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 9.00am and 3.00pm parents must sign the ‘Students sign in/out’ book in the front office and a note should be given to the class teacher

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 sheets 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 sheet. 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.

After School / Before School Care
Communities@Work run an After School Care program on site at Gilmore Primary. The organisation also runs a Before School Care program at a nearby Primary school. Communities@Work transport the students to Gilmore Primary arriving around 8.45am. Contact Communities@Work on 6293 6500 or via their website http://www.commsatwork.org/

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.

Anaphylaxis 
At Gilmore Primary, we have students who have an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts and nut products, which can be life threatening. We are asking for the support of families in not sending to school food items containing peanut butter or other nut products.
If your child suffers from anaphylaxis, you should obtain a written Anaphylaxis Treatment Plan signed by your doctor and yourself as parent or carer for the administration of Adrenaline by EpiPen or similar device. 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.

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 National Assessment Plan Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). For further information, please refer to our Assessment and Reporting Policy (199kb).

Assemblies
Assemblies are held every second Friday at 2.00pm in the school hall. At each assembly a class or unit is rostered to lead the assembly. Assemblies feature group singing, presentation of awards, 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.

Asthma Friendly School
Gilmore Primary is an Asthma Friendly School. It has adopted the AFS program strategies to support the whole school community in understanding and managing asthma. The aim of the AFS program is to improve the quality of life, health outcomes and well being for school children with asthma. Download an Asthma Treatment Plan (118kb).

 

B

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 plan 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 plan 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 9.00am. Limited supervision is available only after 8.30am. 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.

Bicycles
If children ride bicycles to school they should wear helmets at all times. Bicycles should be parked in the bicycle area which is locked during the day. The school cannot accept responsibility for damage to bicycles. For the safety of all children bicycles are not to be ridden in the school playground at any time.

 

C

Casualty Treatment
1. Under the Medicare arrangements no charges are raised for services provided at the accident and emergency sections of ACT public hospitals.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Collection of Money
Parents should 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. Payment envelopes are available from the front office.

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 Wednesday;
• 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 front office. Children can be distressed unnecessarily when sickness or illness occurs and the contact number is not current.

Court Orders and Parenting Agreements
Please discuss any special circumstances with the Principal and lodge copies of these orders/agreements with the front office. Court Orders can only be enforced if the school has a current copy. They are treated confidentially in our school.

D

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.

E

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.

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

G

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. View 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 front office for more information.

Hours of Attendance
Classes commence at 9.00am and conclude 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 8.50am.

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 from 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 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.

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 front 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

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 overcautious 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 9.00am 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 book.

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 Gilmore Primary School's efforts in this area.

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 outside the canteen in the school hall and may be checked at any time. All lost property left at the end of each term is donated to local charities.

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.

M

Media Events – Permission
From time to time students and parents at Gilmore 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 be used from time to time e.g. in our newsletter. Only the child’s first 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. Download the school’s permission form (183kb).

Medical Conditions
Parents of children with life-endangering conditions (eg. allergies, chronic asthma, etc) are asked to provide a recent photograph of the student with a description of the child's condition attached, including an emergency treatment plan to follow if required.
This information is then displayed in the first aid and staff rooms for reference in an emergency. Find the appropriate Emergency Treatment Plan on our Forms page.

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. All medications are stored at the front office (except for Asthma puffers). In the event of Asthma a plan will be required and parents will provide information to staff re administration.
Download the schools Permission to Dispense Medication (66.5kb).

Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are to be handed into the front office each morning for safe keeping. Parents needing to get a message their child can do so through the front office. Read our policy on mobile phones (193kb).

N

NAPLAN National Assessment Plan Literacy And Numeracy
In May 2008, as part of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), national tests will be held in literacy and numeracy for all students in Australia at Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. These tests will replace the current State and Territory-based assessments and have the support of all Education Ministers. View the website: Welcome: NAPLAN

Newsletter
The Gilmore Gazette 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 Gilmore Primary School mailto:info@gilmoreps.act.edu.au. The school newsletter is sent home weekly on Wednesdays with the youngest child in the family.

O

P

Parent Interviews
Three way interviews take place during term 2 after half yearly reports. A three way interview involves the parent, teacher and student, with the central focus on the student presenting their work and talking about their learning and achievements. Student portfolios are the centrepiece for a three way interview.

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 or as a parent volunteer in the classroom.

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
The school cannot generally be held responsible for the intervening acts of third parties that occur to lead to the loss, damage or theft of student’s personal property.
Parents /carers and students are advised that schools do not provide private insurance cover to automatically compensate for the loss, damage or theft of personal property and nor will they be legally liable for their loss.

School staff is under no obligation to take responsibility for students’ personal property. However, where such a responsibility is taken, staff will ensure that valuable items are kept in an appropriately secure location that has limited access.
No responsibility will be accepted for property inadvertently left on school premises.

Parents / carers and students are reminded:
• To avoid bringing valuable property to school;
• To take steps to insure all valuable items;
• That valuable items are bought to school at the personal risk of the owner and that schools decline any responsibility for the damage, loss or theft of students’ personal property; and
• To report any suspicious activity to school staff.

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 our policy here (199kb).

S

School Governance
The School Board is the official governing body of Gilmore 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.

School Rules
Gilmore 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.

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 the Police immediately.

Stationery and Book Supplies
Parents pay for the initial provision of stationery at the beginning of the school year and for any subsequent purchases. The school has a pre-order arrangement with a local supplier which enables a total stationery and text book package to be purchased for each year level. Order forms are handed out during Term 4 and are also available from the front office. Parents also have the choice of purchasing their own supplies but should use the list of requirements as outlined by the teachers. We encourage parents to purchase the ‘book pack’ as supplies are carefully selected by teachers for specific purposes. Whilst the packages cover all exercise and text books, folders and general stationery items, teachers may ask for some items to be replenished if they run out.

Supervision in the Playground
The school is fortunate to have an attractive playground featuring play equipment, grass areas, asphalt and shade structures. 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 Executive staff.

Sun Smart
Gilmore Primary School is a recognised Sunsmart school and 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 uniform shop and also provide a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 plus water resistant sunscreen. Other broad brimmed or bucket hats are acceptable. Peak style baseball caps are not permitted to be worn at Gilmore Primary. The school has provided additional outdoor seating and tree planting as measures to support the policy. For further information download the school policy (199kb) or the view the departmental policy on Sun Protection.

T

Teaching and Learning Program
Gilmore 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 62057844, 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. Please refer to the School Hours & Term Dates page on our website.

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 from 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. If the student is transferring to an ACT Government school their Student Record Folder will be forwarded to that school. If transferring interstate or to a Non Govt school there are forms available from the front office which will enable us to forward specific information to that school.

U

V

Voluntary Contributions
For many years, students have benefited from the additional financial resources provided through voluntary financial contributions from parents, carers and other citizens. These contributions have assisted the school to conduct additional programs and activities and purchase educational materials.
Gilmore Primary School has no set fees however voluntary contributions and donations are always welcome.The P&C and School Board have approved the inclusion of a materials resource allowance of $30 and a computer allowance of $15 in the school book packs that are purchased by students at the beginning of each year.

Section 27 of the Education Act 2004 however clearly states that:
• each contribution must be voluntary
• a child is not to be refused benefits or services because the child’s parents do not make a contribution
• a child is not harassed for contributions
• any record of contributions is confidential.

Gilmore Primary School may offer some specific optional activities, items and services for which parents may be required to pay if they want their child to access them.

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.

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.

Wheeled Devices
For the safety of all students no wheeled devices (including skateboards, in-line skates and scooters) are to be ridden in the school playground at any time. Skateboards and in-line skates are not considered to be safe transport to and from school for primary-aged children. The school accepts no responsibility for the loss of bicycles or bicycle parts whilst they are left in the bike compound. Children are not allowed to ride bicycles in the school grounds.