program that links families and their children to services and support, learning opportunities and the community. For more information about Community Hubs, refer to http://www.communityhubs.org.au/ The Dandenong Primary School Community Hub is led by Alison Rogers. Our Community Hub is a warm and welcoming place so do come and be a part it and make some new friends!

Concerns or Complaints

If you have a classroom level concern you should share your concern with the relevant teacher. If your concern is not resolved or if you have a school-wide concern then you should organise to share your concern with the Principal. The Principal might ask another staff member to help you, or ask you to speak with your child’s teacher if you haven’t done this already. More information about raising concerns can be found at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/complaints/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Education Items (School Fees) Each year, School Council approves the Essential Education Items Policy. Essential Education Items refers to the books, paper, class texts and requisites used by students and that they take possession of at the end of the year. At Dandenong Primary School we keep our fees and charges to a very minimal amount so we do appreciate prompt payment. If you are having trouble meeting the payment costs, please make an appointment with the Principal to discuss a payment plan.

Emergency Contact Information

It is vitally important the school has your most up-to-date emergency contact telephone details and home address. Should you change telephone details or home address at any point, we ask that you update the school with your accurate contact details.

Expectations of Children All students are expected to:

✓ Attend school every day, on time ✓ Take pride in their learning and achievement ✓ Make a positive contribution to the Dandenong Primary School community ✓ Understand that bullying, including cyber-bullying, violence, property damage, inappropriate

language and disrupting the learning of others has no place in our community

Expectations of Parents and Carers Parents/carers are expected to

✓ Support the school’s efforts to educate young people to live in a diverse and inclusive world by promoting an understanding and appreciation of diversity in the home

✓ Actively participate in supporting their child’s learning by building a positive relationship with the school through attendance at student-parent-teacher meetings, students activities, school celebrations, student support groups and responding to communications in a timely manner

✓ To ensure that all enrolment details for their child are correct (including the most up-to-date telephone numbers), that their child attends school regularly and that when their child is absent from school, parents/carers advise the school as soon as possible.

✓ Support the school’s behavioural expectations to promote a consistent approach that supports their child’s learning and engagement both in and out of school.

Food & Nutrition At 11am children break for recess which is a time for snack food At 1:30pm children break for lunch which is time for a sandwich or noodles, rice or salad We encourage children to drink water throughout the day so a refillable water bottle is highly recommended. Try planning a healthy lunch box to start the school year. Talk to your children and discuss what they would be happy to have included. The six key parts to a healthy lunchbox include:

✓ fresh fruit ✓ fresh crunchy vegetables ✓ milk, yoghurt or cheese. For children who cannot tolerate milk products, offer appropriate

alternatives like calcium fortified soy or rice drink or soy yoghurt ✓ a meat or meat alternative food like some lean meat (e.g. chicken strips), hard-boiled egg ✓ a grain or cereal food like bread, a roll, flat bread, fruit bread or crackers (wholegrain or

wholemeal choices are best) ✓ tap water

Some items do not belong in a healthy school lunchbox. Six items to avoid when preparing lunch for your children include:

x all sweet drinks such as fruit juices, fruit drinks, cordials. These are high in energy (kilojoules) and sugar, and can lead to weight gain and oral health problems in children

x dried fruit bars and ‘straps’. These are low in fibre and are also high in sugar and can stick to children’s teeth, causing tooth decay

x 'dairy desserts', chocolate bars and muesli bars. These are generally high in fat and sugar

x chocolate spreads, jams and honey in sandwiches. These add extra, unnecessary sugar to the lunchbox

x fatty, salty processed meats such as salami and Strasburg x oven-baked savoury biscuits. These may sound like healthier options, but some are just as

high in salt and fat as crisps For more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Fundraising

A variety of activities are carried out throughout the year by a very dedicated band of parents. If you are interested in assisting with your time, please contact the school office and you will be warmly welcomed. Activities include Mother’s Day Stall. Father’s Day Stall, Scouts Raffle and Christmas Raffle.

Hours of Operation

8.45am 9:00am

9:00 – 11:00am 11:00 – 11:30am

11:30am – 1:30pm 1:30 – 1:40pm 1:40 – 2:30pm 2:30 – 3:30pm

3:30pm 3:45pm

School yard supervision of children begins School Day Begins Morning Learning & Teaching Session Recess Break Middle Learning & Teaching Session Supervised Lunch Eating Lunch Break Afternoon Learning & Teaching Session School Day Ends School yard supervision ends

Any students not collected after 3:45pm will be directed to the school office.

Interviews Formal parent and teacher interviews are conducted each June. However, parents are always welcome to discuss their child‘s progress or concerns with the class teacher or Principal throughout the school year. We ask that you make an appointment time, which allows time for the teacher to gather information relevant to the discussion. It is important for teachers to be kept informed of circumstances that may have an impact on a child's learning on any given day. In this case parents/carers are requested to provide the teacher with the necessary information. Parents/carers are requested that unless otherwise arranged with the teacher, the time before school is generally a very busy time for teachers and not appropriate for unannounced interviews.

Late to School Children arriving to school after the 9am bell must first attend the office to complete a late pass. This pass is then handed to the classroom teacher on the child’s arrival to class. All children are expected to be at school by 8.50am. Classes begin at 9am sharp. When your child is late to school they miss out on important aspects of the lesson which can leave them confused about their learning and feeling left out of the classroom community. Please ensure your child gets a great start to the day by having breakfast and getting here by 8.50am.

Leaving School Early Any child wishing to leave the school other than at home time must have their parent or guardian complete an early leave pass (GREEN) at the school office. The child may then be collected from their home room and the early leave pass must be handed to the class teacher.

Lost Property

All lost property is sent to the office and stored in the wooden bench seat in the main entrance corridor. All articles of clothing, lunch containers and other property must be clearly labelled with the child’s name.

Lunch Orders Lunch orders are available to all children on a FRIDAY only. Please make sure that your child’s order is written on a paper bag and correct money is included inside the bag. If you do not provide a large paper lunch bag then you will be charged 10 cents. Lunch orders should be clearly labelled with:

✓ Your child’s full name ✓ Your child’s class name (e.g. 3/4A) ✓ Items for order and cost ✓ Total cost of order ✓ Money amount enclosed

NAPLAN NAPLAN is an annual Australia-wide assessment program for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken every year in the second full week in May. More information about NAPLAN can be found at https://www.nap.edu.au/

Out of School Hours Care Out of School Hours Care is provided by Youth Leadership Victoria at St. Mary’s Primary School. Information can be obtained from the Dandenong Primary School office or at www.ylv.com.au

Parent Participation

Children LOVE to see you helping out at our school. Here are just some of the ways you can get involved with the Dandenong Primary School community:

• Nominate for school council

• Assist with school fundraising

• Attend our fortnightly whole school assemblies

• Attend school excursions and special events as a parent helper

• Become a regular classroom volunteer assistant

• Attend parent functions

• Volunteer in the Community Hub

• Share your unique skills (e.g. craft, music, cooking) in some way across the school

Parking & Traffic Management To ensure the safety of our children, parents and carers are not permitted to enter the school car parking areas at any time of the day. Car parking and collection of children can be done from our New Street entrance or Foster Street East entrance. We ask that all of our school community do not use any car park as a walking pathway to ensure the safety of students and pre-school children. Drop off times and pick up times are very busy times around all schools and we all have a joint responsibility to ensure the safety of all children. Please do obey the local traffic laws and do set the right example for all members of the community by taking great care on the local roads and footpaths.

No Parking means you can stop the car to drop off or pick up passengers but the driver must remain in the vehicle or risk being fined. A No Standing or Stopping sign means no stopping, at any time, not even to quickly drop someone off. If your vehicle is beside the curb in a no standing area, you risk being fined. Do not stop in this zone.

Playgroup – Dandy Pals Dandy Pals Playgroup is a weekly playgroup for children 0 - 5 years. Playgroup runs in the school hall each Friday during school term from 9-11am. More information is available on the Dandy Pals website at www.dandypals.com.au

Reporting on Your Child’s Progress School staff prepare formal written student reports for June and December. Informal assessment and reporting takes place on an ongoing basis throughout each school term. You can make an appointment with your child’s teacher throughout the year to discuss your child’s progress.

School Council School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. Participating as a school council member is a rewarding and challenging experience. The school council supports the principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students.

Although each councillor brings their own valuable life skills and knowledge to the role, councillors may need to develop skills and acquire knowledge in areas that may be unfamiliar to them. These might include developing the broad direction and vision for the school, interpreting data or financial statements, working effectively as a council, or understanding legislative and policy requirements. Information about school council vacancies and the nomination process will be published in the school newsletter early in the school year.

Student Wellbeing

Dandenong Primary School has a wellbeing team consisting of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Primary Welfare Officer, Speech Pathologist and Guidance Officer. Support for students at school can be requested by making an appointment with the Principal or Assistant Principal who will be able to help decide the best avenue of assistance phone 9792 2743.

Supervision Supervision of children before school begins at 8:45am until the commencement of class at 9am. Parents are advised not to send their children to school before 8.45am unless they are attending the Breakfast Club. Children will be dismissed at 3.30pm and all children are expected to have left the school grounds by 3.45p.m. After 3.45p.m. students will be collected from the school office.

Swimming The School Swimming Program is the perfect opportunity for your child to further develop swimming skills and to learn important water safety which may one day save a life. An eight day intensive swimming program is organised for all of the children in Prep to Year 6 during the year. The children are taught to swim by qualified swimming instructors at the Dandenong Oasis Swimming Pool. Dates for 2017 will be sent home as soon as they are available.

Toys, Mobile Phones & Personal Belongings at School Junior children are often encouraged to bring items for 'news’. However, expensive toys, special treasures and mobile phones should not be brought to school, as the likelihood of breakage or loss is too great a risk. If children do bring such items to school the responsibility for them rest with the child and their parents.

Uniform All children are required to wear a school uniform. Uniforms are available to purchase through Primary School Wear (PSW) at 2/10-12 South Link, Dandenong South. The PSW retail store is open Monday to Wednesday 8.30-5pm, Thursday 8.30-7pm, Friday 8.30-5pm and Saturdays 9-5pm. See www.psw.com.au for more information or prices. Some cheaper uniform items can be purchased from local retailers (e.g. Dandenong Market).

Examples of acceptable uniform items are available from the school office. Some items include:

Blue Summer Dress Red Polo Shirt Navy Blue Track Pants Protective Sun Hats Hats are compulsory in Term 1 and Term 4.

Visitor’s Pass All parents needing to move beyond the main office into the school ground or classrooms during the day, will be kindly asked to sign in and wear a visitors pass. Staff will query anyone not wearing a visitors pass.

Welcome to Dandenong Primary School We look forward to working with all members of our wonderful community in bringing about the best possible learning outcomes for every child. ‘