Parent Handbook 2013 - Mary Mackillop Primary School

Parent Handbook 2013
MARY MACKILLOP PRIMARY SCHOOL
2 Ernst Wanke Road
Narre Warren North 3804
Ph. (03) 8794 5777
Principal: Mr Richard Wans
Email: principal@marymacnarre.catholic.edu.au

Mary MacKillop Primary School
Cnr of Narre Warren North Road and Ernst Wanke Rd,
Narre Warren North 3804
Postal Address: PO Box 130
Narre Warren North 3804
Telephone: (03) 8794 5777
Fax: (03) 9704 9477
Email: principal@marymacnarre.catholic.edu.au
Principal: Richard Wans
Assistant Principal: Lynda O’Donnell
Wellbeing: Leader Lina Lidonnici
Religious Education Leader: Lize Privitera
Office Administration: Jacqui Meunier
Marita Glass
Terry Dinsdale
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish
Diocese of Sale
496 Princes Highway, Narre Warren 3805
Postal Address: PO Box 166,
Narre Warren 3805
Telephone: (03) 9704 7935
Fax: (03) 9704 7023
Email: olhc@olhc.org.au
Web: www.olhc.org.au
Parish Priest: Fr Brendan Hogan
Assistance Priest: Fr Janeesh Jose
Permanent Deacon: Reverend Peter Stringfellow
Pastoral Associates: Conny James
Dina Delfino
Parish Secretary Suzie Schumacher
Sacrament Coordinator: Emily D’Sylva

Contents
Welcome to Mary MacKillop 3
Vision Statement
Our Patron and Logo
Religious and Spiritual Dimensions of
School Life:
Parish Sacramental Program and Religious
Education.
4
5
6-7
Teaching and Learning 8—11
Wellbeing of the School Community
12-13 Student Wellbeing
14 Special Education
14 Drug Education
12—14
Prep Transition 15—18
Parental Involvement
18 School Board
18 Friends of Mary MacKillop
School Management and Administration
· 19 Bell times
· 20 Hot Weather
· 20 Drop off/Pick up
· 21School fees
· 21 Payment options
· 22 Excursions
· 22 Before & after school care
· 22 Personal property
· 23 Canteen
· 23 Smoking on School grounds
· 23 Dogs
· 24 Illness & Injury
School Uniform
18
19—24
25—26
Welcome
The members of Mary MacKillop
Primary School Narre Warren
North take pleasure in extending
a very warm welcome to you and
your child.
We hope this is the beginning of a
rewarding association between
yourself and those at Mary
MacKillop Primary School.
Mary MacKillop Primary School
belongs to the Parish of Our Lady
Help of Christians, Narre Warren.
Our school is an integral part of
the local Parish which is led by Fr
Brendan Hogan who is supported
by the parish team.
As a school we work closely with
the two other primary schools in
the parish, Don Bosco Primary
School in Narre Warren and
Trinity Primary School in Narre
Warren South.

Page 4
Our motto:
“Inspiring
Hearts &
Minds”
Our Vision
Mary Mary MacKillop Primary School School Parent Handbook
Our school, inspired by the person of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop:
Is a Catholic community, where God’s love is experienced,
shared and celebrated.
Is a supportive community where quality relationships are
nurtured, strong partnerships are valued, achievements
celebrated and challenges embraced.
Is a learning community growing together; where all are
engaged, empowered and encouraged to develop a love of
learning.
Our Mission
The mission of Mary MacKillop Primary School is to achieve this vision by
addressing the priorities and goals of our annual development plan. Our
annual development plan is derived from the goals set during our school
renewal process. Each year our annual development plan is developed,
monitored and evaluated.

Page 5
Our Patron Saint—St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Mary MacKillop, the eldest child of Scottish immigrant parents, was born
in Fitzroy, Melbourne on January 15, 1842.
Mary, along with her two younger sisters, opened what was to become
the first Josephite School in 1866 in Penola, South Australia and began to
provide Catholic education to the isolated and the poor.
On August 15, 1867, Mary became the first Sister of Saint Joseph to take
the religious vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Today, Mary MacKillop is honoured as Australia's first saint. Her life was
lived with great faith in God, whom she never doubted. She displayed
courage and strength to stand up for what she believed was right and fair
and never wavered from her devotion to the poor and needy.
THE SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH
Mary MacKillop with the support and guidance of Father Woods founded
the Sisters of Saint Joseph to teach the poor. The Order of Saint Joseph
was open to anyone who felt herself called to the life, regardless of background
or education. Today 1300 sisters, working mainly in Australia and
New Zealand, but also singly throughout the world: Ireland, Pakistan,
Uganda, Cambodia, Brazil, Samoa, the Philippines and Peru, continue to
serve the needs of people particularly the suffering, the deprived and the
needy.
School Logo
The school logo was designed to acknowledge the fact that the year that
we were founded was the same year as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
was beatified as Australia’s first saint. It also acknowledges the importance
of our national identity and for these two reasons the map of Australia is
featured in the centre.
Around the map you can see the shape of a crucifix to acknowledge that
we are a Catholic school.
The map of Australia is surrounded by a crown of stars which represents
the crown of stars that is seen in depictions of Our Lady Help of Christians
the Patron Saint of our Parish and the Patron of Australia.
In some representations of the logo the words “Mary MacKillop School”
are featured.
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
In Seasons for
Growth we talk
about all the
changes in our
family when we
talk about autumn.
Mary MacKillop School
Parish Logo

Page 6
Religious and Spiritual Dimensions of School Life
Narre Warren Catholic Parish, along with Mary MacKillop School belongs
in the Diocese of Sale. The previous Bishop of Sale, Bishop Coffey,
directed all Parishes within the Sale Diocese to establish a Parish Based
Sacramental Program
Role of the Parish
In 1998 Our Lady Help of Christians Parish - Narre Warren began their
Sacramental Program. The Parish is responsible for co-ordinating Sacramental
preparations and providing the necessary resources. Through their
Religious Education program the school continues the children’s educational
preparation for each of the sacraments. The parish has a Sacramental
Team that consists of the Parish Priest, Pastoral Associate, Sacramental
Coordinator, Religious Education Coordinators from the three parish
schools, parents and parishioners. The Sacramental Team works with and
supports the schools and parents in providing workshops for parents/
children for each of the Sacraments.
The Sacramental Coordinator and the Religious Education Coordinators
keep parents informed regarding the Sacraments through parish and
school newsletters, along with letters sent home to families.
Role of the Families
Parents are the prime educator of their children’s faith. Therefore parent
involvement in Sacramental preparation is most important. The parish and
school are there to support parents in their children’s faith journey. Parents
decide when their children are ready to receive the sacraments and
enrol the children in the program at the Parish.
Role of the School
Our role as a parish school is to provide a thorough Religious Education
Program and to support the Sacramental Team in their work. The school
assists families who are involved in the Sacramental programs by attending
Sacramental ceremonies and facilitating workshops for the various Sacraments
as well as providing assistance to students.
The central aim of our Religious Education Curriculum is to help students
develop a conscious, loving relationship with God, in Jesus Christ, through
the Holy Spirit.
Religious Education Curriculum
The Religious Education Curriculum used in our
schools is a sequential program from Year Prep
through to Year Six. It is called ‘Journeying Together
in Hope.’
The Sacraments are taught at every level, which
means that the units of work are based at the level
appropriate to students’ ages.
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
“ A parish
based, family
centred, school
supported
sacramental
program.”

Page 7 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Religious and Spiritual Dimensions of School Life Cont’d
Children in our school are provided with experiences and a curriculum
which enriches the values, incorporates the traditions, nourishes the faith
and shares the stories of our church.
At Mary MacKillop we foster your child’s faith journey by:
Teaching, nurturing and living Gospel values.
Providing a Prep-Year 6 curriculum, which encompasses Catholic
faith and traditions and ongoing Sacramental education.
Regular Class Masses, Liturgies and Reconciliation celebrations.
Supporting families in sacramental preparations.
Providing a supportive environment where each child is valued as a
unique individual.

Page 8 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Curriculum—Victorian Essential Learning Standards
The Victorian Essential Learning Standards is a whole school curriculum
planning framework.
Underpinning the curriculum are the following three interwoven purposes
to equip students with capacities to:-
Manage themselves and their relations with others
Understand the world and act effectively in that world
To prepare them for success in education, work and life.
This is achieved through the three core, interrelated strands of
Physical. Personal and Social Learning
Knowledge, skills and behaviours in:-
Health and Physical Education
Personal Learning
Interpersonal Development
Civics and Citizenship
Discipline Based Learning
Knowledge, skills and behaviours in:-
The Arts
English
Languages Other Than English
The Humanities
Mathematics
Science
Interdisciplinary Learning
Knowledge, skills and behaviours in:-
Communication
Design
Creativity and Technology
Information and Communications Technology
Thinking
Across the stages of learning:-
Years Prep to Four—Laying the Foundations
In these years the curriculum focuses on developing the fundamental knowledge, skills
and behaviours in literacy and numeracy and other areas including physical and social
capacities which underpin all future learning.
Years Five to Eight—Building Breath and Depth
In these years students progress beyond the foundations and their literacy and numeracy becomes
more developed. An expanded curriculum program provides the basis for in depth learning within
all domains in the three learning strands.
Years Nine to Ten—Developing Pathways
In these years students develop greater independence of mind and interests. They seek
deeper connections between their learning and the world around them and explore how
learning might be applied in that world. They need to experience learning in work and
community settings as well as the classroom. They are beginning to develop preferred
areas for their learning.

Page 9 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Teaching and Learning at Mary MacKillop
Teachers at Mary MacKillop use the VELS learning framework as a basis
for planning at each level.
At Mary MacKillop our curriculum centres on a Prep to Year Six concept
each term. This concept gives direction for learning in all areas of the curriculum,
in particular Science, Information and Technology, The Arts, Humanities-
Economics, Geography and History, Health, Civics and Citizenship,
Personal Learning, English and Mathematics.
Each term teachers in each level publish a Curriculum Term Outline. This
document is designed to inform parents of the curriculum focus for learning
during the term.
English and Mathematics skills are taught everyday in all classes and form
the foundations for learning. It is our belief that the teaching of these skills
need to be explicit, practised, applied and related to life experiences.
In order to become confident readers, speakers, writers and spellers, the
following three skills are constantly reinforced through various literacy
activities:
1. Understanding the relationship between letters and the sounds
they can make (phonics).
2. Using the correct grammar of both spoken and written language.
3. Learning to gain meaning from text.
Technology is very much part of children’s lives and therefore a vital component
in learning. Computer, Interactive Whiteboards, Internet access
and other modern devices such as iTouch provide our students with additional
avenues for learning. Mary MacKillop Primary School is part of the
Catholic Education Victoria Network and is therefore limited to www
access to sites deemed educationally sound and appropriate by this body.
An acceptable User Policy outlining expectations, appropriate use of, and
consequences of inappropriate use to network resources is in place.
Classroom Organisation
At Mary MacKillop School classes are generally organised into straight
groupings such as Year Prep, Year 1, Year 2 etc.
Curriculum
The school implements the Victorian Essential Learning Standards or VELS
as the core curriculum taught and reported against at Mary
MacKillop school.
At Mary MacKillop we implement VELS through an integrated approach to
learning. This allows the students to have many real life learning
experiences.
Our aim is to
create a
community of
effective
learners who
are not only
knowledgeable
but are also
able to find and
use information
as required.
“When reading
at home, the
main focus is to
nurture an
interest in
literature and a
love for
reading.”

Page 10
Teaching and Learning Continued
All attempts are encouraged as each child develops at his/her own pace.
The teacher is constantly modelling effective learning behaviours and skills
in a variety of real situations. Children are encouraged to take risks as
they apply strategies and develop skills in their learning.
We promote the children’s enjoyment and appreciation of literature by
encouraging the reading of a variety of materials both at home and at
school. Take home books are an opportunity for children to share literature
at home by:
1. Reading books to another person.
2. Reading books with another person.
3. Listening to a book read by another person.
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
When reading at home, the main focus is to nurture an interest in literature
and a love for reading.
At Mary MacKillop we also offer support to students in the early years,
through the specialist teachers and small reading groups. There are special
processes in place for students with special needs through a variety of
programs. This includes access to specialist services from outside the
school.
It is our belief that a sound mathematics program should include the following:
A wide variety of concrete experiences in the early years.
Children’s manipulation of concrete materials provides meaning
upon which their mathematical ideas are built.
Recognition of the importance of drawing upon what students
already know and using concrete experiences to assist children
in grasping more abstract principles.
A variety of practical classroom activities where children are
encouraged to solve mathematical problems encountered in
the real world.
Time for concentrated practice of skills with opportunities to
apply these skills.
An appreciation of different learning rates.
Opportunities for children to verbalise their understanding of
mathematical experiences and concepts. Development of subject
terminology through appropriate mathematical activities.
Reading to and
with children are
wonderful things
that families can
do together.

Page 11
Extra–Curricula and Specialist Subjects
An appreciation and personal response to the Arts is highly valued and
encouraged at Mary MacKillop School as we believe these skills are ‘Life
Skills’ and can enhance the quality of experience and participation in life.
At Mary MacKillop, we value giving children the opportunity to extend
themselves and their interest in the Arts. As well as music classes for all,
students have the opportunity to participate in the school band and/or
choir. Private instrumental tuition is available after school.
Students have specialist physical education classes weekly. Year Prep to
Year 2 students undertake an intensive swimming program each year. The
school is a very active member of two inter-school sporting groups and
students from Years 3 to Year 6 are given the opportunity to regularly
represent their school or be involved in sports clinics for many different
sports.
PMP, LIBRARY AND ICT
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) is a concepts and movement program
that utilises specialist gym equipment and is offered to Preps.
At Mary Mackillop Primary School, the library and its programs are considered
to be central to learning in all curriculum areas. All classes have a
weekly borrowing time. The library is available the first half of lunchtime
on designated days.
We endeavour to promote an interest in, and a love of all literature, the
teaching of information literacy and information technology skills. Individual
grades also use the library for the development of skills and resource
use.
School Band and
choir.
Private after-school
music tuition available.
Victorian
Essential
Learning
Standards

Page 12
Student Wellbeing
The term ‘Student Wellbeing’ encompasses almost every aspect of school
life. Mary MacKillop School seeks to build healthy relationships between
students, teachers and families. Our school has many programs and policies
that aim to assist children to be happy, to feel good about themselves
and to respect other members of our school community. Student Wellbeing
is the responsibility of all staff.
At Mary MacKillop School we value:-
Learning and Relationships
Respect for School Rules
Consideration, respect and friendliness towards students, staff,
parents and visitors
Responsibility for assigned Respect duties for rules
Respect for school equipment of the school. and property
Punctuality
Wellbeing of the School Community
Self Consideration, discipline in class, re- the playground and while travelling to and
from spect school and friendli-
Respect for those
ness towards visi-
in authority.
The School has tors an extensive Special Education/Student Wellbeing team
under the leadership of the Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing.
Parents and students are asked to contact the School if there are ever any
concerns or issues. If we know about a problem then together we can
work to finding a solution.
Responsibility for as-
Self discipline in
Many aspects signed of Student duties. Wellbeing are taught through class, the Religious the playground Education
and VELS curriculum. We aim to develop in the and students while a travelling sense
of belonging, an understanding of values and the ability to to and build from positive school.
behaviours and relationships. Punctuality
Respect for school
equipment and property.
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Respect for themselves
and others.
Mary MacKillop
School seeks to
build healthy
relationships
between
students,
teachers and
families.

Page 13
Respect for the
rights and
dignity of each
individual.
We play to have fun.
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Wellbeing of the School Community continued...
You can help the school by:
Being a positive example to your child in attempting to reflect the ideals
of the gospels.
Taking an active interest in the learning activities of your child.
Supporting and participating in the activities of the school and its community.
School Expectations
The School sets the following expectations that underpin student behaviour
in the classroom, playground, incursions/excursions/camps and all school
activities:-
Expectations of Students
Be friendly and polite, and protect the safety and well-being of self
and others
Learn and allow others to learn
Look after one’s own belongings, other’s belongings and school resources
Follow the directions of staff
Play safely
Wear the school uniform
Care for and respect the school environment
Keep hands and feet to oneself unless in friendship
Classroom Expectations
Each teacher is to establish with his or her class age-appropriate understandings
and expectations of the learning environment that is to be established
and maintained. The ‘Expectations of Students’ stated above is to be
used as the guide to the scope of the classroom rules. While there is to be
an emphasis on positive behaviours, from time to time there will be a need
to clearly articulate what constitutes inappropriate behaviour.

Page 14
Special Education
Mary MacKillop School to the best of its ability will assist children to reach their
full potential
Special Education covers a wide variety of children who experience some
difficulty in the process of learning.
This sometimes requires minimal intervention that is catered for by the
classroom teacher and Mary MacKillop Literacy Support Staff.
Other children have more severe learning problems which require
specialist intervention and liaise with the parent and school.
Mary MacKillop in consultation with Catholic Education Advisers can access
funding to support parents in easing the financial burden when specialist
assistance assessment is required.
This financial support is subject to specific criteria determined by the
Catholic Education Office, Warragul. The allocation of funds can vary
from year to year depending on government funding.
At Mary MacKillop school the Assistant Principal/Student Wellbeing coordinates
this support and provides assistance to parents and teachers in
meeting the needs of these students.
Drug Education
Our School has participated in the state-wide ‘DEEM’ program and has
integrated relevant learnings throughout the curriculum as is appropriate.
The School also offers the Life Education Program.
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
In Seasons for
Growth we talk
about all the
changes in our
family when we
talk about autumn.
Special
Education
covers a wide
variety of
children who
experience
some difficulty
in the process
of learning.

Page 15 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
After family,
the school is
likely to be the
most profound
influence on
the course of a
child’s life.”
(Phi Kappan 1994)
Prep Transition
“One of the few universals of childhood in our society is the
transition to school. As each child crosses the threshold of the
school, that child embarks on a remarkable course of learning
accompanied inevitably by successes, failures, friends made and
lost, interests turned on and off. Make no mistakes, school is
the real world and what happens there matters now and forever.
After family, the school is likely to be the most profound
influence on the course of a child’s life.”
(Phi Kappan 1994)
In order to assist children to make the transition to school life as smooth
as possible the school recommends parents consider the following suggestions.
Visit the school with your child at available opportunities.
Take advantage of activities the school offers. You will be informed
of these activities via your kindergarten.
If you are unable to attend these activities, approach the school to
arrange a mutually convenient time for you and your child to visit
the school.
Visit the playground, walk around, familiarise your child with the
school grounds.
Discuss school formalities i.e. requesting permission to go to the
toilet.
Discuss the importance of not leaving the school ground, or the
classroom without permission.
The more informed and familiar your child is with the school environment
the more successful the transition will be.
The school welcomes the opportunity to assist you and your child to experience
the positive and happy atmosphere which is present at Mary
MacKillop School.
As a means of helping your child become more familiar and comfortable
with the school surroundings a series of school visits and activities are
outlined in the next page. This program is aimed at providing a number of
positive experiences of school during the year prior to your child commencing
at Mary MacKillop. Not only will your child have the opportunity
to become more familiar with the school surroundings he/she will also
get to know some of the teachers.

Page 16 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Prep Transition Continued
Please make every effort to participate in these activities. You will be most welcome.
Transition Program for Preps
The transition program consists of 4 steps.
1. Open Days/Evenings
These are usually held early in second term and are advertised in the local
papers and through local kindergartens and child care centres. Families
can also go on our mailing list to have a flyer outlining dates, posted
out to them.
2. Initial Parent & Child Interviews and school tour
The aim of these sessions is to allow children and parents the opportunity
to familiarise themselves with the school.
Clarify issues and ask further questions.
Provides the school with information that will help in meeting your
child's needs. Children must attend the interview.
3. Orientation Days for 2014 Prep enrolments:
Thursday 14 November & Tuesday 3 December 2013
9.15am—10.30am
Children are expected to attend both orientation days
Each family is notified of these mornings.
Children will experience a school morning and classroom environment.
The aim of these mornings is to provide children with the opportunity
to interact independently in a classroom environment and with a
teacher.
We aim to provide children with the experience of a more structured
‘typical’ morning in the classroom and school routine.
It also provides children with the opportunity to experience the
school playground in a safe and supervised atmosphere.
4. Orientation Day information can be found on our website:
www.marymacnarre.catholic.edu.au
Go to the Enrolment tab on the menu bar and select “Important
dates” from the drop down menu. A PDF document will open with
the current years information once the times and dates have been
set.
5. Special Transition Arrangements
In special circumstances other transition arrangements can be made for students
with special needs, please contact the principal if you think this would be
appropriate for your child.

Page 17 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Prep Transition continued
A timetable has been developed to ease Prep children into the new
school year and make transition easier. Preps have each Wednesday for
the majority of first term as a day of rest. Prep students do not attend
school on Wednesday’s in term one until after the long weekend in
March.
Getting Ready
o Have some “practice-runs” before school starts.
o Start the night before.
o Encourage your child to organise clean clothes, and prepare books
and bag.
A Sleep Routine
o Establish a routine with a set bedtime to ensure your child gets
enough sleep.
Dressing for School
o Check the weather forecast; be prepared for unexpected changes
o Look for easy fasteners when choosing belts, shoes, bags and
clothing.
o Encourage your child to dress themselves so they can manage
things like taking jumpers on and off at school
Looking after belongings
o Label all your child’s belongings. Puff Paint works exceptionally
well—available from Spotlight & other craft stores.
o Show your child where these labels have been placed.
o Check any special requirements such as library bag and art smock.
o Note where lost property is held at the school.
Food for Energy
o Be sure your child has a balanced breakfast.
o Pack a healthy lunch and snacks and explain when they should be
eaten.
o Provide a drink bottle full of cool water each day.
Responsibility and Independence
Encourage independence by:
PMP is a program which aims to teach children perceptions and understandings
o Blowing
of themselves
own nose.
and their world through movement and motor
experience.
o Taking own jumper/coat/art smock on and off
o Carrying their own bag
All prep children participate in this program. It is a series of half hour
lessons organised by the teachers and run with the assistance of parents.

Page 18
The school
acknowledges the
good work done
at home prior to
your child’s
schooling and
that parents have
an important role
to play in the
continuing
education of their
children.
Parental Involvement
The school acknowledges the good work done at home prior to your
child’s schooling and that parents have an important role to play in the
continuing education of their children. In fact parents are the prime educators
of their children. Our school has a policy of encouraging parents
to become involved and we welcome their full participation. If parents
wish they can be involved directly in the classroom or be of assistance in
many indirect ways. This could include contributing and collecting resources
which may be of use in the classroom, supporting requests by
teachers for items of interest or for current themes, supporting your
child with class themes (special days), helping in the library, the canteen,
P.M.P etc.
Parent/Teacher evenings are held throughout the year and you are most
welcome to make appointments to meet your child’s teacher at other
times. There are also opportunities for you to actively assist in various
programs at school. Arrangements should be made with the individual
teacher involved.
You are encouraged to support the school by supporting the School
Board, Friends of Mary MacKillop (FOMM), working bees, parish activities
and various school activities.
School Board
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
The Mary MacKillop School Board is an advisory Board. It is comprised of
the Parish Priest, Principal, Teacher Representative, a Friends of Mary
MacKillop School representative and six elected parent representatives.
Any parent of a child attending Mary MacKillop School is eligible to nominate
for a Board position. The identity of Board representatives is published
on the office notice board. The Board may be contacted by either
leaving a message in the mailbox provided in the school office or via email
board@marymacnarre.catholic.edu.au)
Friends of Mary MacKillop (FOMM)
This is a parent auxiliary that meets on a monthly basis: mostly during evenings
but occasionally in the afternoon. While this committee raises valuable
funds for the school and takes responsibility for canteen, it also has a
strong social and pastoral role. You are encouraged to become involved
wherever possible and to support the F.O.M.M. activities.
All funds raised by the Friends of Mary MacKillop go to purchasing
resources and equipment that directly benefit the quality of the school's
educational program.

Page 19
FOMM Continued
The canteen is also the responsibility of the Friends
of Mary MacKillop School and is a subcommittee of this
auxiliary. While this activity makes a modest profit for
the school it is considered to primarily be a service to
parents. As such it relies upon volunteers for its
operation although we have a manager for the canteen
who is a member of our school staff.
Our school is fortunate to have enthusiastic and generous parents who
are prepared to take responsibility for the management activities. They
do however rely heavily upon assistance from other parents in our school
community. Please give serious consideration to offering your services
(even occasionally) as it will be greatly appreciated.
School Management and Administration
School Bell Times, Play Times and Supervision
8:30 AM
Bell Times
School gates open & playground supervision / Skipping
begins.
8:45 AM Organization, Reading or Quiet Games.
8:55 AM Learning Block 1
9:35 AM Learning Block 2
10:15 AM Learning Block 3
10:55 - 11:05 AM Recess - Eating Time
11:05 - 11:45 AM 1st Play Time
11:45 AM Learning Block 4
12:25 AM Learning Block 5
1:05 - 1:15 PM Lunch - Eating Time
1:15 - 1:55 PM 2nd Play Time
1:55 PM Learning Block 6
2:35 PM Learning Block 7
3:15 PM Dismissal
3:35 PM Gates Locked
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
If children need to be dropped off at school prior to 8.30am or are unable
to be collected from school by 3.30pm, please make arrangements with
our before/after school care provider, Youth Leadership Victoria (YLV) -
further details are on page 22.
Our school is
fortunate to
have
enthusiastic
and generous
parents.

Page 20 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Children are
required to wear a
school uniform hat
in Terms 1 and 4.
Hot Weather
The school has a Hot Weather Policy to ensure that children are
protected in summer.
All children must wear a hat outside, and sunscreen is strongly advocated
in Terms 1 & 4
If the weather is above 35 degrees the school will adopt a Hot
Weather Program and reduce the amount of time that the children
are outside in the heat of the day.
Children are constantly reminded of the importance of frequent
drinks when playing.
Teachers provide children with many opportunities to take fluids
during class time.
Sporting activities where possible are time tabled for early morning.
As a result of major fundraising efforts over the years the school
has installed air conditioning in all classrooms .
Collecting and Dropping Children at School
These rules have been adopted to further guarantee your children’s safety.
At the end each term, school closure will be at 12.45pm
1. Any visitor to the school (during school hours) is to report to the office
to sign the yellow visitors book & wear a visitor’s sticker. This
sticker is readily recognisable by both staff and children. Anyone NOT
wearing a visitor’s sticker will be challenged if seen within the school
grounds.
2. Anyone picking up children during school hours must report
to the office. If children are going home early (due to illness etc) then
the identity of the person picking up the children will be verified. Anyone
picking up children during school hours will be required to sign an
early dismissal register. You will be given a slip to collect your child
from the classroom. If your child is late for school please go to the
office and fill in a late slip and then take him/her directly to the
classroom.

Page 21 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
School Fees
School Fees are a necessary part of the school’s funding structure, forming approximately
25% of the annual school recurrent budget. The remainder of the school's
recurrent funding comes from both the State and Federal Governments. School fees
are used to meet such expenses as power and heating, insurance, office expenses (i.e.
telephone) and maintenance etc. Additional necessary equipment is purchased by
local fundraising.
In 2013 the school fees are $340.00 per term per family. Fees are charged on a family
basis regardless of the number of children attending Mary MacKillop School.
A Capital Levy is also payable. In 2013 this Levy is $40 per term per family.
In addition to this there is a curriculum levy which is charged per child. This covers
the cost of all additional Excursions, Incursions, Swimming and Camp etc. The 2013
fees are:
Fee Payment Options
2013 CURRICULUM LEVY
Prep $184.00 pa
Junior $184.00 pa
Middle $138.00 pa
Senior $358.00 pa
The options available to you are set out below. Please feel free to contact the office if
you require further details.
Cheque or cash – this can be paid in person at the office or sent to school
with your child.
EFTPOS – is available at the school office.
Bpay
Direct debit – Monthly or Fortnightly payments can be arranged.
Centrepay (via Centrelink)
A parish/school committee periodically reviews the school fee policy.
School Fees are a necessary part of the
school’s funding structure, forming
approximately 25% of the annual school
recurrent budget.

Page Page 22 23 Mary Mary MacKillop MacKillop Primary Primary School School Parent Parent Handbook Handbook
Education Allowances—EMA & School Start Bonus
Education Maintenance Allowance is a Government assistance scheme for
which you may be eligible. If you hold a Commonwealth Government
Health Care Card you may be eligible for the Education Maintenance
Allowance. For further information please go to
www.education.vic.gov.au
Excursions and Incursions
Parental permission is essential before children attend excursions. If a
note is not returned prior to an excursion your child will not be able to
attend. Excursion costs are covered by the Curriculum Levy outlined on
the annual fee account. Excursions and Incursions are designed to
enhance the learning that is occurring in classrooms.
Working with Children Checks (WWCCs)
All parents accompanying children on excursions, helping in the classroom
or working in the canteen, must have a current WWCC and provide a
copy of the card to administration staff.
Before and After School Care
Mary MacKillop has a before and after school care program as well as a
vacation care program. This program is administered by Youth Leadership
Victoria and operates on our school premises.
To register or make enquiries parents should :
Contact Youth Leadership Victoria on 8790 6511
Contact Centrelink and register for Child Care Benefits
Student Banking
Children are encouraged to bank regularly through the school each
Monday. Our school banks with the Catholic Development Fund. The
banking procedures are run by volunteer parents. The Catholic Development
Fund has been established to assist Catholic Schools and Parishes
within the Diocese and has been of considerable assistance in the establishment
of Mary MacKillop School.
Personal Property
The school will not be held responsible for electronic games, toys or other
devices that are brought to school. It is preferable that such items are
left at home. While care will be taken at school, no responsibility will be
accepted by the school for personal property which is lost or damaged.
Students who are required by their parents to bring mobile
phones to school are asked to leave them at the office for
safekeeping during the day.

Page 23
School Canteen and Lunch Orders
The school operates as a service to families a school canteen on
Mondays and Fridays only.
Please provide a paper bag with your child’s name, class, order, and
correct money enclosed.
Children place their order in their class basket.
The basket will be collected at 9am
Icypoles and other frozen items are sold. Children may order frozen
items with their lunch order or buy them over the counter.
After your child has eaten his/her lunch he/she is able to go to the
canteen to buy frozen items or be given one if it has been ordered.
The brown lunch bag must be shown to the canteen staff in order to
receive the ordered items.
Please alert children if they are to receive change and remind them
of their responsibility to bring it safely home.
Inform children of changes to their lunch order. Children are often
upset, if they are expecting an icy pole etc and it has been decided
not to order one.
Since the beginning of 2001 the school has employed a canteen manager.
Her role is to manage the administration and daily operations of the canteen.
Parents who volunteer can do so confidently in the knowledge that
their time will be well used and appreciated.
Smoking
Mary MacKillop School is a smoke free school. Smoking is not permitted
(by parents, staff, or visitors) in the school buildings at any time nor is it
permitted in the school grounds while children are in attendance.
Dogs in School Grounds
In the interest of safety dogs, even on leashes, are not permitted in the
school grounds during school hours.
Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Parents who
volunteer can do
so confidently in
the knowledge
that their time will
be well used and
appreciated.
Smoking is not
allowed in
school grounds.

Page 24 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
Illness and Injury
Insurance
All children are covered by a separate accident policy while they are attending
school. Further details may be obtained from the school office.
First Aid
First aid will be administered to children by a teacher should an accident
occur. In the event of a serious accident appropriate action will be taken
and parents will be notified immediately.
Illness
It is advisable that your child does not remain at school due to illness,
parents will be notified and will need to make suitable arrangements.
If your child is kept at home due to illness, it is not necessary to inform
the school if the child will only be away for two or three days, if however
the period is to be extended then it would be appropriate to let the
school know the estimated length of absence. On returning to school you
are asked to provide the school with a note.
Medicines
It is sometimes necessary for parents to send medication to school for
their child.
All medication needs to be handed in to the office at the start of each
school day and collected at the end of the day. Permission form is available
from the office or on our website.
Full details of each dose of medication that is administered by an office
staff member, is recorded in a register.
If your child requires constant medication a note of authorisation from
your doctor and signed by parents is required.
Emergency contact details
It is vital that you provide the administration staff with up to date emergency
contact details, particularly mobile phone numbers.

Page 25 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
School Uniform
Mary MacKillop School places a strong emphasis upon the adherence by children
and parents to school uniform regulations.
As a school we believe that there are many advantages to the maintenance of a
consistent school uniform code.
These advantages are not only administrative but are of benefit to both our school
students and their families.
It is the expectation of the school that upon the enrolment of their child, parents
give an undertaking to fully support and implement this school uniform policy.
Sports Uniform
The sports uniform is applicable to all children from Prep to Year 6 and is to be
worn on nominated weekly sports days.
Note: Tracksuit pants and runners are not appropriate uniform on days other
than sports days.
Jewellery
Children are not to wear jewellery to school. In the interests of safety, children
with jewellery (especially rings) will be asked to leave such items with their class
teacher.
These can be collected at the end of the day. Stud and small sleeper earrings are
acceptable.
Monitoring
All children are expected to attend school in appropriate school uniform. If,
through unforeseen circumstances parents are unable to send their child in appropriate
uniform on a particular day a note is required. Should a child consistently
attend school out of school uniform a letter will be sent home from the class
teacher along with a copy of this policy if appropriate. In cases of hardship, every
effort will be made by the school to assist parents to provide their children with
the appropriate uniform.

Page 26 Mary MacKillop Primary School Parent Handbook
School uniform continued
UNIFORM LIST
Below is a list of items prescribed for our students. All items are
available from Beleza School Uniforms throughout the year.
Girls Summer
MMPS summer dress
MMPS Navy Windcheater
MMPS Navy Bomber Jacket
Plain White Socks
Black School Shoes
MMPS Bucket Hat
MMPS School Bag
GIRLS
Girls Winter
Boys Winter
BOYS
MMPS Winter Tunic – Check Fabric MMPS Polo Shirt - Short/Long Sleeve
Summer
MMPS Winter Skort – Check Fabric MMPS Navy Windcheater
Navy Straight leg Tailored Pants Summer MMPS Navy Bomber Jacket
Dress MMPS Polo Shirt - Short/Long Sleeve Navy Navy Shorts Straight leg Tailored Pants
MMPS Navy Windcheater
Navy Socks
Windcheater with school emblem Light blue cotton shirt
MMPS Navy Bomber Jacket
Black School Shoes
Hat with school Plain White emblem Socks – with Tunic or Skort Windcheater MMPS School with Bag school emblem
School scrunchie Navy Tights – option with Tunic Hat with school emblem
White socks
Navy socks
Black shoes
Black shoes
Navy Socks – with Tailored Pants
Black School Shoes
MMPS School Bag
Girls Sports Uniform
Winter
Tunic and/or MMPS Navy Navy Slacks Windcheater
Light blue shirt/skivvy
MMPS Navy Bomber Jacket
Navy Sports Shorts
Windcheater with school emblem
Navy Sports Skort
School scrunchie Navy Tracksuit Pants
Navy tights, white White socks Sports Socks
Black shoes
MMPS Polo Shirt - Short Sleeve
Running Shoes—NOT SLIP ON SHOES
MMPS Bucket Hat
Boys Summer
MMPS Polo Shirt - Short Sleeve
MMPS Navy Windcheater
MMPS Navy Bomber Jacket
Navy Tailored Shorts
Navy Socks
Black School Shoes
MMPS Bucket Hat
MMPS School Bag
Boys Sports Uniform
Winter MMPS Polo Shirt - Short Sleeve
Navy MMPS trousers Navy Windcheater
Light MMPS blue Navy shirt/skivvy Bomber Jacket
Navy Sports Shorts
Windcheater with school emblem
Navy Tracksuit Pants
Navy White socks Sports Socks
Black shoes
Running Shoes—NOT SLIP ON SHOES
MMPS Bucket Hat
Sports Uniform
Sports Uniform
Navy t-shirt Availability:
with school emblem Navy t-shirt with school emblem
Navy sports shorts
Navy sports shorts
Navy track and field pants BELEZA SCHOOL Navy track UNIFORMS. and field pants
runners
Factory 7, 151 runners Princes Hwy, Hallam
9702-3181
It is strongly advised that families place orders well
in advance.