A B C D E F H I K L M N P R S T U-Z
A
Absences from School
Class rolls are marked at the beginning of each day and after lunch. Under the ACT Education Act 2004, it is the responsibility of parents/guardians to report their child’s absences to the school. Students who are absent must bring a note from a parent/guardian explaining the reason. If a child needs to leave the school between 8.50am and 3.00pm parents must sign the ‘Students leaving early’ book in the foyer and a note should be given to the class teacher. Penalties exist under the Act. For further information please refer to the Department Website to download the Education Act.
Attendance
It is a legal requirement that the classroom teacher maintains an accurate record of children’s attendance in the class roll. Therefore, parents must contact the school, either by telephone or written note, if their child is to be away from school for any reason.
Accident and Illness
If a child appears to be unwell before school, parents should make arrangements for the child to remain at home or be cared for elsewhere.
Student information cards are sent home at the start of each year to gather parent contact information for ready reference and should be returned promptly to the class teacher. To facilitate speedy contact with parents in an emergency, any change in home or work phone numbers, home address, place of employment or name of emergency contact should be notified immediately.
In the event of an accident or a child becoming ill during the day, we will make every effort to contact the parent using the information on the student information card. If this is not possible, medical attention will be obtained at the Casualty Section of Canberra Hospital, unless parental permission has been refused in writing. For further information download the departmental policy on the Administration of Medication.
After School Care
Our program is held every afternoon in the Sir Austin Chapman Community Hall, adjacent to the school. All staff are experienced and very caring. The program can be used on a permanent or casual basis. You can phone the coordinator to make a booking on the day you require child care, although a day’s notice is preferable. We operate Monday to Friday. Please contact the service on 0408 880 655 for full details.
Ambulance Transportation
Students injured while under supervision at school or in a school-related situation are transported free of charge to the emergency section of either public hospital in the ACT. Parents and guardians of students who participate in excursions and other school trips outside the ACT should note that free ambulance transportation only applies in the ACT. Parents and guardians are reminded to check their health cover for ambulance transportation outside the ACT.
Casualty Treatment
- Under the Medicare arrangements no charges are raised for services provided at the accident and emergency sections of ACT public hospitals.
- If a student is subsequently admitted to hospital after receiving treatment in the accident or emergency section, s/he will be automatically classified as a Medicare patient and no charge will be raised.
- If you elect to have the student treated by a doctor of your choice, a hospital charge will apply. The doctor may also charge for their services. You are advised to have medical insurance if you wish to choose this option.
Appointments
Communication between school and home is highly valued. Parents are asked to make an appointment for any discussion with the Principal, Deputy Principal, Counsellor or teachers. An appointment will be arranged at the earliest possible time and attention will be given immediately to urgent issues.
Assessment
A range of assessment tools is used by our teachers to determine your child's progress throughout the year. A component of our assessment procedures each year will be PIPS assessment for Kindergarten children early in Term 1. Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 children will participate in the ACT Assessment Program (ACTAP) in literacy and numeracy early in Term 3. For further information, please refer to our Assessment and Reporting Policy.
Assemblies
Regular assemblies are planned and conducted by children. Assemblies feature group singing, reports from children, displays of work and general announcements. All children attend, as regular whole-school gatherings create a cohesive school community and maintain a heightened school spirit. Parents are welcome to attend.
Banking
The school runs a banking service each week. The school receives 25c commission from the Commonwealth Bank for each new account and also for each deposit over 50c thereafter. Should you wish your child to begin a savings account please contact the school.
The Commonwealth Bank provides a school banking service. Banking books should be handed to the parent representatives on Wednesday mornings between 8:30am and 9:00am in the central blue carpet area of the school.
Banking is completed electronically and the school receives a commission for every transaction made. Problems or enquiries should be directed to the parent representatives or the Commonwealth Bank.
Behaviour Management
The school respects the basic values of the home and promotes socially acceptable behaviour based on the fundamental principles of:
- the right to learn/teach without disruption;
- care and consideration for each other;
- care of the environment and property;
- the right to feel happy and safe at all times.
The school has a Behaviour Management Policy which states that children are responsible for their own behaviour. With teacher assistance, children have drawn up a comprehensive list of acceptable behaviours in classrooms and the school playground. The policy outlines various steps through which a child progresses, depending on the type of misbehaviour.
Communication with parents is always made when the child's behaviour indicates that this is necessary. Parents are requested to inform the teacher or principal when a child's school work or behaviour might be affected in some way by circumstances not known to the school (eg serious illness in family or separation).
Before School
The ideal arrival time is between 8.40am and 8.50am, as school begins at 8:50am. Students should move to their class meeting space. Students should not play on the playground equipment before or after school. Once at school grounds students must walk with bicycles, scooters and skateboards.
Rosters indicating that the Principal and/or Executive Teacher are on call in their offices. In the event of wet weather before school all students should remain undercover.
Bicycles
If children ride bicycles to school they should wear helmets at all times. Bicycles should be locked in the bicycle areas which are out of bounds during the day. The school cannot accept responsibility for or damage to bicycles. For the safety of all children bicycles are not to be ridden in the school playground at any time.
Canteen
A well-equipped and attractively designed canteen is located behind the library. The canteen is operated daily, providing lunches and recess snacks as well as special lunches on occasions. A manager is employed by the P&C.
Parents who can assist with canteen work are urged to do so by contacting members of the Canteen Committee, Manager or the school's Office Manager.
Car Parking
Parents are urged to exercise extreme caution in the car parks, especially after school when the car parks are very busy. Parents are asked to use the school driveway when entering the carpark but please remember not to park in the bus zone which is located on the left of the school driveway. Parking is also available on Streeton Drive.
Collection of Money
It would appreciated if parents could send in payment to the class teacher for excursions etc. in a sealed envelope bearing:
- the child’s name
- the child’s class
- amount enclosed
- purpose (eg. Botanic gardens excursion)
- signature of parent/guardian
A receipt will be issued and sent home with your child.
Communication With Parents
Close and effective two-way communication between the school and the home is vital to the educational process. Parents are asked to make an appointment for any discussion with the Principal, Deputy Principal, Counsellor or teachers. An appointment will be arranged at the earliest possible time and attention will be given immediately to urgent issues. Parents are always welcome to visit the school. The main forms of communication from school to the home include:
- the weekly newsletter issued each Thursday;
- parent/teacher interviews;
- formal reporting;
- information evenings;
- P&C/School Board meetings and functions.
Parents are assured that communication is always made when a child's progress or behaviour indicates that this is necessary. Likewise, it is very important that parents contact the school whenever anything occurs in the home environment which might affect your child's work.
Contact Numbers
Contact numbers and addresses need to be kept up to date with the Office Manager. Children can be distressed unnecessarily when sickness or illness occurs and the contact number is out of date.
Counsellor
We have the services of a school counsellor for 3 days a fortnight. The counsellor is responsible for assisting in identifying special educational needs of students. She is also available to support students and families in times of need.
Curriculum
Our curriculum uses the ACT Curriculum Frameworks and the Australian National Profiles as its base. There is a strong focus on five strands:
- Literacy and Numeracy
- Critical Thinking and Information Literacy
- Civics and Citizenship
- Health and the Arts
- Environmental Science
The policy of the ACT Department of Education and Training has been for each school to develop and implement its own curriculum within guidelines formulated by the Department. It is one of the School Board’s roles to examine and approve the curricula of the school. There is a cyclical program of curriculum review and renewal. Copies of the various documents are available in the Library should parents wish to peruse them.
For further information download departmental publications Introduction to the Curriculum Frameworks and Every Chance to Learn.
Court Orders and Parenting Agreements
Please discuss any special circumstances with the Principal and lodge copies of these orders/agreements with the Office Manager. Court Orders can only be enforced if the school has a current copy. They are treated confidentially in our school.
Dog Control
Parents may not be aware of the provisions of the Dog Control Act 1975 which states in section 23 “a person shall not take a dog into the grounds of a school at a time when pupils are on those grounds”. A dog with a couple of children can be lots of fun but a dog with a lot of children often results in dog and children becoming over excited and behaving erratically. In the interests of safety we seek your co-operation ensuring that this regulation is observed.
Under Department of Urban Services policies, dogs are not permitted on school grounds. Section 42 of the Act defines places where dogs are prohibited. These include the grounds of a child care centre, preschool, primary school, high school or secondary college during school hours or when school sport including training is being conducted unless the keeper of the dog resides in the grounds, or a dog is taken into the grounds with the approval of the principal.
There is a global ban on dogs on playing fields anywhere where sport or training for sport is being played.
Also dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of anything designed for play by children in a public place if children are playing on it; a fireplace designed for cooking food; or a swimming area defined by a sign erected.
Equity Fund
All government schools have established an Equity Fund to ensure access and equity in the provision of education. The fund supports the needs of students who might not otherwise be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities provided by their schools.
Enrolments (Priority Enrolment Area)
Chapman Primary School follows the Department of Education and Training Policies and guidelines. Our Priority Enrolment Area is the suburbs of Chapman and Stirling. To be eligible to commence school, your child must turn five years of age on or before 30th April. Early entry to school must be negotiated with the Director of Schools Southern Region (02 6205 5428). For further information download the departmental policy on Enrolments and Preschool Enrolments.
Excursions
Excursions are an integral part of the education program at Chapman Primary School. Through excursions, students benefit from enriching experiences which enhance their educational program by giving them direct access to skills, knowledge and understanding they need to relate to their social and environmental surroundings. Experiential learning of this type is invaluable for integrating the education experience within the wider community. School uniform must be worn when students attend these activities.
A bus levy is sought from parents at the beginning of the school year to cover the transportation costs of excursions. Excursions may also incur other costs which may or may not be included in the program requirement costs to be paid each year.
F
Finances
The ACT Department of Education provides the bulk of finance spent on the running of the school. In general the buildings and facilities and provides for basic requirements. This amount needs to be augmented if our children are to receive the quality education which is their right.
Voluntary contributions are an important part of the school’s budget and your contribution enables our children to learn in the richest possible environment. They are spent in consultation with the P&C – following suggestions from parents to buy facilities and services such as books, playground equipment and physical education equipment.
We hope that those who are able will make their contribution to the school. Contributions may be made to the school’s General fund or if you wish, to the library fund – which is fully tax deductible.
Voluntary Contributions Departmental Statement
“For many years students have benefited from the additional financial resources provided through voluntary financial contributions from parents, carer and other citizens. These contributions have assisted the school to conduct additional programs and activities and purchase educational materials.
The School Board has suggested that the following contributions will directly support the educational programs provided by the school. This voluntary contribution may be made in full, in part or by instalments.
• P & C General fund • P & C Library fund
Section 27 of the Education Act 2004 however clearly states that
a) each contribution must be voluntary
b) a child is not to be refused benefits or services because the child’s parents do not make a contribution
c) a child is not harassed for contributions
d) any record of contributions is confidential”.
The school may offer or facilitate some specific items, activities and services for which parents may be required to pay if the want their child to access them. These are included in Schedule One of the Department of Education and Training’s Statement on Requesting Contributions from Parents, which can be found at http://www.det.act.gov.au/policies/policies.htm.
H
Head Lice
Head lice are extremely contagious but easily eradicated. Children with either eggs or live lice will be excluded from school until written evidence of treatment is produced. Please report any cases of head lice to the School Office. Download the departmental policy on Head Lice and the Department of Health fact sheet.
Home Contacts
In case of student sickness or accident, it is essential that the school be supplied with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of family or friends who can be contacted during the school day.
It is important that any changes to these names, addresses and telephone numbers be advised as soon as possible. The school sends home contact forms at the beginning of each school year. Please contact the School Office for more information.
Homework
Communication and shared family experiences are of primary importance to children’s learning and self-esteem and is a partnership between school and home. Teachers, parents and students each have responsibilities. We believe that homework is important to:
- practise skills taught in the classroom,
- develop study habits and organisational skills,
- develop responsibility,
- involve parents in the learning process,
- pursue extra or special activities.
The particular form of school initiated homework for each unit will be explained at the beginning of the school year.
Individual teachers may require that some homework be completed. Requirements will be discussed at Information Evenings at the beginning of each school year. Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in homework and to assist when necessary.
Homework, provided it is approached correctly by your child, should not intrude unduly on leisure activities. Please discuss homework with your child's teacher if you believe it is excessive or too difficult.
Home Reading
Children learn to read by regular reading and writing. As part of the Home Reading Program we encourage preschoolers to borrow from the school library and to be read to daily by an adult. In Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 children should be taking Home Reading books on a daily basis.
Home Reading - how you can help?
- Be a classroom helper. Each day, each class has the need for one or two helpers to support our Home Reading program. This task involves listening to children read and assisting teachers in the changing of reading materials.
- Set aside a special time to listen to your child read; read to your child; encourage success; help to make reading a pleasurable stress free experience; work with your child to find information or to provide support when completing homework tasks.
Literacy and Numeracy workshops are held early in Term 1 to support families to help children at home. How to help children in the classroom is an important aspect of these workshops.
Hours of Attendance
School commences at 8.50am and concludes at 3pm. Punctuality is important but it is unwise for children to be at school any earlier than 8.30am. The most appropriate arrival time is 8.40am.
8:50am School Bell rings. Classes commence
11:00am - 11:30am Recess
12:50pm - 1.00pm Supervised lunch eating
1.00pm - 1.50pm Play
1:50pm - 3.00pm Afternoon session
Please Note: Children cannot be left at school prior to 8.30am.
I
Immunisation
The ACT Department of Health advises that all children attending school in the ACT should be immunised against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and HIB (Haemophilus influenza type b). We would ask that you check your child's present immunisation status to see whether it is complete for his/her age. ACT Public Health regulations require schools to request proof of up-to-date immunisation when enrolling. Failure to provide this may result in your child being excluded from school should an outbreak of an infectious disease occur.
Infectious Diseases and Exclusion form School
A copy of exclusion periods for students with infectious diseases is available here. Parents are asked to adhere closely to these requirements unless medical advice to the contrary is provided in writing. For further information For more information download the departmental policy on Infections Diseases and Exclusion from School.
Insurance
The school does not carry personal accident insurance for students. Parents are advised to take out their own personal accident insurance for their families.
Internet, Email, Computer Facilities and External Networks
Students have access to the computer lab facilities and an Interactive Whiteboard in the classroom.
A Code of Practice has been developed for students at Chapman Primary School. Parents/guardians and students are required to read and sign this Code of Practice for Students. For further information download the department's Acceptable Use Policy.
K
Kindergarten Entry
Children are accepted into Kindergarten if they turn 5 years of age on or before 30 April. Early entry to school must be negotiated with the Director of Schools Southern Region (02 6205 5428).
Starting school is a big step for children and it takes time to adjust. Children do best at school when their parents and teachers support each other. For an enrolment pack, please contact the School Office.
Kindergarten Class Sizes
Our maximum class size in Kindergarten is 21 children per class. Our small class sizes ensure that teachers get to know each child very quickly and are able to more accurately develop programs that meet each child's learning needs.
L
Learning Support and Enrichment
Students in need of extra support in literacy and numeracy have the availability of a learning assistance teacher. Small group and individual assistance is available based on teacher assessment and referral. Support for students with English as a Second Language is also available. A variety of programs are available to students to enrich their school experiences.
Leaving the School Premises
No child is allowed to leave the school grounds during the day without written permission from a parent.
In the interests of safety we seek the co-operation of all parents to let us know of children who are obviously out of school without permission. It is better to be over cautious than to fail to report to us, as a child's safety may be at stake.
If any child is required by parents to leave the school between 8.50am and 3.00pm a signed and dated note must be sent to the class teacher. It is preferable for parents to personally call for children for such school absences. ALL students must be signed out of the school through the front office using the sign out document.
Children buying lunches are encouraged to do so at the school canteen. No child will be permitted to go to the shops during the lunch hour unless a signed and dated note has been received by the class teacher. Children who go home for lunch regularly should bring a note at the beginning of the term. Those who go home periodically should bring a note on each occasion they will be going home.
Liaison with Preschool and High School
It is very important to recognise that developmental learning is an on-going process and it is vital that effective liaison between the Preschool and the Primary School and the Primary School and the High School is maintained.
Regular, open communication with, and visits between the Preschool and High Schools is an integral part of Chapman Primary School's efforts in this area.
Library
The Library/Resource Centre is operated by the Teacher Librarian. Children visit in class groups, small groups or individually for research and private borrowing. The Library is automated and children are instructed in the use of the computer for locating information. In addition to class visits, the Library is also open for children's use during lunch times. Link to the Library
Lost Property
Your child’s name should be marked clearly on all personal belongings, particularly clothing. Unclaimed belongings are kept in the Lost Property Box located in the General Purpose room and may be checked at any time.
Lunches
We encourage you to provide a healthy lunch for your child in a named lunch box. Please keep packaging and wraps to a minimum. For more information, please refer to the canteen menu.
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Media Events - Permission
From time to time students and parents at Chapman Primary will be involved in activities which may be of interest to the Media or may be useful in promoting the school through Information Brochures or through the departmental website and/or our school’s website. To acknowledge and celebrate student achievement, children’s work, including writing, artwork, photographs of school/class activities may also be used from time to time e.g. in our newsletter. Only the child’s first name and the parent/carer’s full name will be attached to any information/children’s work that is accessible by the wider community. To assist them in observing and understanding strategies students use to achieve specific outcomes, Staff at the school may also wish to video students engaging in learning tasks.
In order to ensure that no child or parent/carer is filmed or photographed against their wishes, the school has established a register of students and parent/carers who are not to be filmed or whose photograph and work are not to be used for the above activities. For more information please contact the School Office.
Medication
The department is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students. While school staff have a duty of care to students to provide first aid assistance when required, parents will be aware that schools cannot be responsible for the general management of medical conditions.
In special circumstances, staff may be able to assist with the administration of medication. In these cases, departmental policy requires principals to ensure that a comprehensive written authority is obtained from the student’s parents and also seek from them a written statement from the student’s doctor authorising a member of staff to administer the prescribed medication.
Students requiring medication during the day need to have their medicines labelled (name, dose, times for administering). Parents need to inform teachers and front office staff, of the medication students are taking. A record book is located at the Front Office and medications are stored there at all times. In the event of Asthma a plan will be required and parents will provide information to staff re administration.
Anaphylaxis – Administration of Adrenaline by EpiPen or Similar Device If your child suffers from anaphylaxis, you should obtain a written Anaphylaxis Treatment Plan signed by your doctor and yourself as parent or carer. In the absence of a written and signed Anaphylaxis Treatment Plan, only standard First Aid can be given in an emergency and staff will be unable to administer adrenaline. If you child is given adrenaline to treat an isolated anaphylaxis attach, it can help the anaphylaxis and is unlikely to cause any significant side-effects.
For further information download the departmental policy on Administering Medication.
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Newsletter
The Newsletter is the main means of communication between the school and school community. It contains information about school activities, excursions, meetings, coming events, student work and policy information. A copy of this newsletter can be emailed upon request to families already enrolled at Chapman Primary School. The school newsletter is sent home weekly on Thursdays.
P
Parking at School
Parents are urged to exercise extreme caution in the car parks, especially after school when the car parks are very busy. Parents are asked to use the school driveway when entering the carpark but please remember not to park in the bus zone which is located on the left of the school driveway. Parking is also available on Streeton Drive.
Parent Interviews
Close and effective two-way communication between the school and the home is vital to the educational process. Parents are asked to make an appointment for any discussion with the Principal, Deputy Principal, Counsellor or teachers. An appointment will be arranged at the earliest possible time and attention will be given immediately to urgent issues. Parents are always welcome to visit the school.
Parent Partnerships
Positive parent partnerships are critical to our success. Recent research indicates that parent involvement in their children's education has a significant and positive effect on educational outcomes. Your child's teacher will contact you in the first week of school to introduce themselves and invite you to a parent meeting early in the year. We encourage you to contact your child's teacher if you have any queries or concerns. There are many ways in which you can become involved in your child's school: from participation in the P&C, School Board.
Parents and the Community
At Chapman Primary School we have an active community base. We encourage all members of the school community to be actively involved. Some areas where assistance is welcome are:
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Permission Notes
All permission notes for activities outside the school must be returned to the school signed by a parent/carer. Students cannot attend an excursion without a signed permission note.
Personal Property
All belongings should be carefully labelled for easy identification. All lost property left at the end of each term is donated to local charities. Children should not bring electronic games, jewellery or collectables to school that would cause upset if they were misplaced.
Preschool
The Chapman School Preschool operates two teaching blocks. The first is on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9.00am until 1.00pm and the second is Thursday and Friday 9.00am until 3.00pm. The children are offered an early-childhood program balanced with structured and non-structured activities. These activities are planned to develop basic skills for play, socialisation, literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing. The activities are often woven together within a given theme, such as mini-beasts, friends, seeds and eggs, or story-telling, and are complimented with a variety of experiences from The Arts - music, dance, drama, art.
Located within an early-childhood school setting, the Preschool children have access to an excellent library and IT centre, as well as beautiful grounds and outdoor equipment. Their program is enhanced by joining in with appropriate whole-school activities such as gross-motor programs, excursions, and special performances. This link adds to the smooth transition from Preschool into formal schooling.
Promoting Positive Relationships
Chapman School aims to satisfy the needs of individual students to the greatest extent possible. Our Mission Statement is that:
Chapman Primary School works with families to assist students to become responsible, caring and cooperative learners who actively participate in a broad curriculum that serves their present needs and provides a secure grounding for later learning and living.
Towards this end, our school aims to ensure that:
- Each child is to be respected and his or her individuality recognised
- The curriculum will be designed and implemented with flexibility to meet the needs and abilities of each child as an individual and as a member of a group in a variety of situations
- The learning environment provided by the School and the community will encourage adaptability, initiative, self-reliance and self-discipline with individual guidance and discipline
- Individual potential will be achieved in a positive climate of trust, through relevant curriculum and the provision of a positive guidance program
- Each student will develop a sound knowledge of the basic skills in literacy and numeracy, while optimum performance will be encouraged in all learning experiences
- A high level of attainment in education at Chapman will be accomplished through a partnership between teachers, parents and students. Parents are encouraged to involve themselves in the School's operation and learning program.
R
Reporting to Parents
Assessment is a continuous process of gathering evidence to determine what each student knows, understands, values and can do. It is used at the beginning, during and end of learning sequences to determine where each student is ‘at’ initially, their progress, and final judgements about the extent to which they have achieved the Essential Learning Achievements. Reporting is the process of communicating assessment of student development to students and parents to provide them with constructive feedback which assists understanding and growth. The emphasis will be on descriptive reporting as this allows the teacher to describe what has been learned in relation to learning opportunities. For further information please refer to the Assessment and Reporting Timeline.
S
Safety
Developing school and class rules is a collaborative effort and they are designed for safety and security of the whole community. These are regularly discussed during class meetings, SRC meetings and assemblies and should be clear to all students. They are:
- bullying and harassment, physical violence or verbal abuse is unacceptable
- building passes are required to enter school buildings during recess and lunch
- appropriate hats must be worn on the playground
- bicycle racks, canteen and front of the main school building are “no play areas”
School Governance
The School Board is the official governing body of Chapman Primary School. The Board consists of six members: 3 parent representatives, 2 teacher representatives, and one community representative. Members of the Board gain their positions through election. The Board is responsible for all policy decisions for the school. Link to the School Board.
School Rules
Chapman Primary School is committed to maximising opportunities for every student to learn and play in a friendly and safe environment. The school has developed clear guidelines in relation to all aspects of Student Management which are used to deal with issues which can occur in the classroom or playground. The school works with students to promote positive behaviours and any problems are addressed promptly.
The school rules are:
- Play and behave in a safe, sensible and fair way
- Be kind, caring and considerate of others
- Help other people learn and work without interruption
- Look after our school environment, equipment and other people’s property
Security
Outside school hours the school buildings are under the protection of a security system. However any suspicious behaviour on school property should be reported to Police immediately. Parents, students and community members who use the school after hours are asked to enter and leave by the entrance nearest the School Office. Do not under any circumstances leave by any other door after 3.10 pm as the Janitor will have already locked them from the inside and by using them out of hours the school is left open to illegal entry.
Supervision in the Playground
The school is fortunate to have an attractive playground featuring play equipment, grass areas, asphalt and access to the community oval located adjacent to the school. The playground is supervised by the teaching staff each recess and lunch. However, staff are on duty in classrooms before school and are not rostered for playground duty before 9.00am. Children should not arrive at school until after 8.30am. If necessary, assistance is available from 8.30-9.00am from the Principal or the Deputy Principal.
Social Skills Program
Chapman runs a social skills program, Bounce Back, which is based on developing resilience in students as well as teaching core values such as honesty, friendliness and respect. The program also addresses issues such as dealing with emotions and bullying and supports the school’s approach to behaviour management. Many areas of the program work at building relationships amongst students/staff and the wider school community. The program is literacy based and includes a variety of strategies many based on discussion and cooperative work.
Sports Houses
Students are allocated to a 'House' for special events and carnivals and remain in this house throughout their primary years. These houses are: Doyle - Blue Austin - Green Namatjira - Yellow Perry - Red
Sun Protection Policy
The school supports the Department's Sun Protection Policy and these guidelines are considered whenever outdoor activities are planned. All children are expected to wear a hat when outdoors during school time and during breaks in Terms 1 and 4. If a hat is not worn, children are asked to play in the shade. For further information download the departmental policy on Sun Protection.
Sun Smart
Chapman Primary School follows the Sun Protection Policy Guidelines for ACT Schools, “No Hat-No Play”. A key requirement of the Sun Protection Policy is for students to wear hats which protect the face, neck and ears whenever the students are outside. Students without suitable hats are not permitted to play outside at recess and lunchtime. Parents are requested to buy a school hat from the clothing pool (or the school office) and also provide a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 plus water resistant sunscreen. The school has provided additional outdoor seating and tree planting as measures to support the policy.
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Teaching and Learning Program
Chapman Primary School works with families to assist students to become responsible, caring and cooperative learners who actively participate in a broad curriculum that serves their present needs and provides a secure grounding for later learning and living. The curriculum has strong emphasis on developing literacy and numeracy skills as well as exploring rich concepts through integrated inquiries. Quality programs support the academic, emotional and social needs of each student.
The development of students is our core business. We believe that every student can learn and that every student must have sustained opportunities to learn. It is our responsibility to provide the conditions and experiences that provide equitable access to high quality learning for all students.
We aim to develop students who demonstrate resilience, respect, integrity and independence; and who will be able to
- Think critically
- Have a sense of community
- Be able to find out things
- Express themselves for a range of audiences
- Have confidence to make choices, and
- Self manage
Telephone Calls
Telephone calls are sometimes made to inform parents of interview times, a child's social or academic progress or illness. Parents may telephone the school at any time on 62057788, but should they wish to speak to an individual teacher, they need to phone between 8.30 - 8.50 a.m. or at recess and lunchtimes.
The office staff will take messages if telephone calls are made to the school at any other time.
Term Dates
The school operates on a four term system with holidays set by the ACT Department of Education and Training. For more information, please download Term Dates 2008-2010.
Toys
Children’s toys, unless specifically asked for by a teacher, should be kept at home. It is difficult sometimes for children to care for these properly at school and the chance of breakage is high.
Transferring form the School
Please inform the front office staff when students are moving interstate or transferring to another school in the ACT. Teachers should also be informed with plenty of notice so that they can prepare a written report for the new school.
U
Uniform and Dress Code
A simple and functional red, white and grey uniform is worn by all students in order to foster a sense of school spirit and pride. The School Board encourages parents to purchase new or second hand clothes through the school clothing store which is open twice a week or by appointment. It is important that all students wear the school uniform at all times. Uniform lists are available from the front office.
We encourage all children to wear school uniform. A uniform shop is located at the school from which you can purchase all clothing. This shop is run by volunteer parents. Please note that it is compulsory, under the SunSmart Policy to wear broad brimmed or legionnaire hats all year round.
V
Volunteers
As per ACT Education Department policy, all parents/carers who volunteer in classrooms, at sporting events, on excursions or as drivers etc need to complete a Volunteers Form available from the Front Office. Volunteers must sign in and wear a volunteer badge each time they volunteer.
From time to time parents are asked to assist with the transportation of students to special events. Your assistance is appreciated however the owner and/or driver is responsible for ensuring they carry the required driver’s licence, that the vehicle is appropriately registered and insured, is roadworthy, and that loading does not exceed the seat belt provision of the vehicle. For further information download the departmental policy on Visitors in Schools.
W
Water
Drinking water is essential for keeping the brain and body hydrated for learning. Students are asked to bring a plastic water bottle to school daily. Students are reminded to have regular drinks of water during the day. Students may drink water inside the classroom.
