school profile - woadyyaloak.vic.edu.au€¦ · an appreciation of the environment an ability to...

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SCHOOL PROFILE Mission We see our mission as to provide a friendly, safe and purposeful environment in which teaching and learning is an enjoyable experience shared by students, teachers and parents working together to enable children to realise their full potential in life. Beliefs and Values

we value our local community and the involvement of parents in all aspects of the school life we believe in a curriculum approach that emphasises the development of literacy and numeracy

skills we believe that children should be equipped to face and cope with change, including that brought

about by technology we value the academic, social, cultural and physical development of children we value personal responsibility and self-discipline we value tolerance of others and of difference we value the environment and sustainability we value active participation we value excellence and personal achievement we value open communication, consultation and democratic decision making we value systematic evaluation as the basis for educational and organisational planning.

The Aim Of Woady Yaloak Primary School It is the aim of our school to provide a continuing program of experiences that will develop in all children:

a positive self concept and sense of worth the desire to learn the ability to read, write, speak and listen an understanding of the number system and the ability to use and apply basic mathematical

operations an appreciation of the environment an ability to appreciate and express ideas through visual and performing arts, literature and

language an inquiring mind the ability to use their imagination tolerance towards other points of view, other traditions and beliefs an awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Woady Yaloak Primary School is committed to child safety. We want children to be safe, happy and empowered. We support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers. We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children. We have zero tolerance of child abuse, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously and consistently with our robust policies and procedures. We have legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously. Woady Yaloak Primary School is committed to preventing child abuse and identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks. We have robust human resources and recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers. Woady Yaloak Primary School is committed to regularly training and educating our staff and volunteers on child abuse risks. We support and respect all children, as well as our staff and volunteers. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, the cultural safety of children from a culturally and/or linguistically diverse background, and to providing a safe environment for children with a disability. We have specific policies, procedures and training in place that support our leadership team, staff and volunteers to achieve these commitments.

Woady Yaloak Primary School Information Booklet

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Woady Yaloak Primary School

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ANTI-BULLYING POLICY The school will work closely with parents to prevent bullying, harassment and violence and encourages a proactive stand. The school will regularly review bullying via surveys and audits and provide curriculum content that assists children to learn:

to differentiate between aggression and assertiveness; methods of conflict resolution; to have empathy and respect; how bystanders can discourage bullying and harassment.

Students, parents and members of the community have a responsibility to inform the school of any suspected incidences of bullying. ASSEMBLY The days and times for each campus assembly can vary. Ross Creek Campus and Scarsdale Campus hold their assembly on Friday afternoon at 3.00pm. The Snake Valley Campus and Smythesdale Campus holds their assembly on Monday afternoon at 3.10pm. Parents and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend where possible. This is a time where students are acknowledged for achievement and effort, present work and take part in short performances. This works towards developing school spirit.

ATTENDANCE – IT’S COOL TO BE AT SCHOOL Is regular attendance at school important? Yes – FROM THE FIRST DAY. If your child misses the basic skills in primary school they can experience difficulties with their learning.

Regular attendance is important for the progress of your child. Students are expected to be at school by 9.00a.m. Supervision commences at school by 8.50am. Regular absences (1 day per fortnight) will add up to one year’s loss of learning time by the time your child reaches year 10.

Schools help children to develop important social skills such as friendship building, teamwork, communication skills and healthy self-esteem

When your child is absent from school, you are required to advise the class teacher, in writing or via Tiqbiz of the reasons for the absence. It is also helpful if you ring the school to advise that your child will not be attending on that day. In the event of frequent, unexplained absences the school will speak directly with parents. It may be necessary for a letter to be sent home asking for an explanation from parents regarding unexplained absences. It is a parent’s responsibility that their children attend regularly. As part of a directive from the Department of Education, if a student is away and no reason is provided, the school will contact the family via an automated text message system, seeking an explanation for the absence.

If you want your child to leave school, other than at the normal dismissal times, you must either send a note to the teacher or collect your child yourself, letting the classroom teacher know that you are taking your child.

BOOK BORROWING

Children are encouraged to borrow regularly and take care of books. If a book is lost or wilfully damaged, a charge maybe made for replacement.

BOOK CLUB A notice will be sent home regarding the opportunity to purchase books through this scheme. Please ensure that orders are made by the exact date specified and that the correct amount of money is forwarded in a named envelope. All book club cheques to be made out to Woady Yaloak Primary School for ease of processing.

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BOOKLISTS / VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS / OPTIONAL EXTRAS Each year, parents / guardians need to choose whether the school purchases student materials / booklists on their behalf or they source it themselves. Parents / guardians who choose for the school to supply booklists must have paid booklists by the end of term one. A form will be sent home with all booklist information. In 2019, the cost of student books, materials and voluntary contribution was approximately $120 When you send your child to a government school, there may be some costs involved. Your child’s school can ask for payments for the materials and services your child uses at school. You may also be asked to make a voluntary donation to support the school. There are three categories of items or services that school councils can request payments for from you:

essential education items, which you need to buy for your child or pay the school to buy for you, these can include stationery, text books.

optional extras, which are offered on a user-pays basis and you can choose whether or not your child will use, such as excursions or camps.

voluntary financial contributions, which your school may ask you to make. School council is responsible for developing and approving a policy for our school around fees and family contributions. This school-level policy must reflect the Department's policy and be given to parents and guardians. BREAKFAST CLUB

Through funding from the Australian Government, each campus runs a

weekly breakfast club. Usually operating from 8.15am-8.45am, students

are treated to a healthy breakfast of cereal, fruit, muesli, toast and porridge.

If you are interested in assisting with the breakfast club at your child’s

campus, please see the campus leader.

BUDDY PROGRAM A key component of our transition program is our buddy program. The program is based on the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation. In this model, Foundation students are

matched to grade 6 students who support the transition to primary school. BUSH FIRE Procedure for bush fires is fully covered in the School Emergency Management Procedures, which is available at each campus. In the event of a bush fire very close to any campus all children from the endangered campus will be kept at the school until picked up by their parents, or emergency contacts(not neighbours), or moved by police or the local CFA. Please note that each campus is designated as a Safe Area and will be protected.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Our Woady Yaloak PS website has a calendar which is regularly updated. The calendar can be viewed as a campus or whole school. Print features also make it easy to place copies in prominent places within the home. By clicking on events, the permission form and other important details can be seen. CAMPS, SPORTS, EXCURSION FUND (CSEF) The CSEF ensures eligible students can participate in school trips and sporting activities. Families holding a valid means tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. $125 per year will be paid for each child at primary school. Payments will go directly to the school. Parents who are eligible for this payment need to apply by completing an application form distributed by our school and provide a copy of their current health care card.


Information Booklet

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CAMPUS PRESENTATION EVENINGS At the conclusion of each school year, a presentation evening is held at each campus to celebrate student achievement. At the presentation evening, a number of awards are presented, there are student presentations and the announcement of the following years’ campus captains is made. This is a wonderful family night and we strongly encourage attendance by all families. CHILD CUSTODY Children subject to custodial court orders must have a copy of the current order filed at the school. CODE OF CONDUCT The Code of Conduct is there to:

provide students and staff with the right to work in a secure and orderly environment support the parental right to expect that their children will be educated under the principles of care, courtesy and respect for the rights of others.

The Code of Conduct aims to foster high standards of behaviour based on cooperation, responsibility and self-discipline and will promote positive non-discriminatory relationships among students. Breaches of the Code of Conduct will have associated consequences. The code of conduct is available from campuses offices or on our website.

CONTACT WITH SCHOOL

Parents are invited to visit the school to discuss any urgent problem with the Principal or Campus Leaders at any time. To avoid undue interruption to school routine, interviews with school staff should be arranged at a mutually convenient time, before 8.50am and after 3.40pm. Email: [email protected]

CURRICULUM Each classroom teacher is responsible for delivering the majority of the Victoria Curriculum subject areas throughout 2019. Depending on the year level, these subjects may include Maths, English, Science, Humanities, Civics and Citizenship, PE, Personal Capabilities, Ethical Capabilities and Critical and Creative Thinking.

Specialist teachers are responsible for teaching LOTE (Japanese), Digital Technologies and Arts (Semester 1 Visual

Arts / Semester 2 Performing Arts) All of the subject areas mentioned above will be reported to parents in student reports

that will be sent home in semester 2 and 4.

Smythesdale Campus Snake Valley Campus

Becker Street Smythesdale Road

Smythesdale Vic 3351 Snake Valley Vic 3351

Phone: 5342 8565 Phone: 5344 9274

Scarsdale Campus

Ross Creek Campus

Pitfield Road 651 Sebastopol Smythesdale Road

Scarsdale Vic 3351 Ross Creek Vic 3351

Phone: 5342 8514 Phone: 5342 0478

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EMERGENCY INFORMATION It is essential that we have up to date emergency information for each child. If you change your address, phone number, doctor or emergency contact details please advise us immediately. ENROLMENT

FAMILY DAYS Parents will be invited to visit the school to take part in learning activities with their children. These activities may occur on two or three occasions during the year and are based around an educational theme such as Literacy, Maths or Art. FLEXIBUZZ Flexibuzz is our dedicated school App. Parents are encouraged to download this App to their

smartphones. Alerts for excursions, emergencies and newsletters are pushed out regularly to ensure clear communication with parents. This App can also be used by parents to register student absences with the school. Search for Flexibuzz in App Store. FOUNDATION ASSESSMENT All children entering school are given a series of assessment activities which help to determine each child’s literacy and numeracy needs and ensure that appropriate activities are planned . These activities are mostly oral activities, which identifies numeracy and literacy skills. The focus of the literacy activities involve the shared reading of a book, which identify the child’s understanding of how books work and identification of letters. All activities are on an individual basis and delivered in a relaxed non-threatening way. There are no written assessment tasks and all information is based on what the child can do, not what they cannot do—it provides a starting point for their education program. These foundation assessment interviews are held early in the year and parents are requested to book a suitable time via the online booking system. Details on how to do this will be given to parents on transition day in December.

FOUNDATION ORIENTATION Each year we offer our Foundation students enrolled for the following year, a comprehension orientation program to allow familiarisation with the school and staff. We have found our program to be very successful in assisting our new students to feel comfortable and happy about starting school. Foundation teachers will visit children at our “feeder” kindergartens and then later invitations will be sent home asking the child to attend a Transition Day at the school. There may be more than one of these days. An important part of transition is our “Buddy Program” using the “Alannah and Madeleine Foundation” model. In this program Foundation students are matched with an older student who helps to make their transition to school far easier. If you are enrolling a new student with us, we hope you will be able to visit our school and take the opportunity to meet our staff. FOUNTAS AND PINNELL / LITERACY INTERVENTION Over the past 12 months, our school has spent a considerable amount of time and money, implementing the Fountas and Pinnell literacy resource into our school. The highly effective, researched based resource is used to support our literacy instructional model. All students from Foundation through to year 6 are assessed in a 45-minute conference, with a letter-level grading providing a starting point for both instructional and independent reading instruction. In conjunction with the Fountas and Pinnell literacy resource, our school also offers a tiered reading intervention program. Based on students’ assessment data, this tiered approach allows for targeted teaching at either a small group or individual level. The Fountas and Pinnell Levelled Literacy Intervention Program can be used from students from levels C-N, while an individual Reading Recovery model is used for tier three students, who may be working 12-24 months below the expected level. If you would like more information on these programs, please make time to have a discussion with your child’s classroom teacher. Woady Yaloak Primary School

Information Booklet

What you will need to bring when you enrol your child :- Completed Enrolment Form

Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate) Immunisation Certificate Asthma Management Plan if applicable

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Water pistols, guns, knives (and other potentially dangerous toys), skateboards, roller skates and

chewing gum are not permitted at school. Children are responsible for any items of value that they bring to school. Mobile phones should not be brought to school. If it is necessary to bring a mobile phone to

school, it should be handed to the class teacher on arrival. Riding bicycles in the school ground is strictly prohibited. Children must wear bicycle safety

helmets when riding to and from school. Parents have a responsibility to ensure their children’s safety whilst riding. Road authorities believe it is not safe for children under ten to ride on the road without an adult.

Woady Yaloak P.S is a SunSmart School and all children and staff must wear broad brimmed hats or bucket hats from the beginning of September until the end of April and when the UV index is above 3 during break times.

GRADE SIX GRADUATION CEREMONY In December of each year our grade six students attend their graduation ceremony. This consists of a student and staff dinner, catered by our Parents and Friends groups, all students presenting a speech about their years at school and presentation of awards. HOMEWORK School Council believes that homework is an opportunity for parents or carers to participate in their child’s education and that it complements and reinforces classroom learning and fosters good lifelong learning habits.

In summary homework should not be seen as a chore. Homework will consist mainly of: Junior Unit - enable the extension of class work by practising skills (eg. Spelling and number facts) or gathering extra information or materials involve daily reading to, with, and by parents/caregivers or older siblings. This will generally not exceed 30 minutes a day.

Middle Unit - enable the extension of class work by practising skills (eg. Spelling, tables and number facts) or gathering extra information or materials

involve daily reading to, with, and by parents/caregivers or older siblings.

include extension of class work, such as projects, assignments and research. This will generally not exceed 30 minutes a day.

GENERAL INFORMATION Children must remain in the school ground during school hours. Permission to go home for lunch will be given by the Principal/Campus Leader on written parental request. Children who become ill during the day may go home if their parents can be contacted for approval.

Please do not send children to school who are unwell.

School hours are from 9 am until 3.30 pm

Morning recess -11 am - 11.30 am

Lunch - 1.30pm - 2.30 pm

Teachers will be on duty from 8.50am and until 3.40pm after school.

FOUNDATION TIMETABLE-FEBRUARY During FEBRUARY Foundation students are not required at school on Wednesdays. Students are expected to attend school from 9.00 a.m.-3.30 p.m. on the other four days of the week.

As from March onwards, they will attend for five (5) full days.

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Senior Unit -

include daily independent reading

be coordinated across teachers to avoid unreasonable workloads for students

include extension of class work, such as projects, assignments and research. This will generally not exceed 45 minutes a day at Years 5 & 6.

INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL

Our school has developed a teaching and learning instructional model that provides a framework for how children

learn at our school. This framework ensures a consistent approach for learning across all of our classrooms based

on the most recent research. The framework forms a starting point for all teacher planning (based on the Victorian

Curriculum) and provides an effective scaffold for major teaching and learning programs across fundamental

learning areas such as literacy and numeracy.

INTERNET ACCESS Students will only be able to access the internet from school with parental authorisation. On enrolment, parents will be able to give their approval for their child to access the internet at school for educational purposes.

1:1 iPAD PROGRAM All students in the senior classes are encouraged to supply an iPad to support learning in class through a B.Y.O. iPad model. School lap tops, iPads and desktop computers are available for middle and junior unit use.

INTERVIEWS WITH TEACHERS Teachers are keen to maintain two-way communication with all parents and ensure that this is done at the most optimum time. You are asked to discuss minor matters with teachers before 8.50 a.m. or after 3.40 p.m. More serious matters are best discussed during interviews arranged at times mutually convenient to parent, teachers and/or the Principal. IN-VENUE CARE A before and after school student care program operates at our Ross Creek campus. The hours of operation are between 7.45am-8.45am and 3.30pm-6.00pm. This operates five days a week, but depends upon demand. This service is run through the Golden Plains Shire and further information can be obtained from the Ross Creek Campus office or the school website. JUNIOR PRESENTATION BALL Woady Yaloak holds a Junior Presentation Ball every two years. Senior students are invited to participate. Based on the Debutante ball model students learn a number of ballroom dances in special classes held after school. The culmination is a ball, generally held in October, where students are presented to the principal and Shire officials. MEDICAL Asthma Children who suffer from asthma must have an up to date Asthma Management Plan lodged with the school office. Any change to the management of your child’s asthma condition must be notified to the school.

HOME READING Home Reading is a most important element of our reading program. Parents are asked to give this responsibility a high priority. Guidelines for effective home reading will be made available by the class teacher.

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Infectious Diseases – Exclusion From School

Medication While At School If your child needs medication while at school it should be given to your child’s teacher for safe keeping with clearly written instructions indicating dosage and times. Permission to administer documentation must be completed by parents prior to medication being given.

Sick Children Please keep children away from school if they are unwell. Facilities for catering for sick children are limited and children who are ill feel much more comfortable at home. If your child becomes sick during the day, you, or the person you have nominated as emergency contact, will be notified so that your child can be taken home. Any child suffering from an infectious disease will be excluded from school. (See above Table). NEWSLETTERS Newsletters are sent home every Tuesday. The newsletters alternate between whole school and campus editions. The newsletters provide important information about school activities and also reports on the learning that is taking place. Digital copies of the newsletter are sent out for those families who wish to receive them in this format. Copies of all our newsletters are available on our website. PARENT PARTICIPATION School Council The School Council consists of 8 parents and 5 staff including the Principal. Provision for 2 co-opted members is also available. The Council meets monthly. Its duties include; responsibility for deciding the educational policy of the school, maintenance of buildings and grounds and the general welfare of pupils. Nominations for school councillors are called each year in time for March elections.

What does being a School Councillor mean:

Attending about 8 meetings each year. Attending some additional meetings if you decide to serve on a sub-committee such as finance

or facilities. Taking time to find out what the school is about. Teachers can always help you here. Being able to have a say in what happens at our school. Talking with other parents to gauge their opinions on school matters. School is an educational partnership between teachers, parents and students and we can only provide an effective educational program for all students if there is active co-operation between these partners.

Condition Exclusion

Chicken Pox Exclude until fully recovered or for at least 5 days after the eruption first appears. Note that some remaining scabs are not a reason for continued exclusion.

Conjunctivitis

Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased.

Head Lice Re-admit the day after appropriate treatment has commenced. All eggs must be removed from your child’s hair after treatment. Follow-up treatment is recommended.

Measles

Exclude for at least 4 days after onset of rash.

Meningococcal Infection

Exclude until adequate carrier eradication therapy has been completed.

Mumps Exclude for 9 days or until swelling goes down (whichever is sooner).

Rubella (German Measles)

Exclude until fully recovered or for at least four days after the onset of rash.

Whooping Cough Exclude the child for 5 days after starting antibiotic treatment.


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Parents’ and Friends’ The Parents’ and Friends’ extend an open invitation to all parents or guardians of children at Woady Yaloak Primary School to join us and become involved in the life of the school. The Parents’ and Friends’ work in conjunction with the School Council and the staff for the benefit of our school. They meet regularly at each of the campuses in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Representatives from Campus P&F teams meet each term to ensure consistency across the school. The Parents’ and Friends’ provide parents with the opportunity; to discuss the education of their children, to raise issues, form social contacts and fundraise to provide additional funds for the school’s budget. Such funds enhance the quality of education offered to our children. Eg: camps and excursions.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

At the conclusion of semester one, a time is set aside for parents to visit the school to speak with their child’s teacher. Parents should bring their copy of the report with them. We also encourage parents to bring the student to the interview. At the beginning of Term 1, assessment interviews are organised for all students in F-2. These interviews last for 45 minutes with the focus on literacy and numeracy. The interviews are 1:1 with the class teacher. If at any time throughout the year you are concerned about your child’s progress please make an appointment to speak with the class teacher.


CLASSROOM PARENT HELPERS PROGRAM Many parents not on School Council or Parents’ and Friends’ still take the opportunity to help out at their campus. Their support is encouraged and

welcomed. Parents can provide much needed assistance by becoming involved in classroom programs such as reading, spelling, maths, sports, swimming programs and working bees. A vital component in the success of our school programs is the assistance given by parents in the classroom. The activities implemented in the classroom are structured to the needs of specific groups of students. This means there are several different activities

underway at the same time and classroom helpers are extremely beneficial in ensuring all students gain the most from these activities. It is essential that parents who assist during school hours have a current “Working with Children” card. Parents can

access ‘Working with Childrens” application forms on website

https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/wwccu/onlineapplication.doj.

https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/wwccu/onlineapplication.doj




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PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS All parents will receive an account statement each term. These amounts can be paid using the convenient credit card/EFTPOS facility available or by Bpay. Alternatively a cheque or cash can be used. Cheques are to be made payable to “Woady Yaloak Primary School”. Parents experiencing financial difficulty at any time are able to meet with the Principal and enter into a payment plan in order to pay for their children’s expenses. Office administration staff can be contacted at anytime to check account balances.

PERSONAL CARE Sound, happy friendships develop when children come to school clean, neat and tidy. From time to time, head lice can be a problem in schools. The incidence of this problem can be reduced if all parents help by following these suggestions. 1. Check your child’s hair regularly. 2. Notify the school if any lice or eggs are found so that other parents can be asked to check and treat any problems. 3. Follow the treatment recommended in literature provided by the DHS.

Head lice checks are conducted by a member of staff on a needs basis. All families are asked to complete a form authorising the inspection of students’ hair. Should eggs be detected, a notification letter will be sent home immediately. Children may return to school as soon as treatment procedures commence. If children have live head lice, parents are notified immediately to collect their child from school. PRIVACY Legislation prohibits the school from releasing information of a personal nature unless authorised to do so. Therefore we cannot pass on names, addresses or telephone numbers of staff, students and families without this being authorised by the person first. A copy of the School Privacy Policy is available at each campus.


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Interschool Sport

Students will have the opportunity to represent the school against other schools in athletics, cross country, soccer, netball, football and cricket.

Swimming Program

PROGRAMS Excursions And Camps Our excursion program provides children with a broad range of learning experiences that cannot take place in the classroom. Its importance to language and social development can be seen in each classroom after an activity. Generally, each grade limits itself to one major excursion each year and one minor excursion each term. Major excursions may include The Arts Centre, the Zoo, the Museum etc. Minor excursions may include visits to Sovereign Hill and local places that require little cost. Consent forms are required for the child to attend the activity. Each year there is a grade 3/4 and grade 5/6 camp which involves the children from the four campuses. The camping experiences range from a bush environment to the seashore, and a biennial camp by our senior students to our nation’s capital. These prove to be a highlight of the school year. All camps and excursions must be paid for prior to the event.

Sports Program In first term of each year all children participate in an inter-school athletics carnival. Physical fitness and enjoyment are highly regarded. Inter school sports will be programmed for senior and some middle school children in Term 2. They are also involved in a variety of activities over the course of the year. The senior class at each campus is involved in the highly regarded Physical Education Program (S.E.P.E.P.) which involves a different sport each term. Winter Sports Students from grades 4-6 take part in a sport program on Friday afternoons during Term 2. Sports include netball, netta, T-ball, football and indoor ball games. There is a small charge for those participating to cover buses.

All students will have the opportunity to develop their swimming abilities by taking part in an organised program held in terms 3 & 4. The program is at the Ballarat Aquatic Centre and only accredited instructors are used. All children are encouraged to take part in this optional program. The program runs for six weeks at a cost of approximately $65.

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PUPIL FREE DAYS The first day of the school year is for teachers only and children are not required to be at school. Three other days will be set aside throughout the year for teachers to participate in Professional Development activities as well as essential planning. Ballarat Show Day is set aside for a School Council/Shire Holiday. There will be no school on that day.

PURCHASE OF LUNCHES There will be an opportunity to purchase lunches on designated days. These vary between campuses. Information on which days will be noted in the campus newsletter. READ TO DOG PROGRAM Our Snake Valley Campus runs a successful Read to Dog Program that focuses on increasing student engagement and achievement in reading. Each week, selected students are invited to spend some time with Ruby, the campus pooch, reading their good fit books in a special Read to Ruby area. This program was initiated through funding by the state government. REPORTS Formal reports are issued at the end of term two and term four. These reports comment on student progress in each of the key learning areas. Parents and teachers are encouraged to communicate regularly with each other expressing concern and praise where appropriate. RESILIENCE, RIGHTS AND RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS PROGRAM Resilience, rights and respectful relationships is a Department of Education mandated teaching resource for students in Foundation-Year 12. The resources have been developed by experts from Deakin University and the University of Melbourne. These age -appropriate resources support curriculum delivery and include lesson plans and activities that help students learn and practice social skills and apply them in a positive way to learning, life and relationships. The materials cover eight social and emotional learning topics to support the delivery of respectful relationships content through the Victorian curriculum. The resources support a whole of school approach to creating equal and respectful attitudes, behaviours, structures and practices across the school culture and ethos.

SCHOOL BANKING Children are given the opportunity to start a savings bank account early in the year. This encourages the formation of good saving habits for later years. Information will be made available at the beginning of the school year. School bank day is Tuesday at all campuses.

SCHOOL UNIFORM We have a policy that all children wear our school uniform. At all times children are expected to have pride in their appearance.

Uniform items are available through Beleza, PSW and Lowes stores in Ballarat. Our School Uniform Policy is available on our website and at each campus. Second Hand Uniform There are some second hand uniforms available for purchase. Further information is obtainable from the Campus Head. SCHOOL NURSE School nursing staff conduct health examinations of school students in the Foundation Year. The nurses also:- Accept referrals by parents and teachers where a child has health and/or welfare problems. Refer children with health problems to their general practitioner or other appropriate agency, with the written permission of parents. Review children; referred for action, who have special needs, or with borderline results from previous examinations.


Information Booklet

Blue and white checked school dress Royal blue culottes Royal blue shorts Gold short sleeve polo shirt Gold long sleeve polo shirt Gold skivvy Royal blue windcheater Royal blue pants Hats must be of the wide brimmed or bucket style. Appropriate footwear Optional Royal blue beanie Royal blue spray jacket Royal blue polar fleece jacket Girls winter skirt/navy tights Approved tartan school winter dress

All students new to the school are provided, at no charge, with a broad brimmed school hat.

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SCHOOL VALUES Throughout 2017, our school conducted a review of its values and welfare programs. Through the review process, it was highlighted that our school was in need of more relevant values for our communities to follow. Our three school values are: Respect Responsibility Excellence A whole school behaviour statement was created that reads at WYPS, we treat each other with respect, take responsibility for our learning and behaviour, and strive for excellence in a safe and inclusive learning environment. The school values are explicitly taught to students through the School Wide Positive Behaviour framework. This framework encourages staff, students and community members to work together to learn, implement and continually display positive attitudes and behaviours when at Woady Yaloak. SPECIALIST AREAS Specialist subjects are offered in the following areas:

The arts, LOTE-Japanese and digital technology. SPORTING SCHOOLS PROGRAM Woady Yaloak offers the opportunity for students to participate in the Government funded Sporting Schools program. Sporting Schools brings together schools and sports to help get Aussie children active in their local communities. Sporting Schools is open to all Australian primary schools, and with quality programs developed by over 30 national sporting organisations, it offers a fun and supportive environment for children and coaches. Woady Yaloak offers a number of sports through this program each year with information about this being found in school newsletters.

STAFF / PARENT AND GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION (EMAIL BETWEEN STAFF / PARENTS) Our school has developed clear guidelines and expectations around communication between staff and parents / guardians via email. The preferred method of communication between staff and parents / guardians is face to face, however we understand that in some circumstances this is not always possible. In these instances, a phone call is expected to discuss the situation. Email is not an appropriate form of communication for discussing teaching and learning issues as the tone of emails can be difficult to read and in some instances, the content of emails from both staff and parents / guardians, could be interpreted in a manner not intended. The email policy is available on our school website. STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS Our school has a strong focus on developing students as leaders and promoting a student voice from within the student body. At all campuses, two campus captains and two campus vice captains are appointed, based on a rigorous selection process involving written applications, a speech to all students and an interview process. These captains are presented with special leadership shirts in an assembly in term one, Our school also has leadership teams that are formed from students in years 3-5. The purpose of these leadership teams is to provide opportunities for our younger students to build their capacity to lead others in a supportive environment. The students elected to our student leadership teams must provide a written application and are chosen based on this, a student vote and teacher input. STUDENT RECORDS AND FAMILY DETAILS It is vital that schools keep accurate records. Please ensure that you notify school immediately should your personal/family details alter; particularly personal, work and emergency telephone contact numbers.

STUDENT WELFARE At Woady Yaloak Primary School we promote and provide a supportive and safe learning environment where individuals are treated with respect and believe this is a student’s fundamental right. To do this we implement a school-wide Positive Behaviour approach along with Respectful Relationship Program to provide an environment that protects the emotional, psychological and physical well-being of students where children are protected from abuse, bullying and harassment. Parents, teachers and school leaders work together to support all students to reach their potential and meet individual student needs. THE PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND THE LANGUAGE SUPPORT PROGRAM. Students with disabilities and additional learning needs who meet the criteria for these programs will be provided with additional resources. A Teachers’ Aide may comprise part of the support provided to meet these needs. Students’ educational needs are closely monitored and reviewed and meaningful goals are set. It is important that parents are able to provide a detailed medical history to support any possible applications.

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TRANSPORT Conveyance Allowance Pupils who live more than 4.8 km from their nearest school /campus or school bus run may be eligible for a travel allowance. Applications can be made at your campus.

School Buses Both the Snake Valley and Ross Creek Campuses have school bus runs. Parents should check with the Campus Head to determine eligibility to use these free services.

VISITORS TO SCHOOL All people visiting the school, including parent helpers must sign the visitors’ book. This is required should an emergency situation develop. VIVO REWARD POINTS Our school uses an online tool Vivo as our behaviour rewards / points system. Students who exhibit our expected school behaviours are rewarded with points (at teacher discretion) that accumulate throughout the year. Students are able to login in to the online ‘shop’ and use their points to purchase rewards that will be delivered to school. If you have any questions regarding logins or further information about the program, please see Mr Johnson or your child’s classroom teacher.

WALKATHON Each year we have a whole school Walkathon to raise money to subsidise campus and excursions held throughout the year. The Walkathon takes place at the Ross Creek campus and is held in November each year. WEBSITE www.woadyyaloak.vic.edu.au Our website is an important resource for all parents. The website celebrates the learning at each campus, has an extensive parent information resource and an up to date interactive calendar. Please add this website to your favourites list and check regularly. WHOLE SCHOOL CONCERT Our whole school performing arts show is held on a biannual basis. From 2017, our performing arts show will be held in Ballarat and promote our high quality dance and drama programs. All of our students get multiple opportunities to perform in a class, PLC and whole school acts. Our whole school concert is one of the biggest events on the school calendar and is a night not to be missed. WHOLE SCHOOL DISCOS Each year, Woady Yaloak offers students the opportunity to attend four discos at the Woady Yaloak Recreation Centre (Smythesdale). These discos are for primary aged children only and operate from 6.30pm-8.00pm. At each disco children are encouraged to dance the night away to music supplied by our year 5/6 students who act as DJ’s in a safe and fully supervised environment. A canteen is operated at each disco where students can purchase drinks, snacks and glow sticks. WHOLE SCHOOL FOCUS DAYS We provide opportunities for ALL students to come together to participate in a broad range of curriculum activities often with visiting performers. A bus fee may or may not be charged. Our aim is to conduct one of these days per term. WOADY YALOAK ART SHOW Our whole school visual arts show show is held on a biannual basis. The arts show, which is held at the Woady Yaloak Recreation Centre (Smythesdale), showcases the outstanding pieces of art our student produce in the visual arts program at school. All students will produce multiple pieces that come together to create an art show that contains over 1,000 pieces of work! Our art show truly showcases our students talents and is another highlight of the school year.

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More information about the policies and practices at Woady Yaloak Primary School

are available from the Principal, Assistant Principal or Campus Head Teachers

The staff, parents and students would like to welcome you and your child to Woady Yaloak Primary School.

We hope it will be the beginning of a long and rewarding educational relationship for all concerned.

Woady Yaloak Primary School Smythesdale Campus Snake Valley Campus

Scarsdale Campus Ross Creek Campus

school profile - woadyyaloak.vic.edu.au€¦ · an appreciation of the environment an ability to...

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