Parent Handbook ST Brendans 2020
Parent Handbook ST Brendans 2020
Parent Handbook ST Brendans 2020
PRIMARY SCHOOL
727 Corangamite Lake Road CORAGULAC VICTORIA 3249
PARENT
HANDBOOK
Phone: 03 5233 1464
Fax: 03 5233 1579
email: principal@sbcoragulac.catholic.edu.au
www.sbcoragulac.catholic.edu.au
Welcome
We welcome you and your family to St Brendan’s School and hope
your years spent as part of the St. Brendan’s School community will
be happy and fulfilling.
Your child is important to you, and to us. Throughout your child’s
Primary School years, we aim always to work cooperatively with you
to help your child grow, learn and flourish.
At St. Brendan’s, the child is at the heart of all that we do and every
decision we make. We provide a small school setting with a
contemporary education, meeting each child at their point of need.
We aim to develop the whole child with the confidence and skills
necessary to move onto the next stage of his/her learning journey.
We encourage you to participate in the life of our school community,
building positive relationships whilst working alongside others to
maintain a welcoming, vibrant, and nurturing environment for all
families. St. Brendan’s prides itself on being a strong school and
parish community, inclusive of all.
We look forward to sharing the excitement of this educational
journey with you.
Leanne Eastman
Principal
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
Our vision of Catholic Education at St Brendan’s School is based on the person of Jesus Christ
St Brendan’s Catholic School is founded upon Catholic Values and committed to ensuring children realise
their full potential within a supportive and nurturing community.
MISSION STATEMENT
St Brendan’s Catholic School is committed to ensuring children realise their full potential.
Our goals are:
● To provide each child with a stimulating curriculum that will develop him/her to reach their full
potential.
● To respect the dignity and integrity of each person, promoting self esteem, hope and positive vision
for the future.
● To develop courage, confidence and life skills, enabling each child to become his/her own person.
● To cater for individual learning styles and abilities.
SCHOOL STAFF
BELL TIMES
8.50am Music
8.55am to 11.0000am Line up Class Time
11.00am to 11.25am Morning Recess
11.25am to 1.30pm Class Time
1.30 pm to 1.40pm Lunch (eating time)
1.40pm to 2.15pm Lunch Recess
2.15pm to 3.15pm Class Time
OFFICE HOURS
TERM DATES
2020
Term 1 Wednesday 27th January Thursday, April 1st
Term 2 Tuesday 19th April Friday 25th June
Term 3 Monday 12th July Friday 17th September
Term 4 Monday 4th October Friday 17th December
Contents
AMBULANCE
If your child is involved in a serious accident at school and we cannot contact you, an ambulance may
be required to transport your child to the doctor/hospital. Schools are not covered by the ambulance
subscription; hence it is advisable for each family to subscribe to a family membership. Teachers are
not permitted to transport seriously injured children.
ART SMOCK
All children must have an art smock. These are supplied by the school.
Assessment is essential to the process of making informed decisions about the next steps in
learning for all students. The learning and teaching cycle includes pre and post assessments that
allow teachers to plan for targeted teaching and to monitor student growth and progress.
Through formative assessments and frequent monitoring, teachers provide students with
targeted feedback on their learning progress. This enables student engagement and
self-monitoring.
The Reporting periods are at the end of Semester 1 and at the end of Semester 2. Student
achievement is reported against The Victorian Curriculum standards at each level from
Foundation (prep), at the end of Semesters 1 & 2. Throughout the year, samples of student work
is collated in Learning Portfolios. The portfolios are presented by the students to their parents as
part of the end of year Learning Conversations.
If parents would like to meet with the teacher to discuss their child's learning at times other
than those specified, they are welcome to email the teacher to organise a time.
Learning Conversations which includes the students, are allocated for the end of Semester One
and the end of Semester Two. Student individual records/progress is to be continually reflected
through rich assessment tasks, anecdotal notes and evidence of learning. These will be used
during Learning Conversations. If parents have any concerns, special requests, issues, etc. these
need to be recorded and brought to the attention of the Principal.
BOOK CLUB
Your child will receive Scholastic Book Club catalogues and order forms throughout the year. These
provide you with an opportunity to purchase quality children’s literature from Scholastic Australia.
There is no obligation to purchase, but if you wish to buy from the catalogues, please return the money
with the order form by the due date in a sealed envelope. Clearly write your child’s name and the
amount of money enclosed on the front of the envelope. You can also order directly on line at
Scholastic.
CLEANING OF SCHOOL
The school employs a cleaner who works on Tuesdays and Fridays after school to maintain cleanliness
across all areas of the school. At other times children are asked to maintain cleanliness of their learning
areas. Students are rostered on to empty rubbish bins at the end of each school day. From time to
time working bees are also held to help maintain tidiness of the school, internally and externally.
CURRICULUM AREAS
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) has developed a framework of essential
learning for all Victorian Schools.
This framework – The Victorian Curriculum F-10, provides the framework for schools to deliver
teaching and learning programs that support students to develop capacities to confidently manage
themselves and their relationships with others, make sense of the world in which they live and
effectively participate in their world
The school curriculum at St Brendan’s School contains the following key learning areas.
♦ Religion
♦ Arts Dance, Drama, Media, Music, Visual Arts
♦ English Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening
♦ Health and Physical Education
♦ LOTE Indonesian
♦ Mathematics
♦ Science
♦ Studies of Society and Environment
♦ Technology
Special Education Programs: MultiLit, Macqlit,JEMM
ENROLMENT PROCEDURE
● Prospective parents are required to fill in an “Application for Enrolment” form
● Baptismal Certificate (where applicable), Birth Certificate and Immunization Certificate need to be
presented
● The Principal will notify parents of child’s acceptance
● Children need to be five years of age by April 30.
Non-catholic children are expected to participate in all religious activities.
Prep children do not attend school on Wednesday for the first six (6) weeks in Term 1
EXCURSIONS
At St Brendan’s School every child will have the opportunity to take part in an Excursion Programme.
Most excursions are covered by funds from a grant we receive. But from time to time a charge may be
levied against parents to meet costs incurred through involvement in the activity. This will take place
with respect to camps.
FEES
The school receives funding from the State and Federal Governments. This funding covers
approximately 75% of the school’s running costs. The school community is expected to raise the
remaining amount through school fees and fund raising. School fees assist in meeting the required
amount for the general running costs of the school.
Student Fees are for the basic requisites that the children need, such as books, paints, paper etc.
The Capital/Building Fee is used to help meet our repayment commitment for the refurbishment of the
school completed in 2013.
Each family is expected to pay School Fees. A detailed account is sent home at the beginning of the
School Year. Reminder statements are sent home each term. This account may be paid:
Annually, per Term, Monthly or Fortnightly.
Annual payment should be made no later than the first week in March. The Student Fees are payable
at the beginning of the year and should be paid by the end of February.
The Catholic Development Fund (CDF) through the school offers a Direct Debit System of payment for
all School Fees.
These Direct Debits can be paid Fortnightly or Monthly. Several families have found this to be a very
convenient way of paying fees. Please ask at the Office for details if you would like to use this payment
method.
St Brendan’s must operate from a sound financial base, however we are also concerned with helping
to alleviate pressure when these needs arise. Should any family experience difficulties in this area
personal contact can be made with the Principal.
FIRST AID/ACCIDENTS
♦ If minor they will be treated in the staffroom by a teacher.
♦ If major the parents will be contacted immediately. If they are not able to be contacted, the
emergency number given by the parents at the beginning of the year will be rung and they will take
the appropriate action
♦ If immediate help is required the doctor stated by the parents will be rung.
All major accidents are recorded in the school accident book, and recorded on CECV website.
GRIEVANCES
At times you may have a grievance and/or concern about the school. The Principal and staff need to
know about it so that appropriate action may be taken. The school will only deal with grievances
and/or concerns that have been communicated to the Principal and staff by the concerned party. The
following procedures are set out to ensure that a fair and just system is available for all parties.
1. Inquiries regarding classroom operations are directed to the class teacher in the first instance.
2057753968. All grievances/concerns regarding the school’s teachers, teaching methods, books and
materials, etc. are directed to the principal in the first instance. Where appropriate the principal
will direct the complaint to the teacher concerned.
2057755968. The classroom teacher and the parent (and where appropriate the principal) will meet
to discuss the complaint, where all relevant information is shared. On most occasions the problem
is resolved at this level. Where no suitable agreement is made the following steps are taken.
2057756048. The parent approaches the Parish Administrator who will act as an arbitrator in seeking
a suitable resolution.
2057753408. Where the parent is not satisfied, he/she has the right of appeal to the Catholic
Education Office, where further negotiations will take place.
HEALTH CHECK
The children in Prep receive a complete Health check by the visiting School Nurse.
Parents will be notified prior to the School Nurse visiting the school.
HOMEWORK
As a constant contact between home and school and as a valued aid to acquiring good study habits, a
small task may be set each evening.
Grades Prep/1/2 are encouraged to spend ten minutes daily reading with their parents.
Grades 3/4/5/6 children are also asked to read, memorise tables and spelling and where applicable
complete research assignments.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Disease or condition Exclusion from school
Chicken Pox until 5 days from the appearance of spots
Diphtheria until medical certificate of recovery is produced
German Measles until 4 days from the appearance of spots
Head Lice until effectively treated
Impetigo (School Sores) until sores are being treated and kept covered
Gastro 48 hours after last vomit or bowel motion
Influenza until all symptoms of disease have disappeared
Measles until 4 days from the appearance of rash
Meningococcal Infection until medical certificate of recovery is produced
Mumps Nine (9) days after the onset of swelling
Ringworm until a medical certificate is produced stating that
anti-scabietic treatment has been carried out
Streptococcal Infection until a medical certificate is produced or until 7 days
after the symptoms have subsided (including Scarlet
Fever)
Whooping Cough until the expiration of 4 weeks from the beginning of
the cough.
Please notify the school should your child contract any of the above diseases. When your child is not
well please keep him/her at home until he/she is sufficiently recovered to return to school.
INSURANCE
Our School has an Insurance Policy with Catholic Church Insurance to cover the children in the event of
an injury while involved in a school-based activity.
LIBRARY
Our Library/Resource Centre have been established to provide an organised central resource where
stimulating, current material is accessible to the whole school community. The primary aim is to offer
quality services and support for all children through effective utilisation of resources and programmes
that support staff with the implementation of the School Curriculum. The Library is available for
children to browse, borrow and for research purposes. The Library automation system will be
reviewed early in Term one with the aim to re-establish a computerised borrowing system.
The Mobile Library visits the school on a fortnightly basis.
LOST PROPERTY
Please make sure your child’s property is clearly marked with his/her name, especially school jumpers.
All unnamed property is stored in a lost property box for parents and child to recover. At the end of
the year unclaimed items will be sold or given to St. Vincent’s.
LUNCH ORDERS
On Thursday lunches may be ordered from the Cororooke Milk Bar through the school. A list of
appropriate foods and their prices is sent home at the beginning of the school year. You are required
to hand your lunch orders in on Wednesdays. Please write your child’s order on a brown paper bag
with his/her name, Year Level and the amount enclosed. (For health reasons the money must be
wrapped in either lunch wrap or gladwrap)
The school’s Health Programme aims to educate children about healthy food. Please support this
programme by only ordering items on the list.
(PLEASE NOTE: $2 coins may slip out of the top of the bag. Please seal and fold them up.)
NEWSLETTER
The School Newsletter is produced on Wednesday of each week and emailed home to all families. This
letter informs the parents of any activities that may be coming up involving the school.
PARENT/TEACHER/SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS
The Teachers’ first responsibility is to the children in their care; hence they will not be available for
discussions during class times. If you wish to discuss your child’s progress, or you have a concern
regarding the classroom/school behaviour etc you should make an appointment with the teacher
concerned or the Principal. The staff enjoys a break and a chat so if you are at school for any reason
throughout the school day, we would love to see you but please do not expect to conduct a
parent/teacher interview at this time.
POLICY STATEMENTS
School policies are very important documents because they set the direction of the school. The School
Advisory Council on behalf of the school community develops and approves School Policy. The
Principal is responsible for implementing the policies, and is accountable to the Advisory Council in this
regard. Policies are formulated either by the Advisory Council or the school Staff. Any policies
formulated by the Staff are presented to the Advisory Council for ratification. A copy of policies can be
found on the school website.
STUDENT RECORDS
Our records require up-to-date sources of information in case of emergency. This information includes
telephone numbers, address, doctor’s name and telephone number and an emergency contact name
and number. You will be asked to complete a new form at the beginning of each year, but it is
essential that if any details change throughout the year that the school office be contacted.
Sophie Alliband
Mark Robb
Anne Mccarthy
Mandy Sutherland
SICK CHILDREN
Staff and children care for any child, who is not feeling well. A bed is available for children to rest in
the Sick Room. If a child’s sickness is of concern to the teaching staff, parents will be notified. If
parents are unable to be contacted, emergency numbers will be rung.
SPORTS/SWIMMING
Our school is involved with the Colac Primary Schools’ Sports Association (CPSSA)
A House Athletics Programme is conducted in Term One. Our school also offers a Swimming
Programme twice a year, one week in Term One and one week in Term Four. Senior children
participate in School Sports Australia with a Cross-Country and Lightning Premiership for both football
and netball held annually. Senior grades also participate in Winter Sports with the Colac schools. You
will be notified of the dates and training procedures through the Newsletter.
SUN HATS
St Brendan’s is a SunSmart School and as such follow their rules. In Term One and Term Four, if the
children are playing outside they need to wear their school hat.
During these terms, no child will be allowed to play outside in the sun without a hat. Please ensure
that your child has a sun hat at school. (The regulation school hat with a wide brim.)
CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCES
To be eligible for this allowance, children must live more than 4.8kms from the school (by the shortest
practicable route) or the nearest designated bus stop. An allowance is available only if you contact the
school and complete the claim forms.
UNIFORMS
Summer Uniform
Girls
School dress
Black leather shoesor boots
White socks (above the ankle)
Navy blue shorts
Polo top
Boys
Navy blue shorts
Blue open neck shirt
Black leather shoes or boots
Blue socks (above the ankle)
School hats must be worn in 1st and 4th Terms. Caps are not acceptable.
Winter Uniform
Girls
Navy tunic/pinafore.
Blue blouse or skivvy.
Black leather shoes or boots
Navy socks(above the ankle)/navy tights
Boys
Long navy pants/Navy Shorts
Blue shirt or skivvy
Black leather shoes or boots
Navy socks (above the ankle)
Sports Uniform – worn on allocated Sports Day and as directed for special activities
Girls
Navy skort, shorts or navy netball skirt
Sports shirt
School r Rugby top and navy track pants
Navy socks (above ankle)
Sneakers.
Boys
Navy shorts
Sports shirt
School Rugby top and navy track pants
Navy socks (above ankle).
Sneakers.