Information Booklet

Information Booklet

Cuthberts Road, Alfredton Telephone 5334 2244

P.O. Box 230W,

Ballarat West 3350

Website www.stmalfredton.catholic.edu.au

Contents

2. Vision and Mission Statement

4. Enrolment Procedures

6. Pastoral Care Policy

7. Curriculum Policy

8. Homework Policy

9. Anti-Bullying Code of Conduct

10. Computer Use Code of Conduct

11. School Advisory Council & Parents & Friends

12. Term Dates and School Hours

13. Traffic Procedures

14. Uniform

16. Communication

17. Library

18. Administrative Details

20. School Fees

ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL

VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT

Our Identity

St Thomas More School is a parish primary co-educational

school owned and administered by the St Patrick’s Cathedral

Parish within the Ballarat Diocese.

St Thomas More School is located in Alfredton and caters for

children within the parish and those living in the neighbouring

rural and urban areas. It serves parents who wish their children

to experience the Catholic ethos within an educational setting.

The staff, in partnership with the parish community, endeavours

to inspire students with the knowledge of the vital role they play

in the church and wider community. Our Vision

St Thomas More Primary School is an educating community with

Christ as its centre point and inspiration. It educates for service

in faith, hope and love.

Our Mission

As a consequence of our Vision Statement, St Thomas More

Primary School will:

As a Catholic School

promote and give witness to the Catholic faith in

accordance with the beliefs and traditions of the Catholic

Church;

nurture the ongoing faith development of students, parents

and staff, providing opportunities for prayer and liturgy;

provide a religious education program that reflects the

policies and guidelines endorsed by the Ballarat Diocese.

As a centre of learning

provide a relevant and comprehensive curriculum that

caters for individual difference and inspires excellence for

all;

provide a curriculum that is regularly evaluated in the light

of change to educational theory and advances in

technology;

support parents in their role as the primary educators of

their children;

provide quality and equality of learning opportunities for all

members;

provide a secure learning environment where justice,

friendship and happiness are paramount;

provide a holistic education which seeks to develop the

potential of each child within an environment that

emphasises self-discipline and motivation.

As a Christian Community

promote a community that nurtures a pastoral awareness

for all members;

nurture care and respect for the environment that reflects

our belief in “God the Creator”;

promote the involvement of the whole school community

in the decision making and educational process.

ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL

STUDENT ENROLMENT POLICY

RATIONALE: “…Catholic schools are still central to the mission and work of the Catholic

Diocese of Ballarat today and to the life quality of students and their families.

Inspired and governed by the message and person of Jesus Christ, and committed

to the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual development of each person, they

provide education of the highest quality to their communities. In line with the self-

understanding of the Church, they are welcoming to all who share their

educational philosophy. Through their distinctive educational style, Catholic

schools make an irreplaceable contribution to the intellectual, ethical and spiritual

wellbeing of their own community and of Australian society.”

(Awakenings Core Document 2005,p16)

Parents or guardians enquiring about enrolment will be provided with a clear statement about the identity and self-understanding of the school, along with the factors and procedures pertaining to enrolment.

VALUES: “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.” Luke 9:48 DEFINITIONS: "Baptised children" are defined as children who have been baptised Catholic. POLICY STATEMENT: Catholic children living in the community of St Thomas More School will normally have the right to a place in St Thomas More School, providing there is a place available. St Thomas More School is welcoming to those families who may not be Catholic but who share the understanding of the Catholic school described above.

PRINCIPLES:

The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat upholds the principle that all Catholic students wishing to enrol in a Catholic school will have an enrolment place.

The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) encourages all Catholic parents to seek a place in a Catholic school for their children.

Students other than Catholics will be considered for enrolment provided this does not result in the exclusion of Catholic students. All parents will be required to give an understanding that they will respect the life, nature and identity of the school. Once enrolled, these students will have the right to complete their Primary education at the school.

The principal will consult with the Canonical Administrator on all matters pertaining to enrolment.

Current state and federal legislation states that the intellectual and physical capacity of the child is not a criterion of entry to the school. (Appendix 1)

By law, children must have turned five by the 30th April of their first year of school.

While it is important that parents appreciate their responsibility to pay such fees and levies, as are determined by St Thomas More School Advisory Council, it must be pointed out that no child will be excluded from the school or school activities because of non-payment of such fees and levies.

PROCEDURES:

St Thomas More School will provide Catholic education that is in accordance with diocesan, state and commonwealth educational policies and standards.

All students will be expected to participate fully in all aspects of school life.

Enrolments will be allocated in the following order of priority:

Siblings of children already enrolled in the school will be given priority.

Baptised children who are residents of the parish.

Baptised children who do not reside in the parish but are recognised as parishioners by the parish priest.

Baptised children of Catholic families from other parishes (for pastoral reasons).

Baptised children of other Christian families who reside in the parish.

Baptised children of other Christian families who reside outside the parish.

Baptised children of other families who reside in the parish.

Baptised children of other families who reside outside the parish.

ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL

PASTORAL CARE POLICY

Gospel Values "I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

"As the Father loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love." (John 15:9)

Reference Material

"Pastoral Care in Catholic Schools"

The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria.

"The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School"

The Congregation for Catholic Education.

"Pastoral Care for Schools". Kevin Trestan.

Policy

Provision of Pastoral Care at St Thomas More School is to be based on the following

common beliefs:

1. The school community is called on to be part of the pastoral ministry of the

Church.

2. Pastoral care is based on the loving concern God shows for His people. Hence,

we reflect that in deep respect for ourselves and each other.

3. Each member of the school community is worthy of respect and has gifts to

contribute to school life.

4. There is a pastoral dimension to the role of every member of the school

community. The partnership roles of families, priests, staff, students and the

wider community are complementary in developing positive growth. 5. Staff, who themselves feel secure and cared for amongst their fellow staff

members, can best provide pastoral care. 6. Responsible self-discipline is developed and exercised in an environment which

welcomes, supports and empowers each community member. 7. Problem solving and discipline practices are to be based on the gospel values

which underlie this policy. 8. Various support structures are required to cater for the needs of different

members of the school community. Consequences This policy is to be reflected in the development of processes and support structures in the following areas:

Class/home groups

Behaviour policy and procedures

Peer support program

Students with special needs

Student involvement in student-organised activities and school decision-

making processes

A staff development and support program which recognises and

encourages the unique contribution of each member of staff

Community support.

ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL

CURRICULUM POLICY

Values: Freedom, Hope, Love, Justice, Community,

Inclusiveness, Mission, Reconciliation.

Reflection Material:

School Curriculum and Organisation Framework pp. 16-38, 61.

Underlying Assumptions:

All students want to learn and are capable of learning.

A curriculum which is comprehensive will extend and develop the abilities

of each student.

Learning can be fostered best in a socially supportive environment which

promotes success for every student.

Students come from different backgrounds and learn at different rates

and in different ways.

A student's self-esteem and confidence are central to student learning.

POLICY. Our curriculum will:

be relevant and meaningful for students.

provide all children with the opportunities to experience success at their

level of ability as they strive for personal excellence.

be balanced, providing an appropriate allocation of time and resources

to each area of study.

encourage continued learning and equip students with skills for life.

provide all students with knowledge of the world as it is and develop

within students their own sense of mission, working towards a future world

which will provide justice and peace for all.

allow parental access.

Consequences

The learning process in the classroom must begin from the child's own

experience.

Evaluation methods need to allow the children to experience success.

All areas of study, where resources permit, will be catered for.

Curriculum documents are to be developed by the principal and staff, in

a form which can be readily understood.

Curriculum documents are to be reviewed regularly to ensure that they

remain relevant.

Parental involvement in curriculum development is to be encouraged

through their involvement in curriculum committees.

ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL

HOMEWORK POLICY

Values

What you are is God's gift to you.

What you make of yourself is your gift to God.

Policy

1. Homework is a requirement of every student attending St Thomas More

School, and is seen as an integral part of the school curriculum.

2. All homework will reinforce skills and concepts covered during school hours

and provide an insight into progress for parents.

3. Homework requirements for all grades will be detailed by the class

teacher.

4. An emphasis on quality and not quantity will be a prerequisite for all

homework tasks.

5. A variety of tasks may be set for homework as long as

parents and children are fully aware of teacher expectations.

6. Homework may entail the completion of class work where the teacher

deems necessary.

7. Homework will be set for all children on a regular basis.

Consequences:

1. It is expected that all homework will be completed unless notification is

received from parents.

2. In order to ensure equality of presentation, all homework will be signed by

parents with appropriate comments where necessary.

3. Homework beyond the norm, such as projects, will be accompanied by a

sheet outlining set goals. The goals set will reflect the child's ability and

grade level.

4. The time spent on homework will vary from grade to grade; however, as a

general rule, 30 minutes of quality time should allow all children to

complete set tasks.

5. The completion of work not finished in class will only be assigned if the

child has a good understanding of the skills and concepts required.

St Thomas More Primary School

Anti-Bullying Code of Conduct

Rationale

At St Thomas More we believe that the school is a place of education

where each child has the right to learn and grow in a supportive

environment among people who are caring and cooperative.

St Thomas More Primary School’s Vision and Mission Statement states;

‘St Thomas More Primary School is an educating community with

Christ as its centre point and inspiration. It educates for service in faith,

hope and love.’

As a consequence of our Vision Statement, St Thomas More Primary

School will provide a secure learning environment where justice,

friendship and happiness are paramount.

The school's Religious Education Program and Discipline Policy ensure

that appropriate behaviour is taught not as a separate curriculum

item but as an integral part of the teaching process.

Students at St Thomas More Primary School participate in classroom

programs, such as the PATHS program and Circle Time, which aim to

develop resiliency and the enhancement of positive social

behaviours and relationships. Students are further enriched through

participation in the wider school program including the camp and

excursion program and inter-school sporting events.

St Thomas More Primary School is committed to providing a safe and

caring environment that supports student growth, self worth and well-

being. St Thomas More Primary School actively promotes appropriate

forms of behaviour in all areas of the school. We do not condone

bullying or harassment under any circumstances.

(The complete Code of Conduct is available at the School Office

on request).

St Thomas More Primary School

Computer Use Code of Conduct: Years P - 6

The computer network at St Thomas More Primary School has been provided for

us to use as a tool in our learning. We will be able to use the computers to

receive and send information from around the world to help us learn.

Care and Usage of the Equipment

I will care and look after the computers and all of their parts.

I will not eat or drink near the computers.

I will only use the computer when a teacher is present.

I will not copy, download or put my own software on the school

computers, as this may cause a virus.

I will not use alternative ways to enter blocked sites.

I will not change any of the settings on the school computers.

I will not access my school email account to send emails unless I am at

school.

I will not use the school computer before school, after school or during

breaks.

Work Habit

I will only use the computer for tasks directed by my teacher.

I agree to follow all teacher instructions when using the computers.

When using the internet, I will only search for information about my work.

I will only access my own email.

I will make sure that any email I send, shows politeness and respect as a

representative of St Thomas More School.

I will not submit other people’s work as my own.

I will not access or use other people’s email accounts.

Personal Safety

I will use only my first name when communicating on-line with other

people.

I will not give out mine or anyone else’s home address or phone number.

I will tell a teacher, parent and/or responsible adult if I find any information

that makes me feel bad, unsafe or uncomfortable and if I think a site

should be filtered.

I will not access or use chat rooms when using the school email account.

I will make a teacher, parent and/or responsible adult aware if others use

the computer / internet inappropriately.

I will not give out my password to anyone.

I will choose a password that others are not likely to predict.

Breaking any of the rules listed above will cause me to not use the

computer for a period of time depending on the severity of the offence.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

The School Advisory Council’s role in the Parish is that of a policy-

making and advisory body, which includes tasks of policy

development, monitoring and evaluation.

Elections for Parent Representatives on the Advisory Council are held

yearly. The School Advisory Council meeting is normally conducted

on the third Wednesday in the month.

PARENTS AND FRIENDS' ASSOCIATION

All parents are members of the Parents and Friends upon enrolment

and are encouraged to actively participate in all P. & F. activities.

The Parents and Friends perform two vital roles in the school:

a. Promotion of the school community by arranging appropriate

functions where all members of the school can meet together

socially.

b. Organisation of fundraising efforts which provide part of the

funds at the local contribution level.

The Parents and Friends meet on dates to be advised on our school

newsletter.

SCHOOL HOURS 8.55 am - 11.00am

11.00 am - 11.40am Lunch and 1st Break

11.40 am - 1.40pm

1.40 pm - 2.20pm Snack and 2nd Break

2.20 pm - 3.25pm

Children should not be at school prior to 8.40am.

Where an earlier arrival than this is unavoidable, a written note of

explanation is to be forwarded to the Principal at the start of the

school year. Students arriving earlier than 8.30am will be required to

sit in the school corridor.

Supervision is provided from 8.30am until 3.45pm after school.

Teachers are on duty at all break times. No child is to leave the

school before the bell sounds unless a note has been received by

the Principal.

If children arrive at school after 9.15am or leave school before

3.15pm, parents are asked to enter their names and time of arrival or

departure in the Student Sign Out/In book located at Reception.

Visitors to the school are required to sign the Visitor Register and take

a visitor’s badge to wear while they are in the school.

TRAFFIC PROCEDURES Elaine Avenue driveway

As a result of a general meeting of the school community, the

following regulations have been adopted in the interest of student

safety.

Left turn only into the school driveway between 8.30 and 9am

and between 3pm and 4pm. No right-hand turn into the

driveway at these times.

Cars in the driveway are limited to one lane, dropping off and

picking up children from the footpath side only.

In the interest of keeping the traffic moving, once the pick-up

has been completed, cars may cross the driveway.

All cars leaving the driveway are to turn left out of the driveway

into Elaine Avenue and make their way towards the

roundabout.

No cars are to be left unattended in the school driveway

between

8.30 am-9.15 am

and 3.00 pm-4.00 pm

The above regulations are designed to keep the traffic moving and

avoid the need for any child to have to walk among moving

vehicles. Your co-operation in adhering to these regulations will be

greatly appreciated and ultimately increase the safety for all

children.

Please note that 40 km speed limit is now the law around all schools

at the start and end of all school days.

UNIFORMS

Winter Uniforms

Girls

School pinafore or grey tailored trousers (Surrey brand) and brown jumper Pale blue skivvy or pale blue long or short sleeved polo and brown jumper Fawn tights and black school shoes Pale blue hair ribbon. Boys Pale blue skivvy or pale blue long or short sleeved polo and brown jumper Long grey school trousers (Surrey brand) Grey socks and black shoes.

Summer Uniforms

Girls

Summer dress, brown jumper, white short socks, black sandals or shoes.

Boys

Pale blue polo or blue collared shirt, grey shorts, brown jumper, grey socks, black

sandals or black shoes.

Sports Uniform (Girls & Boys)

Brown shorts, pale blue polo, brown tracksuit and white socks.

Runners are not permitted to be worn except on Sport/P.E. days.

Uniform items are available from

Messer & Opie, Bridge Mall

Crockers, Armstrong Street North

Beleza P.L., Doveton Street North

Tracksuits for sport are available from:

Crockers, Armstrong Street North

Messer & Opie, Bridge Mall

Marianne Hepworth, House of Rufcut,

cnr. Lyons and Eyre Streets. Phone 5332 2477.

Brown shorts should be worn when it is too hot for tracksuit pants.

Hats

Students must have a school hat to wear in the

playground in Terms 1 and 4. The hats are available

for purchase at the school.

School bags and school hats may be purchased from the school office.

PLEASE MARK CLOTHES CLEARLY

Hair. Due to the ongoing problem of head lice, hair beyond

shoulder length must be tied back.

Earrings. Students may only wear sleepers or small studs.

Nail Polish. Students are not to wear coloured nail polish to school.

Hair. Students are required to wear conventional haircuts only.

Tattoos. No visible tattoos are allowed.

COMMUNICATION

Parent/Teacher communication will be frequent and when

necessary. Teachers will notify parents of any change in a child's

attitude, behaviour, work patterns, when such signs are obvious.

Parents have a fundamental right to be involved in their child's

education.

Notices/Newsletter

The weekly school newsletter is available online on the school’s

website. User name and passwords are available once your child

begins school. This is our official communication between home and

school. The newsletter contains important information, dates and

special events.

School accounts are normally sent home with the eldest in the

family.

Each student is given a school diary which may be used by parents

and teachers as a form of communication.

REPORTING AND ASSESSMENT

Interviews with Teachers

If you have any area of concern in regard to your child's

progress, the curriculum, school procedures or incidents at school,

please refer these matters to the Class Teacher or the Principal.

Reports / Parent-Teacher Interviews

Written reports are issued at the end of Terms 2 and 4.

Parent-Teacher Interviews are held at the end of Terms 1 and 3.

LIBRARY

To make the general atmosphere in the library friendly and inviting.

To promote a love and appreciation of literature, to develop library skills

i.e. to enable students to research and to make effective use of resources.

To involve the community in recognising the value of reading and of the

library in the school.

BORROWING PROCEDURES

All students are given the opportunity and encouraged to borrow library books.

Students in Grades Prep, 1, 2, and 3 are able to borrow up to 3 books at a time.

Students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 are able to borrow up to 4 books at a time.

Students may keep the books for up to two weeks. If necessary, students may

return their books and have them re-borrowed for a further two weeks. A

reminder note will be written in the diary if a book is overdue.

All students are encouraged to have a library bag to protect the books on the

way to and from school. Any plastic or cloth bag would be suitable.

Days and times for student borrowing will be advised on the school newsletter.

LOST BOOKS

The children are encouraged to develop responsibility for the care of library

books they have borrowed. If a book is lost, the library technician will issue a

notice for the parents informing them of the replacement cost of the book.

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

ACCIDENTS

Details of serious accidents are recorded in the accident book and, where

necessary, parents are notified. The Principal, when informed of an accident

requiring medical attention, will act in accordance with the information supplied

on the student’s enrolment form. All students are covered by a student

insurance policy which can be claimed on for certain types of medical

treatment.

ABSENCES

An absence note is required for all absences. This may be brought on returning

to school after an absence. It is necessary to telephone the school on 5334 2244

or send text to 0438 813 310 by 9.30am if your child is to be absent as everyone is

then aware of the whereabouts of the child.

BICYCLES

Students are permitted to ride to and from school on their bikes. Bikes are not

permitted to be ridden in the school yard. It is law that children wear helmets

and bikes should be left locked in the bike rack. It is also advisable that children

under Grade 4 not be allowed to ride to school without adult supervision.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

It is a school procedure to ask parents that invitations to birthday parties not be

sent to school, but be mailed or arrangements be made by telephone. Hurt,

experienced by some little ones, at not being invited to a party is the reason for

this. A number of parents send along small patty cakes to school so that their

child’s class may share in the celebration.

Due to the privacy legislation, contact phone numbers and addresses cannot

be accessed through the school office.

CHANGE OF ENROLMENT INFORMATION

It is most important that records held by the school are up-to-date. If there is a

variation in address, phone or emergency contact it is essential that the school

be notified.

LUNCH

Each student is expected to bring his/her lunch in a clearly marked container.

Any uneaten food is to be taken home.

LUNCH ORDERS

The P & F offers hot lunch on Thursdays in Terms 2, 3 and 4. Orders must be

handed to Classroom Teachers before school on Wednesday mornings. Each

order must have the students name, class and order clearly marked on the

outside of a paper bag. The correct amount of money is to be placed inside

the bag.

SCHOOL RULES

School rules are minimal and are positive in their approach rather than an

emphasis on the negative. Awareness of, and concern for others is of utmost

importance at all times. Acceptable standards of public behaviour are set and

maintained. These standards should help develop the children’s respect for

themselves and for others and should enable the education program to be

carried out in an orderly and pleasant atmosphere.

Our school rules are concerned with positive attitudes to self, others and to the

school environment.

WHOLE SCHOOL PRAYER

Parents are welcome to join us for our weekly Whole School Prayer. Please

check the school newsletter for details.

EXCURSIONS School camps, excursions and sleepovers are regarded as essential and

important parts of the school curriculum. Before any "out of town" excursion or

camp, details of the program will be forwarded to parents in writing.

Signed parental consent is required to allow students to attend excursions and

school camps. Failure to return signed forms will exclude student from

attending.

OPTIONAL MUSIC PROGRAM

Opportunities for private lessons in piano, drums and guitar may be available.

Information is available at school office.

SUPPORT SERVICES

The school has access to support services through the Catholic Education

Office.

Such services include Special Education, Speech Therapy and Special

Education Consultants.

SCHOOL FEES

Three types of fees are payable by parents whose children attend St Thomas More School. (a) Class Fee 2014 class fee $225 per child.

This meets the costs of running the classrooms for the year and is due by the end of February.

Class fee includes Books and stationery used by individual children. Class texts, art materials, reference books for the classroom. School levies, which meet the cost of the library,

photocopying, sports and music equipment, excursions, visiting entertainers and swimming.

A general insurance fee to provide accident coverage for the children at school.

(b) School Fees

To meet the local contribution level, the annual family fee for 2014 has been set at $960. The fees may be paid weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. Accounts are sent out each term during the school year. Eftpos and Direct Debit are available.

Should personal circumstances require an exemption or concession for school fees, the matter can be discussed confidentially with the Parish Priest or School Principal. It is school policy to provide a Catholic education for children, irrespective of the ability or the capacity of parents to contribute school fees.

Education Maintenance Allowance

The Government provides some money for parents who hold a Pensioner Health Card, Health Care Card or Health Benefit Card. Application forms are available from the school office in February of each year.

(c) Capital Levy

A Capital Levy is charged by St Thomas More School. The Capital Levy allows the school to continue to develop its building program.

The Capital Levy for 2014 is $280 per family.