St Patrick's School

Katanning

 

Amherst St
Katanning WA 6317
T: (08) 9820 8100
admin@stpatskatanning.wa.edu.au

 

 

 

St Patrick's School
Katanning

 

 

General Information

Absences or Withdrawal from School

Parents are asked to inform the school in writing if their child is to be absent from school for any length of time. A reasonable explanation is required when the child is late for school in the morning.

Once a child has arrived at school he/she shall not leave the school without the permission of a teacher and the Principal or the Assistant Principals. In an emergency, permission should be requested by telephone. Families need to be responsible for keeping relevant staff well informed about circumstances that influence the children’s schooling and general care between 8.30am and 3.30 pm.

Custody/access rights information should be re-stated at the beginning of each year or whenever such circumstances arise. (Sensitive information is always treated in the strictest of confidence). It would be helpful if changes to normal drop off and pick up arrangements could be conveyed to staff. Parents are requested to sign students out at the office if they are collecting a child for an appointment. When students are returned to school, it is necessary to sign them in again.

Assemblies

Assemblies are held every third Friday at 2:30pm. On occasions, classes’ present assembly items and special assemblies may be organised as necessary. Class item Assemblies are rostered throughout the year and are published in the Term Planner and the Weekly School newsletter, “Concern”.

Attendance at School

Daily attendance is recorded via SEQTA Register of Attendance. Parents are asked to ensure children arrive at school punctually. Late arrival at school disrupts lessons, therefore parents are asked to ensure children are at school ready to start their day prior to the first bell at 8.50 a.m.

Awards

The following three awards, Achievement, Encouragement and the Sister of Our Lady of the Mission Religious award are offered to all children in each of the year levels. These awards see a Book Prize presented at the End of Year Concert and Prize Night.  There are additional awards for the graduation class.  The Parish Scholarship is available to a school student from any year level and is awarded for use towards fees in the following year.

Bell Times

Children are encouraged to arrive at school at 8.30 a.m. Classrooms open from this time and this is a signal to children to prepare for the day’s work.

The first bell rings at 8.50 am and classes commence at this time.
10.50am Morning Recess
11.20am Classes Resume
1.00pm Lunch
1.30pm Classes Resume
3.15pm Bus Bell
3.16pm School Ends
Please note, Early Close on each and every Monday-
2.25pm Bus Bell
2.30pm School Ends

Children are not to be at school before 8.30am and are to leave by 3.30pm. Outside these hours, school staff are engaged in various duties and do not provide supervision of students. Teachers’ duty of care extends to students between 8.30am and 3.30pm.

Bike Routines

Bicycles may be ridden to and from school by children. The police recommend that children below 8 years of age do not ride to school unless accompanied by an adult. It is compulsory for cyclists to wear properly fitted safety helmets. No student is permitted to use another student’s bike. Lectures on bike, pedestrian and general road safety will be given by the appropriate authorities from time to time and included in the SDERA health program.

Bus Routines

Bus Routines, Behaviour / rules

  • Children are to remain seated at all time.
  • An acceptable noise level is to be maintained.
  • Children are to be respectful and courteous towards the driver, supervising adult and other passengers.
  • Children are to conduct themselves in a responsible manner which reflects the expected behaviour of the school.

Class Masses/Prayer Services

During each term, each class will plan for a Mass or Liturgy at a date that is suitable.

The Mass/Liturgy will either follow the feast day that it falls on or be related to the unit of work that the class is currently covering. Participation in Masses is seen as an opportunity to develop the children’s understanding of the Eucharist and a response to the Religious Education Unit that has been studied.

The whole school will gather to celebrate the Eucharist together at least once a term. Year 3-6 children will celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation at least once per year depending on the availability of the parish priest. Parents are encouraged to attend any Masses or Liturgies held in the school and all will be advertised via the school newsletter, Concern, and the Term Planner. Each classroom has a prayer/focus centre. Prayers in the afternoon and morning are part of all class daily routines.

Communication

We place high value on effective communication between home and school. There are a variety of ways we do this as can be seen below:

School to Parents

    • Weekly Newsletter (Wednesdays)
    • Term Planner (issued at the commencement of each term)
    • Occasional news bulletins.
    • Facebook/Class Dojo

Teacher to Parent

    • Permission notes for excursions and camps
    • Class Summaries informing parents about class activities and Learning Area content.
    • Homework diary where relevant.
    • Teacher parent/meetings held at the beginning of Term One.
    • Class Dojo

Parents wishing to discuss children’s problems or progress should make an appointment with the teacher first. This can be arranged by sending a note to the class teacher requesting a time to be organised that is convenient to both parties, or by calling the School Office.

Parents are welcome to contact the Principal to discuss any school matters. However, classroom related issues are best discussed with teachers first, because invariably, solutions to difficulties are found there.

Emergency Evacuation

An emergency evacuation policy exists which details procedures and responsibilities should the need arise for students, staff, parents and visitors to be evacuated from the school buildings and/or the school site. Emergency drills are practiced at least twice per year. All visitors, including parent volunteers, are required to sign the Visitors’ Book at the School Office and also again when leaving the School.

Excursions and Camps

Parents are notified, in writing, regarding each excursion and written permission to participate is requested. Excursions and camps are aimed at enriching the work in the classroom, increasing general knowledge, developing an appreciation of our country, socially enjoying each other’s company and encouraging class spirit.

Generally, the children will have an opportunity to participate in a school camp in Year Five & Six. The needs of the class and the experience of the teacher will be taken into consideration when plans are formulated. Each camp will provide its own distinct ethos, thereby ensuring variety and a broad range of experiences. Children will be supervised at all times. The ratio of teachers to students will be determined by the type of activities being conducted on camp. All parents are required to complete the necessary excursion/camp forms before their child is permitted to participate. Parents will be notified, either by letter or meeting, as to camp plans and procedures, and are encouraged to contact teachers concerning any problems. Parental involvement on excursions is welcomed. Parents require a “Working with Children Check Card” to participate in any overnight Camp experiences.

First Aid Procedures

There are allocated staff members who are trained to a level of proficiency in First Aid. The school will support and fund further training when necessary. However, those who are trained are there to advise and not necessarily to attend to all injuries.

Food

St Patrick’s School’s children are not to share food items at any times, due to food intolerances and allergies. Parents are asked to reinforce this message at home. At recess all students are responsible for the cleanliness of the school and foodstuff, papers, etc., must be placed in the bins, and recycling / composting buckets as appropriate that are provided.

Lunch is consumed between 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Covered Area/Grotto Area. Teachers will supervise the cleanliness of the immediate area. Students will not be dismissed until their eating area is clean. All children must have a water bottle and piece of fruit for the Crunch and Sip break that is scheduled each morning at 10:00am.

Chewing gum/bubble gum and cool drink is not permitted at school at any time.

Health

In cases of infectious disease, a doctor’s advice regarding absence from school is to be followed. A doctor’s certificate may be requested for serious illness necessitating long absences from school. If a child becomes sick or has a serious accident at school, parents will be notified by telephone. If parents are unable to be contacted, then staff on the authority of the Principal will take the necessary action as specified on the child’s record card.

If your child requires medication during the school day please inform the class teacher, and collect and complete a Medication Request Form from the school office. Medication should always be left with teachers for safe-keeping. A staff member will then administer the medicine. However, the administration of Ventolin via nebulisers, etc., drugs via syringes and other complicated procedures must remain the responsibility of parents.

Serious medical conditions should be brought to the attention of the school and an Action Plan created to cover all eventualities. Parents are asked to check their child’s hair for head lice or eggs on a weekly basis. Treatment is available from the chemist and should commence as soon as the infestation is discovered. The school should also be informed and children kept at home until 24 hours after treatment.

Exclusion

We require the following Exclusion notice to be observed in cases of infectious diseases. Please keep this – it could save a telephone call later:

  • Chicken Pox, Mumps: Exclude until completely recovered, or until at least 5 days after the eruption appears. Children should return when scabs are dry.
  • Measles/Rubella (German Measles): Until a Medical Certificate is produced or 7 days from onset of rash. (4 days Rubella).
  • Whooping Cough: Medical Certificate or 2 weeks from onset, or for 5 days after starting antibiotics. In any case not before ‘whoop’ has ceased.
  • Impetigo (School Sores): Exclusion for 24 hours after treatment commenced and sores covered.
  • Ringworm: Until Medical Certificate is produced stating that treatment has been carried out or 24 hours after treatment has commenced.
  • Scabies: Until Medical Certificate is produced stating that treatment has been carried out or 24 hours after treatment has commenced.
  • Conjunctivitis: Until discharge from eyes has ceased or 3 days after beginning antibiotic treatment.
  • Influenza: Exclude until completely recovered.
  • Head Lice: Exclude until 24 hours after treatment has commenced.

If in doubt please check with your family doctor.

Medication Request Form

Medication request forms can be obtained from the school office and need to be completed and signed before any medication can be administered during the day. When leaving medication at school please make sure that it is clearly marked with your child’s name and class. All medication along with the request form should be handed either to the class teacher or left at the front office. For safety reasons, no medication should be kept in your child’s bag or desk.

The school recognises the increasing pressures of family life and the demands on parents’ time. For this reason, homework schedules (see above) are to be closely observed and the homework policy reviewed in relation to rapidly changing lifestyles. Parents are asked to inform teachers of reasons for homework not being completed. If a reasonable attempt has been made but the work is not finished, parents are asked to inform teachers that genuine commitment has been shown to the completion of set tasks.

Insurance

All students are covered by a comprehensive world-wide 365-day, 24 hour disability / accident insurance policy from Catholic Church Insurances. Due to the large number of students, we are able to offer this policy at a greatly reduced rate which is charged on the Schedule of Fees A “Personal Accident for Voluntary Workers” insurance covers parents and friends who come to the school by invitation to assist in school-initiated projects. Such persons might be those who assist with: working bees, school fetes, excursions, etc.

The school also holds a Public Liability policy, along with Buildings and Contents policies.

Lost Property

Inevitably, children leave or misplace items of clothing. Parents are urged to ensure all items are clearly labelled with child’s surname and class, as this will allow items to be returned as soon as they are found.

Money

School Fees
At the beginning of Term One, an Annual / Term statement is issued. Thereafter, statements are issued per term. Fees are payable by the date specified on the invoice issued to families and can be paid by cheque, cash, direct debit, B-Pay or Eftpos. The School does not take American Express or Diners Card.

The fees structure comprises the following:
Tuition fees (each child)
Building Levy (per family)
Amenities fee (each child)
P & F Levy (per family)
Insurance Levy (per child)
Excursions (as organised by class teacher, invoiced by and payable at the School Office)

The School Board determines the school fees on an annual basis. Parents can expect an increase each year in line with the CPI (Consumer Price Index). The School Board operates within the guidelines set by the Catholic Education Office.

Other monies
Parents should be reminded to detail clearly contents of money envelopes, and children should be encouraged to hand in money on arrival at school. Please endeavour to send in correct money when paying cash.

Parent Help

Parents are welcome in the school and are encouraged to help out in classes. Many teachers are very keen to enlist the support of parents to help with small group work, photocopying, sport, etc. There are a number of other ways in which parents can help out, including attending working bees, helping in the school canteen, library support etc. 

The P & F Association holds a number of functions during the year and invariably there are a lot of jobs to be done to see these through to a successful conclusion. Your help and contributions would always be greatly appreciated.

Parents and Friends’ Association

The P & F Association is an integral part of the school’s operation. Participation in the activities of the P & F Association is an opportunity for parents to show their commitment to their own school as well as to the whole system of Catholic Education in W.A.

The P & F Association, as well as assisting in the provision of material needs for the school, can be a valuable means of co-ordinating the spiritual and educational forces of the home and school. The P & F Association is affiliated with the P & F Federation of WA which represents local associations at a state and national level, and approaches governments and educational authorities on their behalf. Meetings are held twice per term and all families are encouraged to attend. The P & F and School Board hold their Annual General Meetings at an annual School Community Meeting in November.

Parking

Please exercise patience, skill and tolerance when using the car park. Arrows have been painted in the carpark. Please follow these to help keep a smooth flow to the traffic. Do not park in the yellow Kiss and Drive Zone on Annie St, as this is a drop off zone only. Do not park in the circular drive-through of the church and do not park in the bus bays on Avon and Beaufort Streets. Your co-operation with this is greatly appreciated.

Personal Belongings

If toys, games, etc., are brought to school they may be shown for news but not used at any other time. Children are discouraged from bringing these to school. The school does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of any personal possessions of students. Students’ mobile phones must be handed into the office each morning before school and collected at 3.15pm.

Photographs

Each year parents are given the opportunity to acquire class, family and individual photographs. Parents will be notified of the date when it becomes available.

Physical Education and Sport

Physical Education is a compulsory part of our school curriculum and all children are expected to participate in the activities unless prevented from doing so for medical reasons, and then a note is required. The children are expected to wear school sports uniform during physical education and sport periods.

Kindy – Year 6: These classes have one Physical Education lesson per week. The programme consists of a whole range of large and small motor skills – running, walking, skipping, leaping, hopping, jumping, etc. A wide range of ball-handling skills are taught. Use of beanbags, balls, hoops, ropes, etc., are introduced as well as team games.

Children in Years 1 – 6 are taught the skills of games such as hockey, soccer, netball, basketball, softball, football, cricket, and athletics. Faction Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming Carnivals are organised each year. Interschool Carnivals follow these Faction events, for selected competitors. Interm Swimming lessons are usually conducted in Term One or late in Term Four. Other events/clinics may be arranged from time to time.

Sacramental Preparation

Catholic children in Year Three are eligible for reception of Penance (First Reconciliation). Following this, Catholic children are eligible to receive the Eucharist (First Communion) in Year Four. Catholic children in Year Six are eligible to receive Confirmation. Parents are an integral part of this preparation and are encouraged to assist the class teacher in any way they can. Parent information sessions are held in collaboration with the Parish, as part of the preparation for each sacrament and parents are required to attend.

Safe School Policy

Creating a safe and supportive school environment where the rights of all members of the St Patrick’s School community are respected, underpins the philosophy of the Safe School. The development of appropriate and acceptable behaviour is the responsibility of students, staff and parents.

The full Student Management, Anti Bullying and Behaviour Management policies are available to parents on request from the school.

School Factions

The school faction system is organised to promote team spirit, pride and loyalty through the various sporting and fundraising activities undertaken. The names of the factions are: Prendiville (Red), McLeod(Green) Gibney (Gold).

School Psychologist

The services of a psychologist can be accessed through the Non- Government Schools’ Psychology Service (NGSPS) to assist students, parents and staff to optimise student learning and development. Psychologists can provide individual assistance for a student across a diverse range of issues including learning, behaviour, social and/or emotional difficulties, as well as work with small groups or a whole class to address issues that may arise. The psychologist also contributes to the development and implementation of relevant policies and programmes in the school.

Teachers who are concerned about a student can refer them to the psychologist who would then organise a meeting with parents. The psychologist must obtain written parental consent before providing any assistance for a student. Parents who are concerned about their child are encouraged to speak with the relevant teacher about their concerns which may then result in a referral to the psychologist. In some cases, consultation with the psychologist may result in the recommendation of support through a suitable external agency – details on the range of available support in the local area can be provided by the psychologist.

School Spirit

Parents are asked to support the school by encouraging children to develop a sense of responsibility towards their school and each other, and to show respect and friendship by their manner and dress. Children are expected to greet visitors to the school politely and cheerfully welcome them to the school.

Secondary Schools

Secondary Schools in our district are: St Joseph’s College in Albany and Katanning Senior High School.

Student Records

Records are compiled for each child in the school. Records comprise:

  • Copies of reports.
  • Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, etc.
  • Specific test results.
  • Standardised tests.
  • Any other necessary correspondence from parents, etc.

These records are strictly confidential.

Supervision

Children are fully supervised between 8.30am and 3.30pm. Parents should ensure they do not leave children on the school grounds outside these hours. Teachers who are busy in their rooms before / after school cannot be expected to take responsibility for unattended children outside of these hours. 

All children must be dropped off/picked up via the car park or the Annie St entrance. Students remain seated until collected by a parent, they are not to walk through the car-park unattended. Children must not play in the car park. Students are supervised while eating their lunches and while they are at play during morning and lunch recesses and a teacher supervises in the areas of the oval and bus stops. Children using the school buses must obey the bus rules (see point 12.0) and wait quietly at the bus stops. A Bus Duty teacher assists children when catching buses in the afternoon. Children unaccompanied by parents must travel directly between home and school. 

Uniform

Wearing of the school uniform is compulsory at school and when travelling to and from school. Shirts are to be tucked in and shoes kept cleaned and in good order. Hair must be neat and styled in a manner in keeping with primary school standards.

 

 

To provide a safe learning environment, illuminated by faith, in which all students thrive.