CONTENTS
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME..
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY..
Our Vision:
Our Mission:
Our Ethics:
Our Values:
Our Principles:
ABOUT THE SCHOOL..
MIDDLE SCHOOL SUBSCHOOLS - YRS 8, 9, & 10.
PARENT PARTICIPATION..
GOVERNING COUNCIL..
GOVERNING COUNCIL COMMITTEES..
YURREKAITYARINDI - ABORIGINAL PARENT PARTNERSHIP..
STUDENT PARTICIPATION..
SCHOOL HOUSES..
THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL..
ANNUAL EVENTS..
CONTINENTAL.
MOUNT GAMBIER EXCHANGE..
JAPANESE HOMESTAY.
INFORMATION FOR 2008.
TERM DATES FOR 2008.
ENROLMENT.
STUDENT ALLOWANCES..
STUDENTS AGED 16 YEARS AND OVER..
STUDENTS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE..
BOOKS/STATIONERY/SCHOOL FEES..
UNIFORM..
PHYSICAL EDUCATION..
GETTING TO SCHOOL..
HOME CLASS GROUPS..
PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM..
STUDENT COUNSELLORS..
SCHOOL CHAPLAIN..
NEWSLETTER..
INTERVIEWS..
MONEY COLLECTION AND BOOKROOM SALES..
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION..
DIARIES..
ATTENDANCE:
HOMEWORK..
MIDDLE SCHOOL HOMEWORK POLICY 2008.
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS:
YOUTH ALLOWANCE REQUIREMENTS..
LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE DAY..
LATE FOR SCHOOL:
LEAVING THE SCHOOL PERMANENTLY:
HEALTH FACTS..
EMERGENCY FIRST AID AND ILLNESS..
RESOURCE CENTRE..
CANTEEN..
INSURANCE..
CARE OF PROPERTY.
SCHOOL RULES..
PARTNERS IN RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR..
STUDENT BEHAVIOUR GUIDELINES..
CLASS COUNSELLOR..
SUBJECT TEACHER..
BEHAVIOUR CODE AND CONSEQUENCES:
CLASSROOM CODE OF COOPERATION..
CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT FOLLOWING OUR CODE OF COOPERATION:
SUB SCHOOL LEADERS..
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL or ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL.
HARASSMENT - BULLYING..
GLOSSOP HIGH SCHOOL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR BULLYING..
MAPS FOR MIDDLE CAMPUS & SENIOR CAMPUS..
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
Dear Parents and Students
May I welcome you and your child to Glossop High School. I hope that your association with the school will be enjoyable and satisfying.
Much of the information you require about our school is contained within this booklet, which we hope you will keep for future reference. It will be supplemented by our regular newsletters, which are normally issued to students every second Wednesday.
At Glossop, we aim to assist our students to gain the best education possible. We set high standards and expect courteous, considerate and cooperative behaviour from students.
Glossop High has an impressive history and boasts some fine traditions. With your support and encouragement we will be able to maintain the school as the very good school it is.
We are a two-campus school - with Years 8-10 (Middle School) students enjoying facilities on the original Glossop site and Years 11 and 12 students in the Senior Campus in Berri.
The involvement of parents in school affairs is welcomed and appreciated. Many occasions are provided for you to assist in a practical way. We hope you will offer your services and advice whenever the opportunity presents itself.
If your child should have any difficulties at school or experience problems, which might affect his/her school work, please let us know. Initial contact should be made through your child’s Home Group Teacher.
I look forward to meeting and becoming acquainted with you so that we can work cooperatively on the challenging task of educating your child.
Yours sincerely
Bevin Brooks
PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
At Glossop High School we aim to provide the best possible educational opportunities for all of our students. Our aim is encapsulated in the following:
Our Vision:
is for Glossop High School to become a dynamic and responsive learning community.
Our Mission:
is to provide quality care and educational services, where all students are encouraged to reach their full potential - being able to move into fulfilling life's pathways as responsible citizens.
Our Ethics:
Glossop High School is committed to promoting courtesy, trust, respect and a working environment that is free from workplace harassment. The staff at this site finds workplace harassment unacceptable and will not tolerate it.
Our Values:
Respect, Truth and Honesty, Individuality and Self-worth, Responsibility, Success, Integrity.
Our Principles:
Our work is underpinned by the following principles
¨ An ongoing focus on quality and continuous improvement
¨ Equity and access
¨ Community partnerships
¨ Responsiveness, innovation and collaboration
¨ Accountability
¨ Local decision-making
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
The school accommodates around 700 students from Year 8 to Year 13 and from time to time we also have some Adult Re-entry students. These students come from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures that enrich our school community.
Students entering Year 8 have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects that meet the learning outcomes of the South Australian Curriculum, Standards and Accountability Framework (SACSAF). These enable them to select subjects in future years, which will meet Department requirements and qualify them for the SA Certificate of Education (SACE).
We are proud that our Year 12 results have regularly been well above the state average with some excellent individual scores. Our Senior School (Year 11 and 12) offers a wide range of courses developed to cater for the diverse abilities and interests of this group. Students select courses of study to meet the requirements of the SA Certificate of Education (SACE) at both Stage I and Stage II - and to achieve University and Tertiary Entrance. Since the Senior Campus opening in 1998 we have worked closely with the TAFE College to develop a Vocational Education thrust.
For over 50 years Glossop has developed a strong tradition in academic and sporting achievement. It is one of the top ten schools in the State in Athletics and Swimming, as well as having enjoyed recent successes in State Championships for 8/9 Girls Football, Open Girls Netball and Open Girls Hockey - (Marg Daly Cup). We have also had high levels of achievement in other year levels for Football, Soccer, Basketball and Table Tennis along with a range of other sports through Knock-Out Cup competitions.
We hold our school Sports Day during Term I as well as competing in Interschool Competitions and the State Athletics Championship. The annual exchange with Mount Gambier High School, where students participate in sporting and academic challenges, as well as social and cultural activities, is a highly successful event in the school’s programme. It occurs at the end of Term 2 and staff and students look forward to it with enthusiasm.
The school also offers students the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of Arts activities including Music and Drama productions.
There are many opportunities for parents to support and participate in the school. Parents, students and staff relations are enhanced by working together during the School’s Continental. Students and teachers are allocated to a House and then work during a two-week period in Term 1 of each year to assist their House to raise the most money. Traditionally these efforts culminate in a large Continental at the school during Term 1, with $44,000 raised in 2007. The proceeds contribute a significant amount to school funds. Quite apart from the actual funds raised, the Continental is always an outstanding school community activity which we hope that you too will become enthusiastically involved in.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SUBSCHOOLS - YRS 8, 9, & 10
Instead of having 400+ students in one Middle School, students in Years 8, 9 and 10 have been allocated into two Sub Schools. Each Sub School has approximately 200 students and a small team of teachers. Our aim is to make each child’s education more personalised. Sub Schools allow a greater opportunity for students to have their educational and personal needs met. They become the focus of a smaller number of teachers who meet regularly to discuss their progress. A collaborative approach to teaching and learning is encouraged.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
A school is often a strange place for parents, stranger than it is for students. It can become even more so unless you take the opportunity to become acquainted with it and its teachers. There are occasionally ‘open nights’ and ‘visiting days’ but staff would like to meet parents informally as well.
The school is ‘OPEN’ to all parents and friends to come and see classes in operation, or to assist in the multitude of jobs that need to be done in classes, to help in the Library or the Canteen. In particular you are invited to be involved in a range of information giving, and decision making activities as we believe it is absolutely essential that you learn about your school’s operation - and that we learn what you want for your child’s education. Only by forming such a partnership can we do the best for our students. Teachers are available to discuss any queries you may have regarding the work the students are doing, or any problems you may have regarding your child’s progress at school. In the first instance the Home Group Teacher is the person to contact as they know your child best.
Without you the school can only do so much, and it is important that you take the initiative to become involved in the school - please take advantage of the opportunities available. Those opportunities include joining:
a) The Governing Council
b) Governing Council sub-committees
c) Yurrekaityarindi - Aboriginal Parent Partnership
d) Volunteering to help in the classroom, canteen, during camps and excursions.
GOVERNING COUNCIL
The Governing Council is comprised of parents, staff and students who are elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. These Councillors are concerned with school finances, facilities and long-term strategic direction.
The Annual General Meeting is held each year in February and this provides one important opportunity for all parents to come along and find out more about our school. We urge you to attend so that you can contribute in our decision making.
GOVERNING COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Several Governing Council Sub Committees including Finance, Grounds, Promotions, Uniform and Canteen offer opportunities for parents to be involved in making decisions about school policies and operation. People who are interested in any of these areas are encouraged to offer their services when nominations are called.
YURREKAITYARINDI - ABORIGINAL PARENT PARTNERSHIP
Yurrekaityarindi – is from the Kaurna language and means ‘ear encircled’ as in ‘to hear’, to be attentive to each other’; to hear/be attentive in a reciprocal manner or in partnership.
The Yurrekaityarindi is a new partnership model giving structure and process for ensuring Aboriginal involvement in decision-making in local governance and management in school and preschools. The Yurrekaityarindi is based on forging community partnership to improve decisions that affect the educational outcomes of Aboriginal students and children. It focuses on developing stronger partnerships between principals, directors, governing councils and Aboriginal parents, families and their communities.
STUDENT PARTICIPATION
SCHOOL HOUSES
Students and staff are placed in one of four Houses. The names and colours associated with each house are:
PARKES: Yellow
DEAKIN: Red
McINTOSH: Green
HUGHES: Blue
Various house-based competitions are held throughout the year. They are the Continental, Swimming and Athletics and Cross Country with shields being awarded in each event.
Methods by which these events are won are:
1. Continental Fundraising – Highest amount of money raised.
2. Swimming Carnival - Highest points gained.
3. Athletics Day – Highest points gained.
4. Cross Country – Highest points gained.
The competition between the houses is always very strong and it provides valuable opportunities for students to acquire and develop leadership and group skills.
THE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
The Student Representative Council (SRC) provides a forum for student opinion and decision-making. The students elect their representatives from Years 8, 9 & 10 and all students are encouraged to take part in its activities.
In the Senior School the Prefects are our student representatives. In the Middle School there are Year Level representatives elected each year. The Prefects and the SRC work together to express student voice and operate a number of sub-committees which address specific issues such as Social Activities, Sports, Environmental and Health Issues, School Issues, Fund raising for charities, and assemblies.
ANNUAL EVENTS
CONTINENTAL
The Continental has been an annual event in the school programme for over 50 years. It is the one and only major fund raising activity for the school year - raising approximately $40,000 each year.
Organisation for the various activities that take place are on a House basis. Students in each House elect House Captains and Vice Captains at the beginning of the year and House Leaders are elected from the staff members of that House.
The main aim of the Continental is to raise finance to increase resources for the benefit of students, but it also plays a very important role in the following areas:
* the development of a working atmosphere and social interaction between students, staff, parents and the community
* the opportunity for students to experience and accept responsibility and leadership
* the fostering and continuation of traditions of the school
Activities culminate in the Continental, which is held in the first term on Thursday night of Week 5.
Parents are invited to be involved with the Continental activities - your support will be greatly appreciated. If you wish to know more please phone Mr Jim Riley, at the school on 8583 2004.
MOUNT GAMBIER EXCHANGE
One of the traditions of Glossop High School is the Annual Exchange visit with Mount Gambier High School.
Begun in 1947, these exchange visits include competitions for a Sports Cup and Debating Shield. The visits alternate between the two schools from year to year and are highly regarded by staff and students of both schools. Students are billeted by those from the host school and benefit from the social and family interaction.
Students can participate in many ways: socially, culturally, educationally and through representing their school in sports teams.
These exchange visits are well supported by parents and the community in both Mount Gambier and the Berri, Barmera districts.
JAPANESE HOMESTAY
Early in term 3 Glossop High School is involved in the hosting of Japanese students. This program began in 1998 and has quickly established itself as an important part of our school year. Japanese students are usually with us for between 2 and 3 weeks (although occasionally shorter term visits do occur.) During this time they attend English lessons and a variety of other classes. A number of activities and excursions are also planned and involve the Japanese students and their hosts. Weekends are spent with host families. The homestay program is a wonderful opportunity for families to get involved in school life and to experience first hand the language and culture of a student from another country.
As an extension of this program Glossop High School now offers students the opportunity to visit Japan in December for a two-week stay. This occurs every second year. During the first week we visit Kyoai Gakuen High School in Maebashi (about an hour from Tokyo) where students attend school and live with a Japanese family. During the second week students travel using the bullet train and visit Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima before heading home. This opportunity has proved to be a very valuable learning experience and certainly an enriching one for our students.
INFORMATION FOR 2008
TERM DATES FOR 2008
1st TERM Tuesday 29th January to Friday 11th April
2nd TERM Monday 28th April to Friday 4th July
3rd TERM Monday 21st July to Friday 26th September
4th TERM Monday 13th October to Friday 12th December
ENROLMENT
1. School commences on Tuesday 29th January 2008.
2. Students from local Primary Schools, or who move into the District are asked to:
(1) Complete an Application for Enrolment Form
(2) Complete a Student Medical Information Form
(3) Apply for permission to drive a car to school (if required) or be a passenger
(4) Contact the school administration officer to arrange bus travel (if new to the District), and complete bus travel consent form
(5) Obtain an account from the School Admin Officer for School Fees and School Council levy
(6) Complete an Internet Access form
STUDENT ALLOWANCES
A range of allowances is available to students whose parents experience financial hardship or who live in an isolated area. Application is made through the school. Please contact the front office staff.
STUDENTS AGED 16 YEARS AND OVER
Youth Allowance: is paid to people, 16-24 years of age, who are full-time students. Parental income and own income is taken into account on application.
Independent Youth Allowance: has specific criteria – more information is available through Centrelink. A Tax file number and 3 pieces of I.D. are required (I.D. – can include a report and birth certificate). Independent Youth Allowance applies to people 15 years of age, or older.
* Anyone wishing to test their eligibility should make a claim through Centrelink as they acknowledge extenuating circumstances.
STUDENTS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE
School Card or Abstudy.
Applications must be made each year for families who meet the income criteria. (See next page)
Abstudy is for full-time students, 14 years or older.
Applications are available from Centrelink, phone 132317.
BOOKS/STATIONERY/SCHOOL FEES
1. In all Schools the Education Department of South Australia provides a per capita allowance for each student and this combined with extra fees paid by parents provides the funds to operate the school.
2. The Materials and Services fees for 2008 are $235.00.
a) These fees provide funds for consumable items, (printing, photocopies etc.) in all learning areas and basic costs for areas such as Art, Technical Studies, and Home Economics with the extra associated costs being met by the student.
b) A Glossop High School Diary is provided.
3. School Card Assistance is available to parents dependent upon the level of family income. All parents/ students applying for school card will be required to fill in an application form. This includes students who may have been approved previously.
4. A School Magazine, which consists of the school year’s events and achievements, is produced (2007 cost was $13.75). Students have the option to purchase and all students will be invoiced at the start of the year.
5. All Year 8, 9 & 10 students will have the option of purchasing a basic back-to-school stationery pack, which usually consists of the following:
(a) 3 quad ruled graph books
(b) 5 lined books
(c) 2 interleaved books
(d) 1 graph day pad
(e) 1 lined test pad
(f) 1 ruler plastic
(g) 1 blue pen
(h) 1 black pen
(i) 1 red pen
(j) 1 pencil HB
Students will be invoiced with their school fees.
Students will be expected to purchase additional subject-specific stationery, either from the school bookroom or from a retailer of their choice.
6. Students will have the option of purchasing a sun smart school hat at the cost of $5.00.
7. Students will have the option of purchasing a Sports polo shirt with embroidered name on shirt for $25.00 each.
UNIFORM
FOR BOYS
Trousers: Long-School Grey.
Grey shorts may be worn in summer.
Polo Shirts: Grey with Glossop High School embroidered.
Footwear: Shoes Black or Brown preferred, must be closed because of OHS&W requirements.
Socks: Grey or white socks preferred. Football socks are not acceptable.
FOR GIRLS
Shorts: Bottle Green / Brown material. (lower mid thigh length shorts)
Summer Skirt: Made from bottle green fabric. A-line style – pleated skirt.
Ready made skirts, fabric and patterns available from MV’s Berri, B&B’s - Barmera.
Patterns may also be borrowed through the Front Office at the school.
Winter Skirt: Long box-pleated skirt. The fabric can be purchased from the Book room at cost price, and patterns are available from the Front Office. Local dress-makers names available from front office.
Track pants are not permitted to be worn under winter skirts.
Three Quarter Length Pants: Green / Brown no writing and minimal pockets (are available from Premier Sport/ Just Jeans / Guys Menswear)
Long pants: Green / Brown pants may be worn in winter.
Polo Shirts: White with Glossop High School embroidered.
Footwear: Shoes Black or Brown preferred must be closed because of OHS&W requirements.
Socks: White socks preferred.
Stockings: Black/Brown stockings for warmth.
FOR GIRLS AND BOYS
Jumper: Dark brown wool with green bands at waist, cuff and V-neck.
or Bottle Green polar fleece windcheater with 1/4 zip with the words “Glossop High School” embroidered in gold lettering.
If an extra T/shirt or skivvy is required for warmth, white or grey colours only are to be worn under jumpers/windcheaters
Scarf: Bottle Green available at both campuses
SENIOR SCHOOL YEAR 12 JUMPER/JACKET: Can be purchased in Year 12 with students choosing the design early in Term 4 of previous year.
Jewellery: Should not be worn, as it is a safety risk in practical areas. A watch, plain ring and plain ear studs/sleepers are preferred.
Hats: We are now a Sunsmart school & Bucket / Brimmed hats are to be worn for all outdoor activities.
Sport Uniform Policy: This is compulsory for all Athletics, Interschool Sports, Mount Gambier Exchange and other representative teams organised by the school.
Compulsory Uniforms are provided (borrowed through the library) with organizing teacher booking out the uniforms.
All students are expected to wear plain black shorts or plain black track pant.
(A limited number of black shorts are available from the library).
Uniform warm-up Polo shirts (short sleeved) and/ or long sleeved windcheater are also available at the library for borrowing.
Warm-up Jackets: GHS warm up jackets are available from the library and must be worn for all sporting events when representing Glossop High School.
Teachers are responsible for booking out sports uniforms and warm up jackets. (It is up to the teachers’ own discretion to book out individual uniforms to students)
Part of the teachers’ responsibility is that all sports uniforms are returned cleaned to the library.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students are required to change into sports gear for ALL Physical Education lessons. A change of clothes is necessary, as students must change back into school uniform at the end of the lesson – even at the end of the day.
FOR GIRLS AND BOYS –
Black Shorts / Black Track Pants - a sports variety Black shorts will then be suitable for our interschool/athletic/KO Cup participations.
A GHS sport Polo Shirt will be available for sale @ $25 each
A Cotton T Shirt in school or House colours is also acceptable.
Track Suits may be worn for winter activities.
Sandshoes and a change of socks recommended.
Second hand Uniforms
Available at St Vincent de Paul – Barmera / Berri’s Second-hand clothing shop and Barmera Primary School.
GETTING TO SCHOOL
BUSES - The majority of students at Glossop High School travel by bus either on Departmental School Buses or those operated by private contractors.
Parents please note: Only those students, who live further than 5 kilometres from the school, are eligible for school bus travel. However, where room exists on a bus, students living closer to the school may be allowed to travel on the buses.
Students are allocated to buses using the following two priorities:
1. Where possible students will be placed on the bus route and stop that is closest to their residential address.
2. All members of the same family will be allocated to the same bus.
Allocation to buses for the following year takes place in the last few weeks of the current school year. Year 7 students in Primary Schools are placed on the basis of the residential address on their enrolment. Teachers from Glossop High visit and distribute to students in Primary Schools, or forward to the Primary School, letters to parents setting out the Bus Number, Driver’s Name, Bus Route, Stop and Time of the bus students should catch on the first day of school and thereafter. In the new school year, teachers check that all students have been accommodated on buses. In the first week of school students are allocated a set seat on their particular bus.
Students may change buses when their residential address
changes or:
a) After school work.
b) Special appointments.
c) Provided there are seats available to travel
to sports practice or other similar out of school activities.
All requests for bus changes must be in writing and signed by a parent or guardian of the student concerned. Students will then be issued with a bus pass by Front Office Staff for another bus as requested. It should be remembered by all students and their parents that free travel on school buses is a privilege and should be valued. Responsible behaviour is expected of students at all times in the interest of their own safety and that of others.
Please remember:
1. Unruly behaviour either on buses or at bus stops will not be tolerated.
2. Students travelling on buses must move to the side of the road adjacent to the bus when they alight and remain at the roadside until the bus has left. This will give students a clear view of both ends of the road.
3. The maximum legal speed for overtaking a stationary bus is 25km hour.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD STUDENTS ATTEMPT TO CROSS THE ROAD OR TOUCH THE VEHICLE AS IT MOVES OFF.
SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THE BUSES PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL.
When a bus breaks down or is late, students should remain at their bus stop until the bus arrives or another bus can be sent from the school.
HOME CLASS GROUPS
Each student is assigned to a Home Group Teacher who is primarily responsible for the care of the student at school.
Each day, students meet their Home Group Teacher and take part in a programme of activities.
The Home Group Teacher is the first point of contact for parents in all matters of your child’s schooling.
In the Senior Campus groups of students within one
year level are organised into ‘Mentor’ groups.
PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM
At Glossop High we believe that students learn best when they are feeling secure and happy. Coming to a new environment is sometimes a bit “scary” and threatening and, because we want everyone to feel happy and confident, we have the Peer Support Program.
Year 10 Peer Support Leaders are part of the Year 8 Home Group Classes in the first semester. The leaders are there to help make the transition from Primary School to High School easier, to help the Year 8 students feel at home and to give them someone to talk to if they have any problems. Peer Support Leaders accompany their Year 8 home class on their orientation activities at the start of the year, and conduct regular activities during semester one.
STUDENT COUNSELLORS
Glossop High School has two Student Counsellors appointed, one at each campus.
The Counsellor’s duties include:
(1) Enrolling new students to the school; organising subjects, classes and buses; discussing uniform, books, fees and school rules; settle new students into class.
(2) Being available to counsel students experiencing problems. These problems may be related to subjects, careers, relationships with other students or home problems.
(3) Enlisting the services of outside agencies where applicable eg DECS Guidance Officer, Speech Pathologist, Community and Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Centrelink, Family And Youth Services, Riverland Interagency Team.
(4) Contacting parents with concerns on students’ progress and being the point of contact for parents with concerns they may have.
(5) Receiving concerns from parents about their child’s progress academically; their relationships; or personal matters.
SCHOOL CHAPLAIN
A school chaplain is available for appointments. For more information please contact the front office.
NEWSLETTER
Through newsletters and notices we try to keep you informed about what is happening at the school. We urge you to read notices carefully and if there is a ‘tear off sheet’, complete and return this to the school promptly.
The Newsletter will be available fortnightly - normally on Wednesdays - and is our main means of communication.
If you wish to have articles included, please send them to the school the week before publication is desired.
INTERVIEWS
We firmly believe that students gain most from their education when parents and teachers work closely together to support and encourage them.
To facilitate this partnership we provide opportunities at various times during the year for parent-teacher interviews that we encourage all parents to attend. These will enable you to meet and get to know your child’s teachers and to discuss her/his progress.
MONEY COLLECTION AND BOOKROOM SALES
Each morning from 8.30 to 8.45 the Cashier/Bookroom is open to receive all monies for excursions and the purchase of daily stationery needs.
This is the only time allocated to the receipt of money and the school and staff cannot be held responsible for money held by a student in a bag or locker.
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
DIARIES
All students in the school are required to keep a school diary and to use it effectively.
· The diary may be checked by the Home Group Teacher and initialled to show that it has been checked. We encourage students to use it effectively. Parental checking of diaries will provide students further encouragement in their personal organisation.
· The diary is to be carried to ALL lessons so that homework can be entered, and student movement monitored.
The student is to be responsible for completion of the following aspects of the diary.
· The diary is to be maintained in a good condition throughout the year.
· A timetable of lessons and a homework timetable are to be placed in the front pages.
· Each weekly section is to be completed as the information is obtained.
· Teachers may wish to communicate information to individual parents and this can be done in the “Notes” section. Teachers expect a separate signature from the parent (near the note) and will check this.
· Students may wish to make a note of special reminders.
· Information regarding School Bell Times, Uniform Requirements, Money Collection and Bookroom Sales, Homework, Student Behaviour and Procedures are contained in the diary.
· At Senior School level, students who have learned to use their diaries when in Years 8 - 10 will find time management and assignment deadlines easier to meet.
· The diary is a formal organisational and communication tool and should only be used for these purposes.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance Records are extremely important and can impact on allowances received. It is expected that every absence be explained. There is a section in the back of the diary, which should be filled in to provide absentee reasons to Home Group Teachers. In some cases Home Group Teachers or a school representative may phone home to seek information or check daily absences.
HOMEWORK
MIDDLE SCHOOL HOMEWORK POLICY 2008
Following a survey conducted for parents, the homework policy was reviewed and updated late 2005 in line with parent feedback. Consequently the scope of homework and the recognition of students’ skills have broadened considerably. This addresses the ‘Futures Connect’ strategies advocated by the Education Department.
Homework is an integral part of secondary schooling. At Glossop High School Middle Campus, it is used in the main for catching up missed work, completion of class work, reading and revision for tests. Long-term assignments may be set over a period of time. This develops a student’s organisational skills and allows flexibility of time use to cater for outside commitments.
If a student has no specific homework set it is expected that they focus on extra reading and portfolio work that relates to the activities the student is involved in out of school including the identification of Key Competencies gained.
The Portfolio work will show recognition of students commitments in the
Community (eg: - coaching, umpiring, church commitments)
Family (eg: - cooking, shopping, house duties, block / family business duties)
Identity / Self (eg: - paid work, sport, dance, music, volunteer work)
The Key Competencies cover: -
KC 1 Collecting, Analysing & Organising Information
KC 2 Communicating Ideas & Information
KC 3 Planning & Organising Activities
KC 4 Working with Others and in Teams
KC 5 Using Mathematical Ideas & Techniques
KC 6 Solving Problems
KC 7 Using Technology
KC 8 Cultural Understandings
It is expected that parents will verify out of school commitments by signing record sheets. At the middle school level it is expected that students will spend approximately an hour per night.
Year 11/12 -Students are expected to spend between 3 - 4 hours on each subject per week.
This is considered essential for a student to successfully complete a subject.
These times will vary according to the competence and diligence of the student, although if parents are concerned that a student is spending either insufficient, or too much, time on homework they should contact the school.
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS:
All students, regardless of their age are expected to attend school every day, except where sickness or other unavoidable circumstances arise. Research has clearly established that one of the most important factors in student progress is regular attendance.
If your child is away, on their return, please send a written note with him/her explaining the reason for absence. This note should be on paper, so that it can be kept for reference by the class teacher. Slips for this purpose are printed in the school diary.
If you have prior knowledge that your child will be absent from school for any reason, please assist by communicating with the teacher before that date, so that appropriate arrangements can be made. When a student will be absent for a longer period of time, eg a family holiday, an exemption from school may be required. Please contact the front office to organise.
NOTE: Attendance is required by law until a student turns 16 years of age.
YOUTH ALLOWANCE REQUIREMENTS
Students who receive a Youth Allowance are reminded that unexplained absences of more than ten days in any term may result in a deduction from their allowance. Centrelink monitors attendance of those students on Youth Allowance.
LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE DAY
Middle School Procedures
To ensure that students who leave the school during the day are collected by the appropriate person, a student should:
1. Provide a note (in diary) to the Home Group Teacher - this will be signed by the Home Group Teacher and indicated on the daily absentee list.
2. Report to Front Office with the note, and sign out using the Incidental Absences Computer. Bring your diary and ID card with you. Wait inside reception until collected by the appropriate person.
LATE FOR SCHOOL:
1. Report to the Front Office with ID card and diary for signing in.
2. A note from parents is also required.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL PERMANENTLY:
1. Bring a note from a parent to Home Group Teacher.
2. Fill in details on a green Leaver’s form available from a student reception.
3. Return all books to the Resource Centre, Book Loan Room (within Resource Centre), and Science Laboratory. Return all sports equipment and uniforms and obtain clearance signatures.
4. See all subject teachers and get signatures.
5. Return the form to the School Admin Officer when all signatures have been obtained. This process will take about half a day.
HEALTH FACTS
Community and Mental Health Service (CAMHS), is the largest community based health service for children and young people in South Australia. Their mission is to work in partnerships with individuals, families and communities:
¨ To enhance the health status of children and young people in South Australia, focussing on the promotion of health and prevention of ill health, and
¨ To support those parents and families who are the primary carers of children and young people.
Child and Youth Parent Helpline
1300 364 100 (the cost of a local call) any time any day CYH on the Internet: www.cyh.sa.gov.au
*The Second Story is a free confidential youth health service for young people aged 12-25 years. Ph: 08 82320233 (or 1300 364 100 ).
To Contact Child and Youth Health Nurses
Barmera Phone: 85880450 / 85865745
Riverland Community Health Services in Berri Phone: 85802500 / 85802526
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s health, please do not hesitate to contact either of the above people, and they should be able to put you in touch with appropriate support services.
The DECS Communicable Diseases Guidelines recommends minimum periods of exclusion from Schools. “Infectious Diseases Cases and Contacts” states students who are unwell should not be allowed to attend school. The guidelines have been drawn up on the premise that students who have been ill with infectious diseases will not return to school until they have fully recovered. The only exception to this rule is that students with certain skin diseases may return once the appropriate treatment has commenced.
Exclusion days refer to calendar days. Exclusion periods are minimum periods based on National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations. (Although a medical certificate may be produced to show earlier recovery). Students should be kept home from school for the recommended period in order to protect others in the school from the infection.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID AND ILLNESS
If a student feels unwell during the day or has an accident, they should report to the front office and speak to the School Services Officer responsible for First Aid. Parents will be contacted and the student sent home or the student may be allowed to rest in the Sick Room for one lesson before returning to the classroom (if they feel better).
In an emergency an Ambulance will be called.
Paracetamol will not be given to students, if students are unwell parents will be contacted so that the child can be taken home.
RESOURCE CENTRE
The library staff aims to provide resources and services to cater for the academic, recreation and leisure interests of students and staff members of Glossop High School, and to support the aims of the total school educational programme.
The Resource Centre is open 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday (closed some recess times and some lunch times).
Students may use the Resource Centre individually and in small groups sent by subject teachers, provided they have permission notes in their diaries, as well as in class groups with their subject teachers.
Students may borrow resources for a period of 28 days. To borrow from the Resource Centre students must have an I.D. card which needs to be presented each time the student borrows. Should the student lose or damage their I.D. card the replacement cost will be $5.
Middle School students may borrow up to 10 items at any one time.
Overdue items from either the Bookroom or the Resource Centre will result in a ban on borrowing until the overdue items are returned.
Some reference books are available only for use in the Resource Centre. Vertical File material needs to be photocopied and the original material returned to the main file. Internet use available for research and e-mail. Loans must be processed by the Resource Centre at the Circulation desk. A photocopier is available for student use at 10 cents per copy.
Services available from the Resource Centre include:
Search the online Library Catalogue at www.amlibweb.tafe.sa.edu.au
From here you can
1. Search the online catalogue for the Glossop High School using a variety of different searches.
2. Reserve available items.
3. Check your current details regarding items on loan or reserved items.
4. Find all new library items in the past 30 days
5. View other library options.
Laminating, overhead transparencies and bookbinding are available for students.
We encourage teachers to display their students’ work in the Resource Centre.
CANTEEN
The Canteen employs a Manager and two permanent helpers. Voluntary help is required and is much appreciated, as food preparation is labour intensive.
The canteen is open from 8.10 a.m. - 8.35 a.m.
The canteen operates during recess and lunchtime. The menu will reflect the Healthy Eating Policy as set by the Department of Education and Children’s Services. The emphasis is on good nutrition hence wholemeal breads, low salt, low fat foods are the only kinds available. The canteen has daily "Specials"
Lunch orders are taken before school and recess time at the Canteen, and are collected from the canteen at the start of lunch.
Foods sold in the Canteen comply with the guidelines set down and attempt, as far as possible, to encourage good nutritional habits.
Should it be necessary, the Canteen staff may be contacted between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or at the school on 8583 2004 when the Canteen is closed.
If you can help at anytime at the Canteen, please contact Mrs Sue Meek, either at the Canteen on 8583 2238 (Glossop) / 8595 2690 (Berri).
INSURANCE
Any information from Insurance Companies is passed on via the Newsletter and pamphlets.
CARE OF PROPERTY
School
Students are expected to take a personal pride in our school and help keep our environment neat and tidy. Under no circumstances are they to deface buildings or furniture. By Government regulations “Students who wilfully or carelessly damage school property will be required to meet the cost of repair.”
We enjoy our facilities and it is important to make every effort to keep them in good condition indefinitely. We will be expecting all students to help with this - and also to help to keep the buildings and grounds litter free, so that our campuses look and feel good at all times.
Personal Property
If clothes are clearly labelled, then it is easy to find the owner when they are found. It costs a little time, but saves money, if you label all clothes, particularly those which the student may take off during the day (e.g. jumpers, coats and shoes).
The school cannot accept responsibility for valuable items of personal property (e.g. mobile phones and electronic devices). Students should not leave these items or sums of money in unattended bags, clothing, pencil cases or on desks. All items should be labelled. A sturdy school bag is also recommended.
Lost Property
Lost property may be inspected at any time. It is kept in the Front Office area until the end of each term. If the property is not claimed it is distributed to St Vincent de Paul /second hand shop.
SCHOOL RULES
PARTNERS IN RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR
The school emphasises the need to develop self-discipline and has therefore developed a Student Behaviour Management and Discipline policy to assist students to attain this. Parents and teachers are key adults in the implementation of this policy.
STUDENT BEHAVIOUR GUIDELINES
Our school is quite a large community and in order that all of its members may have the opportunity to access the best possible education it is essential that we have some simple, logical but important guidelines that govern behaviour. All students are expected to operate within these guidelines. Failure to do so will result in consequences, which must be accepted if the student wishes to continue as a part of our school.
Our School Community is organised in such a way that students receive support and advice on a day to day basis. As a school there are a number of expectations that we have regarding the classroom behaviour of students. These include:
Ø Respect for the work of Teachers
Ø Developing a positive relationship with the Teacher
Ø Responding to all ‘Reasonable Requests’ regarding personal behaviour.
Staff may take action with a student in relation to inappropriate behaviour. This may include time-out, detention, yard duty, referral to a counsellor. Staff may also direct instances of inappropriate behaviour to a Sub-School Leader.
CLASS COUNSELLOR
Every student is placed in a “Home Group” which is administered by a Class Counsellor. These groups are as small as possible so that a positive relationship is built between students and staff. The class counsellor is the first point of contact between parents and the school. They are responsible for monitoring attendance, absenteeism, class roll information, reports, organising meetings between subject teachers and parents, newsletters and career and subject choice counselling. In Terms I and III parents have the opportunity to meet with the class counsellor and discuss the academic progress of their child in all subjects. The Class Counsellor may offer counselling or refer students to other services within the school.
SUBJECT TEACHER
Teachers are trained in two specialised subjects areas in educational practice either Middle School or general Secondary which includes Middle and Senior Years.
BEHAVIOUR CODE AND CONSEQUENCES:
CLASSROOM CODE OF COOPERATION
In our classroom we:
Ø Have the right to feel safe
Ø Respect each other
Ø Have the right to learn
Ø Have fun
Ø Cooperate
Ø Have a say
Therefore we:
Ø Pay attention
Ø Follow instructions
Ø Work as hard as possible
In order to achieve our goals!
Developed in conjunction with students & SRC 2005
CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT FOLLOWING OUR CODE OF COOPERATION:
Ø Warning
Ø Consequence
Ø Withdrawal Room
Four Withdrawal Room visits and / or Truancy from class per term
= Suspension
Each additional withdrawal room or truancy after 4
= Suspension
Some steps may be omitted for extremely serious, repeated or dangerous behaviour. Steps do not necessarily start again at the beginning of each new lesson.
SUB SCHOOL LEADERS
All students belong to one of two Sub–Schools, called Symonds and Till. Each of these has a Co-ordinator as Leader. This person is in contact with the staff who teach in the Sub-School and will mentor and advise staff. The Leaders may also advise parents of problems related to a student’s classroom efforts and in some cases suspend a student from school should breaches of school policy occur.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL or ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
These senior staff have a role in behaviour management when serious problems arise. They will be responsible for students’ suspensions from school (up to 5 Days) or exclusions (minimum of 4 weeks).
It is important for parents to know that our school has a zero tolerance in regard to possession, distribution or sale of illegal substances (e.g. students may be excluded from school for between 4 and 10 weeks).
Copies of the school Drug Policy may be obtained upon request.
Physical Assault is also totally unacceptable and will result in an immediate suspension. A refusal to follow the student behaviour code or threats to the well being of staff and or students will also result in suspension.
Smoking is not allowed on any property that is owned by the South Australian Government. If a student is detected in this activity they will receive a warning and their parents be notified. Should this happen again a suspension from school is likely.
HARASSMENT - BULLYING
These behaviours can be harmful to a student’s attendance and wellbeing. This type of behaviour can be difficult to detect and its impact is perceived differently by individuals. There are some occasions when we may be hassled, for example when we are doing the wrong thing, and need to be reminded to behave in an acceptable manner. However, sometimes we are harassed for no good reason, by students or adults.
This is wrong and should not be allowed to continue.
Bullying is when an individual or group deliberately sets out to hurt or harm someone else. The hurt can be physical or aimed at a victim’s feelings.
The damage is always psychological.
IT IS CRUEL BEHAVIOUR.
Our school community must be safe. We all need to work together for peace and harmony.
We are all entitled to feel safe at school.
Ø THIS IS OUR RIGHT.
Ø We are entitled to seek help.
Ø Students can see:
Ø The Home Group Teacher or
Ø Subject Teacher or
Ø The Student Counsellor or
Ø Subschool Leader
When bullying is reported to any of these people, they will respond.
Bullying can be:
· Physical: pushing, shoving, punching, kicking, spitting or any physical attack; also, invasion of personal space, theft, vandalism or interference with another’s property.
· Verbal: Abusive language, threats, starting or spreading rumours, name-calling, prank phone calls, unnecessary and offensive references to race or culture, sexually suggestive language and references etc.
· Non-verbal/psychological: Teasing, spreading gossip, writing notes, pranking, SMS messages, starting rumours, labelling or stereotyping, making offensive or threatening gestures, ignoring or isolating, forcing others to dislike someone etc.
· Property damage or interference and theft might also be bullying.
· For bullying, nobody wins, everybody loses.
· Victims: are obviously hurt; physically and/or emotionally.
· Bullies are at risk of becoming increasingly anti-social; many progress to criminal offending.
· Bystanders: are weak and powerless people. The fact that they stood by and watched makes them a part of the bullying process.
· All three – bullies, victims and bystanders – need help.
GLOSSOP HIGH SCHOOL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR BULLYING
IF YOU ARE BEING BULLIED AT SCHOOL, FOLLOW THESE FOUR SIMPLE STEPS
1. Tell them to stop. J
IF IT CONTINUES L
2. Talk to a friend, teacher, parent or someone you trust, to work out what to do next. J
IF IT CONTINUES L
2. Fill out a Harassment Report Form. These are available from the Resource Centre or Home Class Teacher. J
3. Show the form to your Home Class Teacher, Sub-school Leader or Student Counsellor. J
THIS PERSON WILL ASSIST YOU
LEVEL 1:
Both bully and victim are spoken to in an attempt to reach shared understanding and mutual concern for the situation. Most issues can be resolved here.
LEVEL 2:
This is more serious.
A formal warning will be given and parents will be contacted.
LEVEL 3:
Repeat offenders will be suspended.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
You are not alone
RESPECT TRUTH & HONESTY RESPONSIBILITY SUCCESS INTEGRITY INDIVIDUALITY & SELFWORTH
MAPS FOR MIDDLE CAMPUS & SENIOR CAMPUS