we are respectful
TRANSCRIPT
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 1
Our Values
We Are
Kind
We are
Respectful
We are
Safe
Woodroffe Primary
School
Parent Handbook
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 2
Contact Information
Address | 55 Woodroffe Avenue
WOODROFFE NT 0830
Telephone | (08) 8983 7600
Pre-school | (08) 8983 7611
E-mail | [email protected]
E-mail | [email protected]
Facebook | Woodroffe Primary School
Web |http://www.woodroffeps.nt.edu.au
Communication App - School Star
Absence Notification - Text to 0418 125 029
This handbook is designed to provide you with
some important information about our school, our
policies and our procedures. If you have any further
questions please contact the Front Office.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 3
Vision Statement
Woodroffe is a collaborative learning school that takes PRIDE in education to allow every child to reach their full potential.
Woodroffe School Philosophy
A collaborative learning environment that takes pride
in education and allows every child to reach their full
potential.
Manifesto
We have high expectations, a strong performance
agenda and we work with integrity and
accountability. We believe that respect is an essential
foundation for collaboration and this drives all our
interactions.
We admire diversity and create inclusive learning
environments where different cultures, experiences,
skills and knowledge are valued.
We are innovative and inquisitive and seek out new
technologies, methods and approaches to achieve
results.
We focus on creating success together and our goal is
to foster lifelong learning.
Our Values
We are Kind
We are Respectful
We are Safe
...our School Philosophy
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 4
Our School
Woodroffe Primary School provides education to
children from Preschool to Year 6 who reside in the
suburb of Woodroffe. If you do not reside in
Woodroffe exceptions may be made for those who
have siblings that already attend the school or for
children who attend the Preeti Kunj Child Care
Centre. For all other enquiries in relation to
enrolment, please contact the office to
discuss your families requirements.
Our School Motto
Woodroffe Primary School’s motto is
“Together we learn”. This shared ideal is the
foundation of all that our school does and seeks to do.
Department of Education and Training -
Policy on Age of Entry to School
The Department of Education and Training require
Government schools to enrol students inline with the
following policies;
Preschool - Students may commence preschool at the
beginning of the school year if they turn 4 years of age
by 30 June of that year.
Primary School - Students may commence Primary
School at the beginning of the school year if they turn
5 years of age by 30 June of that year.
These policies have been designed so that each child
will receive a minimum time of 6 years in Primary
School.
School hours
Woodroffe Primary School’s teaching and learning
times are from 8.00am to 2.20pm Monday to Friday.
Teaching and Learning Periods
Early childhood – Acacia and Grevillea Blocks
8.00am First bell
8.05am Classes begin
9.55am - 10.25am Recess, includes 10 min eating in
classrooms before play
12.20pm - 1.00pm Lunch, includes 15 min eating in
classrooms before play
2.20pm School end bell
Upper Primary – Banksia and Melaleuca Blocks
8.00am First bell
8.05am Classes begin
10.20am - 10.50am Recess, includes 10 min eating in
classrooms before play
12.50pm - 1.30pm Lunch, includes 15 min eating in
classrooms before play
2.20pm School end bell
Preschool Hours (Monday to Friday)
Preschool Morning Session: 8 am - 11:00 am
Preschool Afternoon Session: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Transition - Year 6: 8 am - 2:20 pm
2020 School Term Dates
Term 1 - 28 January - 9 April
Term 2 - 20 April - 26 June
Term 3 - 20 July - 25 September
Term 4 - 12 October - 17 December
2021 School Term Dates
Term 1 - 1 February - 9 April
Term 2 - 19 April - 25 June
Term 3 - 20 July - 24 September
Term 4 - 11 October - 16 December
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 5
Correspondence
At Woodroffe Primary School we are committed to
developing positive relationships between our
staff, students and their families. We believe that
strong communication is a key element in
nurturing these relationships. We utilise the
following methods to relay correspondence to the
home;
Written notes and letters (keep an eye out
for these in your child’s bag)
School Star App (download our School Star
App on your Smartphone)
Our weekly newsletter (via email or available
on our website, School Star app or Facebook
page)
Our school website or Facebook page
Of course, correspondence is a two way street and
we encourage families to contact the school if they
have any queries or concerns. Our office is open on
weeks days from 7:30 am - 3:30 pm and our staff
will be happy to assist with your enquiries. You
may also contact staff and teachers via email and
appointments can be scheduled should you wish to
discuss specific matters with specific persons.
Absences
At Woodroffe Primary School, attendance is a
school priority. We promote the importance of
attendance and being on time for school as being
vitally important for a child’s success at school.
Parents / carers are encouraged to notify the
school if your child is unwell either by telephoning
the office, emailing or via our School Star app.
If a student is absent from school un-notified an
SMS message will be sent to the first contact on
our School Administrative System notifying families
of the absence and requesting the reason for the
absence. Student absences can be notified by text
to 0418 125 029. Please note this number is a
computer program, not a phone and can only send
and receive texts.
We request that any families who are considering
holidays or being away during school time discuss
this as early as possible with the Principal or
Assistant Principal so a program of work can be
negotiated. If this does not happened according to
departmental guidelines the absences are then
recorded as an unacceptable absence in the
student administration system.
Arriving at School Late
If a student arrives after 8:15am they are classed as
being late, students must report to the front office
to obtain a late note.
Please try your best to limit absences and late
arrivals as your child will miss valuable learning
time.
Sick Students
Students who are sick the previous night or are
feeling unwell before school should be kept at
home. When students become ill during the day,
they are sent by the class teacher to the front
office. A first aid officer will assess the symptoms
and decide if the student should rest in the
sickroom, return to class, or to make contact with
parents.
Smoke Free Zone
Under the Tobacco Control Act, 1st January 2003,
Woodroffe Primary School is a Smoke Free Zone.
Smoking is prohibited in the buildings and on the
school grounds.
Infectious Diseases
Current guidelines set by the Public Health
Committee has recommended minimum periods of
exclusion from school and preschool of infectious
diseases, cases as listed below. The only exception
to this rule is that children with certain skin
diseases may return once appropriate treatment
has commenced.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 6
CONDITION CASES CONTACTS
Chicken Pox Exclude till fully recovered or at least 4 days
after the eruption first appears. Note: some
remaining scabs are not an indication for
continued exclusion
Any child with an immune deficiency (eg
Leukaemia or receiving chemotherapy)
should be excluded for their own
protection. Otherwise not excluded.
Conjunctivitis Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased
Not excluded
Diarrhoea Exclude until diarrhoea has ceased Not excluded
Diphtheria Exclude until medical certificate of recovery
following at least 2 negative throat swabs, not
less than 24 hours after cessation of antibiotic
treatment & 48 hours later
Exclude, family, household contacts until cleared to return by an appropriate health authority
Glandular Fever
Exclusion is not necessary Not excluded
Hepatitis A Exclude until receipt of a medical
certificate but not before 7 days after the
onset of jaundice
Not excluded
Hepatitis B Exclusion not necessary Not excluded
Hepatitis C Exclusion not necessary Not excluded
HIV Exclusion is not necessary unless
person has secondary infection requiring
exclusion in its own right
Not excluded
Impetigo (School Sores)
Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced and sores on exposed surfaces are covered with a dressing
Not excluded
Leprosy Exclude until approval to return has been given by an appropriate health authority
Not excluded
Measles Excluded for at least 4 days from the appearance of rash
Immunised contacts not excluded. Non immunised contact should be excluded until 14 days after the 1st day rash appears in the last case. If non immunised contacts are vaccinated within 72 hours of their 1st contact they may return to school
Meningitis Exclude until well Not excluded
Meningitis Exclude until well Not excluded
Meningococcal Exclude until well Not excluded
Mumps Exclude for at least 9 days after onset of symptoms
Not excluded
Poliomyelitis Exclude for at least 14 days from onset. Re-admit on a medical certificate of
recovery
Not excluded
Ringworm,
Lice, Scabies,
Exclude until the day after treatment
has commenced
Not excluded
Rubella
(German
Measles)
Exclude until fully recovered or 4 days after the onset of rash
Not excluded
Guidelines for Exclusions
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 7
Headlice
Head lice are more a social nuisance than a
disease. Detection and treatment is the
responsibility of the home. The movement of lice
on the head causes itchiness and people affected
by head lice can sometimes suffer infections of the
scalp from scratching. Infestation is identifiable.
The nits look like whitish specks stuck to the hair.
The Head Louse (Pediculous Humanus Capitis)
The human head louse lives only on the
scalp where there is food and a suitable
temperature.
The eggs or nits are laid close to the scalp
and hatch 7-10 days.
The young louse requires two weeks to
become mature and lay eggs.
Transmission
Head lice are transmitted by the movement
of the louse from one head to another. This
happens under conditions of close physical
contact, mostly at home or at school.
Facts
Head lice infestation is not a health risk.
Lice do not jump from one head to another.
The human head louse does not breed on
animals, furniture, carpets, bedding etc.
Lice are no respecters of social class.
Clean people get head lice.
Children are not the only ones who become
infested. If one family member is affected,
others in the family are likely to be infested.
Ambulance Subscription
Our School Council funds subscriptions to the
St John Ambulance Service for all of our students.
In the event of a medical emergency every effort is
made to contact parents however, we will utilise
the St John Ambulance Service as required. This
subscription means that parents will not incur a
charge for this service should it be utilised by the
school.
Emergency Contact Details
Parents are asked to advise the school
IMMEDIATELY if there is a change of address,
telephone number or workplace. Emergency
contacts are required in the case of illness or
accidents. Each semester a form will be sent home
to remind families of any changes that may have
occurred.
Streptococcal infection including
Scarlet Fever
Exclude until the person has received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours and feels well
Not excluded
Tuberculosis Exclude until production of medical certificate from appropriate health
authority
Not excluded
Typhoid Exclude until production of medical
certificate
Not excluded
Whooping Cough
Exclude for 5 days after starting treatment
Exclude unimmunised antibiotic household contacts less than 7 years for
14 days after the last exposure
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 8
Canteen
Moulden Supermarket will be providing our
Canteen lunch orders on Mondays Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays. Parents/Carers are asked to
place canteen lunch orders, with name and class
marked on a paper bag (or similar) with money
enclosed, to the class teacher by 9:00am each day.
Any change from orders will be returned to the
students with their lunch order.
Moulden Supermarket will accept lunch orders
direct at Moulden Supermarket and will deliver
with other canteen lunch orders (this may be
subject to a cut off time and the order must be
from the school canteen lunch menu). This will
allow you to pay via Basics Card/EFTPOS if
required.
Orders can also be placed via QuikCliq for Moulden
Supermarket lunches and “Kids in the Kitchen”.
Woodroffe Primary students will continue to cook
lunch orders for “Kids in the Kitchen” on
Wednesdays, with the menu changing weekly.
Moulden Supermarket will not be providing lunch
orders on Wednesdays.
Limited food sales are available from the school
canteen for recess only.
Lunch Orders
A canteen price list will be distributed to all
families at the start of the year. This will also be
made available on the school website and on the
School Star App.
Lunch Storage
Student lunch and recess should be packed
separately in clearly named containers. Students
are to place their lunch in a container (in their
classroom) each morning. These containers are
collected and stored in our walk in cool room
throughout the day. The containers are then
returned to each classroom at lunch time.
Recess snacks are not able to be stored in a fridge
or the cool room and are kept in the air
conditioned classrooms.
Cyclone Procedures
Term 1 and 4 are within the cyclone season. It is
important that each parent understand the school
procedures and expectations. Often if a cyclone is
predicted for the Darwin region the Education
Department formally closes schools for the day.
Announcements are made via radio and TV. The
new time alternative action is as follows.
Cyclone Warning Stage 2 is issued by the Bureau of
Meteorology. It is expected that parents will
monitor the radio announcements provided by the
Education Department for information about when
children should be collected from school. Children
should be collected as soon as possible after the
Radio/TV announcement.
Children should be kept in their parent’s care until
the all clear is issued, by the Bureau of
Meteorology and notification is issued by the
Department of Education, for children to return to
school.
When children are collected from the classroom
the teacher will record the departure time and
name of collecting adult. After a reasonable time,
children not collected will be taken to the
administration area for collection. At the time
when the school is evacuated, remaining children
will be taken to the PALMERSTON COLLEGE 10-12
CAMPUS SHELTER and left with the Shelter Co-
ordinator for collection by parents.
Lists of children taken to the shelter will be
displayed on the window at the front of the
Administration area of the school along with
names of students already collected.
Parents are also advised that children will not be
permitted to leave the school on their own.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 9
Wet Weather Procedures
In case of a passing severe electrical storm or if it is
raining too heavily when students are being
dismissed from school at 2.20pm, the following
procedures will be actioned:
Students will remain in class until;
the electrical storm has passed over or the
heavy rain has eased or;
they are collected from the classroom by a
parent, guardian or after school carer or;
the Principal or Principal’s delegate has
deemed it safe for students to make their
way home.
Students attending Territory Children OSHC will
remain in class until the electrical storm has passed
or the rain has eased. They will then be dismissed
to make their way to the OSHC area. In extreme
cases when the rain/storm continues for more
than 30 minutes, the students will be collected by
OSHC staff and supervised in the assembly area
until it is safe to move across to the OSHC area.
Students relying on bus transport will not be
dismissed until the storm has passed or rains ease.
They will have to catch a later bus.
Students being collected by off premises OSHC
centres will remain in class until they are called to
the front office to be collected.
Parents may come and collect students earlier
from the classroom if there is an impending storm.
Teachers will only dismiss students when parents/
carers arrive at the classroom.
Educational Excursions
These are organised by class teachers to enhance
the school’s curriculum. Permission forms are sent
home for each individual excursion and must be
returned by the due date to be able to participate.
Parental involvement, is always, most welcome.
There may be a charge for bus hire.
Food Allergy Awareness Policy
Woodroffe Primary School aims to provide a safe
and supportive environment for all students. Food
allergies can be life threatening. The risk of
accidental ingestion of foods can be reduced in the
school setting if schools work with students,
parents and doctors to minimise risks and provide
a safe educational environment for food-allergic
students. Our aim is to develop policies and
practices which keep students who have food
allergies safe without unnecessarily isolating or
excluding them from school activities or creating
an unnecessarily restrictive school environment. A
key component of this Food Allergy Awareness
Policy is to ensure optimal education of school staff
about recognising and responding to a child having
an allergic reaction.
Families are responsible for the following:
Notify the school of the child’s allergies.
Provide up to date emergency contact
information.
Provide written medical documentation,
instructions and medications as directed by a
physician (qualified allergist or other doctor
with specialist knowledge in food allergy),
using the appropriate Australian Society of
Clinical Immunology Allergy Food Allergy
Action Plans. Include a coloured photo of the
child on written form.
Work with the school to implement a Health
Care Plan, EpiPen/Anapen Student
Information Form and Student Risk
Minimisation Plan that accommodates the
child’s needs throughout the school day as
well as during school excursions.
Provide properly labelled medications and
replace medications after use or before
expiration
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 10
Educate the child in the self –management
of their food allergy including: - safe and
unsafe foods - strategies for avoiding
ingestion of unsafe foods - symptoms of
allergic reactions - how and when to tell an
adult they may be having an allergy related
problem - how to read food labels (age
appropriate)
Review the Health Care Plan, EpiPen/Anapen
Student Information Form and Student Risk
Minimisation Plan with the school staff after
a reaction has occurred.
Collecting Students
If you wish to collect your child from school before
2:20 pm you will need to sign in at the front office
and collect them from their class room unless prior
arrangements have been made.
Upon leaving the school grounds you will need to
sign yourself and your child out at the front office.
Upon collecting your child at the end of a school
day please wait outside their class room until they
have been dismissed.
Parking at School
Parking at Woodroffe Primary School is limited.
Please take note of ‘No Stopping’ zones which are
clearly marked with a solid yellow line. Palmerston
City Council regularly patrol our school zone.
If parked on the opposite side of Woodroffe
Avenue to the school, please use our crossing.
Additional parking is available at the Cazaly’s
Cricket Ground adjacent to Woodroffe Primary
school.
Drop and Go Zone
The school has created a Drop and Go Zone
between the hours of 7am to 9am and 2pm to
4pm. During these areas the parking area on
Woodroffe Avenue at the front of the school is
strictly No Parking and to be used for drop off and
pick up only.
Safety on our Roads
A reminder to all of our community that speed
restrictions do exist on roads that surround our
school. Please keep in mind that school zones have
a speed restriction of 40 km/h between 7 am — 5
pm on school days.
Bike Security and Safety
Many of our children enjoy riding their bikes to
school and those who do so must supply and use a
bike lock to secure them to our bike racks. Whilst
every effort is made to ensure the security of bikes,
they are parked in the school grounds at your own
risk and responsibility cannot be taken for bikes
and scooters brought to school.
Parents are also asked to remind their children to
be sensible when riding and to consider all risks
(cars reversing out of drive ways, traffic on roads,
pedestrians etc.). Children must wear an
appropriate helmet whenever riding their bike.
Children must walk their bikes and scooters in all
areas around the school buildings.
Reminder: It is compulsory for all students riding
bicycles to wear bicycle helmets.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 11
Book Packs
At the beginning of each school year it is expected
that families will purchase a book pack for each of
their children. These book packs are designed by your
child’s teachers and includes materials and resources
that they will require throughout the school year.
Book packs are $80 each. For families joining us later
throughout the school year, the cost of these packs
may be reduced. This is at the discretion of our
Business Manager and should be discussed with our
staff in the front office.
Voluntary Parent Contributions
Our School Council has set the level of voluntary
parent contributions at $50 per student per year.
Your contributions will be utilised to assist the school
to operate it’s learning programs and to provide a
wide range of educational services. Contributions are
utilised by the school as follows;
Stationary/Consumable Texts
Resources
Printing/Copying
Library Resources
Arts
Curriculum Extension
$150 Back to School vouchers
The Government provides each child with a Back to
School voucher for essential supplies such as book
packs, uniforms and excursions. The voucher can only
be redeemed at the school and must be used by the
end of the first term.
Sun Smart
At Woodroffe Primary School students are required
to wear either a bucket or broad rimmed hat when
partaking in outdoor activities. If a student does not
have a hat they will be required to stay in designated
areas.
Students may bring their own sunscreen from home
and apply it themselves.
If students are partaking in outdoor activities where
school uniform is not required, such as wet water
play, they are still required to wear clothing which
provides substantial coverage.
Students that do not meet our Sun Smart
requirements may be excluded from certain
activities.
“Yes hat; Yes play”
Hydration
We live in a warm climate and as such hydration is
important. Students are encouraged to bring a clearly
labelled water bottle so that they can stay hydrated
whilst in class. Students without water bottles will not
be permitted to leave class to use bubblers unless it is
deemed an emergency. Bubblers are accessible to all
students during recess and lunch for refilling of water
bottles.
Visitors to our School
All visitors to our school must report to the front
office prior to accessing school grounds. Visitors must
sign in and collect a ‘visitors’ badge (to be displayed
at all times). Upon departure, visitors must again
report to the front office to sign themselves out and
return the badge.
Lost Property
The school accumulates a large amount of lost
property. Students and parents are encouraged to
check this on a regular basis for any items which may
have been misplaced. The lost property is kept at the
front office.
Parents are asked to clearly label ALL belongings
before they are brought to school.
Any unclaimed and unnamed items still in lost
property at the end of each semester will be disposed
of or donated to a local charity.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 12
Intensive English Program
Intensive English language classes prepare students
newly arrived in Australia to attend mainstream
schooling. The Intensive English school assists
students to:
Develop their standard Australian English skills
and knowledge
Learn about schooling and life in Australia
Increase their knowledge of the local community
and wider Australia
It is recommended by the Department of Education
that students attend an Intensive English school in
their first year of living in Australia as the classes are
well resourced for Beginning and Emerging English
phase learners.
The classes are also much smaller in size with
approximately 13 children per class. Each class has a
qualified teacher and a bi-lingual officer who works
with the students to support their learning.
Woodroffe Primary school
Woodroffe Primary School provides a collaborative
learning environment that takes pride in education and
allows every child to reach their full potential.
Woodroffe Primary School celebrates that there are a
diverse range of students from different cultures,
experiences and skills, knowledge and capabilities.
Melaleuca Refugee Centre provides support,
counselling and training for staff members to assist
with dealing with trauma and loss and to ensure each
family’s introduction to life and schooling in Australia is
as positive as possible.
What is required to enrol?
Contact International Services on 8999 5895 who
coordinate the enrolment.
Please contact the school to make an
appointment with the Principal or Assistant
Principal.
Please bring your child’s visa and passport to be
photocopied by the school.
Please provide your child’s immunisation record,
translated if possible.
Completed enrolment form.
Any past reports from your child’s prior
schooling.
Our Aim
To provide students with the opportunity to
access age-appropriate curriculum whilst learning
Standard Australian English.
For teachers to deliver differentiated explicit
instruction through effective ESL pedagogy to meet
the language learning and educational needs of all
non-English speaking students.
To set learning goals based on the students age,
stage of schooling and English language
proficiency.
To provide a supportive, caring and inclusive
environment to help all children develop and
achieve academically, socially and emotionally.
To support each student to successfully integrate
into mainstream schooling.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 13
Adult Migrant Education Program (AMEP)
Upcoming Events
As an adult where can I go to learn English?
The Adult Migrant Education Program (AMEP) provides
English language tuition to eligible new migrants and
humanitarian entrants. The AMEP aims to assist you to
learn English so you can successfully settle and
participate in social and work situations in Australia. In
the Northern Territory courses are offered at the
following CDU campuses: Darwin and Palmerston.
Distance learning is also available if you are unable to
attend classes. When you study in AMEP you have
access to the University library and computer labs. At
Casuarina campus you can access the after hours study
facilities.
Learn practical English to help you access services,
work, study, and enjoy your life in Australia.
Up to 510 hours of free English lessons
Study English for living, working and studying in
Australia
Find out about government and community
services
Get support to help you learn
Make new friends while you study
Plan your future in Australia
Eligibility criteria apply*
The adult education program is funded by the Federal
Government and The Department of Education. and
provided by STEPS.
Call us today for information on starting your FREE
English lessons with STEPS
Phone: Casuarina & Palmerston - 1300 585 868
Pandanus Special Education Unit
The Pandanus Unit was opened in 1998 to cater for
students with high support needs. At the time, staff in
Pandanus consisted of one teacher, one Special
Education Support Officer and three students. Since
then the population has expanded and staff numbers
have grown to meet the requirements of our students.
Pandanus caters for students from preschool to year 6
who meet specific entry criterion determined by the
Department of Education in line with the Disabilities
Policy (2012).
The program delivered in Pandanus follows the
Australian Curriculum and is delivered by a Teacher and
Special Education Officer. Classes are small and the
programs has a strong focus on providing the optimum
safe environment both socially and academically for
students and fosters positive social relations between
their peers and the adults they interact with.
Our Pandanus Classes have a general philosophy of:
Every child is entitled to an educational setting which
provides a warm, secure emotional environment and
social climate where students can develop a sense of
individual and group identity, a sense of achievement
and self esteem.
Every child is entitled to equal opportunities for self
development to the fullest extent of their individual
physical, intellectual and emotional capacities.
Every child is entitled to an individual educational
program specifically designed for their needs and
abilities.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 14
Early Achievement Centre
Woodroffe Primary School’s Early Achievement
Centre is an initiative which was established in
response to requests from our school community
that our youngest learners be provided with a
stimulating learning environment where they can
work collaboratively and cohesively on one site.
The Early Achievement Centre will inspire our
Transition and Preschool students to progress
through the early stages of schooling. We aim to
nurture our children so this transition is seamless,
successful and encouraging.
Preschool
Our Preschool provides a stimulating and
supportive educational environment as a basis for
later learning. This will increase each child’s
opportunity to develop the appropriate language,
thinking, social and movement skills, knowledge
and attitude. The program is planned to cater for
the learning and needs of individual children.
Preschool is not compulsory; however, it is the
preferred first stage of Primary School.
The Preschool program provides a balance
between free play and teacher planned activities
both for individual children and groups. It allows
children to develop the ability to move easily
between home and school and helps them to
develop a pattern of continuity.
Woodroffe Preschool operates a morning and an
afternoon session. Children may attend a morning
session, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 11:00
or an afternoon session, Monday to Friday, from
11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Transition
Students who are turning 5 by 30 June will
commence Transition at the beginning of that year.
Transition students attend full school days and is a
period in which the child progresses at his or her
own level and is prepared for Year 1 class work.
Year 1 - Year 6
Students in Years 1—6 follow a Primary School
Curriculum Framework which is determined by the
Northern Board of Studies. The following areas of
study are included in the Framework;
English
Mathematics
Social Education
Science
Health
Physical Education
The Arts
Technology
Parent Help within Our School
Woodroffe Primary School is always excited to
welcome parents into our class rooms on a volun-
teer basis. There are many ways that parents can
help within our school such as; reading in the class
room, covering books for our Library, chaperoning
excursions or preparing teaching aids.
If you are able to volunteer some of your time
please contact your child’s teacher directly.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 15
Homework
All students at Woodroffe Primary School are
expected to accept responsibility for their own
learning outside of school hours in the form of
homework.
Outside of school hours learning activities form an
integral part of our school’s approach to the
personal and academic development of our
students. Such activities are given to;
Provide structured situations in which
students may develop habits of self
discipline, responsibility and independent
learning.
Provide our students with opportunities for
practice, extension and research as
appropriate to their stages of development.
Enable parents, as co-educators of children,
to observe, assist and encourage the
development of their children, and the
endeavours of the school.
As our students move through their Primary School
years, their responsibility in terms of outside of
school hours learning will be increased as will the
difficulty of such activities.
If you have any concerns about homework which
has been set for your child or if you would like
some information about how best to assist them
please contact their classroom teacher directly.
Recommended Time Allocations if homework is
requested:
Early Childhood - Set work should be limited to a
maximum of 15 minutes per night, Monday to
Thursday. Reading to parents is a major activity at
this age.
Middle and Upper Primary - Up to 1 hour per night:
Monday to Thursday.
Library
Our School Library provides students with access to
a comprehensive range of academic resources and
books for recreational reading. The Library
promotes active interest and curiosity in literature.
Students from Preschool - Year 6 participate in
weekly Library lessons where they familiarise
themselves with types of literature and are taught
how to access resources relevant to their
classroom programs. During these lessons students
are also provided with an opportunity to browse
and borrow books.
The library is also open at lunchtime for borrowing
& returning books. Please look after our Library
books and be sure to return them so that all of our
students can enjoy our wonderful range.
Transition and Year 1, students are permitted to
borrow one (1) book at a time with no limit on
frequency.
Years 2, 3 & 4 students are permitted to borrow up
to two (2) books at any one time.
Years 5 & 6 students are permitted to borrow up to
three (3) books at any one time.
The maximum loan period is two (2) week. All
books in our school library are catalogued on the
computer and borrowing of books is through our
computer system. Students are expected to take
care of borrowed books and are responsible for
books recorded under their name. Students should
not loan borrowed books to another student – this
can result in your child being responsible for
another child’s carelessness. Students will be
charged for any books lost that is recorded under
their name.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 16
Assessment and Recording
The development of each of our students is closely
monitored by their classroom teachers throughout
the school year. The school utilises techniques such
as observation, portfolios, student self evaluation,
formal assessments and standardised testing to
monitor development.
The school also participates in the annual NAPLAN
testing. Students in Year 3 and Year 5 take place in
this Territory-wide assessment. The school receives
information about each student’s individual
performance as well as a report about the school’s
overall performance.
If you have any concerns about your child’s
development, please contact their classroom
teacher directly.
Student Interviews
Student Interviews are conducted at the end of
term 1 and term 3. These interviews are designed
so that students can show parents their school
environment, work that is either in progress or that
has been completed and to demonstrate new skills
that they have been developing.
These interviews are also a great opportunity to
get to know your child’s classroom teacher a little
better and to ask any questions that you may have.
Of course, parents are encouraged to contact the
school at anytime throughout the school year.
Reports
Formal detailed written assessments will be
provided to parents and carers at the end of term 2
and term 4.
If required, families may receive more than one
copy of their child’s report. To discuss individual
needs please contact our Front Office.
Upon receipt of your child’s report, if you have any
concerns or questions, families are again
encouraged to contact the school to arrange a
suitable time to discuss these matters with a
classroom teacher and/or a senior staff member.
In line with the Northern Territory Department of
Education we are required to report to parents 4
times per year. Parents receive a written report at
the end of Terms 2 and 4. In Terms 1 and 3 we
report to parents through a Student Conference.
Should a parent/carer feel the need to discuss their
child’s learning or any other concerns / queries
that they may have, a parent/teacher interview
can be organised at any time by contacting the
office or the teacher via email where a suitable
time can be arranged.
Other communications between school and home
may include:
Formal and informal discussion
Information sessions
Newsletter
Assemblies
Special events and displays e.g. Education
Week
School Council reports
Woodroffe Primary Facebook
Classroom communication tools:
Class Dojos
Sea Saw
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 17
Woodroffe Primary School Council
Our School Council is responsible for the overall
governance of the school. The Council is a statutory
body incorporated under the Education Act and
consists of parent members elected by the school
community, staff members elected by the school’s
staff and appointed members such as a local
Member of the Legislative Assembly in an electorate
of Palmerston.
The Council meets on the third Tuesday of each
month. All members of our school community are
welcome to attend and raise matters as required.
Details of meeting times appear in our regular school
newsletters and through our School Star App. Please
feel welcome to attend Council meetings.
The Annual General Meeting and election of officers
is held in February / March of each year on a date set
by the current Executive, and circulated by
newsletter, giving at least 21 days clear notice.
A copy of the Council’s Constitution is available upon
request from the school.
Student Representative Council (SRC)
The Student Representative Council is elected at the
beginning of each school year by our Upper Primary
students.
Six members are elected from years 5 and 6 to
represent the student body. These students are
recognised as leaders amongst their peers and are
expected to demonstrate appropriate behaviour
when undertaking all curricular activities. Members
of the SRC are pillars within our school and are
expected to set a positive example for all students
from Preschool to Year 6.
The SRC will be responsible for mentoring peers and
younger students, implementing social activities for
students, greeting and chaperoning visitors to our
school, organising and leading assemblies. There are
many more duties required of members and it is
wonderful that so many of our students are willing to
put themselves forward and accept this
responsibility.
House Captains
Woodroffe Primary School has three houses -
Leichhardt, Goyder and Gregory. On enrolment,
students and staff are allocated in family groups to
one of the three sports houses.
Captains and Vice-Captains are elected at the
beginning of each year and are responsible for
leading their houses during friendly house
competitions.
These students are also role models within our school
and are expected to demonstrate the same high level
of behaviour as the SRC.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 18
School Uniform
Woodroffe Primary School is a Northern Territory
government school and as such it is compulsory that
all students from Transition to Year 9 wear a school
uniform whilst attending school or official school
activities both during and after school hours.
By implementing a school uniform School Council
aims to promote equality amongst all students, to
further develop a sense of pride in and identification
with our school, to provide durable, practical and cost
effective clothing and to maintain and enhance the
positive image of the school within our community.
Boys are required to wear our school polo shirt with
Navy Blue Shorts.
Girls are required to wear our school polo shirt with
either a navy blue skirt, skort or shorts.
Parents are asked to consider the length of skirts,
skorts, shorts and dresses and whether they would be
an appropriate reflection of our school values.
Extreme hair colours and cosmetics are not
permitted.
Uniform Price List (subject to change)
Polo Shirt $26
Shorts $20
Skorts $21
Bucket Hat $9
Broad Brimmed Hat $13
Sports House Hat $12.50
Socks $7
Preschool Shirt (old) $5
(limited stock available)
Preschool Shirt (new) $26
Library Bag $12
Footwear
Shoes, sneakers and roman sandals are accepted.
THONGS, MASSUERS AND BARE FEET are not
accepted for safety reasons.
Hats
The School has a Sunsafe policy that aims to increase
the level of Sunsafe awareness, knowledge and
responsibility among students, parents and staff.
To encourage the greater acceptance and use of
Sunsafe alternatives:-
The use of bucket hats/sunscreen is mandatory
for all outside activities.
Teachers will model Sunsafe practices.
Students not adequately protected will not be
able to participate in activities in the sun.
A sun safe education program will be used as a
regular part of the Health curriculum of the
school.
The school will sell headwear, which offers
adequate protection – specifically Woodroffe
bucket hats.
Students have access to safe places to play out
of the sun should they not have a hat
We encourage families to support the school
with ensuring students have a bucket hat at
school.
The school policy is Yes Hat; Yes play.
Nude Food
We encourage families to embrace the ‘Nude Food’
policy. What is Nude Food? Nude Food is simply food
that is not wrapped in foil, plastic or commercial
packaging. The best type of nude food consists mainly
of fresh food, so that it is healthy and nutritious PLUS
environmentally friendly eg fresh fruit, vegetable
sticks and dip or home-baked slices. Promoting Nude
Food empowers students to make conscious choices
about what they eat, and encourages them to think
about their impact on the environment and their
health.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 19
Mobile Phones
In general, students should not bring valuable items to school, as they can be easily lost or stolen, which is often distressful for a primary age child.
Students remain responsible for all of their personal effects whilst at school. When students enter the school grounds the school takes no responsibility for mobile phones. Mobile phones are brought to school entirely at the owner’s risk. The school accepts no responsibility for replacing lost, stolen or damaged mobile phones.
There are no reasons why a student needs to have in their possession or use a mobile phone during the school day.
Parents are reminded that in cases of emergency the school office remains a vital and appropriate point of contact and can ensure your child is reached quickly and assisted in an appropriate way.
Students are advised that if they bring a mobile phone onto the school grounds during the school day, they must hand the phone in at the office before school or to their classroom teacher and collect it at the end of the school day. The phones will be secured in the office or classroom and students can retrieve their phone at the conclusion of the day.
If students do bring their mobile phone to school it should be clearly marked with their name.
Inappropriate Use
Generally, a mobile phone will be used inappropriately if it:
Disrupts or is likely to disrupt the learning
environment or interfere with the operations
of the school; or
Threatens or is likely to threaten the safety or wellbeing of any person; or
Is in breach of any law
Inappropriate use of mobile phones will include students using them to bully, intimidate or otherwise harass other people through any SMS or text message, photographic, video or other data transfer system available on the phone. This type of misuse will be dealt with under the Student Wellbeing and Behaviour Policy.
It should be noted that it is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace, harass or offend another person. The school may consider it appropriate to involve the police.
Related Technology
The procedures applying to the inappropriate use and
security of mobile phones, apply equally to the
inappropriate use of portable computer games, ipods
and similar devices areas around the school
buildings.
Toys, Money and Valuables
Parents and students are asked to refrain from
bringing toys and valuables to school. All too often
such items are misplaced or broken which results in
much disappointment. Woodroffe Primary School
accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage of
such items if they are brought to school.
Students should only be bringing money to school in
small amounts and for specific purposes such as for
purchasing consumables from the Canteen, limited to
a maximum of $10 a day per student. If a
student appears to be in possession of an excessive
amount of money, families will be contacted to
confirm that the student has been permitted to bring
this money to school. Children should not leave
money unattended in their school bags or in their
desks, but hand it to the Class Teacher for safe
keeping.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 20
...our Behaviour Management Policy School Wide Positive Behaviour
Woodroffe Primary School provides educational
opportunities for students from a diverse range of
cultural and linguistic backgrounds and employs staff
who endeavour to make learning possible for every
child.
We understand that a number of children in our
school community have experienced difficulty or
traumatic life circumstances which influence their
attitudes, confidence, self-esteem and behaviours at
school. We use differentiation strategies to not only
cater for the academic needs of students, but to apply
behaviour management strategies according to
particular situations, context and individual
circumstances.
We believe strong, positive partnerships with parents/
carers, students and school staff and a common
understanding of our whole-school behaviour
expectations and values is essential for developing and
maintaining the wellbeing and academic achievement
of students in our care.
Our school provides access to education for all
students including those with Special Needs in our
Special Education Unit, and English as a Second
Language as part of our Intensive English Program.
At Woodroffe School Community everyone has the
right to expect:
to be treated with respect and dignity;
the opportunity to learn; and
a safe learning environment .
In the Woodroffe School Community our responsibility
to others is to:
create a safe learning environment;
to respect and care; and
to share our time, skills and experience
Specifically;
Children have a right to:
be safe at school
learn without interference
be treated with courtesy by teachers
families and students
Children have the responsibility to:
adhere to school rules and safety guidelines
endeavour to do their best
treat others with respect and courtesy
take responsibility for their behaviour and
accept the consequences
All staff have the right to be:
treated with courtesy by colleagues,
families and students
recognised as a professional
supported by the school community
All staff have the responsibility to:
teach effectively; establish effective
school behaviour that assists to provide a
safe environment
treat others with respect and courtesy
act professionally and promote positive
self-esteem and attitudes towards
learning and each other
develop helpful communication links with
the school community, as families are the
major influence in the child’s life
Families have a right to be:
recognised as the major influence in their
child’s life
a partner in their child’s education
informed about issues affecting their child
treated with courtesy by teachers,
students and other families
Families have the responsibility to:
recognise and support the school’s
behavioural expectations
treat others with respect and courtesy
develop helpful communication links with
Woodroffe staff as partners in your child’s
education
provide information that may impact on
your child’s learning.
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 21
Classroom Expectations
Acceptable behaviour in the classroom is an
expectation and negotiated between the classroom
teacher and students at the commencement of each
year. The classroom expectations are clearly
displayed in the classroom as well as the negotiated
consequences for both appropriate and inappropriate
behaviour. All teachers conduct discussions with their
classes on a regular basis to familiarise them with,
and reinforce these rules.
Students Before & After School Hours
Staff are on duty from 7:30am each morning. There is
no supervision before this time, unless a school
activity has been planned and parents have been
notified.
Children are expected to go straight home after
school, except in the case of sports practice or an
after school activity. In most cases students should
have left the school premises by 2:30pm.
Parents are forewarned of any after school activities.
If your child is late home, please check your
neighbourhood first, and then contact the school as
soon as possible.
School Assemblies
Our school assemblies are held in the School Hall and
are an opportunity to recognise merit and
achievement amongst our students. This is also an
opportunity for our classes to show their peers what
they have been working on during class time and for
our Principal to address matters within our school
and our community.
Whole school assemblies are held every second
Friday at 8:30 am.
After School Care
Outside School Care NT is a Territory owned and
operated provider of after school, before school and
vacation care programs. Their focus is on providing
high quality care programs to Schools and parents in
the Darwin and Palmerston area. Their teams deliver
fun and stimulating activities in safe environments
that meet or exceed National Quality Framework
(NQF) standards.
They also provide a daily school bus pick up service
from all Palmerston area primary schools.
To enrol your child in Outside School Care NT:
Pick up an enrolment form from Woodroffe
Primary School Front Office,
Download an enrolment form from their
website http://www.outsideschoolcare.com.au/
Or;
Contact Outside School Care NT Woodroffe
Centre Site Director on 0406 058 528, Main
Office 0499 994 158
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 22
Woodroffe Primary School | 2020 | 23
2021 School Term Calendar
Semester one
Term 1 Urban schools
Monday 1 February to Friday 9 April (teachers
resume Friday 29 January)
Remote schools (excluding Gunbalanya School)
Tuesday 2 February to Friday 9 April (teachers
resume Monday 1 February)
Term break Monday 12 April to Friday 16
April
Term 2 Monday 19 April to Friday 25 June
Semester break Monday 28 June to Friday 16 July
Semester two
Term 3 Tuesday 20 July to Friday 24 September
(teachers resume Monday 19 July)
Term break Monday 27 September to Friday
8 October
Term 4 Urban schools
Monday 11 October to Thursday 16 December
Remote schools
Monday 11 October to Friday 17 December
Semester break Monday 20 December 2021 to
Friday 28 January 2022
2022 School Term Calendar
Semester one
Term 1 Urban schools
Monday 31 January to Friday 8 April (teachers
resume Friday 28 January)
Remote schools (excluding Gunbalanya School)
Tuesday 1 February to Friday 8 April (teachers
resume Monday 31 January)
Term break Monday 11 April to Thursday 14
April
Term 2 Tuesday 19 April to Friday 24 June
Semester break Monday 27 June to Friday 15 July
Semester two
Term 3Tuesday 19 July to Friday 23 September
(teachers resume Monday 18 July)
Term break Monday 26 September to Friday 7
October
Term 4Urban schools
Monday 10 October to Thursday 15 December
Remote schools
Monday 10 October to Friday 16 December
Semester break Monday 19 December 2022 to
Friday 27 January 2023