St James Primary School Kotara South

Parent Information Book 2016

WELCOME St James Primary School is an integral part of All Saints Parish Blackbutt South with St Philip’s Kotara South our place of worship and as such, we welcome you to the community of St James and St Philip’s. May you find your association with our combined community both happy and rewarding.

IN FAITH WE LEARN

OUR VISION St James School Community is committed to the development of all in faith and learning.

I have come that you might have life – life in all its fullness’

‘

John 10:10 THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY OF ALL SAINTS PARISH, BLACKBUTT SOUTH PARISH PRIEST SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL R.E. COORDINATOR PRIMARY COORDINATOR STAFF TEAM Mrs. Melissa Szekelyhidy Mrs Kay Wallington Mrs. Maria D’Andrea Mrs. Margaret Harris Mrs. Robyn McMahon Mrs Debra Hawthorne and Mrs Paula Dart Mrs. Meg Cook and Mrs. Sharon Brown Mr Stephen McTaggart Mr Richard Cootes and Mrs Sharon Brown Miss Lucy Harvey and Mrs Rebecca Brown School Administration Officer Learning Support Teacher Teacher / Librarian ESL Teacher Learning School Assistants Library Assistant Cleaner Groundsman

Fr Terry Horne Mr Mark Twohill Mrs Debra Hawthorne Mr Richard Cootes Miss Lucy Harvey

Mrs Kristy Brown Mrs. Joanne Simes Mrs Sue Evans and Mrs Janet Carmichael Mrs Donna Gibson Mrs Louise Jennings, Ms Angela Callaghan, Mrs Joanne Sullivan & Mrs Jenny Hopkins Mrs Sue-Anne Churches Mrs Kerry Rees Mr Peter Konjarski

TERM DATES FOR 2016 TERM 1 Wednesday Wednesday Friday

27th January 28th January 8th April

TERM 2

Tuesday

26th April to Friday 1st July

TERM 3

Monday

18th July to Friday 23rd September

Teachers commence Years1 to 6 commence Term 1 concludes

TERM 4

Monday 10h October to 16th December (last day for students) Tuesday 20th December (last day for staff) Kindergarten commence Term 1 after Best Start Assessments have been conducted. This date will be published during Term 4. CONTACT DETAILS: Phone: 4952 2414 Fax: 4957 0597 Email: [email protected] Website : http://kotarasouth.catholic.edu.au WEBSITE The St James website provides details about the school, our mission and vision and other important information. An APP is also available from the Apple Store or by clicking on the link on the website. THE HISTORY OF ST. JAMES St. James' Primary School, Kotara South had its origins in Garden Suburb where it began on 31st January, 1961. Two Sisters of Mercy ran the school, in a building, which was originally the operating theatre from the Greta Migrant camp. During that year the rest of the hospital was transported to Garden Suburb to form more classrooms and a temporary church. In December 1962, New Lambton Parish was divided and Kotara South Parish was formed. In 1963 the parish received its present name of St. Philip’s and St. James`, with a miner's bath house in Kotara South being converted into St. Philip's Church. In 1974 twenty-four acres of land was purchased in Vista Parade and the new church built opposite the proposed school site. It wasn't until 1981 that the school came together in its present setting. This was a landmark for those people of the parish who have never lost faith in the concept of Catholic Education. It was the school’s 50th Anniversary in 2011. St. James Primary School continues to be an integral part of the Parish of All Saints Blackbutt South and as such continues to foster the faith development of each child whilst complementing the community in which we live.

THE CATHOLIC DIMENSION ST JAMES PRIMARY SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION While Religious Education lessons form part of each day, Christianity is a way of living and therefore influences every aspect of our school life. We strive to deepen the child's understanding and knowledge of the Catholic Faith, as well as developing a climate that will help children grow in their own faith relationship with God. Our Religious Education lessons are based on the Diocesan K-12 Religion Syllabus. SACRAMENTAL AND LITURGICAL LIFE Throughout the year children are given the opportunity to receive both the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. As school masses, class masses and liturgies form an important part of school life you are invited to join with us for these celebrations. Your role as the primary educator is recognised at St. James in all areas, but particularly in the areas of faith development. Children are prepared for these sacraments by participating in the Parish Based Program, which is supported by the school. We look forward to meeting with you on these occasions. Children in Year Four receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Confirmation followed by Eucharist.

SCHOOL PROCEDURES APPOINTMENTS PRINCIPAL - If you have any concerns regarding your child's development, or if you need to discuss any matter with the principal, please do not hesitate to phone/email for an appointment. TEACHER - If at any time you wish to speak to your child's class teacher, he/she is usually available before and after school, but it is best if you arrange a mutually suitable time by contacting the teacher either via phone or email. UNFORTUNATELY, TEACHERS ARE NOT FREE TO TALK WITH PARENTS DURING CLASS TIME. SCHOOL BANKING The Catholic Development Fund provides the opportunity for students to bank on a regular basis. School banking is every Monday. Application forms are available from the office. HOMEWORK At the beginning of each year teachers will provide an outline of class procedures in regard to homework. HOUSE TEAMS For the purpose of competition on carnival days and for other school activities, children are placed in one of four House Teams Red Blue Green Gold Waratah Bluegum Banksia Wattle All the children from one family are placed in the same team and as far as practicable, will remain in this team for the whole of their schooling at St. James. MEDICATIONS Parents must complete a Consent Form to Dispense Medicine for any medications that must be taken at school. These forms are available from the school office.

SCHOOL HOURS School Commences

8.20am 8.45am 8.50am 10.55am to 11.20am 1.00pm 1.50pm 2.50pm

First Bell – Teacher on duty Morning Assembly Classes commence Recess Lunch School concludes

Parents are reminded that the playground is unsupervised before 8.20am. All children arriving for school before this time are to sit on the seat outside the Library until the Morning Duty commences. OOSH facilities are available for parents who are unable to collect their children at 2.50pm when normal dismissal occurs. Teaching staff are not able to supervise children after this time. OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION TIMES Our school Office Manager, Mrs Kristy Brown works from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 3:15pm. SCHOOL FEES The School Tuition Fee is set by the Diocesan Board of Financial Administration and is your contribution towards the recurrent cost of educating your children in a Catholic School. School fees are charged and calculated over the first three terms of the year. Apart from the tuition fee the school sets a Resource Fee per term, per child which covers: • exercise books • duplicating costs • art/craft supplies • teaching aids-hardware/software Additional items may be added to fees. Eg Gymnastics Program and / or text books as required A Diocesan School Building Levy was introduced in 2003. This is paid to the Catholic Schools Office to assist it in maintaining schools and providing new educational facilities in the Diocese. Additionally, the school sets the following levies: An Information Technology Levy. This allows the school to maintain and update its computer hardware and peripherals. A Grounds Levy has been used at St. James to fund a grounds person and purchase necessary equipment. Accounts may be paid weekly, monthy or by the term by:  Cash or cheque  Direct debit  B-Pay  Eftpos Fees should not to be an excessive burden for any family. If you find yourself in difficult circumstances it is essential that you discuss the situation with the principal. A full School Fees schedule will be available upon request and provided as part of the Kinder Orientation pack. LATE ARRIVALS / EARLY DEPARTURES There is a form in the foyer of the administration building on which parents are to record the Late Arrival or Early Departure of their child/children. This form is to be handed to the class teacher upon arrival or departure. Parents should enter the appropriate information on this form before approaching the classrooms.

LEAVING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS Pupils are not permitted to leave the playground during school hours unless they have the written permission of their parents and/or the approval of the principal. CAR PARK The school uses a “kiss and drop zone” from 8am till 9am each morning Essentially,the following procedures are adhered to: Drivers at St James Primary School may stop to drop off children, however No Parking rules apply: Maximum stop time is 2 minutes. Move your vehicle as soon as your child has safely exited the vehicle and has commenced walking across the grassed area towards the path. Please do not wait until your child has walked down the path. Driver must remain in or within 3m of the vehicle Vehicle must not be left unattended. Additional safety tips for school zones:  Children must exit the vehicle from the passenger side of the car. Safety door.  Make sure the hand brake is applied when the vehicle is stationary.  No overtaking or double parking whatsoever. Kiss and drop is strictly single file  Two vehicle limit in drop off area. All other cars are to wait in line. Afternoon pick-up utilises the same area as a car park. The school has some simple rules regarding the car park, which we ask everyone to follow.  Always collect your child from the supervising teachers and escort them safely to your car.  Enter the school car park before 2.50pm  For safety reasons, do not drive down the driveway. This area is reserved for staff only (some allowances are made at the principal's discretion). These rules also apply in wet weather. LIBRARY The school has a well-stocked library from which the children borrow on a weekly basis. We ask that all children have a LIBRARY BAG, and that they handle books carefully whilst they are on loan. Failure to return books may result in the children losing their library privileges. MONEY SENT TO SCHOOL At times children will need to bring money to school for various reasons e.g. school fees, excursions, raffle tickets. We ask that this money be placed in a sealed envelope and clearly marked NAME CLASS PURPOSE AMOUNT NEWSLETTERS Our School Newsletter, “S.J.’s News and Views”, is emailed home each fortnight – usually on a Wednesday. This contains information regarding the happenings around our school and community. Parents are asked to supply a current email address to receive the newsletter.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Our school functions best with your support!!! Throughout the year there will be many ways you could offer your help … so many hats to wear – so many opportunities. • Parents & Friends Association • Canteen • Class Helpers • Excursions / incursions • Library Helpers • Sports Carnivals • Social Gatherings / Fundraising Activities/ Fete • Working Bees • Sacramental Preparation / Celebration Whatever your talent, we welcome your contribution and extend an invitation to you to participate in your child’s education. CHILD PROTECTION Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are committed to providing safe environments for students. Whilst we have a legal obligation to protect children, this commitment is central to our Catholic beliefs. At St James Primary School we believe that all children have a right to a safe environment which is free from any form of abuse or harm. At St James, relationships between adults and children are governed by trust and Gospel values. Schools in NSW are required to meet the statutory obligations of legislation relating to child protection. Schools in this diocese are required to uphold the policies and guidelines set out by the Catholic Schools Office. St James’ Primary School Kotara South recognise: 1. 2. 3. 4.

The Ombudsman’s Guidelines (2004) entitled, Child Protection in the Workplace, Responding to Allegations Against Employees. The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Child Protection Policy (2010) Child Protection Code of Professional Standards for Catholic School Employees (June 2005)

Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act This legislation establishes a shared responsibility for the protection of children. Teachers have a legal responsibility to report a child or young person who is at risk of harm. This means that staff at St James Kotara South, are required by law to make a report to the Family & Community Services when they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child or young person is at risk of harm from abuse or neglect. This includes physical, sexual and psychological abuse, exposure to domestic/family violence, homelessness or the inability of the parents to provide appropriate medical care for the child or young person. Child Protection and Volunteers Being a volunteer in a school is an important task. St James Primary School would not be able to function as well as we do without the contribution made by the myriad of volunteers who so generously give of their time and expertise. Unfortunately, history has shown us that some adults put themselves in situations where they can use their positions of trust and power to harm children. This history has resulted in legislation in NSW which aims to protect children from abuse. The legislation that applies specifically to volunteers includes:  Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998  NSW Ombudsman Act 1974 Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998 This legislation was enacted as a recommendation of the 1997 Wood Royal Commission. Under this legislation, in a school context, ‘employees’ include all persons, paid or unpaid, who have direct, unsupervised contact with children or young people through any aspect of their work in, or for, the school.

It aims to protect children and young people from contact with people who have been convicted of the following:  serious sex offence;  child-related personal violence;  murder of a child;  indecency offences punishable by imprisonment of 12 months or more;  kidnapping (unless the offender is or has been the child’s parent or carer);  offences connected with child prostitution;  possession, distribution or publication of child pornography; or  attempt, conspiracy or incitement to commit the above offences. A prohibited person includes a Registrable person under the Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act 2000. Examples of ‘employees’ who perform a task for the school include, but are not limited to:      

volunteers assisting in classrooms, e.g. reading or library helpers; those attending a “working bee”; persons providing transport on the request of the school; anyone assisting in the school canteen; people assisting with camps, retreats, community days and excursions; religious and clergy who attend the school for liturgies, retreats or services.

For advice and information on how to be registered as a volunteer at St James, follow the guidelines provided by the Catholic Schools Office or call in to the front office. Appropriate documentation will be provided at Kindergarten Orientation for new families. You can download the Volunteer Induction handbook from the CSO website. (http://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/parents-community/volunteers) NSW Ombudsman Act 1974 This Act guides the Catholic Schools Office and school’s response when a child protection allegation has been made against an employee. It applies to paid and unpaid employees (volunteers) in schools. The Act requires the school to notify allegations that constitute sexual offences, misconduct, assault, illtreatment, neglect and behaviour that causes psychological harm to children to the Diocesan Child Protection and Professional Conduct Unit (DCPPCU). Once the allegation is received by the DCPPCU it is reported to the Ombudsman’s Office. The DCPPCU then conducts an investigation into the allegation. The investigation gathers facts relevant to the allegation and arrives at a finding at its conclusion. The process of investigation provides the employee with an opportunity to respond to the allegation and have the response heard. All evidence is considered before a decision is made in regard to the finding. Further information about this process is available from the DCPPCU, known as Zimmerman House Phone: 4940 8091. The Child Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2003 took effect on 23 April 2004. This Act amended Part 3A Ombudsman Act 1974 and Part 7 Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998 (referred to in this document as ‘the Child Protection Legislation’). The amendments highlight the need for the Catholic education sector to have a Child Protection Code of Professional Standards that will provide guidance for its employees. This Code of Professional Standards will assist to clarify the parameters of appropriate and inappropriate conduct for Catholic school employees who work in child related employment. It will also assist in providing a safe and supportive school environment for students, employees and the school’s broader community.

SAFE SCHOOL FRAMEWORK At St James, we are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our pupils so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our school. If bullying does occur, all pupils should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING school. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the staff. What Is Bullying? Bullying is the planned use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can be:  Emotional

being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures)  Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence  Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures  Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments  Homophobic because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality  Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing  Cyber All areas of internet ,such as email & internet chat room misuse Mobile threats by text messaging & calls Misuse of associated technology , i.e. camera & video facilities Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying? Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Pupils who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. At St James we have a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying. In situations where bullying occurs our Discipline Policy will be enacted. PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION Communication between class and home may take the form of individual meetings, called by either teacher or parent, or be whole class oriented. ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES Under new legislation set down by the Federal Government schools are required to report in writing to parents twice per year. Reports will be sent home at the end of Terms 2 and 4. Interviews with parents will be made available after reports are published. PARENT GROUPS Contact between the school and the parent is of the utmost importance. Functions, which enable parents to meet each other as well as teachers, occur throughout the year. The school’s Parents and Friends Association (P&F) exists to coordinate interest in St James, to collaborate with the Principal and staff of the school and to help provide resources beneficial to the school and its pupils. The P & F meet on the first Monday of each month at 7:00pm in the Library. All parents are earnestly invited to attend the meetings and take part in the decision-making and in the helping with the projects initiated. A Caring Group has been established to assist in supporting new and existing families in the school. Parents are called to volunteer to be on a roster to provide occasional support and assistance to families in need or to ensure new families are appropriately welcomed and have a support network within the community.

SCHOOL CANTEEN Thanks to the generosity of the parents, the school has a canteen where morning tea and lunches may be ordered. New volunteers are most welcome. Orders for lunch may be placed with the child’s name and class clearly written on a paper bag and the money enclosed. A current price list will be sent home at the commencement of the school year or when the need arises. The canteen is open for morning tea & lunch on a Thursday, with Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday open at lunchtime only for drinks, iceblocks, etc. STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS Each year the school has a minimum of three pupil free days for the professional development of teachers. Parents are given at least four weeks notice. Such days are PUPIL FREE. STAFF RELEASE DAYS All staff have a release from face to face (RFF) allocation in accordance with their teaching load. These days are used by staff for classroom planning, administration or professional development. The final two days of Term Four are also allocated as Pupil Free days. These days allow staff to attend professional development and to organise classrooms and make the necessary planning for the new school year. Teachers are also released from class to attend professional development courses. INFECTIOUS DISEASES Parents are reminded that all children should receive a TRIPLE ANTIGEN BOOSTER before commencing Kindergarten. An immunisation certificate / copy of “Blue” book is required for school entry. LOST PROPERTY Assist your child to identify clothing, drink bottles and lunch boxes by marking them clearly. EXCURSIONS / INCURSIONS From time to time class excursions/camps and visiting speakers (incursions) are arranged to broaden the children’s experience, complement current work being studied, and to make lessons and units of work more interesting. Cost is kept to a minimum and written parental consent is required before any excursion or camp beyond the immediate school locality. ASSEMBLIES Assemblies are held each morning. On Mondays, assemblies are held in the School Hall. They conclude at 9.20am. On Thursday mornings, the morning assembly in the courtyard provides an opportunity for awards to be handed out by School Leaders and the Principal. Parents are invited to stay and attend this assembly in particular. ACCIDENTS & INSURANCE We hope that your child will be happy at school and free from serious accident. When an accident does occur, however, we will try to do our best to render simple first aid, and, if it is thought serious enough let you, the parent, know. In the case of the rare serious accident we will call the ambulance first and try to contact you, in that order. The school subscribes to the Ambulance Service so there is normally no charge for the service. A fully stocked First Aid Kit is in use at the school and all staff are trained in Emergency First Aid procedures. Should the need arise, parents have access to insurance cover for injuries sustained during school activities. This is provided through Catholic Church Insurance. Brochures and claim forms are available online. (http://www.ccinsurance.org.au/insurance/school.htm)

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL The school must be advised of a child’s absence. This may take the form of a note, email, phone call or verbal message. Partial absences are included as well, detailing minutes of each child’s attendance. Emails should be sent directly to class teachers in preference to the school’s admin email address. This ensures that teachers have access to information when marking the daily roll. Parents are urged to have their children arrive at school for morning assembly so as not to disrupt any part of the learning that takes place. BIRTHDAYS In view of the increased number of anaphylactic children and our ongoing concern for the health and wellbeing of all children, the staff in consultation with the P&F have decided that birthday cakes and other treats (donuts, lollies etc) will not be shared at school for teachers or children. Children’s birthdays will continued to be acknowledged via a special school birthday certificate and singing at the Morning Assembly. GIFTS The P&F contributes towards gifts when staff members leave the school. A miscellaneous account is organized via the P&F for such occasions. Money should not be collected for teachers’ birthdays, Christmas gifts or new babies etc. When families depart the school, children are presented with a signed an autographed photo of their relevant classes. NEW FAMILIES New families are welcomed into the School / Parish Community at the Family Vigil Mass. This is celebrated on the third Saturday of every month at the 5.30pm Mass at St Philip’s. ILLNESS If your child becomes ill a member of the Staff Team will make a judgment about whether to contact you, the parent. We are reluctant to call parents, especially from work, for what appears to be minor indispositions.However if the sickness persists or seems serious we will request that arrangements are made for your child to be collected from school. If you are unavailable at any stage, an emergency contact number is required. KINDERGARTEN LUNCHEON A luncheon is held on Kindergarten children’s first day of school year for all Kinder parents. Volunteers to organize this are sought from Kinder Orientation and are assisted by Kinder Reps and/or parents of the current Kindergarten. PRIVACY POLICY Attached with this booklet is the Standard Collection Notice sent out by the Catholic Schools Office and adopted by St James Primary School. YEAR 6 CLASS GIFT A gift is purchased on behalf of Year 6 and presented to the school at the Year 6 Farewell Dinner. Donations of $5 are requested. A volunteer is sought from the Year 6 parent body for the collection and purchase of a suitable gift. This is generally done through consultation with the staff, P&F and students. Notification is given to parents early during Term 4 wherever possible. UNIFORM THE SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP – Open Friday mornings 8:30am – 9:30am. Parents also have the option of online ordering / paying. A brochure outlining these procedures is available upon request. A copy of uniform requirements, order forms and any other details are available from the school website.

Morning Prayer At the beginning of a new day, I give you glory and praise my God. I thank you for this day, I offer it all that it may bring. Jesus open me to your presence Help me to respond to your Spirit Leading and guiding me. St. James, Pray for us.

OUR SCHOOL PRAYER God bless St James’ School. Bless the children and the teachers. Let love and peace dwell among us. Let our school be full of contentment. Incline our hearts to be obedient and eager to learn. Oh, mother of God watch over us. Grant us a steady hand and a watchful eye. Teach us the beauty of the world, That we may, with joy and courtesy, Go life’s happy way.