PARENT HANDBOOK

WELCOME

I am delighted that you have chosen St John's Catholic School as the partner for the education of your child.

Schools and parents should compliment each other in influencing the future of the child. In order to foster a true partnership between family and school, your involvement is always encouraged and at times, necessary. In particular, we hope that your time at St John's will be a happy and an exciting experience for both you and your child.

As you know, choosing St. John's as your school, is an important step in your child's life. Every child is different. Every child is special, with special needs, special interests and special characteristics. Your child is important to you, and important to us. We need to work together to help them grow, learn and develop, both as an individual and as a member of our school community.

I believe that parents are the primary educators of their children. It is our task, at St. John's to work in union with parents to help their children to be nurtured and continue to develop to their full potential during their time with us.

I hope this handbook will help you and your child to adjust readily and happily at this important time in your family's life.

Laurence Hosking

Principal

PARENT HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION

This handbook is just one of our many communication tools used in the co-operative education of your child. Classroom teachers welcome discussion about your child's progress on a regular basis. Within these pages you will find an outline to many of the school's procedures and regulations. We hope that through this handbook, we can make clear to you as much as possible about your child's days at St John's. If there are any aspects of your child's education or the school's policies, which need clarification, please do not hesitate to arrange an appointment with the appropriate person.

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SCHOOL HOURS: 8.30 am - 3.00 pm

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS: 8.15 am - 3.30 pm

St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School
The reality of Catholic Education.

PREAMBLE

HISTORY

Catholic Schools exist because for well over a century Australian Catholics have sought for their children, a full education, which incorporates a Christian faith philosophy.

AUTHORITY

St John the Baptist school is one of the Catholic schools that make up the school system of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton. The Bishop of Rockhampton has total authority over all of these schools. However, he has delegated the administration of the system to the Catholic Education Office under the guidance of a Director. Therefore, St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School is guided by the Catholic vision of education.

MODEL

St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School does not exist to be different but to make a difference.

In an atmosphere of mutual respect and service, the school chaplain, parish priests, parents, students and staff strive to reflect a faith community where God is named and recognised through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as transmitted through the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church.

CLIENTELE

St John the Baptists' service is to provide an education curriculum for Years P - 7 children of baptised Catholics and those who are in solidarity with the Catholic vision of education.

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT

"NOT TO BE DIFFERENT, BUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE"

OUR SCHOOL STRIVES TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

Parent Handbook
CONTENTS

OUR SCHOOL MOTTO AND EMBLEM

The words of our motto sum up the attitude of John the Baptist and the attitude all of us should seek to have as followers of Jesus. Our motto means that each of us, like our patron, St John the Baptist, will try to be the best person he or she can be at all times.

Our emblem shows how this is possible. If we allow God's word (the sword–like cross) to find a home in our hearts, then we will be free (the broken chain) from all that stops us becoming like Jesus and we will be a light for others.

PRINCIPAL'S VISION STATEMENT

The present principal hopes and believes that St John's will be an environment where:

• All are welcome

• The members of the school community are joyful people

• The members of the school community are valued individuals whose achievements, joys and sorrows are shared by the other members of the community.

• The local community can see a Christian community guided by Gospel values in action.

• The members of the school community are encouraged to participate in all areas of school life and have valuable contributions to make.

• Values of Faith, Hope, Love, Trust and Honesty are evident.

• The members of the school community come to know, love and serve God better by becoming more like Jesus.

• Children are given the opportunity, facilities, conditions and first class professional assistance to learn things that are of interest and value to them now and will be of value in the future.

• Children's efforts are celebrated.

• Children are encouraged to become responsible learners and responsible Christian members of our society.

• What children learn is of value to them as individuals and as members of the Church and secular communities.

Laurence Hosking

Principal

A CATHOLIC SCHOOL IS A PLACE WHERE...

• Your child will develop knowledge of the Catholic faith with Christian values emphasised and modelled.

• Your child will develop a sense of belonging within a community based upon trust and mutual respect.

• Your child's individual skills and talents will be nurtured.

• Your child will have the opportunity to experience academic excellence.

• Your child will be challenged by professional, skilled and committed teachers.

• Your child will develop positive values towards authority, each other and the wider community.

• Your child is offered a diverse curriculum in the areas of Religious Education, Language, Mathematics, Social Education, The Arts, Personal Development, Physical Education, Science, and Technology.

• Your child and family will be supported and cared for by the school and parish community.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WORK IN

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE LEARNING

Catholic Education

Catholic schools exist because the Australian Catholic faith community, past and present, felt and continues to feel, the need for an education for their children which links faith and life.

The free, secular and compulsory education system provided by governments throughout Australia since the 1870s, while excellent in its field, is seen to not provide a full education because its secularity means that the faith aspect of human life must not be touched upon in government schools.

Many Australian Catholics continue to value a Catholic school education for their children and believe that a full education for their children must involve education in faith as well as in the academic, social, physical and emotional aspects of life. St. John's seeks to provide that education in the environment of a Catholic community and with the open teaching of the beliefs and way of life of the Catholic religion as a part of the curriculum.

St John's is one of the Catholic schools that make up the school system of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton. The Diocese stretches from Bundaberg to just north of Mackay and from the coast to the Northern Territory border. The Bishop of Rockhampton, Bishop Brian Heenan, has authority over all these schools, but the administration of the system has been delegated to the Catholic Education Office, Rockhampton. Within the system each school community has a great deal of autonomy though of course some policies apply to all schools in the system (e.g. fees) and some are a matter for the law of the land (e.g. the age for starting school).

ST. JOHN'S - A BRIEF HISTORY

St. John's was founded in 1977 as the second Catholic primary school in the parish of Gladstone. The first principal was Sr Margaret Cummins, a Marist sister. The sisters continued to supply principals and some staff till 1985. Since 1986 the school has been staffed by lay people only.

St John's Catholic School

Our school provides a Catholic Education for boys and girls. We attempt to serve the needs of the Gladstone community who seek a high standard in education.

We provide a range of extra - curricula activities and encourage our students to fully participate in all aspects of school life.

Our children celebrate mass frequently as a class and as a whole school. We attempt to create a school environment where children feel comfortable, happy and safe. An environment that is tangible proof for everyone in and associated with St John's, that God is truly present, because of the atmosphere of warmth, acceptance and sympathetic guidance.

Our goal at St John's is that children learn things that are of value. We hope that this value is both for the present and for the future. We hope that their learning will be of interest to them today and of use to them in years to come.

We aim to have children leave St John's with:

Our Patron

St John the Baptist

John the Baptist, a relative of Jesus, is considered by Christians to be the last and greatest of the Jewish prophets.

Around the year 30 he came out of the Judaean wilderness to the Jordan River and began to call on the people to turn away from sin and be baptised as a sign of this repentance. John also declared that he was preparing the way for somebody far greater than himself.

Jesus came to John to be baptised even though, as John pointed out, this was completely unnecessary. John advised his disciples to become followers of Jesus calling Him "the Lamb of God."

Soon afterwards John was arrested and, having spent some time in prison, was murdered as a result of a rash promise made by King Herod.

The Church honours John the Baptist twice in the year; commemorating his birth on 24 June and his martyrdom on 29 August.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION

AND

PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

If you decide to have your child/children absent from school the teacher/teachers are under no obligation to provide school work to cover this period of avoidable absence.

If a child is unable to attend school for any reason, an explanatory note is to be sent to the class teacher on the child's return to school. This note must state the date(s), the reason(s) for the absences(s) and at least one signature is required. A telephone call explaining the child's absence on the actual day of absence is appreciated. Even if such a call is made a note is still to be sent, this may be via the school diary. Class teachers report unexplained absences to the Principal and habitual absence are referred to Family Services.

ACHIEVEMENT / ENCOURAGEMENT AWARDS

All children are encouraged to live our school motto:

"True Before God, True Before All"

Each week two children from each class are awarded either a) a Special Award or b) an Encouragement award.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Children should arrive to start their day by 8.30 am, but not before 8:20 am. Children who arrive after this time must report to the Office to have their name entered in the late book. After dismissal at 3:00 pm children should be picked up at the following areas:-

.We ask that all parents leave their car to collect their child/children for safety reasons. Your co-operation is appreciated.

ASSEMBLIES

The whole school morning assemblies are held each day in the assembly area for prayer and announcements. There are also class assemblies presented to the whole school. These are held on Fridays at 11.25 am.

AWARDS

The school celebrates the following yearly awards, which are presented at our end of year Mass.

The Religious Award

The Dux Award

The Diligence Award

The Courage Award

The Cultural Award (Arts)

School Spirit Trophy

BANKING

The school provides the opportunity for students to open and maintain accounts with the Commonwealth Bank. Tuesday is Bank Day. For every deposit made through St John's, it receives a commission from the bank.

BOOK CLUB

Parents may order children's books from Ashton Scholastic. The divisions are:-

Your child will receive an order form each month. If you wish to order any books you should return the order form and the money in a sealed envelope with your child's name, class and BOOK CLUB clearly marked. Any cheques should be made payable to Scholastic Bookclub.

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY

Our school has an association with the Central Queensland University in the following areas:

CHAPLAIN

Our school Chaplain is one of our Marist Fathers. He visits the classrooms on a regular basis to speak and pray with the children and also celebrates the Liturgies with the children on Thursdays.

CLASS PARENTS

Each class has a "class parent." He/she serves as a link between the class teacher and other parents in the organisation of social and other activities involving the class community.

CROSSING SUPERVISORS

St John's has Crossing Supervisors who attend the zebra crossing in front of the school, morning and afternoon. Please encourage your children to cross the road at this crossing.

CURRICULUM

In all areas of the curriculum St John's follows school-based and national programs which aim to make learning an activity full of interest and a sense of achievement. We intend that, at the end of their time at St John's, children leave the school capable and confident of proceeding further with learning.

Children learn at different speeds and in different ways. St John's staff members are aware of differing stages of development and different learning styles and take these into account when planning learning experiences for the children in their care.

The school has a policy of regular contact between teachers and parents so as to cement the all–important home/school link in aiding children's learning.

All formal learning processes, experiences and opportunities offered at this school are appropriately included across the following nine Key Learning Areas:

Religious Education:

Our Religious Education Curriculum is based on the Rockhampton C.E.O. guidelines. The programme aims to develop the spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth of the children. Parental involvement is required for the success of the programme.

Language:

St John's follows the holistic language approach to learning. This allows children to develop language skills at an individual level. We encourage the use of all language genres in writing, and exposure to various genre forms is sequenced over the year levels.

Mathematics:

Mathematics is the study of Number, Space and Measurement. We believe that the 'hands on' approach is the way Mathematics should be taught. The use of concrete materials is essential in all year levels.

Science and Social Education:

In our Science and Social Education programs we provide learning experiences where children develop an interest in their world, have the opportunity to interact and react with their environment and will develop responsible attitudes towards their world. Our science curriculum is based on the Queensland Science and Technology K-6 syllabus and The Primary Investigators program from ACT. The Social Education curriculum is based on the Queensland Social Studies syllabus.

CURRICULUM PROGRAMS

Each teacher prepares a complete curriculum program, across all curriculum areas, which are to be taught each term. The Principal, and Assistant Principal as required, appropriately reads each program and then communicates approval and related issues to each member of the teaching staff.

DENTAL SERVICE

The school Dental Van visits the school each year and provides a free dental service for students. Information on the van's visits is communicated in our newsletter - "The Informer".

DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION AND/OR LEAFLETS

The Principal must be aware of, and approve:

DRILLS

A comprehensive evacuation procedure and safety document is revised and implemented at the beginning of each school year. Trained and experienced staff, from our local fire station, assist with the development of our safety plan. An effective full school fire drill occurs once each semester so that students and staff are always well prepared in case of an emergency. Drills are also conducted for "lock down" situations.

DUTY OF CARE

St John's Catholic Primary School has legal, moral and social obligations to care for the safety and well being of your child while the child is in our care. Legally, all staff are required to act with common sense and responsible approach which endeavours to protect your child's safety between the hours of 8.20 am and 3.15 pm each school day.

EISTEDDFODS

St John's students are encouraged to enter the annual Eisteddfod and all participating students are acknowledged publicly at school assemblies. Classes also enter in the Verse Speaking Choir sections.

EMERGENCIES

In the case of accidents resulting in serious injuries, parents will be notified immediately. Should the parent be unavailable the child will be taken to the Gladstone Hospital by Ambulance. It is vitally important that parents keep their children's personal record up to date.

ENROLMENT

The school provides Primary Education for Catholic children. Where space is available places may be given to children of other mainstream Christian Churches or those wishing a Catholic Education for their child/children. Children must turn 5 years of age in the year they enrol in Preschool. First preference is given to Catholic siblings and Catholic applicants.

EXCURSIONS

Class excursions may occur from time to time throughout the school year. Since all approved excursions are relevant to the school curriculum, students are expected to participate. Information, details and permission forms are all sent home to parents/guardians well before the planned activity. Our school policy recognises the need to take into account every family's situation when planning excursions.

FACILITIES

The school is situated in the suburb of Clinton, Gladstone. The school is well equipped and has a large Library, a Music Room, Teacher Resource Room, an All-Purpose Block and large playground facilities. All classrooms are well equipped and ventilated. St John's Parish Church is located in the centre of town.

FAITH DEVELOPMENT

All people are children of God. Baptised Christians experience that at childhood in a special way. We Christians know we are children of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus and members of the community of the Church. Our faith does not come to us magically. We grow in it, we try to develop it, we learn about it. From early childhood parents foster this growth in faith. In a Catholic school we see partnership with parents in the development of children's faith as our greatest responsibility. This development in faith has many facets.

St John's seeks to provide children with systematic instruction in religious knowledge using the Religious Education guidelines of the Rockhampton Diocese. These guidelines provide a program from Years P – 12. Personal prayer is our Spiritual lifeline to God. At St John's children are encouraged to make prayer a part of everyday life. Children are led to pray both as individuals and as members of a community. We hope this prayer life at school is an extension of prayer life at home and in the parish community. The School Prayer (see page 30) is said daily.

The whole school and individual classes have opportunities to celebrate Mass thanks to the service provided by our school chaplain. Parents are always welcome to join in these liturgies whether they involve their child's class or not.

All these activities, indeed the whole life of the school, goes on in the atmosphere of a Christian educational community. We hope that all members of the school community are given the same respect because of their equal dignity as sons and daughters of God.

All teachers at the school engage in "faith development" activities throughout the year. These are aimed to assist them in both their own living of the faith and as teachers of R.E.

FEES

Information on school fees and the School Building Fund (which are set through diocesan structures) and School Based Levies, which are set by local boards, is sent home to parents in an appropriately marked brochure. This is done either at the end of a school year for the next year or at the beginning of a school year for that year.

School Fee Accounts are processed each term, usually during the second or third week, and are sent home with the eldest child in the family. Payment may be made in full, or by weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments. The due date is usually several weeks prior to the end of term. Concessions on fees are available to eligible families by contacting the principal.

School Fee Concession Forms are available on request and for reasons of financial hardship, eligible families will receive significant fee concession assistance through these forms.

School fee accounts are handed over to our debt collection agency (which is used by all Catholic schools in Gladstone) when parents/guardians:

FUNDRAISING

The main fundraising body within the school is the Parents and Friends Association (P & F). The P & F organise fundraising events throughout the year. Other fundraising events occur through the following venues:

GENERAL PERMISSION

Parents generally will be notified of forthcoming events and excursions, however a general permission form has been incorporated in the general conditions of enrolment.

HAIRCUTS

The schools regulation regarding haircuts is that haircuts are to be conservative and are not to bring undue attention to one self. In this period of short style haircuts for boys, haircuts are not to be shorter than a "gauge 2" cut.

HEALTH

All children should have their immunisations up to date before starting school. Head lice can be a problem in all schools. We ask that parents check their children's hair regularly and treat any problem immediately. Leaflets about treatment are available from the school office. When detection of any contagious health conditions occurs, the school must be notified immediately.

HOMEWORK

1.  Homework can serve several purposes. It:

2. Homework should always include some time for reading and drill exercises.

3. Maximum times for homework (i.e. "written, "learning" and "reading" combined).

4. Homework should be a part of the learning process, which leads to children's consolidating their knowledge of material studied at school (e.g. maths operations, a piece of writing) or working independently (e.g. social studies project, research).

5. No written homework is given on Friday to be completed by Monday.  However, especially in older classes, the giving of a long–term assignment which could involve the child allocating some weekend time to it is quite desirable. Such assignments can be carried out over (say) a fortnight while other usual homework continues to be given.

6. The school diary should be used properly and carefully.

HOUSE SYSTEM

Children are placed in three houses for sports carnivals:-

Each child is allocated to a house on enrolment and we try to balance the number for boys and girls in each age group and families are allocated to the same house. House captains (boy and girl) are elected from Year Seven. These children are presented with a special badge and are expected to have good leadership qualities.

IMMUNISATION

The Gladstone City Council provides an immunisation service for those children over 10 years of age who require it. Annual boosters are available for measles; mumps; rubella; diphtheria; tetanus and polio. These clinics are usually held towards the end of Term 4. Forms are sent home through the school. Our school is a proactive supporter of immunisation. We strongly encourage families to have their children immunised accordingly.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

The school policy follows the directions of the Queensland Education Department concerning infectious diseases. Some procedures for parents include the following:

The full school policy is available through the office if parents wish to view it in detail.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

The instrumental program is offered to students in Years 4 - 7 only. Lessons take place during school time each term and tuition is available for woodwind instruments only.

Interested students must have access to the instrument of their choice and the music teacher will bill each participating family direct.

The cost and times of lessons is distributed to interested families at the beginning of each school year or on arrival for new families.

Lessons are held on a rotating basis so that students do not miss the same subject lesson in their class each week.

Once students demonstrate a basic level of proficiency they are encouraged to join our School Band. The school has some instruments available for hire or a hire arrangement can be reached with Chanel College at affordable rates to allow students access to instruments.

INSURANCE

It is the responsibility of parents to make sure that their children are adequately covered by health and accident insurance. While all reasonable care and supervision is provided, this school cannot accept responsibility or liability for any accident, whether playground, sporting or otherwise. Information about insurance policies with Catholic Church Insurances is sent home early each year.

LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH (L.O.T.E.)

Japanese language and culture is taught to all students in Years 5 - 7.

LATE BOOK

Our school has a Late Book. Its two main aims are essentially:

Latecomers in Years 1 - 7 or their parents are requested to sign the late book before going to class and naturally, there are no punishments or negative reinforcements for students who may have occasion to sign the book. It is the school's record and safeguard if any action for continuous lateness to school has to be forwarded on to authorities eg family services, custody cases.

LIBRARY

The children have the opportunity to use the school library each week. It is a requirement that the children use a library bag to keep their school library books separate, safe and easier to find.

LIBRARY STATEMENT

Each class has one timetabled lesson each week for sixty minutes.

POLICY

Library lessons are aimed towards utilising the library to its full potential. Towards this, the children will be learning information skills to develop knowledge and understanding in such areas as: alphabetical order, the Dewey decimal system from years 4 to 7, and use of the "Inquiry" Module Keyword Search Facility on the computer. Any theme used within class will be supported by library materials available. The library appreciates any display made in class.

Subject, Title and Author Catalogues will be printed periodically. Books are borrowed using the Oasis & Alice for Windows Borrowing System

Returning Books Borrowed:

Books must be returned at the end of the two week borrowing period. At the end of each Term all books must be returned. There is a BLUE RETURN BASKET at the front desk for returns.

OVERDUE BOOKS:

Children will be given a notice with the following message:

LOST PROPERTY

All lost property items are stored in our lost property box situated in the office reception area and students are reminded regularly to check this venue if they have lost any items. Every five weeks items with clearly marked labels are returned to students via their class teachers. All remaining items are donated to St Vincent De Paul.

MISSIONS

Children are encouraged to support the missions by their prayers and mission money. Each class selects a month in the school year and focuses on in-school fundraising activities. Children also support appeals by the St Vincent De Paul Society as well as other particularly pressing social causes eg, Bushfire/Cyclone victims. The charities we will support are determined at the beginning of each year by the Staff and Students council. Individual classes are encouraged to be involved in community service projects.

MONEY

Please ensure that any money sent to the school is enclosed in an envelope with the amount, the child's name and purpose (e.g. swimming, bookclub, excursion) written on it. All money handed in by students is to be via the classroom teacher not the office.

NEWSLETTER - "THE INFORMER"

The Informer is distributed every Wednesday during school time to the eldest child in the family.

Items of general or community interest for inclusion can be left with our school secretary by 1pm Tuesday afternoon. Items will be included if the content is appropriate and if print space permits.

OFFICE HOURS

Our front office is open from 8.15 am - 3.30 pm each school day. When our school secretary is out of the office people are free to leave a message on the answering machine which we will attend to as soon as possible.

PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

Our P & F meets on the third Monday of each month at the school. All parents are encouraged to take an active part in this aspect of the school's life. There are a number of sub–committees who are doing great work for the school.

The role of the Parents and Friends Association (P & F) is to support the school in fund raising for projects and to develop the spirit of the parent body. An annual general meeting is held in February to elect office bearers and executive committee members. The office bearers include president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary. Committees are formed with specific tasks.

These committees may include:-

The chairperson of each committee is part of the executive. Meetings are held every Third Monday of term and executive meetings when required. A copy of the constitution is available at the office.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

The educational partnership between parents and school was mentioned earlier. We also invite your assistance in some of the more mundane, but still necessary aspects of school life. Please let us know if you have any skills, interests or equipment that could benefit the school. The school expects a generous response when the school needs parents' time and labour for working bees, the mowing and other odd jobs. Our school is very proud of its record holding number of families that respond to our official two working bees a year.

PARTNERSHIP

Because parents and teachers are partners, each teacher of this school seeks to establish early in the year clear lines of communication with the parents of the children in his/her class. In the first term of each school year the following steps are undertaken.

In these meetings parent and teacher discuss educational goals for the year and outcomes so far this semester. The initial parent letter and the parent information evening plus the semester record card provide a background for this discussion.

Throughout the year parents are always welcomed and encouraged to make an appointment to discuss their child's development with the child's teacher. Teachers keep parents informed of significant trends or occurrences in their child's development and give regular class newsletter updates. Teachers also encourage parent assistance in the classroom.

PARENT/TEACHER MEETINGS

Formal Parent / Teacher Information Nights are carried out in early Term 1. The purpose of these meetings is to get to know you child's teacher. It gives the teacher an opportunity to present their teaching philosophies and classroom routines. This meeting is not for the purpose of one to one interviews. Formal Parent / Teacher meetings are carried out in Term 2 (Weeks 9 & 10). At this time the child's general progress is discussed, and the Semester One record is distributed. Optional Formal Parent / Teacher meetings are carried out late in Term 3. At this time the child's general progress is again discussed. Teachers and parents may arrange for interviews to discuss their child's progress from time to time. Meetings should be requested in writing, by phone or in person, giving as much notice as possible.

PASTORAL CARE

As a Catholic school, St John's has both a duty and an obligation to promote the pastoral dimension in the school's operations, processes, practices and policy formulation. Pastoral Care plays an important and significant role in the overall Catholic school's day to day dealings with the children in its care.

POLICIES

The school has developed a number of policies pertaining to curriculum and the day to day running of the school. These are constantly being evaluated and developed by the School Board. These are available upon request from the school office.

PRAYER & WORSHIP

Every morning at 8.25 am staff volunteer to gather to pray. All morning assemblies start at 8.35 am with a child-lead prayer. Within each class regular opportunities are provided for the children to plan, prepare and participate in prayer and liturgies.

PRESCHOOL

The Preschool is located at the side entrance of the school in Laner Avenue. It is staffed by a trained Early Childhood Teacher and a teacher's assistant. The Preschool operates from 8.45 am - 2.45 pm, as well as running a full five day a week program and the normal five day fortnight system. Children must be 5 years of age by the end of the year they wish to be enrolled. The Preschool programme operates through a play centred philosophy that involves indoor and outdoor activities including art/craft, music, language development, maths work and sports. The children participate in the whole school athletics carnival, whole school masses and other school celebrations. Children who attend the Preschool shall be given priority for enrolment into Year 1 at St John's School.

PUPIL FREE DAYS

Unless otherwise notified, the first day of each school term is a pupil free day. Students start or resume classes on the second day of each term. Forthcoming term dates and pupil free dates are all communicated to parents via "The Informer".

REGIONAL SPORTING TEAMS

A number of our students gain successful entry into regional sporting teams. These students are publicly acknowledged at our school assemblies and with their parents'/guardians' permission, are allowed time away from school to compete in regional, state and national sporting competitions.

SAFETY HOUSE

St John's is in a Safety House Zone. All parents are invited to be members of the Safety House committee. More information is available through the school office.

SCHOOL BOARD

The School Board is a pastoral body consisting of the parent members, the Principal, the Parish Priest and a staff member. The function of the school board is to support the Principal and advise on matters of existing policy and in the formation of new policies.

A sharing wisdom process of discernment is the basis of the Board's decision making process. Parent members to the Board are elected for a two year period and are chosen for their faith dimension and specific talents such as financial expertise, pastoral wisdom, managerial experience, local knowledge.

The School Board is an open and effective body which welcomes any questions, comments, suggestions or ideas you may have. All correspondence can be addressed to:

It must be stressed that the School Board is a Pastoral Advisory body to the Principal.

SCHOOL BUS

Calliope children may travel to and from school by Calliope Coaches (Phone 4975 7455 for further information). A travel subsidy is available through the Government "Hot Spots" program. Ask at the school office for any further information.

Gladstone and Beecher children can travel with Gladstone Bus and Coach Company. They can be contacted on 4972 1670 for routes, times and fares.

SCHOOL DIARY

A School Diary has been produced as another communication tool between school and home. Teachers may use them in a variety of ways though their main purpose is as a source of communication between teachers, students and parents. Parents should check School Diaries each night for any homework or teacher comments. Parents are expected to communicate with the child and/or teacher by writing relevant comments in the School Diary as mentioned in the homework section of this information booklet.

SCHOOL HOURS

School Morning Assemblies commence at 8.35 am each morning for Prayer and announcements. Classes commence at 8.40 am and the school day finishes at 3.00 pm.

The staff come together to pray at 8.25 am each day.

Children should not arrive at school before 8.20 am nor be in the school grounds after 3.15 pm. First Break is from 10.40 am to 11.25 am. Second Break is from 1.25 pm to 1.45 pm. These hours were implemented to reinforce the school Sun Safety Policy.

SCHOOL PRAYER

SCHOOL RENEWAL

A significant and effective School Renewal Process occurs at St John's School every five years. The last renewal was during 1999. All key administration, educational, social, cultural and technical aspects were reviewed closely and subsequently, a series of commendations and recommendations were suggested for implementation from 2000 - 2004.

SCHOOL SUPPORT SERVICE

The Port Curtis and Callide Valley School Support Service, located at Gladstone West State School, offers a range of services provided by Guidance Officers and other personnel. A professional assessment is offered free of charge for students for whom either academic, educational, social or behavioural concerns are evident. After discussions have occurred with relevant people, our school principal is happy to arrange suitable assessment. Reporting conferences occur routinely with parents and relevant teaching staff after assessment results become available. All parents are reminded that you are free to contact the School Support Service at any time, independent of your school.

SICK BAY

A sick bay is located in our office. The sick bay is for all students who may feel or be unwell. The child's parents and the family doctor and/or an ambulance are all contacted should a child obviously require medical attention. NO medication is administered to a student unless a medication form has been filled out by the parents and filed at the office. Please note only prescribed medications are administered at our school by the Principal or nominee.

SPORTS CARNIVALS

Our school holds one intra-house Swimming Carnival and Athletics Carnival each year. While all children in Years P - 7 are expected to participate and earn valuable points for their house team, parents, relatives and friends are encouraged to participate either as volunteers or as active supporters.

STUDENT RECORDS

Student records are kept in the office. It is vitally important, and your obligation that these records be kept current. Please ensure that you advise the office of any changes to relevant information immediately. Please remember, to date, student information is required as an enrolment condition, it also may save your child's life.

STUDENT MEDICATION

Any medication to be administered must be in-line with our School Medication policy. Our school secretary fulfils this role as part of her duties. All relevant details must be communicated to the school office before medication is administered so that a medication register form can be completed for each student and signed by the Principal.

SWIMMING

All children at St John's have the opportunity to learn to swim. Lessons for Years 4 – 7 will be held in Term 1. There will be eight lessons. The Year 1 – 3 children will have their eight lessons in Term 4.

Children will be taught in small groups. The groups would range in size depending on the kind of instructions and the ability of the children. Some groups might be as large as fifteen, some as small as three. The average would be a group of ten.

TRANSFER

Transfer Certificates are available from the office upon request. Transfer Certificates are only issued if accounts are settled and the Principal has been notified.

TUCKSHOP

The school Tuckshop supports providing a healthy alternative to school lunches. All families will receive a menu at the beginning of the new term. Orders for lunch must be written on bags. To assist the tuckshop workers provide your child/children with lunches please read and follow the instructions printed on the Tuckshop Menu. The convener will be calling for volunteers in the new year to help either in the tuckshop on a roster system or by making donations of cooked food or ingredients.

UNIFORM

A School Uniform policy is available for viewing at the school office. Students are required to wear the school uniform. Students are also required to wear a school hat for all outdoor activities. Children should always be neatly dressed in the school uniform. No jewellery should be worn to school; watches and religious medals are exceptions. Plain studs or sleepers are to be worn by girls only in pierced ears. Hair bands or ribbons should be plain – of one colour only – navy blue (light or dark), white or red - these being our school colours.

PLEASE MARK EVERY ITEM WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME. This includes hats, shoes, socks and lunch boxes.

The school has a uniform shop. If anything is required an order form is to be completed and left at the school office. Uniform orders with payment are usually processed within 3 to 4 weeks. Orders are distributed via the eldest child. The Uniform Shop also has a lay-by system in place. Further information may be obtained through the Uniform Committee.

Click here for our current uniform price list.

The above items can be purchased from the School Uniform Shop. Both girls and boys wear white socks with Black Leather shoes, vinyl shoes or joggers (eg Black "Lynx"). Please ask at the school office for order forms. New enrolments will be clothed on the first day of enrolment. Wet weather type shoes may be worn only to and from school in wet weather. School shoes must be put on upon arrival at school.

PLEASE MARK ALL ITEMS OF CHILDREN'S SCHOOL CLOTHING,

LUNCH BOXES, BOOKS ETC. CLEARLY WITH THEIR NAMES.

VOLUNTEERS

A large number of parents are active volunteers at St John's School. Our school newsletter will notify the school community of the range of assistance, which may be required from time to time. A spirit of generosity is always appreciated.

Go to "Conditions of Enrolment" Form