GENERAL INFORMATION
STAFF :
Lawrie Renshall - Principal
Jenny Wiseman - Assistant Principal/Teacher
Barry Kinsela - Teacher
Helen Ratliff - Teacher
Diane Macrae - Teacher
Michael Nolan - Teacher
Jacquie Orr - Teacher / Librarian
Max Smith - School Counsellor
Kevin Cross - STLA
Jacqui Taggart - School Administration Manager
Margaret Spahic - School Administration Officer & Teachers' Aide Special
Scott Beedie - Teachers' Aide Special
Sonya Mullard - Teachers' Aide Special
Cassie Williams - Teachers' Aide Special
Peter Lohs - General Assistant
OUR MISSION
By careful planning and effective management we hope to achieve a school for our students & community that:
* is friendly & caring with a positive school tone
* has a high standard of learning in all subjects
* offers students additional programs that cater for differing interests & abilities
* provides a functional & attractive educational environment
OUR MOTTO.....
‘STRIVE TO ACHIEVE”
Parents play a vital role in the education of their children. At Nana GlenPrimary School we aim to work closely with parents to achieve quality outcomes for our students.
Parents are most welcome to contact the school to discuss any issues as they arise.
Through a strong learning partnership between parents, students and teachers we will “Strive to Achieve”.
ADDRESS/TELEPHONE CHANGES:
Please inform the office immediately of any changes to address or phone numbers.
In the event of sickness or an emergency it is important that you can be contacted.
AFTER
SCHOOL ORGANISATION:
All children must accompany their class to bus lines as the pupils are dismissed
from there. Parents who are picking up their children should do so from the
bus lines area.
There is ample parking space on the Bucca Road but parents should try to park
on the school side of the road or accompany their child/ren to the school
gate for safety reasons.
The parking area in the school grounds is strictly for staff only and parents
should not drive into the school grounds.
AFTER
SCHOOL SPORT/TRAINING:
Some training
for soccer teams etc occurs after school at 4pm or 4.15pm. Children who attend
these sessions may not remain at school and wait for training to begin. They
must leave the school grounds at their usual time - at which point the school
is no longer responsible for them - and parents should make arrangements for
them to return for training. If these arrangements mean a change in routine,
the school must be notified in writing.
APPOINTMENTS:
The school welcomes strong liaison between parents and staff. Please contact the office to organise an appointment with a staff member to ensure valuable classroom time is not interrupted and the teacher is available.
ASSEMBLIES:
Assemblies K-6 are held once each term at school. Parents and visitors are most welcome. Notification will appear in the weekly newsletter.
ATHLETIC CARNIVALS:
The school holds its own athletics carnival every year, and joins with the other Orara Valley Schools for a combined carnival. The divisions are Sub-Junior (5 to 7 years), Junior (8 to 10 years), 11 Years and Senior (12 and 13 years). The “age” to determine which division a child is placed in is the age the child turns before 31st December that year.
ATTENDANCE:
Children should
attend school regularly. This is essential if satisfactory educational progress
is to be made and is a requirement by law. A note or phone message is necessary,
to outline the reason for absence. Cases where children miss school without
explanation will be investigated. It is the Parents’ responsibility
to notify the school in the event of their child being diagnosed with a communicable
disease.
Early Release and Late Arrivals
All students in NSW government schools are expected to: Core Rule #1
“Attend every school day, unless they are legally excused, and be in
class on time and prepared to learn.”
With this in mind it will be
necessary for parents to provide written advice for children arriving late
and leaving school early.
Parents will be requested to complete an Early Release Notice or a Late Attendance
Notice. These forms will be available in the office and must be completed
by the child’s parent before children will be admitted to class or released
from class. The advice note must be presented to the class teacher. Parents
are also requested to sign children in and out if arriving late or leaving
early – an attendance book will be kept in the office. This will unfortunately
apply even if you wish to pick your child up one minute early. Unfortunately
again there is no common sense to this approach.
Parents often send in notes to class teachers to inform them that they will
be collecting their children early. This is great but you will still be required
to complete the Early Release Note available at the office and sign the attendance
register.
Children should attend school regularly. This is essential if satisfactory educational progress is to be made and is a requirement by law. A note or phone message is necessary, to outline the reason for absence. Cases where children miss school without explanation will be investigated. It is the Parents’ responsibility to notify the school in the event of their child being diagnosed with a communicable disease.
BANKING:
School banking is available each Wednesday through the Commonwealth Bank. Children should bring their bank book to the office before 9.30am.
BELONGINGS:
Please label all possessions/clothing clearly.
Expensive or precious items should not be brought to school. Dangerous or inappropriate belongings are not permitted on school grounds.
BICYCLES:
In line with the School’s Road Safety Policy, we recommend that children not be permitted to ride bicycles to school unless the parents are satisfied that it is safe to do so. This will include the child being at least 10 years of age, have a roadworthy bicycle, wear an approved bicycle helmet, have demonstrated an ability to ride in a safe and responsible manner and have a bicycle-safe route to and from school.
A designated area with parking racks is provided for bicycles. Students must walk their bikes in the school grounds and to designated points where they may begin riding.
Students demonstrate safe practices by:
- using pedestrian safety facilities in travel to and from school and on excursions.
- using identified pedestrian/cyclist entry and exit paths.
- wearing bicycle helmets when riding to and from school.
- walking their bicycles within school ground or other designated areas.
- wearing seatbelts when travelling in cars.
- boarding, travelling in and alighting from buses safely.
- safely storing bicycles and helmets within the school grounds.
- observing the law concerning the use of vehicles.
- observing particular safety precautions on school excursions and at
special events.
BUS TRAVELLERS:
Students K-2 or students living more than 1.5km from school are entitled to free bus travel. Forms are available from the school office. Students who misbehave and interfere with safety rights will have their bus privileges removed.
A number of bus runs operate to the school. Please call the proprietors, Don and Carol Atkinson, 66 543 271, regarding pick-up points and times. Notes on bus safety are also attached. Extra children cannot be carried on the bus, nor can children swap from one run to another without Department of Transport forms being completed by their parents.
Please ask at the office for a Private Vehicle Conveyance Subsidy form if you live more than 1.6 kms from the bus stop.
CANTEEN:
The Canteen is run on a voluntary basis every Monday and Friday. Parents are asked to assist with serving, and cooking cakes to be sold for morning tea. Canteen profits come to the school via the P & C, and buying at the canteen is good experience for the children in handling money.
CHILD PROTECTION:
In line with Department of Education policy, all children at Nana Glen School will participate in the Child Protection Program set down by the Department of Education. This is a well-thought-out policy with stages for different age levels.
CODE
OF CONDUCT:
A copy of the
current rules and Policy is attached for your information.
CORE RULES
All students in NSW government schools are expected to:
• Attend every school day, unless they are legally excused, and be in class on time and prepared to learn.
• Maintain a neat appearance, including adhering to the requirements of the school’s uniform or dress code policy.
• Behave safely, considerately and responsibly, including when travelling to and from school.
• Show respect at all times for teachers, other school staff and helpers, including following class rules, speaking courteously and cooperating with instructions and learning activities.
• Treat one another with dignity and respect.
• Care for property belonging to themselves, the school and others.
Behaviour that
infringes on the safety of others, such as harassment, bullying and illegal
or anti-social behaviour of any kind, will not be tolerated.
COUNSELLOR SERVICES:
A school counsellor
is available to parents two days per month for advice about student progress
and well being. Appointments must be made through the Principal.
CUSTODY
ISSUES:
Please present documentation to the Principal should custody circumstances change.
DANGEROUS MATERIALS:
Materials regarded as dangerous and inappropriate to school are not to be brought to school for any reason.The list includes:- super glue, knives, spray cans, solvents, matches, lighters, cutting instruments, cartridges (bullet) and toy guns etc
EASTER PARADE:
An Easter Parade is usually held before the Easter Holidays when the pupils wear hats that they or their parents have made at home. Parents are always welcome to come and watch the parade. A note is sent home giving exact details.
ENROLMENT:
Children are eligible to start school at any time from the beginning of the year to the end of Term 2, provided they are 5 years old before 31st July in that year. All other students living within the school zone can be enrolled at any time of the year. Evidence of age is required if a student has not attended a NSW Department of Education and Training school before.
EVACUATION:
In an emergency,
an electronic alarm is sounded. All persons on the school grounds must go
to the covered area and wait until the drill is concluded. Practice is held
at least once a term. A phone tree evacuation procedure is established.
EXCURSIONS
& SHOWS:
Parents will be
advised in writing of educational excursions and shows being conducted by
the school. Participation is in the best educational interests of all children.
Please contact the Principal if financial assistance needs to be considered.
Unless otherwise informed, full school uniform is expected on excursions.
FLOODS:
Every family is asked to complete an “Emergency Procedures” form at the beginning of each year. On this form, you are asked to provide the name and address of a person who will be responsible for your child if pupils have to be sent home early due to flooding or other emergencies, and you will not be at home. Please let the office know if this information should change for any reason as, in an emergency, it is impossible for us to contact each school family and make arrangements.
HATS:
Wide brim hats
must be worn. (Circular coverage)
No wide brim hat: children stay in Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) in
the shade
Children with no hat will eat lunch in COLA and remain there
PE / Sport: Children must wear wide brim hat -----> no participation without
one (common sense to prevail)
HOMEWORK:
Each teacher decides on the nature and amount of homework to be set within the school Homework Policy Guidelines. Home Reading is encouraged K-6 as part of the Homework routine.
K-2
ENRICHMENT DAY:(formally known as Infants fun Day)
Are held during the year with the other Orara Valley Schools for children in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. Again parents are welcome as spectators.
LIBRARY:
Library classes are held each week. Your child will be told which day each week his/her class has a library lesson. Each child must have a cloth library bag (large enough to hold quite big books). You can supply one yourself, or your child may be able to buy one from the librarian. Volunteers are always needed to cover and repair books. Let the office know if you are able to help.
LUNCH ORDERS FROM THE SHOP:
Parents who wish their child to order lunch from the shop on the days the tuckshop does not operate should phone the shop, 66 543 240. Any lunches ordered will be sent to the school at lunchtime.
MEDICINE:
No medication
will be administered unless permission notes are signed. These are available
at the office. Only the school medication note will be accepted.
MUFTI DAYS:
The last day of each term is a “mufti” day. This means that children do not have to wear their uniform to school, and therefore pay a fine. The money collected goes to a charity of our choice.
NEWSLETTER:
Each Tuesday a
School News Bulletin is sent home with the eldest child in each family.
They contain important school information, dates and items of news.
“OPERATION
ROLL CALL”
Is a joint attendance
operation between the Department of Education and Training and the NSW Police.
This will involve general duties police officers addressing truancy issues
as part of their routine duties.
Any young person above the age of 6 and below the age of 15, not at school
during 9.00am and 3.00pm, without a parent or responsible adult can be approached
by the Police or a Home School Liaison Officer.
All students will be expected to present a leave pass in order to validate
the period of leave from school. If this cannot be done the student will either
be accompanied back to their home or school, or directed to return to school.
The name of the student will be taken and provided to the school for follow
up.
The Department of Education and Training requires all government schools to
implement a leave pass system for students wishing to leave school during
school hours.
Nana Glen School has Leave Passes available for students who are to leave
school during normal school hours. The implementation of this Policy will
commence on Monday 22 May 2000. Each Leave Pass will be signed by the Principal
or Class Teacher and must be stamped with the School Stamp. Passes can be
obtained from the Office or Class Teachers.
P & C ASSOCIATION
Meets twice a term. At present meetings are held at the school commencing at 6.00pm and all parents are welcome to attend.
READING AT HOME:
Reading at home
is an important part of each child’s journey towards literacy.
Your influence in encouraging reading at home cannot be underestimated. Please
model with your child the pleasures of reading. Children are encouraged to
participate in our “1000 Minute Club”.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:
Classes are held each week. They are non-denominational and last for 30 minutes. If you do not wish your child to attend, please let the school know in writing.
REPORTING
ON STUDENT PROGRESS:
Pupil Profile
Folders are sent home each semester. Throughout the year student progress
in the six Key Learning Areas will be addressed. Formal Interviews at the
end of Term 1 and interviews at other times, by appointment are most welcome.
Students in Yrs 3 & 5 also receive Basic Skills Test Results in Term 4.
RULES:
Our Student Welfare Policy outlines the general rules which students are expected to follow. A copy of the Rights & Responsibilities of students, parents and staff are included in this booklet. Also refer to the Behaviour Management outline.
Parents are informed in writing whenever a student’s behaviour becomes a cause of concern.
SECURITY:
Since much of the school grounds is out of sight of residents on Grafton Road, we appreciate responsible citizens who report any unusual activity in the school grounds.
SMOKING IN SCHOOLS:
Is totally prohibited. We ask that all visitors to the school observe this regulation.
SPORT:
All students participate in P.E and weekly sports sessions. Sport sessions are held for all classes each Friday and children should wear their sports uniform.
SPECIAL
SPORTS EVENTS:
During
the year this school combines with the other Orara Valley Schools (Glenreagh,
Coramba, Karangi, Upper Orara, Lowanna, Ulong, and possibly with Corindi)
for various sporting events - swimming, softball and T-ball, tennis, cross
country, soccer. These events are for children in the Primary Classes (Year
3 and up), and parents are always welcome as spectators.
TEACHER
SUPERVISION:
There is no supervision
at school before 8.40am or after the last bus leaves at approximately 3.35pm.
Please make sure that your child is not at school when the playground is unsupervised.
UNIFORM:
The Nana Glen
school uniform has been determined by the school parent community.
We encourage the wearing of our uniform to promote a sense of pride and school
identity.
Should you have uniforms you no longer require, please send them to school
as other families may be able to use them. Please label your child’s
clothes - at the end of each term all lost property will be given to one of
the charities.
Items of clothing with logos or offensive messages are actively discouraged.
USE
OF SCHOOL GROUNDS AFTER HOURS:
Children may only
use school grounds and equipment outside school hours (including weekends)
if permission is given by the Principal and Community Use of School Facilities
Form is completed. No-one should ever be in any area near a building at these
times.
VOLUNTARY
CONTRIBUTION:
All families are
asked to make a contribution of $25per child ($40 for two or more) per year
to help with the purchase of educational resources. Newcomers to the school
during the year should pay a proportion of this - $5 per term. This amount
should be sent to the office and a receipt will be issued.
We hope all this information makes it easy for your family to settle into the Nana Glen School community. We stress again to phone the school for an appointment to clear up any concerns. Most problems can be resolved by discussion.
SCHOOL TIMES
Teachers arrive 8.40am
Play bell 9.00am
Morning Session 9.25am
Recess 10.55am
Mid Session 11.10am
Medication bell 12 noon
Lunch 12.45am
Afternoon Session 1.30pm
Final bell 3.05pm
School finishes 3.10pm
TO VIEW OUR SCHOOL POLICIES - PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW!