school
ROUTINE
8:40 AM
School Commences (Morning Bell)
10:45 - 11:25 AM
Lunch
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1:30 - 1:50 PM
Afternoon Tea
Break
3:00 PM
School Finishes (Bus Bell rings at 2:55pm)
Arrival & Departure Times
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL:
No child should be at school before 8:20am unless written permission has been requested and approved by the principal. Children arriving before 8:20am will remain seated in the covered area until that time. A teacher commences playground duty at 8:20am each morning. If their class teacher is in the classroom, they are permitted to unpack their equipment and perform other daily routines, provided the teacher remains in the classroom. Children must return to the covered area if the teacher leaves the room before the commencement of school (8:40am).
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DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL:
Children wait inside the school grounds/undercover area before departing by bus or car. Children who walk or ride bicycles are to depart immediately following the conclusion of the school day. Similarly, children are not allowed on the school grounds after school, unless under adult supervision. The playground equipment is not to be used before or after school.
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Children who catch buses in the afternoon wait outside the administration block, under the supervision of a teacher, until their bus arrives. All other students are not to leave the school grounds until 3:00pm unless otherwise arranged by a parent.
Assemblies
Whole school assemblies are held Friday morning each week. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend each week.
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Our Friday assembly is will begin at 8:40am in the Sacred Space. This year, the Year 5/6 students will be leading our Friday morning Assembly. The order of events for Friday’s Assembly are as follows:
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School Prayer
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Australian National Anthem
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Prayer Assembly (when applicable)
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Principal’s Address
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Presentation of the Student of the Week/Principal/Mercy Awards
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Recognition of birthdays and other achievements by students, staff and parents are shared.
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Any other notices that students, staff or parents may have.
Approximately every three weeks, we also have a class lead us in a Prayer Assembly during our Friday Assembly. A notice will be placed in the newsletter prior to this.
Absences
It is a statutory requirement that students attend school on each school day during the year. Parents/guardians are asked to notify the school via a telephone call or email whenever their child is absent. If written correspondence is be given to the class teacher (on return to school or beforehand if for a planned absence), the note must state the date(s), the reason(s) for the absence(s) and at least one signature is required.
Extended or repeated absence will be reported to the Principal who may require that the reason for absence be supported by a certificate from a medical practitioner. Normally, if no contact is made with the school after 2 days of a child’s absence, the school office will telephone the home.
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Appointments in School Time:
At Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, we take the education of our children very seriously. It would, therefore, be expected that children would not be withdrawn from school for any appointments unless it is absolutely necessary, given the fact that there is ample holiday time for children to visit dentists and other professionals who may be treating them. If a student has an appointment (eg. medical or dental) during school hours, she/he must bring a note from home, explaining the reason for the request. The note will be given to the respective Principal for approval and signature, and then presented to the class teacher out of whose class the student leaves. These procedures allow the whole school administration to account for the presence or absence of a child at all times. This request is one of courtesy. Advance warning also allows the classroom teachers to make adjustments for the teaching of any new work that may be scheduled at that time, if at all possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Appointments During School TimeAt Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, we take the education of our children very seriously. It would, therefore, be expected that children would not be withdrawn from school for any appointments unless it is absolutely necessary, given the fact that there is ample holiday time for children to visit dentists and other professionals who may be treating them. If a student has an appointment (eg. medical or dental) during school hours, she/he must bring a note from home, explaining the reason for the request. The note will be given to the respective Principal for approval and signature, and then presented to the class teacher out of whose class the student leaves. These procedures allow the whole school administration to account for the presence or absence of a child at all times. This request is one of courtesy. Advance warning also allows the classroom teachers to make adjustments for the teaching of any new work that may be scheduled at that time, if at all possible.
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BooklistsEach student is provided with a booklist at the end of the school year for the following year. Spare copies are available from the office. Some items can be reused each year. The book levy covers the purchasing of all texts books, writing books and stationery throughout the year. The book levy is $100 per student and will be charged in Term 1 school fees.
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Bicycles in School GroundsBicycles are not to be ridden in the school grounds. Parents are asked to constantly remind children about road safety on bikes. Helmets are compulsory wearing in the state of Queensland. Bike racks are provided for the students who ride to school and these must be used.
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Birthday CelebrationsAt Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, we focus our attention on the individuality of the child. Therefore, birthdays are very special occasion. Should you and your child wish to celebrate his/her birthday at school with a cake or your own special ideas, please contact the class teacher.
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BusesFour buses bring children from the country areas of, Wealwandangie, Arcturus, Rolleston and Tambo Roads daily. The children are 'dropped off' at the entrance to the school each morning between 8:20am and 8:35am. The buses are generally here to collect the students at 2:55pm. A "Code of Conduct for School Bus Travel" is available from the bus driver or the school office. Please read this carefully and discuss it with your child/children.
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Electronic DevicesMany students own valuable, portable electronic devices such as iPods and the like. They are small and they may be easily lost or damaged at school. These devices are not needed for any school purposes and as a result are banned from school. We ask that parents ensure that such items are not brought to school.
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Lost PropertyWe ask that all articles of clothing be clearly marked with your child's name as it makes it easy to find the owner if something is left lying around. In the inevitable event of unmarked clothing being handed in, it will be kept in lost property box located outside level 1 classroom. At the end of each term, all articles of clothing are put on display and if not claimed, they are donated to St Vincent de Paul.
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Mobile PhonesThe school recognises that many students need to carry mobile phones to get in contact with parents after school. However, we ask that the mobile phone is named and handed to the office at the beginning of each day. This ensures safety of equipment and allows students to focus on their learning without the interference that this technology can bring. Otherwise we ask that your child does not bring their mobile phone to school.
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Money MattersPlease ensure that any money sent to the school is enclosed in a school envelope. All money sent to the school should be contained within an envelope with the child's name and reason for payment clearly marked. At the commencement of each year, a bundle of specially printed envelopes are sent home to each family. Please use these and if you are running low, let the secretary know and more will be sent home.
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Student RecordsStudent records are kept in the office. It is vitally important that these records be kept current. Please ensure that you advise the Office of any changes to relevant information immediately.
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MoneyIt is important that money sent to school for specific purposes be placed in an envelope and given to the class teacher soon after arrival at school. Details on the envelope should include: - child's name/year level, amount of money and what money is for. Money should not be left in desks or school bags. No responsibility is taken for money not left in safe keeping. (Money for school fees is best paid directly to the office).
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Visitors to the SchoolAll visitors to the school including parent helpers who are on the school grounds after the commencement of school eg guest speakers, tuckshop volunteers etc must report to the school office on arrival and must sign in via computers located in our front office. Visitors are also expected to wear a visitor’s badge so that they may be clearly identified. This is also very important in case of an emergency such as a fire. Your cooperation in this matter helps us ensure a safe environment within the school.
