heaton public school · helpful tips for kindy starters the night before the first day of school...

Phone: 4952 6022

Fax: 4952 6718 E-mail: [email protected]

Web: http://www.heaton-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

HEATON PUBLIC SCHOOL

Janet Street [PO BOX 108]

JESMOND NSW 2299

I N F O R M A T I O N H A N D B O O K

Information Handbook

Heaton Public School

Only the best...

H E A T O N P U B L I C S C H O O L

Welcome to Heaton Public School

Heaton Public School is a warm, caring school that

works closely with the whole school community to

ensure our students receive a quality education in a

quality learning environment. Our Mission, ‘Only the

Best’, reflects the very high standard of academic, social

and cultural opportunities provided by the school.

Parents are actively encouraged to become members of

our P&C, Canteen or Uniform Committees. Our P&C

meets on the first Tuesday of each month during school

terms.

This handbook is designed to give information to

parents and children about the school and the way it

operates. The booklet will always be subject to

amendments as ideas and procedures change.

Brett Meek

Principal

Page 23


The first weeks of school

The school will let you know when you may need to pack items for

activities such as sport, art or library.

Children are often very tired in the first few weeks of school. Your

child needs lots of sleep.

Give your child a healthy breakfast to get them through the day.

Make sure your child knows who will pick them up each day.

Check your child’s bag each night for school notes and lunch

leftovers.

Try to establish regular morning routines.

Start a home reading routine.

Talk to the teacher about helping in the classroom, if you can.

Talk to the principal about helping in the school canteen.

Chat to your child about their day at school.

It is very important that your child still has time to relax, play outside

and do things that they enjoy once they start school.


Page 22

HELPFUL TIPS FOR KINDY STARTERS

The night before the first day of

school

Lay out your child’s clothes, shoes and socks.

You may want to make your child’s lunch tonight and pop it in the

fridge.

Help your child to pack their school bag.

Pack a spare pair of underpants, socks and a change of clothes in a

plastic bag. Let your child know these are in their backpack in case

they have any toilet accidents at school.

The first day

Be positive and happy about the first day with your child.

Let your child dress themselves as much as possible.

Tie long hair back or plait hair.

Apply sunscreen to your child each morning. They will need to wear

their school hat when outside the classroom.

Take photos!


Table of Contents General information

Enrolment 5

School Uniform 6

Labeling of Possessions 7

Parking Within School Areas 7

Parent Involvement 8

School Canteen 8

Things to Think About 9

School Procedure

Afternoon Procedure 10

Absence from School 10

Leaving School During the Day 11

Late Arrival to School 11

Concerns 11

Our Learning Support Team 11

School Captains 12

Student Council 12

Bicycles 12

Photographs 13

Religious Instruction 13

Library 13

Sport & Daily PE 14

Sport Houses 15

Discipline & Award System 16

Health

First Aid 20

Medication 20

Asthma 20

Infectious Diseases 21

Helpful Tips For Kindy Starters 22


GENERAL INFORMATION

Heaton public school

LOCATION: Janet Street, Jesmond (enter via gate 7) (Behind Callaghan College, Jesmond Campus) POSTAL ADDRESS: Heaton Public School PO Box 108 Jesmond NSW 2299 TELEPHONE: 02 4952 6022

FAX: 02 4952 6718 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.heaton-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

School hours

Children begin class each day at 9.00am and lessons conclude at

3.00pm. The general daily routine is outlined below. School Commences 9.00am Recess 11.00—11.25am Lunch 1.00—1.45pm End of Day 3.00pm Playground supervision is provided from 8.30am before lessons. Children should not arrive at school before 8.30am.

Waratah OOSH offers before and after school care if needed. Ph 02 4968 2817. Footsteps Family Day Care offers before and after school care. Ph 0422 104 024. Parents need to pre register their children for this service with the providers.

Page 21


Infectious diseases

There are many infectious diseases that affect children and it is possible

that your child may come into contact with one of them during their

school years.

The following is a list of just some of the diseases and the exclusion

periods for which children are recommended to stay home from school.

If you are in doubt please contact the school or your local doctor.

Chicken Pox—Stay at home for 5 days after rash first appears and

blisters have scabbed over.

Gastroenteritis—Stay at home for at least 24 hours after all

symptoms have ceased.

Mumps—Stay at home for at least 9 days after the appearance of

swelling.

Influenza—Stay at home until all symptoms have ceased.

Rubella (German Measles) - Stay at home for at least 4 days after

rash appears.

Measles—Stay ay home for at least 4 days after rash appears.

Whooping Cough—Stay at home for 14 days from the start of

illness or until 5 days of a 14 day course of antibiotics have been

completed

Pediculosis (Head Lice)- Head lice are a common occurrence, particularly

in primary schools. Anyone can catch head lice regardless of their age or

how clean their hair is. Children who have evidence of lice in their hair

need appropriate treatment and ongoing management. Commercial

treatments are available from your local chemist or the use of white

conditioner and a fine tooth (nit) comb may also be effective.


Page 20

HEALTH

First aid

Here at Heaton, we provide basic first aid for children in the event of

accidents or falls. If a child requires more attention than a simple clean

and band aid, or becomes ill during the school day, parents or their

nominated emergency contacts will be notified. Serious injuries will be

treated by calling the Ambulance Service.

Please ensure that emergency contact details are up to date. Particularly

in cases of emergencies, it is important that we have current home and

mobile contact numbers

medication

When a medical practitioner has prescribed medication that must be

administered during the school day you will need to contact the office

so that arrangements specific to your child’s needs can be made. All

requests to administer medication at school will need to be

accompanied by a written request. To ensure the safety of all children,

medications are not to be kept in children’s school bags, they should be

handed directly to the office.

Asthma

Asthma affects a significant number of children and young people. If

your child suffers from asthma, please notify the school so we can

implement strategies for supporting your child while at school. Should

your child suffer from severe asthma, it is a good idea that they have

their own inhalers and be shown how to use them so that their

medication can be readily used in the event of an asthma attack.


ENROLMENT

Enrolment forms must be completed for all new enrolments prior to

class placement. Children enrolling into Kindergarten must turn 5 years

of age before 31st July in the year they enrol. Your child's Birth

Certificate or proof of birth date must be sighted prior to or on the day

of enrolment.

When enrolling your child, notify us of any illness or condition that may

affect his/her schooling or necessitate particular attention.

Make sure that the information on the enrolment form is current and

that you have provided a place and phone number where you or a

reliable person can be contacted in case of illness or accident. The name

and telephone number of two trusted relatives or friends must be

supplied in case we are unable to contact you. These emergency

contacts should live within a reasonable distance of the school.

Please advise the school immediately of any change of family

circumstances, medical conditions or allergies, address or phone

numbers including mobile numbers.


SCHOOL UNIFORM

The wearing of correct school uniform is valued by our school

community and we hope that every child will wear full school uniform

every day. Should you have any financial difficulty providing a uniform

for your child, please contact

the Principal who can

organise assistance for you.

When buying accessories

such as hair ribbons, please

give consideration to school

colours.

Enclosed footwear is

essential for health and

safety reasons. Thongs are

NOT permitted to be worn at

any time.

Items are available for

purchase from the P & C

School Uniform Shop. A

representative of the P & C

will be available for uniform

purchase on Mondays

between the hours of

2.30pm and 3.15pm and

Fridays between the hours

of 8.45am and 9.15am.

Page 19


continued..........

Notes:

Classroom teachers are responsible for awarding and monitoring of levels from +3 to -1. Levels +4, -2 and -3 will involve principal, parents and relevant teachers. Teachers to use red dots for time out. Classroom matters to be dealt by the class teacher. This may involve in-class detention

or completing set tasks at a specified time. If classroom matters persist then the Assistant Principal will be involved. The Principal may be involved if deemed necessary by the Assistant Principal.

Some students will require their own individualized program. Staff will be informed of any individual programs by the Principal or Executive at staff meetings.

It is possible for a student to drop more than one level depending on the seriousness of the indiscretion.

Teachers should display levels achieved by students in class to reinforce and act as an incentive for students to strive for higher levels of achievement.

Students representing the school at PSSA or equivalent event must be on zero or a

positive level. A student who is on a negative level may be eligible to represent the school at any level, at the discretion of the Principal

Additional Notes: Note 1 To be considered as a school executive, the Year 5 nominees must be on

Level +3 or higher. Note 2 A student forfeits the right to be elected to positions of responsibility e.g.

student executive, school councillor or house captains, if Level -1 is realised on more than one occasion.


Page 18

-2 Level

ACTION Violent behaviour causing injury Consistently disruptive when on Level -1 Serious breach of student conduct

bullying racial vilification intimidation verbal harassment

Any additional yellow behaviour sheets while on -1 level. CONSEQUENCES

Meeting with Assistant Principal and teacher to discuss behaviour and ways to improve.

Placed on student behaviour card for a specified period. Child will be withdrawn from the playground for duration. Parents informed by letter. Parent-Teacher interview if necessary. Involvement in school functions dependent on negotiated behaviour plan. School counsellor may be involved.

* Before a student is placed on -2 level, for classroom or playground concerns, they are to be referred to and acted upon by the Assistant Principal immediately. * It is anticipated that the child remain on -2 for a minimum of one week. If behaviour does not improve, an extension may be necessary. Parents to be informed of extension.

-3 Level

ACTION Intentional violence. Consistent and repeated breach of student conduct * bullying * racial vilification * intimidation * verbal harassment Unprovoked physical attack. Student has ignored the rights of others

CONSEQUENCES An interview is sought with parents, student and Principal. Student may be suspended and a specific behaviour plan to be

implemented on returning to school. Student to report to Principal before and after school. Student placed on continuing detention and withdrawal from playground. No participation in ANY school activity or function. No playground access School counsellor referral sought.

* Student to return to an agreed behaviour level, negotiated by Principal, parent and teacher.

continued..........


LABELLING OF POSSESSIONS

Please ensure every possession worn or brought to school is clearly

labelled with your child's name. This assists in finding an owner for lost

property and also saves disputes over ownership of lost items.

Items that are not marked with a child’s name or collected by the end of

term will be donated to the clothing pool.

PARKING WITHIN THE SCHOOL

Heaton Public School has a Parent/Visitor car park that caters for a

limited number of vehicles. Parents and visitors are asked not to park in

the ‘Staff Parking’ area or the ‘Drop Off Zone’. Please do not use the ’No

Standing’ area to deliver and collect children.

A 'Drop Off' Zone has been designated at the roundabout to allow

parents to drop off and pick up children safely. Do not park in this area.

Do not wait in your car in this area before 2.40 pm. You must not leave

your vehicle when it is in the ‘Drop off” zone as this causes significant

delays for other drivers and creates safety issues for children. Parents are

asked to use the parking area provided when leaving their vehicles.

Alternately, Callaghan College Jesmond

Campus has consented to our parents using

the student car park on the Western side of

our entry drive way if necessary.

We ask you to take special care in wet weather

when visibility is poor and children are rushing

to enter vehicles.


PARENT INVOLVEMENT

The establishment of strong links between home and the school is

highly valued by us. There are many ways that you can be involved in

our school. These include:

School Excursions

Sport

Fund Raising

P & C

Social Events

Helping in Classrooms

Canteen

We look forward to meeting you

and know that you will enjoy

participating in our school

activities. The children will certainly enjoy seeing you here.

SCHOOL CANTEEN

Heaton Public School provides a school canteen that operates under the

NSW Government Healthy School

Canteens Guidelines.

The canteen is organised and operated

by a volunteer committee. Our canteen

only opens on the days we have

volunteers. Blank rosters are sent home

at the end of each term seeking

volunteers for the coming term. We need

your help to operate this service.

Page 17


Actions and consequences for level system

+4

20 “I Cares” during Term 4 awarded +4 at assembly and recognised in the Hotline. “I Cares” awarded at the discretion of teachers for positive behaviour and learning. Class awards will be presented at Friday afternoon assemblies each week. Students will be recognised for Excellence in Learning, Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion

+3

20 ‘I Cares” during Term 3 awarded +3 at assembly and recognised in the Hotline. “I Cares” awarded at the discretion of teachers for positive behaviour and learning. Class awards will be presented at Friday afternoon assemblies each week. Students will be recognised for Excellence in Learning , Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion.

+2

20 “I Cares” during Term 2 awarded +2 at assembly and recognised in the Hotline. “I Cares” awarded at the discretion of teachers for positive behaviour and learning. Class awards will be presented at Friday afternoon assemblies each week. Students will be recognised for Excellence in Learning, Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion.

+1

20 ‘ I Cares” during Term 1 awarded +1 at assembly and recognised in the Hotline. “I Cares” awarded at the discretion of teachers for positive behaviour and learning. Class awards will be presented at Friday afternoon assemblies each week. Students will be recognised for Excellence in Learning, Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion.

0

ALL STUDENTS BEGIN ON THIS LEVEL EACH YEAR. For minor discretions teachers should give students ‘time-out’ on RED DOTS in the playground.

-1 Level

ACTION Unsatisfactory behavior Consistently disruptive in class Rudeness or swearing Inappropriate playground behavior 3 Yellow behaviour sheets

CONSEQUENCES No representation of school i.e. sport, choir Optional work card imposed. Placed on a student behaviour card for one week before moving back to

previous level. Parent-Teacher interview if necessary.


Page 16

DISCIPLINE AND AWARD SYSTEM

CORE RULES

Heaton Public School incorporates the NSW government schools ‘Core

Rules’ in our student behaviour expectations.

Award system

We have developed a reward system for students which encourages

positive behaviour and attitude, and service to the school . This system

allows children to progress through a series of pre-determined ‘levels’

culminating in the presentation of a ‘Plus 4’ certificate at special

assembly during Term 4. Students at this level are also listed in our

‘Hotline’ newsletter.

THE CORE RULES All students in NSW government schools are expected to:

Attend every school day, unless they are legally excused, and be in class on time and prepared to learn.

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

Behave safely, considerably and responsibly, including when travelling to and from school.

Show respect at all times for teachers, other school staff and helpers, including following class rules, speaking courteously and cooperating with instructions and learning activities.

Treat one another with dignity and respect.

Care for property belonging to themselves, the school and others.

Behaviour that infringes on the safety of others, such as harassment, bullying and illegal or anti-social behaviour of any kind, will not be tolerated.


Children are requested to place lunch orders before school commences.

Lunch bags are available from the canteen for this purpose. Parents of

Infants' children are requested to fill in their orders for them. Lunch

orders are taken to classrooms for the children at the beginning of the

lunch break. Students may visit the canteen at recess and during the

second half of the lunch break to purchase snack items and drinks.

Price lists of all goods for sale are sent home periodically. Parents are

advised of any menu changes and price increases by notes sent home.

Things to think about

Should you have a change of address or contact details please

notify us immediately so that we can update our records.

We all have pets that we love and care for, however, as part of DEC

guidelines people are not permitted to bring a dog or other pets onto

school grounds without prior permission from the Principal.

Precious toys and valued possessions should not be brought to

school. It is too easy for them to become damaged or lost.

Large amounts of pocket money are not a good idea. We only offer

a limited canteen so children only need enough money for a drink or ice

block.

Especially in the early stages of your child's school life, try not to

pack too much food in lunch boxes. Children tend not to eat a great

deal at this time and therefore much food is wasted.

Please only use disposable or plastic containers for food.

We ask that you send in a note to your child’s teacher for any

change to normal school routine.


SCHOOL PROCEDURE

Afternoon procedure

Kindergarten children finish school half an hour before other students

during the early part of Term 1. Parents, please collect children outside

the doors of the Kindergarten classroom at 2.30 p.m. Parents are

welcome to wait for their children on the silver seats at the end of the

lower classroom block.

Children being collected by car must wait at

the pick up area in front of the school hall until

they see their parent arrive. Supervision is

provided at this time and children will be sent

to cars when it is safe to do so. Please ensure

children are wearing seatbelts before moving

the car.

Children going to after school care are

supervised at the roundabout pick-up point for the Waratah OOSH and

Footsteps Family Day Care buses.

Absence from school

Parents/Carers are asked to send a note, following a period of absence,

signed and stating the reason for the absence. This must be done within

seven days of the absence. If it is known that your child will be absent

e.g. appointments, holidays with parents etc. a note in advance would

be appreciated.

Children going on holidays during the school term require an

‘Application for Extended Leave—Travel’. Please contact the office

should you be planning a holiday during the school term. Page 15


SPORTS HOUSES

Each child will be allocated to a 'House' for inter school sport.

Our sport houses are:

‘Cook’—Blue ‘Flinders’—Green

‘Dampier’—Yellow ‘Tasman’—Red


Page 14

SPORT & DAILY p.E.

Sport encourages team spirit and sportsmanship

and enables children to apply the skills learned in

the Physical Education program. It helps children

to develop social skills and accept and abide by

rules.

All children at Heaton Public School participate in a

variety of sports enabling them to experience different types of sporting

activities and develop a wide range of skills.

Our school belongs to the

N e w c a s t l e P r i m a r y

S c h o o l s S p o r t s

A s s o c i a t i o n a n d

competes with other

schools in this association

at swimming, athletics

carnivals, cross country as

well as special gala days

in varied team sports. Our Swimming Carnival is held in Term One. Our

Athletics Carnival is held in Term Three.

All students in years K-2 participate in weekly swimming lessons during

term 4, carried out by qualified instructors at one of the local

professional swim schools.


Leaving school grounds during the

day

If it is necessary to take your child from school during normal school

hours you must first report to the administration office to obtain an

‘Early Leavers’ slip to hand to the class teacher.

LATE ARRIVAL at SCHOOL

Parents should try to ensure that their children are at school on time

prior to the commencement of lessons. Late arrivals disrupt the learning

of all class members. Students arriving late to school must report to the

administration office to obtain a ‘Late Arrival’ slip which is to be handed

to their teacher when they enter the class.

CONCERNS

Should you have any concern regarding your child’s education or

welfare please contact your child’s teacher immediately for an

appointment. The class teacher will advise you if the matter should be

referred to the Principal. Please do not allow small issues to grow into

large ones.

Our learning support team

The School Learning Support Team co-ordinates a range of services to

assist students and families. This may include referrals to our School

Counsellor who works closely with the team. Should you wish to make

an appointment with our School Counsellor or to refer a concern about

your child to the Learning Support Team, please contact the Principal for

an appointment.


School captains

In Term 4, Year 5 students nominate their fellow classmates for the

School Leadership Team for the following year. Candidates present

speeches to the assembly and all students cast a vote for their favoured

candidate. The School Leadership Team, consisting of six school leaders,

will elect two School Captains to lead the team. The School Leadership

Team will perform many functions for the school and represent the

school on official occasions.

Student council

The Student Council comprises the School Captains, members of the

School Leadership Team and two (2) class representatives from each

class. The council is under the guidance of a staff member and meets

regularly to discuss school issues and initiatives. The council also runs

charitable functions e.g. out of uniform days and cake stalls, and they

liaise with staff on student welfare and rules.

Bicycles & SCOOTERS

Children from 10 years of age and upward

are permitted to ride their bikes to school.

Children who are under 10 years of age

must be accompanied by an adult if they

ride their bike to school. All children MUST

wear a safety helmet at all times while

riding a bike. Bicycles and scooters are not

to be ridden in the playground. This is to eliminate the possibility of

other children being injured. To ensure the safety of your child’s bike a

bicycle lock is recommended. Page 13


PHOTOGRAPHS

A photographer visits the school each year to take class and individual

photos. Details will be forwarded to parents prior to the Photo Day.

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

Visiting clergy and lay teachers attend the school each Thursday

afternoon for religious instruction on a class basis. The instruction is non

-denominational. Parents who do not wish their child to attend must

notify the Principal in writing.

LIBRARY

All students participate in library

classes. Individuals and groups also

use our library for research and

project work, for reading and for

the enjoyment of games.

All students are given opportunities

to borrow books each week. To

borrow, students need to have a

library bag, a drawstring bag

approximately 25cm x 40cm, in

which to take home library books.

Please print your child’s name

clearly on their library bag.

heaton public school · helpful tips for kindy starters the night before the first day of school...

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