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RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY PERSONAL BEST

Let us all participate

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Welcome to Mona Vale Public School

SCHOOL CONTACT DETAILS Address : Waratah Street, Mona Vale, NSW 2103 Telephone : 9999-3481/9999-2121 Facsimile : 9997-8446 Email : monavale-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website : www.monavale-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

SCHOOL HOURS School Hours: 8:50am - 2:45pm The school opens at 8:20am each morning. Parents are requested not to send students to school before this time as teacher supervision does not begin until 8:20am. For your child’s safety and welfare, he/she should not be in the playground when it is unsupervised, i.e. before 8:20am and after 2:45pm. Students who arrive before 8:20am are required to sit quietly in the school’s amphitheater until the 8:20am bell rings. The school closes at 3:00pm with students dismissed from classrooms at 2:45pm. Parents are requested to arrange for students to be collected at 2:45pm.

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SCHOOLSONG

Let’s strive to make each day worthwhile, To

work hard and always wear a smile,

To treat your neighbour as a friend

Remember winning’s not the end,

We’re happy, raise a cheer

Let’s make a most successful year, and

Hurrah… for Mona Vale!

SCHOOL MOTTOS

Let Us All Participate

Excellence, Innovation, Community

Happy Students, Learning for Life

SPORT HOUSES

BARRENJOEY PITTWATER

WARRINGAH HAWKESBURY

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AFTERNOON DISMISSAL PROCEDURES Students are dismissed from classrooms on the bell at 2:45pm. Those catching a bus home go directly to bus lines, and those going to Out of School Hours Care (Camp Australia) go directly to Camp Australia. There are four student exit points from the school:

The North Waratah Street gate where there is a “Stop–Kiss–Leave Zone” in Waratah Street.

The East Waratah Street gate, adjacent to the pedestrian crossing over Waratah Street, is supervised by a School Crossing Supervisor (employed by RTA).

Bungan Street gate, adjacent to the pedestrian crossing in Bungan Street which is not supervised.

Emma and Wangara Street gates where there is a “Stop–Kiss–Leave Zone” in both Emma and Wangara Streets.

If you are picking up students do not park illegally, or call the students to cross the road to the car. Hold the hand of your child, up to at least 10 years of age, when walking across the road. Students who are not met by parents should return to the school office.

With the exception of students, with approved special transport requirements, under no circumstances are students to be dropped off or picked up in staff car parks – at any time of the day. Reminder for Parents of Students in K-2 Classes: On wet days, the afternoon dismissal lines operate on verandahs as close as possible to the gates. Please provide your child/children with raincoats, not umbrellas, and help us keep them safe by being particularly thoughtful and vigilant.

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ASSEMBLIES K-6 assemblies are held throughout the term. Assemblies are conducted by students, under the guidance of the teachers. Student awards are presented at school assemblies. Special whole school assemblies are conducted for Honour Assemblies, ANZAC Day and days decreed by the Department of Education (DoE). Parents/Carers to attend only when invited.

Students sing the School Song and the National Anthem at assemblies. They honour the Australian Flag.

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

Regular attendance at school is important for students to reach their potential. The school is required to record the reason for any absences, including partial absences. This is done to ensure that any non-attendance is for a valid reason. The Education Act 1990 requires your child to attend school each day that instruction is provided unless prevented so by good reason. The Act requires you to explain your child’s absences within seven days of their occurrence. Failure to do so will result in an unjustified absence being recorded. Our Deputy Principals and DoE Home School Liaison Officers monitor class rolls on a regular basis. For short absences, i.e. general sick leave, please send a note to the teacher when your child returns to school. For holidays exceeding 10 school days, prior approval must be sought from the Principal. “Application for Exemption from Attendance at School” forms are available on the school website.

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BUSES Kindergarten to Year 6 students who travel home by government bus meet under the bus shelter adjacent to the Waratah Oval. Bus Duty teachers marshal students who walk down the path to the stop when their bus pulls up at the stand. For timetables and maps please go to: www.sydneybuses.com.au

BUS/FERRY PASSES K-2 students who travel to school regularly by bus and/or ferry are entitled to a free bus pass (Opal card). Application are made online https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/howToApply . To qualify for free bus/ferry travel, students in Years 3–6 must live at least 1.6km from the school “as the crow flies”, or 3.2km by the nearest practical walking route. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please inform the school immediately of any changes to your address or contact details and information.

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CHESS CLUB As well as being fun to play, university research has shown that playing chess can strengthen problem-solving skills, enhance reading, memory, language and mathematical abilities, and foster critical, creative and original thinking. MVPS Chess Club caters for students from Kindergarten to Year 6, who are graded according to age and ability. Players are progressed through the coaching groups as their skills improve, starting at Beginners and moving through Rookies and Intermediates to Champs level. In 2019, students from all grades will be able to join chess club from the beginning of the year. Coaching sessions take place on Wednesday or Thursday lunchtimes depending on the level of the student. In 2018, we had 80 amazing students enrolled in Chess Club! There is also a fun supervised (but not coached) session each Tuesday lunchtime in the library. In addition to their weekly coaching lesson students also put their skills into practice playing games with each other. Older students are taught tournament rules and learn how to use chess clocks which further enhances knowledge of official chess competition rules. We compete in several tournaments over the year, including our own Northern Beaches Primary Schools Chess Challenge at the end of Term 1, as well as a 10-week after school competition in the Manly- Warringah Zone on Friday afternoons during Terms 2 and 3. In 2018, our top teams competed at state level at both JCL NSW and SAC tournaments! The Club is run through the school, and employs specialist professional coaches to teach students at four different levels. Enrolment forms are available from the school website in the Notes and Forms section under Chess. Chess forms need to be returned to Mrs Sarah Bryce or the class teacher. Fees are payable through the term account system at the beginning of each term, with 100% of the levy used to cover the cost of coaching, equipment and some tournament entry fees. Parental volunteering with tournaments, competitions and sorting out/washing equipment is always welcome.

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CLASS STRUCTURES AND ORGANISATION Most year groups have, depending on student enrolments, between five and seven classes. National class sizes are Kindergarten: 20, Year 1: 22, Year 2: 24, Years 3-6: 30. Classes are formed on a parallel basis with students demonstrating the full range of academic abilities. We aim to have gender balance within each class and form classes with the best prognosis for educational success. This includes consideration of positive and negative student relationships, interests and strengths and teacher propensities. MVPS is a district centre for gifted and talented education and special education. The school hosts two “Opportunity Classes” (OC) for academically gifted students, one in Year 5 and one in Year 6. Entry to these classes is based upon the OC Placement Tests conducted for Year 4 in the year preceding entry. Over 400 hundred students from Mona Vale and neighbouring schools generally apply for positions in the class of 30. The school also hosts three support classes: two for students who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and one for students with moderate intellectual disabilities (IO). Students from our support classes are frequently integrated into mainstream classes to develop social skills and reinforce learning. Our experience indicates that all students benefit from this opportunity. CONCERNS Concerns regarding your child’s education should be referred to the class teacher in the first instance. Parent-teacher meetings may be teacher-requested or parent-requested on a needs basis throughout the year. Most teachers like to schedule parent-teacher meetings before or after school hours. Preferred times for these meetings are between 8:00am and 4:00pm.

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If concerns remain unresolved after a parent-teacher meeting, either party may request a further interview with the Assistant Principal. Serious concerns should be referred directly to the Deputy Principal or Principal.

CONFIDENTIAL (PARENT HELPER) FORM All parents helpers are asked to complete a “Working with Children” form, including a 100 point check, declaring that they are not a person prohibited by the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 to work with students and young people. These will be filed in the office and will cover parents wishing to volunteer within the school for the duration of your child’s stay at Mona Vale Public School. Please come to the office to complete the necessary paperwork. The easiest way to get 100 points, is to show an original passport, medicare card, utility bill etc.

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CRUNCH AND SIP BREAK

Please provide your child with a small portion of fruit or vegetable for our daily Crunch and Sip Break session at approximately 10am. During this time, students enjoy their fruit or vegetable and a drink of water to improve their concentration levels and promote healthy eating practices. We request that you consider the size of the piece of fruit or vegetable you are sending – please send a piece that can easily be eaten by your child in approximately 5 minutes. Fruits that are overly juicy are also not encouraged to minimize mess. FEES Fees are emailed to parents at the beginning of each term. Term Accounts incorporate upcoming excursions and events for that term and will include any outstanding fees from previous terms. Fees can be paid on POP (Parent Online Portal) using a credit card, by cheque or cash. Instructions for payments will accompany your term account. If you have difficulty meeting any fees, please contact the Principal or School Administration Manager for a confidential discussion on this matter.

FIRE/EMERGENCY Should the school be involved in an emergency incident, students will follow the direction of their teacher. Throughout the year, the school runs emergency drills and gives information to students on emergency procedures.

JEWELLERY Jewellery should not be worn at school. The only exception is for students who wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace. Students with pierced ears should wear a small stud, and avoid sleepers with loops as these can become tangled in small fingers while at play, causing damage to the ear.

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LATE ARRIVAL/EARLY DEPARTURE

On occasions where a late arrival is unavoidable, students are required to obtain a late slip from the Administration Office before going to class.

A note from the parent or carer to your child’s teacher is required if a child is to be collected from school during school hours. Parents or carers collecting students in school hours must sign them out at the Administration Office.

LOST PROPERTY Students should have all clothes and personal items clearly labeled with their name. This is especially important for hats and jumpers/jackets. The school uniform shop sells tags which can be sewn into the uniform and if this piece of uniform is found it is placed in one of two lost property units. The Ragtagd system then automatically scans the tag and sends you an SMS message to let you know its location. One unit is located outside the printery and the other near the EAL/D room adjacent to the K-2 COLA. MEDICAL

Absences When a student has been absent from school, a written explanation is required to be sent to their teacher. Where an absence is likely to exceed three days, the school should be advised. We consider regular attendance to be most important, but please keep your child at home if he/she is sick. If a student contracts a transmittable illness (eg. chickenpox), please advise the school immediately so that the school can be alert for further cases. The school values medical certificates for absences beyond three days.

Head Lice If your child/children have head lice, they should have their hair treated with a shampoo specially medicated for head lice and the hair combed with a head lice comb.

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If nits or lice are found while a child is at school, parents are contacted and asked to treat the child’s hair before returning to school. Notes are sent home with all of the students in the class so parents are alerted to examine their child’s hair and treat if necessary. Illness at School If a student becomes sick or injured at school, they are cared for by their class teacher in the first instance. The teacher may refer the student to the Sick Bay if needed. The Sick Bay staff may contact the parents to discuss the student’s illness or injury on the contact numbers provided by parents. In the case of serious illness or injury, an ambulance is called and parents are contacted and asked to meet at the hospital as advised by the ambulance officers. Immunisation The NSW Public Health (Amendment) Act 1992 requires parents with students starting school in Kindergarten to provide the school with an Immunisation History statement, issued by the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. Please note that for a child to be classified as “fully immunized” the History Statement should bear the words: “This child has received all vaccines required by 5 years of age”. In the event of a vaccine preventable disease in the school, unimmunised students will be required to remain at home for the duration of the outbreak, as directed by the local Public Health Unit.

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Infectious Diseases NSW Health has provided the following advice regarding keeping ill children at home: Chicken Pox Keep child at home for 5 days after the rash first

appears and until the blisters have all scabbed over ** Immunisation available

Conjunctivitis Keep child at home while there is a discharge

from the eye. Antibiotics may be needed Gastroenteritis Keep child at home for at least 24 hours after

diarrhea stops German measles Keep child at home for at least 4 days after the

rash (Rubella) appears ** Immunisation (MMR) at 12 months and 4 years

Glandular Fever No, unless sick Hand, foot, Yes, until the blisters have dried mouth disease Head lice No, as long as headlice management is ongoing

See additional notes under “Head Lice” Hepatitis A Yes, for 2 weeks after first symptoms or 1 week

after onset of jaundice Impetigo Yes, until treatment starts. Sores should be

covered with watertight dressings Influenza Yes, until they feel better

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Measles Yes, for at least 4 days after the rash appears

** Immunisation (MMR) 12 months and 4 years Meningococcal Seek medical help immediately; patient will need Disease hospital treatment Mumps Yes, for 9 days after onset of swelling

** Immunisation (MMR) 12 months and 4 years Ringworm Yes, until the day after fungal treatment has begun Scabies Yes, until the day after treatment has begun Scarlet fever Yes, until at least 24 hours of treatment has

begun and the child is feeling better Slapped cheek No, most infectious before the rash appears Whooping cough Yes, until the first 5 days of a special antibiotic have been taken ** Immunisation 2, 4, 6, 18 months and 4 years Worms No

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MEDICATION

Parents of students who require the administration of medication at school must complete a form, providing details of the illness, the medication to be dispensed and a signature from both doctor and parent on the indemnifying clauses. This procedure is required by the Department of Education. These forms can be obtained from the Administration Office. Medication is not to be sent to school with your child. Parents may administer medicine to their child during the school day. The school advises parents to administer three doses a day: before school, after school and before bed. If a student requires four doses per day, he or she is probably too sick to be at school and should stay at home until well.

MESSAGES Parents are requested not to telephone for messages to be relayed to students unless there is an emergency. Reasons for absence, changes of routine, especially for afternoon pick-up, should be communicated to the class teacher by note. MOBILE PHONES Students are discouraged from bringing mobile phones to school as they can be a distraction and may be lost or stolen. If a student brings his/her mobile phone to school it is his/her own responsibility and it must remain in his/her school bag switched off. If the phone is used inappropriately it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day. Parent/carers are requested to not contact their child on their mobile phone during the school day. If you need to get an urgent message to your child/children, please call the school office. NEWSLETTERS School Newsletter The school newsletter, ‘MONA VALE MAIL’, is published and distributed via the school app each week. It is important parents read this newsletter as it will keep you informed of school programs, issues and upcoming events. The newsletter is also available on the school’s website.

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Grade Newsletters & Excursions Each school term, a Grade Newsletter will be uploaded to the school website to keep you informed about the learning activities for the grade. In addition, special information for your child’s class, i.e. excursion notes will be uploaded to the school website

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OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE, ‘CAMP AUSTRALIA’ K-6 students who attend Out of School Hours (OOSH) meet the carers at the Centre where an attendance roll is called. Students will only be taken to Camp Australia if they are registered as attending on a particular day. Parents are requested to telephone the school and the centre if their child is not attending on that day. Number: 0413 598 355

PARKING AROUND THE SCHOOL

Parents are not to use any of the school staff car parks. Parents, carers and/or students are not to use the car parks as a pedestrian thoroughfare. Parking for parents is available in Emma, Wangara, Waratah and Bungan Streets. Please be aware of parking time limits, as the rangers supervise parking around the school very carefully. There are “Stop - Kiss – Leave” areas in Waratah Street West and Emma and Wangara Streets which allow parents 2-3 minutes to park and farewell their child/children. Parents are requested to adhere to the 40K speed restrictions in all streets around the school: 8:00am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

A School Counsellor is at school every day. The School Counsellor is a member of the Learning Support Team, and can support students with learning difficulties and those with social and/or emotional problems. The Counsellor conducts diagnostic testing, provides counselling and makes referrals to agencies within the Department of Education and outside the school including the Brookvale Community Health Centre. Most School Counsellors are registered psychologists. Parents wishing to see the School Counsellor should contact the Class Teacher, Grade Supervisor, Deputy Principal or Principal to arrange an appointment. Parent consent is needed for referral to the School Counsellor.

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SCRIPTURE/ETHICS Scripture classes take place each week on a Tuesday morning. Religious instruction is provided by visiting clergy and/or members of the Anglican and Uniting Churches. MVPS also offers scripture classes for students of the Roman Catholic, Judaism and Serbian Orthodox. School scripture services are held in the school hall to celebrate Easter and Christmas each year. Ethics classes are offered for Years K-6. SMOKING Smoking is banned on school premises at all times.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING TO PARENTS Student progress is assessed continuously throughout the school year through a range of strategies which include teacher observation, checklists, tests, peer assessments, self-assessments, assignments and projects, practical work, work samples and performance items.

All Kindergarten students undertake the ‘Best Start’ assessment at the beginning of Term 1. This assessment is designed to identify each student’s literacy and numeracy skills and understanding at the beginning of Kindergarten.

The reporting year commences with class information meetings early in Term 1. These provide parents with an understanding of teacher expectations and routines. Parent/Teacher interviews occur at the end of Term 1 and at any time throughout the year via appointment.

Written reports are provided towards the conclusion of Terms 2 and 4.

In addition to internal class and across grade assessments, the following tests are conducted:

National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

NAPLAN is run by the Federal Government each year for students in Years 3 and 5 to assess Literacy, Numeracy and Writing skills. The

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school uses the results to assess achievement levels of students and diagnose areas for development and remediation.

Opportunity Class Placements An external exam takes place in Term 3 for Year 4 students for places in the Opportunity Class (OC). The test is set and marked externally by the DoE’s High Performing Students Unit. The Unit nominates the 30 students who are offered placements in the OC class at Mona Vale in Year 5. Students come from many schools across the district. Selective High School Placements An external exam takes place in Term 1 for Year 6 students seeking placement at a Selective High School. Applications are sought in Term 4 of the preceding year. Local high schools also run extension class testing and these dates are communicated to Year 6 students in Term 1 of their final year.

21st CENTURY LEARNING Every classroom at MVPS has an Interactive Touchscreen (CommBox). The school currently has over 140 computers distributed across the school averaging between two and three computers in each class. In addition, the school has a computer laboratory and grade laptops. Computers are networked through a number of servers which provide Internet and Intranet access. The school regularly upgrades the school’s wireless network to facilitate

our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy for students in Years 3-6, which involves students bringing their own iPad or laptop to school to participate in web-enabled learning initiatives throughout the day. All DoE students have a secure Internet and email account to improve their learning opportunities in a safe environment.

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LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAM The Life Education program was developed to enable students to achieve a healthy lifestyle, knowledge and respect for their bodies and the effect of medicines and drugs on their bodies. Lessons are provided by specialist teachers in an interesting environment (the Life Education Van) and follow up activities are provided. Parents may be familiar with the Life Education Program’s “Healthy Harold”.

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE/DIALECT

The English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) program provides a specialist trained language teacher who supports students with a home language background other than English. The program enables Non-English Speaking Background (NESB) students additional individual and small group assistance in reading, writing and speaking skills. It also aims to give the students positive experiences of success and achievement through their participation in English language activities. Intensive support is given to new arrivals.

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HOMEWORK What can Parents/Caregivers do to help with homework?

Take an active interest in your child's homework

Support your child in setting aside time each day for homework

Provide a dedicated place for homework and study if possible

Assist teachers to monitor homework by signing completed work if requested, and be aware of the amount of homework set

Communicate with teachers any concerns about the nature of homework or your child's approach to homework

Encourage your children to read and take an interest in current events

Alert the school to any domestic circumstances or extra curricula activities which may need to be taken into consideration when homework is being set or marked.

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KEY LEARNING AREAS

What is taught? The six primary syllabus areas: English

Speaking and listening

Reading and viewing

Writing and representing

Handwriting and using digital technologies

Spelling

Thinking imaginatively and creatively

Expressing themselves

Reflecting on learning Mathematics

Working Mathematically

Measurement and Geometry

Numbers and Algebra

Statistics and Probability Science and Technology

Digital Technologies

Earth and Space

Physical World

Material World

Living World Creative Arts

Visual Arts

Music

Dance

Drama

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HSIE (History and Geography) History Early Stage 1

Personal and Family Histories Stage 1

Present and Past Family Life

The Past in the Present Stage 2

Community and Remembrance

First Contacts Stage 3

The Australian Colonies

Australia as a Nation Geography Early Stage 1

Places Stage 1

Peoples and Places Stage 2

People, Places and Environments Stage 3

People, Places and Environments of the World Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Movement Skill and Performance

Healthy, Safe and Active Lifestyles

Health, Wellbeing and Relationships The Four Stages of Primary Education Kindergarten - Early Stage 1 Years 1 and 2 - Stage 1 Years 3 and 4 - Stage 2 Years 5 and 6 - Stage 3

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LIBRARY The library is a major educational resource for the whole school. It is an attractive and welcoming resource centre organised to enhance teaching and learning within the total program of the school. The library provides qualified staff, organised collections of book and non-book resources and facilities and services to support the curriculum. The collection is chosen to cater for a wide range of student needs (informational, recreational and cultural) and abilities. Every child in the school has a regular library lesson where the teacher-librarian teaches information skills, visual literacy and promotes reading and a love of literature. All students are encouraged to borrow from the library and take part in the annual Premier’s Reading Challenge. To borrow from the library, students are required to have a library bag (available from the Uniform Shop).

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PERFORMING ARTS Band and Strings MVPS has an extensive band and strings program run by the P&C’s Band Committee and the Band Conductors. The school is indeed very proud of the achievements of all bands and values and enjoys the progress of the students from their beginning music abilities in Training Band/String Ensemble to skilled performances in both Concert and Performance Bands, Senior Strings and Orchestra. The bands, Orchestra and string ensembles have opportunities to perform at various events at the school to showcase their talents as well as in various eisteddfods, competitions, external concerts and performances. Rehearsals and Workshops Each band has two one-hour rehearsals each week, (one before school and one after school) which must be attended by every band member. In addition to this, there are several tutorials, workshops held each term and our Annual Band Camp, all of which are compulsory. Funding The bands aim to be fully self-supporting with funds coming from band fees and instrumental hire fees, school discos and various fund raising activities. The bands are strictly not-for-profit; all monies go directly back to maintaining and improving the band program, instrument repairs and purchases, conductors, Eisteddfod fees and music scores. The Band Committee We have a very supportive committee. Being a small group, however, we expect all parents of band students to help with band activities during the year. The Band Committee and supporters meet each term and “BAND NEWS” appears in the school newsletter to keep parents informed about the bands. We welcome all new and existing band parents to come along and take part in the running of the bands.

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Choirs Choirs are formed each year, with a focus on performing at a combined choral concert later in the year. Each year a Junior Choir also performs at the Peninsula Community of Schools (PCS) Music Festival. In past years, our school choirs have been selected to perform in the Arts North series at the Sydney Town Hall and at the Performing Arts Choral Festivals at the Sydney Opera House. Entry into these series is competitive and selection is by merit. Dance Beyond class and whole grade dance programs, the school auditions dance ensembles for the annual Sydney North Dance Festival and various eisteddfods. The school usually prepares three dance groups that, if successful in their auditions, perform at Glen St Theatre. Opportunities also exist for dance ensembles to perform at the State Dance Festival, District Music Festival, PCS Music Festival and at the school Musicale. The school also runs a Ballroom Dancing program for students in Year 5, called Dancesport.

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SPECIAL SWIMMING SCHEME This is a Department of Education program run, free of charge, annually for students to learn to swim. However, a charge does apply for pool entry and bus fare. The Special Swimming Scheme is offered to students in Year 2. SPORT Sport at MVPS is first and foremost in line with our motto "Let Us All Participate”. Students are encouraged to not only participate, but to do their best, to listen, learn and practise the necessary skills, to play by the rules and to show fair-mindedness and respect to others.

Sporting Houses Students are allocated to a particular house group. House groups and house colours are: Barrenjoey - Yellow Hawkesbury - Blue Pittwater - Red Warringah - Green

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Kindergarten to Year 6 Sport On sport days students are to wear their sport uniform and sport shoes. The class teacher will notify parents when sport lessons are scheduled.

Years 3 to 6 Sport Years 3-6 have additional sport on Friday afternoons. Students are to wear their sport uniform and sport shoes on this weekday. Students not involved in inter-school sport in Years 3-6 play a variety of sports at school. User Pay sport options are available such as Gym, Tennis, Yoga and Dance. PSSA Sport As one of the nine schools of the Pittwater Zone Primary Schools Sports Association, MVPS enters all inter-school competitions offered. Teams for these sports are selected in the two weeks prior to the start of each competition from students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Swimming Carnival This carnival is usually run very early in Term 1 – please check the school newsletter. The swimming carnival is for students aged 8 and above, who can swim 50 metres confidently, and is run as a daytime event at the Warringah Aquatic Centre. Parents are welcome to attend. Students who achieve 1st and 2nd go through to the Zone Carnival. Coloured swim caps for house colours can be purchased from the Uniform Shop and Canteen.

Athletics Carnival This carnival is usually run during Term 3 – please check the school newsletter. The athletics carnival is for all students and is run at the Academy of Sports at Narrabeen. Parents are welcome to attend. Students, who are 8 years and older, who achieve 1st, 2nd and 3rd in 100m events go through to the Zone Carnival. Students in Kindergarten to Year 2, have a mini-carnival at the same venue (weather permitting). K-2 events include some short races on the track and then rotation of a variety of activities e.g. sack races and egg and spoon.

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Cross Country Carnival This carnival is run during Term 2 at the school. Students, 8 years and older, who achieve from 1st to 6th go through to the Zone Carnival. Sporting Awards Each year many students experience many sports at various levels. The swimming and athletics awards are allocated on a points earned or games won system. Two awards (one male, one female) are given to the two outstanding pupils for Sport and Leadership at our end of year presentation day. Each PSSA team is awarded a Best and Fairest trophy for the various sports at the end of the term. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES A Learning and Support Teacher (LaST) is appointed to the school. Class Teachers refer students who are experiencing difficulties in learning to the Learning Support Team. The needs of these are assessed individually and a program of remediation is designed to address these needs. This can include an individual education program for implementation by the class teacher, in-class support or a small group withdrawal program. A group of trained volunteers also help in the implementation of these programs, working individually with each student under the supervision of the LaST.

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TEXTBOOKS AND EXERCISE BOOKS Textbooks and exercise books are purchased online before the commencement of Term 1. A separate note is sent home advising parents of the details for obtaining books. If a parent has difficulty meeting the cost of the books, they should contact the Principal, or School Administration Manager for a confidential discussion as to finance and purchasing the books.

UNIFORM INFORMATION School Uniform Code As endorsed by staff and parents when determining the school's Discipline Code, the wearing of school uniform is compulsory at MVPS. Please encourage your child to wear the correct uniform with pride at all times as this helps in the development and maintenance of good conduct and school tone. The school operates a ‘gender neutral’ uniform policy. This means that students can choose items from the summer/winter uniform combinations but, please note, they cannot ‘mix and match’ i.e. wear the summer polo shirt with winter skort. Please speak to the uniform shop staff if you have any questions. Further information regarding purchasing of uniform, can be found in the following P&C section.

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WELFARE, RECOGNITION AND DISCIPLINE

The School Code of Behaviour the Core Rules All students in NSW government schools are expected to: Attend every school day, unless they are legally excused, and be in class on time and prepared to learn. Maintain a neat appearance, including adhering to the requirements of the school’s uniform or dress code policy. Behave safely, considerately and responsibly, including when travelling to and from school. Show respect at all times for teachers, other school staff and helpers, including following class rules, speaking courteously and cooperating with instructions and learning activities. Treat one another with dignity and respect. Care for property belonging to themselves, the school and others. Behaviour that infringes on the safety of others, such as harassment, bullying and illegal or anti-social behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated, with consequences being applied where appropriate following the school’s Discipline Policy. Students at Mona Vale Primary School are expected to follow our simple Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) code which is displayed in each room. Students at Mona Vale Public School are expected to show:

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Description of Welfare Programs Anti Bullying Policy Our student welfare and discipline programs are based upon the principles of justice and a fair go. We use “Restorative Practice” to support anti-bullying and mediation strategies. Symptoms of being bullied include: physical injury, loss of confidence, mood swings, feeling down, sleep disturbance and pretending to be ill. Bullying is a hidden problem because the person who is being victimised believes that if they tell anyone the situation will get worse. No student at MVPS should be unhappy at school because they are being bullied. “BULLYING NO WAY!” Buddy Program Each year our students in Years 3-5 undertake a student leadership program in readiness for being a Buddy the following year. Our new Kindergarten students are allocated a buddy from Year 4 and they keep the same buddy from Kindergarten to Year 2. The Buddy program involves students engaging in activities throughout the year.

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Student Leadership Roles Year 6 school leaders are nominated and elected by Years 3-5 students. These leadership roles are two school captains (one boy, one girl) and two school vice captains (one boy, one girl). Twelve prefects are also elected (6 boys, 6 girls). Other leadership roles include Sporting House Captains (elected by the respective houses), Band, Choir, Dance and Chess Captains, and Bus Prefects (elected from the senior students in Years 5 and 6). The Student Representative Council is organised by the captains, prefects and class captains. (Classes nominate class captains each term, 1 boy and 1 girl). All senior students, Years 5 and 6, are encouraged to take on leadership roles throughout the school.

Student Representative Council The Student Representative Council is a body of elected representatives for Years 2-6. These students meet to discuss concerns or suggestions put forward by other students. The Councilors also canvas opinion on proposed changes in policy or routine. Sun Safe Program The Sun Safe program educates students about minimising the harmful effects of exposure to the sun. Students are required to wear hats during playtime and outdoor activities as a “No Hat – No Play” policy applies throughout the year. RECOGNITION Encouragement and Recognition Teacher’s System of Encouragement and Praise Class teacher awards - stickers, stamps, stars, wall charts.

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Merit Awards Student Merit Awards are given out by class teachers each week in accordance with the School Awards Structure. Criteria includes excellence, effort, improvement, social skills and work habits. Mr Jones’s High Five Any students displaying appropriate behaviour, wearing full school uniform or completing pleasing work may receive a Principal’s sticker which is placed on a Mr Jones’s High Five sheet. Once 5 stickers are earned the student receives a treat from the healthy food range at the Canteen. Chook Lotto Tokens “Chooks” are regularly handed out to students for displaying Respect and Responsibility and doing their Personal Best. The “Chooks” are placed in a box and three lucky winners from each grade are drawn from the box at our weekly Chook Lotto assembly. Winners receive a voucher for the canteen. Honour Assemblies These are held at the end of each term. There is a different focus each term. Two awards are given per class at each Honour Assembly. Parents of recipients receive an invitation and special guests are invited to address the assembly. Annual School Awards Towards the end of Term 4 we hold our Annual Presentation Day. This is our major award ceremony for the year. Students are recognised for their achievements in a variety of areas including academic excellence, sport, performing arts, citizenship and leadership. Every class chooses three medal recipients. These class medals are for class academic achievement, citizenship and improvement (consistent effort or excellence in any key learning area).

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School Awards: Marie Hunter Memorial Award for Community

Service K-2 Margaret Collins Shield for Citizenship Years 3-6: Principal’s Award for achievement and school service DUX Award and Outstanding Year 6 Student Award Elizabeth Crick Citizenship Award Year 1

Cultural Awards: Eileen Goodall Shield (poetry & prose) Library Awards

Chess Awards Choir Awards Nicole Everson Memorial Board for Dancing Band Awards String Awards Orchestra Award Drama Award

Champion Sports Awards:

Sport Champions Champion Sport House

Annual Sport Awards Sport awards for cross country, T-ball, softball, softball, cricket, netball, rugby league, soccer, tennis, eagle tag. Honour Boards School’s Honour Boards display yearly awards for Dux, Sport and School Captains, displayed in the Library and School Hall.

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COMMUNITY INFORMATION P&C ASSOCIATION The Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C) is the representative body of the school and oversees all of its sub-committees being Band and Strings, Canteen, Chess Club, Social and Events and Uniform Shop. The P&C and its sub-committees are run by dedicated parents involved with the school and through their hard work students benefit in many ways and all funds raised are put back into the school. Involvement by parents in the P&C and its sub-committees is most welcome and appreciated. These committees are always looking for new faces and many long-term friendships have been forged when parents come along and contribute their time, effort and teamwork. Parents may contribute valuable time to the school through working on these committees as well as helping out in the Canteen, the Uniform Shop, the school bands, at working bees and social and fund raising events. Parent support can also be given in the Library and for reading programs in class and through the Learning and Support Centre. This active support is greatly valued by the school and its community. Many social and fund raising events are organized by the P&C and its sub-committees throughout the year, including: Welcome Kindergarten Parents’ Morning Tea Northern Beaches Primary Schools Chess Challenge Fathers’ Day Breakfast BBQ School Grounds Working Bees Trivia Night Parent participation is also welcomed in activities organised by the school such as Grandparents’ Day, Kindergarten orientation and school excursions.

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The funds raised by the P&C and its sub-committees are allocated to various projects for the school following discussion and agreement by parents at P&C meetings. P&C meetings are held on the Tuesday of Weeks 4 and 8 each term at 7:30pm in the school staffroom. All meeting dates and any changes for meetings are noted in the weekly school newsletter. Other sub-committee meetings are also noted in the newsletter and all parents are welcome to attend these meetings. At these meetings reports are given on the activities of each sub-committee, upcoming events are discussed and reports by the President and Principal are presented. These meetings provide the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions relating to the school and all parents/carers are welcome to attend the meetings. The Annual General Meeting of the P&C is held in the first P&C meeting February each year (Term 1, Week 4). All positions on all committees are nominated and elected at this meeting. It is the P&C’s goal to work with teachers, staff, parents and students as a cohesive school community and to support a safe, happy and respectful learning environment for all at the school. CANTEEN Our canteen is a healthy canteen, which fully complies with the new regulations set out by the NSW Government to prevent childhood obesity and holds a Gold Accreditation. Our canteen is continually striving to bring healthy options into our school while still providing the variety for everyone to enjoy. NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy The NSW Government has developed a plan which is called the traffic light system and foods fall into three categories:

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Red Foods – eg. cakes, chocolate, confectionary, sugar laden drinks. Foods that lack any nutritional value and are high in saturated fats, sugar and salt. These foods are allowed to be served only twice per term and are reserved for special days eg, parties, BBQ’s, discos etc.

Amber Foods – eg. ice creams, ice blocks, drinks, some snack foods. These foods have some nutritional value, moderate levels of saturated fat, sugar and salt and can be served in moderation. Avoid serving these foods in a large serving size. Green Foods – eg. bread, cereal, fruit, vegetables and low fat dairy foods. These foods should make up the majority of the menu and are foods that can be consumed everyday. Lunch Orders Lunch orders are to be ordered through Flexischools online. Please see canteen information. Students in Kindergarten, Years 1 and 2 may buy from the canteen at lunchtime only. Years 3 to 6 may buy from the canteen at recess and at lunchtime. Years 1 and 2 may purchase from the canteen at lunchtime only. Kindergarten students may buy from the canteen at lunchtime from Term 2. All profits from the canteen are kept low and are fed back into MVPS to enhance educational programs for the students. The school’s canteen is run by the P&C’s Canteen Committee. The canteen supervisor can be contacted in the canteen on 9997 2442. The school canteen is open from 8:30am to 1:30pm. Voluntary helpers are required for our canteen and will be warmly welcomed.

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Uniform Shop MVPS has a well-stocked uniform shop which sells all of your school uniform requirements. All profits raised by the uniform shop are donated back to the school to enhance educational programs. The uniform shop is run by the P&C’s Uniform Shop Committee and parent volunteers. Location The Uniform Shop is located next to the tennis courts. Payment Payment to the Uniform Shop may be made by EFTPOS, credit card, cash or by cheque. Please note that the Uniform Shop will have the pricing for all items on the school website. It is updated twice per year by approval of the P&C committee.

Purchase by Order Forms Parents are welcome to purchase uniforms using the order forms which can be obtained from the office, the shop and the school website. Please place your order in the box located in the school’s Administration Office giving details of requirements and your order will be sent home via your child’s class. Uniform purchases can also be processed via Flexischools. These orders are delivered to classrooms on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. uniformshop@monavalepspca.com.au

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Summer Uniform Requirements Set One: Set Two: Grey shorts, green MVPS logo School summer tunic with green polo shirt with collar, grey socks tie, white socks (not ankle cut off, (not ankle cut off, need length), need length), black shoes, school black shoes, school sloppy joe or sloppy joe or zipper jacket, school zipper jacket, school hat. Head hat. Head bands/accessories bands/accessories in school in school colours. Set Three: School summer skort, green MVPS logo polo shirt with collar, white socks (not ankle cut off, need length), black shoes, school sloppy joe or zipper jacket, school hat. Head bands/accessories in school colours.

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Sport: Year K – 6 White MVPS logo sports polo shirt, green shorts with white stripe, or green skirt with short, white socks (not ankle cut off, need length), sport shoes, microfibre jacket (optional). School hat. Head bands/accessories in school colours.

Winter Uniform Requirements Set One: Grey long pants, white long-sleeved shirt with pointed collar, green tie with white stripe (elastic/regular), grey socks (not ankle cut off, need length), black shoes, school sloppy joe or zipper jacket, school hat. Head bands/accessories in school colours.

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Set Two: School winter tunic, white blouse with peter pan collar, green tab tie with white stripe, white ankle socks (not ankle cut off, need length), or black tights, black shoes, school sloppy joe or zipper jacket, school hat. Head bands/accessories in school colours.

Set Three: School winter skort, white blouse with peter pan collar, green tab tie with white stripe, white ankle socks (not ankle cut off, need length), or black tights, black shoes, school sloppy joe or zipper jacket, school hat. Head bands/accessories in school colours.

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Set Four: School green long pants, white blouse with peter pan collar, green tab tie with white stripe, white ankle socks (not ankle cut off, need length), black shoes, school sloppy joe or zipper jacket, school hat. Head bands/accessories in school colours. Sport: Year K – 6 White sports polo, green shorts with white stripe, or green skirt with short, or long green track pants, white socks (not ankle cut off, need length), sport shoes, microfibre jacket (optional). School hat. Head bands/accessories in school colours.

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Compulsory Items Green Mona Vale School Bag with Name Tag, and Green MVPS School Hat.

SOCIAL AND EVENTS COMMITTEE The Social and Events Committee (S&E) is the social and fund raising arm of the P&C. Some of the events run by the S&E are: Welcome Kindergarten Parents’ Morning Tea Welcome Picnic Fathers’ Day Breakfast BBQ Trivia Night Funds raised by the Committee and its many activities, are returned to the school through the P&C and applied to a range of educational requirements and projects. CLASS PARENTS Each class selects a Class Parent each year to communicate with the other parents in the class. Class Parent Meetings are sometimes held once per term, to provide information to parents and to discuss school information.

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Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our wonderful school.

We look forward to welcoming you to Mona Vale Public School.

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