St Michael’s School
155 Reservoir Road
Blacktown South NSW 2148

Phone: 02 9622 9910
Fax: 02 9622 6902
Email: stmichaelsblktn@parra.catholic.edu.au
Website:  www.stmichaelsblacktown.catholic.edu.au

Supervision begins at 8:30am and finishes 3:30pm each afternoon. Parents are reminded that children should not be left at school outside these hours.

Our school assembly yards are limited in space and as a result parents and guardians need to obey our ‘Kiss & Drop’ points at entrances. We invite you to promote the independence of children by farewelling them at the gate and ensuring that they carry their own bags. No parent is to proceed into classrooms, toilet areas and/or playgrounds unless they have a visitor’s badge which is obtained from the school office.

The safety and wellbeing of your children is one of our greatest priorities. At the end of each day children will be brought to afternoon assembly. At this assembly you are invited to participate in any announcements with the children and they will then move to meet you.

To ensure safety of all, please:

• keep preschoolers from assembly lines
• refrain from bringing bikes into the area

At the conclusion of the afternoon assembly children waiting for parents will assemble in the Father Kevin Dadswell Learning Centre forecourt.  No child is to move through car parks without adult supervision.

Any enquiries regarding After School Care please contact Clovell Childcare & Early Learning Centre, Kent Street, Blacktown (Phone: 9649 5544 / 9637 6966 / 9649 6687).  Children left at the Centre in the morning are dropped at school and those needing to be cared for after school are picked up here at school and taken to the Centre.  Costs should be discussed with the centre.  We are currently seeking application with the Catholic Education Office for an on-site Catholic Out of School Hours Care and will advise when applications are approved.

Please note that a letter is necessary for all absences. For legal reasons, notes must be sent to school explaining each of your child’s absences. However, if a child is going to be away from school for more than two days, please telephone the school. In this way we may be able to continue to support your child’s learning.

If your child arrives late to school (any time after 9:10 am) they must collect a late arriver slip from the office, which must be handed to the classroom teacher. To ensure that your child doesn’t miss any class activity punctuality is imperative.

If you wish to pick your child up from school early for an appointment or any other reason (any time before 3:00 pm), you must complete an early leavers slip at the Office. Once forms are completed, the office then contacts the class teacher and the student is sent to the office.  Should anyone else be picking up your child, the office and classroom teacher needs to be notified. 

Reservoir Road is a particularly busy and dangerous main road. The area police command has been invited to be vigilant in its patrols. All parents are urged to maintain safe practise by:

• using marked crossings
• parking in signed areas
• following school signs when entering grounds.

Any children travelling to and from school using a bicycle, skateboard, etc. must have a permission note signed by parent or guardian

All parents who volunteer their services by working in the canteen, as parent readers, as managers and coaches of sporting teams and attending excursions must undergo a child protection check completing the online Children Protection Training Module at http://ceo-web.parra.catholic.edu.au/asp/volunteerscpmodule.asp.  This online training needs to be completed every two years.

Once this module has been completed the school receives notification and we will send home a declaration for completion. 

All visitors to our school must sign a visitor’s book found at the school office. In ensuring safety for all, visitors must wear a visitor’s badge. Once again we invite your support in working as:

• a parent tutor
• a canteen assistant
• library support
• an excursion and sport assistant.

Parents are encouraged to help with literacy and numeracy. Many parent courses are offered through the school year and we encourage parents to attend.

Before being able to help or work with any children in the school parents must complete a child protection declaration form.

School assemblies are held on Monday afternoons at 2:15 pm in the Infants and Primary quadrangles. The assemblies involve all classes and are approximately thirty minutes in length. During assemblies, awards are presented to the children. All parents and grandparents are welcome.

At St Michael’s we believe that positive school behaviour grows from creating a school environment which fosters care for one another, respect of individual differences and trust through a sense of feeling safe. As members of the Catholic community at St Michael’s, we believe that child management is an ongoing process that nurtures the total development of the child. It cannot be a separate entity and is an interchange of values between home and school. With this in mind we aim to develop strong supportive relationships between teacher, parent and child.

Throughout the year fundraising events will be kept to a minimum. However the school conducts a ‘Skip-A-Thon’ to support further resources of our school. In 2008 the bulk of the money raised will support IT throughout the school.

At St Michael’s when permission/payment for excursions, etc. are required it is essential that you fully complete and sign the envelope that is attached to the note and return with correct money.

Please return all envelopes to the class teacher.  We ask further that a separate envelope be used for each child.

Lost property is a source of great distress to a young child starting school, and a source of frustration to parents. There is a lost property bin located in the student foyer in the office.

Please ensure that all of your child’s property is clearly labelled (tracksuit tops as well as bottoms). The chances of the lost item finding its way home are significantly increased if there is a name attached.

The Canteen prepares lunches on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of each week only.

The Canteen is closed on Wednesdays.

You should write the lunch order on the front of a large paper bag with the child’s name and class and with the correct amount of money enclosed if possible. If you are unable to place correct money in the bag please state the amount you have enclosed and the change to be given.

Would you please add 10 cents extra to your child’s lunch order if you cannot supply a paper bag.

Please remember children are not permitted to bring more than $5.00 spending money. (Your cooperation in this matter would be greatly appreciated).

For parents who cannot help in the tuckshop (which helps supply necessary equipment for the school) you may be willing to send donations of sliced beetroot, cheese slices, tea, coffee, cleaning items or small jars of Vegemite. Donations of these items naturally help keep the prices to a minimum. Please send any donations to the tuckshop on any day it is open.

Any parents who can help on Monday, Tuesday, or Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Thursdays – 9:00 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 2:00/2:30 pm will be welcomed with open arms. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Parents who are able to offer their assistance on these days should only be required once every four weeks. Please note that the more help we receive in the tuckshop the easier it is. If you can spare a couple of hours of your time come along and make some new friends and help your school. 

Please note that the profits from the Canteen go to the school for the benefit of your children in updating school equipment.

It is most important that you notify the school office during the year of any changes to address, telephone number (either home and/or business) and contact person. We are unable to contact parents when children are sick or hurt when our records have not been updated.

At St Michael’s we believe homework provides an opportunity for parents to nurture their child’s learning. When parents participate in the completion of homework they are giving a strong message to their child that this activity is important. Homework also assists in developing good study habits. Homework may be set by the class teacher, either on a daily or weekly contract basis. This provides the children with an opportunity to learn to organise time so that homework is completed during the week, rather than on weekends. The purpose of homework is to revise, reinforce and consolidate skills covered in the classroom. It also provides a link between home and school and keeps parents informed of the skills and content covered within each stage.

Parents are asked to provide the time and environment which will allow their children to work productively.

Developing literacy skills is foundational to a child’s development as an independent and confident learner. We ask that each child read to an adult and/or be read to every night for about 10 minutes in kindergarten, 10-15 minutes in Years 1-2 and 20 minutes in Years 3-6. This should be a positive experience. If the reading material is too hard, please see your child’s teacher.

In Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 readers will be sent home for this purpose, but in Years 3 - 6 we suggest that library books borrowed form the basis for nightly reading.

Children will often bring a book home a number of times. This is in order to develop fluency and confidence. As skilled adult readers we read in blocks of words or phrases. This aids our ability to take meaning from what we read. Children need to have opportunities to do the same. Reading new text one word at a time discourages children from expecting reading to have meaning or ‘make sense’. Please support us in this process by discussing what the story is about and praising your child’s phrasing of the story as it is read.

As reading is such a vital part of your child’s education, we have a book club operating in the school to enable you to purchase quality books at cheaper prices.

We hope you will be able to take advantage of this offer for the benefit of your children.

Week 1 in Kindergarten

• School begins for Kindergarten on Wednesday 1^st February 2012
• For the first week, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the children attend school for only half a day 9.30am-12.30pm.  Shorter days (to start with) make transition into school a little easier for your child.
• Children will need recess and a hat but no lunch.

• Children will have been placed in class groups, however, these are not final and there may be some changes made to some children over the first few weeks of school.  This is important as we try to best meet the child’s individual needs and strengths.  Parents will be informed if there are any changes made involving their children.
• We ask that you arrive at the Infant’s Quad just before 9.30am and collect your child’s name tag which will be colour coded.
• With your help, the children can line up with their teachers at the coloured flag, matching their name tag.
• Say goodbye, kiss them, remind them you’ll be back and walk away cheerfully.  If you are positive about leaving, then your child is more likely to be positive too.
• The children will then move to their classrooms with their teachers to begin their journey in Kindergarten.
• At 12.20pm, we ask you to wait in the Infant’s Quad, the teacherswill escort the children to the quad, line them up and then call you to collect them.  It is important for you to wait for the teachers to call you, as this is the routine for a safe dismissal.

Week 2 in Kindergarten

• The following week (Monday, 6^th February) the children will begin full days in Kindergarten.
• The morning bell rings at 9.00am, we ask that the children are at school prior to the bell, so that they can get into the routine of lining up with their class and even spending a little time playing before school starts.  If you think your child is ready you can say your goodbyes prior to the bell.  There will always be a teacher on duty from 8.30am, allowing your child time to play in the mornings is one way you can help your child form friendships at school.
• At 2.50pm Kindergarten children will assemble in the Infant’s Quad and you will be asked to collect your child.
• If your child is catching a bus they will be escorted to bus lines. If you will be late collecting your child they will be supervised by a teacher until you arrive.
• Children will need hat, recess and lunch.
• Children can also bring in the items needed for kindergarten, boxes of tissues, paint shirt etc.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Kindergarten

Your role in this venture is so important;

A positive approach from you will help your child have a positive and enjoyable experience with school and learning.

Every second week a newsletter is sent home which contains valuable information about the St Michael’s school community. School newsletters are also archived on the school website for reading at your convenience.

An open line of communication is essential if a school is to reinforce values that are being taught at home. The school provides three structured means of reporting to parents:

Although teachers are available to talk to parents regarding their child, the usual process is to make an appointment through the school secretary for a mutually convenient time. It is important that parents do not try to discuss their child’s learning during class time. If you require further advice regarding your child’s development, stage learning team leaders can be available to meet with you

The proactive relationship between school and home plays an important part in a child’s successful school life.

If you have a matter you wish to raise with a teacher please feel free to communicate in writing or contact the office to make an appointment.

In the event that your issues have not been satisfied you are invited to contact your child’s stage learning team leader. The stage learning team leader is a member of the school’s leadership team and can be an important liaison between yourself and your child’s teacher.

If the matter requires further consultation an interview with the school principal can be made by ringing the school office.

Please remember your concerns, ideas and suggestions are always welcome.

When your child has to bring a note, fees, etc. to school, it is most important that you put it in an envelope on which you need to write the child’s name, class and the reason for the enclosure, e.g. school fees, note for teacher, etc.

Parking is only allowed:

• on Reservoir Road
• in the church car park
• on Orwell Street.

Please do not park in the area behind the presbytery and at no time are you to park in the Marist Centre which is next to the school.

Children travelling by car are to be collected from the waiting area in the Infants quad after school. 

Please note – children are not permitted to go alone to the car park or to the church.

This rule is for the safety of your child and your compliance is required.

Children are supervised while waiting. If a problem arises and your child has not been collected by 3:30 pm please try to notify the school of your delay.

NO ENTRY of cars into the school grounds will be permitted from Reservoir Road between the hours of 2.30pm and 3.15pm and the gates WILL BE LOCKED until 3.15pm with no exceptions to this rule.  Please also note that you are not permitted to enter the Staff carpark at any time unless an official pass has been issued by the Principal.

In the interests of safety for all concerned and in particular for the safety of our children, we ask all people using ‘St Michael’s Drop Off Zone’ from Reservoir Road, in the morning, to obey the following procedures.

• At all times when driving in school or parish grounds vehicles are to travel at walking pace only.
• Parents are not permitted to park in St Michael’s Primary school or Nagle College car park during normal school times.
• No parents’ vehicles are to enter school grounds from Reservoir Road in the afternoon.
• Children (including Nagle College students) are not to walk through the primary school staff car park. Pedestrian ways are provided.
• ‘Drop Off Zone’ – in the morning within St Michael’s school grounds from Reservoir Road.
  

• all vehicles to travel at walking pace only
• no stopping or parking on pedestrian ways
• vehicles to remain in single file - no overtaking
• drivers are not to leave their vehicles while in this zone
• no stopping in middle of this zone. Always be mindful of vehicles trying to get into this zone from Reservoir Road
• no right turn into Reservoir Road from ‘Drop Off Zone’ between 8:00 am and 9:30 am
• we prefer that you make a left turn into the ‘Drop Off Zone’ from Reservoir Road.

Bus/train passes

Free bus passes are available to all children from Kindergarten to Year 2, irrespective of distance from home to school. However, for students in Years 3-6 to be eligible, they must reside more than 1.6 kilometres (radial distance) measured from the centre of school. Application forms for bus/train travel are available from the school office.

Lost bus passes

If a student loses their bus pass, a replacement can be purchased by applying to the school for a form which must be completed by a parent and then forwarded to the appropriate bus company. The charge for a replacement pass is $15.00.

Behaviour on buses

Children travelling by bus are expected to follow a code of behaviour that is sensible. Children who are consistently reported as misbehaving will have their bus passes removed either temporarily or permanently. Parents are asked to remind their children of their expectations of behaviour to and from school.

In the event of a slight accident, graze or bump, a teacher will administer simple first aid, such as washing with water and applying a bandaid. However, in the event of a serious playground accident, the teacher will have first aid administered in the office, complete an accident report sheet and the parent or other person nominated by a parent will be notified.  Under no circumstances will children be allowed to administer first aid to another child. Parents should notify the school of all allergies and other medical information pertinent to their child.

If a child requires medication (prescribed medication only) during school time, parents are asked to complete an ‘Authorisation for Prescribed Medication’ form (available from the office), otherwise the medication will not be administered.

At St Michael’s we are a nut and egg free school as we have children with Anaphylaxis in some classes:

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life threatening. It must be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment and urgent medical attention.

Anaphylaxis is a generalised allergic reaction, which often involves more than one body system (e.g. skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular). A severe allergic reaction usually occurs within 20 minutes of exposure to the trigger and can rapidly become life threatening.

What causes anaphylaxis?

Common triggers of anaphylaxis include:

Food

Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, crustaceans and soy are the most common food triggers, which cause 90% of allergic reactions. However, any food can trigger anaphylaxis. It is important to understand that even trace amounts of food can cause a life-threatening reaction. Some extremely sensitive individuals can react to skin contact or even the smell of a food (e.g. fish)

Insect venom

Bee, wasp and jumper ant stings are the most common causes of anaphylaxis to insect stings. Ticks and fire ants also cause anaphylaxis in susceptible individuals.

Medication

Medications, both over the counter and prescribed, can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Individuals can also have anaphylactic reactions to herbal or ‘alternative’ medicines.

Other

Other triggers such as latex or exercise induced anaphylaxis are less common and occasionally the trigger cannot be identified despite extensive investigation.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may occur almost immediately after exposure or within the first 20 minutes. Rapid onset and development of potentially life-threatening symptoms are characteristic markers of anaphylaxis.

Allergic symptoms may initially appear mild or moderate but can progress rapidly. The most dangerous allergic reactions involve the respiratory system (breathing) and/or cardiovascular system (heart and blood pressure).

Common symptoms

Mild to moderate allergic reaction

• Tingling of the mouth
• Hives, welts or body redness
• Swelling of the face, lips, eyes
• Vomiting, abdominal pain.

Severe allergic reaction – Anaphylaxis

• Difficulty and/or noisy breathing
• Swelling of the tongue
• Swelling or tightness in the throat
• Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
• Wheeze or persistent cough
• Loss of consciousness and/or collapse
• Pale and floppy (young children).
  

Diagnosis

A person who is suspected of having a food allergy should obtain a referral to see an allergy specialist for correct diagnosis, advice on preventative management and emergency treatment. Those diagnosed with severe allergy must carry emergency medication as prescribed as well as an Anaphylaxis Action Plan signed by their doctor. Food allergic children who have a history of eczema and/or asthma are at higher risk of anaphylaxis. Administration of adrenaline is first line treatment of anaphylaxis.

Management and treatment

Anaphylaxis is a preventable and treatable event. Knowing the triggers is the first step in prevention. Children and caregivers need to be educated on how to avoid food allergens and/or other triggers.

However, because accidental exposure is a reality, children and caregivers need to be able to recognise symptoms of anaphylaxis and be prepared to administer adrenaline according to the individual’s anaphylaxis action plan.

Research shows that fatalities more often occur away from home and are associated with either not using or a delay in the use of adrenaline.

The following infections are common in early childhood. This is a guide to the time which the child should have away from school should an illness occur.

Introduction

Enrolment of children into our school is an important step for both parents and our parish. It is hoped that this policy outlines the guiding principles on which decisions are made and practices are based.

Enrolment is seen as a process commenced when a parent(s) request and then return completed enrolment forms. An interview is then set up with the principal or assistant principal, the parents and the prospective student. This is seen as a crucial part of the relationship building process and, where possible, both parents are asked to attend.

After all of the interviews have taken place the enrolment committee meets to assess the schools ability to offer positions to the applicants. The enrolment criteria from the document ‘Enrolment Procedures In Parramatta Catholic Schools’ is applied.

The documents, ‘Systemic Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Parramatta: principles underpinning provision, access and enrolment’ and ‘Enrolment Procedures In Parramatta Catholic Schools’ will be made available to all members of the parish and school community upon request.

St Michael’s will endeavour, whenever possible, to provide opportunities for evangelisation. However, when the number of places available at our school is exceeded by the demand for placement, the priority for enrolment is given in the following order:

• Children of Catholic families who:
  • live within the geographic boundaries of the St Michael’s parish
  • live outside the parish boundaries but regularly attend the St Michael’s parish.
    

• Children of Catholic families who are parishioners of a parish other than St Michael’s provided there are no vacancies at the child’s own designated community parish school (including Latin Rite and Eastern Catholic churches).
  

• Children of other Christian churches who, with their parents, respect and agree to support the Catholic mission of St Michael’s including the religious education it offers for their children.
  

• Children of other faiths who, with their parents, respect and agree to support the Catholic mission of St Michael’s including the religious education it offers for their children.
  

• Children who, with their parents, respect and agree to support the Catholic mission of St Michael’s including the religious education it offers for their children.

Please note: In the implementation of the above criteria, respect for pastoral concern and the individual children’s needs may require some provision for flexibility to be exercised. Where exceptions to the above criteria are proposed, the principal, the pastor and the delegate of the executive director must meet to make a determination.

Siblings of children currently enrolled at St Michael’s are considered according to the criteria set out above. Within each of these categories a sibling of a child presently enrolled at St Michael’s will have preference over an applicant who does not have a sibling in the school.

When St Michael’s accepts enrolment of a child it is normal practice that continuity of enrolment is provided for the child for all year levels provided by the school.

Children whose fifth birthday occurs on or before July 31 will be eligible for enrolment in Kindergarten that year. School readiness should be a significant factor for parents and the enrolment committee in determining enrolment.

The enrolment of students with disabilities and special needs must first be considered according to the preceding enrolment provisions contained in this document. When considering such enrolments significant consultation must occur between the principal, the parents of the student, the pastor, relevant school staff and outside agencies, personnel from the Catholic Education Office Student Services and the head of services.

The individual educational needs of the student, as well as the capacity of the school to meet these needs effectively, will be carefully considered. This process must be consistent with the legal principles central to the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and meet the disability standards.

Full fee paying overseas students will only be enrolled at St Michael’s after the needs of local students, who are eligible for enrolment, have been met.

The system of schools within the Diocese of Parramatta is a non-profit organisation and as such acceptance of enrolment into a Catholic school of the diocese ordinarily involves a responsibility and commitment to pay school fees as they fall due for payment.

Except where specially noted, in interpretation of the following, the words ‘school fees’ and ‘fees’ should be taken to include Diocesan School Fees, Diocesan Building Levy and any other fees or charges as advised by the school from time to time.

Fees

• All fees are due and payable within 30 days of the date the school account statement is issued.
  
  
• Late payment of fees may attract a late payment fee as published in the school schedule of fees.
  
  
• For students not enrolled at the school for the full year, fees will be payable on a pro- rata basis based upon the number of weeks attended over the school year (40 weeks). Attendance for part of a week will be deemed a full week for the purposes of this calculation.
  
  
• Absence during the whole year or any part of the term does not remove the obligation to make payment of the terms fees.
  
  
• Except in unforeseen circumstances, a full term’s notice in writing must be given to the principal before a pupil is withdrawn from the school and in default of such notice, a full term’s fees will be payable.
  
  
• On termination of enrolment any adjustment to fees already paid will be at the sole discretion of the school.
  
  
• Where fees and charges are not paid in full and an acceptable arrangement has not been made, the parent(s) or guardian(s) may be liable to legal action for the recovery of any unpaid fees or other charges. All legal and/or collection charges incurred by the school for the recovery of any overdue amount will be payable by the parent(s) or guardian(s).
  
  
• In addition to any action to recover outstanding fees, the enrolment of the student(s) may be discontinued.

Financial assistance

• Reduced levels of diocesan school fees are available for the 2^nd  and 3^rd child with no fees payable for 4^th or subsequent children of a family attending a Catholic Systemic school within the Diocese of Parramatta, St Dominic’s, Kingswood, Catholic Systemic schools within the Archdiocese of Sydney, Diocese of Broken Bay and Wollongong.
  
  
• At the discretion of the principal, a further discount of up to 10% may be given on the total diocesan school fees where there are siblings attending congregational schools and the principal believes that the financial circumstances of a given family warrant some reduction.
  
  
• No child will be refused a place in a Catholic Systemic school where genuine financial hardship is experienced. In these circumstances parents should consult with the principal so as assistance can be made available.

At St Michael’s we believe excursions form a valuable part of children’s learning. Therefore, all children are encouraged to take part in excursions, which take place usually once each year. In cases of genuine financial hardship parents are encouraged to discuss this problem with the principal so that arrangements can be made.

Children on any excursion are always strictly supervised by either teachers, or parents who have been requested by the teachers to help. It is essential that permission envelopes and payments are returned to school by the due date.

Year 6 go on an overnight excursion throughout the year. Notes and permission slips are sent home explaining in detail the purpose and costs of this excursion.