FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Who do we see if there is a maintence problem? (eg. brocken toilet, dripping tap, etc) A: All maintenance issues around the school grounds are the responsibility of the school administration. Please report any issues to either the principal or via the school office.

Q: Who can attend school social events? A: Social events are organised throughout the year and the entire school community is invited to attend. We have mother's nights, father's golf days, family picnic, social dances. Attendees should not just be the P&F and/or board members but all school families.

Q: Do I have to participate in all school fundraisers? A: If is only fair that all families contribute and/or particiate in raising funds to improve the facilities for our children.

Q: What days are Canteen? A: Mondays and Thursdays for morning tea and lunch. During summer the canteen is open on other days at lunch time only to sell drinks and ice blocks.

Q: If I have a complaint who do I talk to? A: The first port of call would be to talk to the teacher if related to a class issue. If you are not satified with the response or action then you should refer the matter to the school principal.

Q: What can I do if I am not happy with the Principal's resolution to my issues? A: The CSO has a Dispute Resolution Process that you can follow. Refer to the Diocese of Broken Bay CSO website for more details.

Q: How do I contact the P&F? A: You can approach or contact any P&F Executive member at school in person or via the feedback facility on the school website. Your input will be forwarded to the appropriate P&F Coordinator.

Q: Who do I talk to if I have a suggestion for fund raising? A: Fundraising is the responsibility of the Parents and Friends Assoc therefore you should forward you enquiry to a P&F Executive Member which can also be done by using the feedback facility on the school website.

Q: Will the school have a church built on its surrounding grounds? A: The land surrounding the school belongs to the Wyong Parish and is not part of the school grounds. In 2006 the Diocese of Broken Bay announced that the old Wyong Church will be relocated and a new church will be built within 5 years on land located within St Peters College Tuggerah. Therefore there are currently no future plans for a church to be built at Tumbi Umbi.

Q: Can I raise any issue at a General P&F Meeting? A: The current school policy is that only issues that have been provided in advance and appear on the agenda will be discussed at the General Meeting. This is to allow all parties time to investigate and/or gather appropriate information to be able to discuss / resolve matters. Two weeks before a General Meeting submissions for matters to be discussed are advertised in the school newsletter to be added to the agenda.

Q: Who do I talk to about conditions of the school amenities? A:Anything that is related to the administration of the school (i.e. teachers, cleaners, amenities, curriculum, policies, etc) is the responsibility of the school leadership team therefore these types of enquires should be directed to the Principal.

Q: Who do I talk to about bullying at school? A: Bullying can be a serious problem and should be addressed immediately to ensure students feel safe and secure. Any issues related to bullying or violence should be immediately addressed to the school with either a teacher or directly to the school principal. You can either phone, email or make an appoinment to meet with the school to resolve any issue.

Q: Who provides funds to the school? A: There are a number of ways funds are received to fund project, buildings, amenities of the school. Some examples of fund sources are: * Commonwealth Governement Grants * Broken Bay Catholic Schools Office (CSO) * P&F Fundraising * Private Donations

Q: How can I advertise my business on the back of the school newsletter? A: Advertising on the back of the school newsletter is open to all families who have a child/ren attending SJF school. In term 3 a notice is placed in the newsletter calling on any new businesses who are interested in advertising and any existing advertisers who do not wish to continue, to contact the P&F via the school office. Once you have secured a placement you will need to supply your artwork so that a proof of the new covers may be made for checking and sign off. The current cost for advertising is : $200-pa New advertisements $160-pa Existing advertisements $180-pa Existing advertisements with changes. This is payable in first few weeks in term 1 of the year your advertisement appears. Changes can not be made once you have signed off on your artwork.

Q: Who is the school's Leadership Team? A: The Leadership Teams within any Broken Bay Diocesan School consists of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Religious Educator, Parish Priest.

Q: What is the purpose of the school board? A: School Boards within the Broken Bay Diocese are boards of pastoral governance. The purpose of the school board is to build, strengthen and nourish the school as part of the wider faith community. The role of the Board is one of stewardship – developing the school in all its facets ‘in trust’ for the faith community. As stewards, the Board is called, through the Spirit, to serve the faith community by caring for and developing its school community. In this role, members of the Board are called to servant leadership, collectively accepting accountability for the school’s well being. Members of 2006 School Board: Mrs Natalie Acton, Mr. Chris Burns, Mrs Jodie Cesca, Mrs. Carmel Healey, Mrs Joanne Helm, Mrs Mark Helm, Mr. Steven Hoolihan (chair), Fr Pepin Jayaraj msfs Mrs. Lucy Jones, Mrs. Caroline O’Shannassy, Mrs Jane Williams. The role description of the school board contains a number of elements: Mission and Vision: The Board is called to take responsibility through articulation of the school's vision and mission to strengthen the mission of the school and wider church. Policy Development: The Board ensures promotion and adoption of diocesan and school-based policies. Planning: The Board takes responsibility to collaborate with the school community to set goals within its mission and vision, develop and oversee strategic management for the school and establish its own annual operations plan. Support of School's Educational Leadership: The Board is called to take responsibility to act as a consultative forum for the Principal on issues such as curriculum, finance, property and maintenance, administration, human resources, parent education etc and to provide timely, appropriate advice as requested. Provide avenues of support to the Principal and school executive for the management of the school through the establishment of a needs-based committee structure. Collaboration and Communication: The Board works towards developing and strengthening school culture establishing and sustaining avenues of consultation and mutual communication with those affected by Board decision and policy implementations. Relationship Building: The Board is called to take responsibility to develop an effective partnership with the Principal, to foster positive relationships with the local clergy, members of the parish and parent community and develop ways to foster and support relationships at all levels. Board Sustainability: There are some structures which ensures the Board's sustainability and that it continues to develop on-going understandings of the spirituality and practices of 'Sharing Wisdom' as the foundation of pastoral governance. “No one has all the Wisdom Everyone has some piece of Wisdom Each one has a different piece.” Sr. Mary Benet McKinney Commissioning prayer of commitment that each Board member made to ensure that the school community move forward: “We will hold in trust all that is precious about St John Fisher Catholic School – building on its strengths, discover it potential and lead it in fulfilling its vision.

Q: Does the school have a P&F? A: The St John Fisher Parents & Friends Association holds General Meetings on the night of the 4th Tuesday of the term. The P & F Executive meet on the night of the 2nd Tuesday of the term. The P & F follows the constitutional guidelines of the Diocese of Broken Bay and supports the social, spiritual, material and educational well-being of the school community. As well as liaising between the parish, the school and sub-committees, it co-ordinates and encourages parental involvement in: On-going activities, e.g. working bees, canteen, uniform shop Class assistants, e.g. reading and writing program, library, school curriculum, pastoral care Parish Sacramental Program Seasons for Growth Program Major projects, e.g. playground development Pastoral activities, e.g. welcoming new families, social events, morning teas, care group The school relies on it's parent body for the ongoing general maintenance of it's buildings and surrounding grounds. It is an expectation that all parents offer assistance in this way. Throughout the year we support several charitable works appeals which are not compulsory but your support is much appreciated and all appeals go to a worthy cause. Some such appeals are Caritas Australia, St Vincent de Paul Winter/Christmas Appeal, Cancer Council. For the children, we hold a few mufti/gold coin donation days with a particular theme in mind, for example raising money for the year 6 Farewell, computer resources, Jump Rope for Heart. We also organise for the children to purchase a gift for Mothers' and Fathers' Day as well as celebrating Easter. Twice a year we ask your support for our major fundraising efforts. We ask that you make a concerted effort to be involved in these events so that we may raise sufficient money in order to carry out the proposed developments within the school. In the past we have built a much needed oval for the children. This project took several years to fund and complete with a big effort from all parents. The children now make full use of the wonderful play area within the school. 2005 projects include shade cloth for the quadrangle and technology for the classrooms and L.A.R.C. At present our two major fundraisers are: a Chocolate Drive in the first few weeks of Term 1 and a Melbourne Cup Trifecta in November, Term 4 We encourage you TO GET INVOLVED so that together our community can reflect Christian values and support each other.

Q: Does the school have student Banking Days? A: The school uses the E.F.T. services of the Commonwealth Bank, The Entrance Branch. Children who do not already have an account may open one. Banking day is Monday.

Q: What is the Book Club? A: We encourage the children to be enthusiastic about books and reading. The school participates in the Ashton Scholastic Book Club. Order forms are sent home through the class and should be returned promptly in an envelope, marked clearly "Book Club" with the correct money.

Q: What is the LARC that I keep hearing about? A: The LARC is our school Learning and Resource Centre. The major purposes of the LARC are: to provide a meeting place for interactive learning where all learning possibilities are explored and maximised. to support and enhance the school's teaching and learning programs. to provide an environment that encourages reading, literacy and information usage. The L.A.R.C. is opened before school, lunchtimes and after school. Parents are invited to borrow with their children and also to participate in the management of the L.A.R.C.

Q: When does the school canteen operate? A: The canteen opens every Monday and Thursday. Our canteen supervisor is supported by parent volunteers. Lunch orders are to be written on a paper bag clearly marked with the child's name and class. Money is to be placed inside the bag which is put in the child's class lunch basket. The canteen strives to provide a variety of foods for the children with nutrition and a balanced diet taking priority. A summer and winter menu is available from the office. Ice blocks are sold in the canteen each lunch hour during Term 1 and Term 4.

Q: What happens if my child becomes ill at school? A: In the event of a serious injury or illness the parents or emergency contact person will be notified as soon as possible. If that contact cannot be made, then the doctor nominated on the child's file, or the nearest doctor will be contacted. It is imperative that the school be supplied with the name and telephone number of an emergency contact person, preferably someone with whom the child is familiar, nearby and available. Please ensure all contact details are accurate and notify the office immediately of any change. The school will always take the necessary steps to ensure the comfort and well-being of the child.

Q: What if my child has medication needs? A: When administration of medication is necessary to support children during the course of a normal school day or in school activities outside of normal activities of school hours (camps, etc), strict procedures are to be followed. Parents whose children require such medication, may pick up the guidelines and necessary forms from the school office. All medication must be in the labelled container as dispensed by the Pharmacy. No medication will be given to a child without the written permission of a care-giver.

Q:Can I arrange to meet with a teacher? A: If you wish to meet with any member of the staff other than during the formal interview time it is advisable to telephone for an appointment, indicating the purpose of the meeting. Class teachers are NOT available during school hours and in their time of supervising the children.

Q: What assessment or reporting is conducted on my child? A: There are various assessment on the students' progress throughout the year: Term 1 Parent Information Night Three-way Goal Setting Conferences (including teacher, student and parents) Term 2 Goals revisited when necessary Student Report Formal Interviews offered Term 3 Three-way Goal Setting Conferences – ongoing Formal Interviews offered Term 4 Goals revisited when necessary Student Report

Q: What communication does the school have with parents? A: Weekly newsletters are sent home on Wednesday. This is the school's main form of communication and parents are responsible for keeping themselves well informed. From time to time teachers send home individual class bulletins. Parents and Friends Association conduct meetings on the night of the 4th Tuesday of the term and provide up-to-date information through the school newsletter.

Q: Do children have to wear hats? A: The school has a policy of "Not Hat, Play in the Shade". The school hat is dark green with the school logo printed on it and is a compulsory part of the school uniform. Terms 1 and 4:     Wide brim hat (no caps during these summer terms) Terms 2 and 3:     Wide brim hat or baseball-style cap.

Q: What are the school uniform requirements? A: Children are expected to wear correct school uniform including specified school hat and be neatly groomed and to take pride in their appearance. The correct items of uniform appropriate to the season should be worn. Winter, summer and sports uniforms are not interchangeable. Boys and girls are encouraged to wear their hair in a style suited to their age and in keeping with school regulations. For reasons of safety long hair should be tied back. Hair clips and ties should reflect the school colours. Haircuts are to be kept to a modest standard. Hair is to be of its natural colour. Bleaching and colouring of hair is unacceptable. The only form of jewellery to be worn is a watch, signet ring and one pair of simple studs or sleepers. Nail polish is not permitted. Children are encouraged to display good taste. As parents you are expected to assist them to do so. School Uniform may be purchased from the school and Gosford Tailoring. Many items such as socks, trousers and shirts are available from a variety of stores. Girls Summer Uniform Girls Winter Uniform * Green and Lemon check dress * Lemon long sleeved shirt * Green socks and black shoes * Green checked pinafore/slacks * Wide brim school hat * Green bow-tie * Dark Green Jumper or cardigan * Green socks or tights, black shoes * Wide brim school hat and/or cap Girls Sports Uniform * Unisex gym shorts * Bottle green pleated skirt with dark green Scungees * Lemon Polo shirt with school logo * White socks and sneakers. Boys Summer Uniform Boys Winter Uniform * Lemon short sleeved shirt * Lemon long sleeved shirt * Green shorts * Dark green tailored pants * Green socks and black shoes * Green check tie * Wide brim school hat * Dark green jumper or cardigan * Green socks and black shoes * Wide brim school hat and/or cap Boys Sports Uniform * Unisex gym shorts * Lemon Polo shirt with school logo * White socks and sneakers. Other - Girls and Boys * Wet weather jacket * V-neck sloppy joe with school logo * Jacket with school logo * Sloppy Joes are not part of the formal school uniform. * Dark green tracksuits may be worn in winter but the children must be able to remove them when involved in Physical Education and sporting activities. * School bag is compulsory. Two sizes are available. NOTE: black school shoes are to be ones that can take a polish eg; leather

Q: Does the school hold class excursions? A: Excursions are valuable educational activities and usually serve as input to or as the culmination of a unit of work. They are carefully planned to ensure maximum benefit to the children. All children are expected to attend.

Q:What do I do if my child will not be attending school? A: Please notify the school by telephone when your child is absent and follow this up in writing upon your child's return.

Q: What are staff development days? A: Each school is allowed four pupil-free days for staff development. They are usually held once each term and parents are notified well in advance through the school newsletter.

Q: Is smoking permitted within the school grounds? A: In agreement with the Diocesan Policy the school has a non smoking policy. All areas of the school including school grounds are smoke-free zones.

Q: What is the School Building Levy? A: An annual Diocesan School Building and Maintenance Levy will be charged to all families with children attending regional and parish schools. The Catholic Schools Office, instead of parishes, will manage the collection of the levy that replaces any existing school building and maintenance levies. The responsibility for building and maintaining school is being given to one Diocesan fund, administered by a Diocesan Planning Board, to make life easier for schools, parishes and priests. The Diocese recognises that for some parents this Levy may cause genuine financial hardship. Parents who find themselves in this situation should consult with the Parish Priest and the School Principal.

Q: Who sets the different components of the school fees? A: Tuition Fees are set by the Broken Bay Diocesan Schools Board. It reflects the shortfall between the government grants and the cost of providing teachers, other resources and administrative support. The Curriculum Fee, Administrative Fees, School Education Fee and Course Fee are set at the school level and are reviewed annually. They include equipment, resources, computers, library, copyright, paper, photocopying, cleaning materials and wages, class excursions, swimming program and Senior's Camp.

Q: Does the school provide any Special Needs teaching? A: St. John Fisher Catholic School is a setting which offers inclusive education. A Special Needs Team provides support for teachers to meet the needs of all children. We see parents as an integral part of this team. Other members include: Principal A Learning Support Teacher Learning Support Teacher Assistants A Literacy Support or Reading Recovery Teacher Catholic Schools Office Special Needs Advisor Itinerant Support where needed Specialist Support where needed The class teacher is responsible for the support process to ensure any curriculum change is embedded with in the classroom context. "We believe that: Every child has a fundamental right to education and must be given the opportunity to achieve and maintain an acceptable level of learning. Every child has unique characteristics, interest abilities and learning needs. Education programs should be designed and implemented to take into account the wide diversity of these characteristics and needs."

Q: What is the student Peer Support program? A: Our Peer Support program operates in Terms 2 and 3. Children work cooperatively and independently in small groups. Each group consists of children from Kindergarten to Year 6, who will be working on topics dealing with positive behaviour strategies each week. The social skills program operates in Terms 1 and 4 within individual class groups. The aim of this program is to give students sufficient social skills to be an effective member of our community.

Q: Does the school have a Music program? A: We offer children the opportunity, through our music program, the chance to learn to play a musical instrument and where practical, enjoy the excitement of being part of a concert band. Children have their lessons during school hours. Parents are responsible for meeting the cost of instrument purchase/hire and lessons. Both are kept at reasonable rates. The school band performs at every opportunity: P & F, school and community functions. We use the teaching services of the Conservatory of Music, Gosford and Teaching Services of Australia.

Q: What is the school's curriculum of Physical Education A: In our rapidly changing society there is increasing community awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles. The resultant good health is characterised by improved quality of life, less sickness and disability, happier personal, family and social experiences and the opportunity to make choices in work and recreation. PDHPE is an important key learning area within the primary curriculum as it: * Encourages an understanding and valuing of self and others, * Promotes physical activity, * Emphasises informed decision-making leading to effective and responsible action. More specifically, the study of PDHPE is concerned with: * Physical, social, cognitive and emotional growth and development patterns, * The development and maintenance of positive interpersonal relationships, * The factors influencing personal health choices, * Living and learning in a safe and secure environment, * The adoption of an active lifestyle, * Fundamental movement patterns and coordinated actions of the body, * Skills that enable action for better health and movement outcomes.

Q: What is the school's curriculum for Art? A: Creative Arts in K-6 is designed to enable students to gain increasing understanding and accomplishment in the visual arts, music, drama and dance. Creative Arts is also designed for students to appreciate the meanings and values that each of the artforms offers personally, culturally and as a form of communication. The artforms can be thought about in a variety of ways. They play a significant role in how meaning is made in people's lives. Visual arts, music, drama and dance offer students of all ages opportunities for personal expression, enjoyment, creative action, imagination, emotional response, aesthetic pleasure and the creation of shared meanings.

Q: What is the school's curriculum for Science & Technology? A: Science and Technology are integral parts of the modern world. Dramatic and rapid change in these areas is a basic fact of life for all students. For personal, social, environmental and economic reasons, young people must be well equipped to be active participants in our scientific and technological society. The children will be involved in hands-on experiments that incorporate the learning processes of investigation, designing and making. Science and Technology encompasses investigations within the following content strands: * Built Environments, * Information and Communications, * Living Things, * Physical Phenomena, * Products and Services, * Earth and it's Surroundings.

Q: What is the school's curriculum for HSIE? A:The future well-being of human society and it's environment depends upon the quality of people's interactions with each other and with their cultural, social and physical environments as they strive to meet each other's needs. The aim of Human Society and It's Environment is to develop in students the values and attitudes, skills and knowledge and understandings that: Enhance their sense of personal, community, national and global identity, Enable them to participate effectively in maintaining and improving the quality of their society and environment. HSIE encompasses investigation of the following content strands: * Change and continuity, * Cultures, * Environments, * Social systems and structures.

Q: What is the HSIE? A: Human Society and It's Environment

Q: What is the school's curriculum for Computer Technology? A:Computers in the classrooms enrich the educational environment of all children and support the achievement of quality in education. Computers are en excellent resource that can assist children, with teacher guidance, to achieve across a wide range of curriculum areas. Knowledge of computers and computer skills are a significant part of education for the future.

Q: What is the school's curriculum for Mathematics? A: Mathematics has a major impact on our lives because it is used to describe and help us to understand our world. Mathematics is about ways of thinking which are logical and analytical and about seeing connections between things. As a creative activity, mathematics involves invention, intuition and exploration. It involves representing things using diagrams, graphs and symbols. Mathematics also involves the ability to use mathematical ways of thinking to make decisions and to solve problems. Our school policy is based on the Board of Studies Kindergarten to Year 6 Syllabus. Children participate in mathematical activities that have been sequenced to allow a positive development in attitude and skills. We firmly believe in the used of equipment and resources to facilitate children's learning of mathematical concepts. We believe that success in school mathematics should be independent of gender, social class or ethnicity. Calculators are available in all classrooms and mathematical-based computer software is continually being added to our resource list.

Q: What is the school's curriculum for English? A: Language is central to students' intellectual, social and emotional development and has an essential role in all key learning areas. Competence in English will enable students to learn about the role of language in their own lives, and in their own and other cultures. They will then be able to communicate their thoughts and feelings, to participate in society, to make informed decisions about personal and social issues, to analyse information and viewpoints, to use their imagination and to think about the influence of culture on the meanings made with language. We aim to encourage positive attitudes towards learning English, to develop students' ability in using language effectively and to enable critical reflection on how language works. The children will develop knowledge, skills and understanding about the English language and literature through programs based on the English K-6 Syllabus. The children will learn about grammar and the structure of a variety of text types. Spelling will be based on the First Steps Spelling Program.

Q: What is the school's curruculum of Religious Education A: Catholic schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay exist to educate and form young people in Catholic discipleship: offering them experiences of following Jesus as members of the Catholic community. This educational activity is not simply a human activity; it is a genuine Christian journey of faith. It is within this environment of faith that children are offered an education that develops the whole person, an education in being Catholic. Systemic, coherent and co-ordinated Religious Education is essential to education and formation in Catholic Discipleship. The Diocesan Religious Education curriculum provides teachers in the Diocese with the opportunity to develop engaging and challenging learning experiences for their students. The curriculum is built around the development of the knowledge and understanding, skills and chosen values and attitudes necessary for a person to respond as a disciple of Jesus within the Catholic community. This curriculum recognises that learning in Religious Education is one part of a web of formative experiences offered by the Catholic school in partnership with the home, the parish and the wider Church community.

Q: Are students taught the Sacramental Program at school? A: The receiving of sacraments is a vital part of the child's continuing growth in the Catholic faith and participation in the parish community. As the family is the faith setting where the child experiences sacramental life, sacramental programs (Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist) are family based. The parish sets the timetable each year and invites each family to respond to the programs offered. The school's Religious Education Program is designed to complement the Parish Sacramental Program.

Q: What are the enrolment procedures? A: St John Fisher follows the official enrolment policy for admission to Diocesan Catholic Schools within the Broken Bay Diocese.

Q: How does the school manage student behaviour? A: The children are expected to act courteously and to respect the rights of others. Self-discipline is promoted by the development of self-esteem and an appreciation of the value of justice and reconciliation. Since parents are in a partnership with the school in setting boundaries of acceptable behaviour it is essential that they be informed in the event of persistent or major incidents of unacceptable behaviour. This will help the child, parents and teachers work collaboratively towards an effective solution. Respect for themselves and for others is the basis of the discipline program. Behaviour Management Procedures are included in the school's Pastoral Care Policy.

Q: What is the school motto? A: Growing in Faith and Knowledge

Q: What is the school's vision statement? A: United in faith. Called to Catholic discipleship. We are a learning community that gathers, celebrates and welcomes all. Nurturing the gift that is the individual. Developing a vibrant culture of learning. Journeying together. Growing in faith and knowledge.

Q: What are the school hours? A: Morning classes: 8.50am to 11.15am Recess: 11.15am to 11.30am Mid-Morning classes: 11.30am to 1.00pm Lunch: 1.00pm to 2.00pm Afternoon classes: 2.00pm to 3.15pm Playground Supervision: 8.30am to 8.50am and 3.15pm to 3.30pm Parents are asked to ensure that their children are punctual in arriving at school to begin classes on time.

Q: What time does school begin? A: Classes begin promptly at 8:50am. Any students arriving after this time will need to visit the School Office to collect a "Late Note" to be handed to the class teacher. Teachers are rostered to monitored school grounds from 8:30am, no earlier, so children should not be left unattended by guardians before 8:30am.

Q: Where do I drop off my child(ren)? A: The main entrance to the school is restricted for buses only. All other traffic should enter the parish parking lot via the first entrance gate in Hicks Lane. You may either drive up to the "Drop Off Zone" (remain in line with other cars) and simply let your child exit your car (via the left hand side of the vehicle for safety) or you may park in the lot and walk your child to the school grounds. Please do not allow your child to walk across the parking lot without an adult. Please note that the "Drop Off Zone" is very busy each morning and is intended for a last kiss and goodbye as the children exit the car. DRIVERS MUST NOT PARK OR EXIT THE CAR IN THE DROP OFF ZONE.

Q: Where should I park my car? A: Due to our surrounding bush environment there is limited parking around the school. Please consider our neighbours and refrain from parking on footpaths, gutters or driveways. Unmarked parking is available along the fence line in the parish parking lot. Parking is also available underneath the trees however consideration of other drivers MUST be observed so that you do not block other drivers from entering or exiting the car park.

Q: Why is there always a traffic jam each morning? A: Traffic jams are easily caused when drivers don't obey the parking and traffic signs and obstruct other traffic from entering or exiting the parish parking lot. Three (3) cars can comfortably use the "Drop Off Zone" at one time as long as the first car move forward as far as possible and cars do not park in the "Drop Off Zone". Common sense and consideration of others drivers will ease congestion.

Q: Why isn't the gate on the western side of the school open? A: The gate is mainly for the use of garbage trucks and due to safety issues (lack of footpath, unstable ground, narrow roadway) the gate is not for general public use and is normally locked.

Q: What time/where are the students dismissed? A: Students are dismissed via the sounding bell at 3:15pm. Busses load and pull out by 3:30pm via the main entrance. Please avoid driving through the main entrance from 2:30 pm-3:30 pm Any parent picking up their child(ren) MUST park and walk to the school grounds and wait for them there. Please avoid gathering around classroom doors or canteen area as the noise disturbs classes. Children should not be allowed to walk through the parking lots without an adult. Please be courteous: Do not block the driving lanes or "Park-In" other drivers.

Q: Can my child go home with another person? A: If you want your child to be picked up by a 3rd party then you must provide a written permission to the child's teacher and the school office. No verbal (phone or in the parking lot) message is allowed.

Q: When do the students begin wearing their uniforms? A: Uniforms must be worn every day school is in session, including the first day. (There are a few authorized exceptions, which are mentioned in the school newsletters.) Since P.E. class days vary, please be aware of the days your child should be wearing their P.E. uniform. P.E. uniforms may NOT be worn on non-P.E. days unless authorised in advance by the teacher.

Q: What types of shoes/socks are acceptable? A: Black dress shoes are expected to be worn with the school uniform. The children will be running and walking up and down stairs throughout the day. Safety is an issue, and we encourage comfortable, functional footwear. Bottle green socks are permitted for boys and girls and bottle green tights are permitted for girls. Athletic shoes can only be worn with the P.E. uniform on Sports Days.

Q: Can my child wear jewelry, nail polish, or makeup? A: Makeup, nail polish, and fake nails should not be worn to school. We discourage jewelry at school as it can be lost or broken and does not add to the standard appearance of our school uniform.

Q: Can my child catch a bus to school? A: The requirements for catching a school bus is set by the Red Bus Company who service our school. Applications for bus travel are issued each year to new and old students by the school. Enquiries can be directed to the Red Bus Company at any time.

Q: Who do I call if my child is overdue coming home? A: Your first port of call would be to contact the school office and we can advise whether the bus was running late and whether you child caught the bus. The second port of call would be to contact the Red Bus Company direct as they have radio contact with their bus drivers.

Q: How do I find out when & where my child will be picked up & dropped off when the buses are running? A: If your child is registered for bus service, you will receive a notice explaining bus routes, as well as times & locations for AM pick up and PM drop off. If in doubt you can ring the Red Bus Company for details. Please arrive at your designated AM location 5-10 minutes proir to your scheduled pick up time, and be please patient during inclement weather.