Princes Street

Primary School

Parent Handbook

2011

Our Vision

Challenging thinking; designing

futures

Our Mission

Nurturing and enriching lives

ABOUT US

Princes Street Primary School was established in 1922 and, over the years, has maintained a student enrolment in excess of 330. In the last few years, numbers have been capped at approximately 360. Since 1994 on site child care facilities have been available to the community located adjacent and on site and run by the Sandy Bay Child Care Centre.

A fundamental aspect of the school is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere where all members of the school community are respected and supported and valued as individuals. The school has a reputation for a high level of involvement from both the community and staff. Together their contributions have enabled students to achieve excellent academic and social standards. The closely linked community holds the school in high regard and strongly supports its activities.

The Community plays a pivotal role in the life of the school. There is a very active Parents and Friends Association which works tirelessly supporting and developing projects within the school. An integral part of the management of the school is the School Association which actively overviews the operations of the school.

Our school motto Labor Omnia Vincit (Work Conquers All) remains as important today as it was when first used in 1922. We all strive through our work and our learning to be the very best we can with the hope that as individuals we will enhance and give back to the society in which we live.

As a school staff we have established a set of values upon which we all agree are the corner stones of our schools operation.

These values include: Being innovative and creative in our thinking and learning, creating a positive environment with effective communication, having high expectations, being ethical and having a collective responsibility.

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

2011

Term 1 Schools in the South, Wednesday 16 February

Easter break: Friday, 22 April - Sunday 1 May

Friday 3 June

Term 2 Monday 20 June Friday 2 September

Term 3 Monday 19 September Wednesday 21 December

KINDERGARTEN

We hope your child will find their first year at school to be exciting, challenging and supportive of their learning in all areas of their development. In 2011, we are running 2 Kindergarten groups. Each group attends for a total of 11 ½ hours. To assist in the organization of the two Kindergartens groups we have colour coded them.

Blue Group

(Mondays and Wednesdays, 9.00am-2.45pm) Yellow Group

(Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9.00am-12.50pm) Entry to Kindergarten is phased in over the first week of the school year, allowing children to become settled in small groups. Development of routines and children’s independence are important areas of the Kindergarten program. You can assist your child by encouraging care of belongings, self-dressing and independent hygiene routines. As outdoor and creative activities are an essential part of the program children need to wear suitable clothing and footwear; no thongs please. Children are required to wear a sun smart approved hat when outdoors. Please provide your child with a smock or an old shirt for creative activities. We would also appreciate a box of tissues to assist with personal hygiene. Please check your child’s bag for regular Kindergarten news and the school’s newsletter which is issued on a weekly basis every Thursday. Children have a shared morning tea in their Kindergarten sessions. Please provide a piece of fruit, a sandwich or some plain biscuits. NO NUT PRODUCTS please. Children attending full day Kindergarten need to bring a healthy packed lunch.

Book Packs are bags with books based on an author or themes. All Kindergarten children are welcome to borrow book packs for a week, each alternate week. Children also borrow a book each week from the school library. To protect the books, parents are asked to supply a named drawstring bag. Home readers are borrowed regularly, beginning in second term. Kindergarten Orientation sessions are held once a week, over six weeks, during third term, for children who are enrolled to attend Kindergarten the following year. These sessions are for children and parents to become familiar with the Kindergarten environment.

EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING

Children in Kindergarten, Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 have the opportunity to access a number of additional learning support programs. PIPS Prep children are assessed in March and October of each year using the Performance Indicators in Primary Schools (PIPS) assessment task. This provides information for teachers to plan appropriate programs. FLYING START

The Flying Start program provides additional staffing to schools for supporting children in their early years of learning. In 2011, our Flying Start teacher plans and delivers programs for individual students and groups of students requiring additional assistance in English-literacy from Prep to Grade 4. READING RECOVERY

Reading Recovery is a research-based early intervention program designed to reduce reading and writing failure. It was developed in New Zealand by educator and psychologist Marie Clay. The Reading Recovery Program identifies students experiencing reading and writing difficulties after their first full-time year of school (Prep). The early years are critical for students who are at risk of failure, as this period sets the stage for later learning. The program's goal is for students to continue to succeed in a supportive classroom environment with little or no additional support. By intervening in the second year of school (Grade 1), Reading Recovery aims to halt the cycle of failure for students at risk and, through intensive, daily, one-to-one instruction, generally bring the lowest literacy performers up to average classroom levels within 12 to 20 weeks. Our Reading Recovery program caters for 8 Grade 1 students each year.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Trained Teacher Assistants support individuals and groups of children, under teacher direction, in a range of curriculum areas. STORY MAGIC

Story Magic is a parent-child session held each week from April to early December. Story Magic is for children from 0 to 4 years of age. An Early Childhood teacher leads the group in stories, songs and rhymes, encouraging a love of literature and learning

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Across the school year a wide range of programs support the class teachers programs and opportunities are offered for students in the following areas:

Early Childhood Tabloid Sports, House Athletics Carnival, School Cross Country, House Swimming Carnival, House Chess Competition, Inter School Athletics Carnival, Inter School Cross Country, Inter School Swimming Carnival, Champions Swimming Carnival, Champions Athletics Carnival, Champions Cross Country, Winter Sports, Schools Triathlon, Fire Education Course Prep – Year 6, Personal Relationships Course Year 3 - Year 6, Swimming and Water Safety Program Year 3 – Year 6, Stop & Read Premiers Reading Challenge, Musica Viva Concert and Program Years 3-6, Quaver Choir, Senior Choir, PUGS Princes Street Ukulele Group, DEC Choir, Strings Program, School Performances, Senior Student Leadership Program, Daily PE, Student Leader/School Monitor, Assembly, House Captains, Student Council Representative, Classes Buddy Program, School Sustainability Project including school vegetable gardens, Green Cadets, IT Student Support Team, Computer Club Kahootz, Robotics Program, Inter School Chess Team, Book Week, MS Readathon, Harmony Day, School Book Club, School Disco, Talent Quest, UNSW Competitions for Years 3-6 Spelling English Math, French Lessons, Tennis Coaching, Kelly Sports, Year 5/6 Camp & Cool to Care Program.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Students and families are able to access, through the Education Department’s referral processes, a range of additional support services. These include a School Psychologist, a Speech and Language Pathologist a Social Worker, St. Giles Children’s Therapy Services, a Support Teacher for Students on the Severe Disability Register as well as a Support Teacher for Students with Additional Needs.

EXCURSIONS

Each class participates in 2-3 local excursions during the year. Excursions are linked to the classroom teaching and learning program. Excursion costs are included in Student Levies.

LEVIES AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE

Kinder $150.00 per year

Prep - Year 6 $240.00 per year

This will include Student Stationery, Library Books, Art Materials, Swimming and Water Safety Program and 3 Class Excursions per year. There are a number of school activities which are elective programs and do not involve all students. Parents will be asked to assist with covering the cost if their child is involved in the following: Some Interschool & Champions Sports Carnivals Combined String Program, Strings Camp & Performance Day, Eastern Shore Choir, Marimba Performance & Grade 6 Leavers Day. Other events may include: Robotics, Chess, Debating and School Camp Grade 5&6 (every 2nd year). It is not possible to predict every event students may be involved in however we have aimed at giving parents as much information in regards to costs for their child in a school year. Payments of levies may be made by cash, cheque or credit card at the school office. Payment per term can be arranged, please call the school office on 6223 6635 STAS – Student Assistance Scheme provides assistance for low income families. Forms are available from the school office.

NEWSLETTER

The School Newsletter goes home each Tuesday. This is the main form of communicating with the community. It contains information about current school events and activities which may interest parents. Further information can be found in the school foyer where the Parents and Friends minutes are kept and a community information notice board. The school endeavours to limit the paper work going home to this one delivery time. (On rare occasions you may receive notification of excursions or events during the week from individual class teachers). To support a focus of reducing and re-cycling, parents can nominate to receive their newsletter through email. Members of our community frequently use our newsletter to communicate and are asked for a donation for advertising.

UNIFORMS

The wearing of school uniform is expected. Items of school uniform may be purchased from the uniform shop which operates from the Resource room and is open on two occasions each week. New and used uniforms are available at a reasonable cost. Contact numbers for uniform enquiries are in the Annual Parent Information Update, or please phone the school office on 6223 6635. The School actively promotes the wearing of HATS in Term 1 and 3 as part of its Sun Smart Policy. These are also available at the uniform shop. The following items constitute the SCHOOL UNIFORM. Careful consideration has been given to quality and price. It is hoped that, within the range of items listed, individual preferences and needs can be met with scope to mix and match’. Dress ‘A’ line green and navy on white

Polo top Navy blue or white polo top (short or long sleeves)

Shorts Navy (unisex)

Socks Navy or white

Windcheater Navy (with school emblem)

Winter tunic ‘A’ line (for younger girls) skirt (for older girls) green tartan

Stockings Navy

Tracksuits Navy

Trousers Navy ‘Track and Field’ or fleecy track pants or drill pants

Polar Fleece Navy polar fleece jacket

Rugby Top Navy and green rugby top

Hats Slouch or legionnaire, bucket – green,

Sports Uniform (soccer, hockey) shirt green & navy

THE UNIFORM SHOP IS A P&F FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE

UNIFORM SHOP PRICE LIST 2011

New & Second Hand

Monday 8.45am-9.15am

Wednesday 2.45pm-3.15pm

SIZE PRICE

Dress – Summer 4 – 8 44.50

10 – 16 47.00

Winter Tunic 6 – 14 62.00

Shorts 4 – 8 24.50

10 – XL 27.00

Drill Trousers 4 – 14 34.00

XS – XL 37.00

Track Pants (fleecy) 4 – 12 22.00

Track & Field Pants 4 – 8 34.00

10 – 14 36.00

XS – XL 38.00

Polo Top (short sleeve) 6 – 14 24.50

XS – XL 27.00

Polo Top (long sleeve) 6 – 14 26.50

XS – XL 29.00

Rugby Jumper 4 – 14 55.00

XS – XL 65.00

Polar Fleece 4 – 14 56.00

XS – XL 65.00

Sports Tops 6 – XL 28.00

Sports Shorts 6 – XL 15.00

Hats – Legionnaire

Bucket, Slouch

8.00

8.50

School Bag 50.00

Please note no credit card facilities available—payment by cash or cheque

REPORTING TO PARENTS

In 2011, our formal reporting processes comprise the following:

• Progress Report – a short report provided to inform parents about how their child is settling in to school and to advise them of any early areas of concern. This report is sent home during the week prior to Easter.

• Full Written Report – a report providing clear, detailed information about the child’s progress in English-literacy, Mathematics-numeracy, Society and History, Science, Work Habits and Behaviour. This report is sent home in late July and is followed by Parent-Teacher Interviews.

• Summary Report – a report providing parents with brief information about their child’s end-of-year results. This report is sent home in the week prior to school concluding for the year.

Parents and teachers may request a formal meeting to discuss a child’s progress at any time throughout the year. We welcome the opportunity for brief chats before and after school but ask that appointments be made in advance for longer discussions.

CANTEEN The school canteen is accredited and is open every Wednesday and Friday. Lunch orders for both days need to be put in on Wednesday. Ice creams are sold on Fridays only. The canteen menu is issued each term and Friday's menu varies. Parent Volunteers assist our Canteen Manager.

PARENTS AND FRIENDS

The P & F Association is the body which provides a focus for both educational and fund

raising activities in the school. The Association’s objectives are:

• To further the interests of the school educationally and socially;

• To provide facilities and equipment considered desirable but not supplied by the

Department of Education; and

• To foster suitable relations and cooperation between teachers and staff.

Various fundraising activities occur during the year and these provide not only a source of additional funding, but a social focus which students, parents and teachers look forward to. The P & F Association meets in every month of the school term and details are provided in the school newsletter.

President: Louise Sullivan Vice President(s): Jenni Grant & Anthea Pritchard Secretary: Danielle Fontane Correspondence Secretary: Annette Shelley Treasurer: Ben Goodsir Public Officer: Kelvin Markham Committee Members (5):

Fiona Thompson, Janine Brookes, John Gibson, Gina Mainsbridge, Amanda Sinclair and Rebecca Boyle Uniform Shop Manager: Gina Mainsbridge 2nd Hand Uniform Shop Manager: Clare Gregory

SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The School Council was established in 1994 comprising three teachers (elected by the teachers) and three parents (elected by parents). The aim of the School Council is:

• To review and approve policy and developmental priorities for the school;

• To review and approve the school’s allocation of resources on the basis that it is

consistent with school policy and priorities;

• To promote the school and make public statements on behalf of the school;

• To establish and maintain open channels of communication with the school

community; and

• To operate within policies and guidelines established by the Department of

Education.

• Members of the School Association welcome discussion with parents and

members of the community on any issues relating to these aims.

ASSEMBLY

The whole school assembly are held fortnightly (see newsletters for details). Parents are invited to attend. This is a wonderful time to share and celebrate students’ achievements and activities. SCHOOL HOURS

• Staff are on site from 8.30am to 4.00pm.

• Students should arrive at school between 8.30am and 9.00am.

• Lessons commence at 9.00am.

• Recess Break is from 11.00am to 11.30am.

• Lunch Break is from 12.50pm to 1.40pm (12.50pm – 1.00pm for eating)

• Classes conclude at 3.00pm.

SUPERVISION

Supervision is provided by school staff as follows: Playground 8.30am to 9.00am, 11.00am to 11.30am, 12.50pm to 1.40pm. Students are not to arrive before 8.30am. This is for the students’ protection and safety as there are no teachers on duty prior to 8.30am. No student will leave the school grounds during the day unless a note has been sent to the students’ teacher. Students are encouraged to go home promptly at 3.00pm. Students who are waiting for parents assemble near the flag pole at the front of the School. Students are not detained or kept in after hours so you should know the time your child would normally be expected to reach home. Punctuality is required as students arriving late miss the important introduction for their daily work program. ABSENCES

We request notification of student absence from school. A phone call or message in advance, is preferable. While this is a courtesy which we appreciate, it is more as a safety precaution to ensure that your student has arrived at school for the day. Student absences please phone the school office after 8.30am or email princes.street.primary@education.tas.gov.au before 10.00am USE OF SCHOOL GROUNDS

Parents are responsible if their children use the school grounds at weekends and after school. Parents are requested to work with staff in encouraging respect for the school property and the environs.

MEDICAL

A nursing sister visits the school on a regular basis to monitor the healthy development of all students. Parents are welcome to discuss any concern they have about their children, and may contact the nursing sister by leaving a message at the office. If this is your child’s first enrolment in a Tasmanian school, you will need to fill out the appropriate cards so that your child may participate in this health service. A student information validation form will be distributed for completion for each child at the beginning of Term 1 each year. These forms become the basis of an emergency contact file for use in the case of accident, illness or emergency at school. It is most important that this form is filled out and returned to school promptly. Parents are asked to advise the school of any disability, medical health or allergy problem affecting their child. ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT

On occasions when a student is ill or has been in an accident at school, parents will be contacted by telephone and suitable arrangements organised. The school has a trained First Aid Officer who deals with incidents. Students who are unwell should not be sent to school.

ENROLMENT

Your child must be four on or before 1 January to be able to start at kindergarten that year. The process of enrolment at PSPS is a follows: Contact the school and you will receive a copy of the Handbook and Application for Admission form. We encourage potential new families to visit the school by making an appointment to have a tour of the classrooms and grounds. This is followed by a meeting with the Principal providing you with an opportunity to discuss in detail the schools operations and programs. This can also be combined with an orientation session for your child to visit the school. This is followed by arranging a suitable starting day for your child. Kindergarten enrolments – Pre Kinder Sessions term 3 Welcome to new students is held in the final week of the school year and you will receive an invitation to attend this occasion. In accordance with the school’s enrolment policy students are enrolled in the following priority order:

1. Students living in school's home area

2. Siblings of current out of area students.

3. Siblings of past out of area students.

4. Students with confirmed placements into the Sandy Bay Childcare Centre.

5. Out of area students from adjoining home areas on a "first come" basis.

(The adjoining local home areas being – Albuera Street, Goulburn Street, South

Hobart, Mt Nelson, Waimea Heights, Sandy Bay Infant).

6. Other out of area students on a "first come" basis.

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CONTACT DETAILS

Randall Street SANDY BAY TAS 7005 P: 03 6223 6635 F: 03 6224 2089 E: princes.street.primary@education.tas.gov.au Principal: suzanne.scott@education.tas.gov.au

Intranet: http://student.education.tas.gov.au/sites/PrincesStPS/default.aspx

SANDY BAY CHILDCARE CENTRE

OPENING HOURS: 7.30AM – 6PM

Sandy Bay Child Care Centre caters for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of

age and offers:

� Long Day Care � Before and After Kinder Care � Outside School Hours Care � Vacation Care

The Long Day Care Centre is licensed for 45 children and the Outside School Hours Care program will take up to 65 children. During Vacation Care, the number of licensed positions offered each day is limited to 45. The Centre is accredited by the National Childcare Accreditation Council and fully licensed by the Education Department. All our Carers are either qualified or working towards obtaining appropriate qualifications and have current First Aid certificates. Parents are asked to supply a lunch each day with all other meals provided by the Centre. The professional carers offer stimulating programs full of activities and experiences which meet children's developmental needs. Our happy and caring environment assists in the settling and ongoing support of both families and children alike. As part of our service is situated on the school grounds, parents can be assured of their child/ren’s safety during drop off and pick up times with the children remaining within licensed areas during the transition from one program to another. The Outside School Hours Care program operates from the Hall with the children having access to a variety of facilities within the school grounds. Children can attend any of the extra-curricular activities offered after school (e.g. soccer, tennis, Chess Club, French) and then join the Outside School Hours Care program at the conclusion of their session. Again, as they transition from one activity to another, the children remain within licensed areas at all times. The Vacation Care program is offered during school holidays with details of the activities offered and daily booking sheets available approximately three weeks prior to the end of each term. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Child Care Benefit and Child Care Tax Rebate are available to assist you with child care payments.

For further information contact: Gayle Pitchford, Director on 6223 3580

Last edited February 2011