Sunbury Primary School Parent Information Handbook

Sunbury Primary School
Parent Information
Handbook
For more information or to arrange a tour:
Telephone: 03 - 9744 9744
Email: sunbury.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 2
Sunbury Primary School Map 3
Getting Involved 4
Student Learning 6
Enrolling In Primary School 9
A to Z of Sunbury Primary School 10
Appendix 1 19
Appendix 2 22
Acronyms
24
1

Introduction
Sunbury Primary School is located on Jacksons
Hill on the southern boundary of the township
o f S u n b u r y, l o c a t e d a p p r o x i m a t e l y 3 5
kilometres north-west of Melbourne, within the
Hume City Council. The school was the first
one to be established in the area and can trace
its origins back to 1869 and was relocated to its
present site in 1999, occupying heritage listed
buildings. The school is an active member of
the Hume Network and has developed a robust
learning partnership with Victoria University.
The school is organised to focus on learning
and to provide low class sizes across the school. Specialist programs operate to support school
priorities and to take advantage of the teaching capital available to the school.
The heritage-listed bluestone buildings provide a quality-learning environment, a unique blend of
history while providing modern facilities. School facilities include sixteen permanent classrooms,
visual arts and performing arts building, library and school hall. School grounds are landscaped
and feature a sculpture garden, historically significant specimen trees and a horticulture centre.
Play events include an oval, basketball court, tennis courts and playground equipment matched
to the different physical and social stages of development together with designated passive
recreation areas and playground seating
Sunbury Primary is proud to be a school driven by strong values and the belief that every student
can learn. The school strives to develop an engaging, student-centred approach to life-long
learning where student’s academic, social and emotional needs are met. A dynamic learning
environment, explicit teaching of personal and interpersonal skills for learning ‘how to learn’, and
positive teacher/student relationships ensure student connectedness to school for optimal
learning.
Key Contacts
Principal:
Assistant Principals:
Administrative Staff
Sean Lawless
Karen Guest
Loren Peavey
Heather Sinclair
Karen Walker
Telephone; 03 9744 9744
Facsimile: 03 9744 9799
E-mail:
sunbury.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
Term dates for 2013
Term 1: January 31 to March 28
(Please Note: Prep students attend from 9am to 1pm Thursday January 31 and Friday February 1.
Prep students attend full day excepting Wednesdays from February 4 to March 8, then full time)
Term 2: April 15 to June 28
Term 3: July 15 to September 20
Term 4: October 7 to December 20
2

School Times
Preparation for the school day begins with a good sleep the night before. Younger children
(Prep – Grade 2) should be in bed by 7.30pm. Older children should be in bed by 8.30pm.
What children experience just before bedtime is also very important in relation to a good
night’s sleep.
Children are expected to be at school in time to commence their classes at 9.00am sharp.
The playground is supervised from 8.45am. Parents should drop their children off between
8.45am and 8.55am.
It is extremely important that punctual habits be established from the beginning of a child’s
schooling as this forms part of the routine necessary for a successful school life.
School Hours:
Session 1
9am – 11am
Recess
11am - 11.30am
Session 2
11.30am – 1.40pm
Lunch
1.40pm – 2.3pm
Session 3
2.30pm – 3.30pm
Please note that the school grounds are supervised by teachers before school, from 8.45 a.m.
to 9.00 a.m. then during recess and lunch and from 3.30 p.m. to 3.45 p.m.
Lunches are eaten in class between 1.30pm and 1.40pmpm.
Early dismissal time is 2.30 p.m. on the last day of terms 1, 2 & 3 and is 1.30 p.m. at the
end of term 4.
Following staff consultation the meeting times for staff meetings are published in the
school newsletter. Usually these meetings are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
after school. Parents are requested to make appointments with teachers around such
times.
Term dates are published in the school newsletter and on line at
www.education.vic.gov.au/about/keydates/termdates.htm
School Website
The school web-site can be accessed at www.sunburyps.vic.edu.au
3

Sunbury Primary School Map
The main entrance to the school is situated in The Heights. A public car park at the northern end of
the school accessible via Circular Drive provides a convenient entry to the Prep to Year 2
classrooms.
All gates to the rear of the school are locked during the day.
The pedestrian gate at the rear of the school is locked after 9.30am and reopened in the afternoon
to allow access to the site for pick-up and entry for school events such as assembly.
Parents are advised to check newsletters and notices to access information for special school
activities and events.
THE HEIGHTS
STAFF
CAR
PARK
MAIN
ENTRANCE
B1
B2
BUILDING B
B3
OVAL
GEN
OFF
PRIN
OFF
STAFF
ROOM
BUILDING A
BUILDING C
C 1 C 2 C 3
BATH
HOUSE
CROSS
BUILDING
D1
BUILDING D
D 2
LIBRARY
D
4
BUILDING H
HALL
Sculpture
Garden
BUILDING E
E 1 E 2 E 3
BASKET
BALL
NETBALL
COURT
BUILDING G
VISUAL ARTS
MUSIC
BUILDING F
NORTHERN
ENTRANCE
F1
F 2 F 3
BIKE
SHED
CIRCULAR DRIVE
4

Getting Involved
Assembly
School assembly is conducted in the school hall each Friday morning commencing at 9.05am.
All parents, relatives and friends are invited to attend these assemblies and celebrate the
learning achievements of students. Pupil of the Week Awards, Playground Raffle and
Terrific Kids awards are conferred during school assembly.
Assistance
Parents are encouraged to be active partners in the educative processes and
opportunities provided to students.
All questions and wonderings about your child should be directed to the classroom teacher
by making an appointment and nominating the purpose of the meeting.
The Principal and Assistant Principals are available to discuss all matters relating to the school
and appointments can be made via the general office by telephone, fax, e-mail or in person.
Classroom helpers
Parents are welcome to assist in classroom programs under the supervision of the class
teachers. A training session is conducted for parents wishing to assist each year to facilitate
maximum benefit from the experience.
Canteen
The canteen is currently open on Monday and Friday and supports healthy food choices. Our
canteen co-ordinator organises the roster for volunteer parents. Price lists and menus for the
canteen are distributed to all families at the beginning of the year and available from the
school’s web-site. Lunch orders are to be written on brown paper bags listing the following
information: child’s name, room and class, the selected food items and their costs and the
total of the lunch order. The correct money should be securely placed within the lunch order
bag.
Parent volunteers are invited to join the canteen roster each year via a notice in the
school newsletter.
Information Evenings
Information evenings are conducted mid February for all parents to enhance the homeschool
learning partnership.
Specific Prep information evenings are conducted in term two and four, with Prep and Year 6
transition and orientation activities held in December. See local newspapers and school
newsletter for dates and times.
Newsletter
The newsletter is produced weekly and is circulated to the youngest enrolled student each
Thursday. Copies can also be downloaded from the school’s web-site. The newsletter is the
most up to date source of information about the events occurring at Sunbury Primary School.
Make it your “must read” each week.
5

Parents Association
The Parents Association meets regularly. All meetings are advertised in the school newsletter.
All parents and friends are welcome and may become financial/voting members for a nominal
cost per year.
The Annual General Meeting is held in March. All meetings are advertised in the school
newsletter. Through various social and fund-raising activities, the Parents Association is able
to provide, via
the School Council, much needed equipment and materials for the school, for your child’s
benefit.
The work of the Parents Association is extremely important and we welcome all new parents
to our school and invite your participation. A Parents Association newsletter is forwarded to
families once per term.
Parent Complaints / Issues
A school policy exists to describe the process for managing parent complaints and issues.
This policy is available from the general office and an overview can be found at the school’s
website. More information can be obtained from:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/contact/ pcschools.htm
School Council
The School Council schedule consists of nine positions:
5 Parent members
3 Department members
1 Community member
Meetings are held at the school twice each term on Wednesday evenings and parents are
welcome to attend to observe meetings.
The School Council plays an important role, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all
students at Sunbury Primary School.
An Annual Reporting Meeting is conducted each year to coincide with the publishing of the
school’s Annual Report. The schedule for this meeting along with all meeting times is
published in the school newsletter.
Student Engagement Policy
This policy was developed by all Government schools in 2009. The new policy reflects the
importance of regular attendance, the revised discipline procedures and the role that parents
are to play to assist schools. For more information:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwellbeing/ wellbeing/engagement/default.htm
6

Student Learning
Annual Implementation Plan
Annual implementation planning assists schools to:
o plan and communicate their work for the coming year and how this will lead to achieving the
goals and targets in the school strategic plan;
o ensure efficient and effective allocation of resources to complete the work;
o monitor progress and success.
The Annual Implementation plan must be endorsed by the school principal, the school
council and the regional director (or nominee).
Curriculum
The curriculum program at Sunbury Primary School is based on the Victorian Essential
Learning Standards (VELS) and informed by student needs and research into effective
schools.
Standards
Level 1
End of Preparatory Year
Level 2 End of Year 2
Stages of Learning
Laying the foundations
Level 3 End of Year 4
Level 4 End of Year 6 Building breadth and depth
Level 5 End of Year 8
Level 6 End of Year 10 Developing pathways
A variety of notices are distributed throughout the year to provide parents with
information concerning the daily routine, Home Learning, curriculum tips and key
events.
Hearty Head Start
The Hearty Head Start program is a research based curriculum initiative that supports and
nurtures student engagement and well-being. Using the learning underpinning Emotional
Intelligence, Habits of Mind and current brain research this program is an integral component
of Sunbury Primary School’s practice that supports engagement, well-being and transition
outcomes for students. Students are encouraged to eat healthy snacks and drink water to
remain hydrated throughout class.
As part of this program children develop Codes of Conduct and Mission Statements within
their classes. These artefacts describe the expectations for behaviour; attitude, an effective
learning environment and the children’s learning responsibility.
Home Learning
Home Learning helps students by complimenting and reinforcing classroom learning, fostering
sound habits, and providing an opportunity for students to be responsible for their own
learning. Home Learning is another opportunity for parents to participate in their child’s
education. Parents, in partnership with the school, should encourage their children to
establish sound work habits from early primary school. Students benefit from completing
home learning regularly. Home Learning helps them develop organisational and timemanagement
skills, self discipline, skills in using out-of-school resources and personal
responsibility for learning.
In the Early Years (Prep to Year 4), Home Learning will generally not exceed 30 minutes a
day, extending to 50 minutes in Middle Years classes.
7

Horticulture
The horticulture centre provides students with experiences that reinforce key learning
objectives and opportunities to apply and develop life skills related to healthy food choices
and environmental sustainability.
Information and Communication Technology
The school is a fully networked environment and provides students with outstanding
opportunities to use up to date and engaging software/hardware to demonstrate and articulate
their learning.
To celebrate student achievements permission must be obtained from parents for student
images to be used in different media. These permissions are completed at enrolment and
should be updated by parents if circumstances change.
Instrumental Music
In addition to the school specialist Music program, the school supports the musical interests of
its student by offering instrumental music classes through Metro Music. Contact details: 9439
3360.
Children are currently able to receive tuition in drums, guitar, keyboard and flute. (Flute classes
are conducted by a tutor not associated with Metro Music)
Library
All children in the school are permitted and encouraged to borrow books. Class teachers
will timetable library sessions in conjunction with the specialist timetable. Please read the
books to your child and include your pre-schoolers too. It is very important that you read to
your children as often as possible.
Lunchtime library sessions are also made available to the children as part of the school’s
provision of lunch time activities.
Physical Education and Sport
Children at all levels of the school receive the recommended allocation of Physical Education
and Sport. Prep students access the Sensory Motor facility at Sunbury and Macedon Ranges
Specialist School to further develop their fine and gross motor skills. Children in Years Five
and Six participate in Winter and Summer inter-school sports. House and inter-school
athletics, cross country run and swimming competitions are conducted for children in Years 3
to 6. Please ensure that your child has suitable clothing and footwear in order to fully enjoy
and participate in these sessions.
Strategic Plan
The School Strategic Plan sets out the school’s strategic directions for the next four years,
including the school’s purpose, values and environmental context, as well as goals, targets
and key improvement strategies in three student outcome areas:
• Student learning
• Student pathways and transitions
• Student engagement and well-being.
The school strategic plan is informed by the information gathered and directions identified
throughout the school self evaluation and school review processes, and through staff, student
and parent consultation and engagement with relevant community agencies.
The school strategic plan will be broken down into a series of annual implementation plans
which set out how the school will go about implementing the key improvement strategies.
These plans then inform the development of principal class and staff performance and
development plans. The school strategic plan is a living document; if a school’s
circumstances change it is possible for the strategic plan to be updated outside of this cycle.
8

Victorian Essential Learning Standards
The Victorian Essential Learning Standards describe what is essential for students to achieve
from Years Prep to 10 in Victorian schools. They provide a whole school curriculum planning
framework that sets out learning standards for schools to use to plan their teaching and
learning programs, including assessment and reporting of student achievement and progress.
The Standards are based on the best practice in Victorian schools, national and
international research and widespread consultation with school communities, educators,
professional associations and community groups. http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/
9

Enrolling in Primary School
To start primary school your child must turn five years of age, or older, by 30 April of the year that
they start school.
Before you enrol your child in a primary school, you may wish to visit a number of schools to decide
on the best one for your child.
Once you have made your choice you will then be ready to enrol.
When to enrol
You can enrol your child in a Victorian government primary school at any time during the year. This
is particularly helpful if you are moving to a new area, interstate or from overseas.
Planning ahead, many Victorian government primary schools start taking enrolments as early as
May the year before your child is due to start school.
How to enrol
To enrol your child in a Victorian government school you will need to fill out an enrolment form at
that school and provide the school with important information about your child, including:
• evidence of your child’s date of birth
• your contact, phone and address details, and that of any other parent, guardian and/or carer
• names and contact details of emergency contacts
• doctor’s and dentist’s names and phone numbers
• Immunisation Status Certificate
• health and welfare information
• information about the language/s your child speaks and hears at home
Enrolment forms are available at each school. If you need an interpreter to help fill out the
enrolment form, the school staff can help organise this for you.
Many government primary schools conduct an orientation day so prospective students can see their
new environment, meet the teachers and see the classrooms prior to the first day of school.
We encourage you to attend these orientation days with your child so that you also can familiarise
yourself with the school and its environment.
Contact your school for more information.
More information
For more information on enrolling your child in primary school, see: Welcome to Primary School: A
Parent's Guide to Victorian Government Schools
To find and contact a school, see: Find an Early Childhood Service or School
10

A to Z of Sunbury Primary School
Absences
A note is required to inform the school of a child’s absence and reason for it. Legally your child is
obliged to attend school. Each term a print out will be forwarded to all parents as generated by
the school’s computer system seeking ratification of the absence records.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe and rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening.
The most common allergens in school aged children are peanuts, eggs, tree nuts (e.g. cashews),
cow’s milk, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame, latex, certain insect stings and medication.
The key to prevention of anaphylaxis in schools is knowledge of those students who have been
diagnosed at risk, awareness of triggers (allergens), and prevention of exposure to these triggers.
Parents must inform the school of the diagnosis and its causes. Parents/carers are responsible
for ensuring that the school is provided with a complete and current EpiPen® kit.
Assessment
Assessment of student progress is an ongoing process. Parents are encouraged to ensure that
the teachers have access to all relevant information that may assist them in best meeting the
needs of each child.
Asthma
Students with Asthma are required to have an Asthma Management Plan, which is
signed by the treating doctor. Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring that their child
has the appropriate medication with them at school and that the school is notified of
the diagnosis.
Attendance
Regular attendance at school is a legal requirement and is vital to the development of your child’s
academic, social and emotional skills.
If your child is absent from school, please send a written explanation, as these are required to be
kept in school files. The school is also required to enter into its computer records whether a note
has or has not been received.
If your child has an illness that will require him/her being absent for several days, a phone call to
the school letting us know is greatly appreciated.
Banking
Our school participates in a school banking program. Tuesday is banking day.
Behaviour Management
Sunbury Primary School uses the principles of Assertive Discipline. The emphasis of this
approach is the recognition of appropriate behaviours that support an effective and safe
environment that promotes learning.
Appropriate behaviour is recognised by negotiated action while inappropriate behaviour has
consequences. The actions and consequences are explicit. Where required a detention process is
implemented. Information concerning Department of Education discipline procedures is available
from the Principal or Assistant Principals.
See also Hearty Head Start.
11

Bikes
If children need to ride a bike to school, please note that the wearing of helmets is compulsory
by law. Bikes brought to school should be placed in the designated
area.
Children are required to be responsible for their own safety when
riding to and from school, however children under the age of ten
years should be supervised when riding to school. The riding of
bikes is not allowed in the schoolyard. The riding of skateboards,
roller blades, etc. in the school grounds is also prohibited.
Children must walk their bikes across the school crossing and in the
school grounds.
Book Club
The children are given the opportunity to buy books at a cheaper price and
the school benefits by receiving extra books as a bonus from Scholastic Books.
Book Pack
Our school provides all of the supplies and equipment that a student needs during the year in a
book pack as part of the annual School Materials Charge. The materials are paid for in a one
off charge, along with a contribution towards the School Building Fund and Grounds
Improvement Charge. This annual fee totalled $150 last year.
Bus Travel
Sunbury Bus Lines operates bus routes to cater for children attending Sunbury Primary
School. There is a cost associated with this service and information regarding bus travel is
available from the general office. A code of conduct for all children using the bus service is
issued to regular users of the bus service and additional copies are available from the
general office. The school allocates a staff member to co-ordinate and supervise children
using the bus service each evening.
Collection of money
Please send any money coming into the school in the envelope provided by the specified date.
Your child should give it to their class teacher first thing in the morning, not the office.
All payments must be finalised by the due date. Where payment by the
due date will cause financial difficulties, parents are asked to discuss
alternative arrangements for payment with the Principal.
Camps
Children in Years 2 – 6 have the opportunity to participate in school camps. The camp
venues are selected by the teaching staff to support the educational objectives for that year.
Details of the camps are made available to parents via school notices. On-site activities are
organised for children in Year prep and 1 as part of the Camping experience.
Contact with students
All parents are reminded that they are not to approach children in the school grounds. Issues
that require resolution should always be managed in the appropriate manner via the classroom
teacher or the general office.
12

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Sunbury Primary School is located within the Hume Network of schools which is part of
Northern Metropolitan Region.
Level 2, 189 Urquhart Street, Coburg VIC 3058
Postal address: Locked Bag 2001, Coburg VIC 3058
Web-site: www.nmr.vic.edu.au
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has many useful resources
for parents on its web-site which can be accessed at:
www.education.vic.gov.au/default.htm
Dogs and Pets
Parents are reminded that dogs and other pets in the school grounds constitute a risk. To
further assist us in providing a safe environment for all children at Sunbury Primary School, if
you bring a dog to school please remain with the dog outside the school grounds.
Special arrangements to bring pets should be made with the school prior to the animals being
brought to the school. Please note guide dogs operate under a particular set of regulations
that permit different access privileges.
Early Leavers and Late Arrivals
A register is located at the General Office for parents to complete. Once this register has
been completed the child/children will be brought to the office or taken to class.
Education Maintenance Allowance
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is provided to assist eligible families with the
costs associated with the education of their children:.
To be eligible for receipt of the EMA you must
• be either a parent or guardian of a primary or secondary school student up to the age of
sixteen; and
• be an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink pension, allowance or benefit within the meaning
of the State Concessions Act 2004 or be a Veterans Affairs (TPI) pensioner or be a foster
parent.
Consequently parents/guardians are able to access the EMA if they have a current Health Care
Card or Pension Card.
Further details regarding specific requirements and timelines are published in the
school newsletter at the start of term one and term three.
Emergency Information
It is important to notify the general office immediately of any changes to your contact
details including telephone numbers, emergency contacts, and copies of custody orders or
address details.
Excursions and Activities
Written permission is required for children to attend various excursions, incursions and
activities, which are arranged during the year. When the appropriate forms are brought home
by your child, please sign them and return them by the due date. Please ensure that if you are
not available to meet your child that details of the person designated for this role are included
on the excursion note that you return to the school.
13

Family Law Court Orders
Some families are bound by Family Law Court Orders. Documentary evidence must be provided to
the school in these instances to provide clear legal guidelines for school staff.
First Aid
The school has procedures in place to attend to and treat children who injure
themselves at school.
Several staff have Level 2 First Aid training and are on hand to support
students.
All injuries are recorded in the First Aid register.
In the majority of cases, injuries are minor and are treated either through rest,
band-aid or ice-pack.
Should the injury require further treatment, parents will be notified.
It is vital that the school is notified of any change in students’ medical conditions so that our
records are up-to-date and appropriate action can be taken.
It is also important that parent and emergency contact details are also kept up-to-date.
Your assistance in these matters is greatly appreciated.
Getting to school
It is very important that your child/children are at school at the appropriate time so that they can
commence their day calmly, without rushing to class or walking in on instruction sessions. In the
educational interests of your child/children please assist in ensuring that he/she/they are at
school in time for the commencement of classes at 9.00 am. Arriving at school between 8.45 am
and 8.55 am is recommended.
Hats
School policy on uniform is that school approved hats are compulsory during SunSmart season.
Students wishing to wear hats at other times are to be commended on their common sense in
seeking protection from harmful radiation. Hats worn at other times throughout the
year should conform to uniform policy. Baseball caps are not uniform items and as such
children wishing to wear a hat should wear the wide rimmed style hat or bucket hat, that is part of
the
school uniform.
Head Lice
Anyone can get head lice. Head lice do not have wings or jumping legs so they cannot fly or jump
from head to head. They are between 2 and 4 millimetres in size.
Children with head lice are required under the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations to be
excluded from school, day care or crèche until treatment has commenced. A child with head lice
can be treated one evening and return to school the next day, even if there are still some eggs
present. On the child’s return to school, parents are required to complete a form, available at the
general office, in regard to the treatment undertaken.
Illness or Accident
There may be times when your child becomes ill or is injured in an accident. Parents will be
contacted to collect children to seek appropriate treatment. Where necessary an ambulance will
be called. All charges incurred are the responsibility of the parents.
14

Inclement Weather
At times when the weather conditions are extreme in terms of temperature or wind the children
remain in classrooms under the direct supervision of teaching staff.
Infectious Diseases
(See Appendix 2)
A First Aid room exists for minor injuries and staff will attend to these. In the event of a more
serious injury, parents will be contacted should further medical attention be required.
Whilst it important that children attend school as often as possible, please remember that home
is the best place for a sick child.
Parents are encouraged to seek medical assistance to ensure effective management of illness
and community health.
The list of communicable diseases and the period of exclusion from schools is available at
all times from the general office.
In cases of illnesses, other than those mentioned on the chart, parents are asked to contact the
school for advice on exclusion of children. Good Health is vital to maximise school progress. All
parents can help by isolating their children as soon as possible when an infectious disease is
detected.
Interviews
Interviews can be arranged by contacting the General Office. When seeking an appointment
please inform our office staff of the reason for the interview. In cases where parents are
seeking an interview with the Principal in matters of a confidential nature then the office staff
will direct you to the Principal.
Jewellery
The wearing of jewellery is discouraged, plain small (no longer than 15 mm) sleepers or stud
earrings are permitted. A watch may also be worn. It should be noted that the school cannot
be held responsible for the loss of any jewellery being worn to school. It is the parent’s/child’s
responsibility to safeguard these items.
Interschool Sport and House Sport
Children in Years 3 - 6 have the opportunity to participate in
inter-school sport, competing against local schools on a oneday
per term, ‘Round Robin’ basis.
House sport is played on a weekly basis and involves a wide
variety of sports. Children from Years 3 to 6 are involved in
House Sport.
Junior School Council
Children in the upper grades have the opportunity to participate in decision-making activities
via Junior School Council (J.S.C.). The JSC conducts regular events such as Footy Day,
Easter activities and appropriate fund-raisers for charity. ie. Canteen and Cystic Fibrosis. We
also sponsor a child from Columbia through Plan International.
15

Kids, Fruit and Drink
The school encourages the practice of children eating healthy snacks of fruit and vegetables
and drinking water in order to remain hydrated throughout the day. Classes will develop their
own routines to support this practice.
Leaving school
Where there is a change to the arrangements for children being picked up or leaving school
parents are to provide written permission detailing the arrangements. Names of people
picking up your child, contact numbers and clear directions explaining the changed
circumstances are required. Phone contact is not sufficient.
Lost Property
Anything that is brought to school should be named, especially all items of school uniform.
Lost property is housed next to the General Office. Items are regularly sorted by members of
the Parents’ Association The box is cleared at the end of each term and any unnamed items
are given to charity.
Lunch Arrangements
The majority of the children stay at school for lunch but any child may go home for lunch on a
regular or irregular basis providing they are signed out and signed back in. The teacher
concerned also needs to be notified in writing.
Children may bring a cut lunch to school each day with them or they may order lunch from
the school canteen on a Monday or Friday. Children in all classes eat their lunch under
supervision, before they are allowed out to play.
Medical Details and Medication
Please ensure that we are informed about your child’s medical details. If your child suffers from
asthma or has a severe allergy, you will need to contact the school office and complete
further documentation. The school requires parents to complete a Medication Form before
any medicine can be administered. These forms are available from the general office and the
school’s website. See also – Anaphylaxis, Asthma and First Aid sections of this booklet.
National Literacy and Numeracy Tests (NAPLAN)
The National Literacy and Numeracy Testing are conducted in May for Year 3 and Year 5
students, assessing:
• Language Conventions (including spelling, grammar and punctuation)
• Reading
• Writing
• Numeracy.
Additional information regarding NAPLAN is published in the school newsletter.
Outside School Hours Programs
This service is provided by Extend and they can be contacted by telephone 9818 2139 or via
their web-site http://www.extendaustralia.com.au/
Hours of operation:
Before School Program
After Hours Program
Vacation Care programs
7.00am to 8.45am
3.30am to 6.30pm
As advised via school newsletter/notice.
16

Personal Property
It is preferred that children do not bring valuable articles to school. This refers to items of
jewellery, electronic games or devices, collections, toys or items of family or personal
significance. The only exception to this rule is by mutual agreement between the teacher and the
parent.
Private property brought to school is not insured and the Department of Education and Early
Childhood Development does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage.
Permission Forms
Children are often sent home with notes asking for parent permission for a variety
of activities. From, for example, camps and excursions which require a payment,
and some which are free of charge, such as the school nurse visit. In all cases
forms include a due by date.
We ask that parents adhere to the due by date to allow for the smooth operation of
all school events.
It can be quite distressing for a child and staff if the permission form has not been returned,
particularly on the morning of an excursion or sports event.
Photographs of Students
We celebrate the efforts of our students by mentioning their participation in school events
and their achievements in our school newsletter. Often photographs of the students are
included. Parental consent forms are given to parents to complete when a child begins at
the school.
We invite the local press to school events and they are expected to follow school policy on
the publication of photographs of students. When a story is about an individual
achievement we will always seek your consent before passing information or photographs
to the press for publication. Unless a story features an individual child only group photos
are published and students are identified by first name and year only. If you have concerns
about how photographs of your child may be used by the school, please let us know.
Playground Awards
Teachers on duty in the playground can present a student demonstrating appropriate playground
behaviour with a ticket for the Playground Awards Raffle, which is conducted at the weekly
school assembly. A canteen voucher is awarded to the winner of the draw.
Prep Buddies
All Prep children are matched up with a Year 6 student. The children meet regularly to do
activities that assist the younger children to feel comfortable in their new environment.
Privacy
The School Council has approved a privacy policy for the school. This policy outlines how the
school will collect and protect personal information.
Program for Students with Disabilities
The Program for Students with Disabilities supports the education of students with disabilities
in Victorian government schools by providing schools with additional resources. Resources are
provided to schools to assist in the education of students with disabilities, not to individual
students.
The categories within the Program for Students with Disabilities are:
• Physical Disability
• Visual Impairment
• Severe Behaviour Disorder
• Hearing Impairment
• Intellectual Disability
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Severe Language Disorder with Critical Educational Needs
Please contact the school if you require further information or visit the web-site
below. www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwellbeing/default.htm
17

Pupil Free Days
Four pupil free days are allocated to schools for each year. The first day of Term One will be a pupil
free day in all government schools. At Sunbury Primary School the second school day
(January 30, 2012) will also be a Pupil Free Day. The remaining pupil free days will be
notified via the school newsletter.
Religious Education
Christian religious education is a 30-minute weekly program for Prep to Year 6 taught in the
classroom (subject to the availability of accredited teachers). CRE teachers representing the
Christian churches are approved by the Minister for Education, police-checked, screened and
accredited through the Council for Christian Education in Schools (CCES). CRE complements the
state school curriculum and uses an agreed syllabus published by The Council for Christian
Education in Schools (CCES.).
For more information contact: www.accessministries.org.au
Reports
Your child will receive two report cards a year: the first in June and the second at the end
of the year. You will also be invited to attend a Parent/Teacher conference at the school to
discuss your child’s progress.
Achievement of students in government schools will be reported against an A, B, C, D, E
scale.
Student Welfare and Advocacy Network
This network meets regularly at Sunbury Primary School. This network consists of school staff,
welfare co-ordinators, principal class, and community health professionals including speech
pathologists, visiting teachers and psychologists.
This network actively supports student engagement and well being programs and delivers key
support initiatives to schools.
SunSmart Policy
Sunbury Primary School is a SunSmart School and hats must be worn outside during Terms
One and Four. Children are advised to name their hats and keep them in their
school bag. Children without hats will be asked to play in the shade areas in the school.
Traffic and parking
The preferred area is at Circular Drive as it has greater parking spaces. When dropping off and
collecting your child(ren) at Circular Drive, parents are asked to do so in the designated parking
areas and not on the side of the road.
The area to the west of the staff car park is a 2 minute drop off zone in the morning. If you wish to
park and enter the school, please use the area on the east side of the staff car park, as parking
there is without time restriction.
The recessed parking bays at the front of the school allow for students to be dropped off on the
school side of the street. Please use these bays rather than parking on the opposite side of the
street and sending children across the road.
Observing the restrictions promotes better traffic flow and prevents parking infringements. The
area adjacent to the car park entry and exit gates is not a drop off zone.
The car park area is for staff use only. Please ensure that pathways are used at all times.
By following these simple rules we can ensure the safety of our children, which must always be our
first priority.
Transition
(See Appendix 1)
A broad range of transition activities are conducted throughout the school year to support the
students at all levels of their schooling. The school participates in the Sunbury and Diggers Rest
pre-school transition and Year 6 to Year 7 transition committees.
18

Transport and Safety
Children waiting to be picked up by parents must wait INSIDE the school grounds near the
entrance, where the children expect to be picked up. Make sure your child knows which entrance
you will be waiting at and, if you expect to be later than usual at anytime, contact the General
Office.
Uniform
School uniform is compulsory at Sunbury Primary School. Parents are asked to assist with the
implementation of this policy by ensuring that children comply and by notifying the school in
writing of cases when students will be out of uniform for a prolonged period. It is expected that
all children at all levels of the school will wear school uniform. Our school has enjoyed a very
commendable level of adherence to the wearing of uniform thanks to the broad range of cooperation
between school and home. Let’s continue this tradition.
School uniform colours are navy blue and pale blue.
Our school uniform supplier is Primary School Wear. The uniform shop is located in the school
hall, Building H and its opening times are advertised in the school newsletter.
ALL ITEMS of property such as school bags, lunch boxes, drink containers, SHOULD BE NAMED
to assist in the safe return of misplaced items.
Spare clothes are kept at the school. If your child comes home in any of these clothes, please
wash the articles and return them as soon as possible.
For any further information please contact Primary School Wear:
Telephone: (03) 9581 3333
Facsimile (03) 9585 3222
Website
www.psw.com.au
Email:
sales@psw.com.au
Victoria University
Sunbury Primary School has established a learning partnership with Victoria University that
supports the development of pre-service teachers and the implementation of improved learning
opportunities for students at Sunbury Primary School. This partnership program is negotiated
annually and the school publishes details of the program throughout the year to provide further
information to parents.
Visitors and Volunteers
All visitors to the school and all parents working within the school are required to sign in and out
at the general office. Please ensure that you have signed in before proceeding beyond the
administration building and signed out prior to leaving the premises. All parents assisting in
classrooms and with school camps are to undergo a Working with Children check.
http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren
The register for signing is located on the front reception counter for your convenience. Please
note that schools are smoke free environments. By completing this process visitors are
acknowledging that they have read, understood and will abide by the conditions of entry to the
school site.
Year 6 Graduation
The Year 6 Graduation represents the culmination of the learning journey which began in Prep. The
school recognises this important rite of transition with a graduation ceremony which is conducted
in December. Citizenship Awards, voted by each staff member, are presented along with gifts from
the Parents Association to mark the occasion. Key addresses from School Council and the
Principal celebrate the children’s achievements and Graduation Certificates are presented to each
student by the classroom teachers.
19

Appendix 1
TRANSITION FROM PRE-SCHOOL TO SCHOOL
A Parent Information session in November provides the parents with an opportunity to meet
the teachers, enquire about their child’s first year at school and familiarise themselves with
the school requirements. Two orientation mornings are planned in late November and early
December where the children will visit their classroom and meet their teacher and
classmates.
SOME HINTS FOR EASIER TRANSITION TO PRIMARY SCHOOL
Be supportive and encouraging rather than anxious and critical.
As the first day approaches:
Take your child to school on several occasions so school becomes a more familiar place.
Talk about the differences between playtime and lunchtime.
Make sure your child knows where you will be waiting after school.
Give your child “practice lunches” from lunch boxes at home.
Give your child a drink bottle to practise drinking from at home.
Choose a school bag that is a suitable size and one that your child can easily open.
On the day:
Arrive at school from 8.45am to 9.00 am and hand your child to the teacher in a relaxed,
confident manner.
Give your child a kiss goodbye and leave quickly. Avoid lingering.
Within minutes your child will settle and be assured we will take special care of your child.
If a child is particularly distressed we will contact you.
Your child will need to bring the following items to school:
An art smock – preferably long sleeved with elasticised wrists (an old shirt is ideal),
clearly named.
A navy wide-brimmed sun hat (available from the school Uniform Shop) – clearly named,
and placed in his/her school bag.
A box of tissues.
A change of clothes – especially if your child has occasional wetting accidents.
20

How to help your child cope with beginning school:
Eating
Pack your child a healthy and appetising lunch and play lunch. Children should be able to feed
themselves, unwrap sandwiches, undo lunch boxes and drink containers, and peel a piece of
fruit.
Dressing
As they wear school uniform all articles of clothing should be clearly labelled, and the
children made aware of how to recognise their clothing. School children need to be able to
dress themselves, so please teach your child to tie their shoelaces from an early age
(alternatively shoes with Velcro fasteners are ideal). Provide your child with plenty of
encouragement as they start to put on clothing items, such as jumpers and socks.
Cleanliness
The children need to know when and how to wash their hands. They are expected to be able
to visit the toilet independently, and boys need to know how to use the urinal. If your child is
prone to ‘accidents’, send a spare pair of pants in his/her school bag. All children should
carry a handkerchief, and know how to blow their noses.
Other skills to encourage
Colouring in, using scissors, pouring things, building and stacking of blocks, throwing and
catching balls, tidying up, sitting and standing still and listening, following instructions and
asking for help.
Emotional Development
Can your child make choices, accept rules, adapt to frequent changes? This will be an
important part of school life. Playing games with family and friends is a fun way to help with
children’s emotional development. Through games children develop self-control, confidence,
responsibility, independence and start to see the value of persistence.
As every opportunity should be utilised to build up the child’s sense of security and worth,
we will continue to reinforce this at school.
Social Development
When a child begins school he/she is confronted with many people, mostly bigger children
and adults. Children who have had the opportunities to mix with other children and adults
learn skills which help them to cope with the social aspects of school.
Always encourage your children to share, take turns, listen and communicate. Start letting
them perform tasks without adult help, for example setting the table, putting toys away.
21

Academic Development
Children learn by participating in the world around them. By the time they start school they
already know such a lot about their world and at school we build upon this knowledge. You can
help your children now by making them more aware of the world around them. Use every
opportunity to talk with them, and extend their use of language. Let the children see how
spoken language looks when written, and how written language sounds when spoken.
Remember reading is a process of getting meaning from print, and that their world is full of
print, street signs, shops, packaging labels, television, books, magazines, etc.
Read to your children regularly and encourage them to read to you, but keep these times fun
and enjoyable. Play games with your child as these provide rich learning activities. Games
such as I Spy, cards, jigsaws and board games provide valuable learning and social interaction
for your child. Take the time to teach your child to throw, kick or bounce a ball and how to
ride a bike. These can be wonderful times for both children and parents.
How to help your child cope with school ……
Learning is a partnership between home and school.
You have been the major educator of your child to date and have already taught your child
many things. Be proud of your achievements and please continue to be involved in the
education of your child.
At Sunbury Primary School we believe that children learn by doing, and that they do things
at their own pace. e.g. one child may be writing and another child may still be scribbling. We
also believe that positive reinforcement is required to encourage and foster in children a
desire to learn.
Further information is available at the Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development’ website: www.education.vic.edu.au
22

Appendix 2
INFECTIOUS DISEASES EXCLUSION TABLE
CONDITION
Chickenpox
Conjunctivitis
(acute infectious)
Diptheria
Giardiasis
(Diarrhoea)
Hepatitis
(Infectious
hepatitis)
Hepatitis B
Impetigo
(School sores)
Leprosy
Measles
Meningococcal
Infection
Mumps
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until fully recovered or at least one week after the eruption first appears.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until discharge from eyes has ceased.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection.
Exclusion of contacts:
Domiciliary contacts excluded until investigated by the medical officer of
health, or a health officer of the department and shown to be clear of
infection.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until diarrhoea ceases.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection, or on
disappearance of symptoms.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until recovered from acute attack.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until sores have fully healed. The child may be allowed to return provided that
appropriate treatment has commenced and that sores on exposed surfaces such
as scalp, face, hands and legs are properly covered with moisture proof
dressings.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until at least 5 days from the appearance of rash or until receipt of a medical
certificate of recovery from infection.
Exclusion of contacts:
Non-immunised within 72 hours of first contact.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection.
Exclusion of contacts:
Domiciliary contacts must be excluded until they have been receiving
appropriate treatment for at least 48 hours.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until fully recovered.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
23

Pediculosis (Head
Lice)
Pertussis
(Whooping cough)
Poliomyelitis
Ringworm
Rotavirus
(Diarrhoea)
Rubella
Scabies
Shigella
(Diarrhoea)
Streptococcal
infection
(inc. scarlet fever)
Trachoma
Tuberculosis
Typhoid
and Paratyphoid
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until appropriate treatment has commenced.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until 2 weeks after the onset of illness and until receipt of a medical
certificate of recovery from infection.
Exclusion of contacts:
Domiciliary contacts must be excluded from attending a children’s services
centre for 21 days after the last exposure to infection if the contacts have not
previously had whooping cough or immunisation against whooping cough.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until at least 14 days after onset of illness and until receipt of a medical
certificate of recovery from infection.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until appropriate treatment has commenced.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until diarrhoea ceases.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until fully recovered or at least 5 days after onset of rash.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until appropriate treament has commenced.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until diarrhoea ceases.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until appropriate treatment has commenced.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until receipt of a medical certificate from a health officer of the department
that the child is not considered to be infectious.
Exclusion of contacts: Not excluded.
Patient shall be excluded from school:
Until receipt of a medical certificate of recovery from infection.
Exclusion of contacts:
Not excluded unless the medical officer of health or a health officer of the
department considers exclusion to be necessary.
24

Acronyms
AIP
DEECD
EMA
NAPLAN
NMR
OSHP
PST
PSW
VELS
VU
Annual Implementation Plan
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Education Maintenance Allowance
National Literacy and Numeracy Tests
Northern Metropolitan Region
Outside School Hours Program
Pre-Service Teacher
Primary School Wear - current school uniform supplier
Victorian Essential Learning Standards
Victoria University
25