2021 Information for parents - John Curtin College of the Arts
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Information for
parents
2021
2 / Parent Information 2021
Welcome
Welcome to John Curtin College of the Arts. Creativity allows
us to work with our
This booklet will share with you information about individual passions
college operations and is intended to help you have a to be engaged and
better understanding of how our college works. motivated in all
Our priorities of wellbeing, excellence and creativity parts of college
are at the centre of our decision making and care for life.
children. On behalf of the
We promote a safe and inclusive environment school community,
and support physical and mental wellness. Our I would like to welcome all our families to the
students’ learning occurs within a caring, supportive college. We wish your family every success on your
environment and our college strives to provide a journey at John Curtin College of the Arts.
holistic education for all, with a focus on students Mitchell Mackay
pursuing personal excellence. Principal
We celebrate achievement for all and work with every
student to help them realise their personal potential.
Our commitment is to not only build capacity in
students’ academic pursuits but also to celebrate
their achievements in all facets of their education.
Our commitment to developing curiosity,
imagination and innovation in every student is at the
forefront of our learning and teaching.
Our Vision
Developing learners with integrity who care, lead and
positively contribute to the community.
Our Values
Inspiring the Mind
Curiosity, Imagination and Innovation
N urturing the Person
Respect, care and compassion
Learning for Life
Resilience, Perseverance and Reflection
Connecting with Community
Social, Cultural and Environmental Responsibility
Parent Information 2021 / 3
Key Dates
Term Dates, Public Holidays and Student Free Days
Term 1 Monday 1 February Students return
Monday 1 March Labour Day Public Holiday
Friday 5 March School Development/Pupil Free Day
Monday 26 March Parent Night/Pupil Free Day
Thursday 1 April End of Term 1
Friday 2 April Good Friday
Term 2 Monday 19 April Start of Term 2
Monday 26 April ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Monday 7 June Western Australia Day
Tuesday 29 June Parent Night/Pupil Free Day
Friday 2 July End of Term 2
Term 3 Tuesday 20 July Start of Term 3
Friday 24 September End of Term 3
Term 4 Monday 11 October Start of Term 4
Friday 5 Novemberr School Development/Pupil Free Day
Thursday 16 December End of Term 4
Curiosity
Imagination
Innovation
4 / Parent Information 2021
Inspiring the mind
5 / Parent Information 2021
Health and Wellbeing 6 / Parent Information 2021
Student Support
We value connecting with each other to promote a strong sense
of belonging, social responsibility, individual wellbeing and the
pursuit of lifelong learning goals.
PROPEL
Student Services Lynne Ivicevic - Coordinator
Our Student Services team supports students to Emma James
achieve the best possible educational outcomes
Ellen Morrissey - EALD
and career pathways in a safe and caring learning
environment. Health and Wellbeing Centre
We work in partnership with students, teachers, Alyce Cullen - Nurse
parents and the wider community in areas Kellie Muletta - Nurse
including:
Marg Shooter - Psychologist
• transition to high school
Kylie Mathieson - Psychologist
• attendance
Other support services
• academic monitoring and support
Jane Nielsen - Careers Coordinator
• learning support
Donna Lynch - Course Advisor
• subject selection and career guidance
Jeremy Wheaton - Chaplain, Photographer,
• pastoral care Lunchtime Sport Coordinator, Peer Support
• social, emotional, mental and physical Coordinator
wellbeing
• behaviour management Triage System
• peer relationships Our Student Services operates with a Triage
System. When your child visits Student Services
• bullying prevention during the school day they will be triaged. This
• student council means we will assess the urgency of the situation
and arrange meetings with the right person at a
• house system
suitable time. This may not be immediate and will
• assemblies occur on a needs basis.
• social events. All children coming to Student Services will
be provided with an opportunity to voice their
Student Services Team concerns to the Triage Officer. Your child will fill in
Heads of Student Services a form that outlines their concerns to help our staff
assess the urgency of the situation. Appointment
Melissa Prince - Years 7 - 9 times for students will be kept to 15 minutes, with
Gavin Bradshaw - Years 10 - 12 additional follow up as needed.
Coordinators If your child has any health concerns during class
time, they will need to present to Student Services,
Kirsty Brando and Claire Krawzow - Years 7 and 8
for assessment, with a class pass-out slip. The
Rob Watt - Years 9 and 10 college uses a ‘traffic light’ system, which the
Daniel Njegich - Years 11 and 12 students follow to assess their health concerns.
Parent Information 2021 / 7
N urturing the Person
Health and Wellbeing Ongoing medical conditions
Centre If students have any of the following potentially
serious conditions specific Department of
Your child’s safety and health is important to us Education forms are required to be filled in so that
and by going to Student Services first we will Health Care Action Plans are in place ready for
ensure that your child’s problem is handled in the implementation on the first day of the school year.
best way possible. • Allergies and Anaphylaxis
School facilities allow for the provision of basic • Ashma
first aid only. They are not designed to allow sick
• Diabetes
or injured students to remain at school. Parents/
guardians will be notified when students are • Seizures
unable to continue their class participation and • Other allergies
are responsible for transport home or to hospital
for care. Ambulance costs are the responsibility of This action plan needs to be updated yearly to
parents/guardians. ensure the current management is correct.
We also strongly recommend that you have private If your child suffers from other conditions which
ambulance cover because the risk is always are debilitating, affect their learning or are a
present and an ambulance will be called should chronic medical condition, please let Student
it be required. The school is not mandated to Services know the details as good communication
transport students to hospital so ambulance cover can address emergencies and prevent problems
is vital should an ambulance be required. before they become more severe. Examples
of these conditions include heart problems,
endocrine disease, auto-immune diseases,
Community Health Nurse learning disabilities and mental health conditions
Our college nurses are employed by the Department such as anxiety and depression. Our aim is to help
of Health and are based at John Curtin Tuesdays to students manage these at the college as much as
Fridays. The Health and Wellbeing Centre (A21) is we are able.
open at recess and lunchtime for non-urgent health
issues and advice. Appointments are required for Administration of medicine
non-urgent consultations. Students can also see
the nurse for health related issues before and after Students may bring to college one dose of a minor
school by appointment. analgesic for their own use. They must carry
written permission from their parent/guardian and
produce this when required.
Psychologists
The College Nurse does not administer
Our School Psychologists support students who medications of any type to students as per
are at educational risk. Working in partnership Department of Health and Department of
with the Student Services team, parents, Education guidelines, with the exception of
teachers and external services our psychologists reliever medication in an asthmatic emergency
provide support in a range of areas to meet the and EpiPens.
psychological, social, emotional and academic
needs of all students. Appointments are made Medications prescribed by a family doctor for
through Student Services. a student should be accompanied by written
permission from a parent or guardian.
8 / Parent Information 2021
N urturing the Person
Students who are experiencing ongoing mental
Learning Support health disorders will need re-confirmation of
diagnosis and ongoing therapy yearly, as many of
PROPEL (Providing Real these issues will be resolved over time.
Opportunities + Participation,
What do students do in Propel?
Empowerment, Learning)
We see students from Years 7 to 12, often in
We have a very successful learning support multi-age groups and team teach. Our focus is on
program that provides services for students who academic achievement incorporated with pastoral
have a learning difference. care. Some students complete private study which
Sometimes these differences make it hard for reduces the burden of after school work or is a safe
students to show what they know, or just mean place when staying in class is impossible. Others
they need to put in double the effort of their will work with one of our teachers who will reteach
classmates to achieve the same results. concepts, explicitly detail expectations and
requirements for tasks, teach strategies (also for
The program’s breadth of service from Years 7
organisation) and provide resources.
to 12 targets the population of students with
learning difficulties and gifted students who are We do not carry out remediation, but teach at
underachieving, making it unique in Western the point of need when possibly the child is most
Australia. receptive to understanding and learning what they
do not know. Propel does not replace a subject or
What is the selection criteria for become their whole curriculum.
entry into Propel? EALD (English as an Additional
Students are selected based on the
documentation supplied to the college, which
Language or Dialect)
adopts the guidelines of the SCSA for evidence and The PROPEL program also extends to students
accommodations. from English as an Additional Language/ Dialect
backgrounds. This includes students where English
• Documented learning disability by a
is not always spoken at home even though they
psychologist;
were born in Australia and students who identify
• Documented diagnosis or assessment as having Indigenous heritage.
fitting Department of Education’s Disability
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (EALD)
Resourcing Branch categories;
students are provided with a variety of
• Documented attentional disorder under the opportunities to develop their language
care of a paediatrician or psychiatrist; acquisition and social/cultural skills in order to
• Documented mental health disorder by a become effective learners.
psychologist or psychiatrist with ongoing
therapy (letter should contain F code);
• English as an additional language or dialect
(EAL/D) including students of Aboriginal
Respect
heritage.
Care
Compassion Parent Information 2021 / 9
10 / Parent Information 2021
Attendance and punctuality
The college has an Attendance Policy in place to
promote excellent rates of attendance, minimise Permission to leave school
truancy and maintain communication links with
parents and guardians. during the day
All students are expected to sign out of the college
Reporting absentees before leaving at any time.
Parents need to contact the college before A note must accompany the student and has to be
10.00am if your child will be absent. sighted by the class teacher for early release and
If your child is going to be absent for more than then presented at Student Services.
a day or two please contact Student Services. A Students are given an official pass out slip. With
doctor’s certificate is required to cover extended parental permission via a note, sms, phone call or
absences due to illness or injury. email, they can organise the pass out slip before
school, at recess or lunchtime and then show that
Absentee 9433 7261 to their teacher to gain permission to leave class.
Hotline
Not signing out in this manner will result in an
SMS 0418 902 973 unexplained absence.
Email Johncurtin.cota.attendance@
education.wa.edu.au.
Procedures for extended
Late to school leave
All students are expected to arrive punctually to Medical Reason
class. Lateness to class by students is considered When a student faces a lengthy absence for a
a behaviour management issue and procedures medical reason parents must contact Student
for improving punctuality are implemented by the Services. Depending on the time frame Student
classroom teacher. Services will inform teachers and may initiate a
All students who are late to college are required to request for work.
tag in at Student Services on their arrival. In the case of an extended absence longer than
This includes students who arrive after recess, two weeks (medical certificate required) then
after an appointment, etc. Lates are recorded on Student Services can establish a link with School
the attendance records and a note or phone call of Special Educational Needs (SSEN). SSEN
from a parent or guardian is expected for all late provide an in-home tutoring service for students
arrivals. and the tutor liaises with Student Services for
classwork and assessment tasks to complete.
Lates are recorded on the attendance records and
a note or phone call from a parent or guardian for Other Reasons
all late arrivals is expected.
If contemplating an extended absence that is not
An explanation from a parent or guardian will a medical reason, parents must consider that this
be requested if students arrive without an will affect their child’s progress and achievement
explanation. Ongoing unexplained lateness will and that exemptions from assessment tasks
result in detention. including exams may not be able to be granted.
Sick at school This is of particular significance to students in
Years 11 and 12.
It is important that if your child is injured or sick
Examples of approved leave would include
that they tell a teacher or another adult who will
students representing WA or Australia, or travel
be able to help them. Students are sent to Student
due to a bereavement in a family. In these cases
Services where the Triage Officer will assess the
the college will work with the student and staff
problem and decide what action to take. Students
to provide classwork to complete and that the
can also call in to the Health Centre before and
student is not disadvantaged in their assessment
after school and at recess and lunch.
program.
Students are not to call for a parent/guardian
to collect them from their personal devices, the
college will organise this. When you collect your
child they must sign out at Student Services.
Parent Information 2021 / 11Positive Learning Environment 12 / Parent Information 2021
Positive Behaviour Support
Our college provides a values rich culture that celebrates and
supports personal integrity, positive behaviour and academic
excellence.
Establishing a positive classroom environment Cybersafety
is by the far the most important and, potentially,
John Curtin takes a holistic approach to
the most rewarding aspect of behaviour
cybersafety. It is addressed across the college
management. A positive and genuine working
through our core values and inclusion in
relationship between a teacher and student
curriculum across a range of learning areas.
maximises cooperation and increases a student’s
Cybersafety is also a key focus of assemblies and
responsiveness to the teacher’s strategies to
the student council THINK program.
resolve difficulties when they occur.
All John Curtin students are required to accept the
Our Positive Student Behaviour Policy is in line
Acceptable Usage Agreement each time they log
with the Department of Education’s Behaviour
online.
Management in Schools Policy, and represents a
whole school approach to the achievement of a We rely on students, parents and community
safe, supportive and respectful environment in members to let us know when a student’s safety
which students and staff can strive for excellence and wellbeing is at risk and, within the limits of our
in their educational pursuits. influence and resources, we work with parents and
other agencies to resolve any issues and concerns
The plan highlights and promotes student
that are raised. All concerns should be referred to
behaviour to enhance and maintain a positive
Student Services.
teaching and learning environment. Our approach
to behavioural management encompasses a We expect parents to monitor and negotiate limits
variety of strategies and interventions to ensure to their children’s online use. To assist parents
the very best academic, social and behaviorual and families in navigating this unfamiliar terrain,
outcomes for all students. Friendly Schools has compiled some tips and tricks
to help you tackle cyberbullying, inappropriate
See the Positive Student Behavioural Policy for
internet usage and other digital dilemmas.
further information.
They also provide information on setting up family
Code of Agreement agreements regarding guidelines for technology
use and advise that the most important factors to
All students sign a Code of Agreement on consider are:
entering the college. The Code of Agreement is a
commitment between your child and the college the amount of time that can be spent online;
on how they will conduct themselves while when and how mobile phones can be used;
studying at John Curtin College of the Arts.
which websites are permissible and which are not;
Countering bullying what information is allowed to be downloaded,
uploaded or shared; and
Members of our college treat others with respect,
care and compassion. The Countering Bulling consequences for unsafe or unacceptable use of
Policy uses a proactive, whole college approach to technology.
develop positive peer relationships. By being proactive in establishing and recording
We do not engage in behaviours that cause guidelines for technology use in consultation
distress to others. We aim to build a safe, caring with your whole family, the risks of harm from
environment where all people are treated with technology can be greatly reduced.
respect. Visit friendlyschools.com.au For further
guidance visit the Office of the Children’s eSafety
Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au
Parent Information 2021 / 13Learning for Life
• has contravened the Student Vehicle Use and
Good Standing Parking Conditions Policy;
All students receive Good Standing at the start of • truants repeatedly;
each year and it is important that it is valued and
• is involved in any other serious breach of
maintained.
college rules;
Students who lose their Good Standing cannot
will be suspended from Good Standing for a
participate in extracurricular activities such
minimum of four weeks as determined by the
as camps, excursions, work experience, social
Principal or a Deputy Principal.
functions, or performances that are not an
essential part of the education program. Any suspension will incur a six week loss of Good
Standing and the loss of one extra activity during
Students who have relinquished the right to be of
this period. A ‘loss of activity’ will be negotiated.
Good Standing should work towards regaining the
status. If during a period of loss of Good Standing a
performance will be seriously affected, ie the work
Removal of Good Standing status of the ensemble cast, then the Deputy Principal -
Arts and Innovation will negotiate an alternative
Student attendance - all years loss of activity.
Students whose attendance falls below 90% in a Students who are continually breaching the
term without a satisfactory explanation may lose college rules will be reviewed by the College
their Good Standing for four weeks. Executive. Each student in this category will be
Student dress reviewed so that strategies can be implemented,
which will assist students in returning to Good
If there are four breaches of the dress code, Good
Standing status.
Standing will be suspended for a period of four
weeks. Students who have lost their Good Standing
status for behaviours other than suspension or
Transgressions during this period will result in the
serious offences can negotiate to win it back by
penalty period being extended for a further month
participating in community service activities.
from the end of the week in which the offence
occurred. After three breaches, a warning is issued Negotiation is to be processed via the Heads of
and students are placed on probation for up to Student Services and Deputies. The loss of Good
four weeks. Standing will always be recorded against the
student, as will winning it back by the participation
College Policy and Ethics
in community service.
Any student who:
• is suspended (six week loss of good standing)
• is withdrawn from all classes;
• is involved in bullying or fighting;
• is found to be in possession of or has used Rewards and Recognition
illegal drugs;
14 / Parent Information 2021Commendation earn a Certificate of Merit and
System (RARS) three Certificates of Merit earn a Certificate of
Our Rewards and Recognition System (RARS) is Excellence.
a policy that rewards and recognises positive
participation in college life including achievement, Letters of Concern
progress and good conduct. All students are given
the opportunity to improve and this development Letters of Concern are one of several ways teachers
should be rewarded. communicate concerns with parents with a view to
support positive change and improvement.
The rewards system is scaffolded and can
include Swan Awards and Pins for excellence,
Letters of Commendation, Certificates of Merit
and Excellence, House points for academic,
community, cultural and sporting achievements,
and RARS stamps in study planners.
RARS stamps/tokens
Student planners will be stamped by teaching staff
to acknowledge students’ positive efforts. For
every five stamps students earn a blue token from
their contact teacher and can enter the weekly
prize draw by placing the tokens in the RARS bin in
Student Services.
Swan Awards
Swan Awards recognise student achievement
across all learning areas. Based on grades earned
each semester, students may be awarded either a
Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond Swan Award at the Resilience
Perseverance
end of semester awards assembly. Students who
maintain Gold or Diamond Swan Awards over two
semesters in any one year earn a college pin.
Letters of Commendation
Reflection
Teachers, Student Services or College Executive
staff can issue a Letter of Commendation
to recognise excellence in academic, social,
cultural and community contexts, and these
are cumulative across all years. Five Letters of
Parent Information 2021 / 1516 / Parent Information 2021
Approach to Mobile Devices
Our “Off and Away all Day” approach to mobile devices is in line
with the Department of Education’s policy.
A mobile device includes but is not limited to
mobile phones, iPads, laptops and smart watches. Distraction Process
The appropriate use of mobile devices is
Whilst schools are primarily concerned with monitored by teachers both in the classroom and
the education of young people, they are also a throughout the college grounds. In the event of
place for social interaction and communication. inappropriate use of mobile devices, the following
Social connection around campus is vital; the distraction process will be implemented:
preferred method of communication is face to face
conversations. 1. A distraction notification given and
confiscation of device. The red distraction
To reinforce appropriate use of mobile devices a envelope is handed to a deputy principal. The
few simple rules apply: device is to be collected by the student after
1. Mobile phones should be “off and away all the final siren of the day.
day” from the first bell of the day to the last. 2. Inappropriate use of device will be recorded in
This includes recess and lunch. college behaviour system.
2. During the school day mobile devices should 3. Further inappropriate use will result in
be turned to silent with no alarms or sound detention, parent contact and/or Loss of Good
notifications, including vibration settings Standing.
turned off.
4. In extreme or repeated situations of misuse,
3. Students may use mobile devices under the devices will need to be checked in to a Deputy
instruction of teachers or at the discretion of a Principal at the beginning of the day for a
staff member. period determined by the college and may be
4. Students are not to use headphones unless released by parent pick up only.
directed by a teacher for educational purpose.
5. Absolutely no mobile devices to be used or Appropriate use of social
present in assessment conditions.
media
6. Accessing social media is not permitted.
We believe in our college community behaving
7. Photography and filming of classmates and online as they would to a person face to face:
teachers is not permitted unless instructed by respectful and courteous, being guided by our
teacher for educational purposes. college values.
It is important that our students maintain safe and
Contacting your child during responsible use of information and communication
the school day technologies. This includes appropriate use
of digital platforms, privacy and information
Phone calls are not to be made or received at protection, respectful communication and how to
any time throughout the college day. In the deal with online issues.
understandable circumstance of important
Suggested screen times (excluding video
messages from parents, we encourage text or
conferencing) are based on the recommendations
voice messages that can be retrieved at the end of
from the Australian Parents Council and the
the college day. Parents can be assured that in an
Australian Government who recommend that 5-17
emergency situation, students can be contacted
year olds non-school screen time should be less
through Student Services.
than two hours per day.
Parent Information 2021 / 17Technology in the classroom
Our students will capitalise on the opportunities of the future as
empowered creators and users of technology.
Our students are encouraged to: Apple Classroom will allow teachers to provide a
• Be inspired to apply creative thinking and controlled and guided student learning experience
design processes to generate and test new in class.
ideas and co-create solutions.
• Become discerning users of technology and Years 7 - 9 Apple iPad 8th Apple iPad
choose the right tools at the right time. Generation Wi-Fi capable
only with 128GB of of running
• Navigate the digital environment storage iPadOS-14
responsibly, safely and ethically, to maximise
opportunities in learning, work and life. STM Keyboard Case (Mandatory
• Personalise their learning, and use technology Apple Pencil for Year 7)
to generate new ideas and new ways to learn.
Apple Care
• Be empowered to use technology to create,
use and communicate complex ideas clearly Years 10 -12 Apple iPad 8th
and effectively for a range of purposes and Generation Wi-Fi
audiences. only with 128GB of
storage
• Take an active and strategic role in using
technology to achieve learning outcomes. OR
• Be critical consumers of information to
enrich their learning and broaden their Macbook
understanding. NOTE: For Year 7 students, devices that cannot run
• Model positive and responsible use of iPadOS-14 will not be connected to the network or
technology, focusing on wellbeing, cyber be supported.
safety, global citizenship, cultural competence For Years 8 to 12 who have a different device we
and ethical practices. will do our best to accommodate connection to the
• Be well prepared to take the next step beyond network but cannot guarantee this.
school into further education, training or Refer to the BYOD Policy for detailed information
work. on IT at the college.
BYOD Program
We are working towards driving a culture of
technological innovation and collaboration that
delivers improved outcomes for every student.
In 2021 John Curtin College of the Arts will be
running a mandated device program for students
Curiosity
Imagination
in Year 7. Other years will continue to run using the
recommended device model.
The college will only support Apple iPads for Year
7 students as it will allow us to provide a targeted Innovation
learning approach using technology.
18 / Parent Information 2021Inspiring the mind
Parent Information 2021 / 19Uniform
Our approach to uniform is to create a sense of connectedness
and community.
Shop on Thursdays from 8am to 11am.
Uniform Policy
Otherwise, uniforms can be purchased throughout
Wearing college uniform is compulsory, the the year from Uniform Concepts Willetton Super
wearing of which is monitored. The approved Store
Department of Education sanctions will apply to
students who do not meet the college uniform Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9am - 5pm
requirements. This includes the ‘Loss of Good Thursday: 9am - 6pm
Standing’ for a specified period.
Saturday: 9am - 1pm
Our Uniform Policy is very simple. All garments
worn must be the current John Curtin College of
the Arts branded uniform items purchased from
Uniform Pass
our Uniform Shop. There is a wide selection of Student Services can issue a short term Uniform
garments and styles you can choose from. Pass in extraordinary circumstances. A valid
explanation is required from a parent or guardian
Some Gifted and Talented programs have specified relating to hardship, a medical issue, or damage.
dress requirements and it is essential that these
requirements are purchased in time for the start of Care of personal property
the college year.
Clothing, bags, books and other items should be
clearly marked with your child’s name. The college
Backpack does not take responsibility for any valuable items
Please make sure your child has a correctly fitting lost or stolen so valuables such as skateboards,
backpack, not more than 10-15% of their body large sums of money and jewellery must be left at
weight. Students do not need to bring all their home.
books every day and can make use of the lockers at Bags often need to be left outside the Learning
school to store items. Centre, in theatre foyers or on the oval during PE.
In this case valuables should be removed. Money
Hats and sun safety and other personal property are the responsibility
It’s up to the student how they protect your skin of the student. Students are advised to keep
and whether they wear a hat when exposed to the purses and wallets on them at all times and to
sun for prolonged periods of time. Teachers do not never carry valuables in the external pockets of
enforce the use of hats in high school. However, their bag where they can be easily accessed by
high factor 30 sunscreen is available for student others or fall out.
use in the Health Centre as well as in the Physical
Education office. Lost property
Lost property is handed in at Student Services
Uniform Shop where it can be claimed by the owner. Lost
To ensure students have adequate uniform items, property is kept for a period of three months after
parents/carers are expected to place orders at which time non-uniform items will be donated to
the end of the previous year. Winter items should charity and uniform items sold to raise funds for
be ordered at the same time to ensure students the Chaplaincy.
have requirements in sufficient time for the colder
months.
Uniforms are available from the college Uniform
20 / Parent Information 2021Skirts The college requires skirts and shorts to be fitted and worn at reasonable lengths.
Very short skirts and shorts are not permitted. Uniform garments must not be
altered or adjusted in a way that makes them unsuitable for college uniform. The
college requires that all skirts and shorts be fitted by Uniform Concepts staff prior
to purchase. Uniform Concepts staff have the authority to refuse the sale of these
items based on inappropriate fit. Disputes regarding the appropriate length of
these garments will be dealt with by the college administration.
Shirts A uniform shirt must be worn at all times. It is not acceptable to wear a jumper or
jacket without a shirt underneath.
GAT, Specialist Some Gifted and Talented subjects, the Specialist Football Program and Physical
Football, PE Education has uniform that can only be worn for practical classes, training,
rehearsals, performances and games. Regular college uniform must be worn at all
other times.
Footwear We do not prescribe a particular brand of shoe, but the following guidelines apply:
• Footwear must fully enclose the foot.
• NO boots, platform shoes, high heels, pumps or sandals of any style are to be
worn.
• Footwear should be plain, (not patterned or floral) and be predominately
BLACK, NAVY or WHITE in colour.
Stockings Plain navy, black or flesh coloured stockings.
No patterned stockings, stockings with holes or footless leggings.
Socks Plain white or navy ankle height socks.
No long socks.
Scarves Scarves must be college scarves (available from the Uniform Shop).
Jewellery The wearing of jewellery must not compromise the safety of the student or to
others. Jewellery must be kept to a minimum. This includes hooped earrings,
large bracelets and piercings.
Parent Information 2021 / 21Communicating with you 22 / Parent Information 2021
Communication Pathways
We believe in having strong parent relationships If you would like to meet with one of our Student
and see parents as partners in a child’s schooling. Services team members you can either:
This leads to improved student outcomes and Email the Year Coordinator directly and include the
enhanced positive wellbeing. following information in your message
Parent enquiries • Your concern or query – this sometimes may
need to be directed to others
Should you need to discuss any issues, concerns or
• Your availability for a meeting
need further information about your child, see the
table below on where to direct your queries. Call our Student Services reception on 9433 7260
to request a meeting. Please give the receptionist
Classwork Classroom teacher the following details:
Health and wellbeing Student Services • Your child’s name
reception/ • Your child’s year group and program if
Coordinators applicable
Attendance Student Services • Who you would like to talk to/meet with
reception • Your availability for a meeting/phone call.
Special Program Director of program We endeavour to respond to all emails within 48
Course/subjects Head of Department hours. If your enquiry is urgent please call Student
Services on 9433 7260.
Finance Business Operations
We are only able to meet with parents via
Admissions Enrolments Officer appointments due to the high demand for our
services. This allows us to be best equipped with
Information IT Department the information to work with you and your child.
technology
Contacting classroom Contacting your child during
teachers the school day
Students are not able to access their mobile
Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher phones during the school day. Parents who need
if you wish to discuss your child’s progress or to contact their child must call Student Services on
have any concerns. You may do this by emailing 9433 7260 and their child will be found from within
the teacher, by phoning the school to make an the school.
appointment, or through Connect.
All teachers check their emails regularly and
reply to parent enquiries as quickly as possible.
Teachers’ email contact details are on our website.
Contacting Student Services
To aid us in your child’s health and wellbeing we
value communication with Student Services, either
by phone or email, particularly if there is a serious
or significant concern.
Communication is firstly to our Student Services
Coordinators. For parents, all meetings with
Student Services are by appointment only.
Parent Information 2021 / 23Connecting with our community is one of our key values and
there are a number of ways the college communicates with you
to keep you informed and up-to-date.
Calendar Parent Evenings
Our college calendar can be accessed on our Each year we provide an opportunity for parents or
website at jc.wa.edu.au We advise you to check in guardians to meet with teachers to discuss student
regularly as dates and times are subject to change. progress. The interview days are usually student
free days and commence at midday and continue
Connect into the evening. The dates for these days are
listed on the college calendar.
Connect is our internal communications system for
classroom teachers to communicate with students
and parents and for you to receive whole school Reports
information. The college delivers student reports electronically.
Connect gives you easy access to communicate A message is sent out on Connect to advise parents
with teachers, securely access assesssments that the reports are accessible through Connect.
and feedback, and engage with quality digital Parents can download electronic copies to be kept
learning resources. Class notices, course outlines, in family documents.
resources, and class activities are also available for You must login to the Connect Portal to view
each class. It also enables you to check your child’s full reports. You cannot access reports from the
marks online. Connect App.
John Curtin Central school space provides you
with information about what is happening around Social media
the college through weekly and daily notices. We encourage all parents to follow us on
Policies, procedures and information about the Instagram, Twitter and Facebook where we
college is stored in the library on the dashboard. promote the shows at the college, share good news
stories, and let you know what happens on a daily
Compass basis at school.
Our staff currently use the all-in-one school
management system called Compass for Student planner
attendance and student wellbeing. Compass Your child’s student planner is used as a means
provides a school management solution that of communication between parent and teachers.
connects every facet of our college, enables more Concerns about academic progress and/or student
communication, and centralises and streamlines behaviour may be flagged via the planner. PROPEL
school operations. We will be offering parent attendance is also noted.
access in 2021.
All children receive homework and/or assignments
Contact class during the week and it is vital that parents/
guardians check that students are recording the
Students meet in their Contact Class on Fridays homework in their student planner and then
during Period 3. This time is when students spending time to complete it. Due dates for
receive notes on overdues from the library, homework, assignments and in class assessments
communication about events and important should be noted.
information for their parents, and go through
the Weekly Notices and what is coming up on the Website
calendar the following week.
Our website is where you will find links to book
Curtin Calls tickets to events, the calendar and information
handbooks.
Curtin Calls is our monthly digital newsletter
distributed to all families. We encourage you to Weekly Notices
come forward with story ideas. Please let teachers/
administration know of any student success This is an important communication tool for our
stories for promotion in the newsletter and for school community. Weekly Notices are published
external media or email johncurtin.col@education. in the Connect School Place - John Curtin Central
wa.edu.au on Fridays. Students access them in their Contact
Class.
24 / Parent Information 2021Parents as Partners
Connecting with Community
Parent Information 2021 / 25As a parent, how can I be
involved at the college?
The college welcomes your involvement in our school
community. Parent participation is encouraged to assist the
college in providing excellence in education and volunteering
your time and services will give you a unique insight into student
life at the college.
College Board Parent Production
The College Board’s role is to provide policy
leadership and support and strong governance for
Support
John Curtin College of the Arts. With more that 50 productions a year it is vital
that we ask our parents for their support and
Members of the Board participate in the
commitment to help productions run smoothly
development and review of college priorities
(through the Business Plan development) and The stage is very much a learning environment for
general policy directions. As a College Board for our students and every performance enhances and
an Independent Public School, the Board has a extends their education. The better the support,
financial oversight responsibility, the development the better the experience.
of financial arrangements necessary to fund The success of each performance is dependent on
college objectives and priorities. The Board plays the support of those around each of our students
a role in the evaluation of the performance of the and we greatly rely on our parent community to
college in achieving its objectives. aide in the smooth running of each performance.
In addition, the Board promotes the college in the As such we ask parents to assist in box office and
community. The College Board also participates with laundering of costumes.
in formulating college values, codes of conduct An electronic calendar is created at the beginning
and the dress code for students. In 2011 when the of each year and information calling for help is
college became an Independent Public School, posted on Connect or in the college newsletter.
the role of our College Board changed to board
governance through increased participation and We ask that parents commit to at least one box
decision making. office or laundry duty during the year which
would enable the college to cover all productions,
Members of the Board are from a diverse range of reducing the strain on our theatre and teaching
backgrounds and each member brings a unique staff. Once you sign up for an event further
perspective to the council and this reflects the information is emailed out regarding specific
views of the general population.Parents are duties. You need no experience and will be backed
encouraged to join when a position becomes up by one of our professional Front of House
available Managers.
The Board meets on the first Wednesday of most Please keep an eye out for requests for help and
months at 4.30pm in the Principal’s office. the link to sign up.
26 / Parent Information 2021P&C
The P&C Association (Inc) is a voice for parents,
providing valuable feedback to the college while Donate to our Building
giving members an insight into college life.
Membership is open to parents, citizens and Fund
carers of students and all parents and community We invite parents of students and members of
members are welcome to attend meetings. the community to donate to the tax deductible
Attending meetings helps you keep in touch with building fund to support improvements and
the needs of students, parents and staff. additions to our existing buildings.
There are two types of P&C meetings. Your donation will make a significant difference
to the learning environment of students and
• General meetings involve short presentations will contribute to construction, maintenance,
on subjects of interest to parents such as renovation and extension of school buildings.
cyberbullying.
• Business meetings involve committee Name Your Seat
discussions of the various P&C activities.
Name Your Seat is a unique opportunity for
Bring along your ideas and concerns on college supporters of John Curtin College of the Arts to
priorities The formal business of both types of have a naming plaque placed on a seat in the
meeting will be completed by 8pm. Meetings are state-of-the-art Curtin Theatre.
followed by an opportunity to mingle with other
More importantly you will make a significant
P&C members and the Principal over a cup of tea.
contribution to John Curtin College of the Arts,
Parents have representatives on the Finance where your donation will go towards maintaining
Committee, Canteen Committee and College the professional standards of lighting and sound
Board. If you are interested in joining please email in the Curtin Theatre and investing in cutting edge
pandc@jc.wa.edu.au theatre technology.
Chaplaincy fundraisers For a one off donation of $250 you will receive a
named plaque commemorating the support you
Parents can assist at functions and event parking; have given. You can also nominate a person/s or
the college charges Fremantle Arts Centre patrons business of your choice.
for parking on school premises during events at A direct debit option is available. Visit the website
the centre with all proceeds going towards our to download an application form.
Chaplain.
To assist with this contact Narelle Wheaton on
0414 777 204.
Come to performances/
exhibitions/screenings
Attending a variety of different events gives good
insight into the general life of the college and our
programs.
It is a great occasion to meet other parents,
teachers and executive staff while supporting our
students.
Bookings to all shows are through trybooking.com
Social, Cultural and Environmental
Responsibility
Parent Information 2021 / 27General Information
Books and personal items are available from
Assemblies CAMPION WA via an online ordering system. Visit
Full college assemblies are held in the hall www.campion.com.au
approximately once a term as marked on the
Booklists can be downloaded from the college
college calendar. Year assemblies are held more
webpage under Communities, Publications.
frequently, as arranged by Student Services.
Please be aware that shopping with Campion WA,
Assessments our preferred supplier, ensures you receive the
At the start of each course your child is provided correct items and editions.
with a printed copy of an assessment outline that Secondhand textbook trading
includes the weighting for each assessment task, The college is conscious of the need to provide
a general description of each assessment task an efficient process for families to be able to buy
and the approximate timing of each assessment and sell their second-hand textbooks and other
task (ie the week in which each assessment task is student resources. We use the services of the
planned or the due dates for significant stages of Sustainable School Shop Find out more about this
each extended task). at www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au
It is the student’s responsibility to complete all Calculators
course requirements by the due date, maintain a
folio of evidence for each course studied and to Students are required to have a powerful
make it available whenever required, maintain a calculator from Year 7 onwards. This calculator is
good record of attendance, conduct and progress a valuable learning tool and students are expected
(a student who is absent for five periods/days or to have their calculator with them at all times in
more per term is deemed to be at risk) and initiate every maths class. Students should not leave
contact with teachers concerning absence from their calculators in their bags. They should carry
class, missed assessments, extension requests their calculator on their person at all times. We
and any other assessment issues. recommend that you engrave it clearly and on
the front to ‘deface’ it and make it unattractive
Bell Times to thieves. Calculators engraved on the face
are rarely stolen or lost. You can have this done
These are published in the Student Planner,
professionally or by Jeremy, our Chaplain. Please
Orientation Day Handbook and website. Below are
email our Mathematics Department to arrange.
the start and finish times.
Mon/Tue/Wed start 8.30am – 3.10pm Canteen
Thurs 8.45am – 2.30pm Our canteen provides students with an affordable
Fri 8.35am – 2.30pm variety of meals including breakfast. Order lunch
online through www.QuickCliq.com.au
Books and personal items list You can order up to two weeks ahead and as late
You will receive your child’s course confirmation as 9am on the day. Menus are published online.
and book and personal items list during Term 4. The canteen is open before school for breakfast
and at recess and lunchtime.
28 / Parent Information 2021Change of Address Exams
Parents must inform the college as soon as Written examinations are held for all Year 11
possible about changes of address or personal and 12 WACE courses during Semester 1 and at
particulars. All changes must be done in writing to the end of Semester 2. In those courses with a
administration. We will also accept an email. practical/performance/oral WACE examination,
Please email johncurtin.col@education.wa.edu. a practical/performance/oral exam will also be
au or call the school on 9433 7200. The form can held.
be accessed through the library in John Curtin Students must attend examinations at the
Central class in Connect. scheduled times and follow examination rules.
Please note: The examination rules are published
Contributions and charges with each semester examination timetable.
College accounts are due for payment in Term 1. If If a student is absent from an examination a
not paid in full, a payment plan must be in place by medical certificate must be forwarded to the
the end of Term 1. The college will actively pursue relevant deputy principal. The class teacher
the collection of charges and this is strongly in consultation with the HOLA will calculate a
supported by the College Board. moderated score.
The Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS) is Year 10 exams are held each semester. The Year
to assist low-income families with secondary 10 examinations are considered very important.
schooling costs for students in Years 7 to 12. The exams have been introduced to the college
Contact Administration to apply. academic calendar for the following reasons:
Please consult our Contributions and Charges • to provide students with experience in sitting
booklet on the website for further details. formal examinations in preparation for Year
11 and 12;
Course outlines • to collect assessment data for their current
Students are given their course outlines for each subjects; and
subject at the beginning of Term 1. • to confirm suitability for their selected
Course outlines include the content, the courses of study in Year 11.
sequence in which the content will be taught, the
approximate time for each section of the course
and assessment dates.
Course outlines will also be provided through
Connect.
Parent Information 2021 / 29General Information
House System Parent account information
Our House System gives students an identity At the start of Term 1, parents will receive an email
and sense of pride in a supportive, secure invite to sign up for a Department of Education
environment. Houses compete for points in a username and password. This will allow parents
number of academic, community and sporting to access Connect. It is important to note that
activities. parents will only receive an invite if they have
The House system is an integral and vibrant part registered a valid email and postal address. We
of the school’s culture designed to reflect and encourage you to download the Connect App to
enhance the values of the college. your phone so you receive notifications from the
college.
The House System provides for positive
competition and a closer rapport between All students are provided with an education email
students and teachers. It also aims to help new account. The email address will be firstname.
staff and students adapt to the culture of the secondname@student.education.wa.edu.au
college. Sometimes there will be a few students with the
same name and in this case a number will be
placed behind the second name.
IT Department
Further information about IT in the college can be
Our IT department is located in the Learning
found in the IT Information Booklet on the website.
Centre and provides support for accessing the
college network and internet, for converting Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud
files, and for recovering files. They also provide Two of the main software vendors have
assistance with printing, software packages and agreements with the college that offer significant
activations. financial savings for students wishing to install
Support their applications on a BYOD or home computer.
Students and parents can go to support.jc.wa.edu. Through licensing agreements between the
au for IT related support. There are user guides Department of Education and Microsoft students
and a ticketing system. Due to limited resources are allowed to install copies of Microsoft Office 365
we can only provide support for items relating to IT and use its web based products for free on up to 15
use at John Curtin. devices.
How to guides include: Microsoft Office 365 can be installed on up to 15
devices
• Connecting to the college wireless
• 5 Computers (Windows/Mac)
• Adding digital textbooks to your iPad
• 5 Tablets (Android/Apple)
• Installing Software
• 5 phones (Windows/Android/Apple)
• Troubleshooting Tips
30 / Parent Information 2021Through licensing agreements between the college
and Adobe students are allowed to install one copy
Policies
of the entire Adobe Creative Cloud Suite for $25 College policies and procedures can be accessed
per year. This represents a 95% saving over a non- on Connect.
educational licence. All Department of Education policies are available
Students can install the full range of Adobe through www.det.wa.gov.au
applications on one computer. They will need to Please make yourself familiar with the policies at
bring the computer into school to get the software the college. These include:
activated.
• Academic Balance Policy and Procedures
Learning Centre • Arts Policy and Procedures
Our Learning Centre is sourced with thousands of • Approach to Mobile Devices
books as well as providing students with internet
access, computer software, magazines and • Assessment Policy
newspapers. • Attendance Policy
The Learning Centre is also the place to organise • BMIS Policy
Smartrider Cards. You no longer need a library • Bullying Prevention Plan
card for borrowing. Students can have up to 10
resources on loan at any one time. It is open from • Computer Network and Online Policy
8am every day, including lunchtimes. It is closed • Excursion Policy
at recess.
All college policies are continually modified and
Lockers subject to change.
A limited number of lockers are available to Scholarships
students. A hire charge per annum is required to
Our College Board provides scholarships that are
secure a locker. $10 - laptop locker, $20 - medium
open to all Years 8 to 12 students at the college,
locker $30 - large locker. Students are encouraged
The scholarship is credited towards the student’s
to share large or medium lockers.
school related expenditure (contributions and
Students must have a padlock and present it on charges) for the current or following years. The
application. It is advised that students DO NOT amount for each scholarship will vary depending
use a combination lock as these can be easily on the number of scholarships endorsed by the
altered. Board.
The college does not take responsibility for any The scholarships are selected by the Principal,
items stored in the lockers. Deputy Principal - Arts and Innovation, and Board
Chair, and then endorsed by the Board.
Parent Information 2021 / 31General Information
The Seb Nye Scholarship is a prestigious award • A participant in the ‘Coastcare’ Dune
that is presented to one student in each year rehabilitation project
group within the Specialist Football Program and Our ‘Roots and Shoots’ environmental club is a
based on performance throughout the previous group of dedicated students and staff actively
12 months. participate in these programs. The club also
Sebastian John Nye was a young man who spent provides our students with the opportunity to
four and a half years in the Soccer Excellence develop a range of college based initiatives.
Program at John Curtin College of the Arts
from 2006 to 2010. Seb died in a car accident Timetable
in December 2010. His parents have very Your child will be given their timetable on the first
kindly donated money to the college to be used day of school. A map of the college will be on the
specifically for the purpose of the scholarship. back of this timetable.
School reports Transport
School reports are available from Connect Bikes
where parents and students can download, save
and print reports from home at the end of each Bike racks are located opposite the canteen near
semester. D Block and also adjacent to the Learning Centre/
staff carpark.
Sustainability The college cannot accept responsibility if bikes
Our overall goal is to improve the appearance are stolen or damaged when parked on college
and function of the infrastructure, reduce the premises. It is recommended that a good quality
environmental footprint and rehabilitate the lock is used to secure bikes.
bush, wherever possible students are an integral Drop off and pick up
part of these activities.
We highly recommend you do not drop your
National environmental organisations and child off in the staff car park unless your child
programs: is carrying a large musical instrument or has
• An accredited Wastewise and Waterwise mobility issues.
school We suggest finding a place close to the police
• A member of the Australian Sustainable traffic wardens on East St near Marmion St and/or
Schools Initiative (AuSSI WA) Ord St near Ellen St, and/or on Vale St.
• A member of the Low Carbon Schools Pilot Parents cannot use the car park off East St as it is
Program a delivery zone entry only.
• A participant in the Millennium Kids Program
• A participant in the ‘City Kids to the Country’
State Natural Resource Management
Program
32 / Parent Information 2021You can also read
