Principal’s Message

Welcome to the Wangaratta Primary School community. We recognize you, as parents and carers, as the first teachers of your child. Your child is special to us and we value your input and partnership in developing life long learners.

Wangaratta Primary is a small city school which embraces community and families.

We value parent involvement and encourage your participation both in the classroom and the life of the school.

By reading this booklet you will learn a little more about Wangaratta Primary School and the learning advantages it offers.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, to arrange a meeting, or to organize a tour.

Steve MurphyPrincipal

Contact InformationWangaratta Primary School No. 643Address: Chisholm Street, Wangaratta 3677.Postal Address: P.O. Box 892, Wangaratta, 3676Telephone: 5721 2658Fax: 5722 2712Email: wangaratta.ps@edumail.vic.gov.auWebsite: wangps.vic.edu.au

Our School - Wangaratta Primary School – Chisholm StreetWangaratta Primary School is located in Chisholm Street, directly behind the city’s commercial centre, near the junction of the Ovens and King Rivers. The school has a proud history spanning more than 160 years. The school has an oval area opposite the main campus and adjacent to this is an environmental site on the banks of the King River. There are two shaded areas of play, a basketball court, netball court and grassed play area.

The junior school comprises four modern open plan classrooms surrounding sheltered courtyard. The operable walls between these rooms allow team teaching opportunities when open and provide quiet space for single class and small group activities. Between each pair of classrooms is a small break-out room, one a sensory room and one a computer pod. The shaded court yard is ideal for small group work on Wangaratta’s sunny days, as well as a popular gathering space for families at drop-off and pick-up times.

Our senior building houses four classrooms that spill onto a large open learning space. This space acts as a break out learning space, and a whole school gathering area for assemblies, exhibitions and presentations. The building also includes a small kitchen and ‘wet’ activity area. The whole complex provides a flexible environment for our year 3-6 children.

Our beautiful heritage school building houses both the Art room and the Library/Resource Centre. It is also home to our fantastically equipped music room where our music classes, band rehearsals, choir and guitar groups are run. Visitors to the school are greeted with a welcoming glassed front entrance and open style administration area.

1

There are approximately 190 children attending the school with 8 classroom teachers, 3 specialist staff and 6 Education Support Officers.

The children have specialist staff for Music/Drama, Italian and PE. The classroom teachers provide for English, Mathematics, Science, Health/PE, Art, Technology and Humanities. We have additional assistance programs for children in Years Prep-6. Children are extended in their work through Individual Learning Plans and access to extension programs.

Technology is an integral part of our education program. Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 have access to a bank of IPads. There is one netbook for every two students for years 3-6. All classrooms have Interactive White Boards and the school has licences for an array of educational software and programs.

Our unique geography further enhances the learning opportunities we provide. Located within the Wangaratta CBD, it is a short walk to the city library, gallery, performing arts centre, parks, and local businesses. Sited close to the junction of the Ovens and King Rivers we also have access to beautiful natural environments.

Our Vision, Values and Work Habits

School Vision   

“Wangaratta Primary School is committed to developing creative thinkers with a curiosity to learn. We strive to personalise the learning for every child by developing their skills, passions and interests. This keeps the child at the centre of everything we do.”

School Values

Respect Tolerance and inclusion Personal Best Ready to Learn

Wangaratta Primary School Work Habit Keys

The following are the five Foundations for Achievement and Habits of the Mind which underpin academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.

Organisation – Time management and goal setting Persistence – Optimism, not easily frustrated, remains on task Confidence - Optimism, independence, risk taking and self-acceptance Getting along – Tolerance of limits, reflective problem solving, tolerance of others, not

easily frustrated. Resilience – Ability to calm down after being upset, control their behaviour, return to

activities.These expectations will enhance our children’s ability to:

Participate Cooperate Lead others Be self disciplined Apply themselves Use initiative

Our Learning ProgramWe provide an inclusive and comprehensive education for all students aiming to develop their talents and capacities to their full potential. We provide an academic program that

2

supports all learners, extending their strengths and helping to address any areas of concern. At the same time, we know the importance of Social and Emotional learning to every individual’s success in life. Our program endeavours to develop each students’ self-confidence, optimism, resilience and respect for others through our wellbeing and welfare programs.

Our curriculum centres on three strands as identified in the National Curriculum AusVELS:

Personal, Physical & Social Learning – Health, P.E., Getting Along SkillsDisciplinary Learning – Traditional subjects of Maths, English, Science and HumanitiesInterdisciplinary Learning – use of ICT, Thinking Skills, Creativity.

The curriculum is implemented through an integrated approach with a theme developing the main focus for each term. A curriculum plan sets the scene for programs across the school. Individualised programs for students with special needs are provided within the classroom setting and supported where needed with extra programming outside of the classroom.

Our English and Maths programs are producing excellent learning growth in literacy and numeracy. Our programs have been developed under the guidance of renown experts and use strategic, evidence based activities to ensure the best learning progress for each child. Careful assessment and data analysis allow us to target each student’s learning ‘points of need’. The result has been our school, along with the Wangaratta Learning Cluster we belong to, being recognised for our excellent work in literacy and numeracy, particularly as students move on to secondary school.

We are proud of our school’s achievements. As well as a sound scholastic curriculum firmly based on English and Mathematics, there is a range of activities designed to encourage learning and involvement.

The school has an active arts program with annual arts projects, often including a performing artist in residence and a school performance. Many of the visual creations from our projects may be seen around the school. Our Visual Art works appear out in the community through the year, including regular exhibitions at the Wangaratta Hospital, the Wangaratta Show, and part of the Jazz festival.

A specialist music/drama teacher drives the Performing Arts program. The school offers the opportunity for students in Years 3-6 to be involved in the School Band, choir, and guitar groups. Children can also attend private instrumental tuition in a range of areas including piano, guitar, violin, voice and percussion during the week.

Extra curricular activities are provided throughout the year including Bike Education, Swimming Programs, Sporting Schools Program, Multi-Skills at the Barr Reserve, Cultural Performances, Clubs, Camps and Excursions.

Leadership is strongly promoted in the senior years. Children take on responsibilities in the school such as – conducting assembly, fundraising, marketing & publicity, environmental activities, welcoming committee and the buddy program. These programs provide opportunities for children to develop leadership and communication skills

and to develop real ownership of our school.

Senior Students (Year 5s & 6s) have an opportunity to take on formal leadership roles. Our School Captains and Vice-Captains represent the school at a range of school and community events. The House Captains and House Vice-Captains lead our school houses – Chisholm (Red), Faithful (Yellow), Murphy (Blue) and Reid (Green) – and organise sporting events throughout the year.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School Hours3

9.00am Classes Commence

10.00am Fruit break

11.00am -11.30am Recess - supervised eating in classroom 5minutes prior to bell

1.30pm – 2.15pm Lunch– supervised eating in classroom 10 minutes prior to bell

3.15pm Dismissal

Our Staff – 2015Principal Steve Murphy

Teachers Judy Lowen, Luisa Gigliotti, Matt Lorback, Merrilyn Dews, Louise Anthony, Jaxon Leith, Emma Sipola, Jessie Hann, Lisa Gardner, Carolyn Hicks, Kylie Robertson and Andrea Matheson

Education Support Officers Katrina Seager , Yvonne Crockett, Kim Boyd, Allison Noble, Emma Campbell, Jenny Ambrosio

Chaplain Nick Taylor

Digital Learning Support Tim Wright

Gardener Rob Quick

Cleaner Chris Delany

A-Z InformationThe following information is our abridged version of information from our Information Booklet.

Bus TravelBuses are available to transport children to and from school. Information about bus services can be obtained from Faye McCullough Bus Coordinator on 5723 0519 at Wangaratta High School. Fallons is the town bus service and the bus service picks up and drops off at Wangaratta Primary School. For further information on pick up points and timetable please contact Fallons on 5722 9255

ChaplainNick Taylor is the School Chaplain and works at our school Tuesday and Wednesday. Nick provides support for students, staff and our school community.

ChildcareStepping Stones Children’s Services runs an Outside School Hours Care Program at our school. This program runs each school day from 3.15pm – 6.00pm. There are 30 placements available. For more information contact Stepping Stones on 1300 665 699.

Compass School Management SystemAt Wangaratta Primary School we use the Compass Management System to support a range of administrative tasks as well as track the academic and wellbeing progress of our students. Families has a unique login to the system that allows them to find out news relevant to their child, view the school calendar, notify the school of absences, communicate with teachers, book parent-teacher interviews, down load school reports and newsletters, and much more.

Computers4

Our policy is to have computers and printers available to children within the classroom environment. Each classroom has desktop computers with CD ROM facilities and these are connected to our computer network. Prep-Year 2 have access to a bank of iPads to share. Years 3 to 6 share a netbook computer 1 between 2 students. Netbooks are wireless networked for easy access to the server from anywhere in the school. All classrooms have an interactive whiteboard.

Cultural Activities and ExcursionsAll children participate in these activities and work in the classroom invariably precedes and follows up the experience: e.g. Language activities, story writing, reading, artwork, etc. Please contact the principal if at any time financial difficulties occur that will prevent your child from attending these activities.

ExcursionsThese represent an important part of our curriculum – consolidating, learning and providing vital experiences for our children. All children must wear full uniform to participate in excursions.

Fees and LeviesThere is a gap between the cost of providing all the material needed for your child’s education and the money supplied by the Department of Education. As a consequence, the school needs to charge for these costs. These are kept to a minimum and are sent out at the beginning of the year as soon as approved by the School Council. Each family is also asked to pay for extra curricular activities eg swimming, excursions, and cultural performances. The School Council set the fees and levies for each year.

No child will be disadvantaged due to financial difficulty. Alternative payment options can be discussed with the Principal.

Food at schoolBoth recess and lunchtime food is consumed in the classroom, before children go to play. This means our teachers can better supervise the consumption of snacks and lunch, it also greatly reduces food scraps and other litter in the playground.

School Council has recommended that no lollies/chocolates are consumed at school, as our focus is on eating healthy foods which contribute to energy levels to assist in maximising learning.

Home WorkHomework benefits students by complementing classroom learning and providing an opportunity for students to take some responsibility for their own learning. Classroom teachers will set homework appropriate to each child’s skill level and age.

Early Years (Prep – Year 2) Reading activities to, with and by parents Unfinished classroom activities as homework Daily reading of take home book Daily practice of placemat words (Reading and Spelling – spelling only Years 1/2)

Early Years (Year 3-4) Simple extension tasks associated with classroom activities Gathering of additional information or materials Independent reading on a daily basis Spelling – 10 words for the week Homework should not exceed 30 minutes on any single day.

Middle Years (Year 5-6) Tasks such as continuation of classroom work, projects, assignments, research and

unfinished classroom activities as homework tasks Independent reading on a daily basis Spelling and times tables etc on an individual basis Homework should not exceed 45 minutes on any one day.

5

Informal Contact with ParentsInformal contact is encouraged during your child’s school enrolment. Wangaratta Primary School staff and administration take pride in making new parents and children feel welcome and every effort is made to ensure that

newcomers quickly become part of the school community. Personal communication between parent and teacher leads to better understanding of the child.

Parents are contacted if a child appears unhappy, is experiencing specific difficulties in areas of learning, behaviour, social or emotional adjustment or if there is an indication of hearing, visual, speech or physical difficulty.

Kids MatterWangaratta Primary School is a Kids Matter school. Kids Matter is a framework supported by the Australian Principal’s Federation and the Australian Psychological Society. It has been shown to improve the wellbeing of all primary students as well as produce significant academic gains. Kids Matter works with the whole community – supporting the social emotional learning of children, as well as supporting families and teachers.

Music Tuition Private music tuition is available at our school for a range of instruments including piano, guitar, voice, percussion and violin. Further details can be obtained at school office.

Medical Please indicate on the enrolment form if your child suffers from Asthma, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Food or other allergies, eg an allergy to bee or wasp stings, specific food. If your child is under ongoing medical, hospital or specialist care and there is any risk of sudden illness, please notify the teacher or the office. Children who need special consideration of medical issues are photographed and the photo with an outline of the problem and treatment are placed for all staff to become familiar with in the staffroom.

If your child has an Anaphylaxis reaction please ensure that you have supplied the school an Action Plan which will be placed for all staff to become familiar with. Please ensure that an EpiPen is supplied.

If you child has Asthma please supply a copy of their Asthma Management Plan to the school office.

General Health - There are occasions when a child becomes ill at school. If bed rest in the sick bay for a period of time does not alleviate the problem, parents are contacted and advised to take the child home.

Injuries/First Aid - Staff members who hold current first aid certificates assess injuries. Level 2 trained first aid staff at the school assess serious injuries. Parents are immediately contacted regarding injuries to the head, eyes or suspected fractures.

MedicationIf your child requires ongoing medical assistance please see the Office Manager, Katrina Seager, or Office Assistant, Yvonne Crockett. All medications to be given at school are kept locked in the sickbay cabinet and given out according to

instructions on the formal notification by parents.

NewsletterYour child will bring home a newsletter that is given out each Thursday. One copy is given to the eldest in each family. Please encourage your child to take responsibility for notices sent between school and home. This is also available on the school website: www.wangps.vic.edu.au or through the Compass School Management System.

6

Parent Participation in the School ClassroomWe like to involve parents as much as possible in the activities of the children at our school and there are many ways you may help at school. Teachers and the children will appreciate your involvement in the school. We hope it will help you too, as your participation in school activities will give you a greater understanding of school activities, of the school organisation and programs as well as a more intimate relationship with teachers, other parents and your child’s classmates. Some of the ways you may be involved include:

Listening to children read Taking part in working bees Helping with supervision on excursions Special days – clubs, themes etc. Helping with special food days Computer education Catering register Classroom activities Parents and Friends Club School Council

Parent/Teacher MeetingsEarly in the year you will be invited to an information evening and getting to know you and your child meetings. Formal parent/teacher interviews will be conducted mid year and your child is expected to attend this interview. Written reports will be sent home in June and December. Parents wishing to see teachers at other times for personal interviews are asked to contact the classroom teacher.

Teachers have meetings on every Tuesday and Wednesday and are not available from 3.30pm-5.00pm. If you need to speak with a teacher please arrange to do so at another time.

Parent & Friends ClubParents and Friends committee meet on Tuesdays once a month at the school. We currently meet at 7pm in the staffroom. This is a great opportunity to participate in school life and meet new parents.You will be kept informed about everything that happens in the school and have the opportunity to comment or make recommendations on a broad range of issues. Parents and Friends also have a Facebook Page where information about school activities are posted. This is a closed group therefore joining you would need to request and be accepted. Parents and Friends welcome new parents. Your ideas and suggestions for fundraising activities would be valued. School Council

The major responsibilities of the School Council include:Representing the school and its community in reaching agreement with the Department of Education and Training (DE&T) on the School Charter.Determining the education policy, goals and priorities of the school within the framework of the School Charter and statewide guidelines.Approving the school budget, which includes generated funds, consistent with the School Charter.Entering into contracts for purposes consistent with the School Charter.Maintaining and improving buildings and grounds.Reporting annually to the school community and to the Department of Education and Training.Making a recommendation to the Department of Education and Training on the appointment of a school principal.Authorising the employment of non-teaching staff and any staff for short-term projects.Developing the school’s dress code.Developing the school’s student code of conduct.

School Council usually meets on the third Tuesday of each month during the term

7

School UniformWe are proud of our school uniform. It is distinctive, affordable and easily maintained. We encourage all children to wear our uniform. It is also compulsory to wear uniform when children leave the school on excursions or camps. A broad–brimmed hat must be worn during Terms 1 and 4.

Our polo shirts are currently only available from Black Venom Clothing Murdoch Road Wangaratta, phone 5722

4117. All other uniform requirements may be purchased from Worklocker 120 Murphy Street Wangaratta Phone 5722 4644 or Steers Clothing Company 13-15 Baker Street Phone 5721 7773. Second hand clothing is available from the school. We ask for a gold coin donation.

GIRLS:

SUMMER WINTERMaroon polo top with logo-short sleeved Maroon windcheater with logoNavy drill shorts/slacks Maroon jacket with logoNavy skirt Polar fleece vest with logoCulottes – navy Polar fleece jacket with logoSchool Dress Maroon polo with logoMaroon broad brim hat/bucket hat Navy tights

Navy culottes/skirt/tracksuit pantsMaroon windcheater with logoMaroon broad brim hat/bucket hat

BOYS:

SUMMER WINTERNavy drill shorts/trousers Maroon windcheater with logoMaroon polo top with logo Maroon jacket with logoMaroon broad brim hat/bucket hat Maroon polar fleece vest – with logo Maroon polar fleece jacket – with logo

Navy tracksuit pants/drill trousersMaroon board brim hat/bucket hat

8