| We would like to take this opportunity to welcome
all parents and hope that both you and your children have a very
happy association with this school.
Please feel free to visit the school at any time, whether it is
to discuss a matter of concern to you or to see what is happening
at the school, or to assist us in some way. It is requested, however,
that visitors call at the office before proceeding to any classrooms.
This booklet has been prepared in the hope that it will provide
an understanding of the general running of the school. More detailed
information can be found in the current College Charter which will
be replaced by our new Strategic Plan at the end of 2008.
There are a number of features of our school that make it different
from most other schools. It is a P-12 College and, as such, includes
students ranging from Prep to Year 12. We strive to take advantage
of the P-12 environment which enables us to provide a caring and
creative environment across all ages and seemless transition through
the years of schooling. Via comprehensive use of community resources
and creative timetabling we meet the various needs of the different
age groups and deliver a curriculum which attempts to cater for
the needs of all our students.
Students share common travel arrangements to and from school and
cross-aged tutoring and special activities bring together students
of different ages in a way that is quite unlike other schools.
We sincerely hope that parents and friends alike join with the
teaching staff and students to keep Apollo Bay P-12 College an active
and friendly learning environment for all concerned.
John McConchie
Principal
CONTACT DETAILS
APOLLO BAY P-12 COLLEGE
No. 6203
Pengilley Avenue
Apollo Bay, 3233
Principal : John McConchie
Assistant Principal : Liz Hanger
Telephone: (03) 52376 483
Facsimile: (03) 52376 065
Email : Apollo.bay.p12@edumail.vic.gov.au
Other Publications Later Years Handbook, 2009
Strategic Plan 2009-2011
Annual Implementation Plan 2008
Annual Report 2007
Policies Documentation
Website www.apollobayp12.vic.edu.au
TERM DATES AND SCHOOL TIMES
Term Dates - 2009:
Term 1 : Monday 2 February – Friday 3 April
Term 2 : Monday 20 April - Friday 26 June
Term 3 : Monday 13 July - Friday 18 September
Term 4 : Monday 5 October – Friday 18 December
School Times - 2009:
School Day 8.55 am to 3.20 pm
Start Classes 9.00am
Period 1+2 9.00am-10.40am
Morning Recess 10.40am - 11.00 am
Period 3+4 11.00am-12.40pm
Lunch 12.40pm-1.40pm
Period 6+7 1.40pm -3.20pm
Parents should consider providing a fairly substantial ‘morning
play’ snack to offset the late lunch-time bell.
Please provide lunches for eating at school as children who go home
miss a valuable social contact time and may be slower to make friends.
STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES – 2009
Principal John Mcconchie
Assistant Principal Liz Hanger
Year Level Coordinators
Later Years Coordinator : Brian Humphries
Middle Years Coordinator : Dennis Sharples
Early Years Coordinator : Glenda Whelan
Parents should contact the relevant Year Coordinator or Assistant
Principal if an interview is reqired or there are questions relating
to their students.
Homegroup / Year Teachers
Year 12 HG : Brian Humphries
Year 11 HG : Peter Geekie
Year 10 HG : Robyn Gray / DaveNelson
Year 9 HG : Darren Gill
Year 8 HG : Andy Nicholas
Year 7 HG : Lee Kelly / Bobby Bedson
Yr 5-6 Belinda Conning
Yr 5-6 Alison Verboon
Yr 3-4 Jenny Bryant
Yr 3-4 Glenda Whelan
P-1-2 Ingrid Band
P-1-2 Jade Kent
P-1-2 Sue McKenzie
P-1-2 Reading Recovery Megan Campbell
Other Teaching Staff
Marg Lugg
Vinnie Melsak
Robyn Gray
Bryan Dwyer
Peter Allan
John Britton
Lee Kelly
Sandra Gay
Gareth Williams
Non Teaching Staff
Teacher Aides Ngaira Smith, Linda Briffa, Annika Ognenovska, Carmel
Permezel
ICT Technician Jeff Richardson /Damian Meade
School Bursar Judy de Carteret
Admin. Support Tracy Howard
School Nurse Kim Jaskiwicz
Instrumental Music Marion Bakker, Matt Orchard, Marg Lugg. Mary
Fitzgerald
Maintenance Wayne Burke
Cleaners Peter Murnane, Carmel Permezel
Canteen Co-ordinator Elizabeth Piera
Groundsman Dave Maxwell
Laboratory Assistant Carmel Permezel
Useful Contacts
Sport Sandra Gay, Peter Allan
Careers VET VCAL Robyn Gray
Buses Liz Hanger
Sustainability Peter Geekie, Jenny Bryant
Intensive Swimming Jenny Bryant
Community Garden Ingrid Band / Dave Nelson
Library Gareth Williams
Year 7 Restart Lee Kelly
VICTORIAN ESSENTIAL LEARNING STANTARDS (VELS)
Our curriculum is based on the Victorian Essential Learning
Standards. The Standards provide an approach to curriculum from
Prep to Year 10. They outline what is important for students to
learn. As a student progresses from Prep to Year 10 they will develop
their knowledge and understanding of the standards. The following
is a summary of the VELS framework:
1 Physical, Personal and Social Learning
• Health and Physical Education
• Interpersonal Development
• Personal Learning
• Civics and Citizenship
2 Discipline based Learning
• The Arts
• English
• LOTE - Languages Other Than English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanities
3 Interdisciplinary Learning
• Communication
• Design Creativity and Technology
• Information Communications Technology
• Thinking
Reporting
A new reporting system based on the state-wide standards
was introduced at Apollo Bay P-12 College in 2007. The reports include
comments on achievement in relation to the standards on a five-point
scale A to E.
A “C” indicates that a child is on track and are at
the expected level. An “A” indicates that the student
is well above expected level.
The reports also contain a section to be completed by students.
Reports are distributed at the end of terms 2 and 4. Year 7-12
students will also receive interim reports at the end of terms 1
and 3. Parent, teacher and student interviews will be held at the
end of terms 1 and 3.
For more information regarding the Standards and Reporting go to
www.education.vic.gov.au
Or collect the brochures from the General Office.
EARLY YEARS Prep - 4
The Early Years of schooling are from Prep to Year 4 and
over the past few years our teachers have undertaken extra training
in the Early Years Literacy and Numeracy Programs. These programs
are designed to ensure that all children have the best opportunity
to achieve success during the fundamental years of schooling. The
programs have four essential elements: a classroom program, extra
help for students who need it, professional development for teachers
and opportunities for parent participation.
Students at Apollo Bay P-12 College spend the first three years
of their schooling in multi-age P-1-2 classes. In 2008 there were
four P-1-2 classes. The multi-age grouping structure has been found
to be advantageous to student learning as it fosters confidence
and responsibility amongst students therefore providing a positive
learning environment. The teachers of these classes meet regularly
to plan their curriculum and group activities.
In P-1-2 Early Years Literacy and Numeracy is done until lunch
time. Numeracy is covered in year levels. In the afternoons students
complete an integrated studies program as well as a number of specialist
subjects such as Art, LOTE, Library, Computer and PE. A three year
rotation of themes is in place for the P-1-2 classes. Reading Recovery
is a literacy acceleration program offered to selected students
in Year 1.
A transition program occurs with the Apollo Bay Preschool during
terms 3 and 4. This involves establishing buddies with Year 5 children,
orientation to the school buildings and getting to know students
and teachers and samples of the program. An information night is
held in November for Preschool parents.
Students in Years 3 and 4 also work together in multi-age groups.
Literacy is taught for the first two periods of the day and Numeracy
occurs during the third period with students grouped in year levels.
For the remainder of the day the students complete an integrated
studies program as well as a number of specialist subjects such
as Art, LOTE,
Library and PE. The Year 3-4 classes work on a 2 year rotation of
themes and programs.
This section gives prospective students and their parents an overview
of the structure and curriculum that is offered to students in Years
Prep-4. More detailed information will be given out at the Parent
Information evenings which, are held at the start of each year.
At these meetings you will meet the teacher and receive more detailed
information regarding the actual subject matter taught in each grade.
Parents are always welcome at school to discuss their child’s
program. An appointment should be made at the school office.
MIDDLE YEARS 5-9
Years 5-9 are called the Middle Years of schooling. A comprehensive
state-wide strategy has been developed to support schools to best
meet the needs of these students. It aims to improve student literacy,
numeracy, retention and attendance levels. It also aims to improve
students attitudes to schooling and addresses specific needs of
different groups of students.
In 2009 we will be introducing significant changes in the delivery
of our curriculum to further address the needs of our Middle Years
students. To support our program the College will be moving towards
a higher level of ICT access and mobility by introducing laptops
in Years 7 and 10.
Years 5-6
Year 5 and 6 students will be combined into two multi-age
classes.
The advantages to be gained from moving to a multi-age structure
include:
• students have wider social and educational opportunities
• students learn to work together
• students relate to a wider and more natural mix of children
• older children gain a sense of responsibility toward younger
children
• children have a greater opportunity to work according to
their abilities
• children become more responsible for their own individual
learning increasing their independence and resourcefulness
• children become more tolerant
• teachers work in a team to plan programs and share ideas
• greater use is made of teachers’ abilities and interests
• classrooms can have a more even distribution of students
• maximum flexibility to cater for students moving in and
out of the school.
Schools and classroom practice are constantly undergoing change
as society makes new demands on the institutions that support it.
It is expected that schools provide students with a broad range
of skills that will equip them for life. Multi-age classrooms use
a learning environment that promotes and supports learning for life
as well as providing an xtensive educational experience.
The two Year 5-6 classes occupy a learning centre consisting of
two classrooms separated by a 10-pod computer room.
Years 7-9
Year 7 students remain together as a class for most subjects
for the entire year. They participate in a traditional secondary
system, with different teachers teaching different subjects. Core
subjects include English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Health and
PE, Indonesian, Music, and Art. A number of Arts-Technology subjects
will also be offered.
The day begins with the morning roll call taken by the Homegroup
teacher who also teaches the class for a significant number of periods
per week. In 2009 Year 7 students will be blocked with Year 8 students
for the Arts-Technology Block and for Health and PE, a total of
eight 50 minute periods per week.
The College commitment to literacy is exemplified by our Year 7
RESTART program. Over the course of a week all students are withdrawn
in small groups to improve or advance their skills.
The Year 7 program incorporates an intensive music program where
all students are introduced to a string and keyboard instrument.
All Year 8 students will undertake core studies in English, Maths,
Science, Humanities, Health and PE. There will be some choice with
Arts-Technology subjects. Students will be combined with Year 7
students for Health, PE and part of their Arts-Technology program.
They will be combined with Year 9 students for Science, Humanities,
English and Arts-Technology. Students will remain together as a
year level for Maths and Personal Learning. The Homegroup teacher
will deliver the Personal Learning program which will run for two
periods per week.
Year 9 is now the final year in our middle school. The curriculum
maintains a focus on developing essential literacy and numeracy
skills. In addition we will be concentrating on personal development
and growth through a comprehensive camps and co-curricula program.
During year 9 students will develop a comprehensive Managed individual
Pathway plan which will be updated in each subsequent year and support
students in planning their further education, training and employment.
The key focus of the Year 9 program is on assisting students to
understand themselves and their value to the groups and communities
to which they belong. This is done within a curriculum context where
students assume responsibility for designing and managing their
learning
All Year 9 students will undertake core studies in English, Maths,
Science and Humanities. There will be some choice with Arts-Technology
and PE subjects. Students will be combined with Year 8 for Science,
Humanities, part of their Arts-Technolgy program and English. There
will be the opportunity to advance students into Year 10 English.
Students will remain together as a year level for Maths, Personal
Learning and Health. The Homegroup teacher will deliver the Personal
Learning and Health program which will run for three periods per
week.
Our successful Surf Life Saving Cadets program will continue to
be offered to Year 9 and 10 students as part of the PE program.
In addition we will offer a second cadets program with a community
service focus.
LATER YEARS 10-12
The College offeres a wide range of VCE, VET and VCAL courses for
students in the Later Years of their schooling. In 2009, to further
broaden student options we will be introducing School Based Apprenticeships
and access to additional VET subjects via Gordon Institute in Geelong.
More detailed descriptions of our Later Years offerings can be found
in our Later Years Handbook.
As of 2009 year 10 will be part of the senior sub-school. This
change reflects current practise across the state and recognises
the maturity of year 10 students. Year 10 is now the beginning of
VCE or VCAL and we will be encouraging all year 10 students to begin
their VCE or VCAL by undertaking a year 11 VET or VCE subject. Year
10 students will be supported through a personal learning program
which focuses on the refinement and further development of their
individual Managed Individual Pathyways plan.
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
Entrance Requirements:
Students to be admitted to school must be at least 5 years old
on or before 30th April in the year in which they commence school.
Evidence of birth is required in the form of:-
An extract of Birth Entry or Health Centre booklet
and
Immunisation Certificate (or Statutory Declaration).
School Dress
Hats must be worn by all students during terms 1 and 4.
The wearing of a school uniform is strongly encouraged, particularly
in relation to student participation in activities in the wider
community. Parent support in this area is highly desired.
The school office takes uniform orders, as a service to parents.
The following items, in Navy Blue and Jade Green colours have been
determined :
Prep-6 Green Polo Shirt
Navy Fleecy Bomber Jacket
Navy and Green Windcheater
Navy Track Pants (Reinforced knees)
Navy Girls Bootleg Pants
School Dress
Navy Cargo Shorts and Skorts
Yr 7-12 Hooded Windcheater
Navy Fleece
Bomber Jacket
Navy or White Polo Tops
School Tartan Skirt
School Dress
Trousers of any type, neat and of one color, in tone with the above
school colors.
All students should be dressed neatly in clean, untorn clothing.
Thongs and scuffs are not suitable footwear and sneakers for Physical
Education are essential.
Excessive wearing of jewellery at school is seen to be both inappropriate
and dangerous. Parents and students are requested to keep jewellery
worn to school to a minimum.
Booklists & Levies
Parents of all children at this school will receive a Levy Sheet,
in February, for the education of their children. On the levy sheet
are shown the faculties and the administrative areas assisted. From
a total of these is deducted the education allowance paid to the
school, leaving a net amount to be paid by parents.
Booklists are distributed to all students by the end of end of
the school year. All year levels return their booklists to the school
office. Students can collect their books from school at arranged
dates, before school returns in January.
Assistance Available
There are several ways in which families can obtain financial assistance
for their children, namely : -
• Family Allowance Supplement
• Education Maintenance Allowance (for holders of Health Care
cards)
• State Schools Relief
• Aus Study (for senior students)
• First Start (Yr Prep and Yr 7)
These are advertised in the School News, when available, but further
information may be obtained from the school.
Transport
School Buses:
All pupils who reside more than 4.8 kilometres from the school are
eligible to travel on one of the school buses.
Travellers are expected to be punctual and it would save waiting
time if prior notice of non-attendance (when known) could be given
to the bus driver.
If a pupil travels on the bus in the morning and is not using the
bus in the afternoon, a written note must be handed into the office.
The same rule applies to children who use private transport in the
morning and intend travelling home on the bus. One note will suffice
for any permanent arrangement but the office must be notified, by
parents, of any alteration to this arrangement.
Each student will be allocated a specific seat on the bus and must
not change this without obtaining permission from the teacher in
charge of buses. Students’ behaviour at all times must be
quiet and orderly as the danger in distracting the driver’s
attention cannot be over-emphasised. On the home journey, parents
should ensure that the children know the importance of waiting until
the bus has moved on and vision of the road is clear, before crossing
the road.
Bikes:
Many students ride bicycles to and from school. These should be
housed in the bicycle rack and should not be ridden in the school
grounds. Students are required by law to wear helmets when riding.
It should be noted that helmets are not effective unless secured
under the chin.
All the roads near the school are extremely busy, just before school
commences and at dismissal time. Care must be taken and, for this
reason, infant department children are not encouraged to ride bicycles.
The R.T.A. strongly advises that youngsters are not ready to ride
in traffic (unless accompanied by an adult) until they reach 10
years of age. This recommendation is on account of children’s
lack of lateral vision rather than their capacity to learn traffic
rules. Students are not to ride in Pengilley Avenue, which is our
busiest road, just before and after school, Students should enter
at the Ramsden St gate.
The Bus:
School Council owns 3 mini buses for use by the school. School groups
use buses for camps and excursions on a user-pays basis. It should
be noted that there are no bus costs for local school excursions,
between Skenes Creek and Marengo.
Attendance
It’s not OK to be away!!
Lateness, absence and failure to participate in the educational
programme needs a note of explanation. This note should contain
the date, reason, student’s name and parent’s signature.
Proforma notes are available from the school.
No student may leave the school grounds without permission, at
any time. Those who need to leave the school grounds are required
to bring a note from their parents giving the reason for the same.
All notes should be given to the class teacher (Prep - 6) or Year
Level Coordinator, in the case of students in Years 7 - 12.
Secondary students may be given a permanent lunchpass to go home
for lunch. Daily lunchpasses may also be given if a note is brought
from home. Proforma notes are available at the school office.
Primary students may not leave the school grounds at lunch unless
collected by a parent.
Students in the Secondary areas who are late must get a late pass
from the Office. Repeated latecomers will be given additional work
at a suitable time and place. Primary students are to report to
their class teachers.
Canteen
Canteen facilities are available at the school, each Monday and
Friday, unless otherwise notified. Elizabeth Piera is responsible
for the canteen service and parents are rostered on to prepare the
lunches. Canteen rosters and price lists are circulated each term.
Orders are to be written on a brown paper bag and the correct money
(if possible) placed in the bag. Please check price lists regularly
as prices do vary from term to term. The bag is then placed in the
class or homegroup tub, prior to school, on both Mondays and Fridays.
The lunches are prepared and available at 12.25 pm. All food sold
complies with the Victorian Schools Canteen Food Guide.
Assemblies
The Primary grades assemble in specific areas of the Primary School,
at the time of the each in-coming bell. This assists in the management
of the Primary School by ensuring all students get to class on time
and in an orderly and quiet fashion, along the corridors.
Whole school assemblies or Primary and Secondary assemblies are
held when required, during which time achievements can be praised
and rewarded. There are approximately 3 primary assemblies per term.
These dates are listed on website and in Newsheet.
Library
Primary students visit the Library, weekly, and receive a programme
of instruction designed to increase their love of literature and
confidence in using the catalogue, reference books, etc.
Secondary students, in Years 7 to 10 use the Library once a week
during English and as a reference area for other subjects.
The computerised borrowing system now in place circulates loans
on a 2 week cycle. There is no limit to the number of books a student
may reasonably borrow provided that, at the time of the books becoming
due back, they are returned to the collection or renewed for a further
loan period. Students in the Lower Primary grades are encouraged
not to borrow more than two books at a time, simply to avoid the
problem of them losing track of books at home, in classrooms, etc.
Teachers and student monitors supervise all loans and returns.
Interschool borrowing is available to senior students and teachers.
Resources are available from the Cluster. This increases the resource
base for research work appreciably. The inter-school library loan
network has expanded to include access to a Geelong-based periodicals
network. The photocopier in the Library is funded on a ‘user
pays’ basis.
The Library is open from 8.45 am until 3.30 pm each day. Borrowing
may take place during class visits to the Library or at lunch-times
and before or after school, provided that staff are in attendance
to supervise.
Parents are asked to ensure books are returned on time.
The Library facility is available to members of our local community,
during its normal hours of operation. It should be understood that
replacement costs may be sought for lost or misplaced books.
Excursions
A note will be sent home if your student is involved in an excursion
. This must be returned with full payment at least 2 days before
the excursion.
On enrolment parents will be asked to sign a local excursions form
which covers excursions within the local precinct.
COMMUNICATION AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT
From the time you enrol your first child, you are encouraged to
share in all the activities to do with the school.
Why be involved?
You have been educating your child since birth and parents and teachers
can become partners in the child’s learning, once your child
starts school. The child always remains the central focus in this
partnership. Parents can help in many different ways. Not all parents
will be able to help at school during the day but all parents can
contribute in some way.
These are ways in which you can become involved in what your child
is doing at school :
• be a good listener to your child;
• read to your child regularly or listen to them read to you;
• talk to your child about school, especially about good things;
• get to know your child’s class teacher;
• talk to the teacher about your views and ideas;
attend meetings and other sessions in which explanations are given
about what your child does at school - in this way, you will learn
a lot about the curriculum.
By working together with mutual trust and respect, parents and
teachers may make a great contribution to a child’s progress
and to the quality of the education that child receives.
Follow your personal interests in deciding on your involvement.
Take part in functions organised by the school community by :
• attending social activities and performances;
• helping with fund-raising;
• attending working bees;
• visiting displays;
Share in the program by :
• working with teachers in classrooms;
• helping with excursions and class activities;
• working with teachers to improve school resources.
Participate in planning by :
• working with committees and sub-committees;
• attending workshops and curriculum days;
• attending parent meetings;
• joining School Council .
Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews
Written reports for all students are sent home at the end of term
2 and 4.
Secondary students also receive an interim report in terms 1 and
3.
As not all children develop at the same rate, you are asked to
be wary of comparing your child’s progress with that of older
brothers and sisters or with children of the same age.
The only true comparison that is possible is with the child’s
own record of achievement.
In gauging students’ progress at school, emphasis is placed
on the following school goals which we aim to develop in all classes
: students’ levels of participation in grade activities, their
organisation skills, co-operation and improvement, independent learning
skills and their ability to deal with constructive criticism.
A record of your child’s progress is kept at school. His/her
problems, progress and behaviour may be discussed with the class
teacher by arranging an interview time and written reports are issued
twice a year - in June and December.
Parent/Teacher/Student interviews are held during terms 1 and 3
for individual discussion between you and the teacher about your
child’s overall development. You will be notified in advance
of these meetings. However, should you wish to talk over any aspect
of his/her education, you are most welcome to arrange an interview
at any time with the class teacher.
If at any stage you feel the need to contact the school you are
most welcome to make an appointment through the office.
School Council
School Council is the overseeing body of the school and, as such,
is responsible for all the policies of the school. A vigorous and
involved Council is essential for the wellbeing of the whole school.
The Council is made up of - the Principal, eight parent representatives,
2 coopted members and four staff representatives. Generally, councillors
are elected for a period of two years and elections occur in March
of each year.
Its specific responsibilities are reflected in the formation of
the following sub-committees:- Environment, Finance, Welfare and
Policy. Each sub-committee has a parent representative from School
Council and staff reps.
The successful operation of School Council relies on active support
and assistance from parents in general. If you can help in any way,
please feel free to offer as it is a challenging and rewarding position.
Meetings You Could be Involved In
Introductory - Year Level Term 1
Parent teacher interviews Terms 1 and 4
School Council 2 per term
Environment meetings (Council) 2 per term
Finance(Council) 2 per term
Welfare Meetings 2 per term
Policy (Council) As advised
VCE Information Nights Term 3 and Term 4
Parents and Friends As advised
Prep Information Meeting Term 4
School News Sheet
The ‘News Sheet’ is produced by the school each fortnight
and it is the responsibility of the youngest child in each family
attending this school to take home this publication on alternate
Fridays. An abridged version can also be found on the website www.apollobayp12.vic.gov.au.
The ‘News Sheet’ contains information and coming events;
hence, it is important that parents read it as it is a vital link
between school and home. Students work is also regularly published.
There is a publication deadline (Tuesday lunchtime) by which, suggested
articles need to be submitted to the school for typing. From time
to time, various return slips are included in the ‘School
News’ for lunches, excursions and so on. These need to be
returned to the school on the following Monday.
Where possible we attempt to get notes out on Fridays. Please impress
upon your child the necessity for notices reaching home as this
is the main way parents can keep in touch with what is going on
at school.
School Magazine
An enduring tradition at our school has been the publication, at
the end of the year, of the School Magazine. The aim of the magazine
is to document in a permanent record many of the achievements and
experiences that make up the richness and quality of life in the
school community. Each student enrolled will receive a personal
copy of the School Magazine.
Parents and Friends
A revitalised Parents and Friends Group has been very active from
2006-2008. To be involved in 2009 keep an eye on the News Sheet
or contact Suzi Mc Bride or Marion Armstrong via the school office.
Canteen
An important role of the Parents is the running of the Canteen
on a Monday and Friday. The Canteen really is a most necessary service
in the school and it also operates with education in mind by promoting
healthy eating. You can volunteer by contacting the office. The
Canteen is not open on the first day of term.
HEALTH AT SCHOOL
Illness
Absences are a handicap to a child’s progress BUT, if your
child is not well, he/she should not be sent to school as we do
not have adequate facilities to care for him/her and he/she may
be the cause of infection to other children.
Please ensure that all details on the enrolment card are completed
and kept up to date. It is important that we can contact you or
someone nominated by you to care for your child in case of accident
or illness.
If your child is absent a written note of explanation is required.
Medical Indemnity Forms
Updated Medical Indemnity Forms are required to cover the possibility
of accident and the need for medical attention during school activities
or excursions. Parents are therefore requested to advise the school
office of any change in their children's medical condition. Camps
or adventure activities will require separate Medical Indemnity
Forms, as they arise. These forms permit the school to seek appropriate
medical assistance for your child in situations where a parent cannot
be contacted. Please take care to ensure the information on the
forms is accurate.
Asthma Management at School
The school is accredited with Asthma Victoria as an Asthma Friendly
School. Parents are requested to provide the school with an asthma
management plan(forms available from the school office or your G.P.).
It is recommended that asthma management is reviewed each year with
your Doctor to promote the best health outcome. Students with asthma
are encouraged to bring their Ventolin (or other reliever puffer)
and spacer to school.
Information about asthma management at school can be provided by
the Secondary School Nurse, enquire at the school office.
Management of Allergies
Parents are required to provide the school with an allergy management
plan.
Information about an allergy management plan can be obtained from
the Secondary School Nurse, enquire at the school office.
We have a number of children who are allergic to nuts. Some have
life threatening allergies. For this reason we request that primary
students do not bring nut products to school or on excursions. This
expectation will be strictly adhered to in particular classes to
protect the needs of individual students.
Administration of Medication at School
The school has a medication policy for the safe overseeing of student
medications. Parents need to provide appropriate information to
the school (medication management forms available from the school
office) to give the school necessary details and provide the medication
which has clearly marked the student’s name and the dose and
time details.
Children Injured or ill at School
There are teachers on duty in the school yard, before school, during
recess and lunchtime. If your child is injured whilst playing, we
will :
treat the injury at school, if it is of a minor nature;
or
contact the parent, if we are doubtful about the seriousness of
the injury. If the parent cannot be contacted, we will take the
child to the doctor. The same procedure will be taken if the child
becomes ill during the day.
Immunisations
Each year, the local Council organises immunisations for Prep children,
grade 6 and students between the ages of 15 and 19 years. Parental
permission is required and it is hoped that all parents will use
this service.
Special Services
Psychologists and Speech Pathologists may be provided to help children
who have problems affecting learning. Referrals may be made by teachers
but they must initially have the consent of parents.
Head Lice Management at School
Head lice are often a concern in communal settings like schools.
They do not discriminate, anyone can get head lice. It is best to
be vigilant and keep checking each week. Tie long hair back as a
strategy to minimise the spread of head lice.
Please report when there has been an incident of head lice and
when treatment has taken place to the teacher or to the school office.
In line with health regulations children with head lice can return
to school after appropriate treatment has taken place, this means
a child could be treated for head lice one evening and return the
next day.
Support and resource to manage head lice is available at the school(ask
at the school office), the School Nursing service can also provide
information and advice to school communities, your local pharmacist
and also Otway Health and Community Services.
Information provided at school on managing head lice is received
from the Department of Human Services, for further information go
to the website www.dhs.vic.gov.au/phd/headlice.
Infectious Diseases
The list below contains the Directorate of School Education’s
instructions regarding some of the more common diseases :
Disease Patient shall be excluded from school
Chicken Pox At least 5 days. Until fully recovered. Note - some
remaining scabs are not an indication for continual exclusion.
Viral Hepatitis Until a medical certificate of recovery is produced
or
on subsidence of symptoms but not before seven days
after onset of jaundice.
Impetigo (School Until sores have fully healed. The child may be
allowed
Sores) to return provided that appropriate treatment is being
applied and that sores on exposed surfaces, such as
scalp, hands and legs, are properly covered with
occlusive dressing.
Measles For at least seven days from the appearance of the rash
or until a medical certificate of recovery is produced
Head Lice Re-admit the day after appropriate treatment has commenced.
Ringworm Until appropriate treatment has commenced, supported,
when requested, by a medical certificate.
Rubella Until fully recovered and at least 4 days from the onset
of the rash.
The School Nursing Program, Department of Human Services.
Primary School Nurse – this visiting service provides health
assessments to all prep students(with parental consent), it is recommended
that parents take advantage of this service that can enable early
identification of health problems. As well parents, carers and teachers
may request assistance from the Primary School Nurse as required
through the year for any primary student health issue or in regard
to a specific primary health issue at school.
Secondary School Nurse – the school is part of the Secondary
School Nursing Program that has placed a registered nurse in the
school two days each week to work collaboratively with the school
on health issues. The role includes adolescent health promotion,
supporting staff and parents address health issues and providing
health promoting activities to the school.
Enquiries about the School Nurse Program can be made via the school
office.
ANNUAL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The College has an Annual Implementation Plan which maps the main
goals for the year.
The Implementation Plan supports our Strategic Plan which is rewritten
every four years.
The Annual Report summaries the achievements for the year. The
Annual Report for the preceding year is usually available in April.
In addition to the documents listed above the College has written
the following policies. We plan to review these documents. These
Policies may be obtained by contacting the school office.
Staff Development
Homework
Anti-Bullying
Drug Education
Sexual Harassment
Privacy
Policy for Development and Review
Parents Club
Food
Equal Opportunity
Computer Education
Work Education and Careers
Work Experience
Health and Human Relations
Camps and Excursions
Completion Date
Reports and Parent Teacher Sessions
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