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ST AUGUSTINE’S
PRIMARY SCHOOL
2018
PARENT INFORMATION
HANDBOOK
INDEX
1. Welcome
2. St. Augustine’s shared Vision and Mission
3. Contextual statement & Philosophy
4. Looking forward
5. School organisation
6. Uniform
7. School regulations
8. Assessment and reporting
9. Homework
10. Programs
11. Parent involvement
12. School fees
13. Support services
14. Health matters
15. 2018 staff
SCHOOL CONTACT DETAILS
Address
58 Burke Street. Maryborough Vic 3465
Telephone
(03) 5460 4440
E-mail & web address
www.samaryborough.catholic.edu.au
WELCOME
It is with pleasure that I welcome you to St. Augustine’s Primary School for the 2018
school year. For those of you, who are returning to our school, welcome back! For
those families who are new to our school community, we extend a heartfelt
welcome. I hope all families find in our school an educational home, which nurtures
your children and offers them a caring, enjoyable and safe place to learn and enjoy
the company of their friends.
Our school is a faith community, where Catholic values are taught and celebrated,
where God’s presence is recognised, where Gospel values are modelled through
Christian living and our pupils are shown how their faith and a way of living can be
celebrated and achieved in everyday life.
Our focus is on the spiritual, moral, social, physical, emotional and intellectual
development of each child in our care. The children will enjoy the benefits of
learning facilities, with our Multi-purpose Gym, Library, classrooms, art/science
room, Marian community centre and playground space. Thus, our school setting
will enable each child’s natural creativity and individual talents to emerge and be
celebrated.
This booklet has been compiled to provide you with information that will be helpful
in understanding the organisation and philosophy of our school. It is our hope that
all parents become familiar with this booklet, thus enabling everyone to contribute
to the healthy operation of the school.
I hope that all pupils, parents and friends feel welcome and experience a real sense
of belonging in 2018. All staff strongly encourages and welcomes personal contact
from parents/guardians, for it is in partnership that we can fully cater for the
children’s needs.
May your association with St. Augustine’s Primary School be a productive, faith-
filled and an enjoyable one.
Many blessings,
Mrs Sonia Turner
Principal
VISION STATEMENT
‘St Augustine’s Catholic School community believes that all children can learn.
We will nurture and inspire our learners through the awe and wonder of God’s
creation, so they may, ‘Have life and have it abundantly’ (John 10:10)’
MISSION STATEMENT
To fulfill this vision we:
Commit to nurturing a religious education built on the Gospel values of
Jesus Christ with respect to Catholic tradition and the Brigidine heritage.
Engage with our parents, extended and parish families to ensure that St.
Augustine’s embodies connectedness, ownership and responsibility by all
members of the community.
Facilitate learning in an inclusive and supportive child safe school
environment celebrating achievements. We develop their social,
emotional, spiritual and intellectual growth to empower them to reach
their full potential.
Commit to working collaboratively to ensure results are achieved
through ongoing collective inquiry.
Challenge and engage children in a stimulating and dynamic educational
and contemporary learning environment.
Contextual Statement
Records indicate that a Catholic School was operating in Maryborough as early as 1854. With the current St. Augustine’s Church being built in 1869. We therefore have a rich history in the Central Goldfields area, with much of this being attributed to the Brigidine nuns who taught the children for many years.
Today, our school is administered by laity whose mission is to teach the children the Gospel values of Jesus Christ. The staff aim to create a school environment that is curriculum enriched, child centred and community orientated.
Our school is named after ‘St. Augustine.’ St. Augustine was the Bishop of Hippo, an African province. St. Augustine’s vocation included this challenge to his fellow Christians: ‘Tolle Legge. ’ This Latin phrase is interpreted to:
‘Take up and read.’
St. Augustine knew that the best way to Christ was through the Scriptures.
St. Augustine’s School, Maryborough continues to inspire the children to discover St. Augustine’s invitation to take the scriptures and read them. Our school logo reminds us of his message, by illustrating an open book.
School Philosophy
At St. Augustine’s School we believe that children flourish and learning is more effective if it takes place in a caring and safe environment, where individual needs are addressed and challenged. It is our wish that as children progress through the school they will exposed to many and varied experiences to reach their full potential as Christian people, confident in themselves and willing to make a worthwhile contribution to other people and to the world in which they live. Education at St. Augustine’s Parish Primary School is based on the person of Jesus Christ. We are a Catholic community and we have Jesus’ promise that He is always with us. “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (Jn 10:10)
St Augustine’s is a Professional Learning Community • we focus on learning rather than teaching • we work collaboratively in matters related to learning • we hold ourselves collectively responsible for the kinds of results that fuel
continual improvement Learning is our FUNDAMENTAL purpose We are willing to examine all practices in light of their impact on learning. Professional Learning Community message for teachers, parents and students: learning is required you can and will be successful here you may not choose to fail we want you to feel connected, get involved, be successful you can think about and choose your attitude A professional learning community is educators committed to working collaboratively in an ongoing processes of inquiry and action research in order to achieve better results for the students they serve....”!
- DuFour, DuFour and Eaker! 2010
PLC refers to a schoolwide system of teacher teams who collaborate on issues of instruction, assessment, and other school topics with the goal of improving student learning!
- Marzano 2015
Statement of Democratic Principles
As a school, we commit and adhere to the programs of, and teachings within our
school, support and promote the principles and practice of Australian democracy,
including a commitment to:
elected Government;
the rule of law;
equal rights for all before the law;
freedom of religion
freedom of speech and association
the values of openness and tolerance.
St. Augustine’s is a part of the Catholic Church’s mission to educate children using
the Gospel values as the central point. We believe that parents are the primary
educators through their witness to Christ and His teachings, with the school’s role
being one of assistance and support. At St. Augustine’s we expect all pupils and
families to give witness to the Gospel values, celebrate our Catholic ethos and
support the religious educational aspects of our school.
As a Catholic school:
We will encourage students to see the presence of God, as a God of love in their lives;
We will teach the students the story of Jesus and the way that he lived;
We will encourage students to reflect on the life of Jesus and follow His example in
their own lives and their relationships with others;
We will reflect on everyday world events in the light of the Gospel;
We will teach the doctrine and traditions of the Catholic Church, using the Ballarat
Catholic Education Office curriculum document - Awakenings;
We will provide regular and varied opportunities for prayer and reflection;
We will celebrate Church feasts and festivals, such as Lent, Holy Week, St.
Augustine’s Feast Day, Advent and Christmas;
We will provide opportunities that will encourage students to become active
participants in the faith community;
We will affirm the primary role that the family has in the religious education of the
children;
We will provide a variety of opportunities for families to be involved in the religious
education of the children;
We will promote the importance of family participation in parish liturgies and other
events;
We will plan and implement a wide variety of activities to cater for the stages of faith
development.
The religious education is guided by the Catholic Identity Leader who with our
Parish Priest, Father John Monaghan effectively and successfully lead this area of
schooling.
LOOKING FORWARD ~ 2018
St. Augustine’s Primary School will:
Enrich the Catholic Identity of our school.
Continue to build the parent/community within our school.
Build a team spirit, as we welcome the gifts and talents of our new staff
members.
Continue the 1:1 iPad technology program for Year 3,4,5,6 pupils.
Continue to build the school’s Parents and Friends Association.
Participate in Maryborough’s Energy Breakthrough event.
Organise and participate in the School Twilight Fair.
Attend various school based, localised, district and zone sporting events.
Participate in camping experiences (Foundation -Year 6).
Welcome visiting performers (Foundation -Year 6)
Participate in regular assemblies (parents most welcome).
Participate in Book Week.
Engage in exciting and creative learning activities.
Continue to make St. Augustine’s school a child safe place where all can
live, learn and grow in God’s love.
Work towards a professional learning community where learning is a
focus through collaborative team work.
Engage in cutting edge learning through digital technologies, STEM and
coding.
SCHOOL ORGANISATION
The school day
8:30a.m. Classrooms open/yard supervision commences
8:55a.m. Classes commence
11:00a.m. First Break
11:40a.m. Classes resume
1:40p.m. Second Break
2:20p.m. Classes resume
3:15p.m. Dismissal
Please note:
Students are not to arrive at school prior to 8:30a.m, as supervision does not commence until this time;
Once students arrive at school they must remain on the premises (unless they are signed out at the office by a parent/guardian);
Students are supervised in the yard during school hours;
Students are required to be collected promptly at 3:15p.m. If this is not possible on any given day, contact with the office must be made;
Parking regulations and speed limits (40kms) must be observed when dropping off and collecting students;
The area between the tennis courts and the church is a staff parking area
only;
The playground and oval area are not supervised by staff at the conclusion of the day.
Bus supervision is provided for children who travel on buses.
Crossings at Kars and Burke Streets are supervised by staff after school
Office Hours
8:40a.m.- 4:00p.m
2018 Term dates
Term 1 – Tuesday 30th January – Thursday 29th March Term 2 - Tuesday 16th April – Friday 29th June Term 3 - Monday 16th July – Friday 21st September Term 4 – Monday 8th October – Friday 21st December
Pupil free days
Catholic schools in the Ballarat Diocese are afforded pupil free days each year where
staff engage in professional development learning, thus improving pedagogy.
The 2018 confirmed dates are:
Thursday February 22nd – PLC Professional Learning
Monday 21st May – RE Professional Learning – Prof Thomas Groome
Friday June – Writing fundamentals
*Remaining dates TBC
Allocated assessment days:
Catholic schools in the Ballarat Diocese are allocated two assessment days where
staff undertake pupil evaluations for both literacy and numeracy. During these days
children do not attend full days at school, however, they are expected to attend an
individual appointment with their class teacher/s, which take place via an
appointment system. Literacy days occur at the beginning of the school year before
school begins and numeracy days are TBC prior to second semester formal reports.
Literacy testing days for 2018 – Tuesday 30th January, Wednesday 31st
January
Foundation children’s settling arrangements
To assist our Foundation students with settling into their new school environment,
they will have most Wednesday’s as a rest day in
Term 1 and therefore do not attend school on these days. More details and dates to
come via the newsletter and from classroom teachers.
Lunches
Parents and Friends offer a canteen service from the Marian Centre at school. A price
list is provided for each family at the beginning of each school year. For smooth
operation all lunch orders must be written out before school with the child’s name
and class written on the envelope along with the desired purchases required. The
correct money is encouraged and appreciated. Canteen lunch day TBC each year.
If, for any reason a pupil does not have lunch whilst at school a lunch will be
provided for them. For example: a cheese or vegemite sandwich and a muesli bar.
There will be a $4 charge to help cover costs.
School absences
In accordance with the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, schooling is
compulsory for children and young people aged from 6 to 17 years unless an
exemption has been granted.
Daily school attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in
education and to ensure they don't fall behind both socially and developmentally.
Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an
equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes,
and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that children develop habits of
regular attendance at an early age.
Legally, schools must record student attendance twice per day in primary schools
and record, in writing, the reason given for each absence.
Recent legislative changes now require us to attempt to contact the parent of the
student as soon as practicable on the same day if the parent has not contacted us
of a child’s absence. If we cannot make contact with either parent we will then go
to emergency contacts. Please make sure that family members and emergency
contacts are aware of these new changes so they don’t become alarmed if we one
day make contact with them.
If for any reason pupils are absent, parents must adhere to the following procedure:
1. Ring the School Office to inform the school of the absence.
2. Provide written correspondence, on the absence forms provided, outlining
the reason and date of the absence. In the event of a family absence a note
for each child is required. This communication is to be sent to the
classroom when the child/ren returns to school and is kept as an official
record with the class roll.
Emergency information
Accidents:
In the event of an accident/emergency parents and if applicable, emergency services
will be contacted immediately. It is a requirement of enrolment that correct contact
details of parents/guardians and a current and suitable emergency contact person be
listed on each child’s contact details. Parents are asked to contact the school office if
there are any changes to contact details.
Please note: in the case of head injury/bump parents will always be contacted and
asked to come and collect your child.
Evacuation:
The school has an emergency evacuation and containment policy and procedure
which are regularly up-graded and practiced and reviewed.
Camps/excursions
All students will participate in the school’s camp program, in 2018 the camps are:
Foundation - Breakfast at school and activities
Year 1 – Tea and activities at school
Year 2 – Sleepover at school and next day activities
Year 3 & 4 – Overnight camp to Creswick
Year 5 & 6 – Two night camp to Melbourne and Anglesea alternating
The cost of camps will be advised in advance and must be paid in full prior to the camp
experience.
Incursions / excursions
Throughout the school year pupils will also participate in incursions/excursions that
relate to the school studies. These are advised well in advance by the classroom
teachers. In addition, pupils may attend performances by visiting performers. Any
costs incurred from these events will be placed on fee statements.
Prized possessions
Expensive or treasured items should not be brought to school, as staff cannot be
responsible for such items. Likewise, pupils are not permitted to bring or use mobile
phones at school.
Computers
The latest computer technology is available to all pupils at St. Augustine’s School;
these include lap top computers, iPads and smart TV technology. All pupils are
expected to take reasonable care when using this equipment and adhere to the strict
internet guidelines for acceptable use of the internet. In 2018, Year 3, 4, 5, 6 pupils
will be supplied with 1:1 iPad technology.
Buses
Bus travel is available for pupils at St. Augustine’s School. Bus travel arrangements
are made through the bus co-ordinator at the Maryborough Education Centre.
Temporary bus travel must be organised via the Maryborough Education Centre,
with two days notice being required for the pass to be organised. Pupils cannot
travel on the bus without a pass. Contact must be made directly with the MEC for
this pass (5461 7900). The cost is 50cents per trip for town travelers.
Newsletter
This is a vital means of communication and is a significant way to ensure parents are
fully informed; therefore we strongly recommend that parents carefully read this
document each week. Please advise the school of your email address if you would
like to access this electronically otherwise it is available on the school app and
website.
Class Dojo
As another means of communication each family will be provided with a Class Dojo
login. This is a secure means of communication between class teacher and parent.
We ask that this be respected and that it is not a channel for grievance but
information from classroom, celebration and notification from home or that you
would like to meet with your child’s teacher.
Visiting the school
Parents and visitors to the school are required to enter the school premises via the
main school entrance on Burke Street. All visitors must sign in and out and wear
an official visitors lanyard while on the premises
WWCC
Any parent/carer or visitor to our school who will be working in any way with the
children MUST have a current working with children check. A copy of this must
be provided to the school.
Late arrival to school
Each day the children engage in an uninterrupted two hour literacy block (9:00a.m.-
11:00a.m.). It is therefore vital that the children arrive by 8:30-8:55a.m. In this way,
we are ensuring optimal learning for each pupil and limiting interruptions to the
literacy block. In the event of lateness, pupils must be signed in by their parent/
guardian at the school office and present a late pass to their teacher.
If pupils are to be removed from the school premises during the school day, the
parent/guardian/authorised person must sign the child ‘out’ of the school and back
‘in’ to the school upon their return.
Lost property
Please label all student’s property clearly. Therefore, in the event of a lost item, the
owner can be located promptly. All unnamed items will be placed in the lost
property basket located in the middle entry to the main wing of the school. Items in
this area are emptied regularly and any uncollected/unnamed items will be donated
back to the uniform shop.
UNIFORM
An integral part of our school’s identification and pride is the school uniform. It is
therefore, a requirement that all children wear the correct school uniform. The
uniform can only be purchased from the school’s Uniform Shop which is operated
by the P&F Association. Orders for items can be made via the form available from
the School Office, with full payment or deposit to be sent in with the form. There are
particular ordering days throughout the year which are advised via the newsletter.
Shoes and socks must meet uniform guidelines.
St. Augustine’s school bags are available for purchase.
Each student must have an art smock.
All shoulder length hair must be tied back with black, green or yellow ribbons,
headbands, scrunchies or other hair ties.
UNIFORM SHOP HOURS
The Parents and Friends run our Uniform Shop out of the Marian Centre.
Our Uniform co-ordinator and hours of operation are TCB each year.
2018 Uniform Co-ordinator is Sarah Robinson
Hours: Monday – 3:00pm -3:15pm
Thursday – 8:45am – 9:00am
The uniform for St. Augustine’s school is:
GIRLS BOYS
SUMMER
Check school dress or green shorts (black mesh
sports shorts on sports days)
Lemon or green polo with school logo (sports
polo for years 3-6 on sports days)
Black leather shoes with white socks (runners and
white socks on sports days)
St. Augustine’s School Hat
Rugby jumper/polo fleece jacket/vest with
school logo
Plain white socks ie/ no logos
SUMMER
Grey shorts (black mesh sports shorts on sports
days)
Lemon or green polo with school logo (sports
polo for years 3-6 on sports days)
Black leather shoes with grey socks (runners and
plain white socks on sports days)
St. Augustine’s School Hat
Rugby jumper/polo fleece jacket/vest with
school logo
Plain white socks ie/ no logos
WINTER
Tartan skirt or green tailored gabardine pants
(black school track pants on sports days)
Lemon or green polo with school logo (sports
polo for years 3-6 on sports days)
Rugby jumper/polo fleece jacket/vest with
school logo
Black leather shoes with white socks or green
tights (runners and white socks on sports days)
School Beanie (optional)
WINTER
Grey trousers
(black school track pants on sports days)
Lemon or green polo with school logo (sports
polo for years 3-6 on sports days)
Rugby jumper/polo fleece jacket/vest with
school logo
Black leather shoes with grey socks (runners and
white socks on sports days)
School Beanie (optional)
Generally summer uniform is worn in Term 1 & 4 and winter uniform is worn in
Term 2 & 3 but you will be advised via the newsletter of the changeover time.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS and FAQ
The following information is a helpful guide to some of the important school
regulations/rules:
All students are expected to wear their school uniform each day, including full
sports uniform on the appropriate days. Please note that sports uniform is
optional until Years 3-6 when it does become compulsory. A note explaining
reasons for non-compliance must be provided to the school otherwise an ‘Out of
uniform note’ will be given, which must be signed and returned to school.
For safety reasons, students are to walk at all times when indoors. Likewise, there
are designated areas outside where children must walk. ‘Walk on the white’
St Augustine’s is a Sunsmart school, so during the period of time when children
are wearing summer uniform, children must wear a green St. Augustine’s School
hat when outdoors. If a child does not have their hat they will be required to stay
in the shade. ‘No hat, no play.’ Sunsmart policy states that hats must be worn
until April 30th.
To assist with the prevention of head lice all shoulder length hair is to be tied
back using green, yellow or black hair ties. Hats and bike helmets are not to be
shared/borrowed from other students.
No jewellery is permitted; except a watch, studs and religious jewellery. Only
stud earrings are to be worn in pierced ears. Hoop or ring earrings are not safe
and can be ripped out in play.
Bicycles, scooters etc., are to be kept in the bike rack behind Gym. It is advised
that these items be locked. Students must wear a safety helmet. These means of
transport are not to be ridden in the school grounds.
Make up, nail polish and chewing gum is not permitted at school.
Our school discipline policy is based on the STAR framework and we expect this
to be adhered to by all of our school community. Students, teachers and families.
S - stay safe. T - take pride. A - act justly. R - respond positively.
All students, parents and staff are expected to adhere to the school’s Code of
Respect. (This is recorded below)
All parents and visitors to our school are to adhere to the Child Safety Code of
Conduct. (Please see below.)
Code of Respect
The essence of good discipline is RESPECT.
Respect for authority and respect for others.
Respect for self and respect for rules.
It is an attitude that begins at home, is reinforced in school, and is
applied throughout life.
Respect for authority is shown by:
Listening carefully and quietly.
Being on time, prepared, and ready to learn.
Accepting personal responsibility for your actions.
Respect for others is shown by:
Communicating in a polite, supportive and friendly manner.
Taking into account the needs and feelings of others
as well as your own.
Allowing others to enjoy their personal space and property.
Respect for self is shown by:
Using proper dress and language.
Behaving safely.
Keeping your word.
Respect for rules is shown by:
Obeying the policies of the school and individual classrooms.
Considering the spirit of the rule in making decisions.
Realizing that different situations create different expectations.
ST AUGUSTINE’S CHILD SAFETY CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
Central to the mission of St Augustine's PS is an unequivocal commitment to
fostering the dignity, self-esteem and integrity of children and young people and
providing them with a safe, supportive and enriching environment to develop
spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.
Purpose
This Code of Conduct has a specific focus on safeguarding children and young people at St Augustine's PS against sexual, physical, psychological and emotional abuse or neglect. It is intended to complement other professional and/or occupational codes. All staff, volunteers, contractors, clergy and board/school council members at St Augustine's PS are expected to actively contribute to a school culture that respects the dignity of its members and affirms the Gospel values of love, care for others, compassion and justice. They are required to observe child safe principles and expectations for appropriate behaviour towards and in the company of children, as noted below.
Acceptable behaviours
All staff, volunteers, contractors, clergy and board/school council members are
responsible for supporting the safety of children by:
adhering to the school’s child-safe policy and upholding the school’s statement of commitment to child safety at all times
taking all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse
treating everyone in the school community with respect (modelling positive and respectful relationships and acting in a manner that sustains a safe, educational and pastoral environment)
listening and responding to the views and concerns of children, particularly if they are telling you that they or another child have been abused or that they are worried about their safety/the safety of another child
promoting the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (for example, by never questioning an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child’s self-identification)
promoting the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of children with culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds (for example, by having a zero tolerance policy towards discrimination)
promoting the safety, participation and empowerment of children with a disability (for example, during personal care activities)
ensuring as far as practicable that adults are not alone with a child
reporting any allegations of child abuse to the school’s leadership (or child safety officer if the school has appointed someone to this role).
understanding and complying with all reporting obligations as they relate to mandatory reporting and reporting under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic.)
reporting any child safety concerns to the school’s leadership (or child safety officer if the school has appointed someone to this role)
if an allegation of child abuse is made, ensuring as quickly as possible that the child(ren) are safe.
Unacceptable behaviours
All staff, volunteers, contractors, clergy and board/school council members must not:
ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse
develop any ‘special’ relationships with children that could be seen as favouritism (for example, the offering of gifts or special treatment for specific children)
exhibit behaviours with children which may be construed as unnecessarily physical (for example, inappropriate sitting on laps)
put children at risk of abuse (for example, by locking doors)
initiate unnecessary physical contact with children or do things of a personal nature that a child can do for themselves, such as toileting or changing clothes
engage in open discussions of a mature or adult nature in the presence of children (for example, personal social activities)
use inappropriate language in the presence of children
express personal views on cultures, race or sexuality in the presence of children
discriminate against any child, including because of age, gender, race, culture, vulnerability, sexuality, ethnicity or disability
have contact with a child or their family outside of school without the school’s leadership or child safety officer’s (if the school has appointed someone to this role) knowledge and/or consent or the school governing authority’s approval (for example, unauthorised after-hours tutoring, private instrumental/other lessons or sport coaching); accidental contact, such as seeing people in the street, is appropriate
have any online contact with a child (including by social media, email, instant messaging etc.) or their family (unless necessary e.g. by providing families with enewsletters or assisting students with their school work)
use any personal communication channels/device such as a personal email account
exchange personal contact details such as phone number, social networking sites or email addresses
photograph or video a child without the consent of the parent or guardians
work with children while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
consume alcohol or drugs at school or at school events in the presence of children.
(Adapted from Source: VR)
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
All children at St. Augustine’s Primary School participate in formal and informal
assessment. Formal assessment includes two days at the beginning of each year for
individual literacy assessments and two days at the end of the year for numeracy
assessments in preparation for the next year’s learning. This, along with regular
teacher assessment, anecdotal evidence and external screenings, ensure that each
child’s individual needs are being met.
The school will provide formal assessments to parents ensuring parents are fully
aware of their child’s progress, areas of strengths and needs for the future. Parents
may also request a meeting with their child’s Classroom Teacher, Curriculum
Leaders, Deputy Principal or Principal if they have particular concerns or
celebrations they wish to raise. Interviews must be made directly with the teacher
involved, via an appointment. Similarly, teachers will contact parents if they have
particular concerns or celebrations to share.
WORK AT HOME
All students have some work requirements that should be completed at home. This
varies from prep students taking home their readers to be read to by parents or to be
heard, to specific inquiries and assignment work requirements for the senior pupils.
This may take different forms and suggested maximum time for work at home is:
Junior primary varies from non-readers being read to by parents/friends or the
child reading for 10-15 minutes or simple written activities.
Middle primary 20-25 minutes each night (which includes home reading)
Senior primary 25-30 minutes each night (which includes home reading)
The school has a homework policy that can be obtained from the school office.
PROGRAMS
St. Augustine’s school provides many programs that are aimed at catering for the
children’s needs. The following outlines some of these programs:
Reading Recovery: A literacy program to support Year 1 students with reading.
Middle/Senior Numeracy & Literacy Support: A program aimed at assisting
students to meet benchmarks in Literacy and Numeracy.
Energy Breakthrough: The school sees the importance and value in technology and
therefore has a strong involvement in this local event. Part of the senior curriculum
is focused on matters relating to EBT.
Library: All pupils attend book exchange sessions at St. Augustine’s School and are
required to have a school library bag.
ERIK Program: The ERIK program (Early Reading Intervention Knowledge) is
aimed at Year 2- 6 pupils, to support their reading development.
Multi –Lit - is aimed at Year 2- 6 pupils, to support their reading development.
OLSEL Program: The OLSEL Program (Oral Language Supporting Early Learning)
is a program utilised in junior school classrooms to support oral language
development.
Physical Education: All pupils attend physical education sessions at St. Augustine’s
school with the classroom teacher. It is a legal requirement that pupils participate in
two hours of Physical and Health Education each week at school. Nominated PE
days will be communicated to parents via the newsletter or the class letter.
Languages: All students engage in Indonesain lessons once a week.
Leadership: children in Year 5 and 6 are given the opportunity to develop
leadership skills. Children in Year 6 nominate an area they would like to develop
within the school. This program runs on a fortnightly rotation. Junior children are
given leadership opportunities through Class Captain and Student Voice.
BOOST time: what I need now time, at a child’s point of need. Small groups of
children who are working on the same learning intention to move them to the next
level. These groups will be fluid and and for a short period of time.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES: All students engage in digital technologies and
coding lessons each week.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents are the primary educators of their children. It is therefore in partnership that
the school and parents can ensure the best possible outcomes for the children. Our
open door policy ensures that parents are welcomed into the school environment to
assist with the education of the children. Classroom helpers are welcomed into our
classrooms to help out.
Additional ways parents can assist the school in the education process is via the
School Advisory Council and Parents and Friends Association.
The School Advisory Council’s role is to support the Parish Priest and Principal on
matters pertaining to school life. The School Council meets If any parent wishes to
table a matter to the School Council, they are required to bring this to the attention of
the parent representatives or to write a letter to the Council.
The Parent and Friends Association works to raise funds and provide opportunities
for parent to become involved in their school. To this end, the P&F operate the
canteen, social events for the school and raise additional funds to assist with the
children’s needs. The P&F meet twice a term and all parents and friends are
welcome to attend and contribute to this area of school life.
SCHOOL FEES
School fees and levies are set each year by the School Board in line with Diocesan
guidelines. Fees are a necessary part of a Catholic school as government funding
does not cover all costs of educating the children. Therefore, it is expected that
parents meet their fee obligations. Alternatives for regular payments are via direct
debit, cash, cheque or direct deposits into the school’s account.
* It is an expectation that all fees are finalised by November of each year unless
other arrangements have been made with the Principal.
* All damages to the ipads are the responsibility of the parent as per the
technology policy.
HEALTH MATTERS
The following table is a guideline for exclusion from school for particular health
matters.
Disease or Condition Exclusion of Cases
Chickenpox Exclude until fully recovered or for at least five days after the eruption first appears. Note that some remaining scabs are not a reason for continued exclusion.
Conjunctivitis (Acute infectious) Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased.
Diarrhoea Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased or until medical certificate of recovery is produced.
Impetigo (school sores) Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced. Sores on exposed surfaces must be covered with a watertight dressing.
Influenza and influenza like illnesses
Exclude until well.
Measles Exclude until at least four days after the onset of rash.
Whooping cough Exclude the child for five days after starting antibiotic treatment.
Worms (Intestinal) Head lice Mumps
Exclude if diarrhoea present. Exclude until head lice is treated appropriately. Until fully recovered and well enough to return to school
SUPPORT SERVICES
As a school in the central zone of the Catholic Education Office Ballarat (CEOB)
network, we have access to a number of staff who assist school staff in catering for
the needs of each child. CEOB personnel who contribute to our school are:
Mark Hogbin Education Consultant for the Central Zone
Mandy Veale Inclusive Education Consultant/ PBIS consultant
Kathy Turkenburg Professional Learning Community/ Mathematics Adviser
Anne Bone Literacy Adviser
Jim Waight Religious Education Adviser
Robyn Cranage Speech Pathologist
Allan Hutchison Senior Psychologist
If a child needs to be referred for assistance or assessment from a CEOB staff
member, parents will be notified.
STAFF 2018
LEADERSHIP STAFF
PARISH PRIEST: Fr. John Monaghan
PRINCIPAL: Mrs Sonia Turner
CO-DEPUTY PRINCIPAL of Wellbeing & Daily Operations Mr Jacob Dalli
CO-DEPUTY PRINCIPAL of Contemporary Learning Ms Samantha
Meerbach
Miss Kyra Wood
CURRICULUM LEADERS/SPECIALIST TEACHERS
CATHOLIC IDENTITY LEADER: Miss Justina
Shanahan
READING RECOVERY/SEL: Mrs Athina Johnson
INCLUSIVE LEARNING LEADER: Ms Samantha Meerbach
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Mr Euan Tait
LIBRARY: Mrs. Caroline Lovel
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES: Mr Jacob Dalli
INDONESIAN LEADER: Mrs Robyn Typusazk
ENERGY BREAK-THROUGH CO-ORDINATOR Mr Warren Berry
CLASSROOM TEACHING STAFF
FOUNDATION Miss Chrissy James
FOUNDATION Miss Rebecca Pickthall
YEAR 1 /2: Miss Brylie Parker
YEAR 1 /2: Miss Justina Shanahan
YEAR 1 /2: Mrs. Robyn Legg
YEAR 3 /4: Mr Tim Hawkins
YEAR 3 /4: Ms Trish Foran
YEAR 3 /4: Mr Mark Healey
YEAR 5 /6: Miss Kyra Wood
YEAR 5 /6: Mrs Cait Upton
YEAR 5 /6: Mr Warren Berry
YEAR 5 /6: Miss Darcie Seers
OFFICE MANAGER(S): Ms Amber O’Kearney &
Mrs Anne Mangan
FINANCE OFFICER: Mrs Anita Ross
LIBRARY ASSISTANT: Mrs Robyn Bates
LEARNING SUPPORT OFFICERS: Mrs Gayle Firman
Mrs Deidre Polinelli
Mrs Janene Cole
Mrs Tania Mottram
Mrs Rachael Whitnall
Mrs Janette Lanfranchi
Mrs Nicole Cain
Ms Amber O’Kearney
Miss Alyssa Typuszak
