West Coast LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Changing Futures

2020

School Information

Booklet

2

Contents

Page

Number Introduction 3

School Structure 4

Important School Information 5

Staff Roles Explained 6

Main Contacts 7

School Hours/Term Dates 8

General Information 9-12

Voluntary Contributions and Charges 13

School Programs 14

Parental Involvement and Communication 15-16

Infectious Diseases 17-18

Out of school hours care information 19

Kindy attendance calendar 20

Kindy start days 21

Pre Primary and Year 1 start days 22

Attendance Information 23

DLD information 24

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Introduction

The West Coast Language Development Centre (WCLDC) is a specialist Education Support facility that also includes the Statewide Speech and Language Outreach Service for the North Metropolitan (coastal schools) and the Mid-West Education Regions. The centre is located over five sites. The West Coast Language Development Centre is a centre of excellence that provides specialist early direct intervention (for students), outreach (for schools and networks) and research and development services in the area of speech, language and associated literacy. The synergism and cohesion among service delivery, teaching and research leads to changes in classroom practice as knowledge increases, ‘best practices’ are identified and service needs are recognised within the centre and across mainstream schools. The West Coast Language Development Centre works at the system, network, individual school, leadership, teacher and student level to provide high quality services in speech, language and associated learning that are based on current best practice evidence. The services build on from each other and include: 1. Direct services for students: intensive, early

intervention An early, intensive intervention service targets students with identified Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) in the metropolitan area. 2. Outreach This service responds to the distinctive needs of public primary schools with a focus on improving speaking, listening and literacy learning for students with language difficulties, difference and disorders. The emphasis is on sustainable capacity building of teacher, school and system to deliver high quality learning opportunities. 3. Research and development The service conducts and supports the research, development and trialling of evidence based practices for speech, language and associated literacy by establishing collaborative partnerships with schools and universities.

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School Structure

LDC sites are co-located on the grounds of primary schools. This enables children at the Language Centre to integrate with the primary school children during recess, lunchtime, assembly and other whole school activities.

The WCLDC is located over four campuses; a main campus (or hub) and three other sites. All the children and staff belong to the WCLDC, but are also part of the co-located primary schools.

The main admin campus is located at Padbury Primary School catering for Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Year One classes.

The most northern campus is located at Quinns Beach Primary School, with Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Year One classes.

Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Year One classes are located at Poseidon Primary School.

Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Year One classes are located at East Hamersley Primary School.

The Outreach Service, which is an indirect service for mainstream schools, is also located at East Hamersley Primary School.

The Centre’s principal and teachers are responsible for interpreting and implementing the Western Australian curriculum into effective programs for children with language impairments. The staff to student ratio supports teachers to provide a targeted and goal focussed program.

While the principal has overall leadership and management of the whole school, the deputy principals are responsible for specific sites and act as principals for their delegated site(s).

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Important Information

Parents

If you need to talk to your child’s teacher, please make an appointment. Teachers may be not

able to talk at the beginning of the school day.

Please call the Padbury office for all school contact – Ph: 9401 5433.

Student Absences Text Only: 0438 975 891 (No reply service)

Please do not phone the co-located primary schools.

Main Campus: Padbury Principal (Shelley Blakers)

Located at Padbury Primary School

MacDonald Avenue

Padbury 6025

Phone: 9401 5433

Managed by Sarah Arnatt

Poseidon Campus Quinns Beach Campus C/- Poseidon PS

97 Poseidon Road

Heathridge 6027

(phone Padbury office)

Managed by Catherine Regan

C/- Quinns Beach PS

James Cook Avenue

Quinns Rocks 6030

(phone Padbury office)

Managed by Catherine Regan

East Hamersley Campus WCLDC Outreach Service C/- East Hamersley Primary School

Doon Way

Hamersley WA 6022

(phone Padbury office)

Managed by Deborah Silverlock

C/- East Hamersley Primary School

Doon Way

Hamersley WA 6022

(phone Padbury office)

Managed by Deborah Silverlock

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Staff Principal

The Principal has overall responsibility for the children, staff and resources within the Centre. The

Principal provides leadership and management to ensure a continuing quality education for all students

enrolled at the Centre, a cohesive collaborative staff and inter-campus continuity. The Principal is

primarily located at the Padbury site.

Deputy Principals

The Deputy Principals are responsible for the day to day management of their allocated sites. This also

includes managing staff, monitoring student progress and communicating with parents.

Manager Corporate Services

The Centre’s Manager Corporate Services is responsible for all school financial matters as well as

human resource system processing.

School Officer

The School Officers are responsible for administration matters and general enquiries.

Library Officer

The Library Officer is responsible for purchasing and maintaining school resources and the operation of

school library systems.

Teachers

The Teacher is responsible for the care, safety and educational progress of students. They develop,

modify and teach educational programs, monitor student progress and report to parents.

Speech Pathologists

Speech Pathologists are responsible for monitoring the language programs by collaborating with

teachers on language objectives and learning programs. They are also responsible for increasing

people’s knowledge about language. This is done via parent and teacher workshops, and teacher

consultations.

Education Assistants (EAs)

Education Assistants are responsible to classroom teachers and the deputy principals. They are under

the direction and supervision of a teacher, and/or speech pathologist and do not have direct

responsibility for the management, teaching or control of students.

Support Officers, Speech and Language

SOSLs work in the Outreach Service and work with public mainstream primary schools. The focus is on

capacity building of teachers.

School Psychologist

The School Psychologist is responsible for psychological assessment, student counseling and

participation in planning for challenging behaviours and social difficulties.

Network Support Officer (NSO)

Our NSO maintains the school’s information technology network across all of our sites. They also

provide technical support to all staff.

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Main Contacts Name Position Campus

Shelley Blakers Principal Padbury

Catherine Regan Deputy Principal Quinns Beach and Poseidon

Sarah Arnatt Deputy Principal Padbury

Deborah Silverlock Deputy Principal East Hamersley, Outreach

Lesley Riches Manager Corporate Services Padbury

Leanne Dunn

Adrienne Keen

School Officers Padbury

Julia Cronje Speech Pathologist (Leader)

Polly Prior Speech Pathologist (Leader)

Sarah Morrey Speech Pathologist (Leader)

Type of Enquiry Who to contact

Overall school program Principal

General enquiries Manager Corporate Services or School Officer

Changing address or phone number School Officer

Child absent Contact bus driver (if on the bus).

Call the school on the day of an absence 9401 5433

email the school westcoast.ldc@education.wa.edu.au

Text SMS Message number – 0438 975 891

Send a note explaining absence once child returns to

school if no other contact made.

Emergency Contact WCLDC Padbury number – 9401 5433.

We will contact the other sites if needed.

Information about specific language

testing

Speech Pathologists

Specific information about your

child’s progress

The classroom teacher – write a note or contact our Padbury

office about setting up a meeting.

Concern about your child’s progress

or behaviour

Teacher or deputy managing your site.

Applying for bus access or change of

bus days

This process is completed online. Go to

www.schoolbuses.wa.gov.au and follow the links and you will

receive a Family ID number. This number can then be used for

changing details and making conveyance claims for each term.

Seeking reimbursement for driving

your child to school (conveyance).

NB: You must be in boundary to

receive this.

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School Hours School start and finish times vary from site to site.

School Times and Dates

Padbury 8.55am-3.00pm

Poseidon 8.30am-2.40pm

Quinns Beach 8.35am-2.45pm

East Hamersley 8.50am-3.00pm

School Terms

Public Holidays

The following Public Holidays do not fall in school holidays.

Labour Day- Monday 2nd March

Western Australia Day- Monday 1st June

School Development Days 2020

Thursday 30th and 31st January

Tuesday 2nd June

Thursday 13th August

Wednesday 25th November

Friday 18th December

First Term Monday 3rd February to Thursday 9th April

Second Term Tuesday 28th April to Friday 3rd July

Third Term Monday 20th July to Friday 25th September

Fourth Term Monday 12th October to Thursday 17th December

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General Information

Bus

The buses are provided and managed by the Public Transport Authority.

Children cannot travel on buses unless parents have completed an application

form and approval has been granted by the Public Transport Authority.

If the bus is unable to service your area or you prefer to transport your own child, you can apply for a

conveyance allowance from the Public Transport Authority (there is no guarantee this may be accepted).

You then need to note your daily kilometres and enter the form online at the end of each term. The

Public Transport Authority may NOT back-pay more than one term. Kindy children need to be

transported by parents.

Parents/Carers will be contacted in the New Year if your child has been accepted on the bus.

**If you have accepted an out of boundary placement, you are not eligible for either bus or accessing

conveyance**

Bus Timetable

The organisation of the bus run and times is a complex matter. Any queries regarding these should be

directed to School Bus Services. The bus driver should only be contacted when a child is ill.

Please be ready at the time the bus driver has given you.

Emergencies

Every attempt is made by the bus drivers to run to schedule. Occasionally, there are unforeseen

circumstances (heavy traffic, flat tyre, less children to drop off) which may cause the bus to be early or

late. An adult must be at the drop off point to collect your child.

Note: Please contact the bus drivers before 7am any morning your child does not require transport. Please ring the night before if possible.

***Please take a note of the bus driver’s contact details when your child is accepted for travel-ling on the bus***

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Canteen

Site Days open Procedures Notes Padbury

Monday/

Tuesday

and Thursday/

Friday

Lunches only provided by Duncraig

SHS – place orders via

www.flexischools.com.au register and

set up a pre-paid account, Order

before 8.30am.

Canteen menus and opening

times will be available at the

start of Term 1, 2020

Poseidon

Monday

to Friday

Lunch bag should contain: Name of

child teacher’s name and food order

before 9am

If you are in a rush before school, you

can put lunch orders in the green box

before the Canteen opens. Change

will be put in with the student’s lunch.

Phone Orders: 9307 2356.

Or order online at:

www.poseidon.wa.edu.au/for-

Canteen menus are available

online on the Poseidon

Primary School website:

www.poseidon.wa.edu.au

Quinns

Beach

Monday to

Friday

Student’s line up to purchase their

recess food, which does not need to

be pre-ordered.

K-1 lunches need to be ordered from

the canteen BEFORE school. Lunch

bag should contain: Name of child,

room number, teacher’s name, food

order and payment

Or order online at:

www.quickcliq.com.au

Menus are available from the

Canteen.

East

Hamersley

There is NO CANTEEN on site.

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Parking

Padbury

Please park in the car park that is off Giles Avenue (in front of oval).

Do not park in the staff car park or at the front of the school (bus bays).

Poseidon

Parent parking is available in Larkspur Place near the front of the school, or in Roderick Court and For-

tescue Loop next to the oval. As per council regulations, parking is not allowed on Poseidon Road or

on the verges – failure to comply may incur a council fine. The staff car park is not to be used for drop-

ping off or picking up students.

Quinns Beach

There is strict parent parking around Quinns Beach Primary School. Parking in ‘No Parking’ areas can

incur a fine. Parking is available on James Cook Avenue (stay off the footpath), various places on San-

ta Barbara Parade and along Sirius Ramble and Belhaven Terrace. Please contact the WCLDC office

at Padbury for a copy of the parking map.

East Hamersley

Verge parking is available around the school grounds on Earn Place and Doon Road.

Please do not park in the staff car park.

Children’s Property Please make sure everything is clearly marked with your child’s name.

PLEASE KEEP TOYS AND OTHER ITEMS THAT CHILDREN TREASURE AT HOME.

We cannot take responsibility for lost items.

Dental Therapy Unit (Pre-primary and Year 1)

Dental Therapy Units are attached to various primary schools around Perth.

Padbury Primary School students can access the Dental Therapy Clinic at Padbury Primary

School.

East Hamersley students can access dental services located at Greenwood Primary School.

Poseidon Primary School students can access dental services located at Ocean Reef Primary

School.

Quinns Beach students can attend the Dental Therapy Clinic at Quinns Beach Primary School.

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Uniforms

Children wear the uniform of the host primary school. This enables them to be part of the school

community while attending the Language Centre.

Padbury Uniform

The children at Padbury wear the Padbury Primary School uniform and the colours are

jade and navy. The uniform shop is located at Lowes in the Joondalup Shopping Centre.

Price lists are available from the West Coast Language Development Centre office.

Poseidon Uniform

Children attending Poseidon Primary School wear blue polo shirts and shorts/skorts.

The uniform shop operates most mornings before school from ‘P&C Central’ in the

undercover area.

Quinns Beach Uniform

The children attending Quinns Beach Primary School wear a light blue T-shirt or navy

polo shirt and navy shorts/skorts/pleated skirts. Girls can wear a blue and white

checked dress if preferred. The uniform shop is open on Wednesday mornings from

8:15am. It is located in the Djilba Building near the undercover area.

East Hamersley Uniform

The children attending the East Hamersley Primary School wear gold tops and dark

green bottoms. The uniform shop is located in the East Hamersley PS office and is

open during school office hours 8.30-3.30pm.

Footwear

Children can wear sneakers, enclosed school shoes and sandals with velcro fasteners.

Thongs/flip flops are not acceptable.

Sun Safety

Please ensure your child has a broad brim hat or legionnaire’s hat (with neck flap) for play time. Caps

are not allowed. Please ensure your child’s hat has their name on it.

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Voluntary Contributions & Charges Information

The total amount of contributions parents and carers are asked to pay has been contained within the

$60.00 maximum set in the School Education Regulations 2000.

Money collected will be used to supplement school expenditure in the areas listed below. The payment

per child is shown in the table beneath.

School Contributions

The West Coast Language Development Centre School Board has endorsed the schedule of

Contributions and Charges for 2020.

Contributions can be paid early Term 1, 2020. Part payment, e.g. $15.00 or so per term, is by

arrangement with the Principal or Manager Corporate Services.

Additional charges

A breakdown of estimated charges for your child’s participation in incursions, excursions, activities, etc.

for 2020 is outlined in the table below. Details on charges collected in previous years have informed our

2020 charges schedule. Students will only incur costs when they are involved in a particular activity.

The amounts indicated on the schedule represent the maximum charged for scheduled activities in

2020. Prior to each activity you will be notified of the costs involved.

** These activities relate directly to the curriculum and are an important part of your child’s oral language programs.

Kindy Pre Primary Year 1

Printing (inc. cartridges, supplementary photocopying)

Testing Forms

$60 $60 $60

Description Kindergarten Pre-primary Year 1

** Incursions (K,PP,Yr1)/ excursions (Yr1) $50.00 $70.00 $80.00

Special education events- e.g. Edu-dance $100.00

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Cash, Credit Card or Direct Deposits (banking details as below).

BSB: 066 040 Account No: 19905616

Ref: Child’s Surname, Initial, reason for payment e.g.: V/C or EduDance etc.

*Please note- receipts for amounts $60.00 and under will not be issued unless requested.

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School Programs

The Centre bases its curriculum development on the Western Australian Curriculum which is linked to the Australian Curriculum. The curriculum is developed to meet the needs of children with oral language difficulties and covers the key learning areas, except LOTE (Languages Other Than English).

The programs at the Centre are developed and adapted to suit differing learning needs with a major emphasis on building language concretely through learning by doing. The overall objective of all programs is the development of language competencies, learning behaviours, literacy skills and independence.

A wide range of teaching programs, techniques and resources are used. These include individual and small group work, specific language activities, narrative development, social skills development and integrated programs.

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Parental Involvement and Communication

Parental Participation/Meetings The Centre has a strong belief that parents are central participants in the role of developing their child’s language. As parents, you are the main advocate for your child. For this reason, we offer a range of opportunities for you to be involved in school and parent programs.

Parent Workshops - It is expected that parents will make every effort to attend all meetings and workshops. These are run to provide parents with information about language development and about the Centre’s programs. The first workshop will be early in term 1. We aim to have 3 workshops during the year. You will be notified of the dates each term.

Parent Volunteers – Teachers may invite parents to help out in the classroom from time to time depending on the needs of the class. Your child’s teacher will let you know when they will be asking for volunteers to help out in class.

Holidays Attending school regularly is important for your child’s learning success. Please plan your holiday away around school vacation time. Holidays during term time will not be approved. The absence will be recorded as an unauthorised absence. If students need to be absent for an extended period of time, please let the school know in advance.

Absences Numbers and Absentee Notes It is important that students attend school as often as possible. However, when your child is sick please phone the WCLDC Padbury office on the day (Ph: 9401 5433), SMS Message to (0438 975 891) or send a note with your child when they return after a period of absence.

Newsletters/Notes A newsletter, including detailed information about Centre activities, is available in weeks 3, 6 and 9 each term. The Centre newsletter is sent out via the website Schoolzine and is available to be read on mobile devices and emails. Please complete the Information and Technology slip with your email details and we will add you to our mailing list. A detailed term planner and events calendar is available on the Schoolzine newsletter website. You may wish to subscribe to the West Coast LDC Schoolzine newsletter via http://wcldc.schoolzinenewsletters.com/subscribe

Other notes may also be sent home during the week so check your child’s folder or clipboard every night.

Class Dojo Parents/carers are invited to join their child’s classroom Dojo by the class teacher via email. The is a good communication tool for the school and parents.

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Reporting You are welcome to discuss your child’s progress at any time. Please contact your class teacher, site

deputy principal or speech pathologist to make an appointment.

You will receive your child’s individual goals and grid ratings (showing skill level) at the end of term 1.

The goals will be formally rated at the end of terms 2 and 4. The Year One students receive a

Department report at the end of terms 2 and 4, electronically via email. The grids are marked and sent

home at the end of term 3 in time for the case conferences.

Case Conference

A case conference is a meeting between Centre staff and parents to discuss a student’s progress. A

case conference may be called to discuss academic or behavioural progress from time to time. These

meetings may involve the principal, site deputy principal, class teacher, speech pathologist and/or

school psychologist.

Late term 3 or early term 4 kindy and pre primary parents will be invited to a reporting case conference

with the class teacher. At this time your child’s progress will be discussed.

Year 1 parents will be invited to an exit interview late in term 4.

School Board

We have a School Board that is made up of school community and parent members. We call for

nominations early in the school year, if required. The term 3 meeting is open to the public.

Permission for Photographs and Videoing

We use photographs and videoing as part of our learning and teacher

development programs and on the school website. You will have signed a

permission form for photographs when you enrolled your child. If circumstances change please advise

the class teacher and the WCLDC Padbury office.

Student Collection

If you need to pick your child up early from school you are required sign them out.

At Padbury please visit the WCLDC school office to complete this via Passtab on

the admin iPad. At other campuses please see your child’s teacher for an early

release slip.

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Infectious Diseases

The following may be of benefit in determining how long to keep a child at home in case of illness. Please notify the school if your child contacts any of these illnesses.

Chicken Pox: *NOTIFIABLE – discuss with your doctor. A common, acute, viral infection.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a generalised rash characterised by small vesicles (blisters) that

rupture to form crusts.

Conjunctivitis: Exclude from school until discharge has ceased (contacts not excluded).

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: A common, acute, viral infection. Symptoms include fever, vesicles

(blisters) in the mouth and on hands and feet. This infection is not related to the Foot and Mouth

Disease found in animals. Exclude until vesicles have formed crusts that are dry.

Gastroenteritis (‘gastro’): an illness affecting the stomach and intestines. Gastro can be caused by

viruses, bacteria and toxins. Gastro should only last a few days and doesn’t usually require

medication. If you have gastro, it is best to stay home (away from school or childcare) until the

symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours.

Impetigo (school sores): Exclude for 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has commenced. Lesions

on exposed skin should be covered with a waterproof dressing (contacts not excluded).

Measles *NOTIFIABLE – discuss with your doctor. A highly infectious, uncommon, acute, viral

infection. Symptoms include lethargy, malaise, cough, sore and swollen eyes and nasal passages,

fever and rash – must be confirmed with laboratory testing. Exclude for 4 days after the onset of the

rash, in consultation with Public Health staff

Meningococcal disease: *NOTIFIABLE – discuss with your doctor. An uncommon, acute,

bacterial infection. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, headache, neck stiffness, muscle and joint pain,

rash, drowsiness, irritability, confusion and diarrhoea. Exclude until antibiotic treatment has been

completed. Hospitalisation is usually required.

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Infectious Diseases

Mumps: *NOTIFIABLE – discuss with your doctor. An uncommon, acute, viral infection. Symptoms include painful, swollen salivary glands, fever, headache, painful testicles or ovaries. Exclude for 9 days after onset of symptoms. Consult with your Public Health staff.

Parvovirus (Slapped Cheek): A common, acute, viral infection. Symptoms include fever, red cheeks and neck, itchy lace-like rash on the body and limbs. This infection is not caused by the same parvovirus that infects dogs. Exclusion not necessary. Contacts-Do not exclude. Pregnant women who may have been exposed to parvovirus B19 should consult their doctor.

Pediculosis (Head lice or nits in the hair): Exclude until after treatment has commenced and live lice have been removed. A Head Lice Fact Sheet is available from the office.

Ringworm: A common fungal infection of the skin that usually affects the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails and feet. Exclude until person has received anti-fungal treatment for 24 hours (contacts not excluded).

Rubella (German Measles): *NOTIFIABLE – discuss with your doctor. An Uncommon, viral disease. Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, swollen glands (especially behind the ears), generalised rash. Exclude for 4 days after onset of rash.

Scarlet Fever: Exclude from school. Re-admit with Medical Certificate of recovery not less than 10 days from onset. Contact – exclude for 7 days from diagnosis of disease in the patient.

Whooping Cough: *NOTIFIABLE – discuss with your doctor. Exclude until 5 days after an appropriate antibiotic treatment, or for 21 days from the onset of coughing.

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BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL AND VACATION CARE AT Quinns Beach Primary School for 2020

Care for Kids OSHC run a great program ON SITE at Quinns Beach Primary School Open from 7.00am to 6.00pm

Qualified Carers, great activities, afternoon tea, ECRU Licensed

Full Government benefits and rebates apply For permanent bookings or casual days please contact

quinnsbeachoshc@careforkidswa.net.au

Kids Academy 4 Treen Street Balga Ph: 9342 3529 Email: info@kids-academy.com.au Kids Academy Early Learning Centre Before and After School Programs cater for children aged 4 - 12

years, outside school hours. The programs focus on age-appropriate and creative play activities through a variety of choices which encourage children to extend their social development and build friendships in a secure environment.

Activities may include sports, reading and cooking. Children may also do their homework for a limited period during their Before or After-School care.

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Kindy start days

Our Kindy program is a 5-day fortnight program. Your child is attending Monday and Tuesday and alternate Wednesdays. To help your child’s transition into school we will start with a short orientation session for you and your child on:

Monday 3rd February 2020

At this session the teacher will discuss the classroom structure and student requirements (clothing, lunches etc.) The meeting will run from 9.30am-10.30am and students do not need morning tea or lunch on this day. Then your child can attend full days commencing Tuesday 4th February 2020. Some children may find full days tiring. Parents can speak to their site deputy about coming for half days for the first 2 weeks.

Kindy A

Kindy B

Our Kindy program is a 5-day fortnight program. Your child is attending Thursday and Friday and alternate Wednesday’s. To help your child’s transition into school we will start with a short orientation session for you and your child on:

Thursday 6th February 2020

At this session the teacher will discuss the classroom structure and student requirements (clothing, lunches etc). The meeting will run from 9.30am-10.30am and students do not need morning tea or lunch on this day. Then your child can attend full days commencing Friday 7th February 2020. Some children may find full days tiring. Parents can speak to their site deputy about coming for half days for the first 2 weeks.

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Pre Primary and Year 1 start days

Our Pre primary and year 1 programs are full time. Your child will commence the school year on:

Monday 3rd February 2020

There is no school development day on this Monday. Please check your campus start and finish times on page 8 of this booklet. Please speak with your class teacher if you have difficulties with the start/finish time

For pre primary students–

Parents are welcome to spend the first 20-30 minutes settling their children. We will have a class based parent information session during week 2 or 3 at a time to be advised by your class teacher. Parents will be asked to be involved in some classroom activities. We see you as an integral part of your child’s success.

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Attendance Information

The importance of good attendance on your child’s early learning.

At our school we are both highly sympathetic to, and very understanding of legitimate illness among our students. The research below indicates that good attendance habits established in the early years of schooling translate to successful learning, beginning with Kindy. “Student Attendance and Educational Outcomes; Every Day Counts” was prepared for the Department of Education by the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, UWA in May 2013. The report was based on the attendance patterns of some 415 000 Government school students in WA. It tables some interesting points.

KEY FINDINGS

Disparities in attendance rates are evident from early schooling. The data indicates that attendance rates further diminish in secondary school. It is critical that good attendance patterns are established in the early years, particularly kindy. If good attendance is not established early, then the data says that a child’s high school attendance will be further reduced. A good start is imperative to future success. In all analyses, average academic achievement on NAPLAN tests declined as absence rates increased. This was evident across all sub groups ie nationality, gender, transience, socio-economic status etc. Every day of attendance contributes positively toward a child’s learning. Absence from school was related to poor academic achievement, not only in the current year but in future years as well. Gaps in student learning from one poor year of attendance have a flow on effect in future years. Educators cannot improve attendance alone. The community needs to be included. The community needs to recognise the importance of education. Achieving this can be done by students only being absent for valid illnesses. Absences for birthdays, holidays in term time, appointments that could be done out of hours, for a day of rest after a busy weekend etc, are not legitimate reasons for non-attendance at school. Please support your child by advising the school of non-attendance and by ensuring that your child attends regularly. If there are any issues that impact upon your child’s attendance please contact the school so that we are able to support you.

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