PARENT HANDBOOK - ST FRANCIS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL TANNUM SANDS 2018
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ST FRANCIS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
TANNUM SANDS
PARENT HANDBOOK
2018
‘Journey as Family In Peace Through Love’
St Francis Catholic School
Prep – Year 6
PO Box 3506
Tannum Sands Qld 4680
Phone: 4973 3600 Fax: 4973 3611
Email: info@sftsrok.catholic.edu.au
Website: www.sftsrok.catholic.edu.au
Contents
WELCOME ...................................................................................................................................... 4
OUR VISION ................................................................................................................................... 5
OUR MISSION ................................................................................................................................ 6
SCHOOL PRAYER .......................................................................................................................... 7
ABOUT ST FRANCIS ..................................................................................................................... 7
SCHOOL DETAILS ........................................................................................................................ 9
Staff Professional Development Days (Student Free Days 2018) ................................................ 9
OUR STAFF 2018 ......................................................................................................................... 10
General Information ........................................................................................................................ 11
BOOK CLUB .................................................................................................................................. 12
CURRICULUM .............................................................................................................................. 12
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION .......................................................................................................... 13
DRILLS .......................................................................................................................................... 13
DUTY OF CARE ............................................................................................................................ 13
EMERGENCIES ........................................................................................................................... 13
ENROLMENT ............................................................................................................................... 14
EXCURSIONS ............................................................................................................................... 14
CAMPS ........................................................................................................................................... 14
FACILITIES .................................................................................................................................. 14
FEES .............................................................................................................................................. 15
FIRST AID ..................................................................................................................................... 15
FUNDRAISING ............................................................................................................................. 15
HOMEWORK................................................................................................................................. 16
INFECTIOUS DISEASES ............................................................................................................ 16
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM....................................................................................... 18
LEARNING SUPPORT ................................................................................................................. 18
LIBRARY/RESOURCE CENTRE ................................................................................................ 18
LITURGIES/MASSES................................................................................................................... 19
LOST PROPERTY ......................................................................................................................... 19
MEDICATION ............................................................................................................................... 19
MONEY .......................................................................................................................................... 20
NEWSLETTER .............................................................................................................................. 20
OFFICE HOURS........................................................................................................................... 20
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT ..................................................................................................... 20
PARENTS AND FRIENDS........................................................................................................... 21
PASTORAL CARE ........................................................................................................................ 21
PRAYER AND WORSHIP ............................................................................................................ 21
2
PREP .............................................................................................................................................. 21
PUPIL FREE DAYS ...................................................................................................................... 22
SCHOOL BOARD.......................................................................................................................... 22
TUCKSHOP ................................................................................................................................... 23
APPENDIX 1: STUDENT PROTECTION .................................................................................. 24
APPENDIX 2: DIOCESAN FEES AND LEVIES ....................................................................... 25
......................................................................................................................................................... 25
APPENDIX 3: 2018 SCHOOL FEE ............................................................................................. 28
APPENDIX 4: ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION ........................................................... 29
APPENDIX 5: ST FRANCIS UNIFORM POLICY .................................................................... 30
APPENDIX 6: KISS AND DROP ................................................................................................. 32
APPENDIX 7: COURT ORDERS ................................................................................................ 33
3
WELCOME
Dear Parents
Thank you for your interest in St Francis Catholic Primary School. On behalf of our students,
staff, parents and Parish Priest I extend a warm welcome to you and to your family. We hope
that your time with us will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for you and your family.
As Principal of St Francis, my aim is to ensure that all our students reach their absolute
potential. We are a school that focuses on living Christ-Centred values, teaching curriculum
through contemporary teaching and learning opportunities as well as providing stimulating
extracurricular opportunities. We strive for educational excellence by working towards making
every moment count. St Francis offers high quality learning programs in Learning Support,
Extension and Enrichment, Music and Performing Arts, Health and Physical Education, Digital
Literacies involving Coding and Robotics and Environmental Science in range of outdoor
learning facilities.
Working together in partnership with each other will maximise your child’s learning journey. I
encourage you to be part of the school community as there are many avenues for you to do
this. I look forward to walking alongside you and your family while you are here at our school
and may your schooling experience at St Francis be one that is rewarding, positive and
enjoyable.
Peace and God’s Blessing upon you and your family,
Kathleen Watt
PRINCIPAL
4
OUR VISION
St Francis Vision Statement
Inspired by our Franciscan values of
peace, love and acceptance, with
Christ at our Centre, we encourage
resilience, participation, diversity, a
sense of belonging and a love of life-
long learning.
5
OUR MISSION
This St Francis School Mission Statement echoes the ethos of precious and tangible Spiritual
relationships reflected in the 4 key principles of our school motto: ‘Journey together as Family in
Peace through Love’, by:
Supporting the family and wider Church with each child’s JOURNEY to reach their personal,
educational and spiritual potential;
Living as people in relationship, as a FAMILY, accepting difference, caring for one another
and growing together;
Striving for PEACE, under the patronage of Saint Francis, recognised in the respect for all of
God’s creation;
Living LOVE for one another, as Jesus has shown us, for God is LOVE.
6
SCHOOL PRAYER
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
………Amen
ABOUT ST FRANCIS
7
St Francis is located on a 10.52 hectare site off Hampton Drive in Tannum Sands. The site includes
areas of beautiful native vegetation adjacent to the Boyne River. As such, the site provides tranquil
surrounds and a special serenity ideal for a school. It also affords opportunities for environmental
learning and recreation.
Our school is a parish school, and as such the school leadership team maintains open lines of
communication with the wider parish community. The Parish Priest and a member of the parish are
members of the School Board. This arrangement ensures that two way communications takes
place.
The school has an active policy of inclusivity and children with identified needs are accepted into
the school after it has been established that the school is able to cater for their needs. Parents are
encouraged to be involved in school life at all levels, including assisting in classrooms, School Board
and Parents and Friends Association.
The school enrolment in 2017 is expected to be 250, comprised of 1 Prep class and 11 classes Year
1-6. The teaching staff is comprised of 12 class teachers; a Principal; an Assistant Principal Religious
Education, Assistant Principal Curriculum, a part-time Learning Support Teacher, Music teacher,
Extend and Enrich teacher and other teachers taking release. Other staff members include Office
Manager, Finance Officer, Part time Prep Educational Support Officer, Information Services and
Resource Co-ordinator (Library), Classroom Educational Support Officers, Grounds person and
Cleaner. The total number of staff members is approximately 40.
St Francis School Board is responsible for the school policies, which provide guidance for the
procedures implemented within our school.
At St Francis we recognise that the only experience of church for many families is the experiences
they have as a consequence of their involvement with the school. Therefore, we attempt to provide
relevant and contemporary experiences as well as traditional parish-based experiences.
8
SCHOOL DETAILS
Contact Details
Principal: Kathleen Watt
Address: St Francis Catholic School
PO Box 3506
Tannum Sands Qld 4680
Phone: 4973 3600
Fax: 4973 3611
Email: info@sftsrok.catholic.edu.au
Website: http://stfrancis.qld.edu.au
Queensland term dates – 2018
Term Dates Length
Term 1 Monday 22 January - Thursday 29 March 10 weeks
Term 2 Tuesday 17 April - Friday 29 June 11 weeks
Term 3 Monday 16 July - Friday 21 September 10 weeks
Term 4 Monday 8 October - Friday 7 December 9 weeks
Staff Professional Development Days (Student Free Days 2018)
15-19 January (Pre-start Days)
12 February (Bishop’s In-service Day)
16 April (Religious Education Inservice Day)
22 October (PSDE Day )
Bell Times
1st Bell 8.25am (to go to classroom)
2nd Bell 8.25am (prayer over loud speaker)
Lunch Play Break 10.30am – 11.10am
Afternoon Tea Play Break 1.10pm – 1.30pm
Bus Bell 2.35pm
End of School Day 2.45pm
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 8.00am – 3.30pm
Friday 8.00am – 3.00pm
9
OUR STAFF 2018
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Principal Kathleen Watt
Assistant Principal Religious Education/Learning Support Meredith Grove
Assistant Principal Curriculum/Inclusive Curriculum(Acting) Melissa Whalley
ADMINISTRATION
Office Manager Cheryl Hope
Finance Officer Michelle Croft
TEACHING TEAM
Ashleigh Marks Kylie Hennessy
Denielija Carman Deborah Whitfield (Student Protection Contact)
Amanda Ricciardi Elizabeth Wilson
Kate Hewitt Kylie Linforth
Leann Hansen (Student Protection Contact) Suzette Meiring
Melissa Whalley Lorrie-Ann Columbus
Nicole Rippingale Scott Pitt
Sharon Romagnolo Vanessa Fogarty
Sharyn Dicker
SUPPORT TEAM
Resource Centre Coordinator Samantha Skerman
Resource Centre Assistants Peta Jarvis
Information Technology Coordinator Mackenzie Pincham
Educational Support Officers Fiona Owen
Helen Millsom
Melanie Talke
Kylie Hennessy
Peta Jarvis
Tuckshop Elizabeth Bazuin
Groundsman Jim Hope
Gardens Jeniffer Lilley
Cleaners Natalia Kalugin
Instrumental Music Chelsea Elvery
Ron Samuels (Guitar)
Liping He (Piano)
Parish Office
Fr Kevin Redmond sm P.O Box 5062, Gladstone, Q, 4680
Fr Aliki Langi sm Phone: 4972 1025 sosglad@tpgi.com.au
Sister Noreen noreensmsm@yahoo.com
10General Information
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
The school has implemented an SMS service to parents when their child is absent without a reason.
A telephone call explaining the child’s absence on the actual day is important and should be
followed up by an explanation to the class teacher on return.
This note signed by the parent must state the date(s) and the reason(s) for the absence(s) along
with an explanation.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Students should arrive to start their day by 8.25am. Students do not go to classrooms but wait in
the undercover area. Supervision is provided from 8:10am. All children are seated in undercover
area until 8.20am. A short assembly is held each Monday at 8.25am and children leave the
assembly area with their teacher. Tuesday to Friday children walk to their classrooms when the
8.25am bell rings.
Children are dismissed at 2.45pm.
1. Children catching either the Buslink bus or the after school care bus will depart from Francis
Way and go to the kiss and drop area at 2.35pm.
2. Children being picked up by parents can be collected from the Kiss and Drop Zone on
Francis Way outside the admin building or parents may park in the school car park, Oaks
Road or Geoffrey Thomas Drive and walk in to the school to collect their child
3. Children walking or riding should go directly home.
ASSEMBLIES
St Francis Assemblies are held in either the Church or undercover area on some Friday mornings
from 8:35am. Class rotate in leading the school assembly. Parents and friends are welcome to
attend, so please refer to the term calendar and Parent Lounge for dates. Assemblies are an
opportunity to gather as a school community and share in the weekly events and achievements.
BANKING
The school provides the opportunity for students to open and maintain accounts with the
Commonwealth Bank. Banking Day is Friday. For every deposit made through St Francis a
commission is received by the school from the bank. Forms for school banking may be obtained
through the office.
11BOOK CLUB
Parents may order books for their children through Ashton Scholastic as well as Koorong Kids
Scholastic Book Club
Order forms will be distributed to children each month. If you wish to order any books you should
return the order form and the money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name, class and BOOK
CLUB clearly marked. Any cheques should be made payable to Scholastic Book Club. There are
separate order forms for each age range as follows:
WOMBAT: Preschool and Prep
LUCKY: Year 1 and 2
ARROW: Year 3 and 4
STAR/ARROW: Year 5 and 6
Koorong Kids Book Club
Supply a range of religious books and videos. Your child will receive an order form 4 times a year.
The ordering procedure is the same as for Scholastic with cheques to be made payable to Koorong
Kids.
CURRICULUM
The Curriculum of St Francis is designed to enable students to be active and effective participants in
their learning as well as in their local and global communities. The Curriculum embraces the
National Curriculum plus our studies of Religious Education. These areas of Teaching and Learning
are essential to meeting the educational needs of our students. Exciting student learning, diverse
opportunities for success, respecting the place of each individual in their educational journey is at
the heart of our work at St Francis School. Central to our role is educating students to respond to
the dynamic society in which we live. Curriculum pedagogies need to be flexible, adaptable and
responsive to the individual needs of each student.
Learners at St Francis have access to:
The critical use of a range of spoken, written and visual texts to assist students in developing
knowledge and skills about how language functions, as well as how texts reflect and shape
social attitudes and practices.
Mathematical concepts, skills and processes that will support them in developing the skills
needed to be efficient problem solvers and fully functioning members of society.
Creating, collecting, holding, processing, presenting and communicating electronic
information in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes.
Creating products, processes and systems to solve perceived problems or meet perceived
needs.
12 Investigative studies of the physical world that encourages learners to be questioning,
reflective, creative and critical thinkers.
The study of how the life experiences and relationships of individuals and groups are shaped
and characterised by particular social, cultural, religious, historical, economic, political,
technological and ecological systems and structures.
Health studies that explore individual and community: well-being, health, behaviour,
physical, social and emotional development … weekly physical education lesson with
specialist teacher focusing on skills related to learners physical development as well as sport
specific skills.
Visual Arts, Drama and Music. Music has a special focus through weekly singing, listening,
playing, moving, creating and responding.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
St Francis offers a contemporary learning experience in Religious Education. Based on their
understanding of how Catholics Believe, Live and Celebrate, learners are supported as they develop a
sense of spirituality in their own lives. With Jesus Christ at its Centre, the experience encourages
learners to explore the story of God’s relationship with people and creation, as expressed in Scripture
and Catholic Tradition.
DRILLS
An effective full school fire drill occurs twice a year and lockdown drills are also performed twice a
year, so that students and staff are always well prepared in case of an emergency.
If parents wish to see the Procedure Documents for either of these they are on the walls in every
classroom next to the Evacuation Charts.
DUTY OF CARE
St Francis Catholic Primary School has legal, moral and social obligations to care for the safety and
well-being of your child while he/she is in our care. Legally, all staff are required to act with
common sense and a responsible approach which endeavours to protect your child’s safety.
EMERGENCIES
In the case of accidents resulting in serious injuries, parents will be notified immediately. Should
the parent be unavailable, the child will be taken to the Gladstone Hospital by Ambulance. It is
vitally important that parents keep their children’s personal records up to date in case of an
emergency.
13ENROLMENT
St Francis is open to all who seek our values.
Enrolments for Prep are called for in the previous year. Ongoing enrolments may be taken at any
time if class sizes allow.
Enrolment forms are available from the St Francis office. Completed forms are submitted with an
enrolment fee of $30. Receipt of form and payment will be acknowledged via letter and receipt of
payment. An interview with the Principal will then be arranged to explain our school mission,
values and approaches and to welcome your child and family into the St Francis Community.
After the interview, you will receive an ‘Offer of Acceptance’ confirming a placement for your child.
Information about school policies, procedures including uniform, parent meetings and transition
visits will be available at this time.
EXCURSIONS
Excursions, performances and invited tuition from outside agencies (e.g. Swimming Instruction,
Environmental Learning Centre and Arts Council occur throughout the school year. Since all
approved excursions are relevant to the school curriculum, students are expected to participate. A
general consent form is completed on enrolment to cover your child’s participation in all activities
conducted by or with the approval of the school. Information regarding the activity will be sent
home with your child well beforehand. A Specific Purpose Levy is included in your child’s school
fees which covers all excursions, performances and bus fares.
CAMPS
Camps are held for Senior classes each year. Camps are funded by parent payment.
FACILITIES
St Francis is located in a beautiful bush setting at Canoe Point and is a fully air-conditioned school
which incorporates modern design and energy saving principles. Our facilities include:
Science Room
Outdoor classroom
School Hall
Hermitage – wetlands area
Media Room
Resource Centre
St Francis Information Technology Program includes:
Laptops linked to a server with broadband internet connection
Interactive whiteboards in all classrooms
iPad’s for all classes
Multimedia equipment including webcams, digital video camera and digital cameras
A range of educational software
Wireless Network Connection
14FEES
Accounts are issued quarterly, usually during the second week of the term. Payments may be made
by Cash, Cheque, Credit Card, BPay, Direct Debit, Internet Banking or via parent lounge. Please
enquire at the school office for further information regarding these facilities. Payment may be
made in full or you may wish to arrange to pay weekly, fortnightly or in some other format.
School Fee Assistance is available to eligible families who may be experiencing financial
hardship. Total or partial exemption from the payment of fees is available on application to the
Principal to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
A discount is also available for eligible concession card holders. To apply for this discount, please
take your concession card to the office.
FIRST AID
When a child is injured at school, every care will be taken to ensure the child’s safety. The normal
procedure will be:
1. Basic first aid will be administered to minor injuries.
2. In more serious cases the school will endeavour to notify the child’s parents/guardian
and seek their advice.
3. If the parents/guardian cannot be contacted or the situation warrants it, the Principal
will take whatever action he deems necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the
child, eg. Call an ambulance to take the child immediately to a doctor, dentist or the
hospital.
FUNDRAISING
St Francis P & F Association has introduced a voluntary levy of $25 per family which is paid each
term to raise money to go directly towards resources to benefit the children. This levy was
introduced to alleviate the raising of funds through raffles etc. In addition, the P & F run 1 or 2
large fund raisers per year such as the St Francis Community Market and High Tea. We have this
levy to alleviate the need to raise funds through many small fundraisers such as raffles and pie
drives etc. The levy is voluntary because we also understand that everyone's financial situation is
different. If you decide not to pay the levy, we ask that you contribute to our school community in
15other ways (covering books in the library, helping in the Tuckshop, listening to early readers,
etc.). Some parents choose to pay the levy and contribute as a volunteer in our school community
and we are very thankful to these people - our children are the end beneficiaries of all the funds
raised and the time volunteered If the levy is not supported by the majority of parents then we will
have more smaller fundraisers throughout the year to ensure we can continue to support the
school as we have in the past - using P&F funds to purchase much need resources for inside and
outside the classrooms and improving the learning and teaching environment at our school.
HOMEWORK
Homework provides an opportunity for children to reflect on and reinforce their learning. It also
gives parents a window to what children are doing at school and provides them with one way to be
involved in their children’s education.
All children should have some form of homework, based on the ‘Homework Grid’ framework. This
may include:
Reading or being read to
Practising spelling and tables
Contracts, activities and tasks
In all cases homework should be clearly related to what is being learnt in class and should take a
form suitable to children’s age and development. Homework is set by the classroom teacher in
accordance with the homework guidelines.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The following Health Department Information is provided for your information and guidance.
CONDITION CASES CONTACTS
Chicken Pox Exclude until fully recovered or at least 5 days Any child with an immune
(Varicella and Herpes After the eruption first appears. Note – some deficiency (e.g. leukaemia or
Zoster) remaining scabs are not an indication for Receiving chemotherapy)
continued exclusion Should be excluded for their
own protection. Otherwise
not
excluded.
Conjunctivitis Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased. Not excluded.
(Acute Infectious)
Diarrhoea Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased. Not excluded.
(Rotavirus, Giardia,
Salmonella,
Campylobacter)
Diarrhoea Preschools. Cases may return to preschool Not excluded.
(Shigella) once diarrhoea stops. However, they should
be discouraged from sharing food with other
children until 2 faecal cultures collected 24
hours apart are negative.
Diphtheria Exclude until medical certificate of recovery Exclude family/ household
16following at least 2 negative throat swabs, the contacts until cleared by an
first not less than 24 hours after cessation of appropriate health authority.
antibiotic treatment and the other 48 hours
later.
Glandular Fever Exclusion not necessary. Not excluded.
Hepatitis A Exclude until receipt of a medical certificate of Not excluded.
recovery but not before 7 days after the onset
of jaundice.
Hepatitis B Exclusion not necessary. Not excluded.
Hepatitis C Exclusion not necessary. Not excluded.
Human Immunodeficiency Exclusion not necessary unless person has Not excluded.
Virus Infection (HIV) secondary infection requiring exclusion in it
own right..
Impetigo Exclude until appropriate treatment has Not excluded.
(School sores) commenced and sores on exposed surfaces are
covered with a dressing.
Leprosy Exclude until approval to return has been given Not excluded.
by an appropriate health authority.
Measles Exclude at least 4 days from the appearance of Immunised contacts not
rash excluded. Non-immunised
contacts should be excluded
until 14 days after the first day
of appearance of rash in the
last case. If non-immunised
contacts are vaccinated within
72 hrs of their first contact
with the index case they may
return to school.
Meningitis Exclude until well. Not excluded.
(bacterial)
Meningococcal Infection Exclude until well. Not excluded.
Mumps Exclude for at least 9 days after onset of Not excluded.
symptoms.
Poliomyelitis Exclude for at least 14 days from onset. Re- Not excluded.
admit on a medical certificate on recovery.
Ringworms, Scabies, Exclude until the day after treatment has Not excluded.
Pediculosos (lice), commenced.
Trachoma
Rubella Exclude until the person has recovered or for Not excluded.
(German Measles) at least 4 days after the onset of rash. Note: Female staff of
childbearing age should ensure
that their immune status
against rubella is adequate.
Streptococcal Infection Exclude until the person has received Not excluded.
(Including Scarlet Fever) antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hrs and the
person feels well.
Tuberculosis Exclude until production of medical certificate Not excluded.
from appropriate health authority.
Typhoid and Paratyphoid Exclude until production of a medical Not excluded.
17Fever certificate of recovery.
Whooping cough Exclude for 5 days after starting antibiotic Exclude unimmunised
(Pertussis) treatment. household contacts aged less
than 7 years for 14 days after
the last exposure to infection
or until they have received 5
days of a 14 day course of
antibiotics.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
St Francis has a School Band, Choir and where possible offers other instrumental tuition. The
instrumental program is offered to students in Years 3–6 only. Lessons take place during school
time each term and tuition is available for brass, woodwind, percussion instruments, piano and
guitar. Interested students must have access to the instrument of their choice. The teacher will
provide information for parents on where to hire or purchase instruments. St Francis does have
some instruments for hire. Information regarding the cost and times of lessons is distributed to
interested families at the beginning of each school year or on arrival for new families.
LEARNING SUPPORT
The school has an active policy of inclusivity and children with identified needs are accepted into
the school after it has been established that the school is able to cater for their needs. Parents are
encouraged to be involved in school life at all levels, including assisting in classrooms, School Board
and Parents and Friends Association.
The school has a student population with a wide range of learning needs. We recognise that some
students will require intervention in order to access the curriculum. Other students are offered
extension activities through an enrichment program. In collaboration with the Learning Support
Co-ordinator, teachers cater for the varying learning styles and levels within their classes through a
data gathering process, identification of specific needs and appropriate planning for intervention.
Programs like; CAFÉ, Total Motion, Extend and Enrich are just some of the ways in which St Francis
caters for students with different learning needs.
LIBRARY/RESOURCE CENTRE
The children have the opportunity to use the Resource Centre each week for research information,
communication and technology purposes. It is a requirement that the children use a library bag to
keep their school library books in good condition and make them easier to find. Students may
borrow one book at a time for a period of one week and one Lexile book per week for students on
the Lexile Program. Books must be returned at the end of the one week borrowing period. At the
end of each term all books must be returned.
Where books are either damaged or lost by a student, replacement or cost recovery may be
required.
18LITURGIES/MASSES
Celebration of our Catholic Tradition embraces all through regular whole school, class, Sacramental
and shared Parish Masses and Liturgies. Families, friends and visitors are encouraged to join
children in these celebrations. These events are advertised through class, school and parish
newsletters and signs.
LOST PROPERTY
All lost property items are stored in our Lost Property Box situated in the school office and students
are reminded regularly to check this venue if they have lost any items. Items with clearly marked
labels are returned to students via their class teachers. All remaining items will be given to the
uniform shop for sale as second hand items
MEDICATION
Where possible medication should be taken at home, however when it is necessary for medication
to be taken at school you will need to complete an ‘Administration of Medication During School
Hours’ form. This is available via the school office or the school website. (A copy is included for
your reference at the back of this booklet). The First Aid Officer will administer all medication after
receiving the completed form and clearly labelled medication is provided. Only medication
prescribed by a doctor in its original case with the doctor/chemist label will be administered.
No School/Staff Member is to administer Panadol, (a schedule 2 poison) or similar product, to a
student unless the Panadol has a chemist label or written instruction from that person’s medical
practitioner. Parental request/permission alone without the chemist/doctor’s label is not sufficient
to meet the requirements of legislation.
A medical register is established for your child and after medication is administered an entry is
made in the register and signed by the Principal.
Children are allowed to carry Ventolin inhalers for use in an emergency. All other medication must
be stored in the Sick Bay.
MOBILE PHONES must be handed and collected by the class teacher daily. The office phone is used
for all interactions with family throughout the school day. We understand that some children may
have mobile phones as a safety measure for travelling to and from school walking or by bike. This
is the family responsibility in the same way as any electronic equipment is if it is lost/missing. In
the same way IPods and electronic equipment are not to be at school unless teacher directed.
Teachers will collect and return at the end of the day. They are definitely not to be taken out at Kiss
and Drop. USBs are only to be used for research and assignment work.
19MONEY
Please send all money to school in an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name, year, the
amount enclosed and purpose (eg. Bookclub). Children hand all money to their teacher who will
forward it on to the school office.
NEWSLETTER
School newsletters are distributed to the eldest child in each family every Thursday via e-mail or
paper form (if required). Please take the time to read through the newsletter as it is a vital
communication link between the school, parents and the wider community. Items of general or
community interest may be left with our school secretary by 1pm on Wednesday afternoon.
OFFICE HOURS
St Francis office is open from 8.00am – 3.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am to 3.00pm on
Friday.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
The building of Community at St Francis is a shared responsibility. It involves actively nurturing the
relationships between students, families, staff, parish and the wider community. Integral to this is
the development of a welcoming and supportive culture.
We welcome parent participation in:
School Board
Parents and Friends
Banking
Classroom Support
Sports Coaching
Assemblies
Class and School Masses
Social Events
Learning Assistance Programs
Working Bees
Sporting Activities
Class Representatives
In addition there are a number of Task Groups where parents can contribute their time, gifts
and talents.
P & F Association
Pastoral Care
Grants
Uniforms
20 Grounds & Environment
Fundraising
Tuckshop
PARENTS AND FRIENDS
The Parents and Friends Association is responsible for fostering a sense of community within the
school. They are also very active with their social activities and fundraising events. The P & F meet
on the 2nd Tuesday most months at 6:00pm and appreciate membership and support from all St
Francis parents.
PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral Care at St Francis sees a lived, tangible environment of love and care. Students, staff and
families share in the responsibility for themselves and others so that everyone feels safe and
happy. It is characterised by a strong sense of belonging to family.
PRAYER AND WORSHIP
Prayer and worship are an integral part of our school life. Within each class, regular opportunities
are provided for the children to plan, prepare and attend/participate in prayer and all liturgies.
PREP
St Francis offers the full-time preparatory year program.
Enrolment in the preparatory year is open to children who turn five before 30 June.
Child’s Birthdate Eligible for Preparatory Eligible for Year 1 in
Year in
1 July 2013 - 30 June 2014 2019 2020
1 July 2014 -30 June 2015 2020 2021
The Prep class follow the Australian Curriculum and The Early years Guidelines which is tailored to
the individual needs and development of each child.
The Prep Curriculum Guidelines describe the essential elements of an effective Early Childhood
Curriculum. The Foundation Learning Areas in Prep provide a link between the prior learning
experiences of children and later learning that children will engage in as they follow their schooling.
Further information on the Early Years of learning may be obtained either from the school or by
reference to the Diocesan Catholic Education Website.
Catholic Education schools within the Diocese of Rockhampton accept the responsibility to
promote learning in the preparatory year that reflects their Catholic ethos and provides flexible
learning environments based upon the contexts of learning appropriate to the preparatory year.
These contexts for learning are identified as play, real life situations, investigations, routines and
transitions, focused teaching and learning, teachable moments.
21Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton acknowledges the importance of the
preparatory year as a significant part of life long and life wide learning. Learning in the early years is
the foundation of a child’s cognitive, spiritual, emotional, social, creative and physical self. Through
nurturing a love of learning and inquiry, children make meaningful relationships and connections
with their world. Central to learning in the early years is relationships – relationships with self, with
families, with the world and with God.
Each Prep class has a teacher and an Educational Support Officer. Children wear the same school
uniform as the rest of the school so they are part of the school identity.
PUPIL FREE DAYS
Parents will be notified of term dates and pupil free days that occur within each term via the school
newsletter and on the school website.
SCHOOL BOARD
The School Board is entrusted with the responsibility as Spiritual Guardians of St Francis School.
The Board is responsible for supporting the Principal with finances, planning and development for
the future as well as day to day management. Pastoral Care is a ministry that the Board extends to
the whole school community, students, parents and staff.
Membership of the School Board consists of the Parish Priest, Principal and elected members.
SICK BAY
Students unable to continue classes due to illness will be taken to the school sick bay which is
located in the office where parents will be notified. The child’s parents and family doctor and/or an
ambulance are all contacted should a child require urgent medical attention.
STUDENT RECORDS
It is important that the school office retains up to date records of each family in the school. Please
ensure that you advise the office of any changes to the information on record. In particular, the
following variations should be notified.
Change of address
Change of telephone contact numbers
Change of emergency contacts
Change of family doctor or dentist
Serious health conditions
22TUCKSHOP
The tuckshop is open on Tuesday 1st Break and Friday for first and second break.
Our school has a great online ordering system for the tuckshop called FlexiSchools. This system
allows parents or students to place orders from home, work or school at any time before the cut-
off in the morning. The payment is also done online, so you no longer need to send cash or a
paper order to school. As well as being convenient for parents, the online orders are much faster
and easier for the tuckshop to process - so it makes everyone’s life a little easier. FlexiSchools is
well established and tested, operating in hundreds of schools across Australia.
Getting online is easy and only takes a second to register. Simply go to www.flexischools.com.au
and click on “Register”. You will be sent an email with further instructions on how to complete the
registration. Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately. If you have any questions,
FlexiSchools provide a great help desk on 1300 361 769, or you can contact them via their website.
There are a variety of payment options supported, including Visa, Mastercard (credit and debit),
Bank Transfer and Payclick. The system operates via a pre-paid account, so you don’t need to
scrounge for coins in the morning and can easily budget for your tuckshop spending throughout the
term.
Cut-off time for orders is 08:10am on a Tuesday and Friday.
Please note that a limited menu is available to parents/students who order their tuckshop via a
written brown paper bag. If you order anything that is not on this menu, the order will be
changed to an item available on the menu with the same monetary value.
- When ordering from the tuckshop via a written brown paper bag please also include the correct
money for 1st break and 2nd break as this will greatly help and reduce the time it takes to stick
change on the bags.
- When ordering from the tuckshop via a written brown paper bag, please make sure that you fill
out separate bags for 1st break and 2nd break.
Class boxes will be collected at the beginning of first and second break. Please note: No ice blocks,
frozen yoghurts or ice-cream sales during second break.
UNIFORM
The St Francis school uniform is available from the Uniform Shop. The shop is currently located
behind the Administration School Office in the Administration building. The hours of opening are:
Wednesday 2:30pm-3:00pm and Friday 8.15am– 8.45am. Purchases can be paid for by cash or
card (Visa, Bankcard and MasterCard). Personal cheques cannot be accepted. The shop will have a
selection of second hand uniforms available, depending on availability of stock.
23APPENDIX 1: STUDENT PROTECTION
24APPENDIX 2: DIOCESAN FEES AND LEVIES
2526
27
APPENDIX 3: 2018 SCHOOL FEE
Fees and Levies 2018
2 Primary Students per 3 Primary Students per 4 Primary Students
1 Primary Student per year (12.5% discount on year (35% discount on per year (50%
year Tuition) Tuition) discount on Tuition)
Tuition Fee $1,220.00 $2,135.00 $2,379.00 $2,440.00
Building Fund Levy $350.00 $350.00 $350.00 $350.00
Consumable Levy $75.00 $150.00 $225.00 $300.00
Resource Levy $155.00 $310.00 $465.00 $620.00
Grounds Levy $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00
Specific Purpose Levy $100.00 $200.00 $300.00 $400.00
Technology Levy $100.00 $200.00 $200.00 $200.00
TOTAL $2,075.00 $3,420.00 $3,994.00 $4,385.00
P&F Levy (voluntary) $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
TOTAL $2,175.00 $3,520.00 $4,094.00 $4,485.00
Accounts are issued quarterly and payable by the due date unless a payment plan is in place. It is possible to pay weekly,
fortnightly or monthly via direct debit. These arrangements can be made by contacting the school Finance Officer.
It is the responsibility of all parents to pay school fees when attending Catholic schools. Your contribution through
school fees is essential to the continued operation of your Catholic school. If you are having difficulty in paying school
fees, please contact the Principal to discuss alternative arrangements.
DIOCESAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS BUILDING LEVY - $350 per family per year
This levy is collected and managed by the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Rockhampton to maintain and develop
existing school buildings.
CONSUMABLES LEVY - $75.00 per child per year
This levy covers Art and Craft materials, Science materials, cooking requisites, general paper and printing costs for the
classroom and day to day requirements as needed by the teachers.
RESOURCE LEVY - $155.00 per student per year
This levy is used for specific Curriculum resources and materials accessed by all students. These subjects include;
Religion, English, Mathematics, Science, HaSS, The Arts, PE and LOTE.
GROUNDS LEVY - $75.00 per family per year
Each family will be charged a grounds levy to help maintain the gardens and grounds.
SPECIFIC PURPOSE LEVY - $100.00 per child per year
This levy covers the cost of additional activities to support curriculum delivery across the school, including swimming
lessons, Arts Council, Life Education, minor excursions, visiting artists, end of year activities, etc.
TECHNOLOGY LEVY - $100.00 per child per year
This levy is used to maintain and improve the standard of technology in our school.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS LEVY - $100.00 per family per year
The P&F levy is in lieu of major and significant fund raising. This is a voluntary levy.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS CHARGED TO SCHOOL FEE ACCOUNTS
$15.00
Instrumental Music Program (optional) - per term. Please Note: Private Tutor charges also apply
Independent Music Program (guitar, piano – optional) - per term. Please Note: Private Tutor $10.00
charges also apply
Instrument Hire $50.00
Year 5 Chaverim Leadership Camp $260.00
Year 6 Currimundi Camp $460.00
Class Specific Curriculum Apps and Online Resources (Charged Term 1) $ 20.00APPENDIX 4: ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
To be completed by parents
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION DURING SCHOOL HOURS
I request that my child: ________________________________________________________
(Full name of child)
be allowed to take medication at school according to instructions from:
___________________________________________________________________________
(Full name of Doctor)
The medication has been prescribed for the following reason:__________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Medication Name Dosage Time/s of Special Instruction Self-
Administering Administer
(Yes/No)
I hereby give permission to the Principal to obtain relevant information from the Prescribing
Doctor.
I accept and agree to observe the conditions imposed by the school and understand and agree that
it is my responsibility to inform the Principal of any changes involving the administration of the
medicine.
29Signed: __________________________________ Date: _____________________
APPENDIX 5: ST FRANCIS UNIFORM POLICY
St Francis School Uniform Policy
1. Policy Statement: All students are required to wear the prescribed uniform when in
attendance at school or representing the school in the wider
community.
2. Policy Our uniform policy aims to achieve the following:
Objectives: 1. To standardise uniform requirements for all students
2. To clearly show the identity of students at school and in the
wider community
3. To maintain the affordability of uniforms, ensure the comfort
of the student is considered and to meet the appropriate
‘sunsmart’ expectations of parents and the community
4. To give clear and comprehensive guidelines for the school
uniform.
3. Guidelines:
3.1 Prescribed Uniform
Item Policy Notes
All students Polo St Francis Stripe Polo Shirt Designed to be worn out for
comfort.
Sports/House Sports Polo incorporating the Designed to be worn out for
Polo school colours and sports house comfort. Worn at Athletics and
colours Swimming carnivals. Also worn
once a week on PE Day.
Socks St Francis logo sports crew socks To be purchased from the uniform
shop
Shoes Black closed in shoes with Laces or No buckles, T-bar, canvas, volleys
Velcro or Mary-Jane type footwear.
Preferred black jogger.
Hat Navy/ Lime St Francis Bucket Hat
Jacket/Vest Navy St Francis zip jacket or vest Winter
Pants Navy tracksuit pants Winter
Girls Culottes/Skorts Navy culottes sizes 4 - 22
Tights Navy tights Winter - worn under culottes.
Boys Shorts Ruggers Shorts as at Uniform Shop Not cargo or any other style
Note: shorter length available only
sizes 4 – 8
30Year 6 Polo Year 6 or Senior Polo Sizes 10-20
Students This is an alternative and not a
replacement.
Year 6 students still require the
striped St Francis Polo. This is
worn when representing at Port
Curtis sports days.
3.2 Other requirements
Item Policy Notes
Jewelry Necklaces No lockets or other necklaces. Only a cross / religious medal (i.e.
Must be kept St
to a minimum Christopher) allowed and should be
worn under Polo and not be seen.
Watch Watches permitted
Earrings Plain gold or silver studs allowed with None to be present elsewhere on
one in each lobe only ear
Sleepers are not to be worn
Rings Specific signet rings allowed No other rings permitted
Bangles / Not permitted
bracelets
Body Body Not permitted
markings piercing
Tattooing Not permitted
Make up Not permitted
Hair Style Extreme hairstyles which draw
attention to the student through cut,
colour, additive products etc are not
permitted.
Long hair Long hair (below shoulder length) All ribbons, headbands etc must be
must be worn tied back in school colours (black, white, navy
blue, green only)
Fingernails Style Must be trimmed to fingertip length
and no colours allowed
3.3 Non compliance to Policy
When students are not in correct uniform, a note will be sent home to parents indicating what the issue is
and parents are asked to attend to the issue.
If there is a particular reason as to why a child is not in correct uniform, a note from parents to the class
teacher is required in the diary.
Non compliance with the correct uniform policy means no play (for example: no hat, no play)
For exceptions to the above requirements (i.e. medical issues) authorization should be obtained from the
Principal.
31APPENDIX 6: KISS AND DROP
The Kiss and Drop Zone is an area near the school gates that enables you to drop your child off
safely and quickly. The intention is that drivers do not wait in these zones and that they stay in the
vehicle so that throughput is streamlined and traffic queues are minimised. In reality it only takes a
few inconsiderate drivers to overstay in the zones and the system breaks down, leading to
frustration and delays. Orange witches hats are placed along the lane to stop frustrated drivers
from pulling out into oncoming traffic which could cause an accident.
DROP OFF RULES:
Kiss & Drop is a ‘No Parking’ zone.
Drive all the way to the Tuckshop.
Drivers must stay in the vehicle. If you need to buckle your children in it is best you use the
car park rather than kiss and drop.
Ensure children have their school bags and hats with them in their seats, so they can leave
the vehicle as soon as vehicle has stopped.
If bags are in the boot and children need help then proceed to the designated parking area
to assist. Bags should not be in the boot unless you are parking.
Ensure children ONLY leave the vehicle from the footpath side door not the road side.
Never double park.
If you want to get out of the car drive to the designated parking area.
Do not park in the Staff Car Park opposite the office.
The teacher on morning Kiss & Drop morning duty will assist your children in getting out of
the car.
PICK UP:
Drive slowly into the school keeping to the right make your way around the centre island and
stop. A volunteer will indicate to you when its time, usually around 2:50pm, to make your way into
the Kiss & Drop lane. The same rules as above apply for children to get into the vehicle.
32APPENDIX 7: COURT ORDERS
PO Box 3506
TANNUM SANDS Q. 4680
Phone: 0749 733 600
Fax: 0749 733 611
Email: info@sfts.rok.catholic.edu.au
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
It is our privilege as a school and as educators, to support you in the up-bringing of your
child/children. To assist us in meeting this obligation to you as the primary educators of your
child/children, we request updates of any Family Court Orders. It is vital that we, as a school, are
kept up-to-date with these very important matters as this information will assist us in supporting
the safety and legal guardianship of the child/children and enable us to keep avenues of
communication open to all parties.
A copy of any Court Order will be kept on the child/children’s file and as Principal, I will keep a
copy. All of these files are kept in a secure and confidential place.
Thank you for your support in this matter.
Kind Regards
Kathleen Watt
PRINCIPAL
33APPENDIX 8: Tuckshop Order Process
Our school has introduced an online ordering system for the tuckshop called FlexiSchools. This
system allows parents or students to place orders from home, work or school at any time before
the cut-off in the morning. The payment is also done online, so you no longer need to send cash
or a paper order to school. As well as being convenient for parents, the online orders are much
faster and easier for the tuckshop to process - so it makes everyone’s life a little easier.
FlexiSchools is well established and tested, operating in hundreds of schools across Australia.
Getting online is easy and only takes a second to register. Simply go to www.flexischools.com.au
and click on “Register”. You will be sent an email with further instructions on how to complete the
registration. Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately. If you have any questions,
FlexiSchools provide a great help desk on 1300 361 769, or you can contact them via their website.
There are a variety of payment options supported, including Visa, Mastercard (credit and debit),
Bank Transfer and Payclick. The system operates via a pre-paid account, so you don’t need to
scrounge for coins in the morning and can easily budget for your tuckshop spending throughout the
term.
Cut-off time for orders is 08:10am on a Tuesday and Thursday.
Please note that a limited menu is available to parents/students who order their tuckshop via a
written brown paper bag. If you order anything that is not on this menu, the order will be
changed to an item available on the menu with the same monetary value.
- When ordering from the tuckshop via a written brown paper bag please also include the correct
money for 1st break and 2nd break as this will greatly help and reduce the time it takes to stick
change on the bags.
- When ordering from the tuckshop via a written brown paper bag, please make sure that you fill
out separate bags for 1st break and 2nd break.
Volunteering in the tuckshop is a great way to meet new parents and the students loves to see
their parents at school. We will continue to ask for volunteers via the class roster system. If you
volunteer for a specific day and time, confirmation will be in the weekly St Francis Newsletter
under the Tuckshop section. If you cannot make it, please be so kind and let me know via e-
mail/telephone or text message so that I can make arrangements for a replacement volunteer to
assist me. If you want to volunteer on a more regular basis that would also be great and much
appreciated.
If you have any questions, please contact the Tuckshop convenor Elize Bazuin at school or via
e-mail: elizabeth_bazuin@rok.catholic.edu.au
APPENDIX 9: UNIFORM ORDER FORM
34APPENDIX 10- PARENTS AND FRIENDS WELCOME LETTER
35Who we are & what we do?
The Parents and Friends Association (P&F) provides support, information and involvement for parents
in their children’s learning and the school community. The Association provides the opportunity for
parents, staff and friends to collaborate and promote the principles of Catholic education.
The P&F structure comprises;
P&F Executive: provides governance to the overall efforts of the P&F. They organize, chair and
administer the P&F meetings and work with Leadership and staff to identify, prioritize and
purchase vital resources. This group also supports each of the below groups.
Community Liaison Representative: ensures new families are welcomed (eg via Meet and Greet
morning teas), supports the entire community of St Francis (especially those in need eg illness) and
maximizes communication relating to school and P&F events.
Grounds group: are responsible for taking care of our grounds and ensuring our children have
beautiful surroundings within which to grow and learn.
Uniform group: are responsible for providing our children and school with a strong identity.
Grants group: actively looks for opportunities to apply for sponsorship from industry, business and
government institutions.
Social/event subgroups: provides opportunities for parents/ friends/students/staff to come
together to socialise and build a strong community spirit. eg discos, BBQs, Mother’s Day/Father’s
Day stalls.
Fundraising subgroups: (eg Ladies Day and Market Day) organize major fundraising events each
year.
How can you get involved?
1. P&F meetings provide the opportunity to discuss parent issues, concerns and suggestions with
School Leadership and staff, identify resources/events for the school and plan how we can meet
those needs. New ideas are always welcome.
2. Support the task groups of the P&F; there are always opportunities to get involved and offer your
support.
3. Take part in our fundraising/social events; these events are fun and provide an opportunity to
support and build the school community spirit.
4. Financial support through the P&F Levy; the $25 per term, per family, P&F Levy as part of your
school fees, goes a long way to providing additional resources to our children throughout the year.
The P&F Levy is optional, however, allows the P&F to limit fundraising efforts each year. Without
this important contribution, the P&F would need to hold additional fundraising initiatives
throughout the year, asking for increased financial support from our parents and friends. Please
support this levy.
When we meet?
The P&F meets twice a term in the staff room. All parents/carers of a child enrolled at St Francis
Catholic Primary School are members of the P&F Association, and are welcome to attend meetings.
“Children first and foremost”
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