Chertsey Primary School

8

2018 Booklet

Welcome to Chertsey Primary School

Welcome to Chertsey Primary

Welcome to Chertsey Primary School. This school has a wonderful background of community involvement and is very welcoming of new people. We look forward to introducing our wonderful school to you. We believe Chertsey Primary School is the Central Coast’s best kept secret. Each school has its own distinctive characteristics, but Chertsey is particularly unique. Whether you are one of our community or a potential future friend, there will be something of interest for you. Chertsey was first established in 1969 on the site of an old Central Coast orchard and gained its’ name from the name of this orchard. It is reminiscent of Chertsey in England. It has very much the feel of that lush green orchard, located as it is, in a pocket of rainforest near Erina Creek on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

We are very proud of the physical appearance of our school. The grounds consist of beautiful water-wise gardens, cultivated by a dedicated school community, Gecko Club. It has extensive and beautiful play areas with cricket nets, a soccer field, netball court and a working cricket pitch, sandpit, worm farms and more. New play equipment in all playgrounds provides a variety of activities for children including a covered outdoor learning area. Chertsey is organised into nine mainstream classes and four support classes. Our children are a credit to us and we are very pleased at how they work together.

The school buildings include an excellent library, technology room, hall and new covered outdoor learning area (COLA) are located in six separate blocks around 2 larger courtyards and are well resourced. The support classes each have their own courtyard. A community cottage, Chertseydale Cottage, is located within the school grounds and we run before and after school care here. The school community has high expectations for learning. We believe that every child is capable of continually growing and learning. Our results in National Assessments and University of New South Wales competitions indicate that Chertsey students achieve very high standards. Learning in literacy and numeracy are well-supported by committed teachers, dedicated staff, an excellent learning support team and programs which are designed to support each child’s learning. Our children are taught within the context of our values of respect, achievement, acceptance, commitment and integrity all while learning to be respectful, be responsible and to be their best.

These values guide our learning and form part of our everyday teaching. A well-rounded education is important for future success but it is also important in meeting children’s needs to be healthy, happy, inquiring and resilient individuals. We provide a huge range of opportunities for students in academic, sport, creative arts, technology and personal development, in school and out of school.

AUSLAN is offered as a Language other than English (LOTE) subject in the school. At all assemblies and school activities we provide interpreters for our deaf students, and our children sign The National Anthem and our School Song. We have a hard-working P&C and Student Representative Council as well as an effective School Leadership group. We run very successful Arts programs, such as Drama Group, Choir, Dance Group, Drumming and Signing Choir, all of which have been very successful in various concerts and competitions.

In 2012 we were successful in being included in the National Chaplaincy Program and have Mrs Donna Knee employed as our school chaplain to support our school community. Mrs Knee will be at our school 2.5 days each week. Students also have the opportunity to start the day at the Good Start Breakfast Club which is run by Mrs Alex Wastell. CHOOSH, is a before and after school care facility that is offered 5 days a week between 6:30am - 8:30am and 3pm - 6pm during the school term. School Holiday care is also available.

Altogether Chertsey is a thriving community with lots on offer to families and children. We invite you as a new member of our community to become an integral part of Chertsey Primary School. Chertsey Primary School is truly an oasis on the Central Coast.

Sincerely,

Mrs Toni Skinner

PRINCIPAL

CHERTSEY PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF – 2017

Principal - Toni Skinner

Assistant Principals - Karen Auinger

- Robynne Scott

- Nicole Lansdown

Classroom Teachers - Karen Auinger

- Robynne Scott

- Nicole Lansdown

- Sharon Hynes

- Linda Fantoni

- Loretta Sewell - Naomi Gay

- Anita Blumer

- Heidi Daley

- Matthew Makepeace

- Matthew McLeod

- Kirsten Gorsky

- Nicole Tweedie

Librarian - Kim TialshinskySchool Counsellor – Montana Wood

STLA - Rose-Marie van DremptReading – Christie Campbell

R.F.F. – Nicole Scott

SASS Staff - Kris Denning School Administrative Manager (SAM)

- Chris Hollaway School Administrative Officer (SAO)

- Ros Woodley School Administrative Officer (SAO)

- Lisa Mills School Administrative Officer (SAO)

SLSO Staff - Kim Masters

- Alexandra Wastell-Trish Plater

- Linda Gormly-Janet Harding

- Julie McCrannor-Jenny Webb

- Kate Currie-Donna Lerway

- Jan Strachan-Sue Ness

School Chaplain - Donna KneeItinerant Support Hearing- Lyn Thompson

General Assistant (GA) - Daryl PhippsCanteen Supervisor - Di Dyer

Cleaners - Andrew Holyoak - Steven Vella

GENERAL INFORMATION

Address

The School’s address for all correspondence is -

Chertsey Primary School

10 Willow Road

SPRINGFIELD NSW 2250Australia

Buses

Free bus travel is available for primary children who live more than 1.6 kilometres from the School and to all K-2 children irrespective of the distance between home and School. Application forms for free bus travel via an Opal Card can be obtained from Mrs Denning at the school office. No special bus serves the School and children are required to use the public service.

Hours and Punctuality

School hours are –

9.00 am – 11.00 am

11.45 am – 1.10 pm

1.45 pm – 3.00 pm

Punctuality is very important and you are asked to support the School in encouraging your child to be punctual and ready for learning each day. If your child is sick and cannot come to school, please send a note explaining their absence when they return to school.

Telephone Numbers 02 43253963 or 02 43231443 Fax 02 43236891

Uniform - All children are expected to wear the official school uniform.

Details of the uniform are:-

Boys Summer Uniform K-6

· White shirt/polo shirt (Year 6 commemorative shirt for Year 6 boys)

· Navy shorts

· White socks

· Black shoes

· Navy school hat

· Blue tracksuit top with school emblem (Years 5/6)

Boys Winter Uniform K-6

White shirt/polo shirt/skivvy(Year 6 commemorative shirt for Year 6 boys)

· Navy trousers/tracksuit pants

· Navy sloppy joe/hoodless jacket

· White socks

· Black shoes

· Navy school hat

· Blue tracksuit top with school emblem (Years 5/6)

Boys Summer Sport Uniform K-6

· Gold polo shirt

· Navy shorts

· White socks

· White joggers (with limited coloured trim)

· Navy school hat

Boys Winter Sport Uniform K-6

· Gold polo shirt

· Navy tracksuit pants/shorts

· Navy sloppy joe/hoodless jacket

· White socks and black shoes

· White joggers (with limited coloured trim)

· Navy school hat

Girls Winter Sport Uniform K-6

· Gold polo shirt

· Navy tracksuit pants/netball skirt/shorts/skort

· Navy sloppy joe/hoodless jacket

· White socks

· White joggers (with limited coloured trim)

· Navy school hat

Girls Summer Sport Uniform K-6

· Gold polo shirt

· Navy netball skirt/scungees

· Navy shorts/skort

· White socks

· White joggers (with limited coloured trim)

· Navy school hat

Girls Summer Uniform Years K-4

· Blue/white check dress

· White blouse/polo shirt

· Navy shorts/skort

· White socks and black shoes

· Navy school hat

Girls Summer Uniform Years 5&6

· White blouse/polo shirt (Year 6 commemorative shirt for Year 6 girlsonly)

· Navy check skirt

· Navy shorts/skort

· White socks and black shoes

· Navy school hat

· Senior jacket

·

Girls Winter Uniform Years K-4

· White blouse/polo shirt/skivvy

· Navy check pinafore

· Navy pants/tracksuit pants

· Navy sloppy joe/hoodless jacket

· White socks/navy tights and black shoes

· Navy school hat

Girls Winter Uniform Year 5&6

· White blouse/polo shirt (Year 6 commemorative shirt for Year 6 girls only)

· Navy check skirt

· Navy pants/tracksuit pants

· Navy sloppy joe/hoodless jacket

· White socks/navy tights and black shoes

· Navy school hat

· Senior jacket

NB – All navy uniform pieces are to be without coloured trim or logos, other than school logo where applicable.

Parent volunteers run the ‘Uniform Shop’ and sell quality used uniforms. The uniform shop is open on Wednesday mornings 8:30am-9:00am or by request at the front office.

Parents and Citizens Association (P&C)

President - Mrs Michelle Fraser

Secretary - Mrs Nada Potter

Treasurer – mr Francis Doherty-Bigara

The P&C meets at the School on the second Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm during term. (You are welcome to bring your children. A children’s DVD is usually shown). The P&C extends a warm welcome to new families. If any information on the local area or the School is required, the P&C representatives are happy to answer any questions.

Advice of Custody Arrangements

The School should be advised in writing of any special or unusual custody arrangements concerning children. If a divorce or separation has occurred or one parent is denied access to a child, this information needs to be passed on to the School. Such information will be treated with strict confidence. Should custody arrangements change at any time it is essential that the School be advised.

Removal of Children during School Hours

Any person who wishes to remove a child from School during School hours must send a note or report to the office. To protect children from wrongful removal no child may leave the School without permission of the Principal or one of the Assistant Principals. All students are to remain in the school foyer until collection by parents/caregivers.

Chertseydale Community Cottage

An exciting initiative of this school was the purchase, relocation and renovation of a Cottage sited adjacent to the main school car park. Activities for all members of the School Community are regularly provided within the cottage including playgroups, dance, music programs and coffee mornings for mums and dads. Details of such activities are communicated through the fortnightly School Newsletter.

Excursions

During the year classroom teachers propose visits to places or events of educational interest. Such excursions require the Principal’s approval. Approved excursions form an integral part of the educational program and benefit the children. The purpose of the excursion will be explained to parents and permission of the parents must be obtained prior to any student leaving the School on an extended excursion.

Functions at School

Educational and entertainment items are made available by visiting artists to our students at a reasonable cost. Such presentations have Department of School Education approval and provide worthwhile experiences for the children. Parents are encouraged to support this aspect of the School’s educational program.

School Development Days

Each year the Minister for School Education allows schools in New South Wales to conduct five School Development Days. In 2013 an extra day has been granted to assist in the implementation of the new curriculum. On these days all staff participate in staff development activities. These activities include policy development; curriculum initiatives; health and safety and planning to maximise the learning outcomes and opportunities for all students.

Communication

The Weekly Newsletter is the main method of keeping parents fully informed of what is happening in the School. Newsletters are emailed or sent home each Tuesday during term. Please read your Newsletter as you will find it keeps you up-to-date with events at the School. School promotions are displayed on the board in the COLA. In the Newsletter we also try to inform you of ‘Out-of-School’ activities in the area.

Whole School Assemblies

These are held in Weeks 2,4,6,8,10 on Friday’s at 1.45 pm in the School Hall. In Weeks 1,3,5,7,9,11 K-2 Assembly is held on Friday’s at 9.15 am whilst 3-6 Assembly is held on Friday’s at 1.45 pm. We welcome and encourage parents to attend, especially when your child is involved in presenting a class item. (This information will be contained in the Newsletter). Morning Assemblies are held in the COLA briefly after the bell has gone.

Canteen

The School Canteen operates three (3) days a week, (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) under a canteen supervisor and volunteers. The volunteers (mostly parents or grandparents) take orders, prepare lunches and sell snacks. Please consider accepting Canteen duty as a responsibility. If your child would like to make a lunch order, please fill out a paper bag outlining their name, class, which lunch the other is foe (Lunch 1 / 2) and their order.

For any enquiries please contact: Di Dyer on 0405 009 617

Health

Tablets and Medicines

Schools can only administer medication which has been specifically prescribed by a medical practitioner. If a child must bring medication to School (tablets, medicine, asthma puffers, etc.), the following procedure should be observed:

1.Take the medication to the School Admin Officer (SAO) or SLSO, preferably in an unbreakable container. The SAO or SLSO will supervise the administration of the correct dose at the appropriate time. A note is required stating the name of the child, class, medication to be given, and the dose to be given as per doctor’s instructions, and lastly date/s medication is required.

2. Bring only a daily dose to School. (Only exception may be asthma).

3. If a child is on regular medication, special forms need to be signed by the parent. These forms are available from the School Office and are placed in the child’s School Record Card. A daily record is kept of all prescribed medications given to students, noting the date, time and amount administered.

First Aid

Staff administer basic First Aid to children who become injured at School. In all cases where the injury is more than minor, we immediately try to contact parents. As our First Aid facilities are limited we sometimes need parents to collect children from School and arrange treatment.

Immunisation

Immunisation is a simple, effective and readily obtainable method of protecting your child from catching the dangerous diseases of diphtheria; tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, measles and rubella (German measles).

The Health Commission of NSW recommends the following program:-

At age 2 months - first injection of triple antigen; first dose of Sabin oral vaccine.

4 months - second injection of triple antigen; second dose of Sabin oral vaccine.

6 months - third injection of triple antigen; third dose of Sabin oral vaccine.

12 months - one injection of measles vaccine.

18 months - booster injection of combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoid (CDT).

At pre-school or school entry- booster injection of CDT; booster dose of Sabin oral vaccine.

12-14 years (girls) - injection of rubella vaccine.

Brochures containing more information are available from the Health Commission of NSW, your local Council, or from Chertseydale Community Centre.

Communicable Disease Control

A child should be kept home, or will be sent home, when they show symptoms of a communicable disease. This prevents the spread of the disease, and helps to ensure a speedy, uncomplicated recovery.

Infectious Diseases

Measles - Patient is excluded for at least 5 days from the appearance of rash, or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced. Contacts not excluded.

German Measles - Patient excluded for at least 7 days from appearance of rash or until medical certificate is produced. Contacts not excluded.

Mumps - Patient excluded for 10 days from onset of swelling. Contacts not excluded.

Chicken Pox - Patient excluded for 7 days after spots appear or until all scabs have disappeared. Contacts not excluded.

Impetigo - All exposed surfaces must be covered before child will be admitted to school.

Head Lice

Head lice outbreaks are common among school children all over the country. It is not a serious problem, but needs to be treated. YOU CAN HELP CONTROL OUTBREAKS! Inspect your child’s hair weekly, more often if possible. Look for nits - small pearly white eggs attached to the hair shaft near the scalp, especially around the ears and nape of the neck. Call your chemist for advice if you suspect a case of head lice. Quick treatment is essential. Notify the School if your child has lice so that action can be taken in School to contain the outbreak.

Sick students and Notes for Absences

Children who become sick at School are placed in the clinic in the care of the School Administrative Officer or Teacher’s Aide. If some children require more attention than we are able to give we contact the parents and request that the child be taken home. Parents are asked not to send unwell children to school. When your child has been away it is important that a note be sent to the School on his/her return explaining the reason for the absence. The notes should be explicit and not merely a statement that “John was sick”.

Home – School communication

Advice of Changes (Address, Phone, etc.) Please promptly advise the School of any change of address, home or business phone numbers, employment or general procedures such as arrangement for picking up children.

Parent Interviews

If you require an interview with a teacher, executive staff or school counsellor please ring or enquire at the front office. Teachers can only be interviewed at certain times and an initial telephone inquiry is required to arrange such interviews. Similarly, mutual arrangements are made when teachers seek interviews with parents to discuss student’s progress.

Tests, Assessments and Reports to Parents

Regular assessments and evaluative checklists are used to compile half yearly and yearly written reports, (sent home) on the progress of each individual student. Assessment is continuous. Progress is based on the teacher’s observations of the child’s work together with regular tests, which are carried out. In reporting, we endeavor to treat each child individually and identify their strengths and weaknesses in Key Learning Areas (KLA’s), conduct, attitude and social development. We hope that parents will inform the School of pertinent events that may affect their child’s progress and learning. For K-2 students particularly, it is important that we know of any visits to therapists or specialists and the results of these visits.

Traffic Congestion

You will become aware of the congested nature of the School’s two car parks and the adjacent streets. Please do not use the staff car parks and take care when bringing children to School or taking them home from School. Please use the paths. Kiss and Drop can be located at the back of the school via Bilgola Close.

Money Collection

From time to time money is collected for items such as excursions, visiting performances, etc. All money is to be returned to your child’s teacher. You can also pay for school related items through our website. See our website for more details.

Banking Procedures

The Commonwealth Saving Bank provides a School facility serviced weekly by volunteer parents. Banking day this year is Tuesday and students can bring in their banking booklet with money to add to their savings. Each year bank officers explain banking procedures to Kindergarten and new children. Regular banking is a method of saving for school excursions.

Religious Instruction

On Wednesday afternoon between 1:50pm to 2:25pm scripture teachers visit the school to give religious instruction to the following groups:

· Ecumenical Roman Catholic

· Catholic

· Non-Scripture

All students have a 30-minute lesson with the exception of those whose religion is not catered for or those who have a note of exemption from parents and are supervised separately.

Homework

Homework is a regular feature of the School’s program. It is determined by individual needs and is given to consolidate, extend and/or enrich the School’s program. We ask that you support this and encourage your children to complete homework tasks. Please see your child’s teacher for more information on homework.

Services available to assist you and your child

There are many avenues available to parents and to the School staff to assist with overcoming concerns and problems relating to your child. Difficulties and problems can arise, due to a variety of reasons, be they intellectual, emotional, social or physical.

The School can offer help and it is imperative that any concerns you may have be discussed openly with your child’s teacher and executive staff. It is important that this happens before the concerns become real problems. When it is necessary the School can call upon the services of other agencies to assist, and so provide expertise and support. These agencies include:

· The School Counsellor

· Special Education Resources

· Community Health

· Home/School Liaison Officer

· Child Well Being unit

· Dental Clinic (East Gosford P.S. ph 43245944)

· Department of Community Services

· Stewart House, Far West Home, Red Cross

Library

The School Library operates every day at Lunch 1 for research and computer access. All classes participate in library and borrowing each week with Mrs Campbell, Mrs Tialshinsky or their class teacher for research purposes.

School House and General Organisation

For the purpose of our ‘school’ sporting activities, each student is allocated to one of the following houses –

ARURA - Blue (Kangaroo) IRRITCHA - Yellow (Eagle)

ERTWAITCHA – Green (Bellbird) TCHANKA - Red (Bull ant)

Student Welfare Policy

Through our Student Welfare Policy we aim to provide a consistent structure of school discipline for students. We encourage students to develop responsibility for their own welfare leading to self-discipline.

Voluntary Contributions

The P&C Association sets a yearly ‘donation’ so as to provide the opportunity for all members of the school community to contribute. This contribution is payable to ‘The Chertsey Primary School Public Library’, is tax deductible and allows for the purchase of Library resources.

Values

Our Philosophy

Chertsey Primary School’s vision reflects the school’s commitment to providing a dynamic learning environment in a cohesive community where we value…

· acceptance

· integrity

· respect

· achievement

· commitment

We are a PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) school, Positive Behaviour for Learning, known as PBL is an evidence-based whole school systems approach that:

· addresses the diverse academic and social needs of every student to support them to be successful

· supports students in early childhood settings through to senior years of schooling

· enables schools to establish  a continuum of supports that are intensified to meet the needs of every student

· is team driven, using a problem solving approach (data, systems and practices) that engages students, parents and all school staff

· establishes positive social expectations for all in the school community

· provides a framework for the school and its community to collectively support the wellbeing of every student.

When implemented well:

· students respond positively as they have been taught what is expected of them

· staff deliver consistent responses to student learning and behaviour

· students feel safe and cared for at school. Their parents, family and community are more involved in their school

· unproductive and challenging behaviour can be significantly reduced for most students.

All students will be encouraged to develop positive social and civic values. Experiences such as student participation in School and community functions will occur in all grades. A peer or ‘buddy’ system exists in the School and positive feeling about themselves and others will, it is hoped, enable our students to participate effectively in the School and wider community.

Our three expectations for PBL are:

-Be Respectful

-Be Responsible

-Be Your Best

THE CURRICULUM Kindergarten -Year 6

Primary learning includes whole-class, group and individual activities designed to develop an inquiring mind and teach basic learning skills needed for schooling and later life. Literacy and numeracy are the building blocks of learning and that is why English and Mathematics take up half of students' learning time in primary school.

Kindergarten to Year 6 focuses on six key learning areas:

English

Mathematics

Science and Technology

Human Society and Its Environment

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Creative Arts

AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) is taught as our Language other than English to all students K-6 by Mrs Rose on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Primary school in NSW follows a curriculum based on stages of learning. Each stage is approximately equivalent to two school years. For each learning stage there are skills, knowledge and a level of understanding that each student should develop.

Early Stage 1 refers to Kindergarten

Stage 1 includes Years 1 and 2

Stage 2 includes Years 3 and 4

Stage 3 includes Years 5 and 6

The Board of Studies develops a syllabus for each of the learning areas. Along with a defined aim, each syllabus has a set of objectives and outcomes, expressed in terms of knowledge and understandings, skills, values and attitudes.

Learning Area Aim and rationale summary

English

· Reading

· Writing

· Talking & Listening

English is the study and use of the English language in its various textual forms through which meaning is shaped, conveyed, interpreted and reflected.

Mathematics (strands)

· Number

· Space

· Measurement

· Working Mathematically

Mathematics is a reasoning and creative activity employing abstraction and generalisation to identify, describe and apply patterns and relationships. In 2017 we are using the program “Neals” Maths Textbooks from K-6 in conjunction with Mathletics, which differentiates instruction for all ages.

Science and Technology

· Science

· Computers

· Coding Programs

Science inquiry is a distinct way of finding answers to interesting questions and important problems about the natural world locally, nationally and globally. To support learning children have access to computers, iPads, smart boards and wi-fi technology throughout the school.

History

Students at Chertsey will find out more about themselves, other people and the society in which they live. As a result we aim to develop students who have a good knowledge and understanding of Australia’s history before and after 1788 and of Australia today.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

At our school we implement the ‘You Can Do It’ program based on the foundations of confidence, organisation, resilience, persistence and getting along with others as the keys to success socially, emotionally and academically. During Physical Education we focus on fitness and the fundamental movement skills and incorporate them into games. Children have opportunities to participate in gala days and knock out competitions.

Students compete in School and District Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming Carnivals. The school operates an Active After School Sports program twice a week.

Creative and Performing Arts

· Music

· Craft/ Art

· Drama

Children will use a wide range of tools and materials to express their ideas. Art and Craft exhibitions are promoted. Eg Operation Art, Charity promotions. Learning activities include listening, performing, arranging and composing. School performances, participation in festivals and community events including choir, dance, debating and a recorder group are features of our program.

Headstart Preschool Program

Chertsey Primary School has a program for all preschoolers who are entering Kindergarten the following year. These preschoolers and parents come along to the school once a week in later Term 3 and Term 4 and they have a well planned Early Childhood Program for transition to our school. For further information or to arrange a tour of our school please contact the office or make an appointment to see the Principal.

We are now taking enrolments for Kindergarten 2019.

CHERTSEY PRIMARY SCHOOL SONG

Chertsey students sing in chorus

Honour now the blue and gold;

Follow those who’ve gone before us;

In endeavours proud and bold;

Light the land with all the splendour

Of our children’s golden name;

Raise on high the blue gold banner

Strive and thrive and play the game.

Build the road of peace together

Build it wide and deep and long;

Speed the slow, remind the eager;

Help the weak and guide the strong;

None shall push aside another;

None shall let another fall;

Strive and thrive in our endeavour,

All for one and one for all.

Willow Road, Springfield, NSW 2250

www.chertsey-p.schools.nsw.edu.

Phone: 43253963