INFORMATION HANDBOOK 2011 - Nailsworth Primary School

Nailsworth Primary School
2 Balfour Street Nailsworth SA 5083
Telephone: 82694622
Facsimile: 82695330
Email: info@nailps.sa.edu.au
Website: www.nailps.sa.edu.au
Principal: Chris Cesco
Deputy Principal: Toni Ballard
INFORMATION
HANDBOOK
2011

FROM THE PRINCIPAL
I would like to warmly welcome you and your family to Nailsworth Primary School. Our school works
to provide a rich and rewarding education for our children from Reception to Year 7.
I firmly believe that it is crucial that the parents, staff and children in our school community work
together to provide the best possible educational opportunities for students. By working in
partnership we can best assist our children in their intellectual, physical, social and emotional
development.
I look forward to meeting and talking with you during 2011.
Chris Cesco
Principal
At Nailsworth Primary School we strive to:
� Provide a sound education for all students for their present time of life as well as for their future
benefit.
� Provide opportunities for each child to attain the highest level of competence of which he or
she is capable in a wide range of cultural, academic, social and physical pursuits.
� Promote attitudes in the school and in all teaching that are not sexist or racist and do not
promote views of particular political parties or religions.
� Provide a happy, secure and safe environment.
� Provide a creative and stimulating program which encourages children and teachers to strive
for excellence.
� Provide successful experiences for each child.
� Ensure that students gain an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and ethnic
groups with emphasis being placed on communication, tolerance and co-operation as a
community.
� Prepare children for the adult world by ensuring intellectual, social, physical, emotional and
moral development.
We believe:
� That the interaction between teacher and children is at the heart of schooling.
� Close co-operation between home and school is vital. Teachers complement parents but do
not take their place.
� All children should be encouraged to ask questions, raise problems, make decisions by the
democratic process and think critically and positively.
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ABSENCES
In South Australia all school children up to the age of 16 are required by law to attend school regularly. All children are
expected to attend on a regular basis. If your child is absent for any reason, you need to notify the school either by a
note on their return to school or by telephone on the day/s of absence. Children who are absent without an
explanation are reported to a DECS Attendance Officer. If you are going on vacation please notify the School Office
and the child’s class teacher. If an absence is for longer than four weeks a formal DECS exemption has to be organised
through the School Office. A note is required for shorter absences.
ACTIVE FOR LIFE / SPORT
PE is a specialist subject for all students at Nailsworth Primary School. We have a range of sporting activities at the
school including Volleyball, Basketball, Netball, Cricket and Soccer. The Extra Curricular Committee liaises with Coordinators
and reports to Council. Swimming is taught in a one-week block at the North Adelaide Swimming Centre in
Term 4. Year 6/7 students benefit from a broader Aquatic Skills Program.
ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are held in the School Hall. Parents will be notified of assembly times and the organising class via the term
planner distributed in the Newsletter at the start of each term. Half of school assemblies are held weekly at 8:50am on
Friday.
BUILDING FUND LEVY
There is $25.00 tax deductible Building Levy per student. We have this wonderful facility, which benefits all students. The
levy helps us to make the payments on the Hall.
CANTEEN
The Canteen is run privately but under the guidelines of a School Governing Council Committee. The Canteen
conforms with Healthy Eating Guidelines. When children wish to order their lunch, they bring their paper bag, clearly
marked with their own name and their teacher’s name, plus their order written on the front. Wrap the money and
place it inside the bag. Orders are placed by children in the class lunch box. The lunch box is taken to the canteen
and before lunch, monitors collect the lunches and return with them to the classroom. A price list of items will be sent to
each family, at the beginning of each term or when price rises are necessary. Lunch bags can be purchased from the
canteen.
Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds to buy their lunch.
CAR PARKING
For the safety of the children, parents are not to bring their cars into the school grounds to deliver or collect children.
(By grounds, we mean ALL AREAS within the school boundary including the teacher’s car park and general
playgrounds, including Prospect Gallery Car Park). Motorists are required to observe parking restrictions (signs posted)
between 8:15am – 9:15am and 3:00pm – 4:00pm daily and the school zone speed limits. Please take care to observe
the Drop Off Zone and Emu Crossing on Thomas Street.
CHRISTIAN PASTORAL SUPPORT WORKER
Nailsworth Primary School is fortunate to have the services of a Christian Pastoral Support Worker, Marilyn Wilson. Marilyn
provides a service of pastoral care for students and their families who want the support. Christian Pastoral support
Workers are not in schools to evangelise on behalf of a particular faith group. Their role requires them to respect both
the secular character of the school and the variety of thoughts and beliefs within the school community. As a Christian
presence in the school, they respect and encourage key Christian values and celebrate the diversity of Christianity.
CLASS COMPOSITION
Class composition changes each year depending on the number of children at each year level. Most classes will be
made up of more than one year level. Junior Primary classes are based on a maximum of 26 while Years 3-7 have 30
students.
COMMUNICATION
Teachers regularly distribute class and school information. Our aim is to keep parents fully informed. Most students
Years 3-7 maintain a school diary. Please regularly check and sign your child’s diary.
Diaries are used for:
� notes to teachers
� absentee notes
� student comments
� homework instructions
� day-to-day reminders
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Presently, families and friends of the school are involved in:
� Governing Council
� Parents & Friends Association
� Library Assistance
� Classroom Assistance
� Sports Coaching, Managing
� Camps and Excursions
� Parents Assisting Learning Program
� School Grounds Development
All volunteers must have a current CrimTrac (Criminal History Screening) clearance.
CONTACTING THE SCHOOL
The school telephone number is 8269 4622 (Fax no. 8269 5330). Parents are requested not to telephone with messages
for children unless they are urgent. If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact the Principal or
Deputy, who will return your call. Children are not permitted to use a telephone unless the matter is a serious one.
Mobile phones are definitely discouraged and must be handed in at the Front Office each morning. The general e-mail
address for the school is info@nailps.sa.edu.au.
CUSTODY
Sensitive situations can arise involving children whose parents are either divorced or separated. The Family Court is
empowered to make orders concerning custody. Such orders need to be on file. Where there is doubt, the Principal
will abide by the guidelines of Crown Law. The interests of the child are uppermost at all times.
DENTAL CLINIC
The school Dental Service offers a comprehensive oral healthcare program for South Australian children under the age
of 18 years. Fees may apply. The local service is located at Prospect Primary School, Gladstone Road, Prospect. Phone:
8269 4579. Parents are responsible for making appointments and taking their child to the clinic.
DRAMA
For the 2011 school year each student will have 45 minutes per week for 2 terms. Drama is programmed in the School
Hall. Drama electives run for specific year levels at lunch time.
EARLY BIRD READING ROOM
We have an Early Bird Reading Room. The Early Bird Program is run in Room 10 by Mrs Papadopoulos. Identified
students are invited to visit the room four times a week. Many successes in reading have evolved from this program.
EARLY DISMISSALS / LATE ARRIVALS
If your child/ren arrives late they need to sign in the Late Arrivals Book. If you need to take your child/ren out of school
you will need to sign the Early Dismissal Book and be issued with a pass to give to the child’s teacher. Both books are
located in the front foyer. When you return a chil/ren from appointments, please initial the entry in the Early Dismissal
Book. Parents need to accompany the child/ren and sign in if arriving after 9.00am.
EARLY YEARS JUNIOR SCHOOL POLICY
Intakes
Term 1 (January/February) will have 12 terms in Junior Primary classes.
Term 2 (April) will have 11 terms in Junior Primary classes.
Term 3 (July) will have 14 terms in Junior Primary classes.
Term 4 (October) will have 13 terms in Junior Primary classes.
EMERGENCY (FIRE DRILL OR LOCK IN)
All personnel will be immediately evacuated to the school oval (or inside), where a roll call will be made.
Lock-ins are practised in case of an emergency. All students will be in classrooms. Room 10 students and staff will go to
the downstairs art area of the main building.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
The school has an extensive support program for children whose mother tongue is other than English. Interpreters can
be organised where necessary. The school uses Bilingual School Support Officers to support new arrivals students.
ENROLMENT / TRANSITION
Children who have turned 5 years of age may start school at the beginning of each term. Enrolment is appreciated well
in advance so that students and families can benefit from our Transition Program. New students will be invited to attend
a full day transition visit. Students will meet their teacher and fellow students. The Parents and Friends Committee will
welcome you to the school, provide a tour of the school and ensure time to organise uniforms. The Principal will be
present for any questions you may have. At the end of the day, you will meet the teacher while students visit the school
Library. (Students need to turn 5 by the second Monday of the Term, they can commence on or after their birthday.)
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EXTENDED METHODOLOGIES
Students Years 2-7 are tested on the Raven’s test. Identified students work in the Extended Methodologies Program.
Class teachers use programs to assist all students develop their gifts and talents.
FINANCE OFFICE
Money for different purposes should be placed in sealed envelopes labelled with the child’s name and room number.
Consent notes need to be enclosed with the money. Money is taken to the Finance Office where a receipt is issued
directly or sent home via the afternoon message distribution.
The Finance Office is open: 8:30am – 9:30am Monday – Friday
3:00pm – 3:30pm Monday - Friday
THE ROLE OF GOVERNING COUNCIL
The Council meets approximately eight times per year commencing at 7:30pm in the Staff Room and usually continues
until approximately 9:30pm or 10:00pm. The Council follows a set agenda with reports from all committees. Members
of Council can put forward topics they feel should be covered at the meeting.
The agenda is as follows:
Apologies
Minutes of last meeting
Business arising from minutes
Correspondence
Reports from committees and groups are tabled:
Extra Curricular
Class Reports
Student Representative Council
Education
Facilities
Fundraising
Finance
Principal
OSHC
Canteen
(PFA is an affiliated body)
Any other Business
Date of next meeting
There are some short-term special interest committees e.g. Computing/Technology.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in Term 1 each year and all parents are invited to attend. Nominations are
called, and you may nominate yourself if you wish to be on the Governing Council. Members may be elected for only
one year if they choose, but the normal term is two years. There are positions of President, Vice President, Secretary
and Treasurer and parents are elected to these positions annually. The Council is then divided into Committees and
parents may choose which particular area interests them the most.
Each Committee has three or four Council members and these Committees may vary and change as the needs of the
school are met. Parents who are not on Council may be on Committees of the Governing Council.
The Education Committee aims to keep parents informed of changes occurring in education and occasionally host
speakers cover areas such as Maths, Literacy, Boys in Education, Program Achieve etc. In the past they have looked at
different areas of school policy, as well as attending meetings held by different parent organisations, with members
then reporting to Council on the topics discussed.
The Facilities Committee is responsible for improving the playground equipment and grounds. They also arrange
working bees to maintain the grounds, e.g. weeding, erecting equipment, spreading bark chips etc.
The Finance Committee oversees budget expenditure on a monthly basis and provides additional information for
Council on large financial outlays. It prepares draft budget proposals during November and invites budget submissions
from interested groups operating within the school. It monitors bad debts, recommends school fee limits and ensures
monies are expended within DECS guidelines.
The objectives of the Extra Curricular Committee are:
To promote the development of activities for children.
To encourage school community involvement.
To encourage each activity to become autonomous.
To continue to provide opportunities for girls to be more involved.
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The Fundraising Committee and PFA works with the school community to raise funds for initiatives in the school.
Meetings are informal and friendly and are open to parents who wish to sit in. Being a member of the Governing
Council provides a real opportunity to get to know your school better by becoming involved with other parents who
have the interests of their children at heart.
HOMEWORK
Teachers will set homework within the following guidelines:
Years R – 4 Could be expected to spend no more than 30 minutes 4 nights/week on homework. Reading
is encouraged for all students.
Years 5 – 7 Could be expected to spend no more than 45 minutes 4 nights/week on homework.
Teachers may give homework in various forms e.g. reading, completing work set in class, revising, editing, collecting,
organising material, interviewing or watching a special television program. If the class has more than one teacher they
will organise the management of homework.
ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT
A medical form is to be completed for each child at the start of each school year.
Sick room facilities are available for illness or accident. First aid is administered by trained school staff. If your child has
a specific health problem which requires medication, a health plan signed by your doctor is required. Children with
Asthma need an Asthma Plan signed by the Doctor. Students with allergies need to have a health plan lodged with
First Aid Staff. If your child is on prescribed medication, please notify the school. We do not administer any pain-killing
drugs, eg. Panadol. By negotiation, staff may volunteer to observe children administering their own medication. If your
child has an accident at school you will be contacted by phone. If further treatment is required, medical advice will be
sought and/or an ambulance called. In the case of minor accidents, first aid will be provided by the staff and a
proforma note sent home advising parents to seek medical attention as required. Before your child starts school it is
important to arrange for a medical check-up and make sure all vaccinations are up to date eg. measles, mumps,
whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and polio. We suggest that children be kept at home when there is doubt about
health.
The following DECS guidelines apply:
Exclude until fully recovered or for at least 5 days after eruption first appears. Note
Chicken Pox
that some remaining scabs are not a reason for continued exclusion
Conjunctivitis Until there is no discharge from the eyes
Diarrhoea Exclude until diarrhoea ceases
Slap Face Exclusion is not necessary
Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease Exclude until blisters have dried
Head Lice Until treatment has rid hair of all nits and lice
School Sores (Impetigo) Until the sores have healed or are properly covered with a dressing
Influenza Exclude until well
Measles Exclude for at least 4 days after the onset of the rash
Mumps Exclude for 9 days or until swelling goes down (whichever is sooner)
Ringworm/Tinea Exclude until the day after appropriate treatment has commenced
Rubella (German Measles) Exclude until fully recovered or for at least 4 days after the onset of the rash
Whooping Cough Exclude for 5 days after starting antibiotic treatment
Worms Exclude if diarrhoea present
LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH (LOTE)
Italian or Greek are the language choices presented to students in the Language Other Than English Curriculum.
Children from Reception to Year 7 learn about the language, the country, the people and the culture. The children
may also participate in the festivals organised outside of the school, eg. Glendi, Carnivale. Children from these cultural
backgrounds are given preference in their language choice.
NAPLAN
LITERACY AND NUMERACY TESTS are administered to children in Years 3, 5 and 7 annually in Term 2. A data base is
maintained to track all students’ progress .
LOST PROPERTY
All belongings need to be clearly named. A lost property container is provided and is situated near the inside stairs. At
the end of each term unclaimed/unnamed items of school clothing are included for sale at Second Hand Sales run by
the PFA.
MATERIALS & SERVICES CHARGES
Materials and Services charges are set by the School Governing Council. Accounts are posted home at the beginning
of the school year. The school relies on payment of these fees. The fees for 2011 are $240.00.
MOBILE PHONES
Students are not permitted to have Mobile Phones. Student phones are stored in the front office during school hours.
They are kept in drawers in the Admin office.
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MUSIC
The school has a specialist violin program which occurs during school hours. Twelve violins are available. Children are
tested in Year 3 and placed on a priority list according to attitude and musical aptitude. As vacancies occur children
are offered the opportunity to be part of the program. These lessons are provided by a DECS specialist teacher.
Keyboard, Fife, Recorder, Guitar and Flute tuition is also offered at Nailsworth through outside providers.
Singing is particularly important at Nailsworth Primary School. Senior Choir is available for Years 5, 6 and 7 students.
Junior Choir is available for Years 2, 3 and 4. A highly skilled Choir Trainer leads both Choirs. All junior students benefit
from weekly singing lessons.
NEWSLETTER
A school Newsletter is sent home every second Wednesday with the eldest child of each family. It is the main form of
communication between the school and families and should be read carefully so that notices about school closures,
school events and information are not missed. Some classes also have class newsletters that go home at regular
intervals. Newsletters are available on the school website www.nailps.sa.edu.au.
OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE (OSHC) (BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE AND VACATION CARE)
Out of School Hours Care is run by a Management Committee which is responsible to Governing Council. It operates
from 6:45am before school and 3:15pm – 6:15pm after school. The Director, Leith Stace, can be contacted after
2:30pm each day on 83449700. Messages may also be left on the Centre’s answering machine during the day. An
information booklet is available for parents which includes the fee structure. Accounts are sent home each fortnight via
the school’s internal mail. All information is available on www.nailps.sa.edu.au link OSHC.
PARENTS ASSISTING LEARNING (PAL)
This is an important student support program. It is a rewarding experience for both the nominated students and the
volunteers. No special skills are needed by volunteers – just a kind heart, a friendly smile and 40 minutes a week. A
current Criminal History Record Check is required prior to volunteering.
PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (PFA)
The PFA meet twice per term. Meetings are only held during the school term. All parents are most welcome to attend
and the dates of each meeting are notified in the school Newsletter. Official positions of Chairperson, Vice
Chairperson, Secretary and Committee members are filled at the AGM which is usually held in Term 1. These positions
are held for a one year term. One of the executive is appointed to attend Governing Council.
Traditional fundraising activities include Sausage Sizzles, Mother’s and Father’s Day Stalls, Lamington Drives, Cake Stalls
etc. Some purchases have been computer equipment, games, dictionaries, musical instruments and sandpit toys. PFA
plays a vital part in the school’s Transition to School program.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Each year a commercial photographer is invited to the school by the Parents and Friends Association to take class and
sporting photographs. Parental consent is required for individual and family photographs to be taken. These photos
are prepaid to the photographic company.
REPORTING AND ASSESSING
This is a vital part of working together to benefit students. A Meet the Teacher Night is held early in Term 1. The school
has a formal policy including 2 written reports and a Parent Teacher Interview. However, please feel free to telephone,
write or visit to arrange an appointment should you wish to meet with teachers (phone 82694622). Interviews and
reports provide information on student progress. From time to time examples of student’s work will be sent home.
RESOURCE CENTRE
The Resource Centre is a vital part of Nailsworth Primary School. The Centre provides resources for parents, staff and
students (Reception to Year 7). Students have access to Internet computer work stations. A new resource centre will be
available mid 2010. A senior computer room will be established during 2010. An electronic white board with Internet
access has been installed to enhance Resource Based Learning.
Di Glouftsis, Teacher/Librarian, provides an environment that values:
� Literature and the enjoyment of reading.
� Information and research skills.
� Personal borrowing of books is encouraged during weekly class borrowing sessions, and every lunch time.
� All students are encouraged to participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge.
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Lower Primary children need to use library bags to help protect library books. The Resource Centre is open each lunch
time for 30 minutes when children may borrow, play quiet games, use the computers/CD ROM, do art and craft
activities, puppetry, writing and of course, read. Parents can help encourage children by:
� sharing the borrowed books with their children,
� discussing the selection of books,
� encouraging appropriate care of books, and
� notifying Resource Centre staff of lost or damaged books.
RULES / REMINDERS
� Children are not permitted in the school grounds before 8:30am unless at OSHC.
� Children are not to be in the school grounds after 3:30pm unless supervised by a teacher or parent.
� Bikes must not be ridden in the school grounds during school hours (8:30am-3:40pm. They must be left in the bike
racks provided. It is strongly suggested children lock their bikes to the rack.
� Chewing gum is not allowed for obvious reasons.
� Children are not to leave the school grounds during school for any reason without the permission of the Principal or
Deputy Principal and the written or verbal consent of a parent.
� Out Of Bounds areas are delineated by yellow /orange lines. Basically students play where they can be seen by the
duty teacher(s).
� No child is permitted to climb a fence, tree or on to a roof.
� Inappropriate language will have definite consequences. Children are expected to speak politely at all times, to all
people.
� Children are not permitted to enter the school car park area. Access to the school is via the ‘pedestrian’ gates.
� Playing and eating in the toilets is unhygienic and unacceptable.
� Thongs are not to be worn at school.
� Dangly earrings are dangerous and unacceptable.
� Children need to respect all property in the school – we expect families to replace or repair any item deliberately
damaged.
� All forms of physical violence between children is considered unacceptable.
SCHOOL CARD SCHEME
The School Card Scheme provides financial assistance towards the cost of materials and services charges for full-time
school students of lower income families. You may be approved for School Card if your family is eligible for a Centrelink
benefit. If approved the school receives $203.00 towards school fees. Parents are asked to support the school by
donating the $43.00 difference and the $25.00 building levy.
SCHOOL DAY
8:30am Yard supervision commences
8:40 am Move to classrooms.
8:45am Classes begin
11:00am – 11:20am Recess
11:20am – 12:50pm Lessons
12:50pm – 1:00pm Children eat lunch with teacher supervision
1:00pm – 1:40pm Play time
1:40pm – 3:15pm Lessons
2:30pm – 3:10pm Good Behaviour Play (Friday only).
Two sessions 2:30pm-2:50pm (Lower Primary)
2:50pm-3:10 pm(Upper Primary)
3:15pm Lessons end
3:30pm Yard supervision ends.
There is supervision between 8:30am and 3:30pm. There is, however, Before and After School Care available on site.
Please phone 8344 9700 to organise bookings.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC)
At the commencement of the school year, two class representatives are elected from the Year 3-7 classes. They meet
fortnightly to discuss issues important to students. They hold office for half the year. Di Glouftsis and Toni Ballard are the
teachers assisting SRC. Senior classes assist the Junior classes in the development of class meeting skills.
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TERM DATES
2011
Term 1 January 31 –April 15
Term 2 May 2 – July 8
Term 3 July 25 – September 30
Term 4 October 17 – December 16
UNIFORM
Students wear school uniform to develop a sense of belonging and pride and to help promote the spirit of the school.
The Uniform Shop is open on Fridays Only at the following times: 8:30am – 9:30am
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Our colours are royal blue and white. It is expected that the school uniform will be worn at all times. Second hand
school uniforms are available for purchase at much reduced prices. Check the newsletter for details of sale days.
Thongs and slip on shoes are not allowed because they are dangerous in PE lessons. Sleepers or stud earrings are
acceptable – dangly earrings are not because of the safety risk.
Hats : Hats are to be worn for all outside activities except during the months June – August
where it is optional. This applies for Physical Education lessons too.
The hats are to be ‘sun safe’: Full-brimmed, Legionnaire or Bucket style (as approved by
the Anti Cancer Foundation).
Colour Scheme : Royal blue and white
Female : Blue and white check dress (also available from Target, K-Mart and Coles).
Blue shorts.
Polo shirts with school logo.
Blue windcheaters with school logo.
Male : Blue shorts or trousers.
Blue or white shirt/skivvy.
Polo shirts with school logo.
Blue windcheaters with school logo.
Footwear : No thongs permitted. Sneakers or sandshoes for PE.
Slip on shoes with no backs have proven dangerous in PE lessons and are not suitable.
Clothing : Children have a long history of losing items of clothing. Please assist the school to locate
owners of misplaced clothing by naming all articles.
Children are expected to wear neat clothing which is appropriate for school activities,
both inside and outside the classroom.
Earrings : Sleepers or studs.
Jewellery: The only acceptable jewellery is:
1. A watch
2. A bracelet or necklace
Make-up: Make-up with school uniform is not acceptable.
Coloured nail polish is not acceptable.
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