Oakbank Area School

2019

INFORMATION

BOOKLET

LEARN ACHIEVE SUCCEED

OAS Vision:

OAS is a holistic1 school of continual improvement2 where

students3, staff4 and the community5 work6 and learn7

together as partners8 to help everyone9 flourish and

achieve10.

Wellbeing, Academic Achievement and attendance

are important, Positive Education, Equitable

(Differentiated) and Multiple Learning Pathways are

available to all students.

Decisions are based on data, OAS is a school of self –

review, staff / students/ school all developing,

Professional Development.

R-13 & pre and post school.

Teachers and support staff.

Parents, Support agencies, partnership schools, AHPS.

OAS is focussed on challenge and effort.

All are expected to learn, staff and community

included, inclusive of EYLF/ AC/ SACE/ VET.

Collaborative, student voice, integrated learning

opportunities, TfEL, feedback is in multiple directions.

Equity, inclusive of all students R-13, SWD, ATSI, NESB, low

& high SES.

Always striving to thrive.

Learn, Achieve, Succeed

At Oakbank Area School we value learning through fostering creativity, sustainability and a

healthy lifestyle in a safe, secure and caring environment.

We challenge students to enhance their personal skills, knowledge and abilities so that each

is well prepared to learn, achieve and succeed both at school and after completing their

schooling.

Oakbank Area School values:

The achievement of personal excellence by all students.

A safe, friendly, supportive and harassment free environment.

Students, parents/caregivers and staff communication as a team.

Oakbank Area School students can expect:

Preparation for their role in society through a comprehensive, quality curriculum that

includes opportunities for personal development.

To have rights and associated responsibilities.

To have an active role in any decision making.

Quality leadership and professional staff.

Equitable access to appropriate resources.

Consistency in the management of behaviour.

To be supported and valued as individuals.

Recognition of appropriate behaviour, attitudes and success.

To receive ongoing, specific information about their learning.

Parents/Caregivers and the Community can expect:

A friendly, welcoming environment where their input is valued.

Students to be well educated and prepared for their role in society.

Effective management of student behaviour.

To receive ongoing, accurate information about student behaviour and learning.

Welcome

Oakbank Area School is a unique and vibrant school, providing holistic education in a

caring, safe, family environment, situated in an attractive location between the small towns

of Balhannah and Oakbank.

As Oakbank Area School is the only Reception to Year 12 state school in the Adelaide Hills

region, we are able to offer a seamless transition between levels of schooling. Our school

provides a comprehensive and progressive curriculum that allows individuals to discover

and develop new skills, new ideas and competencies for tertiary studies and employment.

At Oakbank Area School we are also able to provide an individualised and tailored

education program.

A major focus for the school is to develop student responsibility for their learning. Flexibility in

subject offerings and timetabling helps to accommodate alternative learning opportunities

such as VET and work placements.

Oakbank Area School welcomes community involvement and encourages parent

participation in many facets of school life.

Oakbank Area School values excellence and we are proud of our achievements. We

celebrate success and are able to monitor, communicate and respond to students and

parent concerns.

Facilities

Facilities at Oakbank Area School include:

* denotes facilities available for hire

School hall *

Oval, soccer ground and tennis courts *

Gymnasium *

Beach Volleyball Courts *

Large, modern Resource Centre,

catering for all students from Reception

to Year 12

Computer suites with additional com-

puters in other areas of the school Canteen providing a wide range of

healthy food and drinks

Science laboratories

Home Economics centre

Technology workshops

Photography – digital computer suite

Performing Arts facilities *

Visual Arts facilities

Extensive agriculture grounds, including

orchard, vegetable garden and

vineyard

Makerspace Centre with a focus on

programming, 3D printing and robotics.

Curriculum

Oakbank Area School delivers a broad based learning program for students from Reception

through to Year 12. The program is structured in such a way that students can enter the

school at Reception, or at different entry points, and continue their education through to

Year 12.

Years R to 6

Subjects offered include: Humanities and Social Sciences, English, Health and Physical

Education, Mathematics, Science, The Arts (dance, drama, music, visual arts, media arts)

and Technology.

Years 7 to 10

Subjects offered include: Agriculture, Visual Art, English, Health and Physical Education,

Humanities and Social Sciences, Home Economics, Mathematics, Photography, Science

and Technology (Digital and Design)

Year 10 students also commence their Personal Learning Plan @ SACE level and are able to

choose electives by semester or year which include: Agriculture, Art, Health and Physical

Education, Home Economics, ICT, Media Studies, Photography and Tech.

SACE Stage 1 and 2

Compulsory Subjects include: English or Essential English, Mathematics or General

Mathematics or Essential Mathematics and Research Project.

Semester or full year elective subjects include: Agriculture, Art-2D, 3D & Design, Biology,

Chemistry, Child Studies, Community Studies, Creative Arts, Food and Hospitality, Furniture

Construction, History, ICT, Information Processing and Publishing, Media Studies, Metal Work,

Physical Education, Physics, Research Project, Visual Arts, Woodwork and Workplace

Practices. Senior School

At Oakbank Area School, students who are in year 10 or above, are considered part of the

Senior School.

There are many different ways for students to reach their goals; from those wishing to gain

essential work qualifications including pathways to traineeships or apprenticeships to those

students wishing to enter University or TAFE courses.

Extra - Curricular Activities

Oakbank Area School believes that valuable leadership experience and exploring the

benefits of a balanced lifestyle can be supported through extra-curricular activities. Some

of the opportunities provided include:

Student Leadership

There are many opportunities for student leadership in each of the sub schools. In the

primary years, all students are encouraged to participate in student leadership activities. In

the middle and senior years students selected by their peers to form the Student Leadership

Council (SLC).

This group involves itself in a range of activities pertinent to student well-being and the

processes in place in the school, the curriculum and other areas of concern.

Curriculum Competitions

Operation Flinders

Career Open Days

International Buddy Program

Agricultural Programs

Various Knockout Sports

Oliphant Science Awards Competition

Royal Adelaide Show Competitions

Sport and Physical Activity

Physical fitness is strongly linked with good learning outcomes and sound emotional and

mental well-being. Accordingly, Oakbank Area School encourages all students to

participate in physical activity and we are proud of our success in sporting activities.

The school gymnasium is used for a variety of sports within the Physical Education program,

for intra-school and inter-school sport and also by the local sporting community.

Our Health and Physical Education programs, school events and inter-school Sports include:

International Program - Japan

Oakbank Area School has a sister school arrangement with Ikeda Senior High School in

Osaka, Japan. International students from Ikeda attend Oakbank Area School for a two

week period to improve their English and experience Australian life.

The school community is actively involved in this program through hosting the Japanese

students and teachers during each visit. Oakbank Area School students also have the

opportunity to visit Japan.

Gifted and Talented Students

In valuing and promoting students’ individual strengths, Oakbank Area School recognises

the needs of gifted and talented students.

Focus areas include:

Identification of gifted students;

Curriculum accommodations including acceleration in some instances; and

Training and development for teachers.

Academic Support

Oakbank Area School aims to develop students’ skills so that they can become

independent, responsible and creative learners.

Some of the support structures existing within the school are:

Literacy and numeracy support program including Mult-Lit and Quicksmart from

Reception through to Year 6;

Specific learning support for students with a One Plan from Reception to Year 12;

School Support Officer (SSO) support for students;

Care Group teachers and Year Level Leaders provide assistance and guidance for

students.

Badminton

Netball

Football

Soccer

Table Tennis

Sports Clinics

Athletics Day (Reception to Year 12)

Volleyball

SAPSASA Sports

Santos Athletics Day

Assessment and Reporting

Primary Years (Reception to Year 6)

Our reporting framework includes: Acquaintance Night (Term 1) to provide an overview of the curriculum, class structures

and routines.

Parents/Caregivers/Teacher conversations (Term 1 and 3) which will allow for a specific

focus on individual student achievement.

Report Folders with focussed reporting on student achievement in Terms 2 and 4.

National Literacy and Numeracy tests (Years 3 and 5) and State (Years 2 to 6).

Parents are invited to contact their child’s teacher at any point throughout the year to

discuss any issues or concerns.

Middle & Senior Secondary Years (Years 7 to 12)

The achievement of all students is continuously assessed in each subject studied. Parents/

caregivers are kept informed of student progress by:

Parents/Caregivers are able to contact their child’s Care Group teacher or subject

teachers at any time to discuss their child’s progress.

Homework

Primary Years - Reception to Year 6

From Reception to Year 2, homework usually consists of students practising spelling, reading

skills and sharing books with their parents/caregivers. The type of homework set for students

from Year 3 to Year 6 is usually an extension of the classroom learning program and is

designed to reinforce the work covered in lessons or include work that could have been

reasonably expected to have been completed in class. Homework expectations will be

provided to parents/caregivers by each teacher at the start of the school year.

Middle & Senior Secondary Years

Regular homework is part of the school’s learning program and should be completed

conscientiously and consistently. Apart from enabling students to complete course

requirements, a homework routine provides students with the opportunity to develop

independent working skills needed for success.

Students should receive a regular amount of homework per week. This should be recorded

in the school diary each night. You can support the school and your child to develop

appropriate study habits by ensuring homework is checked and completed each evening,

setting aside an agreed time for homework each night and setting aside an agreed

homework space.

Written reports.

Progress reports.

Acquaintance Nights.

National Literacy & Numeracy tests for

Year 7 and 9 students and State (Years

7 to 10).

Attendance at parent/caregiver-

teacher evenings.

Appointments, where parents/

caregivers meet with teachers on a

one-to-one basis.

General Student Information

Attendance

At Oakbank Area School we believe that punctuality and attendance are strongly linked to

success in learning. Some of the benefits of regular attendance and participation by

students include:

Gaining the maximum benefit from school which will optimise their life choices;

Developing essential skills and attitudes such as self discipline, punctuality, being

organised and sticking to routines, that will help students to be more successful;

Learning essential social skills necessary to live and work successfully with others;

Being in a much safer environment and learning more appropriate things than if they

were truanting.

If your child will be, or is absent from school, please telephone the Oakbank Area School

Front Office on 8398 7200. If you receive a text message from the school advising you of

your child’s absence, please respond with the relevant information regarding why your child

was absent and the dates of any such absence.

For absences from school of 5 days or more, during the school term, parents/caregivers are

requested to complete an ‘Application for Exemption From School’ Form prior to the

student’s absence. This form must be signed by the Principal to authorise the absence from

school for the period stipulated on the application form.

Lesson Times

All students attend Care Group in the morning from 8.45am to 9am.

There are six, 50 to 55 minute lessons each day.

In 2017, students will be dismissed at 3.15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

On Wednesdays, students are dismissed at 2.25pm.

Students who need to remain at school due to bus schedules are to go to the library until

normal dismissal at 3.15pm.

Arriving Late to School

Students who arrive to school after 8.45am are required to:

Sign in using the Incidental Absence computer at the Front Office upon arrival; and

Provide a note from their parent/caregiver, explaining the reason for their lateness.

A student’s continued and habitual unexplained lateness will be followed up with parents/

caregivers and the Regional Attendance Officer if required.

Leaving School During the Day

Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds during the day unless they have a

crucial family matter or medical/dental appointment that cannot be booked outside of

regular school hours.

Parents/caregivers must advise the school by either providing a written note or by

telephoning the school to advise of the requirement for their son/daughter to leave school

early and the reason for the student’s early departure.

Students must sign out via the Incidental Absence computer located at the Front Office

upon departure, and obtain a staff members signature on the Incidental Absence Receipt.

Sickness and Accidents

Students who feel ill during the day are required to report to the Front Office, after obtaining

permission from their teacher to leave class. Students are discouraged from contacting

their parents first, using their mobile phones.

In the event of an accident or illness requiring medical attention, parent’s/caregiver’s or

emergency contacts will be contacted immediately.

Student ID Cards

Students in Years 8 to12 may require a photographic Student Identity Card for bus travel or

to obtain student concessions. These Student ID Cards are issued to all secondary students

at the commencement of each school year.

Replacement or new Student ID Cards can be obtained from the Front Office at a small

cost.

Care of Personal Property

Parents/caregivers are asked to ensure that all items of clothing and personal property are

clearly marked with the student’s name. More expensive items such as calculators should

be engraved.

Mobile phones and music devices are NOT permitted to be brought to school by Reception

to Year 6 students.

Students in Years 7 to 12 bring their phones and mobile devices to school at their own risk.

Phones are to be used in line with the School’s Cybersafety/ ICT and Mobile Phones/

Electronic Devices Policies.

If a teacher deems that a student is distracted by their phone, it will be confiscated in line

with the Mobile Phone policy.

Material and Services Charge

The Material and Services charge is set by the School Council in Term 4 of every year.

The Material and Services charge is invoiced to families in January for the current year.

School Card must be applied for annually. Application forms are available from the Front

Office.

Stationery For School Use

Reception to Year 7 students are issued with a stationery pack by the class teacher at

the beginning of each year.

Year 8 to 12 students are issued with a list of required stationery items prior to the

commencement of each new school year. These lists are also available on the school

webiste.

Year 7 to 12 students are issued with a school diary at the commencement of each year.

Communication

Parent/Caregiver Contact

Oakbank Area School values the strong partnership we enjoy with parents/caregivers and

the wider community.

Should there be changes in a student’s family structure or if a student is experiencing a

social or learning difficulty, please inform the school through one of the following personnel:

Primary School

Class Teachers should be the first point of contact in the school when parents/

caregivers have a concern or wish to share information.

Middle and Senior Secondary School

Home Group Teacher should be the first point of contact in the school when parents/

caregivers have a concern or wish to share information.

Subject Teachers can be contacted about courses of study or issues/concerns that you

might have in relation to a particular subject.

Year level Leaders provide support to students, families and teachers in relation to

school administration and behavioural/social issues.

School Diary

All Year 7 to 12 students are issued with a school diary at the commencement of each year.

This is an important means of communication between the student, the school and home.

The diary is to be used for:

planning and organisation of work requirements and school events;

recording due dates, results and reports received; and

communication between students, parents/caregivers and teachers.

Some students may elect to maintain an electronic diary.

Newsletter

Newsletters will be published in weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 of each term, and will either be given

to the youngest or only member of each family attending the school or emailed home.

Newsletters will also be published on the school website: www.oakbankas.sa.edu.au

We encourage parents/caregivers to provide an email address to enable Newsletters and

other relevant correspondence to be emailed home, to ensure that all information is

received by parents/caregivers.

Assemblies

Students are involved in planning and running assemblies, which include:

Primary school student-run assemblies

Middle & Senior Secondary school assemblies

Whole school (Year Level) assemblies

Special purpose assemblies for guest speakers, performances and student/

achievement recognition

Student Support

Student Counsellor

The Student Counsellor works with parents/caregivers, students and staff to provide support

in the areas of personal and relationship issues, behavioural or attendance concerns,

harassment, conflict resolution, career clarification and pathways to careers, work

experience, study skills and organisation.

Students are encouraged to be open with their families, and parents/caregivers are

encouraged to contact the school about any concerns that they may have regarding their

child/ren.

Pastoral Care Worker

This position is funded and supported by the local Ministers’ Fraternal. The Pastoral Care

Worker is available to both staff and students to discuss matters of a personal or religious

nature for two days per week.

Support involves: referring students to other agencies as needed, acting as a resource

person for staff and students, assisting the Student Counsellor or being involved in class and

extra-curricular activities.

Parent/Caregiver Involvement

Oakbank Area School has a strong family atmosphere and we are keen to develop and

maintain a good partnership with parents/caregivers, teachers and students.

Parents/Caregivers are invited to participate in any of the school council committees, in the

canteen or in any of the fundraising or volunteer programs operating in the school.

Other opportunities for Volunteering include:

Learning Centre: Please contact the Student Services Officer if you would like to

volunteer and learn library procedures and related computing skills at the same time.

Canteen: Parents/Caregivers are very welcome to volunteer their services for a few

hours per day on a rostered basis, to help serve and prepare lunches. Please contact

the Canteen Manager – Jeanette Koopman.

Classroom Support: Teachers would love to hear from parents/caregivers or friends

who have an hour or two spare to listen to students read, to teach craft skills or to

transport students to sports events etc.

For more information or to register interest, please contact the school on 8398 7200.

Please note that all regular Volunteers require a DCSI clearance in order to be permitted to

be onsite at Oakbank Area School. There may also be the need to complete Responding

to Abuse and Neglect in Educational Care Centres Training.

Please see the Front Office staff for further information.

Transport

On Foot: Students crossing the Main Road are requested to use a pedestrian-operated

crossing located near the main gates.

On Bicycle: Bicycle tracks exist along the southern side of Onkaparinga Valley Road.

Bicycle racks are located near the vegetable gardens behind the gymnasium.

By Car: [parents/caregiver driven]: Students may alight on the Main Road [in the

non-prohibited areas] or in the Gymnasium Car Park. Please drive slowly and carefully in

this area, following the signs provided. Students must not be dropped off in front of the

Administration/Front Office area.

By Car: [student driven]: Students must obtain the required documentation from the

Senior Coordinator and obtain parental permission and approval from the Principal

prior to commencing driving to school and parking in the designated area at school.

Students must not leave during the school day without the permission of the Principal,

Deputy Principal, or take other students in their car, without signed consent from both

parents.

By Bus: Travel is free on Department of Education (DfE) buses and on buses contracted

to DfE. Other services operate and have set fees. DfE buses and the Transit Plus bus

depart the school grounds at approximately 3.20pm each day.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of fire, students are held in safe areas at the school.

Buses, which would normally travel into an area of danger are held at school until the

area is declared safe.

Bushfire processes and procedures are available on the Oakbank Area School website and

are also sent home each year.

Eligibility for Department for Education Buses

Under DfE guidelines, bus travel on DfE buses is restricted to:

Secondary students for whom OAS is their school of right, and who live at least 5km from

the school.

Primary students for whom OAS is their nearest school.

Outside of these guidelines, approval to travel on a DfE bus needs to be sought from

the Principal who will consult with neighbouring schools if necessary.

School Dress Code

It is a condition of enrolment at Oakbank Area School, that all students wear the correct school uniform at all times.

Skirt: Black Watch Tartan. No more than 10cm above or below the knee. Skirt is also able to

be worn in summer.

Dress: Blue and White Check. No more than 10cm above or below the knee.

Polo Shirt: Short sleeve, with Oakbank Area School on the collar.

Shorts: Plain navy, no more than 10cm above or below the knee (girls and boys).

Pants: Plain navy trousers or plain navy track pants.

Windcheater - Primary: Navy polo fleece, half zip with school logo.

Hoodie Windcheater - Secondary: Navy with bottle green lined hoodie with ‘Oakbank’ on

the back and school logo on the front.

Hat: Navy broad brim/bucket (primary), plain navy baseball cap (secondary). In winter

students are permitted to wear head wear that is navy blue and/or white. Tights: Navy. Socks: White or Navy.

Sports Uniform ( Years 7 to 12 only)

Sports Top: Navy and White Sports Top.

Sports Shorts: Plain navy shorts.

Sports Tracksuit: plain navy tracksuit pants.

When students participate in inter-school sport, they are required to wear their school sports

uniform.

Please Note:

Long sleeve tops: Only plain navy or white are to be worn under polo shirts.

Shoes: Suitable footwear must be worn at all times. Black is the preferred colour. Shoes

worn in the gymnasium must have non marking soles. Students are required to wear

enclosed shoes in some subject areas due to safety reasons.

Coats or Jackets without logos can be worn over school windcheaters to and from school

and at recess and lunch time, but ARE NOT PERMITTED to be worn in heated classrooms.

Hats/Beanies: may not be worn in classrooms.

Scarves: Plain navy or white may be worn.

Jewellery: A teacher may request a student to remove any item of clothing or jewellery if

the item creates a hazard or is inappropriate.

The Following Items are Unacceptable:

Denim jeans, shorts or skirts; Any clothing with bold name brand logos, other than school

logos; Open, sling back sandals and thongs.

Uniform Provider

The ONLY provider of the Oakbank Area School uniform is The Uniform Shop at Mount Barker

situated in the Home Make Centre (near Harvey Normans). Telephone 8398 3983.

Breaches of the School Dress Code Parents of children not wearing school uniform are asked to provide a note explaining why

they are out of uniform. Parents of children without a note may be contacted and asked to

154 Onkaparinga Valley Road

Oakbank Area School

Tennis Court

Joyce TTC (16)

Verdun (15) HCCS

VE1 VE2

Pike – Home Ec. (4)

PHE1 PHE2

Pfeiffer Tech

(3)

PTE2

Pfeiffer (3) Tech PTE1

E.C. Wilson Hall (2)

Toilets (48)

Front Lawn

Emergency Assembly Area

Library (1)

Male/ Female Toilets

Senior

Whimpress (1)

Front Office

Staff Room

CA

NT

EE

N

Lampard

LDR1 (5)

Lampard

LDR2 (5)

( 42)

Johnston - Science

JSC1 JSC2 JSC3

Top Oval

Photog-raphy

Hockey Field

Primary Playground

Joyce TTC (16)

Agriculture & Horticultural Production

Toilets (48)

Lampard

LDR1 (5)

Lampard

LDR2 (5)

SHED (19)

Primary

Brockhoff (49)

BR2 BR3

BR1 BR4

Beach Volleyball Courts

Gymnasium

Car Park

Martin Gymnasium (39)

Art

( 42)

Johnston - Science

JSC1 JSC2 JSC3

Middle Photog-raphy

MA 1 MA2 MA3

SHED

Woodside Camp

Wicks TTC

Balhannah (18)

Oakbank Area School 154 Onkaparinga Valley Road

OAKBANK SA 5243

Telephone: (08) 8398 7200 Facsimile: (08) 8388 4718

Email: dl.0762.info@schools.sa.edu.au

Website: www.oakbankas.sa.edu.au

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oakbankas

CONTACT DETAILS