cornerstone secondary school handbook 2015
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
1 | P a g e
2
The CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE CHARTER To ensure all students are able to develop the learning outcomes described within the Australian Curriculum
and Curriculum Framework, which defines the curriculum for all schools (government and non-government) throughout the state of Western Australia.
To provide an educational program that is uniquely Christian. We will teach, model and integrate Christian
values and beliefs innovatively, creatively and authentically throughout the learning program. To ensure every lesson and learning experience is a result of purposeful planning and is professionally
facilitated or delivered by dedicated Christian teachers, whose efforts are genuinely and actively supported by school leaders, support staff, parents and the wider community.
To always maintain a school environment where students can learn in a safe and caring place, without fear of
disruption or harassment. To teach students what it means to be strong, loving and self disciplined as described in the Bible in
Romans 12:2; by encouraging students to make a difference in the lives of others and to stand firm for what they believe.
To recognize, celebrate and nurture each child’s unique gifts and strengths.
3
ABSENCE .....................................................................................................................................................................................6
ACADEMIC POLICIES ..............................................................................................................................................................6
ACCIDENT PROTECTION POLICY .......................................................................................................................................8
ADMINISTRATION FREQUENT CONTACT NUMBERS ...................................................................................................8
ADMINISTRATION TEAM .......................................................................................................................................................8
EXECUTIVE STAFF ......................................................................................................................................................................8 SENIOR SECONDARY STAFF ........................................................................................................................................................8 SUPPORT STAFF ..........................................................................................................................................................................8 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT ...........................................................................................................................................................8 EMAIL CONTACTS .......................................................................................................................................................................9
COLLEGE BOARD .....................................................................................................................................................................9
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION .................................................................................................................9
ATTENDANCE .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
SCHOOL HOURS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10 LATE ARRIVALS ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
CALENDAR DATES 2015 ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
CAMP GUIDELINES & EXCURSIONS ................................................................................................................................. 11
COMPUTER USE GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................................ 11
CAMPING/EXCURSION PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................... 12
CANTEEN .................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
CONCERNS................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
DIARIES ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
ENGRADE .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
ENROLMENT ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
FEES ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
ILLNESS AT SCHOOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
INFECTIOUS ILLNESS - PERIODS OF EXCLUSION ......................................................................................................... 14 STUDENT HOSPITALISATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
LIBRARY.................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
LOCKERS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
LOST PROPERTY .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
MAILINGS TO PARENTS OF SEPARATED FAMILIES ................................................................................................... 15
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL ................................................................................................................................................ 16
MERIT CERTIFICATES .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
MOBILE PHONE & ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY ...................................................................................................... 17
PARENT INVOLVEMENT / VOLUNTEERS ........................................................................................................................ 17
PARENTS IN PARTNERSHIP ................................................................................................................................................ 17
PHOTOGRAPHS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
PRESENTATION & UNIFORM STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS ..................................................................................... 18
UNIFORM SHOP ................................................................................................................................................................... 19 SALE OF SECOND-HAND UNIFORMS ......................................................................................................................................... 20
SPORT ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
TRIBES/HOUSES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 20 SPORT/PE/TRAINING EXEMPTIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 20
STUDENT BEHAVIOURAL & WORK HABIT EXPECTATIONS .................................................................................... 20
BEHAVIOURS & WORK CODE ........................................................................................................................................... 21 ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR POLICY .................................................................................................................................................. 22 POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS, ALCOHOL OR CIGARETTES ...................................................................................................... 22
STUDENT DETAILS - CHANGE OF INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 22
STUDENT REPORTS AND REPLACEMENT REPORTS .................................................................................................. 22
SUNSMART................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
TRANSPORT ............................................................................................................................................................................. 23
4
VISITORS TO SCHOOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 23
WITHDRAWAL OF ENROLMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 23
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24
APPENDIX 1: ASSESSMENT POLICY FOR 2015 .......................................................................................................................... 24 APPENDIX 2: PARTIES ............................................................................................................................................................ 26 APPENDIX 3 – INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) POLICY .................................................................... 29 APPENDIX 4 – EXAMPLE OF A BEHAVOUR RECORD SHEET ......................................................................................................... 34
5
Dear Parents,
This handbook aims to provide all families with some structured information about the College’s secondary school. It includes the processes and procedures that have been developed to create and maintain a learning environment that is conducive to the achievement of educational excellence. All of the critical dates for the 2015 school year have been included for your planning purposes. We all know that young people achieve best at school when parents and teachers are able to enter an effective partnership. This document aims to strengthen our partnerships at Cornerstone by creating a clear understanding of the expectations we share. If you have any queries or concerns about the procedures outlined in the booklet, or even some good ideas, please contact a staff member so together we can make this school the best place for your family. We want your child to succeed at school and we hope your entire family will enjoy and benefit from a Cornerstone education. God bless Boyd Davey Deputy Principal (Head of Secondary)
Acknowledgement
Cornerstone Christian College is grateful to Emmanuel Christian College and the Christian Schools Australia (C.S.A.) network for making available the framework that has formed the basis of this booklet.
6
ABSENCE
(i) From School – Parents are asked to telephone the College between 8.20am and 9.00 am on the morning of absence on 9754 1144 or email at [email protected] by 9.00am. If the office has not received advice of absences, an SMS will be sent requesting the parent contact the school to clarify the student’s whereabouts. On return to school, the student must present a written note of explanation to the front office. If notes are not received, parents will receive a letter outlining the dates of absence and the need to provide a note. Persistent absence may be reported to the Department of Education’s School Attendance Officer and impact the child’s enrolment status at the College.
(ii) From an Assessment Task - Students who are absent from an assessment task will be given the lowest
possible grade unless they seek prior approval from the Deputy Principal or the relevant teacher. This approval will only be given for extraordinary events such as illness, family bereavement, approved school activities, and family absence. A full written explanation or Medical Certificate is required from parents/guardians. Year 11&12: For summative assessment (counts towards end of year results), failure to attend or complete an assessment task by the due date without approval will sometimes result in a student being ineligible to receive credit for doing the subject in that semester.
(iii) Early Leave – Students are only permitted to leave the College grounds during the day if they are signed out by parents or have a note signed by parents giving a valid reason. If students return the same day, they must report to the front office to be signed in by the administration staff.
(iv) Special Leave – Requests for leave of absence during term due to extenuating circumstances should be addressed in writing to the Principal / Deputy Principal stating details of leave and all dates of leave period, prior to finalising arrangements. Students are required to take responsibility for obtaining and completing work set for the period of absence. Leave for family holidays, etc. is discouraged as the Government does not accept these as legitimate reasons for absence.
(v) Year 12 – Students in year 12 have some young adult like responsibilities and privileges in response to the need to prepare our students for the flexible learning styles of university and TAFE. Please see the “Year 12 Off Campus Movement Form” for relevant details.
(vi) Year 11 and 12 Exams – Students who are unwell on the day of the exam need to provide a doctors
certificate to verify their absence. Failure to do so will result in students losing 20% off their final examination mark.
(vii) Year 9 and 10 Exams – Students who are unwell on the day need to provide explanation as per point
(i) above.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
(a) HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is an integral part of the academic life at Cornerstone Christian College. Our aim is to help every student to engage in their learning programs and achieve success. Parents can help their children take responsibility for their own homework in the following ways:
1) Arrange a quiet place for your child to study. 2) Negotiate a suitable time – some children need to unwind from their day first; others prefer to do it
straight away. 3) Set an alarm clock for the appropriate time then leave your child to get on by themselves. Younger
children or students facing learning difficulties may need more encouragement.
If your child is experiencing difficulties with homework, please see your child’s teacher – it may be appropriate to set less, or make modifications etc.
If your child is completing the set homework quickly then encourage your child to read or study for the remainder of time, play games such as chess or monopoly, research an interesting topic. Alternatively, talk to the class teacher about extension work for your child.
Monitor your child’s homework diary and sign it each week. All homework and due dates should be entered into the diary.
7
Homework is set each night to reinforce basic skills and to encourage good study habits, according to the guidelines below. These times are meant to be broadly indicative for an average child. They are based on a 4 day working week. If Friday is seen as a night ‘off’ or some other day is consumed by another activity, the time should be made up on the weekend, or another night. If your child is consistently exceeding the recommended time allocations below, please speak with the Deputy Principal.
Recommended Total Time Guideline Year 7 & 8 1 hour i.e. 4 hrs/wk Year 9 & 10 1 ½ hours i.e. 8 hrs/wk Year 11 & 12 (ATAR) 2-3 hours i.e. 12 hrs/wk Year 11& 12 (Non ATAR) 1-2 hours i.e. 8 hrs/wk
Special Consideration Policy
It is possible to make special arrangements in various areas for students with special needs.
Parents who believe that their son/daughter has special needs should discuss their concerns with the Deputy Principal in the first instance. In sensitive areas, parents may wish to consult directly with the teachers involved in providing your child’s programs.
Cheating And Plagiarism
The College expects all students to conduct themselves with personal and academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism will be treated as serious incidents.
Cheating is obtaining or attempting to obtain academic credit for work by dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means.
Plagiarism is using the ideas or work of others (either directly or in part) as if it were one’s own, without giving acknowledgement to the source. For example, it is very important that students do not cut and paste from their internet research, unless they are making a direct quote and the origin of the text is clearly stated.
Presentation Standards
All work submitted is expected to be of “publishable” standard. This will vary according to year level, but in broad terms, work should always be a student’s best work, in publishable condition, presented tidily and using expected academic standards of referencing and structure, according to the expectation of the Year Level.
Satisfactory Progress Requirements
Cornerstone Christian College is committed to providing an environment which is conducive to success, and a studious classroom environment. This cannot be achieved if there are significant numbers of students who are not committed to putting in a good effort.
Our philosophy is that we expect all students to demonstrate their commitment to their study, and their general performance and behaviour in school, within each calendar year.
For further details about the expectations and procedures, please see the section ‘STUDENT BEHAVIOURAL and ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS’ published elsewhere in this handbook.
(b) ASSIGNMENT POLICY
Assignments must be handed in to the classroom teacher on or before the day they are due.
Any late assignments must be handed to the relevant teacher who will note the date and time on the assignment. They will be given a lowered grade but must still be completed within a reasonable time or disciplinary action will follow. See ‘STUDENT BEHAVIOURAL and ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS. If there are special circumstances causing lateness or requiring an extension, a letter of explanation must be given to the relevant teacher for approval prior to the due date.
8
Extensions of time may be given for reasonable requests, but students must see the relevant teacher well before the day on which the work is due. Failure to submit an assignment in Year 11 and 12 could result in the student not receiving credit for the subject in that semester. For further information about the ‘Secondary Assessment Policy’, please see the relevant appendix and the end of this document. This includes details pertaining to the reduction in marks that will be applied to late assignments.
ACCIDENT PROTECTION POLICY
Parents/Guardians are responsible for all medical expenses in relation to any injury sustained by students. Some injuries may be eligible for limited compensation under the College’s limited Accident Protection Policy. All claims for injury sustained during the current year must be submitted by 30th January the following year. Claim forms and additional information are available from the Business Manager.
ADMINISTRATION FREQUENT CONTACT NUMBERS
Main Administration Office – General Enquiries Phone: 9754 1144 Fax: 9754 1142
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
EXECUTIVE STAFF Principal Mr Bruce Douglas B. Ed, B. Arts
Business Manager Mr Stuart Robinson B. Bus (Marketing & Accounting) Head of Secondary (7-12) Mr Boyd Davey BA Soc. Science., Grad Dip Ed Head of Primary (PK-6) Miss Judy Nolan BA, Grad Dip Ed. M Ed. Assistant Head of Primary Mrs Tina King B.Ed Community Development Officer Filip Hansen, Cert TAA, Dip Min, Dip CSW, Dip YW, B. OrgL
SENIOR SECONDARY STAFF Head of Secondary (7-12) Mr Boyd Davey Senior Curriculum Coordinator Miss Joanne Needham Student Services Coordinator Mr David van der Tang
SUPPORT STAFF Administration – Office Manager Mrs Petro Gouws Administration Mrs Elizabeth Haythornthwaite Mrs Enola DeLuca Assistant to the Principal Mrs Dianne Fraser Enrolment Officer Mrs Mirinda Atkinson
ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Accounts Payable Mrs Tracey Brough
College Uniform Shop Mrs Michelle Shipton
Canteen Mrs Michelle Shipton
9
EMAIL CONTACTS Please note that all College staff may be contacted by email, via the [email protected] address. When messages are sent to this address they are received by the clerical staff and forwarded to the relevant member of staff. Please understand that emails sent to any staff member may be forwarded to another staff member whose responsibility it is to deal with that area. All senior staff or the clerical assistants will direct emails through to other staff as a matter of course, if another person should be dealing with the matter. Please understand that your email will be forwarded on to the person most suited to deal with it.
COLLEGE BOARD
The College Board is made up of 9 Directors, who are appointed by Cornerstone Church of Christ Inc. The College Board is responsible for the governance of Cornerstone Christian College Ltd. The College is a Not-For-Profit organisation. The College Board’s responsibilities include: Strategic Planning Financial Oversight Legal Oversight Governance Policy Development Below is a list of the current Directors: Dr Gavin Riches (Chairperson) Mr Mike Wallace (Secretary) Mr Eric Moorcroft (Deputy Chair) Mr Kingsley Chapman Mrs Andrea Marden Mrs Lily Stieler Mr Alex van Wees Pastor Lee Sykes (Cornerstone Church of Christ) Mr Bruce Douglas (Principal)
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION
Students are required to be at school on time each day. Students should not be on campus before 8:15 am or after 3.30pm, unless they are involved in a supervised activity. The College provides no playground supervision before 8.15am or after 3.15pm. The only exception applies to students catching buses. Students will be supervised until the last regular bus has departed.
10
ATTENDANCE
SCHOOL HOURS Start: 8:40am Finish: 3.15 pm
NB: All students should be on the school site by 8.35am each morning when the 2 minute warning siren sounds at 8:38am.
Students will be dismissed from their classrooms at 3.15pm. Those who travel via bus will need to walk to the bus shelter areas where they will be supervised by the Bus Monitor. The school accepts responsibility for overseeing the safe departure of students off the school site between 3.15pm and 3.30pm. Any child who is on-site after this time will be taken to the undercover area, where they will need to be picked up by parents – unless they are part of an organised after school activity in which the child is registered to participate. If they are remaining on site to engage in an organised activity, they need to register with the supervising teacher or at the front office. It is important that the office staff are aware of the children who are on-site after hours.
LATE ARRIVALS All high school students arriving after 8.40am must report to the front office. (Students must use the back entrance) and collect a late note. Wherever possible, students arriving late should present a note with an explanation for their lateness to their form teacher.
CALENDAR DATES 2015
*Staff days in italics
TERM 1 Monday 2nd February – Thursday 2nd April (9 week term) Staff Only – Tuesday 27th January – Friday 30th January 3th March (Labour Day Holiday) 3rd April (Good Friday)
TERM 2 Tuesday 21st April – Friday 3rd July (11 week term) Staff Only – Monday 20th April 27th April (ANZAC Day Holiday)
1st June (WA Day public holiday, WA)
TERM 3 Wednesday 22nd July – Friday 25th September (10 week term) Staff Only – Monday 20th July – Tuesday 21st July
TERM 4 Tuesday 13th October – Thursday 10th December (9 week term) Staff Only – Monday 12th October Last day for teaching staff – Friday 12th December
11
CAMP GUIDELINES & EXCURSIONS
Students enrolled at Cornerstone Christian College are expected to participate in all school activities that are deemed to be compulsory. This includes excursions and after school activities that are designed to enrich and extend the education of students. The guidelines below cover responsibilities in relation to all school excursions and the conduct expected when students are involved. They set forth requirements to help ensure the safety of students and all others on school excursions. Please be aware, that some excursions/camps will be deemed as ‘non-compulsory’. The information provided for an excursion will clearly state if it is deemed to be voluntary. The College will clearly state if students are expected to attend (compulsory) or if participation is optional (voluntary). These guidelines do not cover the following situations:
Work experience and vocational education situations.
Overseas student exchanges arranged through private organisations. The policy can be found on the College website at the following location: http://www.cornerstone.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-08-28_Excursions-Incursions-Camps-Policy-854.pdf
COMPUTER USE GUIDELINES
It is a definite advantage for students to be familiar with how to use a computing device for research and educational purposes, and having access to a computer and internet at home is desirable, but not essential. It is critical that students and parents read, discuss and sign the “ICT User Agreement”. This document outlines the conditions for use of computing devices while being a student at Cornerstone Christian College. At times, students will have private study classes. Sometimes, the computers will be available, but access is not guaranteed. Students may store their work on their personal USB or cloud drive. Approval must be sought before printing documents – this is particularly important when a student wants to print something in colour. It is crucial that students restrict their activities on the computer to those that have been approved by the teacher. If a student is found to be doing something on the computer that has not been authorised by a teacher or given as a specific instruction, it will be deemed an act of disobedience. If a student is found using computers in an inappropriate way, they can expect to either receive a warning or be told that they have lost the privilege of using the school’s computers or personal devices. Device use is deemed a privilege and if students abuse the privilege, they can expect to lose it for a time (as deemed appropriate by the College’s Leadership Team). Students may also be issued with a ‘STEP’ or ‘STEPs’ (See Behaviour Related Issues and Consequences) if the incident warrants such a response. Students in years 11 and 12 may bring ‘approved’ devices to school and use them during instructional hours. The appropriate device needs to be selected by the student to suit them. For example a tablet may suffice or a student may needs something ergonomically larger such as a lap top. It must be noted that the College does not take any responsibility for any breakages or loss. Students in years 9-10 may bring a college approved device to aid with learning difficulties. Permission is to be sought from the Deputy Principal. Students in years 7-8 must bring their personal device as per the “ICT User Agreement” All students are issued with a computer ‘Log On Account’ by the school’s Information Technology Manager. When using the school’s computers, students must use their designated Log On Account.
12
CAMPING/EXCURSION PROGRAM
A sequential camping program is in place, which offers all students a chance to develop self-esteem, independence and team spirit as well as extending their knowledge in various curriculum areas.
Year 7 Middle School Camp (Annual) - Compulsory Year 8 Middle School Camp (Annual) - Compulsory Years 9 Sydney/Canberra Trip (Annual) – Voluntary Year 10 Yr 10 Mission Service Trip – Compulsory Year 11 University Camp - Voluntary Year 12 Retreat and Wellbeing Planning (3 events throughout the year)
All students in Years 9 to 12 have the option to participate in the Red Cross Cadet Program. Each year, this group of students have the opportunity to be a part of hiking, camping and numerous other outdoor related activities. The focus of this program is on community service, team building and leadership training.
CANTEEN
The canteen is a modern facility located in the Under-Cover Area. A variety of hot and cold food is available with a menu list being sent home each semester.
The canteen is open at recess, lunch and before school each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for students who would like to order their lunch.
CONCERNS
Cornerstone Christian College welcomes suggestions and comments from parents and takes seriously complaints and concerns that may be raised. A complaint will be treated as an expression of genuine dissatisfaction that needs a response. We want to ensure that:
Parents wishing to make a complaint know how to do so;
We respond to complaints within a reasonable time and in a courteous and efficient way;
Parents realise that we listen to and take complaints seriously;
We take action where appropriate.
“How should I lodge a concern?”
Members of staff will be happy to help. It is best to start with the person most closely concerned with the issue – for example, to raise class matters with the teacher, sports concerns with Physical Education Coordinator, and so on. They may be able to sort things out quickly, with the minimum of fuss. However, you may prefer to take the matter to a more senior member of staff, for example the Head of Secondary or the Principal.
“I don’t want to lodge a concern as such, but there is something bothering me.”
The school is here for you and your child, and we want to hear your views and your ideas. Please contact a member of staff, as described above.
“What will happen next?”
If you raise something face-to-face or by telephone, it may be possible to resolve the matter immediately and to your satisfaction.
If you have made a complaint or suggestion in writing, someone will contact you as soon as possible to respond to your concerns, and explain how we propose to proceed.
“What considerations are given to confidentiality?”
13
Your concern will be treated in a confidential manner and with respect. Knowledge of it will be limited to those directly involved, and perhaps the Principal. If it is really serious, the Chair of the School Board may also need to be informed. This will generally only be when there may be issues of legal liability, such as Child Protection.
It is the school’s policy that complaints made by parents should not rebound adversely on their children.
Anonymous concerns will almost never be pursued. We hold the view that if a concern is raised, it must be open to proper enquiry, and any allegations that are made ought to be able to be tested and verified.
If staff disciplinary procedures are to be implemented as a result of concerns raised, this will generally be handled confidentially within the school.
“What if I am not satisfied with the outcome?”
We hope that you will feel satisfied with the outcome, or at least that your concerns have been fully and fairly considered.
If you are not satisfied with an outcome, you are entitled to request a meeting with a more senior person, and ultimately to the Principal. As outlined above, the Principal will not generally deal at the first complaint with matters that could be taken on by another person.
Sometimes, however, people have to “agree to disagree”. In such cases, we will write to you giving our opinions and our reasons for holding them, and we will accept that you may hold different ones. If at this point you feel the College has not acted in a manner that is fair and reasonable, the issue can be taken up with the College Board. In this instance, the College Board will investigate the matter and respond accordingly. If a member of the school community remains dissatisfied with the processes undertaken by the College’s Leadership Team and College Board of Directors, an appeal can be lodged with the State Executive Officer of Christian Schools Australia (CSA). They will respond by bringing together a team of senior school administrators from other schools to view the matter and determine if the actions of the College have been appropriate.
The school recognises and acknowledges your entitlement to raise a concern and we hope to work with you in the best interests of the children and young people in our care.
DIARIES
Students are issued with a Homework Diary at the beginning of each year (or upon enrolment). This diary should record the amount of time spent doing Homework each week, and should be signed weekly by a parent/guardian. The diaries should not be defaced with graffiti. Any defaced/lost diaries will mean that new ones will be issued at a cost to the student/s concerned. Student in years 7-8 will be using an electronic version of this diary.
ENGRADE
All students and parents have access to an online program called Engrade. This website is each family’s personal access to information such as current grades, assessment marks, due dates, teacher communication etc. It is highly recommended that each student and parent create and account, logs on and regularly uses it. Details regarding log in and account creation will be issued at the beginning of the year or when a student enrols. Interim reports WILL NOT be issued in term 1 and parents are expected to have accessed Engrade to gauge their child’s progress.
14
ENROLMENT ISSUES
All parents should note that our enrolment contract is made with the parents/guardians of each student under the assumption that the student will continue to live with one or both of those parents/guardians for the duration of the enrolment period. If a student leaves home and chooses to live with another student, a person (including other relatives) other than at least one parent/guardian, or on their own, the enrolment contract will be deemed to have ceased. If the student wishes to continue at the College, a new enrolment contract will need to be negotiated and the College in no way promises or indicates that such a contract will be successfully negotiated.
FEES
At the commencement of each year (or the commencement of enrolment if part way through a school year), families receive an itemised account for the annual fees. The account must be paid within 30 days, or families must adopt one of the following options:
1) Enter a direct debit payment plan; or 2) Enter an agreed payment plan.
Families who choose to pay the full amount within 30 days will receive a 7% discount. A rebate scheme is also in place to assist those families who have limited financial means and find the fee levels unaffordable. Details are available from the front office.
ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
If a student becomes ill during the school day, they must report to their teacher or the College reception area. From there, students will be assessed and either returned to class or a parent or listed emergency contact person will be notified. Your child should be collected as soon as possible, after you have been contacted by the College. We cannot provide long term bed care for students. Under no circumstances is a student to contact home and arrange to be collected without the prior permission of the Office Staff, Deputy Principal or Principal.
INFECTIOUS ILLNESS - PERIODS OF EXCLUSION
Following Department of Health guidelines, children suffering from an infectious illness must remain at home until the contagious period is over and they have fully recovered. Parents are asked to notify the school immediately a child contracts an infectious illness.
Children are not permitted to be at school with any of the following:
● Vomiting (in the previous 12 hours) ● Mumps ● Diarrhoea
● Measles ● Persistent coughing ● Conjunctivitis
● High temperature (in the previous 12 hours) ● German measles
● Chicken pox ● Impetigo (school sores)
● Head Lice (unless treated and the eggs removed)
STUDENT HOSPITALISATION If a student requires transport to hospital because of illness or injury, by either private vehicle or ambulance, the school will endeavour to have a staff member accompany that child to hospital and remain with them, until a parent or guardian arrives. It is our reasonable expectation that parents would attempt to relieve that staff member as soon as possible.
LIBRARY
The library is open from Monday to Friday 8:40 am to 3:15 pm. Students in Years 7 to 12 are able to use the library after school for private study and the completion of homework on designated days. Students who do not work quietly and without the need of active supervision will be disallowed from using the library after school or at lunchtime.
15
LOCKERS
All secondary students are provided with a locker, which is located in or near their form room. It is provided for the safe keeping of their property. Locks are provided by the College and students are to look after and keep tidy their lockers at all times. Locks are to be returned at the end of the year or when a student leaves.
LOST PROPERTY
Please contact the front office regarding the locations of lost property items.
MAILINGS TO PARENTS OF SEPARATED FAMILIES
We receive a number of requests each year for duplication of information and materials that we send out, for parents who are not in regular residence with a child. These include requests for newsletters, handbooks, calendars, excursion information, reports, photos, just to name some. This is a very complex issue. Most people are not fully aware of the implications of what sounds like a simple request to them. Here are some of the issues involved:
a) Privacy legislation where other parties outside of family may be involved; b) Some families have three or even more alternative parents/guardians; c) Our mailing databases are very complex, are linked to individual students, and do not always accept
multiple addresses easily; d) Some material is very heavy and is not mailed out, but rather hand delivered via students (such things as
calendars and handbooks are in this category); e) Some material is only distributed via children going home, and is not easily mailed in advance (excursion
information, public notices, meeting advices and so on); f) Some families have limited access, or other more serious legal restrictions placed on other parties of which
we are not always aware; g) Some parties pay a student’s fees but do not have residency arrangements; some have residency, but the
fees are paid by third parties such as grandparents who also would like to know information; some parties may live in international locations where postage of bulky items can be very costly and may not reach the address in the time that we would normally allow for delivery to enable the appropriate response or attendance at an event;
h) While some separated families maintain cordial relationships, others are less so, or even in significant conflict, in which we as the educating authority do not wish to take sides.
These are just some of the very complex issues that make it hard for us to meet what may seem to be a simple matter. There are often considerable costs involved, such as searching for individual academic reports and re-copying them, selecting and labelling a separate envelope, as the system prints whole year groups as a bulk print. Report printing is a very complex process and there are over 350 reports that need to be printed, copied, filed, enveloped and mailed, twice per year. Nevertheless, we do want to try to meet parents’ needs and reasonable requests, as far as possible. The following procedures are ones that we have worked through carefully and which we believe can work satisfactorily. We hope that it can be seen that we are trying to reach a reasonable compromise, and that there is a significant financial cost to be met, which ought to be shared by those who need the service, not placed as an impost on all families. In the context of the above, this is our Policy on Communication with Separated Families:
a) We will offer to all separated parents who request this service in writing, and who pay a fee of $150.00 per annum, mailings which we include in the “Additional Mailing Service”. (This fee will be reviewed each 12 months to see if it is a reasonable charge.)
b) We will advise the ‘major’ residential parent (as far as we can judge this) of any request we receive, and
our intention to send material. If no objection is raised within five days, we will implement that service. Objections will only be valid if they are accompanied by a legally binding restriction, or some other reason
16
which we believe to be adequate and reasonable. Requests to refuse permission based on personal feelings will not be sufficient.
c) The “Additional Mailing Service” will include the normal ‘January’ mailings, copies of report cards,
fortnightly newsletters and any special correspondence and other material normally sent by mail.
d) We will not send material that is sent home by hand, or that is available for collection at school.
e) We will not guarantee that material sent will necessarily reach remote or international locations in time for a response, if a response may be required.
We trust that this service, although somewhat complex and which can only be provided on a fee-for-service basis, will meet the great majority of needs. No doubt there will be individual cases where special arrangements will need to be made, and we will do our best to respond compassionately to those on a case by case basis. To activate this service, please advise the College office of your request and provide payment of $150. Included in the written request must be details of the parent/guardian who is the nominated ‘major’ residential parent and who will be given the opportunity to object to the additional mailing. If a parent doesn’t require all of the newsletters and news based documents, but would like a copy of student reports, these can be requested at the time of printing for $10. If the request is received after the date of production and circulation, a charge of $30 will be applied.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
The college is very conscious of its responsibilities when a student requires medication. In accordance with legal and safety requirements students are not permitted to keep medication on their person or in their locker, or to administer any medication to other students. Parents/caregivers must undertake the following in relation to the administration of medication and/or management of health conditions.
Notify the school in writing of a health condition requiring medication at school and complete the appropriate form available from reception.
Request the school in writing to administer prescribed medication or to assist in the management of a health condition.
Notify the school in writing of any requests and/or guidelines from medical practitioners including potential side effects of adverse reactions.
Provide the medication in the original labelled container clearly stating the student’s name, name of medication, dose and time to be administered. It is also necessary to complete the college Medication Request Form. The medication and form must be handed to the office staff.
Ensure the medication is not out of date and is clearly labelled with details including student name, dosage and time to be taken.
Notify the school in writing when a change of dosage is required. This instruction must be accompanied by a letter from a medical practitioner.
Advise the school in writing and collect the medication when it is no longer required at school.
Asthma medication Students are permitted to carry an inhaler and administer it themselves when required. A spare inhaler can be stored in the college sick bay providing it has a pharmacist label clearly stating the student’s name.
Prescription medications and/or medications to be dispensed during excursions or camps i. Medication must be provided in the original container with Pharmacist dispensing label attached. ii. All medications, together with signed Medication Request Form should be provided to Teacher in Charge two days prior to the excursion or camp departing.
iii. Staff will record and supervise students while they self-administer their medication. Medications that reach the expiration date can be collected by parents, alternatively at the end of term all medications passing the expired date will be discarded. If you have any queries regarding medications or procedures, please contact the College Reception.
17
MERIT CERTIFICATES
Merit certificates aim to recognise positive student contributions. Students receive certificates at assemblies from their teachers. Merit Certificates can, but don’t have to, fall into four categories: 1. Academic achievement – outstanding marks in tests, exams and assignments. 2. Endeavour – students who do not achieve top marks but who display tenacity and determination in their learning. 3. Christian character – students can be friendly and supportive of others at school, can take an overt role in leading a Christian initiative either at school or in the community. 4. Community service – students serve the community
MOBILE PHONE & ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
Students carry mobile phones at their own risk. The College does not accept responsibility for theft, loss or damage. Phones can be handed in to the office staff for safe keeping. All phones are to be switched off and out of sight at all times during the school day (including recess/lunch, class, assembly and sport times). If a student is found with a phone switched on between 8.40am and 3.15pm, they will receive a ‘STEP’. (See Student Behavioural Expectations for further details of the ‘Step’ program). Students will need to sign the “ICT User Agreement” at the commencement of each year, which reminds them of the above expectations. Students will also have their device confiscated for the remainder of the day. They can collect the phone from student services at the conclusion of the school day. A “phone” for definitions sake is any device that has the capability to hold and use a sim card, effectively bypassing the schools network.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT / VOLUNTEERS
We greatly value the help of all our parents and volunteers. Volunteers should register with the Parent Help Coordinator. Please contact reception for further details. 1. Parents are welcome to help in the classroom by prior arrangement, and after consultation with the class
teacher. Activities include: reading, craft, small group work, sports coaching, excursions, etc. Where parents are involved in regular activities, a ‘Working with Children Card’ is needed. For those who don’t have the card, the College will cover the cost of obtaining one as a volunteer.
2. Parents are welcome to all major sporting carnivals and are often invited to special events such as assemblies and sports carnivals etc. Details are sent home prior to the event or advertised in the newsletter.
PARENTS IN PARTNERSHIP
Parents are welcome to become involved in a range of events during the school year that are designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school. These events/meetings are not intended to focus on fundraising activities. We acknowledge that parents are busy people and if we only have limited time together, we don’t want to spend it discussing fundraising. We’d rather be discussing important educational matters, or participating in activities with you and your children.
PHOTOGRAPHS
The College annually engages Master School Portraits (MSP) to take photos of all students attending the college. These photos appear on student reports, internal files, a school photo collage and a number of other internal documents. If parents do not want photos of their children to appear on these documents, the children must not have an individual photo taken. Similarly, if parents do not want their child to appear in the class group photo, that child will not have their photograph taken. If students are not dressed in their correct, neat uniform, their photograph will not be taken by the photographers.
18
PRESENTATION & UNIFORM STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS
The consistent wearing of the school uniform by all students is important. In the interests of maintaining a standard that avoids competitiveness among students and allows them to wear the uniform with pride, it is necessary that the agreed specific expectations are clearly understood and adhered to. During the enrolment interview, parents are advised of the importance of adhering to the school uniform policy. Below are the expectations for all students with respect to the wearing of the College uniform. The Head of Secondary will be the final arbiter in any matters of doubt or dispute in relation to grooming standards. Details of what constitutes the actual uniform are outlined in the prospectus booklet or on the college’s website. Jewellery
No more than 2 piercings in each ear – small discrete studs or sleepers (no larger than 5c piece)
No other body piercings permitted.
No bangles including “friendship” bangles and rubber wrist bands.
One ring that is simple and neat in nature.
No anklets or “friendship” anklets
One simple gold or silver coloured necklace with a small pendant.
Simple watch
Makeup
No makeup
Clear nail polish is acceptable, any other colour is not.
Hair
Hair must be neat and not touching the collar or falling over face. If so, to be neatly tied back. Lackies or
scrunchie bands to be in school colours.
Hair dye is to be a natural colour.
No outrageous hair styles as determined by the Head of Secondary including shaved heads, dreadlocks etc.
Facial hair is permitted so long as it is kept neat and well groomed, at the discretion of the Head of
Secondary.
Formal Uniform Socks
Regulation college socks only
Jumper
Regulation college jumper only
Shoes
Black leather lace up shoes in good repair.
Summer Boys
Regulation college white short sleeved shirt neatly tucked in at all times.
Regulation college grey shorts or long trousers worn with the college belt as supplied by the Uniform Shop.
Undergarments should not be showing and pants to be worn on the waist or hip.
Girls
Regulation college dress, must be long enough to touch the knees in a normal standing position.
Winter Boys
Regulation college shirt with top button fastened and tucked in.
College tie
19
Regulation college trousers or shorts worn with the college belt as supplied by the Uniform Shop
Undergarments should not be showing and pants to be worn on the waist or hip.
Girls
Regulation college tie.
Regulation college blouse with top button fastened and tucked in.
Regulation college skirt, must be long enough to touch the knees in a normal standing position.
Black tights or stockings (optional)
Sport Uniform
Regulation college sports shirt
College sports jacket
Regulation College sports shorts or college track pants.
Lace up runners or cross trainers that support the foot adequately. Skate shoes, volleys and slip ons are
NOT permitted.
May be worn for the entire day a student has sport.
Red Cross Cadets
Same as sports uniform, except the Red Cross Cadets polo shirt substitutes the regulation school sports shirt.
Scarves
o School black or red scarf.
Hats
During Terms 1 and 4, students must wear the college hat when in the sun for any length of time, including during recess, lunch-breaks and physical education classes.
Other
o Coloured undergarments (such as bras, underpants and t-shirts) should not be visible through the school shirt.
o Blazers will be supplied to the year 11 and 12 Student Council representatives at no cost to the student to
be worn at official functions within and outside of the college.
o Students must not write/draw on their skin or clothes. o Non uniform days, students are to still be neat in appearance as well as modest, inoffensive and considered
appropriate for the days activities. Health and safety regulations will apply.
o Existing tattoos must be covered at all times while in attendance, and no new tattoos shall be acquired.
Parents are asked to ensure that their children are properly and neatly dressed as they drop them off or as they leave home. Students should also arrive home properly dressed in the school uniform. This is regarded by the College as an expectation for families, as part of your support of the College ethos.
UNIFORM SHOP
All uniform items (with the exception of shoes) must be purchased from the Uniform Shop. The Uniform Shop is accessed online at http://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/cornerstonecc Bookings for fittings as well as ordering is done via this link. Items will be sent home with students, unless collection occurs when a fitting has been requested.
20
SALE OF SECOND-HAND UNIFORMS
Second hand uniforms are not available through the school uniform shop, but can be sourced through the Sustainable School Shop at www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au
SPORT
TRIBES/HOUSES
Students from Years 1 - 12 are placed in four (4) tribes/houses, determined at the time of enrolment and generally siblings are placed in the same house. The house names are derived from 4 of the 12 tribes of Israel referred to in the Bible. The Tribes/Houses are: Naphtali - Blue Benjamin - Green Reuben - Yellow Judah - Red
Cornerstone Christian College is a member of the Associated and Catholic Colleges of WA sporting network. Each year, a swimming and athletics team is selected to complete in Perth based inter-school carnivals.
SPORT/PE/TRAINING EXEMPTIONS
As sport is considered an essential element of Cornerstone Christian College’s comprehensive program, student exemptions from sport will only ever be granted in exceptional circumstances. Applications for either permanent or temporary exemptions must be submitted for approval to Head of Secondary or Sport teacher
Secondary School
All students will be advised of the sport/physical education days at the commencement of each semester. Students are required to wear their Sports Uniform on this day, unless otherwise instructed.
STUDENT BEHAVIOURAL & WORK HABIT EXPECTATIONS
The College insists on very high standards of class effort and general behaviour at all year levels. All students are expected to comply with the College behaviour expectations, which are clearly articulated in the Discipline Policy (available upon request). The processes are clearly explained when families attend the enrolment interview.
Our aims are:
To provide a safe and positive environment where all members of the College community are able to reach their potential free of disruption and harassment caused by others.
To develop in students a mature attitude to self discipline and personal responsibility for behaviour.
To develop courtesy towards others, and respect for the rights of others.
To develop an attitude towards study that ensures all course requirements are met to the best of the student’s ability.
To develop a positive network of discussion and counselling for students and parents where difficulties exist.
A simple summary of this is that we believe that no child at Cornerstone should feel unsafe or have their learning hindered by anyone else. We will do all we can to ensure that this environment is maintained.
21
BEHAVIOURS & WORK CODE The non-exhaustive list below is taken from the discipline policy and outlines how the college aims to treat issues of concern. Behaviour
1. Minor issues – teachers to keep records and email Student Services Coordinator (SSC) or Head of Secondary (HoS) when a student has accumulated at least three similar negative behaviours and teacher may place a student on detention or request a STEP. The SSC will follow up.
2. Major issues – the teacher is to send the student to the front office where they will wait until attended to by the SSC or the HoS. The HoS or SSC will interview all parties involved and will determine whether to enter the issue as C1, C2 or STEP.
Academic
1. Minor issues – teachers to keep records and email SSC or HoS when a student has accumulated three similar negative work entries. The SSC will follow up.
2. Major issues – late submission (determined by teacher) of assessment items worth a minimum of 10% in a semester or obvious under preparation for class-based assessment worth a minimum of 10% in a semester, to be communicated by the teacher to the SSC and entered as a Concern and escalate with repeat offences.
Uniform
1. SSC to conduct regular uniform checks to ensure that uniforms are worn in accordance with school policy. 2. Teachers to assist SSC by emailing uniform issues they notice. 3. SSC to record uniform issues and track accumulation. 4. Three similar entries will be entered as a Concern and escalate from there.
Late Coming
1. SSC will conduct weekly check of students who arrive late at form and record latecomers. 2. Three instances of coming late will be entered as a Concern if they are deemed by the SSC to represent a
pattern of late coming. 3. Parents will be asked to account for ongoing late coming.
General
1. Tracking and escalation of Concerns managed by HoS and SSC. 2. C1 and C2 result in a detention. 3. STEP will attract an escalating censure as exampled in the “Behaviour Record” (Appendix 4) at the
discretion of the HoS. 4. STEP 1 issues dealt with by SSC. 5. STEP 2 and following dealt with by HoS. 6. C1 and C2 entries count during the term that they are issued but are removed at the end of each term. 7. STEPS count for a calendar year. 8. Once a student has accumulated 8 STEPS, the may be asked to leave the school at the discretion of the
Principal. 9. Extreme forms of misbehaviour will result in immediate Exclusion from the school at the discretion of the
Principal. 10. All behaviour management proceedings are to be communicated to parents and relevant teachers.
Definitions of key terms within this policy:
Head of Secondary (HoS) – senior manager for behaviour management.
Senior School Coordinator – SCC – manager for behaviour management
Concern – a behaviour, academic, uniform or late-coming issue.
Concern 1 (C1) – a behaviour that has a negative effect on the student and/or their peers & environment.
22
Concern 2 (C2) – a behaviour that has a significant negative impact on the student and/or their peers & environment. This may be an unpremeditated action.
STEP – a behaviour that has a significant negative impact on the student and/or their peers & environment. This is likely to be a premeditated or reckless action. The term STEP is used figuratively to suggest “a step out the door” or a “step closer to being excluded”
Probation – a special arrangement for students who show sustained resistance to school policy, students are permitted to remain at Cornerstone Christian College on the basis of an agreement to adhere to clearly stated behaviours; if the student fails to adhere to the agreed upon standards, they may be excluded.
Detention – when a student gives up recess/lunch/afterschool time due to an offence or cumulative offences as outlined in this policy. At the discretion of the detention supervisor, they may do homework, clean, write notes or complete response forms.
Exclusion – a behaviour that compromises the core values of the school and which cannot be tolerated, the student concerned will be asked to leave the school.
ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR POLICY
The College forbids any abusive, demeaning or defamatory communication that a person might make in person, on a website, or via any electronic medium, including any publication of photos or other digital imagery that is demeaning or defamatory, or in any way harmful to a person’s reputation or wellbeing. This applies equally to students, parents and staff. The College will take disciplinary action that may include reporting such matters to police, termination of enrolment or other appropriate sanction.
In many cases of student misuse of technology or of general harassment, the issue arises initially off campus, while students are actually in the care of parents. In such cases, the College may act on this policy, moving quickly to suspend or terminate enrolment, if it is deemed necessary. The step system doesn’t apply in situations where a student’s behaviour is totally inappropriate and destabilizes the good order of the school. For example, excessive physical abuse or similar, is likely to lead to an automatic exclusion from the College.
POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS, ALCOHOL OR CIGARETTES If students are found either in possession of illegal drugs, alcohol or cigarettes or in association with others at school who do, they will be automatically excluded from the College. There will be no tolerance in relation to illegal drugs, alcohol or cigarettes.
STUDENT DETAILS - CHANGE OF INFORMATION
It is vitally important that should you change your address, place of employment, and/or telephone numbers, to advise the College Administration in writing as soon as these changes apply. You can do this by letter, fax, email or in person at the Office.
STUDENT REPORTS AND REPLACEMENT REPORTS
Throughout the year reports will be sent home indicating the results achieved during the semester. These reports contain important information that is often required after students have left school and are seeking further education or career options.
With this in mind, all reports will be printed with the student’s correct legal name; however informal documents may carry a preferred name, if requested.
If a copy of a report is required there is a facility for this to occur. The procedures are:
place your request with the College’s Office staff
23
advise staff of the specific report(s) that are required.
arrange immediate payment for the retrieval of archived reports.
The cost for reproducing a report is $10.00 and the copy/ies will be certified with a Cornerstone Christian College stamp. Documents may be collected or posted to the applicant.
SUNSMART
The College actively encourages the wearing of sunscreen and approved hats. Throughout Terms 1 and 4, students must wear the approved College hat (available from the uniform shop) if they are in the sun and away from shaded areas. This applies during physical education classes and at recess/lunch breaks or whenever the students are in the sun for extended periods. They are not required to wear hats prior to 8.40am each morning. Sunscreen is available from student services or outside the toilets next to the IT office.
TRANSPORT
Cars – Senior Students often obtain their driving licence while at school. This privilege carries certain responsibilities. Students wishing to drive a vehicle to school must complete the “Student Driver Form” and submit it to student services for filing. Students are required to supply details of their licence, the car’s registration number, make/model and other details. Students CAN NOT take other students to and from the school during school hours. Outside of school hours, it is up to the discretion of parents. Specially designated parking areas are available for students. Student drivers disregarding these requirements or College speed limits, or driving vehicles in an irresponsible manner will have the privilege withdrawn.
Buses – Commercial and contract bus services operate throughout the region. Details are available from the Office. Students using public transport are required to behave in a dignified and courteous manner. Failure to comply with the above may result in the student being banned from bus travel.
Bicycles – All bike riders are required by law to wear a helmet. Bikes must be left secured in the designated bike rack areas and secured with a suitable locking device, although the College takes no responsibility for their safety. Skateboards and scooters are also required to be stored in the bike racks. Car Parks – To protect the safety of children, parents of secondary students are not permitted to use the College’s main driveway and car park area before school or at the end of the day. Please use the verge along Queen Elizabeth Drive (north of the roundabout) or Waratah Ave (behind the school).
VISITORS TO SCHOOL
All visitors to the school, including past students, are required to report to the Office to obtain a visitor’s badge and sign the visitors register, before proceeding to meet with teachers or students. For security reasons, students may not converse with outsiders (anyone who is not enrolled at Cornerstone) in car parks or over boundary fences during school hours.
WITHDRAWAL OF ENROLMENT
If you wish to withdraw enrolment, you must indicate this by completing a ‘Notification of Departure or Long Term Absence’ form, which is available from the College office. The enrolment contract (signed by all families) clearly states that at least 1 term’s notice must be given (generally 10 weeks), otherwise families are required to pay 1 term’s fees in lieu of late notification. If a child is withdrawing at the end of Term 4, notification must be received by the end of Term 3. Reminders are regularly placed in the newsletter about the final date for notification at the end of a school year. If the withdrawal is due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g. interstate transfer, financial emergency, etc) you should request special consideration of these penalties from the Leadership Team. This can be done by preparing a letter outlining your situation and forwarding it to the Principal.
24
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1: ASSESSMENT POLICY FOR 2015 This policy should be read in conjunction with the school’s policy on Student Absenteeism. Homework, although set by the school and seen as an important discipline for preparing students for future study and work, is not the sole responsibility of the school or individual teachers. Most grade and subject teachers will set homework. However, since Christian education is a partnership between the teachers and the parents, and because of the fact that teachers are not able to supervise work outside of school hours, it is seen as the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child regularly and thoroughly completes the homework set. This is a parental responsibility. It is widely acknowledged that the positive effects of homework include:
Immediate achievement and learning
- Better retention of factual knowledge
- Increased understanding
- Better critical thinking, concept formation, information processing
- Curriculum enrichment
Long-term academic effects
- Willingness to learn during leisure time
- Improved attitude towards school
- Better study habits and skills
Non-academic effects
- Greater self-direction
- Greater self-discipline
- Better time organisation
- More inquisitiveness
- More independent problem solving
Greater parental appreciation of and involvement in schooling Teachers will supervise the marking of the homework on the day that it is due. If a pattern becomes apparent that shows a student is not completing set homework without notification from the parent, the parent of the child concerned will be contacted via the discipline system. The following information is to be closely observed by all teachers with regard to all students from year 7 to 10.
1. All of the assessments set by the subject teachers on their assessment grid are to be completed by the student or a mark of zero will be allocated. It is up to the student to organise with the teacher an alternative time if he/she cannot sit a test.
2. Many factors such as camps, excursions and meetings will influence the subject assessment grids. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain their organisational skills to successfully complete the course. Teachers may set alternative tasks (to be completed in the same academic term of the year) if students have a valid reason for not submitting a task on time but it is totally up to the teacher how they will accumulate a student’s marks from their assessment grids.
3. For assessments and assignments submitted late (without what the teacher deems to be a fair and reasonable excuse) the following penalties will apply- 10% of your marks lost for every school day late. More than 10 school days late = no marks awarded but work is to be completed or a replacement task/project will be set (at the discretion of the teacher). At this point in time, the teacher will communicate the ‘failure to submit’ to the parents and refer it to the Student Services Coordinator.
4. Staff will endeavour to return marked assignment work within 10 school days of the due date. Note that it is the responsibility of the student to give late work to the teachers, not for the teachers to have to ‘chase it up’.
5. Homework diaries are essentially the responsibility of the students. They are to be kept neat and tidy and graffiti free at all times. Students should record the number of hours spent doing homework each week. Parents and form teachers must sign then at least weekly, and preferably make a comment of they wish to. Teachers will use diaries as one channel of communication with parents (email/Engrade being another as required), remembering to be encouraging wherever possible.
25
6. All students are to hand their assignment work to their teacher. If they cannot be located, it can be handed into Student Services (Front Office). Student Services will date and sign it before passing it on to the teacher.
It is obvious that the above guidelines need to be interpreted in the light of the age of the student. However, if from an early age, high standards of compliance are established and communicated to the home, the problems associated with slackness and irresponsibility should be negated. It is important that the teacher avoid getting into a situation where nagging and continual coercion and punishment are required to obtain homework from a child. It is far better that the school establishes this as a family concern to be managed at home. The difference between homework and assignment work needs to be made clear: Homework is practice of skills learnt – this may include Math’s and spelling skills, reading, English practice, Science homework etc. Homework will not be worth more than 10% in any school subject program. Assignment work is often worth a lot of marks. Teachers will not set any more than 2 home assignments per term per subject. The remainder of any assessments will be completed during class time at school. However, if students do not use their class time to good advantage, they may need to complete their work at home. However, this is a time management skill that students will need to learn.
26
APPENDIX 2: PARTIES The following appendix is an article that may be of value to parents. It describes issues we regard as highly important. PARTIES – Advice from a Principal.
Below is some advice that has been provided by the principal of Emmanuel Christian College to his school community. It is sage advice, which the Leadership Team of Cornerstone Christian College commends to you.
Some of the following relates especially to Senior School students, but Junior School parents will also benefit from reading and adopting the ideas as needed.
All students love going to parties, and in most cases they are good fun and should be encouraged. In schools, stories always circulate after weekend parties. No doubt some are exaggerated, some are false and some have elements of truth.
As Principal, I want to give some words of advice to parents. It is only advice, not instruction. You are obviously free to act on it or reject it. But my advice comes from many years of experience with children and teenagers both as a parent and a teacher.
There are four major areas of risk associated with parties that parents should address: 1. Safe transport; 2. Sexual relationships; 3. Alcohol use; 4. Drug use . With lower Year levels add a fifth problem, "Videos", to this list. If you think that any of these is not a real risk, especially in a Christian School, you are being naive. All schools in our society face these as risks. If anyone tells you their school (or church) is different, don't believe them. So what should you do? Here is my advice:
Always phone the hosts of a party and ask questions about adult supervision and availability of alcohol. For young children, ask specifically for the names of videos to be shown.
NEVER take the word of another parent, student or your own child that "It's all okay, it's all going to be well supervised." Find out yourself from the hosts.
Always insist on delivering your teenager to the party AND collecting them from the same venue at a prearranged time. You may miss on an hour's sleep, but having your children know that you will be seeing them at the end of the night is a great inducement for proper behaviour.
Always communicate your expectations of behaviour clearly and without embarrassment to your teenager. Parental values differ - sometimes markedly. Make sure your standards are clearly understood. It is your right and your responsibility.
If you're not completely happy with the arrangements, say "I'm sorry, but you can't go."
In my own personal view, I would feel well within my rights as a parent to establish the following standards of behaviour, right up to the age of 18.
A reasonable curfew (e.g. 12:00 for seniors and 10:30 pm for junior secondary students).
Personally collecting your child after parties and outings.
No alcohol. Students should restrict themselves to fruit juice, water and soft drinks.
No mixed gender "sleep-overs".
If your children find these rules too harsh, tell them you're prepared to be more lenient with your grandchildren, subject to their parents' approval.
In all the above, I've not mentioned drugs. At this school they are not as significant a problem as in some schools. But that does not mean that they are not out there. It would be foolish and dangerous to suppose otherwise. So some advice:
Find out about the effects of common drugs.
Talk about drugs openly with your children.
Learn to recognise the symptoms of marijuana: red eyes, sleepiness and listlessness, loss of vitality, apathy, poor concentration.
But don't jump to conclusions - most teens fit pretty well into several of these just from tiredness!
Dispel clearly with your children the dangerous myth that says marijuana is harmless. It's dangerous. It destroys hundreds of students' lives every year. I know because I've taught them in other schools.
Parents of really keen sporting children need to be cautious too. There are people in our trusted gyms and training centres who will encourage the use of performance enhancing drugs. Learn about them and talk to your children.
27
As far as the school is concerned, if you feel you have a problem or concern in any of the above areas, please feel welcome to come and discuss the problem with someone. Apart from myself, there are counsellors, Directors of Student Welfare and others. Use us. Don't lose your children.
PRIVATE PARTIES – STUDENTS POLICY 1
RATIONALE Cornerstone Christian College has a policy on what are essentially private, out-of-school activities for the following reasons:
There are obligations on a school to ensure that parents and students are warned about the possibility of harm that may occur at student parties.
The activities at such parties are often widely-reported and may reflect on the good name of the school.
The activities at such parties may become a topic of discussion and possible emulation amongst other students at the school.
SCOPE This policy applies to any party or celebratory activity that is arranged predominantly by and/or for students of Cornerstone Christian College, and which is not specifically authorised by the College. This policy applies even if the activity is outside of school hours, is off school premises, is on weekends or in holidays, and particularly if it occurs immediately following or preceding a school-organised event, such as a Year 12 Graduation or a social. The relevance to the College consists in the invitations to the party, or the actual guests being predominantly comprised of Cornerstone students, and the probability of any negative consequences of that activity reflecting on the public image of the College or being public knowledge amongst the student or parent community of the College.
POLICY The foundation of this policy lies in the Christian ethos of this College. As a school, we are committed to practising, teaching and reflecting standards in activities involving students of Cornerstone Christian College -
which are wholesome and moral;
which respect the law in regard to consumption or use of substances which are illegal or illegal for certain ages;
which respect the Christian moral stance in the expression of nudity and sexual intimacy as being appropriate only within marriage; and which
promote the health and safety and wellbeing of all people in our community. Parents and/or students who participate in or promote activities for College students which do not reflect this foundation will be in breach of this policy. In particular, parents and students should note the following statements carefully in relation to all parties in general. These statements form part of this policy and should be understood as containing warnings and reflecting standards which the College regards as indicative of the College ethos.
1) Making alcohol available to underage children, even in a private context, may be a breach of the Liquor Act. 2) If a person suffers injury as a result – direct or indirect – of consuming alcohol provided at a function, the host
parent of that gathering, or those who organised the gathering may be open to an action in damages for negligence. This may include serious and long-term injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents involving intoxicated drivers or passengers.
3) Alcohol poisoning, through excessive, unsupervised drinking by immature students influenced by peer-group pressure is a probable hazard in student parties where alcohol is consumed.
4) The spiking of drinks with drugs such as Rohypnol (the date-rape drug), thereby facilitating the likelihood of rape or other sexual assaults on attending students is a major risk.
5) There is a strong probability of damage and injury to the host’s premises or to neighbouring properties and to cars, possibly leading to civil or criminal action against the parent hosts, or the students, or both.
1 This policy is derived, and quotes extensively from an article entitled Alcohol dangers in parent-organised, non-approved, non-official
post-formal parties, by Dr Keith Tronc, Barrister-at-law, published in MW Education Update, Winter 2004, by McInnes Wilson, Brisbane.
28
6) Student parties have the potential to attract gatecrashers, who are usually likely to significantly increase the risk of such damage and injury, and risk to personal security of attending students and the host parents.
7) Experience has shown that consensual sexual misconduct and criminal sexual offences are likely to occur at inadequately supervised, non-official, unauthorised alcohol-fuelled parties, exposing both the parent hosts and the students to the likelihood of civil or criminal consequences.
8) There may well be no public liability insurance cover or indemnity for parties at a private home, where alcohol is served to students, with possible disastrous financial consequences for the owner of the property, if a student is injured either at the party or in a vehicle accident after the party. Even if the party is held in hired premises, or if some form of insurance cover is taken out, it is likely that the relevant policies contain the usual exceptions in regard to legal and sensible consumption of alcohol, leaving the organisers ultimately liable.
CONSEQUENCES Students who breach any aspect of this policy may be asked to show cause why their enrolment should not be discontinued, and/or may be required to leave the school in consequence of their behaviour being in strong conflict with the College ethos. Parents whose actions condone or support behaviours in conflict with this policy may be asked to remove their children from the school, in consequence of their behaviour constituting a risk to other families in the school.
29
APPENDIX 3 – INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) POLICY
30
31
32
33
34
APPENDIX 4 – EXAMPLE OF A BEHAVOUR RECORD SHEET
Bob Smith
Date Issue Teacher C1 C2 STEP Censure SSC Comment HoS Comment
Academic
11/2/2015 Late submission of major OED assignment (10%) Spencer 1
detention
21/02/15 Late submission of major English assignment (15% ) van der Tang
1
detention Parents emailed
2/3/2015 Late submission of major geography project (20%) Davey
1 Detention Parents emailed
15/03/2015 Left ruler at home 3 times Spencer 1
Parents emailed
16/03/2015 Left ruler at home 3 times in woodwork Taylor
1
detention Parents emailed
19/03/2015 Left ruler at home again Spencer
2 2 period in school suspension
Parents emailed
29/04/2015 Late submission of major maths assignment (20%) Poole
5 1 day out of school suspension
Call to parents
Behaviour
9/5/2015 Swearing at fellow student. van der Tang
6 2 day out of school suspension
Call to parents
20/3/15 Fighting Davey
4 1 day in school suspension
Call to parents
17/4/2015 Vandalism Davey
8 Exclusion
Expulsion
12/5/2015 Using mobile phone at school Spencer
7 3 day out of school suspension
Parent meeting
Uniform
21/02/2015 incorrect socks 3 times van der Tang 1
Parents emailed
29/02/2015 Incorrect socks van der Tang
1
Detention Parents emailed
19/3/2015 Incorrect socks van der Tang
3 1 hour after school detention
Call to parents
Late Coming
15/04/2015 Late three times this term van der Tang 1
Parents emailed