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Parent Handbook

2013

Table of Contents

1. Welcome2. Vision Statement3. School Staff 4. School Ethos5. Brief History6. Teaching of the Catholic Faith7. Catering for the Individual8. Parish Priest9. Principal10. School Secretary11. School Council12. Parents and Friends Association13. School Fees14. Fees Schedule15. School Expectations of Parents16. Kindergarten Enrolments17. Kindergarten Orientation Days18. Starting School in Kindergarten19. Key Learning Areas20. Masses21. Library22. Technology in our school23. Homework24. Code of Conduct25. Grants26. Sporting Facilities27. School Hours28. Reports and Interviews29. Newsletter30. Assemblies31. Awards32. Lunches33. Notes and Money34. Students Banking35. Mufti days36. Transport37. Bikes

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38. School Photos39. Excursions40. Uniforms41. Jewellery and Accessories42. First Aid43. Other important Information44. Partial Absence details45. Contact Details

1. Welcome

Welcome to our Learning Community at St. Brendan’s School, Ganmain.

St. Brendan’s is a Catholic School catering for boys and girls from Kindergarten to Year 6.We aim to provide a school that is striving for excellence in the Religious, Academic, Sporting and Cultural areas of education.

St. Brendan’s is located in picturesque grounds that enhance learning opportunities as well as providing a very safe environment. Our learning spaces are modern, bright and versatile, encouraging 21st Century learning.

It is our aim to create a sense of belonging that will nurture your child’s growth in faith and knowledge of the world, and help create a healthy self-esteem, so necessary for learning. We hope that your child’s association with St. Brendan’s is a long and happy one and that they gain a great deal from their time at the school. Of particular importance to us is that your child/children receive a well-rounded, excellent education which will help set them up for a successful and happy future.

The following information is intended to explain more about how the school operates. If you require more information or have a question about the school, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs Megan Masterson

ACTING PRINCIPAL

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2. St Brendan’s Vision Statement

Our VisionSt Brendan’s Catholic School community is founded on the person of Jesus Christ and embraces His gospel and mission.

Our MissionWe achieve this as communities of:

FaithPromoting faith in Jesus Christ, teaching and learning about Jesus, witnessing to the Gospel and participating in the life of the Catholic Christian community.

LearningInspiring, motivating, informing and engaging our community in the journey and wonder of life-long learning.

CareProviding a loving, caring and secure environment that ensures well being and learning.

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Engaging in active partnerships that foster life-giving relationships for the common good of all, within and beyond our community.

StewardshipNurturing the gifts and potential of each person and valuing resources, creation and the land.

3. School Staff – 2013

Parish Priest Fr. Scot Armstrong

Acting Principal Mrs Megan Masterson

Principal’s Release Mrs Kathy Sase

Religious Education Co-ordinator Mrs Megan Masterson

Infants Mrs Julie Guthrie

Primary Mrs Kathy Sase

Indigenous Support Teacher Mrs Ronda Judd

Release from Face to Face Mrs Ros Guthrie

Reading Recovery Mrs Ros Guthrie

Teacher Assistant Mrs Ronda Judd

School Secretary Mrs Sheena Kelly

Cleaner Mrs Kathy Sase

(This is our present school staff and may be subject to change in 2014)

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Easter Para-liturgy

4. School Ethos

Parents are attracted to Catholic schools because of their special atmosphere, where Religion is a core part of the curriculum and this permeates through all aspects of school life, the quality of education and the commitment of staff. We recognise that you as parents are the prime educators of your children and we understand our role in supporting you in this endeavour.

Children who are non-Catholics are most welcome to attend St. Brendan’s. Children will not be pressured in any way to join the Catholic Religion, but will participate in learning about the Christian faith. The children will also be expected to uphold the Catholic ethos of the school.

5. A Brief HistoryThe Presentation Sisters founded St. Brendan’s school in 1906. Classes were conducted in the original Church building. In 1931 a new brick building was opened with additions to this in 1967. A secondary department was added and continued until 1969, when owing to insufficient enrolment it was closed. Throughout the years there has been an active interest taken by the parents in work at the school. The Sisters maintained a presence in the school until the end of 1986. Without their dedication and commitment, the school would not be what it is today. Our school continues in the fine tradition laid down for us by the Sisters. In 1988 the Dominican Sisters took up residence in the convent and

remained involved in the school until 2002.2006 marked the 100 year anniversary of the opening of St Brendan’s School. A weekend of celebrations took place during October.

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Centenary Celebrations 2006

6. Teaching of the Catholic FaithSt Brendan’s School is a place of evangelisation. Through learning about Jesus Christ we encourage our students to develop a personal relationship with Him. “When Christians live the life of Christ with deeper faith, their hope grows stronger and their charity more radiant.” (Pope John Paul II, from Catholic Schools at a Crossroad p12)Syllabus Documents

“Sharing Our Story” is the religious education syllabus for students in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga introduced in 2004. At St Brendan's School your child will receive, through a systematic co-ordinated whole school Religious programme, knowledge of the Catholic Faith as taught by Christ and His Apostles.

The children will be educated in the Catholic Faith in an engaging manner for approximately half an hour each day in a formal Religious Education lesson. They will be given the opportunity to practise this faith, to develop spiritually and to be part of a Catholic community. The values and morals they learn are reinforced throughout the other curriculum areas in the daily lives of all our students and staff.

St Brendan’s ParishOur Catholic School is part of the Faith Community of St Brendan’s Parish and reflects and teaches the values needed for Catholic daily living.

Parents and FamiliesWe recognise you (the parents) as the first educators of your child and we invite you to join with us in the spiritual and intellectual development by being involved in school and parish activities and in particular in the preparation of your child to receive the sacraments.

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7. Catering For the IndividualAt St Brendan's School, we are very aware of each child’s individual needs and therefore have structured our classes and programmes around this premise. Our classes are multi-age classes, with children from two stages working together in the one room. Teachers provide learning experiences appropriate to each child’s development. Developmentally appropriate practice ensures that every child is learning at his or her own rate. It involves focusing on children as individuals who are growing and developing on a continuum of learning. More information on the class structures is available from the School Office.

Our school has Diocesan support for children who have special needs as determined by the guidelines. This includes support for children with learning disabilities, emotional or behavioural problems as well as those who have special gifts or talents. Support comes usually in the form of Teacher’s Aides in classes to assist these children.

Our school also has support programmes available to those children who have needs for additional support such as Reading Recovery and Numeracy For All.

8. Parish PriestFather Scot Armstrong is the Parish Priest of St. Brendan’s. The school is a vital part of the Parish community and Father Scot works closely with the Principal to ensure that the school operates effectively and efficiently. Father Scot visits classroom regularly and the school has a very close and positive connection with the Parish, particularly through sacramental programs.

9. PrincipalThe Acting Principal is Mrs Megan Masterson. She is available for interviews on Tuesday or Thursday between 11am and 3pm. Should you require an appointment, please contact the School Secretary. If the matter is of a less important nature, please feel free just to call in to see her during these times or before or after school. If you have a concern, please contact the school early before it becomes a major problem. In the first instance, the class teacher should be approached about problems.

10. School SecretaryThe school Secretary is Mrs Sheena Kelly. Sheena works various hours Monday to Thursday. Please see the table below for more details. The School Office is closed on Friday’sDaysMonday 8.30am – 4.00pmTuesday Secretary not availableWednesday 8.30am – 4.00pmThursday 8.30am – 4.00pm

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Friday Secretary not available

11. School CouncilThe School Council assists the Principal to ensure that the Catholic ethos of the school is maintained. The Council’s task is to assist with maintenance, financial planning and evaluation of the effectiveness of the school’s activities in accordance with Diocesan guidelines. The Council does not have a role in the administration of the school. Every second year, elections are held to elect parents to the School Council and all interested groups are represented. Meetings are held at the school on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm. The current Chairman of the School Council is Mr Guy Purcell.

12. Parents & Friends AssociationAll parents are members of the Parents & Friends Association and are encouraged to take part in all meetings, fundraising activities and social outings that occur throughout the year. The P&F’s major role is to raise money to assist in the running of the school. It also provides a forum for parents to express their opinions, obtain information, make suggestions and share experiences with other parents. Meetings are held at 7.00pm on the third Monday of each month with dates advertised in the Newsletter. New parents are especially invited to come along and find out how they can support the school. The P&F advertises upcoming events in the school’s weekly newsletter.

13. School FeesThe fees at St. Brendan’s are a vital part of our income and parents are reminded that enrolment includes meeting a fee commitment. The fees however have been able to be kept to a reduced level due to the commitment of the Parents and Friends Committee working tirelessly to raise money to offset the need to increase fees. Fees and P & F donations are used for the ongoing running costs associated with operating our school. If you are unable to meet your commitment it is vital that the matter be discussed with the Principal. No child would ever be excluded due to the inability to pay.

School fee accounts are calculated at the beginning of each term. Statements are issued each term and can be paid either weekly, fortnightly, monthly or at the end of each term. Parents also have the option to pay for the whole year. You will be given further details about this upon enrolment.

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Income Graph for St. Brendan’s highlighting the importance of School Fees and P & F Support

14. Fee ScheduleSchool Fees comprise of the following components:

School Fee - $220 per child per term and a discount of $20.00 per child thereafter.

Book Fee - $120 per child per year to be paid in Term One

*These figures are based on the 2013 Fee Schedule.

15. School Expectations of ParentsAs parents you must realise the commitment you make in enrolling your child/children at St. Brendan’s. This extends to supporting the school both physically and financially. Financial support comes through payment of school fees, along with the voluntary work carried out to support the P & F Association to enable this body to provide the financial assistance vital to the upkeep of the school. You can see from the sector graph on the previous page, how important the fundraising efforts of the P & F are and that fees would have to be increased if the P & F could not meet these commitments. We also invite your support in areas such as attending working bees, reading groups, attending School Masses, school sports days and other special occasions.

16. Kindergarten Enrolments10

In accordance with Diocesan policy, children should turn five by the 30th May in the year of their Kindergarten enrolment. St Brendan’s School has the interests of their students at heart and therefore we suggest that you seriously consider whether to enrol children who turn five after the end of March. If their fifth birthday falls between the 1st June and 31st July, the enrolment will need to be discussed at length with the Principal.

Parents of children beginning in Kindergarten are asked to complete an enrolment form available from the school office, and to supply the following documentation:

Immunisation Certificate - As from 1994, parents MUST present an Immunisation Certificate upon enrolment. (check with your GP if you don’t have one) Birth CertificateBaptism Certificate (if applicable)

(Baptism and Birth Certificates will be returned after they have been copied)In years where a number of new families are coming into the school, a new enrolment information day is organised. Otherwise, new families are asked to arrange an individual interview with the principal.

17. Kindergarten Orientation Days

Each year, beginning in Term 4, parents are able to send their children on pre-arranged days to join our present Infants class for three weeks to help them get ready for starting school next year.

Kindergarten 2013

18. Starting School in KindergartenFor the first four Wednesdays, the Kindergarten children do not attend school. This initial break helps them adjust to school life and makes it a little easier for them to settle in without getting too tired. These Wednesdays also provide an opportunity to administer

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the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment. This is a chance to identify your child’s strengths in Literacy and Numeracy as well as areas for development.

19. Key Learning AreasCurriculum InformationAt St Brendan’s Primary School we teach the six mandatory Key Learning Areas as required by the NSW Board of Studies. They are:

English Mathematics Science and Technology Human Society and Its Environment Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Creative Arts

We also teach Religious Education using the Sharing Our Story syllabus developed by the Parramatta Diocese and adapted by the Wagga Wagga Diocese.

Young People as LearnersSt Brendan’s staff is committed to assisting to prepare our students to become the people for tomorrow’s world by providing an education which is grounded in the values of the Gospels and the teachings of the Catholic Church. We are committed to helping our students grow into adults who are:

SpiritualInquirersThinkersReflectiveAdaptiveKnowledgeable

CommunicatorsCollaborativePrincipledCaringHealthyGlobal Citizens

20. MassesThe students of St Brendan’s celebrate a whole school Mass on the first Friday of each month as well as other special feast days such as St Brendan’s Day. These Masses are held in the Church at 9.30am and will be advertised in the schools weekly newsletter. The Masses are usually

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followed by a cup of tea at the school for parents and friends. We invite you to join us for these special occasions.All eligible pupils are taken to the Sacrament of Reconciliation once a month. This takes place on the First Thursday of each month. We also encourage parents to take their own children at other times. We are trying to establish a habit that will remain with them for life; not just for their school life.

First Holy Communion 2013

21. Library

The school library has recently been updated. Each class is taken to the Library once per week for borrowing and research on Thursday. The Library is also used to complement our Home Reading Programme. A Library Bag is provided to enrolling student during Orientation.

22. Technology in Our SchoolComputer technology is fully integrated into the Teaching/Learning environment at St Brendan’s school. We have 20+ computers and an i-pad in each classroom, providing a ratio of almost one computer per student. The school is entirely networked enabling classes to communicate with each other via computer. The school also has a data projector which enables us to introduce

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students to multimedia presentations. Each classroom is also fitted with an electronic Smart board to enhance learning.

The children are introduced to our learning technology from the start of their education in Kindergarten. Each child is given their own email address and folder for storing their work on the schools network. All children have access to the Internet with high security filters providing a safe environment for them to access the internet. By the time they complete their schooling with us it is expected they would be proficient in word processing, accessing databases, using spread sheets, multimedia, email etc.

23. HomeworkHomework aims at developing self responsibility habits in the students as well as serving several other purposes:

1. To consolidate work done during school time.2. To encourage study and research skills in children.3. To involve and interest parents in the child’s progress

Homework can be written and / or non-written.

Examples of non-written homework: Reading Revising spelling words or tables Collecting pictures, objects etc for a unit of work. Rehearsing oral talks to be presented at school.

Examples of Written work: Researching and / or completing projects Maths written work Creative writing

24. Children’s Code of ConductCatholic Values:

Say morning and evening prayers Act respectfully towards parents and other adults Treat others kindly (as you would like to be treated) Visit Blessed Sacrament before school

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Join in prayers and hymns Ask God for His help often during the day Make acts of self denial Be truthful, even when it is difficult

Manners: Please/Thankyou/Excuse me/Good morning/Good afternoon Don’t interrupt or break in between Quiet behaviour on verandahs No running on verandahs Be punctual Hand work in to the right place and on time Speak politely to adults, using the person’s name No back answering

Classroom Behaviour: No calling out No talking with hand up Speak courteously to and about others Don’t interrupt teacher Don’t move from your place without permission

Tidiness: Desk Books and rulers Shirts in Correct uniform Put rubbish in bins

Playground games Include others No teasing or bullying No inappropriate games No bad language Don’t go into out of bounds areas

Property Names on clothing and other belongings Use things for their proper purpose Return borrowed books and equipment Tell the teacher if you have damaged anything

25. GrantsIn 2006 St Brendan’s was successful in obtaining two grants. The Community Water Grant enabled us to install an automatic water system as well as tank storage to water the school grounds. The Investing in Schools grant enabled the purchase of resources for the school as well as upgrade the shade facilities, gardens, computers, whiteboards, phone system and various other items. In 2009 with the Government’s Building Education Revolution we were able to add a new library, a wet area/kitchen, a disabled

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toilet, access ramps and a teacher’s resource room to our school. The BER also enabled us to update technology in the classrooms.

Investing In Our Schools Grant New Library (BER grant)

26. Sporting FacilitiesSt Brendan’s possesses outstanding sporting facilities for a school of its size. These include a tennis court, netball court, synthetic turf cricket pitch, Aussie Rules football oval, an adventure playground and a variety of sporting equipment available for loan at lunchtime. We are also fortunate to be across the road from the town swimming pool, which we use extensively in the warmer months. St Brendan’s participate in the Diocesan Country Deanery Carnival in swimming, athletics’ and cross-country. From these carnivals talented children have the opportunity to progress through the system to State level. This also applies to the Team sports eg: Aussie Rules, Netball, Cricket, etc.

Cross Country Athletics Carnival

27. School Hours School commences 8:55am Sit for Lunch 11.00am – 11.10am

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Lunch 11:10am – 11:50am Recess 1:30pm – 1:50pm Dismissal 3:10pm

Children should not be on the school grounds before 8:30am, as the playground is not supervised until this time.

The children have lunch from 11.00 - 11.50am to allow them to have their longer play outside in a part of the day which is not so hot in the summer months. It also ensures the students are eating healthy food earlier in the day which provides more sustained concentration on their work in classroom.

At the end of the day, a teacher is on duty until 3:30pm or until the bus departs and therefore children should not be on the premises after this time.

28. Reports and InterviewsA formal written report is distributed at the end of Term 2 and is followed by a parent / teacher interview. A written report is also given at the end of Term 4. Should you have any concerns about your child’s progress anytime throughout the year, please contact the relevant teacher. Where possible, we ask that you make an appointment to see teachers by contacting the office to make these arrangements.

29. NewslettersA weekly newsletter goes home each Wednesday. These are given to the youngest child in the family. They are a vital link between home and the school and should be read carefully and kept for reference. All important dates for the Term appear on the newsletter each week.

30. AssembliesAssemblies are held each Friday at 2pm in the Library. Year Six students run the assembly each week. Class and Principal Awards are given out; birthdays are acknowledged and celebrated for both students and staff. The children are given the opportunity to present class reports about the things they have been learning about.

31. Awards

Awards are presented to a student from each class at Whole School Assembly each Friday. The awards are to recognise the efforts and achievements

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made be the students for the week prior to the Assembly. The award winners are placed in the newsletter each week.

32. LunchesLunches may be ordered through the Ganmain Bakery on Thursday and Friday. Children ordering lunch are required to write their order on a bag with their name and class clearly labelled on the outside. Money is to be placed inside the bag unless other arrangements have been made with the Ganmain Bakery.

A list of items available will come home with the newsletter at the beginning of the year. The selection of items available is in accordance with the Healthy Canteen measures enforced by the NSW Government. Children who do not eat their lunch are required to take the leftovers home. We ask for your support in encouraging the children to eat healthy foods including fruit during the day as this reinforces what is taught in health lessons.

Students wishing to go home for lunch must bring a written note signed by the parent / guardian to inform of the Principal.

33. Notes And MoneyWe ask for your assistance in placing all notes and money in clearly labelled envelopes with your child’s name on the front. The office does not have change so we ask that where possible correct money is enclosed.

34. Student BankingThere is the opportunity for the children to operate a student’s savings account. This will be with the Diocesan Provident Fund. The students will bring their Red Banking Books to school each Wednesday. The P & F is paid a commission of $0.30 per transaction made at St Brendan’s School. To encourage students to bank on a regular basis the DPF offers a prize at the end of each term for the child who has banked the most times during the term.

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Student Saver Award

35. Mufti DaysThese are uniform free days that the school uses for a special purpose. Usually there is a small ‘fine’ associated with the day to give to a chosen group e.g. Missions.

St

Patrick Day Activities

36. TransportThere is a Ganmain bus run which transports children from the outlying areas of Ganmain. All infants children are eligible for free bus travel regardless of distance from school. To be eligible for free bus travel, primary children must live outside a 1.6km radius of the school as determined by the RTA. If there is no bus run into town for country children and parents have to transport them to school, there is a bus subsidy available. Please let the school know and you will be sent the appropriate forms

When transporting children to school by car the students are to be dropped off and picked up at the front entrance of the school in Langham Street. Please collect children from the school side of the street and DO NOT call children across the road unsupervised.

37. BikesChildren are permitted to ride their bikes to school if they are 10 years and over however they MUST wear a helmet and obey normal road rules. They must not cut through private property whilst travelling by bike to or from school. The bike rack is placed near the ramp and all bikes should be

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stored here as soon as the children arrive at school. They must walk their bikes on school property to ensure the safety of all students.

38. School Photos

School photos are taken each year.

39. ExcursionsA child’s school-time education ought not be restricted to what is seen within the four walls of a classroom. Excursions are a valuable part of education, whether they be short nature rambles or complex and distant tours. Parents should be willing to support excursions as part of the education program. At the beginning of each year, a general permission note is sent out seeking approval for the child to attend school excursions. You will be notified when these excursions are to take place.

Friendship day at Ganmain Public School

Walk Safely to School Day

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40. School UniformAll clothing needs to be marked with your child’s name so that it doesn’t become lost property. All pupils should have a paint smock (an old shirt is suitable).

BOYS:

Summer Khaki shorts and shirt, grey socks, Black shoes, not joggers Brown sandals may be worn in

summer School hat must be worn in Term 1 &

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Winter Long Grey trousers, serge, Not

CARGO pants Long sleeved blue shirt Navy & gold school tie, Blue school jumper Black shoes, not joggers and grey socks Navy School Beanie (Optional) Navy School Scarf (Optional)

GIRLS:

Summer Green check frock with red thread,

short or cap sleeves White socks, black shoes, not joggers. Brown sandals may be worn in

summer. School Hat must be worn in Term 1 &

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Winter Blue Check Pinafore – ( Lowes) Long sleeve blue blouse with Peter

Pan collar. Blue school jumper Navy socks or navy stockings Black shoes, not joggers. Navy School Beanie (Optional) Navy School Scarf (Optional)

SPORTS:

Boys Royal Blue shorts (Lowes) School Polo shirt White socks and joggers School Tracksuit

Girls Royal Blue Interlock shorts (Lowes) School Polo shirt White socks and joggers School Tracksuit

School Jumpers, Sports Polo Shirts, Sports Tracksuits, School ties, Girls Summer dresses and school hats are available from the School Office. All uniforms must be paid for at the time of purchase. Sports shorts and girls winter uniform are available from Lowes Menswear Wagga.

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41. Jewellery & AccessoriesHair: Girls: Clips, headbands and ribbons in school colours (blue, gold and

green)Elastics any colour. Long hair is to be tied back at all times.Boys: Short hair, neat & tidy.

Earrings: 1 pair of sleepers or studs only. No dangling earringsChains: Chains worn around the neck are permitted if they are of a religious icon.Bangles: 1 only (keep it simple)Rings: 1 only and flatMiscellaneous: Clear nail polish only, no anklets, tattoos or toe rings.

42. First Aid

Medical Record Card At the beginning or each year, parents will be asked to provide current information about each of their children by means of a medical record form. Information regarding students with medical conditions will be kept in each teacher’s roll book.

Medication to be administered at SchoolIf medication is required during the school day, the parent/guardian must supply the principal with an appropriately signed consent note containing the following information:

Name of Pupil Dosage Time/s of ingestion Emergency contact person and doctor; Signature of parent.

A medical record book will be kept and signed by the First Aid officer when the medication has been dispensed.

Accidents at SchoolIf any child is treated by a teacher for a minor accident during school hours, it will be recorded briefly in the school accident record register. If, in the judgements of the first aid officer, a medical event requires outside assistance, teachers will use the following procedure:

Notify parents or emergency contact person If unavailable, decide on whether the case needs immediate attention If yes, arrange to have the child taken to medical care, or medical care brought to

the child. If no, make the child as comfortable as possible until contact can be made, or the

situation changes.

Parents who are called to school to pick up their child because of illness or accident are required to report to the school office and sign the Sick Bay Record book before they collect their child.

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43. Other Important Information

Visitors to the school are required to report to the school office and sign the Visitors book when they arrive and also sign out when they depart the building.

The school buildings and grounds are NON SMOKING areas. This also applies to school functions which take place out of school hours.

44. Partial Absence detailsIt is now a legal requirement that parents inform the school promptly and formally within seven days of a student’s absence. Parents are asked to contact the school office if your child will not be attending school on a particular day. This will need to be followed up by a written note when your child returns to school.

If you need to take your child/ren away from school for a period of five or more school days you need to come to the school office and complete an Application for Exemption from School which needs to be approved by the Principal. A certificate will be issued including the reason for the absence. This must be carried with the student when they are not in attendance at school and must be produced if requested by a police officer.If a child is late to school for any reason the parent needs to come to the office and complete the Partial Absence log, this also applies if you are collecting your child early from school. Your child may then be collected from the office. At no time is it permitted that a child be called from the playground by a parent.If contacting the school or individual staff members regarding absenteeism or to change the pickup arrangements for your child, please do so through the school landline.

45. Contact DetailsContact the School to arrange a tour or an Interview with the Principal. Telephone: 02 69276198Facsimile: 02 69276377Email: info@sbww.catholic.edu.auWebsite: www.sbww.catholic.edu.au

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