Merit System

Each student will be required to receive two points from each of the following four areas before achieving the Bronze level.

Each student will be required to receive three points from each of the following areas before achieving the Silver and Gold levels.

1. Learning         The child ……
- participates in class;
- displays improved work
- maintains an acceptable standard of work (including bookwork);
- regularly completes homework;
- regularly completes set tasks;
- displays good sportsmanship qualities.

2. Behaviour       The child ……
- displays consistent acceptable behaviour;
- displays improved behaviour in class;
- brings equipment;
- displays good personal presentation, including school uniform.

3. Participation   The child ……
- displays school service e.g. satisfactory performance at leadership duties, S.R.C representation, library monitor, teacher helper, peer tutor etc;
- represents the school at sporting and / or cultural events;
- represents the school in the community, on excursions and as part of special programs.

4. Social             The child ……
- considers others;
- displays pleasant manners;
- respects others' rights and property;
- consistently follows school rules in the classroom;
- consistently follows school rules in the playground.

Demerit System

When a major infringement occurs, the offending student/s will be dealt with through our demerit system. This is based on a 3-tiered system, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

Level 1
- Students are placed on Level 1 for two weeks.
- During Week 1, they are required to complete 2 days of detention under executive supervision.
- During Week 2, their behaviour will be monitored by teachers and executives.
- The student will lose all privileges.
- The student will be ineligible to represent the school in any way.
- The student will lose the right to attend excursions.
- The student's parents will be informed of their demotion by letter and they have the option of requesting an interview.

If the student's behaviour is satisfactory at the end of the period, they return to Level 0. If the unsatisfactory behaviour continues, they will be considered for Level 2.

Level 2
- Students are placed on Level 2 for two weeks.
- During the 2 week period, they are required to complete 5 days of detention under executive supervision.
- The student's parents will be informed, by letter, of their child's demotion.
- Parents are requested, via a phone call, to attend the school for an interview.
- Counsellor intervention may be recommended.
- The student's behaviour is monitored for the next 2 weeks.

If the student's behaviour is satisfactory at the end of the period, they progress to Level 1, where their behaviour is monitored for a further 2 weeks.

- The student will lose all privileges offered to them for the 4 week period.
- The student will be ineligible to represent the school in any way.
- The student will lose the right to attend excursions.

Level 3
- Suspension via the DET guidelines (Procedures for the Suspension and Expulsion of School Students) will be enforced.
- Re-entry will be negotiated by the principal, parents and student.

Students who receive a demotion through misbehaviour are required to earn an extra points in each area to achieve their next award, i.e. 3 points, instead of 2, to earn Bronze level and 4 points, instead of 3, to earn either Silver or Gold levels.

Homework Policy

Reviewed 2005

Rationale
Homework is important for children of all ages. It helps them build on what they have already learnt in the classroom and develops self-discipline and good habits for later life. It also promotes partnerships between home and the school.

Focus Area
Teaching / Learning - Community Participation

Goals We want to ......

• encourage the educational links between the home and the school;
• provide opportunities for parents to support their child's learning;
• develop in children an awareness that learning also takes place outside the school;
• increase the level of reading through the promotion of "Home-reading".

Outcomes
Each student:

• understands their responsibilities regarding homework;
• participates in a homework program consistent with the school policy;
• completes homework within a given time frame.

Each teacher:

• ensures that students are aware of what is expected of them concerning their homework;
• ensures that the homework that is given is relevant to the needs of their children;
• provides homework across the Key Learning Areas;
• communicates with parents regarding concerns about homework;
• informs parents on the standard of homework, where appropriate;
• encourages the completion of homework as appropriate;

Each parent/caregiver:

• supports students in completing their homework;
• provides, if possible, a suitable place for homework and study;
• communicates with teachers regarding concerns with homework.

Implementation
Homework can be set for the student on a daily or weekly basis.
As a general guide children across the grade should do up to:

This is an approximate daily time guide.

A research assignment may be set as a task. The individual teacher will set specific requirements and instructions. It is expected that students will complete these tasks (if set) during the following weeks of the term.

All parents will be informed at the beginning of the school year of the school's expectations regarding homework. This information will be forwarded via the school newsletter.

New students will be notified through the "Introduction to Hambledon" handbook.

Evaluation
A formal evaluation will take place in 2007 by nominated staff, parents and students.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Internet access is now available to students and teachers at Hambledon Primary School.

We are very pleased to bring this access to the school community and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence at Hambledon by providing teachers and students with access to a valuable communications and research tool that will facilitate and enhance their opportunities for teaching and learning.

The Internet is a worldwide network of computers and, through it, students will be able to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards, to exchange messages with Internet users throughout the world and to participate in a wide variety of teacher-directed classroom activities. Given its widespread nature, and the fact that it is largely uncensored, the school recognises its potential for danger and abuse. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials that are inappropriate, offensive or objectionable. On balance, however, we believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for learning, exceed any disadvantages.

The school is firmly committed to the proper and responsible use of the Internet by its staff and students and, to this end, requires acceptance of and strict adherence to the terms and conditions of this Policy.

TERMS and CONDITIONS

1. Access to the Internet at Hambledon is a privilege and not a right. This privilege can be suspended at any time and for any reason at the discretion of the supervising teacher and may be withdrawn at any time and for any reason at the discretion of the principal.
2. To be eligible for access, a student and his or her parents or caregivers must read this policy and sign the consent form that it contains. On receipt of the signed consent form the student will be issued with a licence that will entitle him or her to Internet access at school, during the currency of the licence, subject to the terms and conditions of this policy.

3. Acceptable Use

A student may access the Internet for legitimate educational purposes only including, by way of example only, any of the following:

(a) to research assigned classroom projects;
(b) to send or obtain electronic mail to and from other users;
(c) to communicate with other students in other schools;

4. Unacceptable Use

A student must not access the Internet for any purpose or material that is unlawful, dangerous, unacceptable, pornographic, objectionable or offensive. In particular, and by way of example only, a student must not access or use the Internet for any of the following reasons or in any of the following ways:

•  to send or obtain pictures or files which are sexually explicit or contain words or illustrations which are obscene, abusive or profane;

•  to send or obtain messages or files which contain words, language or descriptions which are indecent, vulgar, blasphemous, irreverent, impolite or defamatory;

•  to send or obtain any material, information or software in violation of any local, State or Commonwealth law;

•  to send or obtain any material which is dangerous, threatening or otherwise inconsistent with the proper and responsible use of the Internet;

• to infringe on copyright or to plagiarise materials;

• to buy or sell goods or services;

• to gain unlawful access to or interfere with someone else's computer system.

5. At all times during an Internet connection, a student must act with honesty, integrity and respect for the rights and sensitivities of others (including other users of the Internet) and in accordance with the general expectations of the school in relation to matters such as good manners, etiquette and responsible behaviour.

6. Disciplinary Action
A student who violates any term or condition of the Policy will be dealt with according to the school's Merit/Demerit Policy and his or her licence to use the Internet will be immediately confiscated, possibly for an indefinite time, including permanently, at the discretion of the principal.

A student who does not have a licence or whose licence has been confiscated is not allowed to access or use the Internet at school.

Warning bells will be rung 5 minutes before the starting time of each session. As the play area is supervised from 8:30am, onwards, in the interests of safety, children should not arrive before 8:30am.

Please ensure that, if your child is not a bus traveller, they are collected promptly at 2.45 pm each day.

Parents of children who are absent from school for unexplained periods of time may be referred to the Home School Liaison Officer who will seek reasons for absences.

If the students have to leave the school during the day for an appointment or other reason, they must bring a note from their parent or caregiver to the teacher prior to the time. When you come to collect your child, you must first report to the office and obtain an "Early Release" slip. This is handed to the class teacher when you collect your child.

Children are not permitted to leave the grounds unsupervised under any circumstances.

Please provide copies of any Family Law papers, such as Access Papers or Residence Orders when enrolling your child or as soon as they become available.

As an important part of our reporting system, parents and students, parents and students are invited to attend an interview with the class teacher at the end of term 2 and term 4.

Parents who come into the school to work on a voluntary basis are required to "sign in" and "sign out" in the book that is provided at  the office. By signing on, parents are afforded insurance cover if an accident occurs. parents are then asked to wear a badge that identifies them as a "Hambledon Helper" while they are on school grounds.

Labelling of Clothing

This is essential as students of all ages often lose jumpers, sloppy-joes, hats etc. If clothing, lunch boxes, drink bottles are lost they can be returned to their owner immediately, if labelled.

Hats - "No hat, play in the shade."

Children must wear  hats at all times when they are in the playground to protect them from the dangers of the sun. A "no hat, no play" rule applies. Students without hats will be asked to sit on the silver seats outside the classrooms

. All parents are asked to assist by ensuring that their children are wearing hats to school. School hats are available through the uniform shop which operates each Tuesday morning from 8:30am to 10:00am.

The class teacher sets homework on a weekly basis. It is intended that completing set tasks at home will develop better study skills and habits. Homework may vary in nature and a research project may be set.

Home readers can be borrowed from the school and all students are expected to read each night. A copy of the school homework policy is sent to parents in the second newsletter each year.

If your child is ill before school please make alternative arrangements for their supervision as we do not have the facilities/ staff to monitor sick children.

If your child needs to take medication, you will need to come into the office and fill in a medical form, or else, send in a written note with clear instructions of:

• child's name
• class
• name of medicine and dosage
• time to be given out and
• day(s) to be given.

Please send in enough medication for the day's dosage, or, if on a regular medication please see the office staff.

During the time your child is at school he/she will probably contract one or more of the infectious diseases common in children. Most of those can easily be passed onto other children so the Department Of Education and Training has rules about excluding children from school until they are better. below are some of the most common. For exclusion periods of other diseases, please contact your doctor.

The NSW Department of Health recommends that all children entering school be fully immunised. Your child will be in contact with many children, and infections spread easily in these circumstances. If your child has not been immunised against the Measles, or even if you are unsure, the Measles vaccination (which includes vaccination against Mumps and Rubella) is recommended.

It is important that parents seek advise from their family doctor in these matters.

Community Nurse

Our school has a community nurse on site at times throughout the week. She is responsible for regular screenings of students during the child's school career as well as consultation and discussions as to medical issues facing students and parents. Our community nurse can be contacted on 9626 3654.

School Banking

Students can bring bankbooks with money to school each Friday. Bankbooks are handed to the class teacher who sends them to the office for processing. Money will be banked with the Commonwealth Bank. For further details, contact the office.

Money

When payment is being made for any school activity, please forward the money or cheque in an envelope with the child's name and class written on it to the appropriate teacher. You are strongly advised to urge your child not to leave any in their school bag or under their desk. Sometimes money can be stolen from these places and it is almost impossible to recover it. All cheques should be made out to Hambledon Primary School.

Voluntary School Contributions

A voluntary General School Contribution is set in consultation with the P&C with the funds being used to meet some of the costs of resources and materials used by the students. This contribution covers things such as books, art/craft material, pencils and paper, computer software etc. These payments may be made in full or by instalments as suits family needs.

The contribution is set at $20 per child to a maximum of $50 per family.

Scripture

Scripture lessons are provided by visiting lay teachers each Tuesday. These lessons take place for half hour blocks between recess and lunch. Students who not attend scripture lessons are supervised by a teacher.

Canteen

The canteen provides a variety of food for both recess and lunch, 5 days per week. Lunch orders are to be written on a paper bag and placed at the canteen before 9am each morning. Recess may be purchased at 11:00am. Canteen price lists are available from the school office or the canteen.

Late Arrival to School

In order to monitor student attendance we have a system for students who arrive late to school. This simply involves the student (and parent if possible) reporting to the front office so that details concerning the lateness can be recorded. Parents should try to ensure that their children are at school on time prior to the commencement of lessons. Students arriving late to school must obtain a "Late Arrival" slip from the office that is to be handed to their teacher upon arrival in class.

Leaving School Grounds During School Hours

Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds during school hours. If you wish your child to do so, please put it in writing and send it to the teacher prior to the time. When you come to collect your child you must first report to the office and get an "Early Release Sheet". This is handed to the classroom teacher when you collect your child. Children are not permitted to leave the grounds unsupervised under any circumstances.

Excursions

Our school participates in excursions to support and enrich a child's learning experiences. these experiences may be part of a whole school activity or in smaller groups. At present, most classes participate in two (2) excursions per year with primary classes attending an overnight camp.

Students may borrow books from the school library for a week. Please ensure that your child has a library bag to protect the books that they borrow. Books that are lost or damaged must be paid for or a replacement purchased.

Parents are able to join the library to borrow books to assist their children with their reading.

Before and After School Care is available from 7:00am-8:30am each morning and from 2:45pm-6:00pm each afternoon. The service is provided by a private operator and the phone number is available from the school office.

Students assemble under the shade cloth before entering class in the morning, at recess and after lunch. Brief information may be announced at the lunchtime assembly.

Formal assemblies are held on alternate weeks for Infants and Primary. At these assemblies, some children receive their merit awards, show outstanding work, and on some occasions, class items are performed. All classes have a turn at leading these assemblies.

From time to time, the school will elect to attend , or host visits from, various performers which may include drama, dance, music, science, sport etc. Parents will be informed of these events and a fee may be required to cover costs.

Our school counsellor is at school 2 days per week to work with students who have been referred by their class teachers for assessment of learning difficulties, behaviour and/or social needs. Parents are informed by note if we require permission for their child to be tested and the counsellor will be speak with parents after the assessment. parents may also refer their own children if help is needed.

Children may enrol in Kindergarten at the beginning of the year if they turn 5 years of age on or before July 31st of that year.

Documentation providing proof of age, such as birth certificate, is required on enrolment. Proof of immunisation is also required. 

Students transferring from other schools can enrol at any time, provided they live in the local area. A map of the local area is available from the office.

Each year all families are asked to complete and information sheet which provides the school with your family details, emergency contacts and medical details. If your family name, address, phone or contact number, or doctor changes please inform the school as soon as possible.

A variety of special programs occur within the school which children are invited to participate in. Learn to swim lessons are run in term 4 at Riverstone Pool for non-swimmers and weak swimmers from years 2-6. The students have the opportunity to participate in Debating, Dance and Choir.

All students participate in a sport session during the week. The day will not be the same for every grade as we do not have the space to accommodate the activities. Parents will be informed by the class teacher as to their child's sport-day. children are to wear the sport uniform on their day.

All lost property is placed in a red box that is wheeled onto the playground each day.  Children are encouraged to take found items to the box and search in their for their own property. Parents are asked to clearly and boldly mark clothing and equipment with their children's name. Goods such as toys, jewellery and valued treasures that can be easily damaged or broken should not be brought to school.

All students participate in the school merit system which rewards positive outcomes in the areas of learning, behaviour, social skills and participation. Students work their way through three (3) levels of achievement to achieve their bronze, silver and gold awards.

Negative behaviours are addressed through detention and a levels system.

The school newsletter is published each Wednesday and given to the eldest or only child in the school. In the newsletter you will find information about school and student achievements as well as a reminder of upcoming events.

All parents are reminded that parking in school grounds is prohibited. Access to the playground is through the front gates in Bali drive (not the car-park gates) and the back gate in Morrell Crescent. 

The Hambledon P&C meets on the 3rd Monday  of each month at 7:30pm. all members of the school community are most welcome to attend these meetings. The P&C raises money to support student's learning through a variety of act ivies such as discos, raffles, chocolate drives and Walkathons. Significant resources are purchased as a result of these fundraising activities.

Presentation Day is held in December each year. Certificates and presentations are awarded to students to recognise their achievements in the academic, social and sporting areas. Year 6 also make a presentation to the school at this assembly.

Written reports are sent home to parents/caregivers at the end of semester 1 and semester 2. These provide an indication of student achievement as assessed by the class teacher.

Progress books are sent home once in terms 1 and 4 and twice in terms 2 and 3. These provide an example of the work being covered in class by your child.

All students are required to have a bag suitable for library books.

All pencils, books and rulers are supplied for students in Years K-2. They may bring their own sharpener, eraser. coloured pencils and textas to school but they must be clearly marked with the child's name and kept in a pencil case.

Students in Years 3-6 are asked to bring their own writing and colouring implements.

All students need a paint shirt and every student must have a hat.

School photographs are arranged each year and families are given the opportunity to purchase these. Class, individual and family photographs are taken, usually early in term 4.

Uniform

Ways to Help Your Child

• Starting school is a major step so please help your child to cope with this new situation.

• Talk to your child often. Mastering the language is vital to your child's education.

• Encourage all your child's efforts. Give praise and help when appropriate - your attitude is most important.

• Do not compare your child's work with that of other children - admire all efforts.

• Read stories and poems as often as possible - include your child's choice.

• Visit the public library and encourage your child to borrow.

• Provide experiences - shopping, train trips, picnics etc. Talk about places you visit and answer questions. Read signs displayed in shops and on billboards.

• Show interest in your child's school life.

• Ensure that your child can tell a teacher his/ her name -surname as well as given name - address and phone number.

• Let your child be responsible for possessions. Try to teach your child how to tie laces and how to put on shoes and socks.

• Please provide a lunchbox and drink bottle that is easily opened by your child. Please don't send glass bottles to school.

• Encourage your child to eat a nutritious lunch.

• Make sure your child has a hanky in his/ her bag.

• Ensure that your child is familiar with correct toilet hygiene i.e. push button, wash hands etc.

An early adjustment leads to and enjoyable and happy school life.

Learning by.....

• attending school regularly
• paying attention in class
• bringing your own equipment
• taking part in class activities
• being a considerate listener and group member
• trying to do your best at all times
• completing set work and
• helping your friend to learn

Care for....

• your school by looking after buildings, playground and equipment
• others by respecting other people's rights and property
• yourself by keeping school rules, looking after personal property and
• talking to a teacher if you have a problem.

Safety through....

• staying within the school boundaries
• using permitted equipment and toys safely
• avoiding rough play
• moving sensibly at all times
• observing bell routines
• telling the teachers about any dangers
• staying clear of driveways and car-parks and
• being aware of the Evacuation Plan.