ORGANISATIONAL VALUES As a state school, Helensvale Primary School is committed to
promoting the best interests of students by nurturing a commitment and dedication to life long learning
achieving the best quality outcomes possible by preparing students to lead responsible and productive lives
demonstrating accountability within the vision of Education Queensland by maximising communication, participation and a sense of community.
We will align school activity with these values through the development of :
STUDENTS
Independent work and study habits
Excellence in literacy and numeracy
Critical thinking and problem solving
Excellence in knowledge and learning
Skills in navigating, analysing and applying electronic information
QUALITY OUTCOMES
Self esteem and self discipline
Pride in ourselves and our conduct
Harmonious and caring relationships
Honesty and respect for self and others
A fair go for all in our contemporary Australian society
An awareness of the need to protect the environment
An awareness of Australia and its place in the global community
ACCOUNTABILITY
Community involvement
Participative decision making
The collaborative achievement of outcomes
The optimum use of school and community knowledge, skills and facilities
Helensvale Primary School History
Helensvale community was established in 1974, offering a lifestyle for people who share an appreciation of both country and suburban convenience. Within ten years our school was under construction upon 6.1 hectare site in the middle of the estate.
Our original complex comprised two double area teaching units, smaller versions of our administration and library blocks, a single preschool unit and a large sheltered covered area with a tuckshop combined. Within a month, our first modular was on site. Another came in 1985 with an additional teaching block and extensions to others. Within the next two years four permanent double areas were here and extensions had been made to staff facilities in the administration block.
Teaching Block 5 was built next together with the junior amenities block and the parents’ car park. 1989 saw the conversion of our library to a 5 bay permanent fixture. Between 1989 and 1993 10 modulars were built and in 2002 a further 2 were constructed bringing our current number to 12. The permanent music block was built in 1993. It contains several practice rooms and teaching rooms. This was the beginning of our successful music program.
Our sports field and adjacent multi-purpose courts (1991) have been on going enhancement projects. These have been accomplished through the combined efforts of our Parents’ and Citizens’ Association, various government departments and the APEX club. Our Junior Area of the school has an adventure playground which caters for all children in years 1-3. The loyal support of parents and teachers has seen paving and pergolas added over the years.
In 1997 many of the modular buildings and the administration block were extended and upgraded to enhance facilities for students and staff. In 2005 a 2 storey general learning building (TB6) was constructed with 8 classrooms and 2 technology labs. Two specially built Preparatory buildings were also placed on site in preparation for the commencement of state-wide preparatory schooling in 2007.
The school staff for 2008 consists of a Principal, 3 Deputy Principals, 43 general classroom teachers, Resource teachers, Learning Support teachers, Music teachers, Japanese teacher, Physical Education teacher, a Registrar, and Administrative Officer plus Administration Aides, 9 Teacher Aides, 4 Cleaners and two Facilities Officers. Guidance Officers, Education Advisers, Instrumental Music teachers and other support staff visit the school at regular intervals.
Staff
Principal
Robert Pascoe
Deputy Principals
Margo Amundsen Jillian Blennerhassett Kim Ona-Ariki
Business Services Manager
Lyn Lee
Administration Officers
Michele Hutchinosn Rachael Sparks
Cashier
Tracey Smith
Workplace Health & Safety Officer
Stephen Schalch
Facilities Officer
Tony Poulton Adam Poland
School Telephone:
(07) 5556 1333
School Fax #:
(07) 5556 1300
Email:
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Website Address:
www.helensvaless.eq.edu.au
Postal Address:
8 Lindfield Road, Helensvale Qld 4212
General Office Hours:
8.00am to 4.00pm
Assemblies
Years P & 1 assembly is held on Tuesday at (9.00am) Years 2 & 3 assembly is held on Tuesday at (9.30am).Years 4 & 5 assembly is held on Wednesday at (9.00am), Year 6 assembly is held on Wednesday at (9.30am). Year 7 assembly is held on Wednesday at 2.30pm.Parents are encouraged to attend.
Assessment and Reporting
A close liaison between school and home promotes the development of individual children. At school, each child is considered as an individual who will develop intellectually, physically and socially according to his/her abilities and opportunities.
State/National data collecting instruments include:
Children in Prep, Years 1, 2 and 3 will be assessed using the same Developmental Continua for Number, Reading and Writing. See your child’s teacher for details of what the continua are and how they are used.
Year 2 Diagnostic Net - a process whereby children’s performance in the Developmental Continuity is assessed to identify delays in children's capacity to read, write and use mathematical concepts. Interviews explaining results are offered to all parents/guardians.
Year 3, 5 and 7 Achievement Test - a formal achievement test designed to measure children's achievements in reading, writing and mathematics. Parents receive a formal report on their own child's performance.
Year 4and 6, Queensland Comparable Assessment task (QCATs). A common assessment task completed by all students targeting essential learning’s taught over the previous two year period. Being fully implemented from 2008. Student’s performance being moderated against a state standard expected of all students.
During the school year, parent-teacher interviews will be held at the end of Semester 1. Interviews may be requested by teachers or parents. Consultations between teachers and parents of children experiencing difficulties will be held at the end of third term to discuss plans to address individual needs.
Portfolios of student’s work will be maintained and presented at interviews to validate report statements and ratings.
It is important to emphasise that reporting is a two way process. It is just as important that parents supply positive and helpful information to teachers. In the middle years sector (4 -7) each child develops an individual learning plan in consultation with their teacher and family.
Newsletters and class news-briefs will be prepared at regular intervals giving insight into day-to-day activities.
Parent Nights for each Year level are held early in the year. Invitations seeking items to be placed upon the agenda are sent home and parents are encouraged to meet with teachers at this time to help to plan and share the workings of the year.
Parents will meet with their child’s Prep teacher twice per year to discuss with them their child’s progress. This will be supported by individual portfolios.
Formal reports, as a summary of the semester, are carefully compiled and computer generated for issue in June and December from year 1 to 7.
A School Annual Report will be presented in March. This will report on a wide range of student and school performance for the previous year and is available as a link from the school website www.helensvaless.eq.edu.au
Parents/caregivers of Helensvale are encouraged to visit the school regularly and discuss all aspects of their child's development with the teachers concerned. It is asked that you make an appointment with the teacher to arrange a mutually suitable time. Parents are encouraged to become involved in classroom activities.
Attendance
Parents are expected to provide a note of explanation regarding a child's absence from school. A note is preferred rather than a telephone call as the note is available for record purposes and it is not possible to call individual teachers to the phone without delaying their work. Furthermore, a note goes directly to the person involved - a phone call could be taken by any staff member.
If prior notice is given of dental or medical appointments, leave is granted and the child is recorded as being in attendance. Similarly children attending camps or workshops in school time (eg outdoor Education, music camps or other school related activities) are marked as present.
If a prolonged absence (ie. 3 days or more) of your child is likely, the school requires written advice of this.
There is no doubt that regular attendance at school is an important factor to successful development.
Children are required to attend Queensland schools from the year they turn 6 until 15 years of age.
Behaviour Management
This policy is designed to ensure that our school community fosters the physical and emotional growth of all who work and learn here in a supportive and safe environment.
Our program is based on the belief that
Students, teachers and parents form a partnership of interest and responsibility whereby all educational processes are shared including Behaviour Management.
All members of the school community respect the rights and property of others.
All members of the school community are encouraged to feel valued and respected.
Appropriate behaviour is modelled, encouraged, taught and recognised by the wider school community.
The following rules support the community's expectations about our school -
Communication - speak and listen with respect using good manners.
Safety - act in a manner that is safe to yourself and others.
Treatment - treat others as you would wish to be treated.
Learning - give everyone a chance to teach and learn without interruption
In this supportive school environment we acknowledge that there will be times when inappropriate behaviours do occur. This policy was formed, through consultation with all stakeholders, to address such inappropriate behaviours in a fair, non-violent manner and to outline set procedures to be followed for a variety of infringements.
Strategies
The moral we are instilling is that "If you choose to break a rule, you choose the logical consequences."
Considering the special needs of the child and the circumstances of the inappropriate behaviours, the following strategies may be drawn upon.
Discuss student and staff rights and responsibilities
Establish positive environment and build relationships
Rules and consequences displayed clearly on chart in the room and referred to
Work/expectations modified to cater for special needs
Use praise (catch them doing something good)
System of incentives/rewards negotiated for compliance
Give responsibility to student
Repeat directions/state simply
Set up non-verbal cues
Tactical ignoring (if not a safety issue)
Divert/distract student
Take student aside - assertive explanation of consequences
Sit in a separate desk/isolate in classroom
Child continues to break rule Time Out (cool off) and a 5 minute discussion with class teacher at next break
Time Out Sheet
(i) What rule did you break? (ii) Why do you think we have that rule? (iii) How did your behaviour affect others? (iv) What is a better plan for next time (v) What else could you do to help?
Child continues to break rule – Time Out Sheet and a 10 minute discussion with class teacher at next break; then a 15 minute time out
Child continues to break rule - Responsible Thinking Room or referral work in another buddy room
De-brief on re-entry to your classroom
Teacher to contact parents/caregivers by phone or note of day's events
Repeating rule breakers may be dealt with in the following ways:
These include:
Continued Non-Compliant Behaviours
Our Current Behaviour Management Plan includes many proactive strategies to manage student behaviour and reward good behaviour. However the following “steps” are used as consequences for continued non-compliant behaviours:
Time out (5, then 10, then 15 minutes) with teacher counsel/time out sheet
Buddy Room (work in another class) – note sent home to parent
Visit Responsible Thinking Room at recess. Teacher counsel/thinking process sheet – note sent home – entered on school database.
Teacher discussed student with their Deputy Principal (what strategies have worked and what may be tried next).
Restricted Play area – walk with teacher on duty (entered on school data base).
Contract set up – daily behaviour – teachers and Deputy Principal to monitor.
Detention after school (30 minutes) – (entered on school data base).
Isolation from class members ‘in school suspension’- (entered on school data base).
Interview with teacher, parent, child and Deputy Principal to negotiate an individual behaviour program (I.B.P.) - files kept by school
Referral to Guidance Officer (G.O.) or referral to Behaviour Advisory Team (B.A.T.) through the Behaviour Committee – recorded on data base and child’s file
Suspension from school (3-5 days) (6-20 days) – entered on Education Queensland data base.
Recommended exclusion from school- entered on Education Queensland data base
Logical consequences may include non-participation in school excursions, camps, special school events and school sport. These consequences will be discussed and negotiated with administration, teachers, coaches, parents and students.
The administration team after appropriate consultation will decide on which of these actions will be taken depending on the child, the misbehaviour and the context in which it occurred.
2.Possession of legal and/or illegal drugs, verbal abuse and physical assault of staff will be set apart from our standard behaviours to be managed and will result in immediate suspension and a mandatory meeting with parents prior to re-entry to the school Parents should also be aware that legal drugs refer to nicotine and alcoholic products while illegal drugs are those prohibited by criminal law. Students found with illegal drugs are not only immediately suspended but the matter is also referred to police for further action. There has been no incident of this nature at Helensvale. (Only on two occasions in the past six years have we suspended students who brought cigarettes or alcoholic products to school). 3. Leaving the school grounds for any reason, and unsafe behaviour, will be upgraded to moderate behaviours. 4. Any form of inappropriate physical and verbal activity towards other students will be upgraded to moderate behaviours. This upgrading of behaviours means that they will now be recorded and subsequent behaviours will result in attendance in the Responsible Thinking room and advice to parents.
Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters
Bicycles, scooters and skateboards are not to be ridden inside the school grounds nor kept in classrooms. They are to be locked in the bike cage (located adjacent to the oval) from 9.00 – 3.00 along with the bikes. We recommend chains and locks be used.
Bookclub
We have three Bookclubs operating at our school -
Lucky - Reading age 6 to 8 years.
Arrow - Reading age 8 to 11 years.
Star - Reading age 11 to 14 years.
The aim of these Bookclubs is to encourage the enjoyment of reading amongst children and young people through books that appeal to the interests at each stage of their development.
Books are offered at reduced prices, selected by a team of experts with the reading ability of each group in mind. Hardcover books and books of special interest to parents and teachers are also available.
The Bookclub will operate through the school. For every 10 books ordered, the school will receive points. These are used to purchase resources. There is no membership fee and neither you, your child nor the school is under any obligation to buy books. Free copies of Lucky, Arrow or Star News, with descriptions of all books on offer, will be sent 6 times per year. Additional professional advice, including a reading guide and interest level for each title, is contained in a “Teacher's Memo” sent to the school.
If possible, please pay cash and enclose the correct money, together with the order form, in a sealed envelope clearly marked with your child's name and class eg. John SMITH, Year 1, (Teacher's name). If paying by cheque, please cross your cheque and make it payable to Ashton Scholastic.
A Blue Box is placed inside the Office door for children to place their orders directly with the Parents’ & Citizens' Association.
Buses
For enquiries regarding bus passes and route information:
Surfside 5571 6555
If you already hold a Bus Pass, please advise Surfside of any change of address or circumstances.
The State Government also provides assistance to lower income families. Called "The Safety Net" this assistance is for families who do not receive other forms of School Transport Assistance and are on lower incomes.
Phone 5583 1507 for enquiries about eligibility.
Cumulative Record Folder
An individual record folder is used for each child.
Summaries of all interviews, contact with the school and notes on progression throughout the school will be kept in this record folder. Copies of all reports and other personal information will also be kept on this file.
It is important that parents keep the office informed of any change of address, telephone numbers or other particulars supplied on the original form.
Dental Clinic
Queensland Health provides the School Dental Service offering treatment to children from 4 years of age through until completion of grade 10. Medical History/consent forms are issued to each child and must be completed and returned prior to children receiving an examination. After the examination parents/guardians will receive a statement of treatment needs which must be signed prior to treatment commencing.
The team providing this service consists of a Dentist, School Dental Therapists and Dental Assistants. Dental Therapists working under the direction of a Dentist will carry out most of the Dental Procedures.
Routine regular services are usually provided on the school grounds either in a mobile Dental clinic or a fixed clinic. Emergency or toothache treatment is available by contacting 5529 1985.
Departure from School
Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds at lunch breaks without permission. It is important that if a child is required to leave the school before the normal dismissal time, that the matter is referred to the class teacher or an administrative staff member.
Children will not be allowed to depart from school during normal hours without some request from the parent, either in person or by letter. They will never be allowed to walk home, ride a bike or go to the shops by themselves once they have entered the grounds.
When it is necessary for a child to be sent home through sickness or injury, the final decision on that action will be made by a member of our Administration. No child will be sent home unless prior contact has been made with a parent or a responsible adult. It is imperative that our records show all contact information accurately. (Especially for emergencies)
If ever children are to go early from school, or are to be taken away for a short time, parents are asked to personally call at the office to collect the child and sign them out. No children will be sent to the front gate or out to the footpath.
In cases where there could be legal directions in regards to custody of children, it is important that the parent advises us, in writing, of these directions, and supply copies of the latest relevant Family Court documents.
Children are considered to be late for school if they arrive after class commences at 8.50am. This information on lateness is recorded on report cards.
Eftpos
EFTPOS is available for Debit and Credit cards. This facility is available through the office and may be used to pay for excursions and school contribution. The Uniform Shop has a credit card machine only and cheques are not accepted.
Emergency Contacts
Please ensure that addresses, phone numbers and emergency contacts are kept current in case we need to contact you in a hurry. You, as parents, have a responsibility to your child and the school in your Duty of Care to keep the school informed of changes.
Excursions
Educational trips which broaden the learning experiences of the pupils are encouraged and sponsored by the school. The trips are closely linked to regular classroom instruction and utilise the community and regional resources as part of the curriculum. Trips are well planned, supervised and conducted on locally operated buses.
When children leave the school as a group on an educational excursion, prior permission of the parents is sought. Excursions lasting a full day also require prior approval of the Parents’ & Citizens’ Association. If parents are agreeable for their child to accompany their class on an excursion they should sign the consent form and return it to the child's teacher without delay. Children who do not produce a written permission form from parents will not be allowed to participate in the excursion. Children are required to wear full school uniform including hats and shoes.
Guidance and Special Education
The services of the Guidance Officer and Support Teachers (Learning Difficulties) are available to children with special needs. Requests for support are considered by the School's Special Needs Committee. The usual procedure is as follows:
Teacher identifies the need and discusses the matter with the Administration.
Teacher will make contact with you - the parent/caregiver regarding concerns. Discussion on birth history and of progress made by your child.
Relevant paperwork in the referral process will be submitted to the Special Needs Committee for consideration of the eligibility of the child to enter the program.
The appropriate service provider will contact you - the parent/guardian re the outcome of the Special Needs Committee with their name and expected date of service being offered to meet your child's needs.
Homework Policy
Homework set for pupils conforms to the Homework in State Schools Policy (2006). Homework is purposeful, appropriate to the phase of learning and is appropriate to the student’s capabilities. Homework :
Prep - Year 3 will generally not be more than 1 hour per week (10-15 minutes per day)
Years 4-5 will generally not be more than 2-3 hours per week (20-30 minutes per day)
Years 6-7 will generally not be more than 3-4 hours per week (30-40 minutes per day)
Infectious Diseases: Recommended Exclusion Periods
Pupils who are unwell should not be allowed to attend school. The following guidelines have been drawn up by the National Health and Medical Research Council on the premise that pupils who have been ill with an infectious disease will not return to school until they have fully recovered. The only exception to this rule is that pupils with certain skin diseases may return once appropriate treatment has commenced (see following table).
The recommended periods of exclusion from school are issued as a guide to teaching staff and may be modified in individual cases as circumstances warrant.
Condition
Exclusion of cases
Exclusion of contacts
Amoebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica)
Exclude until diarrhoea ceases.
Not excluded.
Campylobacter
Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased.
Not excluded.
Chicken pox
Exclude until fully recovered or for at least five days after the eruption first appears. Note that some remaining scabs are not a reason for continued exclusion.
Any child with an immune deficiency (for example, leukaemia) or receiving chemotherapy should be excluded for their own protection. Otherwise not excluded.
Conjunctivitis
Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased.
Not excluded.
Cytomegalovirus Infection
Exclusion not necessary.
Not excluded.
Diarrhoea
Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased.
Not excluded.
Diphtheria
Exclude until medical certificate of recovery is received following at least two negative throat swabs, the first not less than 24 hours after finishing a course of antibiotics and the other 48 hours later.
Exclude family/household contacts until cleared to return by an appropriate health authority.
Glandular fever (mononucleosis)
Exclusion is not necessary.
Not excluded.
Hand, Foot and Mouth disease
Until all blisters have dried.
Not excluded.
Haemophilus type b (Hib)
Exclude until medical certificate of recovery is received.
Not excluded.
Hepatitis A
Exclude until a medical certificate of recovery is received, but not before seven days after the onset of jaundice or illness.
Not excluded.
Hepatitis B
Exclusion is not necessary.
Not excluded.
Hepatitis C
Exclusion is not necessary.
Not excluded.
Herpes ("cold sores")
Young children unable to comply with good hygiene practices should be excluded while the lesion is weeping. Lesions to be covered by dressing, where possible.
Not excluded.
Hookworm
Exclusion not necessary.
Not excluded.
Human immune.-deficiency virus infection (HIV AIDS virus)
Exclusion is not necessary unless the child has a secondary infection.
Not excluded.
Impetigo
Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced. Sores on exposed surfaces must be covered with a watertight dressing.
Not excluded.
Influenza and influenza like illnesses
Exclude until well.
Not excluded.
Leprosy
Exclude until approval to return has been given by an appropriate health authority.
Not excluded.
Measles
Exclude for at least four days after onset of rash.
Immunised contacts not excluded. Unimmunised contacts should be excluded until 14 days after the first day of appearance of rash in the last case. If unimmunised contacts are vaccinated within 72 hours of their first contact with the first case they may return to school.
Meningitis (bacterial)
Exclude until well.
Not excluded.
Meningococcal infection
Exclude until adequate carrier eradication therapy has been completed.
Not excluded if receiving rifampicin.
Molluscum contagiosum
Exclusion not necessary.
Not excluded.
Mumps
Exclude for nine days or until swelling goes down (whichever is sooner).
Not excluded.
arvovirus (erythema infectiousum fifth disease)
Exclusion not necessary.
Not excluded.
Poliomyelitis
Exclude for at least 14 days from onset. Re-admit after receiving medical certificate of recovery.
Not excluded.
Ringworm, scabies, pediculosis (lice), trachoma
Re-admit the day after appropriate treatment has commenced.
Not excluded.
Rubella (german measles)
Exclude until fully recovered or for at least four days after the onset of rash.
Not excluded.
Salmonella, Shigella
Exclude until diarrhoea ceases.
Not excluded.
Streptococcal infection (including scarlet fever)
Exclude until the child has received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours and the person feels well.
Not excluded.
Tuberculosis
Exclude until a medical certificate from an appropriate health authority is received.
Not excluded.
Typhoid fever (including paratyphoid fever)
Exclude until approval to return has been given by an appropriate health authority.
Not excluded unless considered necessary by public health authorities.
Whooping cough
Exclude the child for five days after starting antibiotic treatment.
Exclude unimmunised household contacts aged less than 7 years for 14 days after the last exposure to infection or until they have taken five days of a 14-day course of antibiotics. (Exclude close child care contacts until they have commenced antibiotics).
Worms (intestinal)
Exclude if diarrhoea present.
Not excluded.
Library
The library is intended to serve the entire school community. Book loans are available to all school pupils and teachers. Students from Prep to Year 2 are permitted to borrow one book at a time. Students from years 3 - 4 are permitted to borrow two books at the one time - one fiction and one non-fiction. Students from years 5 - 7 are permitted to borrow four books at the one time - two fiction and two non-fiction.
The library is open for borrowing from 8.15am each morning, each lunchtime from 12.55pm and after school until 3.15pm. Library bags are desirable in order to borrow. The ideal book bag is approximately 30 cm x 50 cm of any cloth with or without drawstring top. Overdue notices are printed each Monday. Class lists and individual notices are printed on alternate weeks. Parents will be asked to pay for a replacement copy for lost or damaged books.
Lost Property
Lost property is collected and every effort is made to return goods to their owners. However, this is a frustrating task when property is not named. The return of property is simple and sure when articles are named, but time consuming and often ineffective when articles are not.
Parents are asked to make regular checks of lost property to see if any items of clothing are theirs. Remember, too, that children have to be trained in these areas of responsibility and this takes time.
The place to look for lost property is outside the Tuckshop. All items are displayed in the Tuckshop covered Games Area toward the end of each term. Unclaimed uniform items are handed over to the Uniform Shop Convenor, Mrs Jupe (phone 5573 5210), who will add them to the second hand uniform pool. Other items are eventually sold or passed on to charity.
Medication within the School
Departmentally issued guidelines exist and are carried out by designated personnel within our school. No medication including items such as headache tablets/cough mixture etc will be administered unless procedures below are followed.
Some students have short-term illnesses or ongoing medical conditions that require them to take medication during the school day. In many cases, these students need help from school staff to administer their medication. Whether in the state or non-state sector, schools generally have guidelines about the forms of assistance they can provide and what is required from parents. ‘Ultimately, parents are responsible for managing their children’s medical conditions, including administering their medication,’ said the Coordinator of Education Queensland’s Health Outcomes Team, Jacky Dawson. ‘However, teachers recognise that they have a role to play in ensuring safe practices are followed on the occasions when students need to take medication at school.’
PERSCRIBED MEDICATION
For prescribed medication
Make a request in writing for the school to administer the medication. (Forms available from the office). Give details of any request and/or guidelines from medical practitioners about the medication, including possible side effects or adverse reactions.
Provide the medication in the original container, labelled by a health-care professional or pharmacist, to the staff member responsible for administering it.
Make sure the label on the medication shows the name of the student, name of the drug and name of the medical practitioner prescribing it, as well as the use-by-date, dosage and time to be taken.
Advise the school in writing and collect the medication, when it is no longer required at school
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION
Similar guidelines usually apply to over-the-counter medication, including analgesics and herbal medicines. School staff are not able to administer such medication unless they receive a written request from parents, written approval from a medical practitioner, and the medication in the original labelled container.
SELF-ADMINISTERING OF MEDICATION
Some students may have approval from their doctor, their parents and the principal to administer their own medication (for example, inhale Ventolin for asthma; inject insulin for diabetes). Students who self-administer must follow safe practices for carrying medication that may be potentially harmful to other students and for disposing of any associated equipment, such as injecting equipment for insulin. Parents must discuss and arrange safety practices and procedures with their children and the school principal.
Mobile Phones
Students must register their phone at the school administration. Phones are to be turned off during lesson times.
Money
Frequently, children will bring money to school. Teach your child how to take care of the money by using a purse or a sturdy envelope. Money loose in the pocket or hand generally does not reach its destination. Always try to send correct change.
Whenever money is brought to school for excursions, etc. it is best done by having it in a fully labelled and sealed envelope showing child's name, year level, amount and purpose of payment. Coins do come loose from envelopes so it is best to have flaps taped down.
Money is to be paid to the cashier between 8.15am and 9.00am daily, where your child will receive a receipt.
Please be certain to pay for excursions etc. by the due date to avoid disappointment.
Out of School Hours Care Program
YMCA operates an out of School Hours Care program at Helensvale. All information including possible enrolment is available at Gold Coast YMCA Child and Community Services, PO Box 3377, Nerang BC QLD 4211 or enrolment packs are available from the school office.
Telephone: 5596 3414
Fax: 5596 5022
Email:
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Out of Hours Use of School Grounds
It is an offence under the "Education (General Provisions) Act (2006)" for persons to be on school grounds unless the person has lawful authority or reasonable excuse for being on the premises. Police have the power to prosecute persons found inside the school grounds without given permission at any time.
Portfolios
Each student has an individual portfolio that contains work samples and assessment items. The portfolio is used by teachers to measure student progression and inform future planning.
Preparatory Year
In 2008, all age appropriate children in Queensland will have access to a full-time preparatory year of education prior to Year 1. The preparatory year will be offered in all state primary schools from 2007 and will replace the previous part-time preschool program.
Children enrolling into the prep year must be 5 years old by the 30th June in the year they begin the prep year. In conjunction with the introduction of the prep year, the compulsory school starting age will increase by 6 months from 2008. This will bring Queensland more into line with other Australian states. Children will have to be six by 30th June in the year they enrol into Year 1.
Birthdate
Child will be eligible to attend prep year
Child will progress to year one
1/1/02 - 30/6/02
2007
2008
1/7/02 - 30/6/03
2008
2009
1/7/03 - 30/6/04
2009
2010
1/7/04 - 30/6/05
2010
2011
If you have any questions regarding the Prep Year, please feel free to contact the administration so we can assist you.
Religious Education
The religious education needs of our children are catered for by visiting Ministers of Religion and their Catechists who visit the school. Helensvale has adopted a policy of Co-operative Religious Education with ecumenical classes. Parents who do not wish their children to attend any Religious Education classes must make a request in writing for this exclusion. Such children remain in their classrooms and work under the direction of their general teachers. Religious Education is conducted on Thursdays. Activity books for Religious Education classes are on sale through the Uniform Shop.
Road Safety
It is essential that parents refrain from driving in the school grounds. Correct parking procedures are supervised by the Police Department and Gold Coast City Council from time to time. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that children who ride bicycles are familiar with and obey the rules of the road. Children who ride bicycles along Lindfield Road have the option of either using the designated bikeway or the left hand footpath.
School crossing supervisors, otherwise known as "Lollipop People" patrol crossings in Lindfield Road and Discovery Drive from 7.55 - 8.55am and 2.55 - 3.25pm each day. Parents and children are asked to use these patrolled crossings.
Motorists who use the car park are encouraged, in the interests of safety, to make left turns only into Lindfield Road from 3.00 - 3.30pm each day.
The crossing supervisors ask all pedestrians, both children and adults, to wait on the footpath. When a suitable gap appears in the traffic from both directions, the supervisor will extend the STOP sign to face the traffic, and proceed to the centre of the crossing with the STOP sign displayed. The supervisor will blow TWO blasts of the whistle to indicate that pedestrians may then cross. Pedestrians should keep left and walk straight across. ONE whistle blast means it is unsafe to cross and all pedestrians must then wait on the footpath. When all pedestrians have cleared the crossing the supervisor then returns to the footpath.
Remember: When walkers come to the crossing...wait behind the blue line painted on the footpath. Cyclists are requested to walk bicycles across the crossing.
School Hours
Children are supervised by teachers for the first 10 minutes of each break so they have time to eat before play. Wet lunch hours are sometimes declared and on these occasions children, under supervision, remain in their rooms during the breaks. They play a variety of indoor games or carry on with quiet work during this time. Short lunch hours may also be called during inclement weather.
Children will not be dismissed from rooms at 3.00pm if a thunderstorm is in progress or immediately threatening. They will be kept indoors until such dangers have passed. Parents wanting to take their children right at that time would have to come and collect them from their teacher's care.
It is recommended that children should not arrive at school before 8.30am. Children are not under direct playground supervision before school. Teachers arrive early to prepare lessons and materials for the day. It is not educationally profitable for teachers' time to be unnecessarily interrupted at this time of the day.
Children must be in attendance by 8.45am.School commences at 8.50am and all classes are dismissed at 3.00pm. School times will not be changed for wet days. School bells are as follows:
Bell Times
Bell Times Monday – Friday
8.15am
Children can move to classrooms
8.45am
Warning bell
8.50am
School starts
10.30am
Morning Tea - Eating time
10.40am
Play bell
11.10am
Warning bell
11.15am
School resumes
12.45pm
Lunch bell - Eating time
12.55pm
Play bell
1.25pm
Warning bell
1.30pm
School resumes
3.00pm
End of school
If children are requested to come early for a particular activity, then they will be under the teacher's supervision during the activity.
Children who arrive before 8.15am must go (with their bags) to the Covered Games Area near the Tuckshop. At 8.15am a bell will sound signalling that children are able to move to their classrooms and around the school.
School Notices
Parents are requested to examine their children's bags every day for notices from the school. This is one way we have of communicating with you and notices go home at regular intervals about all types of details. Thursday is an important day for our "Homelines" and it can generally be assumed that some notices would always come to the family on a Thursday afternoon.
Parents, keep searching bags and train your children to deliver notices. Remember that responsibility is something children need to learn as they mature. Therefore parents and teachers should teach responsibility continually yet always remember the age of the child. General family notices (especially those produced on Thursday) are brought home by the youngest child in the family.
Sickness and Accident
If a child becomes too ill to continue work in the classroom, they are taken to the Health Services Room where rest facilities are available until colleted by an adult. Administration staff will be responsible for the child while in the Health Room. As the school phone number is listed as private and will be blocked on mobile phones we would appreciate a message bank on mobile phones for emergencies.
Children are not sent home unless we are sure that there is someone there to take care of them. The child may not leave the school with someone under 18 years of age. In the case where both parents are absent from home, the child is safer under supervision at school, so that if his condition worsens, medical attention can be sought. There is a responsibility on the part of parents to see that our school records are up to date as far as addresses and telephone numbers are concerned.
In cases of accident, if it is felt that attention other than that which we can give at school is required, we first attempt to contact a parent. Emergency contacts as per the information provided upon enrolment are called. If unsuccessful, the Principal or next Senior Officer will authorise treatment, in the parent's absence, such as calling the Ambulance, Gold Coast Hospital, family GP etc. In some cases, treatment may be urgently required.
“Physical activities, including sports, have inherent risks. Parents should be aware that the school does not have ‘accident insurance’ to cover medical or other costs in the event of accidental injury. The school recommends that parents should consider private insurance to ease concerns in this regard.
Parents wishing to make a claim for expenses resulting from injuries at school should make a written request to the Director, Legal and Administrative Law Branch (PO Box 15033, City East, QLD 4022). The request must outline the circumstances of the injury, the amount claimed and the reasons the parent believes the school caused the injury. Any such claims will be considered on their merits.
Acceptance of claims is based on demonstrated negligence on the part of the school, and is not automatic. Parents wishing to explore the options available to them should seek independent legal advice.”
Special Education Class
Our school has a Special Education Class (M4) for students with disabilities. 2 teachers and a teacher aide deliver a curriculum program in conjunction with classroom teachers program.
Sport and Physical Education
A priority in this area is the involvement and participation by everyone in the development of physical education and sporting skills.
Children from years 6 - 7 participate in interschool sport in winter only. Our school competed in Soccer, Rugby League, Netball, Athletics, Hockey, Touch Football, Australian Rules Football, Swimming and Cross Country in 2007. In summer year 7 students participate in a rotational sports program at school.
School camps are held in Years 6 and 7 with a duration of 3 and 5 days respectively.
A comprehensive classroom physical education program is offered in the school. Children are divided into four houses Gunyah, Coolabah, Woomera and Billabong for intra school competition. Carnivals are held for athletics and swimming.
Statements
Statements of accounts (money outstanding) are sent home once per term. Please ensure you agree with the report and pay any outstanding amounts promptly. If you are experiencing difficulty paying or have a query regarding the statement, please contact the Buisness Services Manager and discuss possible arrangements.
Student Banking
A student banking service with the Commonwealth Bank is carried out by volunteers. Banking is conducted at the school each Tuesday.
Forms are available from the office to open bank accounts. When these forms are returned to school they will be sent to the bank to be processed. The bank will then issue the child with (i) keycard coupon booklet (ii) deposit envelope (iii) plastic cover for the coupon booklet. The weekly procedure is as follows: The parent places the amount to be deposited in the small deposit envelope, filling in the particulars on the front of the envelope. When the child comes into the classroom, all banking material will be collected into a large class folder and sent to the Payment Window in the staffroom no later than 9.00am. The deposits are then processed by volunteers.
Enquiries regarding errors or lost coupon books should be directed to the Commonwealth Savings Bank, Southport Branch.
Student Contribution Scheme
The voluntary student contribution scheme was introduced to give busy parents a chance to contribute, without having to spend a lot of their valuable family time helping to fund raise. For each primary school student we ask for a contribution of $40 per year. This scheme funds projects aimed at improving the school and the facilities available to our students.
Student Council
The student body has an effective link with school administration and shared decision making through membership on the Student Council. Elected representatives from Years 5 - 7 meet with administration regularly to talk about school climate, plan activities and discuss various opportunities for fellow pupils' welfare. Minor fundraising ventures, such as Free Dress Days and Discos are also planned.
Our school captains (boy captain and girl captain) become the chairpersons of the Student Council. There are two vice-captains (boy and girl) as well as delegates from each Year 5, 6 and 7 class.
Transferring between Schools
A school transfer certificate is required when a child transfers from one State School to another within Queensland. The certificate is supplied on request by the school from which the child is departing. If a child transfers during the year, all issued source books and library books should be returned, any outstanding money paid, and personal books and materials collected before leaving.
When children transfer to High School, it is normal practice for representatives of the neighbouring High Schools to provide enrolment details during Year Seven.
Transition Programs in the Early Years Sector Helensvale State School believes that the relationships formed with students and families in the Early Years establish the foundation for open communication between home and school.
In the last week of school the prep children visit the yr 1 classrooms. Children in the pre formal year of schooling spend a considerable portion of their program per week during term 4 visiting classrooms in the Early Years Sector. This transition allows children to be familiar with a variety of staff and allows visits to all specialist staff. This opportunity avails all young learners with the capacity to be familiar with their new physical environment as well as the expectations required of a leaner.
The prep year children are mainstreamed into the general playground area from semester 2 of each school year. The children are actively involved in school assembly and sharing sessions. Prep children are also actively involved in special assemblies at Easter and Christmas giving the sense of a community.
Each classroom displays transitions and routines as well as curriculum of interest to the group. Special Needs students are also catered for through transition to the mainstream classrooms as well as a transition program into the Special Education class.
Transition Program - Year 7
Helensvale has a 1 day High School experience Program with Helensvale High for our Year 7 students as a means of preparing them for the transition to secondary school.
This 1 day program takes place in term 4, in late November. Activities, whilst at the high school include robotics, home economics, manual arts, drama, art, science, sexuality talks, an introduction to the pastoral care program and a tour of the school.
All students in year 7, irregardless of future destination, attend this transition program.
The other local high schools, notably Pacific Pines and Coombabah also have a full day transition visit, late in term 4, for students who enrol there.
Students with Special Needs also have a specific full day transition visit organised by our SEC Teachers. This is in addition to the 2 day High School experience.
Visitors
The school policy is that all visitors are required to report directly to the Administration building. There are site maps and marked lines to assist in locating this building.
COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET USERS’ POLICY
The school has three computer labs. The lab adjoining the library, services Prep to Year 3. Years 4 and 5 utilise the lab in TB6 (downstairs). Years 6 and 7 utilise the lab in TB6 (upstairs). Classes attend timetabled sessions. The labs consist of 25-28 workstations, a laser printer, scanner and a data projector. Workstations are also available in each classroom.
Information and Communication Technology is integrated across all Key Learning Areas.
All students from Prep to Year 7 (through parents/caregivers) are required to sign the ‘Internet Use Agreement’ which is included in the Helensvale Primary Policies and Agreements form. Students who have not signed will NOT be able to use the internet.
The use of computers and the internet is supervised by the teacher. Unsupervised students ‘surfing the net’ is prohibited.
Student’s internet access is limited to 30mb per month.
Internet access is available in all computer labs and classrooms. This raises a number of issues concerning the acceptable code of conduct regarding computer access, such as:
Moral Issues
Legal Issues
Behaviouron the Internet
Network manners
E-mail etiquette
System tampering
Copyright
Plagiarism
Copying files
Moral Issues
Behaviour on the Internet
You are expected to use the network to pursue intellectual activities, seek resources, access libraries and find international friends. We want you to explore what is available there but the school reserves the right to monitor screens of students at any time. The following also applies:
Never divulge private details such as your full name, phone number or address when using the Internet. Likewise, do not publish similar details about any other student or staff member.
Remember that nothing on the Internet is private.
Never organise to meet someone that you have communicated with through e-mail as they may not be who they say they are and you may place yourself in danger.
Never send someone a picture or anything else without your teacher’s or parent/guardian’s permission.
Do not respond to messages that are mean or make you feel uncomfortable in any way. It is not your fault that you have received such a message but you should always immediately tell your teacher or parent/guardian.
The Internet is not to be used for the purpose of playing games.
Network Manners
Privacy is important to us all. Passwords on computer networks are implemented to protect people’s privacy and to prevent people gaining access to private information that is not their business. You should not seek to find out other people’s passwords nor disclose your own. Passwords also protect sensitive systems on computer networks that ensure the smooth operation of the network from accidental or deliberate tampering.
Remember that information published on the network should be accurate and that along with any of your actions while using the network/Internet, it should not violate another’s rights, be abusive, defamatory or illegal.
E-mail Etiquette
Remember that when you send e-mail you are simply talking to another person and so your should always be polite. There are also some special rules that have arisen concerning this electronic form of communication between people. These include:
Using capital letters is thought of as shouting and so is considered rude.
Long messages should be avoided, especially where they take up a lot of space.
Do not create, send, or forward chain letters.
People’s signatures are often very fancy, but it is considered impolite to have a signature that is longer than the message itself.
Always use your own first name.
Check your e-mail regularly and delete mail that has been read.
Remember that nothing is private on the Internet and that everything can be traced.
System Tampering
Never use another person’s access to tamper with their work, access private information or to tamper with the network system.
Always treat the equipment with care and report damage or deliberate vandalism to a staff member.
Vandalism or introduction of viruses to the system will incur serious consequences.
Legal Issues- Copyright
Copyright is becoming a very sensitive issue with regard to the Internet. Material under copyright should not be downloaded onto the school’s network or computers without the copyright owner’s permission and the permission of your teacher. The same applies to public domain, freeware and shareware materials.
Plagiarism
The dictionary defines plagiarism as “taking ideas or writings from another person and offering them as your own”. The student who leads readers to believe that what they are reading or viewing is the student’s original work when it is not, is guilty of plagiarism. Cutting and pasting ideas into your own document is very easy to do but credit should always be given to the person who created the article or idea.
Be careful when using the Internet as information obtained may or may not be correct. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the validity of any information used.
Consequences
Helensvale State School declares unethical and unacceptable behaviour just cause for taking disciplinary action, revoking computer privileges, and/or initiating legal action for any activity through which an individual has broken the law. Possible consequences of violations include, but are not limited, to:
Suspension of computer access
Revocation of computer access
Suspension of Internet access
Revocation of Internet access
School suspension
Legal action and prosecution by the authorities
If you are accused of any of the violations, you have all of the rights and privileges that you would have if you were accused of school vandalism, fighting, and so forth.
Helensvale State School has the right to restrict and terminate computer/network and Internet access at any time for any reason. Helensvale State School also has the right to monitor network activity in any form that it sees fit to maintain the integrity of the network.
Before students will be allowed to access the Network, e-mail or the Internet both the student and the Parent/Caregiver must read the above policy, then sign the “Acceptable Use Policy”.
PARENTS’ AND CITIZENS’ INFORMATION Parents' and Citizens' Association
Our school has a most helpful and co-operative Parents' and Citizens' Association. Any parent or citizen interested in the welfare of the school is eligible for membership.
The chief purposes of the Association are:
To promote the interests of the school by endeavouring to bring about closer co-operation between the parent of the children attending the school, other citizens, the teachers at the school and children.
To foster community interest in educational matters.
To do all things possible for the betterment of the general conditions and amenities of the school.
To establish a fund for the general conduct of the Association.
To expend money in accordance with the stated objects of the Association.
A general meeting is held on the third Wednesday of each month commencing at 7.00pm. The Annual General Meeting will be held in March each year. Please make an effort to attend as many meetings as you can.
Parents' and Citizens' Association request a yearly contribution. This money helps the P & C supplement many of the facilities your children need and enjoy at the school, such as computers, library books, sporting facilities, musical instruments and classroom materials. Further information will be forwarded from the P & C at the commencement of the new school year.
Tuckshop
Our P & C Association operates a School Tuckshop which is open daily from 8:30am to 1:30pm and can be contacted on 55733794 during these hours Our tuckshop provides an excellent opportunity for parents to do rewarding work for our school and, at the same time, meet others. Please consider making yourself available for tuckshop roster as it is a rewarding time both for parent/caregiver and child.
Parents are asked to give their names as soon as possible in the year to our Tuckshop Convenor so that a roster can be drawn up and published. Without full support, a tuckshop cannot operate effectively.
Our new updated menu complies with the new guidelines for Smart Choices. This menu is part of our continual and ongoing focus on nutrition, quality and enjoyment contributing to the personal growth and well being of your children.
The Tuckshop has the responsibility of providing food that satisfies, tastes great, is good for well being and appealing. With this is mind we offer a range of quality meal deals which your children will enjoy and you will find easy to order. Please understand that to bring you these deals and values, the meal deals are only available as a complete meal as shown and are NOT interchangeable.
Ordering procedure
All parents are requested to write, in blue or black pen (do not use lead pencil, fluoro or glitter pens as these are difficult to read), each child's order on separate paper bags (NOT PLASTIC BAGS); one for 'Morning Tea' and one for 'Lunch'. Fold your paper bags in half then half again. There is no need for staples, foil, cling wrap or sticky tape. Please refrain, when possible, from sending large notes. Change will be taped in one corner of the bag. If you do not have paper bags at home, please place your order on a separate envelope for morning tea and lunch (same information required as below). We will provide paper bags at a charge of 10c each.
Mark each paper bag clearly with the following:
Your child's name and class
Morning Tea or Lunch (separate bags please)
Order e.g. Lasagne $3.00
State the amount enclosed
Paper bags are to be given to the classroom teachers as soon as the children come into school each day. These orders are placed in a basket which is then taken to the tuckshop. Here, parents on roster process the food orders and prepare the food for the day. Your co-operation in correct ordering procedure is vital.
The Morning Tea bags are collected, by the child, from the tuckshop at recess time, while the Lunch bags are filled and returned to the classroom in time for big lunch. Change owing in any order will be resealed in the paper bag and returned to the child with the food order. Children need to be trained to look for change. All help is valued at the Tuckshop. If you can only manage an hour at anytime, it is most appreciated.
Uniform
Our school dress code states that school uniform is to be worn on all occasions with the only jewellery being studs, sleepers and a watch. Make up is not to be worn to school. Our Helensvale school community takes pride in its school uniform, which has been extremely well received by parents since our school opened.
We would appreciate your support by having your child dressed in uniform at all times. Please remember that children are asked to wear closed footwear and socks to school. Thongs will never be an acceptable alternative.
Our school colours are two-tone green with white check and the school offers a choice of mix-match uniforms. This allows flexibility. Many children have both styles of uniform. For special occasions such as school photos, excursions etc. the preferred option is the check shirt for boys and check dress for girls. We prefer the green T-Shirt to be used for sports.
Uniforms are sold at the Uniform Shop on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8.15am to 10.30am and can be contacted on 5573 5210 during these times.
Order form and price list can be found on the school’s website. Follow the ‘Our School’ and ‘P & C Association’ links.
