Kepnock State High School Junior School Uniform

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Vision and Values ..................................................................................................... 2

Kepnock Administration ............................................................................................ 3

Bell Times ................................................................................................................. 4

Map of School ........................................................................................................... 5

School Motto ............................................................................................................. 6

Important Dates ........................................................................................................ 6

General Information .................................................................................................. 7

First Aid/Medication .................................................................................................. 7

What Do I Do If? ....................................................................................................... 8

School Expectations ................................................................................................. 9

Student Support Services ....................................................................................... 10

Assessment Guidelines .......................................................................................... 11

Respectful Relationships ........................................................................................ 12

School Dress Code ................................................................................................. 13

Uniform Guidelines ................................................................................................ 14

School Policy on Piercings and Adornments ........................................................... 15

Student Electronic Equipment Policy ...................................................................... 16

Safety Policy ........................................................................................................... 17

Homework Policy .................................................................................................... 19

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KEPNOCK ADMINISTRATION

PRINCIPAL Ms Jenny Maier DEPUTY PRINCIPALS Mr Craig Martin, Ms Tess Hennessey, Mr Nick Howkins BSM Mr Stephen Bargenquast HEAD OF SPECIAL ED PROGRAM Ms Jenny Spence HEADS OF DEPARTMENT (Curriculum)

English Mr M Davies Senior School Mrs D Giddins

Maths Ms E Orr HPE Mrs R Coombes

Scientific Tech. Ms C Nielsen ITD Mr A Millis

Junior Secondary Mr K Gray Humanities Mr R Connor

Student Services Mrs J Dwyer IT, BusEd Mr J Irvine

The Arts Ms J O’Neill Agriculture/HEC Mr G Foster

ADDRESS Kepnock Road, Bundaberg

POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 4310, South Bundaberg Q 4670

TELEPHONE 4131 1888

FAX 4131 1800

Guidance Counsellor Byron Harrison

EMAIL the.principal@kepnockshs.eq.edu.au

WEB SITE www.kepnockshs.eq.edu.au

P & C Meets third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Common Room

ABSENCE LINE 4131 1809

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SCHOOL BELL TIMES AND YEAR LEVEL ASSEMBLIES Lesson Times 2013

MONDAY Period Start Finish Length

Early Morning Class 8:00 9.00 60 min HG (PE@K) 9.00 9.25 25 min

Period 2 9.25 10.25 60 min Period 3 10.25 11.15 50 min

First Recess 11.15 11:50 35 min Period 4 11:50 12:50 60 min Period 5 12:50 13:40 50 min Second 13:40 14:20 40 min Period 6 14:20 15:10 50 min

TUESDAY - FRIDAY

Period Start Finish Length

Early Morning Class 8:00 9.15 75 min HG 9.05 9.15 10 min

Period 2 9.15 10.25 70 min Period 3 10.25 11.15 50 min

First Recess 11.15 11:50 35 min Period 4 11:50 12:50 60 min Period 5 12:50 13:40 50 min Second 13:40 14:20 40 min Period 6 14:20 15:10 50 min

Year Level Assemblies Year 8 Wednesday 8:45 – 9:15

Year 9 Friday 8:45 – 9:15

Year 10 Thursday 8:45 – 9:15 (Semester 1); 8:55 – 9:15 (Semester 2)

Year 11 Thursday 8:45 – 9:15 (Semester 1); 8:55 – 9:15 ( Semester 2)

Year 12 Tuesday 8:55 – 9:15

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MAP OF SCHOOL

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KEPNOCK STATE HIGH SCHOOL VISION AND VALUES

VISION A creative, confident and resilient community of learners prepared for the future.

MOTTO “Success is Earned”

VALUES We value:

• Learning

• Respect

• Responsibility

IMPORTANT DATES 2013

STUDENT FREE DAYS Thursday 24 and Friday 25 January Monday 21 October

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2013

Easter Vacation 29 March – 14 April

Winter Vacation 22 June – 7 July

Spring Vacation 21 September – 7 October

Summer Vacation 13 December – 27 January

FINISHING DATES YEAR 12 Friday 15 November YEAR 10 & 11 Friday 29 November YEAR 8 & 9 Friday 13 December

www.kepnockshs.eq.edu.au

Visit our website for up-to-date

information

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GENERAL INFORMATION CANTEEN The P & C Association operates the school canteen and welcomes whatever assistance parents are able to give. Phone 41311823 to express you willingness to assist. The canteen is open 7am – 9am, as well as first and second recess.

MONEY, VALUABLES & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT Students are strongly advised to leave valuables, electronic devices, and large sums of money at home. Stolen items are not the school’s responsibility. If a student chooses to bring valuables to school, they should not be left unattended in a school bag.

STUDENT ILLNESS Students should see their teacher during class time or report to the General Office during recesses. Parents will be contacted and arrangements made for students to be collected.

GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR The Guidance Counsellor is located in the Administration Building. Students are encouraged to discuss any topics of concern with him. An appointment can be made through main office.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION School staff must not administer over-the-counter medication, including analgesics, homeopathic or prescribed medications, unless they meet the accountability of a written request from a parent/caregiver accompanied by written advice from a medical practitioner. The medication must be stored in the original labeled container. A copy of the school’s Medication Booklet is available from the school office.

NEWSLETTER Regular school-home communication occurs via a fortnightly newsletter. This is an important source of information about the school and its activities. Newsletters are usually issued to students on a Monday.

LOCKERS Students can hire lockers to store textbooks and other school items. Students should collect form from office. Annual Hire Charge is $12. Students need to provide their own key and lock.

SCHOOL WEBSITE Our school website is updated regularly and contains a wide range of information for parents and students www.kepnockshs.eq.edu.au.

VISITING THE SCHOOL On arrival, all visitors to school, including Senior students on their day off, are to report to the administration building. The school requires visitors to ‘sign in and out’ of the school, and will issue them with official visitor identification. Identification is to be worn at all times. Any person on school grounds without visitor identification will be referred to administration. The purpose of this is to ensure the safety and security of the school premises in general and the wellbeing of our students and staff.

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WHAT DO DO WHEN .. I’m late for school I’ve lost my timetable I’ve lost/had stolen my property I feel sick I’ve left something at home and I think it is important I have a note from home to leave school early I am returning to school after an absence I am sick and will be away for a few days I am having difficulties with other students or my school work I’m not in correct uniform I’m unable to participate in PE/Sport classes I am being bullied physically or verbally

Report to the office with a note signed by a parent Report to the office. Replacement provided at cost of 50¢ Report loss to your class teacher at the time and later to the office. Write a description with all details. Ask your teacher’s consent to report to Sick Bay. Put up with the inconvenience and determine that you will be more careful in future. Discuss it with your teacher, and determine if a phone call is necessary. Take note to the office before school and receive a pass out. Parents collect student at designated time from Office. Bring a note from your parent/guardian to your home group teacher on the day you return to school. Arrange for your parent/guardian to phone the school to explain. Tell someone! Class teacher, HOD, Year Co-ordinator, Guidance Counsellor, Deputy Principal, Principal or parent. Bring a note from parent/guardian and collect a uniform pass from the office before school. Wear clothing that is similar to school uniform or be prepared to change into a borrowed uniform for the day. Bring a note from your parent/guardian to your PE teacher/ sports organiser. Tell class teacher, HOD or Year Co-ordinator, if it’s physical, tell a Deputy Principal. Tell someone.

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WHAT IS EXPECTED?

1. GENERAL Students are under the jurisdiction of the Principal whilst at school.

2. ATTENDANCE Regular attendance is required of all students. A dated note or phone call from a parent/guardian is required for all absences. (a) Phone the Student Absence Line 4131 1809. (b) For all absences

� Note is to be handed to the Home Group Teacher on the day of return to school if Absence Line has not been called.

� Medical certificates should be produced by students for extended absence due to illness and should be given to the Year Co-ordinator.

� When students know that they are going to be away for an extended period in normal school time, notification should be given to the office secretary before the period of absence commences.

(c) Absences for assessment or exam � Students absent for a test or assessment or exam must advise the school

office then seek extension of due date from the Head of Department. � An explanatory note must be presented along with a medical certificate

where applicable. The contribution of the late assessment to the student’s assessment profile will be determined by the Head of Department, according to the school Assessment Policy.

(d) A student who arrives late to school is to report to the office with an explanatory note and sign in.

(e) Students who arrive early to school are to sit quietly and await bell for class. Out of Bounds areas, including ovals and shops, are to be observed. Once students arrive at school, they are to remain on campus. Students in Years 8 – 10 should not arrive before 8.45am.

Students on Youth Allowance

If a student is absent for more than five days, without the approval of the school, they will not get Youth Allowance for the additional days they were absent and they will also lose an extra 14 days Youth Allowance for each term in which this occurs. 3. DRESS STANDARDS The School has a clearly stated standard of dress. All students are required to wear the school uniform each day. It is our preference that students wear the formal uniform on most school days. Clothing should be clean and respectable. Students should maintain a high standard of personal grooming and cleanliness. Pride in appearance is important. In the interests of safety, students are encouraged to wear hats for all timetabled outside activities as well as at morning tea and lunch breaks. Sandals and thongs are never acceptable footwear. Students are to wear the formal uniform on assembly day. Hair styles and colour should be conservative, neat and tidy.

Students who are not in correct uniform may be provided with a uniform for the day. See “School Dress Code” for details of uniform (P.15-16).

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STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Students are encouraged to form a trusting and co-operative relationship with teachers and should feel confident to approach them with any problems. Year Co-ordinators are also available to provide care and support. Career guidance and personal counselling appointments with the school Guidance Counsellor are made through the main office. The Special Education Program provides support and extension to students with special needs across the whole spectrum of the learning environment. Learning Support provides a variety of services to students requiring extra help in their learning. Other specialist staff can also be accessed via Student Services Department. Craig Currie is the Community Education Counsellor for Indigenous students.

STUDENT IDENTITY CARDS The school produces Student Identity Cards which serve four purposes : (i) Identification for collection of books from Textbook Hire (ii) Bar code for library borrowing (iii) Student identification for concessions on admission or purchases where

these exist (iv) Entry to school socials. It will cost $5 to replace a lost ID card.

NOTE : STUDENTS MUST BRING THEIR ID CARDS EVERY DAY .

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES A number of extra-curricular activities are offered. These include:

• School Musical

• Instrumental music

• Vocal group

• Interschool sports

• Student Representative Council

• Public speaking • Cheerleading

Involvement in such activities widens friendship groups across year levels, fosters team and school spirit and develops students’ skills and self esteem. Students of all ages are encouraged to be involved. Information for students is published in Daily Student Notices.

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ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES

Assessment is used by teachers to make judgements about the standards of student work and progress. Summative Assessment is determined by Education Queensland syllabuses and school work programs.

Formative assessment gives progress information about a student. Summative assessment is used for reporting purposes.

Assessment can occur in many different forms. The most common assessment items used at Kepnock include:

• Assignments • In-class tests • Exams • Oral Presentations

• Practical demonstrations • Observations • Field Work

Submitting assessment:

Assessment must be handed in by the due date.

If a student is away on the day of an in-class assessment item, a phone call from the parent on the day and/or a letter of explanation is required on their return. This phone call or letter will be accepted subject to the explanation being satisfactory.

If a student is away on the due date of an assignment, every effort should be made to drop the assignment to the school, or email it to the teacher. If this is not possible a letter of explanation is required on their return.

If a student is away for an in-class assessment item and provides a satisfactory explanation as outlined above, they should complete the item as soon as is practical upon their return. Failure to do so will result in a Non Submission being recorded, which will have a negative impact on semester results.

Staff will document that assessment has been submitted noting the date submitted.

Extensions

If a student misses a due date, they must submit an Application for Extension. Applications for extension should be made prior to the due date.

Extensions should only occur rarely and a pattern of failure to submit items on the due date will be raised with the HOD. Parents will need to support any application for extension with the appropriate explanations e.g. medical certificate, bereavement advice, special circumstances explanation etc.

Extensions will not be granted for holidays outside school holiday periods. Students should submit the work prior to departure. Failure to do so may lead to credit not being given for that particular assessment task.

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RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Students at Kepnock State High School are expected to behave respectfully towards all members of the school community. As such, Kepnock State High School considers bullying to be an unacceptable form of behaviour which is not tolerated under any circumstances. This includes cyber-bullying as well as personal bullying. WHAT IS HARASSMENT?

Sometimes it is the frequency of inappropriate comments or behaviours that are disrespectful or invasive of another’s privacy. Behaviour that demeans another on the basis of gender, race, religion or ethnicity is unacceptable. All members of the school community are expected to behave in ways that are respectful to others.

What should YOU do if you are bullied or harassed?

� Understand that there are many ways to deal with bullies. Your safety and security is important in every case.

� Know that you do not have to put up with being bullied or harassed. The bully will try to tell you otherwise.

� Act responsibly, by telling your teacher, Year Co-ordinator, Guidance Officer, HOD, parent or a friend.

� Turn off facebook, and do not respond to unwanted text messages.

What can PARENTS do?

� Look for tell-tale signs : bruises, scratches, torn clothing, not wanting to come to school, temper outbursts, etc

� Listen carefully to your child. Find out what happened, where, who was involved, when it happened and who else was around.

� Adopt a problem solving approach. � Enlist the support of school personnel rather than become involved yourself. � Above all, do not ignore the situation. � Check your child’s Facebook page. � Threats made over the internet or phone, are illegal and should be referred to

School Based Police Officer.

CROSS CLASSING

If a student consistently disrupts the teaching and learning process of the classroom they will be required to complete their classwork in another classroom. The student will be referred to A5 and a classroom will be assigned.

When the student arrives at the other room they will complete the class work supplied and make a plan to return to class with SMART goals so they are successful.

Students who are frequently cross-classed will be referred to the Curriculum HOD. Parents will be contacted by phone or a letter, after each cross-class occasion.

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SCHOOL DRESS CODE

Purpose The purpose of our dress code is to ensure that Kepnock State High School students present themselves with pride within the school and the wider community. When students enrol in our school, they must accept a shared responsibility for its public image, as well as develop a sense of belonging and pride.

Expectations It is our expectation that students will wear the appropriate school uniform on a daily basis. The Parents’ and Citizens’ Association have endorsed the current uniform which is detailed below. It is also our expectation that students will comply with other aspects of our dress code, including footwear, the wearing of jewellery, make-up, and other body adornments, piercing etc. Parents and students will be kept well-informed about any proposed changes in uniform or policy, through the usual channels of P & C meetings, and Newsletters.

Provision for Specific Student Issues The school will support students who may have occasional difficulty in wearing correct uniform through the provision of replacement clothing items on a daily loan basis. Students will be permitted, on presentation of a note from parents, to have a temporary non-uniform day pass on two occasions per term. If the number of occasions is greater than two, or if the student fails to provide a note, he/she will be asked to change into suitable clothing provided. Details of this procedure will be provided to students at the commencement of each school year. If the student is non-compliant, or continues not to follow the dress code, he/she may be required to complete a lunch time detention in accordance with a provision of the Education General Provisions Act 2006. Breaches of other aspects of the dress code by students will have consequences as outlined over. Parents will be kept informed on the implementation of the dress code and actions taken for non-compliance by students. Wherever possible, parents will be given opportunities to negotiate a process that leads towards a satisfactory and timely outcome to uniform issues.

Formal Uniform This is the preferred option and should be worn as often as possible and on assemblies, formal occasions, (e.g. Presentation Night) or when representing the school.

Day Uniform Students may wear this uniform when practical subjects are scheduled and when no formal representation of the school is required.

Winter Uniform Long sleeved polo and jackets are available from the school Canteen and other outlets. Senior students may wear the school jersey. Long black trousers are an option.

Footwear School shoes must be of solid construction, covering the foot, with either lace-up or strong Velcro fastened uppers. They must be black leather/suede or strong vinyl with matching laces. Because of Workplace Health and Safety requirements, parents will be contacted immediately if a student has inappropriate footwear, so that correct shoes can be brought to the school. Students will not be able to attend classes without appropriate shoes. Thongs, dance type slippers, or ‘grandad’ slippers are unacceptable.

Jewellery Jewellery is not part of the school uniform and should not be worn by students. Jewellery items will be held until the end of the school day. In persistent cases, parents will be required to collect jewellery from the office. One pair of small ear studs/sleepers and wristwatches are acceptable. Students are required to remove all facial adornments/piercings during the school day. Our policy complies with that applying in many workplaces.

Make-Up Obvious facial make-up is not part of our dress code, and students will be asked to remove it if worn at school.

Hats Students are strongly encouraged to wear brimmed hats/caps for sporting activities/lessons, other outside classes and activities. Beanies are not part of the uniform and are unacceptable. Hair Styles Brightly coloured hair is not permitted. Style should be neat and tidy and of a natural colour.

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FORMAL UNIFORM

Type Style Description Colour/Fabric

Day Uniform (Sports)

Shirts

Junior Polo (Yrs 8/9) , tab front. Embroidered emblem on left side. Side slits. Short sleeves

Bottle Green, black vertical panel each sides, gold trim. Black collar with white trim.

Shorts

Kepnock elastic/drawstring waist or tailored shorts both with approved embroidered “K” logo. Inside leg measurement no less than 20cm. (definitely no short shorts)

Colour: Black Boys – Poly Cotton, drawstring or Poly Cotton tailored Girls – Polyester/Viscose/Elastane

Skirt A-line or inverted pleats each side, knee length Bottle Green Gabardine/Caesarella

Formal Uniform Junior Girls

(Yr 8/9)

Skirt Short sleeve, shaped peplum, button front. Embroidered emblem on pocket worn with necktie. Blouse of suitable length.

Bottle Stripe poly cotton

Necktie Button on. Bottle Green Skirt A line or inverted pleats each side, knee length. Bottle Green Gabardine/Caesarella

Slacks Tailored, front pleats, set in pockets or slim fit (no keepers, no belt). Black Caesarella

Formal Uniform Junior Boys

(Yr 8/9)

Shirt Short sleeves, collared, button front embroidered Kepnock emblem on pocket Bottle Stripe poly cotton.

Shorts/Trousers Plain black belt (no keepers/no belt). Approved ‘K’ logo on shorts. Black Poly Cotton.

Winter Uniform Unisex

Track Pants Standard plain black tracksuit pants Black

Jacket Microfibre Tracksuit Jacket - Front Zipper Embroidered Kepnock emblem on front left side Bottle Green microfibre material

Polar Fleece Jacket

Polar Fleece jacket - Zipper front Embroidered Kepnock emblem on front left side Bottle Green Polar Fleece

Junior Jersey (8/9) Bottle green cotton double-knit, gold collar Available from the Canteen

WHOLE SCHOOL UNIFORM

Type Style Description Colour/Fabric

Day Uniform

Shirts

Junior Polo (Yrs 8/9) , tab front. Embroidered emblem on left side. Side slits. Short sleeves

Bottle Green, black vertical panel each sides, gold trim. Black collar with white trim.

Senior Polo (Yrs 10/11/12) , tab front, Embroidered emblem on left side with senior label. Short sleeves.

Bottle Green, vertical panel on right side of white, gold & black. Black collar with gold and white trim.

Shorts

Kepnock elastic/drawstring waist or tailored shorts both with approved embroidered “K” logo. Inside leg measurement no less than 20cm. (definitely no short shorts)

Colour: Black Boys – Poly Cotton, drawstring or Poly Cotton tailored Girls – Polyester/Viscose/Elastane

Skirt A-line or inverted pleats each side, knee length Bottle Green Gabardine/Caesarella

Winter Uniform Unisex

Whole School

Track Pants Standard plain black tracksuit pants Black

Jacket

Microfibre Tracksuit Jacket - Front Zipper Embroidered Kepnock emblem on front left side Bottle Green microfibre material

Polar Fleece Jacket Polar Fleece jacket - Zipper front Embroidered Kepnock emblem on front left side Bottle Green Polar Fleece

Senior Jersey (10, 11 & 12) As prescribed by the school

MUST BE ORDERED THROUGH THE SCHOOL Ordering process occurs late in preceding year.

Junior Jersey (8/9) Bottle green cotton double-knit, gold collar Available from the Canteen

Blazer Embroidered emblem on left side. Bottle Green

Uniforms available from: Kepnock State High School Canteen – 41311823 (School tie and junior jersey available only through canteen) Bundaberg Clothing Factory – 41531505 / Inn Style Mensland – 41516788 / Lowes Sugarland - 41513948

Footwear

Shoes (to meet safety regulation) Full leather/vinyl school shoes (formal or jogger style)

Full BLACK upper and BLACK sole trim with matching black laces, no other colour permitted

Socks Ankle/ anklet White

Stockings Girls Black or Skin tone

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INFORMATION SHEET FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS ON SCHO OL POLICY REGARDING FACIAL PIERCING/ADORNMENTS All state schools adopt dress codes for students. Kepnock State High school’s dress code outlines a range of uniform requirements, including policies related to the wearing of jewellery, piercings etc.

The policy, endorsed by the Parents and Citizens Association, states:

“Jewellery is not part of the school uniform and should not be worn by students. One pair of small ear studs/sleepers and wristwatches are acceptable. Students are required to remove facial adornments/piercings during the school day.”

This policy has been widely circulated among students and parents.

To ensure there is absolute clarity regarding the policy, the following points are provided:

• The school recognises that facial piercings and the wearing of jewellery items by students outside of school hours are not the province of the school, and as such, students out of school uniform obviously have no school rules governing these matters. This is rightly a parental matter.

• Whilst at school, students will be required to remove facial piercings/jewellery for the duration of the school day. This is common policy in the workplace as well as in other educational institutions.

• Acceptable jewellery would include ear studs or sleepers that are unobtrusive. Wristbands for medical emergencies would also be acceptable.

• Some scope may exist for jewellery of religious or cultural significance, but this would need some negotiation with a member of Administration. Such items (e.g. a religious cross) would need to be worn unobtrusively. (e.g. pinned on the inside of a collar etc.) A family memento would not fall into this category as a “cultural” item.

• In the event of recent facial piercings, students may be able to use an inconspicuous retainer as a temporary measure. This would need to be negotiated with the school.

• If some medical factor precludes the timely removal of a facial adornment, the possibility of taping over the item would be considered as a temporary measure. Please discuss this with a member of administration.

If students fail to follow the policy, consequences could include removal of items to be later collected by a parent, other parental contact, temporary measures such as the student being required to tape over the adornment, and detention(s) for disobedience.

We would prefer not to have to invoke disciplinary measures, but hope that parents and students work with the school to implement this policy appropriately. In this way, the school’s goal of positively promoting the school and its students within the wider Bundaberg community would be further enhanced, and the dress standard of our school will be upheld.

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STUDENT ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT POLICY Electronic equipment items such as mobile phones, iPods, mp3 players, etc are not considered part of your everyday needs and we strongly discourage students from bringing these to school. When a valid reason exists for students to have electronic equipment at school, we expect them to be turned off and left in a secure place during class time. We ask students to be conscious of the learning environment and to be respectful of the needs of others. At recess times, students should use electronic equipment in an appropriate, responsible manner. Inappropriate use and storage of inappropriate materials will be managed in accordance with the school’s Responsible Behaviour Plan. Electronic equipment that is inappropriately sighte d, heard or used in class may be confiscated. These items will be sent to th e Office for collection at the end of the day. PROCESS

First Occasion :

• If electronic equipment is inappropriately used in class it will be placed in the student’s bag and put at the front of the room.

Second Occasion :

• The student is to be sent to the office with a note detailing the incident.

• The item is placed in an envelope in the office. Student collects at end of day.

Third Occasion :

• Parents will be called to pick up the confiscated item. Some use of electronic equipment may be appropriate under direct teacher curriculum instruction. Since the school encourages students not to bring electronic equipment to school, we will not pursue investigations into lost or stolen items of this nature. The school is not liable for any loss or damage to equipment.

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SAFETY POLICY

Practical Subject Areas Safety Expectations and Guidelines

Practical Subject areas at Kepnock SHS provide students with a vital opportunity to gain a balanced education. All subject areas at some point in time may take the opportunity to organize a practical component within their curriculum in order to broaden student learning. Subject areas such as:

• Science • Agriculture • Information and Technology • Industrial Technology and Design • Dance • Drama • Health and Physical Education • Art • Home Economics

have a practical component built into the course.

As such, students need to be very much aware of Work Place Health and Safety policies within these environments, not only to engage safely in activities but to also fulfill the expectations of the curriculum. Teachers will spend time outlining these expectations to their respective classes. This may well mean training students how to use a piece of equipment or explaining how to behave whilst demonstrations or activities are occurring. Regular reminders will take place in order to reinforce expectations and rules will be revisited in the class environment. The priority for students and staff, as well as parents, is to provide a safe learning environment.

To simplify the rules across subject areas within school three expectations have been developed to ensure a safe environment exists. As such students need to: 1. follow all safety instructions in relation to

• safety equipment • remaining in an allocated area

2. refrain from any unsafe action that has the potential for injury. For example throwing something which could be reasonably expected to injure someone or damage equipment

3. use tools/equipment/ animals/ plants or chemicals and electricity appropriately and as authorized.

If students fail to follow these expectations then teachers will provide a consequence for the student’s actions. This may include the issuing of a safety breach. These safety breaches range in severity from Level 1 to Level 3.

Payment may have to be made to repair damage to fac ilities or equipment.

The ethos of this approach is not to move students from certain subjects but rather to teach and train students how to behave sa fely in these practical areas.

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Safety Breach guidelines Level 1

• Completion of contract/ guarantee to return to class • Dealt with by teacher- minor class infringement • Sent to buddy class for remainder of lesson and possibly one other • Completion of work set by teacher • Parent contact made via letter or phone • Possible detentions • Recorded on One School

Level 2 • Sent to buddy class for remainder of lesson. Removal from class for 2 - 3

additional lessons • Completion of work set by teacher (workplace health and safety guidelines) • Parent contact or interview by HOD • Completion of contract/ guarantee to return to class • Process overseen by HOD • Possible detentions • Recorded on One School

Level 3 • Completion of contract/ guarantee to return to class • Dealt with by Year Level Deputy Principal • Sent to buddy class for remainder of lesson and a possible further 5 - 6

lessons • Completion of work set by teacher (workplace health and safety guidelines) • Possible parent interview, to return to class. • Possible removal from all practical components of the course. • Recorded on One School

After these processes have been exhausted the student may be asked to show cause to the Principal as to why he / she should be allowed to remain in that subject.

Students and parents are invited to discuss these issues with the HOD and or teacher.

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HOMEWORK POLICY Homework provides students with opportunities to consolidate their classroom learning, pattern behaviour for lifelong learning beyond the classroom and involve family members in their learning. The setting of homework takes into account the need for students to have a balanced lifestyle. This includes sufficient time for family, sport, culture, recreation, and part-time employment where appropriate.

Homework engages students in independent learning and complements work undertaken in class, such as: � Revision and reflection to consolidate learning � Applying knowledge and skills in new contexts � Pursuing knowledge individually and imaginatively � Preparing for forthcoming classroom learning Homework enhances student learning, develops the student’s independence as a learner Is varied, challenging and clearly related to the class work

In Years 8 and 9, students should be given increasing responsibility for their own learning. They can be required to engage in independent learning to complement work undertaken in class. Homework in Years 8 and 9 could be up to 10 minutes per subject per night i.e. Year 8 = 80 mins, Year 9 = 90 mins.

In the Senior School, Years 10, 11 and 12 , the amount of time devoted to homework and independent study will vary according to the student’s learning needs and individual program of learning, determined through their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan. As a guide, Year 10 = 100 mins, Year 11 = 110 mins, Year 12 = 120 mins.

While teachers may provide students with additional work relevant to their learning which the student may undertake at home, young people during this phase should generally be independent learners exercising their own judgement as to the out-of-hours time they devote to their studies. Of course, care should be taken to ensure a balance is maintained between the various demands of study, sporting, cultural, recreational and part-time employment activities.

KEPNOCK STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES Students take responsibility for their own learning by: � Discussing with their parents or caregivers homework expectations � Accepting responsibility for the completion of homework expectations within

set time frames � Following up on feedback from teachers � Seeking assistance when difficulties arise � Organising their time to manage and balance home expectations, participation

in physical activity and sport, cultural and recreational activities and part-time employment.

� Writing homework expectations in their diary.

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TEACHERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Our teachers help students establish a routine of regular, independent study by: � Setting homework on a regular basis � Clearly communicating the purpose, benefits and expectations of all homework � Checking homework regularly and providing timely and useful feedback � Using homework that is varied, challenging, directly related to class work and

appropriate to students’ learning needs � Explicitly teaching strategies to develop organisational and time management

skills and providing opportunities to practice these strategies through homework

� Giving consideration to other academic and personal development activities (school based or other) that students could be engaged in when setting homework

� Discussing with parents and caregivers any developing problems concerning their child’s homework and suggesting strategies to assist with their homework.

� Home Group Teacher should sign student diaries weekly.

PARENTS’ / CAREGIVERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

As parents / caregivers you can help your children by:

� Reading with them, talking with them and involving them in tasks at home including shopping, playing games and musical instruments and physical activity

� Checking Student Diary and Assessment Planner � Helping them to complete tasks by discussing key questions or directing them

to resources � Encouraging them to organise their time and take responsibility for their own

learning � Encouraging them to read and to take an interest in and discuss current local,

national and international events � Helping them to balance the amount of time spent completing homework,

watching television, playing computer games, playing sport and music and engaging in other recreational activities

� Contacting the relevant teacher to discuss any concerns about the nature of homework and their children’s approach to the homework.

� Parents should countersign student diaries.

Information in this booklet is current at the time of printing - 14/11/12