ST JOHN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL DUBBO

Info

rmat

ion

Bo

okl

et

School Mission

Is to foster a community of faith that is centred on the teaching of Christ, where love and concern develops the

whole child, empowering each individual with the opportunity to realise their full potential

School Vision

To change the world through our faith in Jesus, who is our light & hope

School motto

Christ is my Light

School Contact Details

St John's Catholic Primary School 138 Sheraton Road, DUBBO NSW 2830

(PO Box 4914, Dubbo NSW 2830)

Phone: 02 6882 2677 Fax: 02 6884 4500

Email: stjohnsprimarydubbo@bth.catholic.edu.au

Website: www.stjohnsprimarydubbo.catholic.edu.au

Parish Administrator Fr. Greg Kennedy

Principal: Mr Anthony O'Leary

Assistant Principal: Mr Adam Foley

Religious Ed. Coordinator To Be Advised

Primary Coordinator Mrs Angela Benton

Term Dates

School Year 2018

Term 1: Tuesday 30th January (Kindergarten only)

Wednesday 31st January (Yrs1-6)

to Friday 13th April

Term 2: Monday 31st April - Friday 6

th July

Term 3: Monday 23rd

July - Friday 28th September

Term 4: Monday 15th October – Monday 17

th December

Staff Development Days

The Catholic Schools Office permits us to have three Pupil Free days each year to work on Curriculum development and Staff Faith Formation. At least three weeks notice of these dates will be given to parents.

Daily Routine

Supervision Commences at 8.20 am School Commences: 8.50 am Lunch: 10.50 am – 11.30 am Recess: 1.30 pm – 2.00 pm

Dismissal: 3.00 pm

History

St John's Primary School Dubbo was established in 1969 with the late Sister Lelia as Principal and Brother Theodore OShannessy as Assistant Principal. This school was formed by combining the primary girls from St. Patricks Convent and the primary boys from St. Johns School. The boys school was situated at the De La Salle Monastery in George Street.

St Johns is now located at Sheraton Road and caters for students from Kindergarten to Year Six. Enrolment for 2011 exceeds 380 students with over 30 full time and part-time staff.

The school strives for excellence offering a wide range of educational experiences. It is actively involved in Parish and town activities and celebrates the high scholastic achievements of its students. All that we do throughout the school is based on our school motto Christ Is My Light.

Religious Education

"The time worn adage that 'faith is caught, not taught' is well known and well accepted. However, the teaching of Religion is a vital component in the process of handing on our faith to succeeding generations".

Father Greg Kennedy St. Brigid's Parish

Religious Education is woven into the daily life of the school through formal religion lessons, the integration of Christian values into other subject areas and the encouragement to live full Christian lives.

Opportunities for experiencing prayer and celebrating liturgy are provided for the school family, that is, parents, staff and children. Each class develops its own prayer focus in the classroom and makes prayer an integral part of the school day.

Various events are celebrated during the year. These usually include the opening of school, Lent, Easter, Advent, Mission Week, NAIDOC Week and other days of significance. Parents, grandparents and friends are very welcome at these special occasions.

The Sacramental Programs for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are very much parish based with parents, Parish Priest and School working closely together.

Parents & Friends Association

Today, the Parents and Friends Association has a major role to play as a parent forum, in helping to

build a true spirit of community within the school, in the interaction between parents and teachers

and in fundraising. The Parents and Friends Association, as a key parent group in the school,

provides a forum for parents to:

provide input on parent priorities and suggest ideas about Catholic schooling

work closely with principal and staff

raise money for resources

provide students services e.g. canteen

provide support for school programs etc working bees

provide opportunities for social interaction and parents to form supportive networks

The Parents and Friends Association has a key role in developing the community of parents, students

and staff. The P& F Association meets at 7:00pm in the Staff Room on the 2nd & 7th Tuesday of each

Term.

Policies

Pastoral Care Policy

Pastoral Care is the defining factor of the nature of Catholic Schools. At St John's, Pastoral Care is characterised by Gospel values which permeate ideas of love, kindness and the celebration of life. Pastoral Care is the integral part of all teaching and learning at St John's. It enables relationships between all parties to exist harmoniously. At St John’s we have resources and techniques available to teachers so they can engage in Pastoral Care successfully.

BEHAVIOURAL MANAGEMENT POLICY

At St John's Primary we aim to provide a framework for a School Management Policy which:

encourages students to develop self-discipline and sense of worth, to respect the rights and feelings of others and to take responsibility of their own actions

ensures students, staff & parents clearly understand the school expectation of student behaviour

establishes a set of protocols for dealing with unacceptable student behaviour

establishes clear guidelines for contacting parents

"Corporal punishment, involving physical action by a staff member, is not permitted at St John's Primary". "Corporal punishment of a student means the application of physical force in order to punish or correct the student, but does not include the application of force to prevent personal injury to, or damage to, or the destruction of property of, any person (including the student)".

HOMEWORK POLICY

Assigning homework serves various educational needs. Children are given homework each week and parents are asked to assist teachers by providing supervision and encouragement. Please contact your child's teacher if there are any problems.

SUN SMART POLICY

The school recognises the danger posed by exposure to ultra violet solar radiation and has developed procedures in accordance with recommended guidelines.

The "No Hat - No Play" policy is strictly enforced. All children will wear school hats unless exempted by a medical statement. Students are expected to wear their hats while participating in all outdoor activities.

CHILD PROTECTION LEGISLATION

New laws pertaining to Child Protection are now in effect in all N.S.W. schools. Our school like all schools, must comply with this new legislation, which helps make St John‟s Primary School a safer place for our children.

The Child Protection (Prohibited Persons) Act 1998 requires any volunteer or employee in a child-related organisation to sign an Employment Declaration Form before they are allowed to work with children.

New staff must be screened and must sign an Employment Declaration Form before they can work at St John‟s Primary School. Existing staff have also signed the form. Parents and volunteers, who help in any school related activities, must sign the Employment Declaration Form. Even if you are able to assist only once per year (eg. School excursions), you must sign this form. Once signed, the form will be securely stored at your school.

PRIVACY POLICY

The school has adopted the Privacy Policy of the Diocese of Bathurst. Each year a new Standard Collection Notice is issued – these should be read, signed and returned to school by the date shown. The Principal is the contact person for issues regarding the Privacy Policy.

EXCURSION POLICY

Excursions and field trips are planned by teachers to give children a first hand experience of their local community and the wider community for senior students. They are planned to reinforce the subject matter, concepts and skills taught across the curriculum.

Students in Year 5 & 6 have the opportunity to attend overnight excursions. From a student and staff perspective, these excursions have proved to be most beneficial as curriculum enhancement activities.

Assessment

NAPLAN TESTING (National Assessment Program for Literacy & Numeracy) Commonwealth Government requires mandatory reporting according to minimum standards or benchmarks. NAPLAN Testing is conducted in Years 3 & 5 annually at St John‟s Primary School and parents receive detailed reports from these tests.

Curriculum

There are seven Key Learning Areas in the Primary Catholic School Curriculum in New South Wales.

Religious Education

English

Mathematics

Science & Technology

History & Geography

Creative & Performing Arts

Personal Development, Health & Physical Education

PERFORMING ARTS

Several artistic performances are scheduled for all Grades. Students are exposed to dance, mime, storytelling and other music related performances. The cost of these is included in School Fees.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The school has a range of extra curricula activities including such things as Choir, Debating, Chess, Tournament of the Minds, Student Representative Council and Sporting Teams.

Students have the opportunity to learn musical instruments, namely woodwind, strings and brass instruments through group lessons provided by Macquarie Conservatorium of Music. The students have weekly lessons and participate in several concert workshops throughout the year. The students also have the opportunity to join the Catholic Primary School’s Band. Further information regarding lessons is available from the school office.

Library

The Library is an integral part of the school. It is a primary learning and information centre and as such is an essential resource for the planning and implementation of the teaching program at school. To aid the development of a positive attitude towards books, all children attend library lessons each fortnight and are encouraged to borrow books. Book Week is a major focus for the Library with a Book Fair held during the week each year.

Information Technology

The school’s main aim is to ensure the children are competent and confident in the varied ways in which computers can support and enhance their learning. All students have ready access to Interactive White Boards and the Computer Lab.

Sport & Physical Education

All children participate in a wide variety of sports, which aim to improve their physical fitness and co-ordination. Our emphasis is on enjoyment, willing participation and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

During Terms 2 & 4 students participate in inter-school competitions in a range of sports through the Primary Schools Sports Association. Students in Years 4, 5 and 6 are eligible to compete in PSSA.

P.S.S.A Winter Sports include Hockey, Netball, Rugby League and Soccer.

P.S.S.A Summer Sports include Cricket, Softball, Tee Ball and Touch Football.

Students also have the opportunity to be nominated in Diocesan Selection Teams in a variety of Sports throughout the year. This provides a pathway to State and National Competitions. Sports include Tennis, Basketball, Softball, Swimming, Netball, Golf, Athletics, Rugby Union, Rugby League and Cricket.

Each child at St John's Primary is placed into a Sport House. To arouse interest through friendly competition students are allocated to one of four Houses:

La Salle GOLD | Lennon GREEN | McAuley RED | Moore BLUE

Children have the opportunity to compete as a House on a number of occasions throughout the year, namely the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals.

Uniforms

GIRLS

Summer

Dress Pink Gingham Frock

Jumper: Navy, V-neck, embroidered

Navy Polar Fleece, embroidered

Socks White (not anklet)

Shoes Black leather

Hat Navy blue, maroon/gold trim

Winter

Slacks/Tunic Maroon

Jumper: Navy, V-neck, embroidered

Navy Polar Fleece, embroidered

Blouse Fawn

Stockings Fawn

School Tie School colours

School Jacket Navy blue, microfibre

Hat Navy blue, maroon/gold trim

BOYS

Summer

Shirt Short sleeved blue shirt

Shorts: Grey, poly/viscose serge

Jumper: Navy, V-neck, embroidered

Navy Polar Fleece, embroidered

Socks Grey with school stripes (not

anklet)

Shoes Black leather

Hat Navy blue, maroon/gold trim

Winter

Shirt Long sleeved blue shirt

Trousers Grey, poly / viscose serge

Jumper: Navy, V-neck, embroidered

Navy Polar Fleece, embroidered

School Tie School colours

School Jacket Navy blue, microfibre

Shoes Black leather

Hat Navy blue, maroon/gold trim

SPORTS UNIFORM - Boys and Girls

Shorts Navy, taslon, gold print on right leg or Football shorts, royal blue, maroon & gold

stripe

Shirt Gold polo, navy crest

Socks White (not anklet) or Football socks, royal blue, maroon & gold stripe

Joggers Lace-up style

Track Pants Navy blue microfibre, gold/maroon stripes

Jumper Navy, V-neck, embroidered OR Navy Polar Fleece, embroidered

Hat Navy blue, maroon/gold trim

HAIR/ACCESSORIES

Long hair must be tied back

Maroon & Pink ribbons/scrunchies are acceptable

Nail polish & makeup are not appropriate

Earrings - 1 pair of sleepers or studs

Bracelet - 1 medical or solid bracelet only

Ring – signet or plain band

Neck Chain –single with religious cross or medal

PLEASE NOTE

The school jacket is the tracksuit top & can be worn with both the sports & summer/winter uniform. The jumper for boys & girls can also be worn as part of the sports & summer/winter uniform. All uniform clothing is supplied by Lowes. A school backpack is available for sale at the school office. Hats are compulsory and are to be worn outdoors at all times. No hat, no play. PLEASE NOTE: In 2018, all students will wear sports uniform on Monday, Wednesday & Friday

School Administration

School Visits In the interest of student safety you are requested to go to the Office and receive a visitor badge while you are in the school.

Newsletter / Calender

A school newsletter is available every Monday on our school website (www.stjohnsprimarydubbo.catholic.edu.au) or via the Skoolbag App, to inform you of happenings, events and general information. A hard copy of the newsletter can also be requested through the school office.

Change of Address and Leaving

If families move house or change phone numbers it is requested that a Student Information Update form be completed and returned to the school office. Should your family be relocating, please complete a Student Departure Information from, which is available from the office.

Student Absences

It is a requirement that parents inform the teacher in writing if you know in advance that your child will be absent from school. If your child is away for a short time there is no necessity to telephone the school. However, please ensure that you send a note explaining the absence upon your child’s return to school.

Leaving the school ground

Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds during school hours. Should a student need to leave the school a note must be presented to the teacher indicating parental permission and parents must sign ‘The Early Release Form’ in the front office. Parents are to collect their child from the Frint Office Foyer.

Medication and Sick Children

Should a child become ill at school the office staff that has current first aid qualifications will care for them. The child’s parents, or a nominated contact person, will be informed and asked to take the child home.

In the event of an accident occurring the following procedures will apply:

1. Minor Injuries (i.e. normal scratches or bruises) – the child will be treated and sent back to class.

2. More serious accidents (i.e. broken limbs, serious cuts and head injuries) – parents (and ambulance if necessary) will be notified.

Medication will be dispensed to children when parental permission in writing is provided. A special medical permission form is used for this purpose. Please speak to the office staff if your child has special medical needs or problems.

Car Park

The school’s main concern with the car park is the safety of the students and you are therefore requested to drive carefully and courteously. Please note the sign that indicate direction, instructions etc. Children are to wait in the designated area until parents collect them.