Information Booklet

Hope Street Phone: 02 6729 1131Warialda 2402 Fax: 02 6729 1190Email: warialda-p.school@det.nsw.edu.auWebsite: http://www.warialda-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/index.html

Hope Street Phone: 02 6729 1131Warialda 2402 Fax: 02 6729 1190Email: warialda-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.warialda-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

I am very proud to be a part of a wonderful educational team that serves the greater Warialda community and welcome you and your family to join us. During your time with us you will find that the committed staff at Warialda Public School have the social, physical and educational interest of your child at heart. With your support, our staff strive to produce excellent learning outcomes for your child.

Peter Hancock(Principal)

StaffPrincipal Mr Peter HancockAssistant Principal Mrs Jenny CareyTeaching Staff Early Stage 1 Miss Naomi Cole(Kindergarten)Stage 1 Mrs Margaret Haug (1/2)

Mrs Jenny Waller (1/2)Stage 1 Mrs Jenny Carey (Year 2/3)Stage 2 Mrs Jan Hancock (Year 3/4) – Stage 2/3 Miss Amber Lucas (Year 4/5)Stage 3 Ms Taber (Year 5/6) STLA Ms Tanya Withers, Mrs Linda O’BrienLibrarian Mrs Rebecca Reardon School Counsellor Mrs Marilyn McMaster School Learning Support Officers Mrs Ruth Smith& Mrs Katherine PinkertonAdministrative Manager Mrs Carmel GreensillAdministrative Officer Mrs Jackie CarrollCanteen Supervisor Mrs Sue SmithGeneral Assistant Mr Claude McClymont

Welcome toWarialda Public School

School Contact DetailsAddress PhonePO Box 107 02 6729 1131WARIALDA NSW 2402

Email Faxwarialda-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au 02 6729 1190

Our school has seven classes. We have a well resourced library, excellent computer infrastructure and a fantastic physical environment and professional and committed teaching staff.

Some highlights of 2009 have been- Peer mediator program - ‘Active After School’ program- Student Council - ‘Parent Room’- Breakfast room program - Major and Minor Excursions - Digital portfolios - Junior Band- Chaplaincy program - Reading Recovery- Kindergarten Transition School Musical

At Warialda Public School we believe students require an all round education involving; academic, social, environmental, spiritual and physical pursuits.

Mission StatementTo act on knowledge to promote the education of the whole child in a collegial and cooperative manner by using, higher order thinking

and quality teaching practises and integrated technology to connect students to the world.

Warialda Public School, creating future thinkers

School Targets for 2010Numeracy

Review ‘Count Me in too’ and counting on teaching strategies in Early Years (TEN Program). Literacy

- All staff to have professional development in ‘Accelerated Literacy’

- to refine our cyclical process of; assessment, planning/teaching and reviewing English.

- Improving literacy and numeracy skills by providing individualised assessment and differential programming.

Other- To more effectively integrate information technology skills into

classroom practices by training staff to use 'Moodle' packages and to continue to improve ‘smartboard’ technology skills.

- Maintain a focus on the integration of Higher Order Thinking skills and Quality Teaching into everyday classroom practise

- Review ‘You Can Do It’ program (links higher order thinking & social skills)

- School review of Quality teaching and assessment practise.- To maintain teacher ‘Consistency in judgement’ and continue

to develop common stage assessment tasks and regularly review teaching strategies (analysis on NAPLAN data etc)

School Motto‘Strive and Thrive’

Bell TimesTeachers officially commence duty at 8.30. Supervision of students will commence at 8.30 and children are encouraged to arrive at school after this time and before the assembly hooter rings at 9.00

8.55 - Morning Assembly- Morning Session (9.00 to 11.00 – ‘Fruit Bat’ in

class break at 10.00)

11.05- Recess11.30 Mid morning session (11.05 to 1.15)1.15 - Lunch (supervised by classroom teacher)1.35 - Lunch play2.00 - Lunch Assembly

- Afternoon session (2.00 to 3.00)3.00 Afternoon Assembly3.10 - Afternoon dismissal

Children are expected to leave school promptly at the end of the school day. Staff members provide supervision for students catching buses while students walking and riding home are encouraged to comply with policies relating to safety and road safety.

Allergies/IllnessPlease keep the school up to date regarding changes to your child’s health. We have one student who has identified an allergy to peanut products. As a precaution we ask parents not to send nut based products to school.

AmbulanceWarialda Public School contributes to the NSW ambulance scheme. There is no charge to parents for the use of this service if children are injured or seriously ill at school.

AssembliesDay to day information is given to students at morning and lunch assemblies.School Assemblies are held each Friday.

Stage assemblies are usually held each odd week. These assemblies are held in three groups

1. Early Stage 1, Stage 1

2. Stage 2 & Stage 3Whole school assemblies are usually held each even week. Parents are invited to attend Whole School Assemblies that are held in the Assembly Hall.

Whole School assemblies commence with the National Anthem, followed by a short Principal’s address and the presentation of merit certificates. This is followed by a class item. Each class is rostered to provide an item each semester. This assembly will reflect work being undertaken in the class.

AttendanceRegular attendance at school is important to ensure satisfactory progress is being made in all aspects of school development. If your child is absent an explanatory note should be sent to school giving the reason for the absence. Parents may wish to phone this information to the school, but written explanation is preferred.Parents of students who are absent from school for unexplained periods may be referred to the Department of Education and Training’s Home School Liaison Officer who may then make contact with parents.

Book ClubChildren are offered the opportunity to purchase well graded books at a reasonable price each term. Order forms are sent home with children when the school receives them. A date for return is published in our weekly newsletter. When returning the order forms please send in the correct money. If paying by cheque please make payable to Warialda Public School.

2010 CalendarTerm 1 Wednesday 3rd February to Thursday 1st April Term 2 Tuesday 19th April to Friday 2nd July Term 3 - Monday 19th July to Friday 24th SeptemberTerm 4 - Monday 11th October to Wednesday 15th December

School CounsellorSchool counselling services are provided to assist with the academic and social development of your child. Children may be referred to the School Counsellor for assessment of learning difficulties, behaviour and or social adjustment problems. Parents may also request the services of the School Counsellor. Our School Counsellor is at school one day each week (usually a Tuesday).

CurriculumKey Learning Areas K- 6 English (Reading, spelling, writing and grammar)MathematicsScience & Technology (Computers)Human Society & its Environment (HSIE)Creative & Practical Arts (CAPA)

Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDH&PE)

EnrolmentChildren may enrol in Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn five years of age on or before July 31st in that year.Documentation providing proof of age, such as birth certificate, is required on enrolment. Proof of immunisation is also required.Students transferring from other schools can enrol at any time once all documentation from the previous school has been received.‘Out of Zone’ enrolment will be considered on a case by case basis.

ExcursionsOur School participates in excursions so to enrich a child’s learning experiences. These excursions may be as part of a whole class / stage activity or in smaller group situations.

2010 – Coffs Harbour (Stage 2)- Lake Ainsworth (Stage 3)

Family Information / DetailsNew families to the school receive forms to be completed and returned to the School. This supplies the School with your child and family details as well as medical information, which the School may need to know in an emergency. If your family name, address, phone or contact number or doctor changes please inform the School.

Hats – No hat, No playIn accordance with Cancer Council guidelines, children are encouraged to wear school hats when outside. This policy is designed to restrict exposure to ultra violet rays. As a further preventative measure sunscreen (SPF 30) is provided for children to use when undertaking sporting activities and when participating on excursions.

Homework / Home Reading SchemeWhile homework is an important component of the teaching and learning process, schools recognise that it is important students have time for play, leisure and physical activities outside of school.Individual teachers will hold meetings early Term One to outline their expectation for homework. Homework will vary depending on the age of your child and the work being undertaken by your child in class.

Infectious DiseasesFrom time to time infectious diseases become evident in schools. The school will follow procedures as set by the Department of Education and Training in dealing with such an outbreak. Information sought upon enrolment as to the immunisation status of children being enrolled is used in circumstances such as this.

If your child has any of the following infectious diseases you will need to contact the school so that correct procedure can be followed.Infectious DiseasesChicken Pox, Conjunctivitis, German Measles, Glandular Fever, Head Lice, Hepatitis ‘A, Hepatitis ‘B’, HIV, Measles, Mumps, Ringworm, School Sores and Whooping Cough.

Kindergarten Orientation ProgramContact will be made with parents enrolling students in the next year, during Term Three, to outline a program for Terms Three and Four.

Lunch OrdersLunches can be ordered Monday, Thursday, & Friday. A menu is sent home twice yearly, with spare copies available from the Office.One canteen supervisor oversees the operations of the canteen. Parent volunteers man the canteen Monday, Thursday and Friday. Without these volunteers we would not be able to offer this amenity for students. If you would like to be a voluntary canteen worker please contact Sue Smith (Canteen Organiser) or the Office.

LibraryAll students have a one hour library skills lesson every week. Depending on their academic year students may borrow up to 4 books at a time provided they have a durable library bag in which to transport these books. Books can also be borrowed during most lunch breaks.Parents are asked to make sure books are treated with respect and any damage reported when the book is returned. Waterproof Library bags are available for purchase at the school office.

Parent HelpersParents’ skills are always appreciated. Parents may wish to assist is many activities. Teachers may request parent help via the school Newsletter.

Parent- Student – Teacher InterviewsAll families are encouraged to contact the Office at any time during the school year to arrange an appointment to discuss their child’s progress. Teachers welcome discussion with parents in the interest of the children. The best time for an interview is generally after school, however where this is not convenient attempts will be made to arrange a mutually acceptable time.As an important part of our annual reporting system, all parents and students are invited to attend interviews with the class teacher at the end of Semester One. An interview at the end of Semester Two is available upon request.

P & C AssociationThe Warialda Public School P & C meets once per term. The date of each meeting will be advertised in the School Newsletter. All members of our school community are encouraged to attend these meetings.P & C Fundraising Activities contribute significantly to programs operating at our school resulting in enhanced learning outcomes for all students. P & C run our school canteen.President - Mrs Jackie CarrollSecretary - Mrs Jenny WallerTreasurer - Mrs Julie TranterCanteen Treasurer - Mrs Katherine Pinkerton

Presentations (Yearly)Presentation ceremonies are held in December each year where trophies, book prizes and certificates are awarded to students. The school receives valuable donations to support this activity and to help recognise the achievements and efforts of students.

School PhotographsSchool photographs are arranged each year and families are given the opportunity to purchase these if they so wish. Information will forwarded from the Office outlining procedures, payment and distribution.

Special Programs STLA, This program is a reading intervention program running across Stage 1, 2 & 3. It includes small group withdrawal to support children with reading skills. The STLA teacher also gives assistance to, and works with the classroom teacher.Individual Speech and Language Programs are developed for identified children under the guidance of Speech Pathologist Sandy Scotton.Reading Recovery, Children identified as needing intensive reading and writing. Thirty minute individual lessons every day for a maximum of 20 weeks. Breakfast Program, A breakfast of cereal, fruit & toast is available from 8.30 to 8.50 in ‘C Block’.Mediator program year 6 students undergo training in mediation skills. Two students are rostered each day to;

- open the students sport shed - be on mediator duty to assist with minor playground problems

Two days per week two students run a games session.Active After School Program is held one day per week from 3:35 to 4:45 pm, to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle for children.Parent Room is available for parent and community use. Access to technology and general school information.

Chaplaincy Program commenced in 2008. This program is used to improve student social skill s, provide mentoring and assistance in individual and small group activities both in class and in withdrawal groups.

Student BankingChildren are encouraged to save regularly by banking at school. They can bring their bankbooks and money to school each Wednesday. These are collected after morning assembly. All banking is carried out electronically.

Student Clothing and PropertyWe ask that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Lost property is kept in a container near the office and is made available for parents and students each day.

Student CouncilAt Warialda Public School we value student participation in leadership roles. The SRC is a medium by which to encourage students to participate in leadership roles, preparing them for the more demanding responsibilities required in Year 6.

Each class from Year 3 to 6 will elect a representative for each term. (Note one representative for each class not each year within a class.)

Classes from K – 2 will have a Year 5 person appointed on a termly basis to represent them.

In addition to Class Representatives Year 5 students will be given the opportunity to fill the following roles:

- Environmental Representative- Fundraising Representative- Uniform Representative.- Technology Representative.

The responsibility for running each meeting will be given to the School and Vice Captains.

ScriptureHalf hour Scripture lessons are provided each week. The time of your child’s scripture lesson will be conveyed to you at a class information session held in early Term One.

School NewslettersOur school produces a regular newsletter, which is distributed each Thursday to the eldest member of each family, as well as being published on our school Internet home page. This newsletter aims to promote school activities, student achievements along with providing information about coming events and activities.School News is also published in the ‘Warialda Standard’ every Wednesday.

School Uniforms – Policy (Updated October 2005 & 2008)Wearing school uniform (including a hat whilst in the playground) is an expectation of the school community. This has been determined by the School Council, with positive input by the P&C.

School uniform colours are brown, gold, black and grey

Pocket Policy: no more than two external front leg pockets above the knee, with no embellishments or decorations.

Accessories:Hat –The school hat is a gold bucket hat with WPS screen printed on the front in brown. Hair accessories - should be in school uniform colours.Belts – are to be plain and no more than 4 cm in width, have no studs or large buckles, no embellishments or decorations and are to be in keeping with school uniform colours.Beanies and Gloves – the school now has a uniform beanie, which will be available from ‘The Shed on Stephen’ (It is a gold polar fleece beanie). Otherwise they are to be plain and in keeping with school uniform colours.Scarves – are to be plain with no embellishments or decorations other than fringing or tassels, and are to be in keeping with school uniform colours and are not to be excessively long.Socks – Girls – any length white socks

Boys – any length grey or white socksStockings and tights- in either brown or opaque coloursShoes – Black joggers, black leather shoes with minimal heel or black ankle high boots with elastic sides. Any type of jogger is acceptable for sport.

Girls Uniform Supplied by:

Summer Uniform

Girls Option 1 Summer Dress (Fabric Cleolene 8109) Shed On StephenWhite socks (as per sock policy)Black shoes (as per shoe policy)School Hat P&CGirls Option 2 Gold School Polo Shirt Shed On Stephen Dark Brown shorts (Scags 108) Shed On Stephen

White socks (as per sock policy)Black shoes (as per shoe policy)School Hat P&C

Girls Option 3Gold School Polo Shirt Shed On Stephen School Skort (Fabric Cleolene 8109) Shed On Stephen White socks (as per sock policy)Black shoes (as per shoe policy)School Hat P&C

Winter Uniform

Girls Option 1Gold, long or short sleeved School Polo Shirt Shed On Stephen Dark brown or black long pants School Jumper Shed On StephenSchool Spray Jacket School White socks (as per sock policy)Black shoes (as per shoe policy)School Hat P&C

Girls Option 2Gold, long or short sleeved School Polo Shirt Shed On Stephen School Skirt Shed On StephenSchool Jumper Shed On StephenSchool Spray Jacket SchoolStockings and tights in either brown or opaque coloursWhite socks (as per sock policy)Black shoes (as per shoe policy)School Hat P&C

Boys Uniform Supplied by:

Summer UniformGold School Polo Shirt Shed On StephenGrey Shorts that conform to Pocket Policy *Grey or white socks (as per sock policy)Black shoes (as per shoe policy)School Hat P&C

Winter UniformGold, long or short sleeved School Polo Shirt Shed On StephenGrey long pants that conform to Pocket Policy *School Jumper Shed On StephenSchool Spray Jacket SchoolGrey or white socks (as per sock policy)Black shoes (as per shoe policy)School Hat P&C

Sports Uniform (boys and girls)(optional, but the only other option is normal school uniform)

Summer UniformGold Sports Polo Shirt Shed On StephenDark Brown or black Taslon or Micro fibre Shorts White socksAny type of joggerSchool Hat

Winter UniformGold Sports Polo Shirt Shed On StephenDark brown or black micro fibre tracksuit pants (with zipper)White socksAny type of joggerSchool Hat P&C

Where can you get the uniform?The Shed on Stephen carries all school uniform needs including shoes and socks endorsed in our policy.

The P&C are looking to order uniform the following way;

* Skort, dresses and taslon sports shorts will be a term order for Terms 1, 2 and 4.* Sports Shirt will be a twice a year order. (Terms 1 and Term 4)* School Spray Jacket and School Polar Fleece Jumper will be a one off order in Term 1.

The School shirt is available from ‘The Shed on Stephen’. P&C will hold stock of the new school hats.

Sport and PERegular sport sessions are held every Friday afternoon. Children will also be involved in PE lessons as part of our PDH&PE classes.

Early Stage One & Stage OneSport will be timetabled and programmed by the Infants Sport coordinator (Miss Angela Koch)Term 1 Gross motor skills development (as a rotation).Term 2 Modified team sports e.g. touch football, netball, soccer.Term 3 Athletics

Modified team sports e.g. T-ballTerm 4 Gross motor skill development (as a rotation)

Stage 2 & 3Term One

- Swimming activities Swimming Carnival- Skills Tabloid

Term Two - Cross Country

- General ball skills- Major sports - Netball, soccer, rugby league etc

Term Three - Athletics Athletics carnival- Major Sports – (town sports) eg, golf, bowls, squash, tennis, cricket, touch football, softball etc

Term Four- Major sports (continuation).-Swimming Intensive Learn To

Swim.

Voluntary School ContributionA general school contribution is set each year with these funds helping to meet come of the costs of resources and materials used by children each year. Whilst these fees are minimal, they are certainly beneficial to the school. These payments can be made in full or by instalment as suits families needs. School contribution for 2009 is $30.00 per student.

Year 6 TransitionThe transition from Year 6 to Year 7 can be smooth if children understand the difference in procedures and expectations from primary school to high school. The number of days available for this program is dictated by the availability of staff at Warialda High School to accommodate the extra student numbers. Details of transition programs are sent home in semester 2.