General InformationGeneral Information| Start School : | 9:00 am |
| Moning Recess : | 11:00 am - 11:30 am |
| Lunch : | 1:30 pm - 1:45 pm (eat lunch in rooms) 1:45 pm - 2:15 pm - outside play |
| Dismissal : | 3:15 pm |
| There is a brief morning assembly each Tuesday to Friday at 9:00 am. Each Monday a longer assembly is held from 9:00 am with weekly awards, sports reports and notices being announced. |
| The Department of Education does not fund the cost of materials and stationery provided to children at school. The school will bulk purchase all the requirements for the year and parents are required to pay for these supplies. The parent contribution also includes the cost of the Life Education Van visit, incursions, computer software and additional texts and reading material. Year 6 Graduation costs are included in the school fee, which is very reasonable when compared to Kindergartens, Church and private schools. Your cooperation in paying the fees early will greatly assist the school to provide the best materials for your child. Fees for 2009 are: $110.00 per child. |
| Many things will seem new or strange to your child when they first start school. You can make things easier for your child, and yourself, by working on some of these basic skills before their arrival at school. * Correct use of handkerchiefs or tissues * Putting rubbish into a bin * Cleaning up and packing away everyday items when we've finished working or playing (i.e. pencils, paints, paper...) * Using a toilet properly, including washing hands afterwards * How to tie and untie shoelaces (if possible - though it does take time!!) * Recognising their own name in lower case letters (i.e. Mary - not - "MARY") * Using a school crossing correctly * Making sure your child is shown which way to come to school and to go home * Making sure your child can clearly say his/her name, address and telephone number * Making sure your child NEVER ACCEPTS RIDES FROM STRANGERS * Making sure your child ALWAYS GOES STRAIGHT HOME FROM SCHOOL (Doesn't go to a friend's house without permission) |
| You'll be met in the assembly area and then go to the Hall for a brief talk. You will then be shown to your child's room. Allow your child to settle quickly into his/her new school. It's sometimes very hard to break away that first morning. Yet surprisingly, children will quickly settle into a new routine once you have said goodbye. There may be some initial tears but a quick exit does give your child a chance to establish those important friendships with others in the grade and to get to know the teacher as quickly as possible. |
| It is very common for children to be tired and even a little emotional during those first weeks. Gradually you should see them becoming more confident and willing to come to school. At Deer Park West we have a Buddy Program which pairs prep children with a grade 5/6 student to help them settle in. Throughout the year the buddies will do many exciting things together. You can help by keeping to a good home routine with plenty of opportunities for rest and sleep, to help them cope with a longer school day, and with lots of encouragement and interest about their school activities, to show them you're just as excited about their new school as they are. If you find there is a problem during these first weeks then contact the school so we can help your child settle in as easily as possible. |
| Please establish a set routine with your child about how they'll be going home. They need to know who will be picking them up each afternoon and from the classroom door. There is nothing more inconsolable than a crying Prep child who thinks they've been "left behind". Most parents like to wait on the asphalt area outside the Prep rooms. Please remember to wait outside the classrooms until your child exits the room. If you then need to see the teacher about any matter then enter the room and the teacher will be happy to talk to you. All teachers have after school commitments - meetings, further training sessions (Professional Development) and curriculum work to attend to at various times. If a teacher can't speak to you straight away then they'll be happy to make an appointment to see you another day. |
| The Art Room is used by all children in the school. Protective clothing should be provided for children. ie. an old shirt, apron, smock. As a wide range of material is always needed, any scrap items could be sent along. Collectable items such as bottle tops, foam, cork, foil, wool, containers, etc. are very useful. |
| The school operates a Book Club through Scholastic Australia. A list of available books is sent home at various times through the year and parents may order these books through the school. This is an excellent way to purchase suitable books for your child to read (and for you to read to your child). |
| Children are provided with all material necessary for classroom work. Parents are not required to purchase items, except when material is lost or when no replacements are available. |
| The car park is for authorised people only. Parents are requested NOT to use it to drop off children or pick them up before and after school. The car park is out of bounds to all children as the children's safety is most important. Parents are also requested not to park in restricted areas outside the school grounds. |
| This is the responsibility of the School Council with substantial parent and community involvement. This group works very diligently throughout the year to help raise much needed money to assist with the purchase of materials for your child. From time to time you may be asked to support this group in some way such as raffles, purchase of chocolates, etc. Please assist as much as possible. |
| We need your co-operation in encouraging your child to read regularly and take care of the books. Borrowing takes place during Library sessions and at other pre-arranged times. Parents are also encouraged to read these books to their children. |
| If your child has lost any belongings, please feel free to inspect the lost property in room 9. All clothing should be clearly labelled with the child's name. Lost property which is not claimed is sent to an organisation or charity two or three times a year. |
| Whenever it is necessary to send money to school, eg. school photos, excursions, etc., please enclose correct amount in a sealed envelope with the child's name and room number, and the amount printed clearly on the outside. |
| Parents are encouraged to become involved in school activities. Parents can be involved by ... * being active supporters of School Council; * taking part in Working Bees and fundraising activities; * attending parent / teacher meetings; * participating in Curriculum Days; * assisting in the classroom; * assisting on excursions/camps ` |
| All children are involved in these programs. They attempt to give the children strategies to ensure their safety if they are put at risk. The Values Program aims to develop positive qualities to ensure a happy, safe and respectful School Community. ` |
| Physical Education is part of our school curriculum and all children are expected to take part. We do require suitable attire be worn during these sessions. (Especially hats during the warmer weather) ` |
| Schools have an entitlement of Pupil Free Days per year. The first three days of the year will be pupil free days. All children will commence school on February 2nd 2009.These days are used for Professional Learning for Staff, Curriculum Development or Report Writing. June 12 2009 will be a pupil free day for all schools. |
| The Priorities are Literacy P-6 & Numeracy P-6. ` |
| On wet days or days of extreme heat or wind children will remain in school during recess and lunch times. They will have supervised "free time" in the classroom and will be dismissed at the usual time. ` |