South George Town Pr imary School

South George Town Primary School

P.O. Box 185, George Town Tas. 7253

Ph (03) 6382 1564

Email:south.george.town.primary@education.tas.gov.au

Information Booklet 2016

South George Town Primary School caters for students from the town of George Town and surrounding

areas including Hillwood, Low Head and Pipers River. Parents wishing to enrol students from other

localities should make an appointment to speak with the Principal. South George Town Primary School has approximately 285 students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and also provides a wonderful birth-4

years program.

STAFF

Principal Adam Eastley

Senior Staff Janine Spicer

Senior Staff Ginnie Cameron (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)

Senior Staff Brendan Gilmartin (Thursday, Friday)

Grade 5/6 Della White Grade 1/2 Brendan Gilmartin/Jacqui Smith

Grade 5/6 Lynda Hardinge Grade 1/2 Louise Hewitt

Grade 4/5 Nicholas Beckett Prep/1 Pauline Fulton

Grade 3/4 Amnesty Achilles Prep Denise Thomson/Trish Clayton

Grade 3/4 Lu McGinniss/Ali Edwards Kindergarten Karen Searle

Grade 2/3 Samantha Grace Kindergarten Karen Locke

Please note:

Mrs Edwards will be on Maternity Leave in Term 1 and 2. She will return part-time in Term 3

and 4. Mrs McGinniss will teach the class full-time until her return.

Mr Gilmartin will be acting Senior Staff for Term 1 and 2. He will return to the class full-time

when Miss Cameron returns to school 5 days per week. During Term 1 and 2 he will teach the

class Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Mrs Smith will teach on Thursday and Friday.

Mrs Thomson will teach Prep Monday-Thursday. Mrs Clayton will teach on Friday.

Literacy Support Ali Owens, Sandra Park, Kim Walsh

Support Teachers Ali Owens, Sandra Park Music Di Lydon

PE Jill Fish

Early Years Wendy Flood

Teacher Assistants Helen Stewart, Christine Schenk, Rachel Eade, Melissa Hardinge, Kate Glover,

Sharee Bannon, Kellie Upston, Samantha Matthews, Tom Grove

Office Staff Sharon Bumford, Peggy Pickrill (School Business Manager)

Facility Attendants Jim Burton, Sue Woodgate, Jadge Little

Librarian Kerrie Street

School Chaplain Janine Targett

SCHOOL TERMS 2016 Term 1 Wednesday 3rd February-Thursday 7th April

(Easter Break 25th-29th March)

Term 2 Tuesday 26th April-Friday 1st July

Term 3 Tuesday 18th July-Friday 23rd September

Term 4 Monday 10th October-Wednesday 21st December

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAYS 2016

Tuesday 2nd February

Friday 8th April

Monday 18th July

Friday 21st October

These days have been mandated by the Minister for the purpose of engaging in Professional Learning to

ensure that we provide our students with a high quality 21st century education and to implement the

Australian Curriculum. All Tasmanian government schools will be closed to students on these days.

School Times

School Opens 8.30 am

Siren 9.00 am

Recess: 10.40 – 11.10 am

Lunch 12.40 – 1.30 pm

Final Siren 3.00 pm

Please note that students should not be at school before 8.30 am as this is the time that staff begin

supervision. Students should arrive prior to 9.00 am so that they are prepared and organised to begin

learning at the start of the school day.

Student supervision in the school grounds is not provided after 3.15 pm each day. Parents are responsible

for children after this time.

Mission Our purpose

To provide every student with the opportunity to continue to learn and reach their potential, to lead

fulfilling and productive lives and to contribute positively to the community.

Values Our shared values are things that we believe in. They guide our practice and underpin our atmosphere and

culture.

Learning * We have high expectations of achievement and success for all members of the learning community

* High quality teaching and learning challenges and engages all learners

Relationships * All interactions are positive and respectful

* We actively build a strong sense of belonging

* We actively support all members of our community

Inclusion * All members of the learning community are engaged and supported in meaningful and appropriate learning

opportunities

* We value the diverse range of people that make up our community

Pride * We have pride in our learning

* We have pride in ourselves and our achievements

* We have pride in our school and community

2016 LEVIES

Basic levy cost for 2016: Grade 4-6 $255

Grade 3 $265 (hat provided)

P-2 $230

Kinder $190 (hat provided)

This general levy provides each child with stationery requirements, art & craft material, Music, technology

materials, Physical Education, library materials and classroom needs. This levy also provides each child

with curriculum based class excursions, entry into venues and performances as they arise during the

year. The levy may be paid in total at the beginning of the school year or by term (4 payments for the

year). Please contact Peggy Pickrill to discuss payment options.

The amount payable is determined each year by the school in consultation with the School Association.

For further details please contact the school.

Families on low incomes or grandparents raising grandchildren who satisfy the eligibility conditions of the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) will not be required to pay school levies.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME (STAS)

Around 25,000 government school students receive financial support through the Student Assistance

Scheme (STAS), and are exempt from paying levies each year. STAS is available for eligible Tasmanian

government school students enrolled full-time in Kindergarten through to Years 11 and 12. Eligibility is

based on a parental or independent student income test. Access to the scheme is also available to

students in the care of grandparents.

Families who are applying for STAS for the first time, or who may have been unsuccessful last year and

wish to reapply, must complete an application form.

Application forms are available from the school or from Service Tasmania shops. For more information

about STAS or other financial assistance, please contact the department’s Financial Assistance Unit on:

1800 816 057. Further information can be found at:

www.education.tas.gov.au/school/parents/costs/assistance/stas

SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The South George Town Primary School Association plays an important role in our school. They help us to formulate the beliefs, values and priorities of our school, develop school policies, provide advice

to the Principal and help foster cooperation between teachers, students, Members, parents and the

community. Please give serious consideration to being part of this Association. We will be calling for

nominations for Parent Members during February 2016.

South George Town Primary School A-Z

ABSENCES

Going to school each day gives children the best start to be successful learners at school. If your child

attends school regularly, particularly in the early years, they are more likely to continue attending

regularly in the future and are less likely to experience gaps in their learning. At school, teachers plan

programs in a sequence so children learn effectively. When children do not go to school regularly, they

miss out on important ideas and skills that might mean they experience difficulties later. Every day

matters!

Please phone the school or send a note before or shortly after your child is absent from school.

Late students must report to the office and sign in the Late Book.

Students leaving school before the end of the school day must sign-out at the office.

These procedures are important for the safety and health and wellbeing of your child.

For more information about specific illnesses, please see the South George Town Primary School

Communicable Diseases Policy.

The school will contact you to follow-up unexplained absences. Schools have a responsibility to

maintain accurate attendance records. Please do not be offended by the phone call.

Green slips asking you to explain absences may be sent home if you forget to contact the school. Please

return these as soon as possible.

Each term we will recognise those students who have achieved outstanding attendance (missing 1 day or

less).

ALLERGIES & ASTHMA

If your child has an allergy and/or asthma, you should discuss your child’s condition with their classroom

teacher. If your child has a severe allergic reaction and is at risk of anaphylaxis you should notify the

school at enrolment or as soon as a diagnosis is made.

Every student who is known to be at risk of anaphylaxis should have an Anaphylaxis Action Plan

completed by their medical practitioner before the student starts school or as soon as the condition is

diagnosed. An individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan will then be developed by the school in

consultation with parents and health professionals who will provide professional learning and management support. This will include EpiPen or AnaPen training as required. The Anaphylaxis Action

Plan and the Anaphylaxis Management Plan will then be held and displayed at the school as appropriate.

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are held every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30 pm. All parents, family members and

community members are invited to attend. Each class takes turns conducting assembly.

BANKING

Students have the opportunity to bank weekly with the Commonwealth Bank and Heritage Isle Credit

Union. Application forms are available from the office. Banking needs to be submitted to the office each

Friday. Books can be collected from the office on Friday afternoon.

BOOK CLUB

Students regularly have the opportunity to purchase items through the Scholastic Book Club. Catalogues

will be sent home with the Newsletter. Please return order forms and money to the front office.

Participation in the Book Club helps us to get valuable learning resources for our school.

BUSES Our school has regular bus services for the outlying country areas of Hillwood, Pipers River, Lulworth,

Bellingham, Beechford, Lefroy, Low Head, North George Town and Pipe Clay Bay. Please contact the

office for the contact numbers of the bus contractors. The combined schools of George Town have

worked together to develop policy and procedures to ensure the safe travel of all students. These

documents are given out in February each year.

BIKE SAFETY

We encourage children to walk and ride to school safely (where appropriate) for their health and

wellbeing. Students should wear protective head-gear and have a good sense of road rules. The bikes

must be walked in the school grounds and left in the designated area while children are at school. During

the school day, bikes are stored in the bike area near the oval. We encourage the use of locks. This

area is strictly out of bounds and it is an expectation that children do not touch bikes belonging to others

without permission. Children should not access their bikes during the school day. As part of our Physical

Education program we run a Bike Awareness and Safety program with all grades. The school has a set

of bikes available for class use.

CANTEEN

A school canteen operates daily and provides healthy recess and lunch options to students at reasonable

prices.

CAR PARKING

Parking is available in Victoria Street near

the netball court and in the car park near

the main entrance. We strongly

encourage parents to park in either

Victoria or Franklin Street as the school

is only a very short walk.

Parking or standing is not permitted in the

turning circle. This area should be kept

clear in the event of an emergency and for

freight deliveries to the school. A drop off

area is available in the driveway.

CHAPLAIN

Janine Targett, our School Chaplain is in

attendance at school on Tuesday and

Thursday. The chaplain’s role is

multifaceted, which finds his time given

generously to students, staff and families

for various reasons. The Chaplaincy role

is a valued part of our school.

COMMUNICATION The school newsletter will be electronically published each Wednesday. Hard copies will not be sent

home. A small number of copies are placed outside the office each week.

You can subscribe to the Beacon Newsletter using the following link so that you can receive it by email:

http://sgeorgetps.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Please make sure that you receive this each week as it contains important information about what is

happening in the school. It is a parental responsibility to make sure that you are aware of school activities.

The newsletter can be read on a computer or mobile device. The link will also be published on the

school Facebook account.

The school has a private Facebook account that you can request to join. Parents find this a useful way

to keep up to date with important information.

CURRICULUM

The Tasmanian Curriculum is currently being replaced by the Australian Curriculum. All government

schools will be implementing the Australian Curriculum in English, Mathematics, Humanities and Social

Sciences (formerly History and Geography), Science and Health & Physical Education in 2016. We will

continue to report against the Tasmanian Curriculum in all other learning areas.

For more information go to www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/

The Arts and Languages other than English (LOTE) are also important and valued elements of our

curriculum.

Students participate in weekly Music lessons and older students have access to opportunities to

participate in choir activities and Esk Band. Classes have at least 2 hours of physical activity through

Physical Education lessons and Daily PE.

At South George Town Primary School we have a strong environmental education program. Central to

this is our maintenance and use of “Wombat Walk”, a

large area of remnant bush which skirts our school and

which is used by the community as a walking track. Our

Frog Pond has been developed in the wetlands adjacent

to Wombat Walk.

Physical Education

Students have weekly lessons in Physical Education. This program supports skill development in areas

such as loco-motor patterns, gymnastics, manipulative skills, swimming, dance, striking and kicking.

Grade 5/6 students compete in a winter sports roster with other

schools in the Tamar Valley. In summer they may be involved in sports exchanges with Port Dalrymple School.

Swimming, cross country and athletics carnivals are held during

the year. From Grade 3 – 6, selected athletes represent the

school at the Tamar Carnival where they compete with students

from other Tamar Valley schools. Further opportunities for

talented athletes include the All-Schools Cross Country,

Country Gold Carnivals and the State Athletics Carnival. DAILY PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Daily PE is held every day at 9.00 am for primary aged students. These sessions are conducted by student

leaders and aim to raise the heart-rate of participants for at least 15 minutes. Early Childhood students

also participate in DPE at a different time during the day.

Research shows that Daily PE has many benefits including:

• Developing a positive attitude to participating in regular physical activity

• Enhancing academic performance by improving concentration and alertness

• The opportunity to regularly practice motor skills such as throwing and catching

• Increasing fitness – which can provide protection against heart disease and reduce or prevent

coronary risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and elevated blood cholesterol

• Promoting the development of self-esteem, cooperation, communication and stress management strategies

DOGS

Dogs (regardless of age, size or temperament) are not permitted on school grounds. It is a breach of the

law to have them near children’s playgrounds. Even normally placid animals may bite or scratch if

frightened or over-excited. Occasionally we have pets visit our classroom. This may be arranged with

the child’s teacher.

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

We have a comprehensive Early Learning Program. Our emphasis is on supporting families as their child’s

first teacher of literacy and numeracy. Both our Launching into Learning Playgroup (for 0 - 4 year olds)

and Kindergarten Orientation program (for students beginning Kinder in the following year) are

facilitated by members of our early childhood teaching team. This provides continuity for children as

they are supported in their learning from birth to Kindergarten and beyond.

Kindergarten

Children who are aged four by the 31st December of the previous year

of enrolment are eligible to attend Kindergarten in Tasmanian schools.

Children in Kindergarten attend school for 15 hours a week with a qualified classroom teacher and teacher assistant.

In 2016 we will have two Kindergarten groups. Both groups will attend

full days on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Our Kindergarten staff are highly experienced. They provide a focussed

program which caters for all children’s needs with an emphasis on

helping children develop independence and skills to prepare them for

full time schooling in the prep year.

Kindergarten Orientation Sessions

Kindergarten Orientation begins later in the year and runs for one and a half hours per week. This program

is available for children who will be enrolling at South George Town Primary School the following year (children will need to be 4 years old before the end of the year).

Kindergarten Orientation aims to prepare children with the skills that will allow for a successful transition

to Kindergarten. Through regular attendance children become familiar with the school environment and

staff members.

Children are provided with opportunities to practise the following skills

o Following teacher instructions

o Sitting for a short period in a group for a story and songs

o Sharing with classmates

o Using words to solve problems or disagreements

o Developing relationships with other children

An important part of the Kindergarten Orientation program is the development of early literacy, numeracy,

fine motor and visual art skills through play.

Department regulations require that parents attend sessions with their child.

Launching into Learning Playgroup

Playgroup is held each week and the Child and Family

Centre and provides an opportunity for children (0 to 4

years) to:

o participate in new experiences

o develop and increase their social skills

o learn sharing, co-operation and simple routines

o interact with other adults and children in a safe

environment

o enjoy learning more about their worlds

Of equal importance is the opportunity that is provided for parents and carers to:

o meet other local families and develop new friendships

o relax and talk in a friendly environment

o share experiences and ideas

o play with children and nurture a spirit of co-operation

Department regulations require that parents attend sessions with their child.

EXCURSIONS & PERFORMANCES

Excursions and performances are an important part

of the learning program at our school. All

compulsory performances and excursions that form

part of the curriculum will be covered by levies. It is

possible that parents will be asked to cover the cost

of some optional excursions. It is expected that all

classes will participate in at least one excursion each

year.

FOOD – RECESS & LUNCH

It is expected that parents will provide a balanced recess and lunch for their child. Students who eat

nutritious food are able to concentrate better and will learn more effectively. Soft drink, energy drinks and foods containing caffeine should not be consumed at school.

Eating a healthy breakfast is important in setting your child up to learn effectively at school.

FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS

A range of flexible programs are offered to students throughout the year. Some examples of flexible

programs have included Rock Band, Guitar Group, Life Skills, Drumbeats, Rainbows, boat building,

woodwork, gardening and opportunities for highly able and gifted students.

GROWING UP PROGRAM

The Growing Up program is held at South George Town Primary School on a bi-annual basis. This

program educates students about sexuality and personal relationships in an age-appropriate way.

Students learn about relationships, the body, health issues and personal safety. This program will be held

again in 2017.

HEADLICE

Checking for headlice is a parent’s responsibility, however if a staff member notices head lice (or eggs)

the school will notify the parents as soon as possible. All students who are likely to have been in contact

with the child (such as those in their class) will receive a notice notifying parents that headlice have been

found in the school and to check their child’s hair. Students may return to school after the first treatment.

Although the head louse (Pediculosis capititis) can cause significant irritation, it has not been known to

transmit disease. Head lice have been common in the community throughout history and will spread

anywhere that a number of people work, play or live together. School communities, by their nature, are

therefore vulnerable to infestations.

For more information, please see the South George Town Primary School Communicable Diseases

Policy.

INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) Our school uses ICT’s as an important component of all

curriculum areas. These include using computers, interactive

whiteboards, digital cameras, ipads and video cameras to

communicate with others, research and to publish student

work. all classrooms now have interactive whiteboards to

promote student learning.

At SGTPS students have access to computers both in their

classrooms and in our computer lab. Each class has at least one

session in the lab each week. We also have a set of 20 laptops

for classroom and student use which can be booked out daily

by students.

At the start of each school year we will send home an ICT Acceptable Use Agreement that outlines the

responsibilities of each student.

LOST PROPERTY

Items of lost property are placed in the Lost Property Bin in the primary corridor. It will be checked by

staff regularly and unclaimed items will be donated to local charities at the end of term. Please make

sure that all student jumpers and hats are clearly labelled.

Please caution children about bringing anything of importance to school such as hand-held games, toys

or ipods as they may get broken or lost. The school is not responsible for the replacement of these

items.

MEDICAL OFFICER

The school has a number of Medical Officers on staff. Please direct all medical questions to the front office.

MOBILE PHONES

Students are not to bring mobile phones to school. If it is necessary to bring one to school for any reason

it must be handed in to the school office. If you need to contact your child for any reason, please leave

a message at the front office.

MEDICATION

Medication should be prescribed for administration during school hours only when absolutely necessary.

If your child requires medication to be administered whilst they are at school, you must meet with your

child’s teacher and/or Principal to ensure that the responsibilities of school staff are clearly outlined. You

must also arrange for:

• a written request to the school to administer the medication

• the medical practitioner’s specific prescribed instructions for administration on the pharmacist’s label

• the safe transfer of medication to the school

• medication to be delivered to the school in originally prescribed container only

Students requiring asthma medication may be responsible for their own asthma inhaler with written

permission from a parent/legal guardian, and with the approval of the school principal.

An official register for the administration of medication to students is maintained at school.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

We welcome the involvement of parents in our school. If you are interested in working with your child’s

class through Parent Help or in any other form, please contact your child’s teacher. The school and the

School Association are regularly looking for assistance for working bees, completing projects or for

special events. Volunteers (not including those assisting in their child’s class) will need a Good Character

Check prior to commencement.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT PROGRAM

What is School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?

Our school has a school-wide approach to supporting the

development of positive behaviour in our students. This

approach is used in many schools around Tasmania, Australia

and in many other countries. PBS is much more than a reactive

‘anti-bullying policy’. PBS aims to develop respectful young

people and a positive learning environment for all students.

Some important features of this approach:

Teaching students positive behaviours – Just like all other areas of learning, students begin school

with different social behaviours. In most cases children do not behave inappropriately to ‘be

naughty’. Teaching children how to behave in an appropriate way is crucial to creating a positive

learning environment.

Being Safe, Being Fair and Showing that you Care – are important focus areas at our school. We help students to be respectful and work to build a sense of belonging. Feeling connected

to other people, the school and the community helps us to promote wellbeing and develop young

people who will contribute to the community.

Systems of support – Our PBS approach has school-wide systems for all students as well as

different systems to support children with at-risk or high-risk behaviour. Sometimes children

need different assistance to help them on their journey to develop positive behaviours.

Use of information about student behaviour in our school helps us make good decisions. This helps us to see areas where we can make improvements and take positive action to prevent

problems before they occur.

Reinforcing positive behaviour may be done in the classroom/playground or through systems

such as Good Choice tickets, Merit Certificates or special awards. Free Play is held every 5 weeks

to rewards those students who consistently make positive choices.

Consistency helps students to know what is expected of them. It is important to remember that some students have different systems to support their social development. These students have

consistency, even if it may be different to the whole school systems that apply to almost all other

students.

Building our skills – Staff in our school regularly discuss ways that we can improve the way we

support student social development. This may happen through what we teach in the classroom,

special activities, how we move and interact in the playground or by improving our school systems

for responding to inappropriate behaviour.

How do we promote positive behaviour?

Each classroom works from early in the year to establish a positive and orderly learning environment.

Some of the ways teachers promote positive behaviours include:

Developing class behaviour expectations

Helping students build relationships and get to know each other

Teaching social skills and values

Rewarding positive behaviour (e.g. reward charts)

Verbal and written reinforcement of positive behaviour

Community Circles allow students to talk about problems and solve them together

School systems

School systems for rewarding positive behaviour include:

Good Choice Tickets –Teachers and Student Leaders spot children making positive behaviour

choices in the playground and give them a Good Choice Ticket (immediate feedback). At each

assembly, 8 names are drawn from the Good Choice Box. These students are able to choose

from the reward box. These could be small prizes, a class activity or helping out in another

classroom.

Merit Certificates – At each Assembly 2-4 Merit Certificates are awarded for each class.

Recipients are published in the newsletter.

Aussie of the Month – At the end of each month 2 students receive recognition for outstanding

citizenship.

End of Year Awards – A variety of awards are presented at the end of the year for a variety of

reasons including application to learning, citizenship and academic achievement.

‘Catching’ students doing the right things helps to provide reinforcement of positive behaviour.

Who are the key staff responsible for student safety and wellbeing?

All staff in our school play an important role in keeping children safe and promoting wellbeing. Our staff

work together if they believe there is an issue that needs addressing. All staff work to help teach students

positive social behaviours – both in the classroom and in the playground.

If you have a question or concern about safety or wellbeing:

Contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance to discuss the issue If you require additional assistance or if the class teacher recommends it, you could contact Senior Staff.

The School’s Senior Staff play an important role in promoting safety and wellbeing - this role is currently being undertaken by Janine Spicer, Ginnie Cameron and Brendan Gilmartin.

Contact Adam Eastley, the school Principal

Social Worker Sally Smith is our school Social Worker. She supports a number of our children with their wellbeing.

Students can only see Sally by referral. To discuss a referral, please talk to your child’s class teacher,

Senior Staff or Mr Eastley.

What might happen if my child is not meeting behaviour expectations? The response will depend on the type of behaviour, frequency and effect on others.

Level 1 behaviours (some possible responses) – low level behaviours

Teaching appropriate behaviour

Reminders of rules

Re-direction

Moving to a different learning space in the classroom

Making up wasted time at recess or lunch

Sitting out of playtime (if it occurs during recess or lunch)

Level 2 behaviours (some possible responses) – more disruptive behaviours or repeated Level 1

behaviours

Relocation to another classroom (Orange Card)

Time Out – missing part of the lunch break in a supervised location

Parents may be contacted

Level 3 behaviours (possible responses) – more serious behaviours or repeated Level 2 behaviours

Time Out – Red Card sent home to inform parents

Time Out with Senior Staff

Relocation from class for an extended period (miss out on recess/lunch)

Loss of opportunities to represent the school, go on excursion (due to risk) or other activity

Level 4 behaviours (possible responses) – extreme behaviours or repeated Level 3 behaviours

Relocation from class for an extended period with Senior Staff

Suspension from school (1-10 days)

Loss of opportunities to represent the school, go on excursion (due to risk) or other activity

Teachers and/or Senior Staff will make contact with parents if there are on-going or serious concerns about student behaviour. Helping students develop positive, respectful behaviour requires school and

parents/carers to work together.

REPORTING

In 2016 we will be reporting against the Australian Curriculum in English, Mathematics, Humanities and

Social Sciences, Health & Physical Education and Science. We will continue to report against the Tasmanian Curriculum in all other learning areas. Each year your child will receive 3 written reports.

Progress Statement Before Easter This report details how your child has settled into school

Mid Year Report July Major written report

End of Year Report December Summary Report

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in July. This is an important part of the reporting process and all

families are expected to participate. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment at any time during

the year to discuss their child’s learning.

1. Progress Statement

A short report will be provided to inform parents about how their child is settling into school and

to advise them of any early areas of concern. This will include a brief comment.

2. Full Written Report

A full written report providing clear, detailed information about their child’s progress and any matters

needing attention. Curriculum areas to be reported on are English, Mathematics, Health and

Wellbeing, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences and The Arts.

This full written report will be shared with parents/carers at Parent/Teacher conferences scheduled

for August. Where parents are unable to attend these meetings the reports will be mailed home at the end of that week.

3. Summary Report

A report providing parents with brief information about their child’s end-of-year results will be sent

home in December.

For Kindergarten children and their families:

1. Sharing Results from the Kindergarten Development Check

Children in Kindergarten are assessed against a comprehensive developmental checklist during Term

1 and reassessed where necessary in Term 4. Children’s results from the check will be shared at

Parent/Teacher conferences scheduled for June. Where parents are unable to attend these meetings

the reports will be mailed home at the end of that week.

In early Term 4 Kindergarten teachers will share results from the follow up second Kinder Check

where this is needed (i.e. there are significant change or on-going concerns).

2. Celebration of Learning:

A report providing parents with brief information about their child’s end-of-year results will be sent

home in December. Curriculum areas to be reported upon are from the Early Years Learning

Framework. For Kindergarten children, this report will be in a letter format and will be accompanied

by a Celebration of Learning that shows some of the fantastic learning achieved by them during the

year.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Our school has an effective Student Leadership Group of Grade 6 students who have been elected by

their peers. The members of this group have a range of school based responsibilities and represent our

school at community events. Our 2016 Student Leaders will be elected early in Term 1.

SUPPORT STAFF

We have access to a Social Worker, School Psychologist and Speech Pathologist. Details about these

staff will be made available at the start of next year. Please contact Mr. Eastley to discuss a referral.

SWIMMING & WATER SAFETY

This program is run state-wide for all students in Grades 3, 4 & 5. It is anticipated that our program will

be held at the George Town Pool at the beginning of Term 1 for 10 consecutive school days.

Early Childhood students will participate in a Water Orientation program in Term 4.

TRANSITION

South George Town Primary School strives to make transition as seamless and smooth as possible, both

within our school and beyond. Early Childhood and Primary teachers take seriously their responsibility

to understand the needs of everyone in their classes. They create time to share information as children

move through their schooling years. We have developed transition programs with Port Dalrymple

School for Upper Primary students moving into Middle School. Upper Primary students are involved in

programs and activities throughout the year. Teachers from both schools meet and share understandings

to support the transition process.

UNIFORM

School uniform is strongly encouraged and is available through the school office.

Students need to have a wide-brimmed hat to wear outside before Easter in Term 1 and

Term 4.

USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

Our school is fortunate to have wonderful playground facilities and we are pleased to offer them for use

to the George Town community. It is expected that people using them will do so in a safe and respectful

manner. Failing to do this may result in permission to be on school grounds withdrawn. People on school

grounds outside of school areas are only permitted in the playground area and are not allowed near

school buildings.

Community groups and organisations are able to use our newly renovated facilities for a variety of

purposes. Please contact the office for more information.

VACCINATIONS

It is a Department of Education requirement that parents inform us of their child’s vaccination history

upon enrolment.

Short Sleeve Polo Sizes 4– 16 $25.00

Windcheater All sizes $25.00

Cullottes Sizes 8, 10, 12 $27.00

Skorts (K - Gr 2) Sizes 4, 6, 8 $25.00

Unisex Shorts Sizes 4, 6, 8

Sizes 10, 12, 14

$20.00

$22.00

Bucket Hats - adjustable $10.00

Library Bag $10.00

Vests (Polar Fleece) Sizes 4, 6, 8

Sizes 10, 12, 14

Adult sizes

$30.00

$30.00

$49.00

School Bag $38.00

Track pants Sizes 4 – 14 $33.00

Dresses $60.00

Jackets $40.00

Rugby Jumpers $40.00

Bike and Scooter Guidelines

Riding or scooting to school is a great way for children to get exercise to

promote good health. We encourage students to scoot or ride where it is

safe to do so (depending on where you live). While in almost all cases

students use bikes and scooters responsibly when on school grounds, at

times they are ridden during busy times, at high speed or around corners.

This has the potential to cause injury, particularly to our youngest students

and their young brothers or sisters who may be at school at the start or end

of the day. The following guidelines are intended to keep our children safe

and to remove any ‘grey areas’ for students and their parents about what is

expected.

Before School

Once entering the school gate (near the crossing) students should walk bikes and scooters to

the designated bike racks

For their own safety, students are not to enter the school on bikes or scooters through the

entrance near the bus stop

During school hours

Bikes and scooters are not to be used during school hours

The only exception may be for Daily PE activities when the bikes are being used or during special events such as Walk Safely to School Day when special activities may be organised

After School

Students should walk bikes and scooters from the designated bike racks to

the far side of the school crossing before beginning to ride

Students should not ride bikes or scooters on the road

After Hours

We have a wonderful playground that we encourage our families to use outside of regular school hours.

Our grounds are a great space for parents to bring their families to ride on our wide open areas or to

use scooters on our flat, sealed spaces.

Scooters and bikes should not be ridden on school days until after 3.20 pm. This gives our

students and families the opportunity to leave the school and the playground will be less crowded.

Scooters and bikes should not be ridden near school buildings as it is still being used as a workplace after 3.00 pm. Our staff and other community members may be walking around

corners and through exits at these times.

As always, anyone on school grounds outside hours must be respectful. Disrespectful behaviour

towards people or our facilities will result in permission to be on school grounds removed.

We strongly encourage the use of helmets at all times when using bikes or scooters.