ABSENCES The State Government, through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) requires that all children attend school until at least the age of 15 years. Children who are absent for any reason require a note signed by the parent or guardian providing a brief explanation of the absence. The note should be sent to the classroom teacher on the return of the child to school. All absences are recorded in the classroom rolls. These rolls are legal documents and they assist the staff in the discharging of their duty of care towards the children. For all unexplained absences a letter requesting an explanation of absence is sent home. Parents can notify of an absence by a phone call, email or note. Top ACTIVE AFTER SCHOOL COMMUNITIES Active after school activities are held at school on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The school newsletter and school notices will give details of this. Top ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE The Literacy and Numeracy program is designed to allow children to achieve set literacy and numeracy standards. This program is conducted in our school by teachers, additional assistance aides and parent volunteers. Top AFTER HOURS SCHOOL CARE
This is run at the school by Camp Australia. The program operates 5 days a week from 3.30 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. Attendance can be permanent, part-time, casual or emergency. Students must be registered. Registration forms are available at the School Office. Top AIR CONDITIONING All classrooms are air conditioned, which provides a cool and comfortable learning environment for the children. Top ARTS Our school has its own fully equipped art room. Children should wear some form of protective clothing for this session. Art smocks and other protective clothes may be left at school for repeated use. Children have a timetabled Visual Arts and Performing Arts session each week. Top
ASSEMBLY Each Friday afternoon the entire school population assembles in the school hall at 2.50 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend this session where the National Anthem is performed, special reports are given, and children’s successes are celebrated. Students regularly present work they are doing in the classroom at the weekly assembly. Each week the Grade of the Week presents an item to the assembly. Top ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Our Assistant Principal carries out specific administrative duties as well as teaching. This person is an integral part of the Administrative Team of our school and a person you should feel comfortable in approaching on any matter of concern. Top ASTHMA As part of the Victorian Schools’ Asthma Policy and Asthma Management, parents are required to provide the school with a “School’s Emergency Action Plan” for their children who suffer from Asthma (mild to severe). We are a registered ‘Asthma Friendly School.’ Top BANKING The Commonwealth Bank operates a school banking scheme so that savings accounts can be contributed to and operated by parents, through our school. Bank day is Tuesday. Deposits and bank books are handed to the classroom teachers at 9.00 a.m. and are returned to the children. Top
BIKES Children may ride to school. A bike rack is provided to which children must chain their bikes. Bikes must never be ridden inside the school grounds unless directed by a teacher. All children riding bikes to school must wear a helmet. Bike Skills is an optional activity provided through our LEAP program. Top
BIN DUTY In order to keep the school as clean as possible, wheelie bins are placed out at the beginning of each day and returned at the end of the day. A class is responsible for the bins. Top
BREAKFAST PROGRAM The school runs a breakfast program in the school community room from 8.15a.m. – 8.45a.m. from Tuesday to Friday each week. Top
CAMPS Our school runs a complete developmental camping program that begins with an activities evening in Prep and Year 1, a sleepover in Year 2, a 3 day camp for Years 3 / 4, culminating in a 5 day camp for Years 5 / 6 children. Top
CANTEEN The canteen operates on Fridays only. Lunch orders will be collected from the classrooms on these days and delivered back to the room at lunchtime. The order needs to be written on a paper bag or if you choose to write the order on an envelope, please add 10 cents for the cost of a bag to be provided. Money to be inside the bag or envelope. The canteen will also be open on these two days for the first half of lunchtime to sell snacks only. If snack items are placed on the child’s lunch order, a stamp is placed on their bag for them to redeem during the first half of lunch from the canteen window. Canteen price lists are available from the school office or on the school website. Top
CARS The car park is for the use of teachers and visitors on official business at the school. It must not be used by parents delivering or collecting children from the school. The grounds themselves may not be used for these purposes either. These guidelines are in place to protect the children. Cars are not to park illegally as it is dangerous for children. Parking Inspectors visit regularly. Top
CHESS CLUB The school Chess Club is held in the Community Room once a week during lunchtime. The program is conducted by a qualified chess tutor and it is very popular. Top CLOTHING Appropriate clothing for the school day should be worn at all times. Such items as soft soled shoes, hats and protective clothing should be provided for safety as well as for comfort. Uniforms are compulsory. All clothing should be named. The school colours are bottle green and gold. Footwear should be sturdy, no thongs or backless shoes. A sunsmart school hat must be worn Terms 1 & 4. Top
COLLECTING YOUR CHILD Apart from the Prep children who are collected from the room in the first few days of school, all children must leave the buildings as soon as possible at the end of the school day. Each parent should establish with their child, the appropriate arrangements for after school. If your child is to be collected by an unfamiliar person, both the child and the school should be notified. Children who are unsure of what to do when dismissed should go immediately to the school office and wait until attended to by staff. At all other times of the day, the child must be collected from the classroom teacher. Parents wishing to take their child home before the end of the school day must sign the “Sign Out” book. The sign out book is located at the office. Top COMMUNITY ROOM This room is the home base for the Uniform Shop and the Breakfast Program and can be used at any time by parents. Top
COMMUNICATION The school has a subcommittee of school council which is responsible for communication. As part of its role, this subcommittee oversees the production of the weekly Newsletter and all school publications. The Newsletter is important as it not only reports on past events but informs parents of future events. The school has its own website. www.seafordps.vic.edu.au Top
COMPUTERS Networked multi media computer workstations are in every classroom. Each classroom has its own Internet facility. Top
DISABILITIES PROGRAM PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (PSD) Our school has a well established and respected program of integrating children with special needs into mainstream classrooms. This program is ably supported by our integration staff. Top DISCIPLINE Our school community is extremely supportive of the management strategies and plans that are implemented. Our program is educative and seeks to help people find positive ways in which to contribute not only within the school but also within society. We use the Restorative Practices process and approach in addressing conflict and issues and the ‘You Can Do It’ social competencies program. Top
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION and EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (DEECD) The official title of the Victorian state schools’ education system. Top DOGS Dogs are not allowed in the school grounds either on a leash or not unless by arrangement with the school staff. (Guide dogs excepted) Top EARLY YEARS LITERACY PROGRAM The years P - 4 Literacy program is designed to allow children to achieve set literacy standards. Top
EARLY YEARS NUMERACY PROGRAM The Numeracy program is a structured approach to implementing a balanced classroom numeracy program in the first 5 years of schooling. Top EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE SCHEME (EMA) Parents who are holders of approved cards such as Health Care Card may lodge a claim for this allowance. The allowance is paid twice a year and can be used to assist with the payment of school costs such as uniforms, camps etc. Top EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN In case of fire or other emergency, our school has an approved plan to evacuate children to safety. Where circumstances warrant, we also have “lock-down” procedures. An annual practice drill is organised. For further information please contact the school office. Top EQUALITY All students at our school have equal access to the education programs being offered. Top EQUIPMENT The children use an extensive array of equipment during their time at school. We expect the children to demonstrate reasonable care of this equipment in order that it remains in good condition. Top EXCEL MUSIC PROGRAM Each Wednesday representatives come to the school from Excel Music to provide small group lessons in music, keyboard and/or guitar. This is a “user pays” program during normal school hours. Top EXCURSIONS As children learn by doing, our programs rely to a great degree on the provision of direct experience. Excursions are part of the education programs being offered by the school and as such, every effort should be made to ensure that they are not missed. Top FIRES In case of fire or other emergency, our school has an approved plan to evacuate children to safety. For further information please contact the school office. Top FIRST AID Our first aid room is located near the office. Injured and sick children are attended to by staff. All staff have Level 2 First Aid qualifications. Accidents requiring more than the most basic of first aid are reported to the parents via telephone or note. Serious injuries such as suspected broken limbs and head injuries are reported to parents or emergency contacts as soon as possible. If contact cannot be made in a serious case, an ambulance will be called for transport to hospital. Parents are advised to be members of the Ambulance subscription service. Top FIRST DAY This day generally begins with an assembly. If you are at all confused about proceedings on the first day, please enquire at the office. Top FUNDRAISING A Subcommittee of School Council oversees the fundraising activities of the school. Many hours are donated by our parents and staff in the successful organisation of fundraisers. Top GIFTED AND TALENTED Children are offered extension programs through school based programs, CONNECTIONS (after school program) and GATEWAYS (school day program). The LEAP program offered by Seaford Primary School is a wonderful vehicle for offering extension and high interest programs. Top GRADE OF THE WEEK Each week one grade is nominated as “Grade of the Week.” This grade will present at the Friday assembly, have work displayed in the newsletter and on the display boards outside the Office and will celebrate their achievement with a grade party. Top GRADES Children are divided into age groupings after much discussion and planning by staff, Many factors are considered when placing children in specific grades, it is not an ad hoc decision. Top GROUNDS MAINTENANCE This area is managed by a Subcommittee of School Council. It requires the input of parents with a few hours to spend on specific days during the year. Without parent help in this area, our grounds would not be as attractive and functional as they are today. Top HALL Our school has a Hall which is used for assemblies, functions and activities such as Perceptual Motor Program, special events, performances, discos and meetings. It is also available for hire by the community. Top HATS AND SUNSCREEN In order to assist in the prevention of sun related illness, parents should provide protective clothing and sunscreen particularly in the first and fourth terms where wearing of hats is compulsory. Top HEAD LICE Because children in schools are in close proximity to one another, head lice can be an irritation. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child is free of lice and untreated eggs (nits) and to notify the school if their child contracts lice. It is through the reporting of cases of lice that our school has been able to remain relatively clear of lice in recent years. Treatments and advice can be readily obtained from pharmacies, doctors and the local council. Top HOME LINK (Formally Homework) Our school provides a comprehensive curriculum which may be enhanced through assigning of tasks to be completed at home. While this work is the responsibility of the student, parents are encouraged to play an active role by joining with their child and assisting where they feel comfortable. Top HOURS OF INSTRUCTION Seaford Primary School’s hours of instruction are: 9.00 – 11.00 a.m. Session one 11.00 - 11.30 a.m. Recess 11.30 - 1.00 p.m. Session Two 1.00 - 1.10 p.m. Lunch eaten in classrooms 1.10 - 2.00 p.m. Lunch recess 2.00 - 3.30 p.m. Session Three Unlike more traditional timetables, this timetable provides for more hours of instruction early in the day. Children should be given a substantial “snack” for the first recess as it is often some time between breakfast and lunch. Top HOUSE POINTS Children are divided into teams known as Houses. Family members are allocated the same house teams. A points system operates in conjunction with classroom activities and yard cleanliness along with the physical education and sport programs. There are four houses, these are, McRae (Red), Mitchell (Yellow), Austin (Blue) and McKenzie (Green). Top ILLNESS If your child is ill at school a decision may be made to phone the parent to collect the child. If the parent is unable to be contacted and the child should not remain at school, the emergency contact is phoned. If contact cannot be made with either the parent or emergency contact the child is kept at school. Sick children must not be sent to school. There is a specific time for exclusion of children from school where some illnesses are concerned. Please contact the school office if your Doctor is unable to assist with this information. If your child is picked up during school hours by either you of your delegate, please sign and date the “Sign Out” book provided in the office. Top INCURSIONS The school firmly believes that children learn best when they are actively involved in their learning. One important way of achieving this is to have persons with particular skills and interest visit the school to share them with the children. Top INFORMATION NIGHTS Our school runs Information Nights for parents in a number of different formats taking into account the needs of parents with children at different levels of the school. These nights are advertised through our Newsletter. Top INTEGRATION PROGRAM (See Disabilities Programs of Support for Students with Disability PSD) Top INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS These have been installed in each classroom and in the Language Unit. This equipment allows our teachers to use the most up to date computer technologies to enhance the teaching and learning program. Top INTERNET (See Communication) Top INTERSCHOOL SPORT This section of the Physical Education program is offered to all children in years 5 and 6. Every child in these year levels has the opportunity to participate and is encouraged to do so. Sports include netball, bat tennis, tee ball, soccer, basketball, cricket, newcomb and football. Swimming, Cross Country and Track and Field Athletics sports take place once a year for ages 10+. Top J ROCK Each year our school participates in the Junior Rock Eisteddfod. All students from years 2-6 are eligible for involvement. To be involved students need to commit to attendance at lunchtime and after school rehearsals. The children perform along with other primary schools at the Hi Sense Arena. Top KIDS IDEAS DEPARTMENT (KID) The members of this group are elected by the students in years 3 to 6. Two members from each class act as student representatives and undertake leadership roles within the school. Top KOORI PROGRAM We are proud of our Australian Indigenous history and this is recognized through the curriculum and special events. Top LANGUAGE UNIT Our school is home to a Special Assistance Teaching Unit in addressing Language Disorder. Children attend the Unit during their timetabled Literacy session. The teacher in charge of this unit is a great asset to the rest of the staff in the provision of specialist assistance and advice. Top LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE) It is the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development policy that all children receive instruction in a Language Other Than English during their Primary Schooling. Our school is committed to the teaching of Indonesian. We teach Indonesian in an integrated program with a wide range of activities at all year levels. The program is presented by a multi cultural aide in conjunction with classroom teachers. Top LATENESS School begins at 9.00 a.m. each morning. Children are expected to arrive at school between 8.45 and 9.00 a.m. so that classes may begin on time and without distraction. In the event that your child does arrive late, please ensure that you sign the sign in book located at the office. Top LEAP (Linking Education and Play) The school runs an innovative program called Linking Education and Play for students in P – 2 and 3 – 6 twice per year and all children are involved in a presentation day at the end of each 4 or 6 week program. Top LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTRE The library is a major information resource centre for the school and is computerised. The library is able to provide multi-media and supervised Internet access. It is open some lunchtimes for reading and quiet activities. All children attend one library lesson weekly and may borrow during this time. Children can also access the library for information and research projects at all times. Please assist your child in returning overdue books and please provide a library bag. Top LIFE EDUCATION Each year the school has a visit from the Life Education Van which is staffed by a fully qualified teacher. All children are given the opportunity to experience a very informative Health education program which provides the children with a positive message about making decisions which effect their health and the health of others. Top LITERACY INTERVENTION (Additional Assistance) Our school runs Literacy Intervention Programs to assist children with the development of their literacy skills. The program is conducted by school staff and community tutors under the supervision of our Early Years Coordinators. Top LITTER To keep litter down, all children are expected to eat their playlunch in the designated eating area and to place all food wrappers into bins in the area outside the canteen or inside their classrooms before leaving. Litter of any type is not to be taken into other areas of the school grounds. Top LOST PROPERTY All lost (and found) property is housed on hooks in the corridor outside the Office. Parents should check lost property regularly. All items brought to school should be clearly labelled, particularly items of uniform. Expensive or fragile items should not be brought to school. Top LUNCHTIMES Between 1.00 and 1.10.p.m. the children eat lunch in their classroom. At 1.10 p.m. the children are allowed to play in the remainder of the school grounds until 2.00 p.m. The children are supervised by at least two staff members who continually circulate in the yard. Top MEDICATIONS Inhalers for Asthma are the only medications allowed to be retained for personal use by the children unless otherwise negotiated. Parents have the responsibility to ensure that their child understands the correct usage of the inhaler. Teachers are under no obligation to administer any drugs of any nature. Parents are more than welcome to call in and administer medications to their children. Should you need to have staff administer medication there is a set procedure to follow. Please contact the Principal. Top MOBILE PHONES We do not encourage children to bring mobile phones to school, however if they do, it is a requirement that they be handed to office staff on arrival and be collected from the office after school. Top MONEY Money for excursions and other payments must go to the classroom teacher. The money must be in a clearly labelled envelope along with any notes or documentation which accompany it. Parents should attempt to send correct money only to school as it can sometimes be very difficult to provide change. Top NAPLAN All students in years 3 and 5 sit assessed tasks in English and Maths. NAPLAN testing is held in May. Parents are provided with an individual report of their child’s achievements in these tests which is provided by DEECD. Top NEWSLETTER The production of the Newsletter requires the help of a dedicated team of staff and parents. It is distributed on Thursday afternoon and contains all the news about our school and its activities. It is a very important document for all to read. A text version of the school newsletter is also on the school website. Top NON SMOKING – NO ALCOHOL The school is a non smoking, no alcohol zone. Top OPEN DAYS Education Week includes our designated Open Day. Parents come up to the school to join in with classroom activities. Parents may organise to visit the classroom of their child at any time during the year that is suitable to all concerned. Top OVAL Our school has a large Oval that is open for the use of all children during recess breaks. Top PARENT HELPERS Our school relies on the kindness of parents in its day-to-day operations. Parents assist students in many areas of the curriculum and in the many excursions, camps and fundraising activities of the school. Parents who assist with the children must have a current Working With Children Card, which needs to be sighted at the Office. Parents are also an intregal part of the many committees that work in the areas of curriculum program and policy development. Top PARENT INTERVIEWS While parents or teachers may arrange an interview at any time during the year, formal parent/teacher conferences are held for all children at the end of term 2. Top PERCEPTUAL MOTOR PROGRAM (PMP) This program is run in the junior section of the school. Children work in small groups, supervised by staff, parents and/ or senior students on activities designed to develop knowledge of concepts, self esteem, body awareness and coordination. We are always looking for parental assistance with this program. Top PERSONAL INFORMATION It is important that all information you provide for the school is not only accurate but current. Information such as a guardianship, access, medications, allergies and home and emergency numbers are essential. If you believe the information on your confidential form is inaccurate, please contact the office. Top PHYSICAL EDUCATION Classes in this curriculum area require the wearing of appropriate clothing such as soft soled shoes. All children have a minimum of two timetabled physical education sessions per week. Top PLAYGROUP A 5 star accredited 3 and 4 year old playgroup operates at the school (see the School Office for dates and times). There is no charge for attendance at this program. Top PRE SCHOOL Our school maintains close ties with our community kindergarten on the corner of McRae Street and Railway Parade, Seaford. Top PRE SERVICE TEACHERS Trainee Teachers come to our school at different times of the year. We act as one of the training schools for Monash University, Victoria University and Deakin University. Top PRINCIPAL The Principal of our school is the person with the ultimate responsibility for all the school’s operations. The Principal is part of the leadership team and plays a major role in the operation of the School Council. The Principal has an “open door” policy, meaning that parents are welcome to approach the Principal at any time if they have any concerns. No appointment is necessary. Top PROPERTY All children’s property must be named if it is brought to school. This not only minimises ownership disputes but enables lost property to be returned. Items of real value such as Mobile Phones, Game Boys, radios, etc. should not be brought to school. Top PUPIL WELL-BEING The staff and administration of Seaford Primary School are extremely aware of the importance of the welfare of each of the students in our care. A Wellbeing Coordinator is appointed yearly to enable the smooth operation of our Student Wellbeing and Management Program. Top QUIET AREAS The playground of our school has areas set aside for quiet activities only. These areas are located along the McRae Street side of the yard. Top READING Reading is an essential element in all areas of learning. Classroom programs address the need to develop reading skills to their greatest extent through the use of parent helpers, particularly in the junior school where the need is greatest. Top RECESS From 11.00 to 11.30 a.m. and 1.10 to 2.00 p.m., the children are dismissed from their classrooms for Recess. This gives the children time to go and play with friends in the yard, eat, drink and use the toilet. Two teachers supervise the yard during recesses. Top RECORDER All children in years 3 and 4 learn the recorder as part of their classroom music program. Top RECYCLING The school has a Recycling Program collecting cans, corks, paper and cardboard. Top REPORTS Each child receives a written report on their progress in June and in December. The June report is accompanied by an interview. Top SCHOOL COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER (Student Welfare and Wellbeing) The school has a person who is committed to furthering the wellbeing of the students and to strengthen the links between the school and community. This person works on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. He is a trained counsellor and is available to all members of the community including students and parents/guardians. Top SCHOOL COUNCIL The School Council is the governing body of the school. Its composition is 8 elected parents, 4 elected staff, Principal and 2 coopted representatives. School Council meets on the third Monday of the month. Top SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN This is a 4 year plan for our school. Goals and Priorities are set, to be achieved by the end of the fourth year. An annual implementation or action plan is prepared each year. This documentation is available from the school office. Top SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT The school community has developed our vision statement which is:- Our friendly, caring Community School aims to facilitate academic learning, nurture individuality, challenge and understand every child, in an environment that provides fairness and balance. We want our children to be inspired, creative, joyful, curious, optimistic and capable individuals who can readily place themselves in the world and move through it with confidence and tolerance. This statement encompasses what we want for our students. Top SIGN OUT BOOK (see Collecting Your Child) Top SPORT Years 5 and 6 are involved in Interschool Sport. Children nominate the sport in which they would like to play during sporting session. Years 3 and 4 children have one sport session each week (in addition to the physical education sessions) where they learn the skills of major games such as softball and cricket. The school also participates in an interschool swimming and athletics program on an annual basis. Top
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS The school is entitled to 4 days each year when the children do not attend and the staff are engaged in PD and other related activities. From 2009 the first three days of the school year are used for this purpose with a further day allocated for reporting to parents in the middle of the year. Top SUBCOMMITTEES Our school is managed by our School Council. Groups of parents become involved in this management process by becoming members of various subcommittees of the School Council such as Education, Buildings and Grounds, Fundraising, Communication, Uniform and Finance. Please contact the office if you would like to be a member of a team that helps to manage our school. Top SWIMMING Our School offers a swimming program to all children in the school over the course of the year. Contact your child’s classroom teacher for further information. Top TIMETABLE Classroom timetables vary greatly in their individual organisation. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher for further information. Top TRAFFIC SAFETY This area is part of the Personal and Social Learning Strand offered by our staff. Our program seeks to build upon the knowledge that parents are giving the children on a day-to-day basis. Top TRANSITION Our staff are keen to make the transition of children from Pre School to school, year to year, and year 6 to year 7 as comfortable as possible. Our school has coordinators for managing and overseeing this process. For further information please contact the office and ask for either the Prep or Year 6 Transition Coordinator. Top TROUBLE The key to settling all issues that are causing trouble is clear and open communication. Please contact us if you are having any troubles with anything at our school. Top UNIFORMS School Uniform is compulsory. New and pre-loved uniform items are available for purchase from the school at our Uniform Shop in the Community Room. Top VELS(Victorian Essential Learning Standards) The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s core educational program to be covered in all schools. VELS consists of three core strands – The Physical; Personal and Social Learning; and Interdisciplinary Learning. Top VISITORS All visitors to our school must report their arrival to the office by “signing in” and wearing a “Visitors Pass” unless a prior arrangement has been made. This assists us to keep the school as safe as possible for the children. Top WET DAYS On wet days the children have their recesses supervised in their classrooms. All other arrangements for dismissal and timetables remain the same as for dry days. Top WORKING BEES These are important events at our school because of the huge savings your help can provide for the school. Put simply, all work in the grounds and buildings not carried out by volunteer parent and teacher labour must be paid for out of our school budget. Tasks such as tree planting, mowing and special projects are all carried out by parents and staff. Any amount of help is appreciated and directly benefits your child. Watch the weekly Newsletter for notification of Working Bee dates. Top WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS All people including volunteers who work with children in any capacity are required to have undergone a successful Working With Children Check and have a current WWC card. Please contact the School Principal for further information. Top YARD DUTY Two teachers are on duty in the yard throughout recesses and before and after school for the 15 minutes prior to 9.00 a.m. and the 15 minutes after 3.30 p.m. Students requiring the assistance of an adult must speak to either of the duty teachers and must not enter the building unless directed by a staff member. Top ZATS ALL FOLKS !!!!!!! The Communication Team hope this little publication has been of assistance. For any queries concerning anything about the operation of our school don’t hesitate to contact the office staff at your earliest convenience. | 
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