General Information

The Aboriginal Education Assistant (AEA) supports students and their families to access school programs and maximise learning opportunities.

All students participate in activities developed to raise awareness and understandings of indigenous history and culture. The school is committed to:

The Community Centre, in partnership with the school and IWAC, offers additional programs to families such as an ATSI Supported Playgroup

In the event of illness or a serious accident at the school, the following procedure will be followed.

If your child attends the sick bay and is not sick enough to be sent home, or if the school is unable to contact you, a note

will be sent home with your child advising you as to the problem and any first aid treatment provided.

Monitoring of student learning is carried out daily by all teachers. Regular feedback is given to parents.

You are advised to view all work that has been sent home. Discussion with your child of his/her work is a

The Report shows the level of development that each child has achieved within the Stage at which they are working.

Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s report at the mid-year parent-teacher meeting or at other times by appointment.

School hours are between 9.25am and 3.25pm. Punctuality is important, as is regular attendance.

The playground is supervised from 9.00am, then during lunch and recess. Students should be collected promptly at 3:25pm.

The law requires that all children’s absences are noted on class rolls. If your child is sick, please keep him/her at home.

A written note explaining the absence must be sent when your child returns to school. If your child is going to be absent, please

notify the school by phone and send a note when your child returns to school. Unexplained absences are monitored and noted

by the Principal. Rolls are checked regularly by the district Home School Liaison Officer. It is the legal responsibility of the Home School

Liaison Officer to follow up unsatisfactory attendance. Wherever possible, doctor’s and dentist’s appointments should be made

out of school hours. When taking holidays during the school term, you must advise the Principal in writing. Absences of more than 2

weeks require an official “Leave of Absence” form obtained from the school office.

If your child arrives late to school (after 9.25am) he/she must report to the School Office for a late card, which is then given to their

class teacher. It is best that a parent accompany a student to the office to explain the reason for lateness.

If you wish to collect your child during school hours, for a medical appointment or emergency situation, the parent must report to the

Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to leave the school grounds early unless they are accompanied by an authorised adult.

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

Occasionally children may have an accident at school and it is necessary to provide them with a change of clothing. It is advisable,

particularly for younger children, to keep spare underwear and a plastic bag in their school bag in case of an emergency.

CHILD PROTECTION EDUCATION AND LEGISLATION

The NSW Department of Education and Training has developed a Child Protection Curriculum which provides a series of lessons designed

to assist in reducing the incidence of child physical or sexual assault. The lessons focus on developing protective skills and establishing and

maintaining positive relationships. Department regulations also require that criminal record checks are completed on all staff and that school

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Building a learning community where staff, students and parents are actively involved in the
education of young people and the life of the school
Assisting families to access school and community support services
Fostering links with the broader community
Recognising and valuing the diversity of family cultures, languages and life experiences

Marrickville West has a Schools as Community Centre located on site. The facilitator, Ms Vivi Martin,

is committed to providing the space and support necessary for many successful community projects

and ongoing services including play groups, parent support groups, art classes and adult education.

CREATING A POSITIVE CLIMATE AND GOOD DISCIPLINE

A positive school climate and good discipline are enhanced at Marrickville West P.S. by the following:

Involving students in decision making processes and ensuring the principles of equity and fairness are

Opportunities for students to demonstrate success in a wide range of activities
Policies and practices that protect the rights, safety and health of the school community
Clear school rules that are known and understood by all
Discipline procedures that are consistent, respectful and reflect the principles of restorative justice
Ensuring students attend school regularly
Valuing and providing opportunities for all students to develop skills in building positive relationships, social responsibility, problem solving
and conflict resolution
A school culture that values diversity and recognises the range of student talent
Student and parent support networks
Resources and opportunities for students to gain leadership experience in a range of areas

CURRICULUM

The school's curriculum offers a balance of academic, cultural, sporting and social learning. We consider that it is important for children to engage

in quality teaching and learning programs that prepare them for further education in High School and later life. Emphasis is placed on assisting

students to realise their potential through providing targeted, successful learning experiences, fostering positive attitudes and developing self esteem.

Students are regularly assessed as to their stage of development and provided with suitable learning experiences, catering for individual needs

DISCIPLINE POLICY

School is, and should be, a safe and happy place to be. We all have the right to learn, work and play in a positive and supportive environment

Through practices based in the Restorative Justice framework, we encourage children to develop self-discipline by taking responsibility for their

actions. Students are encouraged to be accountable for their mistakes and are guided to recognise and resolve difficulties through a process based

on empathy and mutual respect. The school rules: Respect, Always Try Your Best and Play Safely reflect the emphasis we place on caring for self

and others. A variety of strategies are used in the school to recognise and reinforce positive behaviour, including team-based “House Points” and an

individually cumulative merit system. Parents of children who persistently disobey school rules will be informed and involved in measures aimed to

correct inappropriate behaviour. Assistance of the school counsellor and other support personnel may be sought in helping students overcome

difficulties. Children and parents should be aware that the school will not hesitate to enforce the departmental suspension policy should the

EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING

Participate in decisions about their learning and be active participants in the learning process
Pursue a program of learning relevant to their needs
Develop an understanding of themselves as well as skills for positive, socially responsible participation
Develop competencies which enhance the quality of their relationships with others
Feel valued as learners

EMERGENCIES

Please ensure that an emergency contact number is known at the school and that it is updated as necessary. This can be a phone number

where you can be contacted during school hours or that of a relative or friend who can act on your behalf.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)

ENROLMENT AND TRANSFER PROCEDURES

Parents wishing to enrol their child at school should complete an Enrolment Form. If a child is leaving the school, the parent/caregivers should

notify the school and obtain a Transfer Certificate from the School Office to take to the next school. The Transfer Certificate is issued on the child’s

last day of school. Children may enter Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn five on or before 31st July of that year.

EXCURSIONS

Excursions and camps are an important and exciting part of the curriculum at our school. Excursions may occur once each term.

Teachers are able to bring to life the work that they are studying in class, by taking the children to such places as the zoo, museum, historical buildings

etc. Performing artists also visit the school on occasions throughout the year. Attendance at all excursions is expected. Teachers try very hard to keep

costs for excursions to a minimum. Financial support for students is available where families are experiencing financial hardship.

Students participating in an excursion must meet the necessary standards regarding general behaviour. Full School uniform and appropriate footwear

EXPRESSING YOUR CONCERNS TO THE CLASS TEACHER

Students are individuals and all experience school differently. Teachers understand this and will quite happily

discuss any problems or concerns with parents. If you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s school life

or their progress, please do not hesitate to contact the office to make an appointment for a meeting with their

Teacher or the Principal. Teachers are generally available before and after school and are able to contact parents

by phone if they are unable to meet at these times. Please understand that teachers will not be able to speak

HIGH SCHOOL ENROLMENTS

All children are entitled to a place in their local high school which is based on their home address. Our local high

schools are Dulwich Hill Visual Arts High School, Marrickville High School and Tempe High School. You can also

apply for a place at up to three non-local high schools, such as Ashfield Boys’ High School or Burwood Girls’ High

School. Children who achieve particularly well in Year 6 may also be eligible for selective high school placement.

Placement in selective high schools is made through competitive external state-wide selection procedures. All high

school enrolments are arranged by the school. Parents are required to complete the forms sent home during the

year. High schools conduct induction and orientation days for new Year 7 students towards the end of the year.

HOMEWORK

Regular homework is recognised as being important for students of all ages as it helps them build on what they have learnt in the classroom.

Formal homework will not usually be set in Kindergarten. The focus is home reading where listening to the student read and giving praise is important.

Parents are also encouraged to talk about school activities. In Stages One to Three (Year 1 to Year 6) a more formal homework may be set across all Key

Learning Areas. Homework increases as students progress through their schooling. Activities may include completion of class work or additional tasks,

reading, research, observation, data collection, designing and making, problem solving or creative thinking. It is expected that all students will read daily.

Home Reading is most beneficial when it is a regular, positive experience and involves a book (or other text) that is at a level appropriate for the child’s

current reading ability. A detailed school Homework Policy is available on request.

IMMUNISATION

Before commencing school your child will be ready for another protective dose of immunisation against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough.

Your child's immunisation certificate should be presented when your child commences school. The Department of Health advises that all children should

have the correct number of protective doses before commencing school. If you are not sure your child has had these, you should consult your family

Children starting school who have not already had booster immunisation should have:

The Department of Health is concerned that complacency regarding immunisation against these serious preventable childhood diseases may produce

significant risks of outbreaks in the community. We therefore seek your cooperation in protecting the health of our children. In the event of an outbreak

of vaccine-preventable disease, unimmunised children will be required to remain at home for the duration of the outbreak. Full details of these

infectious diseases and the periods of exclusion are available to all parents. Children who have been excluded from school with contagious diseases

Our school is equipped with computers in each classroom. There is a Computer Lab allowing individual access to the internet for class groups and

additional access in the Library Lab. Children are encouraged to use the Internet for finding information from world wide sources. Each family needs to

carefully read its Acceptable Use of the Internet Policy and sign the student and parent contract upon enrolment. Students will have regular supervised

access to the internet as part of their weekly timetable and during lunch times. Educational programs such as Mathletics and Spellodrome are sponsored

KEY LEARNING AREAS

At school your child’s learning program is comprised of six (6) Key Learning Areas:

Each Key Learning Area (KLA) has its own syllabus document mandated by the NSW Board OF Studies.

LIBRARY

Our school is equipped with a well stocked library which is the school's key resource centre. All children visit the library with their class each week.

During these visits they are exposed to a variety of children’s literature are encouraged to become enthusiastic borrowers.

To borrow books, each child must have a library bag with his/her name and class clearly marked on it. Library bags may be purchased from the Office.

Library lessons are also present opportunities to develop research and information skills. Students learn to search for books and information using

the library enquiry terminals and the internet. Several times a year books may be purchased through Book Club. Orders are sent home and returned

with the money to school. This is an excellent way to involve your child with books and develop good reading habits.

LUNCH AND RECESS

When packing your child’s lunch, small amounts of healthy food in separate bags/boxes for recess and lunch are best. Please do not send your child

to school with glass bottles or cans as these can be a danger to small children. Lollies, chewing gum, bubble gum and soft drinks are not allowed at

Lunch can be ordered from the school canteen between 9 and 9:20am. Additional drinks or snacks can be purchased by students during any lunch time

and at recess on certain days. There are no credit facilities available at the school canteen.

In an emergency children without lunch will be supplied with a sandwich and snack from the staffroom.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Parents of children with medical conditions (e.g. asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, severe allergies etc) must consult with the school and their doctor and

ensure that a health care plan is developed. The health care plan will outline the agreed procedure the school is to follow in order to manage your

child’s health and respond in the event of an emergency. It is important to provide the school with updated medical information as it becomes available.

Health care plans are kept on file in the office and shared with classroom teachers.

MEDICATION

Our school follows The Department of Education and Training's policy on the Administration of Prescribed Medication to School Students.

In some circumstances children may need prescribed medication at school. The Office Staff have the authority to oversee the giving of prescribed

Put the medication into single doses where possible.
Write clearly on the medication what it is, the name and class of the child and the time it is to be taken.
Hand the medicine with instructions in at the office.
Remind your child at what time they must go to the office to take the medicine.
Provide a note containing all relevant information to enable the class teacher to support your child to get to the office at the appropriate time.

Children must never keep any type of medication in their school bags, including headache tablets. The only exception is for asthma sufferers who may

keep their medication with them and self-administer as appropriate. Parents whose children need prescribed medication for long term medical conditions

MONEY COLLECTION

All payments for excursions, sporting activities etc are to be forwarded directly to the class teacher in a sealed envelope clearly marked with your child's

Correct money must be enclosed as the school does not have the facilities to give change. All cheques must be made out to Marrickville West Public School

Our school newsletter is published fortnightly during school terms and sent home to every family. The Newsletter contains important information, details

and dates of school functions, notices of meetings and community events as well as children's work and photographs. Be sure to read the newsletter as

A nurse from the Marrickville Child Health and Community Service visits our school several times during the year and will perform Health Screenings for all

Kindergarten children and other students by request. If the nurse is going to see your child a permission form must be signed. Results of any Health

Screenings are confidential and parents will be immediately notified of any concerns.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

There are three major areas through which parents can support their child's education:

Classroom Support: There are many ways in which parents can assist at school: listening to children read; assisting in Maths and craft groups;
accompanying groups on excursions; supporting computer and story writing; assisting with sport or gross motor groups; talking to class groups
about different cultures and occupations and more.

Specific Educational Support: Make an appointment with your child's teacher to discuss how you can be involved. Find out too, if there is anything
you can do to help your child at home. Let your child's teacher know if you are having difficulties at home with your child, or if your child is having
difficulties at school.

Our P&C meets on the 1st Thursday of the month at 2.00pm or 7:30pm (alternately) in the Community Room. Preschoolers are welcome. P&C meetings

provide an opportunity for parents to receive additional information, participate in discussions about P&C activities and to contribute to decisions that

are made in regard to the school.Regular agenda items include reports from the principal and the P&C treasurer. Everyone is welcome to join this important

group and contribute to making Marrickville West the community centred school that it is.

Early in Term 1 we have a "Meet-the-Teacher" afternoon at which parents can find out about how their child's class operates. At the end of Term 2, a

three-way interview process with parents, students and teachers occurs. Students are required to set goals for their future learning in consultation with

parents and teachers. If at any time you wish to discuss your child with the teacher, do not hesitate to contact the school to make an appointment.

PARKING AT SCHOOL

For the safety of students and other pedestrians, parents are requested not to enter the staff car parks.

Please park safely outside of the school, clear of gates and driveways and in accordance with the signs posted.

Children should, where ever possible, be dropped off on the school side of the road, exiting on the kerb side of the car and should enter and exit the school

READING RECOVERY

ROAD SAFETY

Please set a safe example and use the road crossings provided when bringing your children to and from school. Don’t forget the 40 kilometre speed limit

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS

As a public school there are no compulsory school fees at Marrickville West however in order to supplement funds available for the purchase of school

resources and equipment, a general contribution is requested from each family. The general contribution is $35.00 (1 child) or $55.00 per family.

Our school welcomes your contributions as they significantly enhance the resources available to our students.

Our School Counsellor is a member of our school’s Learning Support Team and is available to talk to you about any problems that may arise regarding

your child’s education or emotional wellbeing. Please feel free to phone the school to make an appointment to see the Counsellor, or speak to you’re

your child’s teacher if you consider a referral to the Counsellor might be appropriate. If a teacher feels that there is a need for a student to talk to or be

assessed by the Counsellor, parents will be contacted first. Parental permission is required for all Counsellor Referrals.

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAYS

There are three days during the year which are called Pupil Free or School Development Days.

These days are important as they allow all teachers to meet to write policies, develop curricula or engage in professional development activities.

We ask parents to make alternative arrangements for the supervision of their children on these days to enable every staff member to participate fully.

SCHOOL RECORDS

It is important that our school records are kept up to date so that we can support your child and contact you about their progress or in the case of an

Please notify the school in writing if your family situation changes. School should be kept aware of:

In a medical emergency when you or the nominated person cannot be contacted, an ambulance will be called. Please advise the school of any special

needs or requirements that may exist for your child. Please keep the school informed of any custody orders that relate to your child. In general only

parents or nominated Emergency Contacts will be permitted access to your child unless written consent is provided.

SPECIAL RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION (SRE)

SRE or “Scripture” is held at the school on Tuesday mornings. The classes run for 30 minutes and are conducted by local volunteers from registered

religious organisations. Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, Combined Christian, Greek Orthodox and Moslem scripture classes are currently available at our school.

Students will continue to attend the scripture class nominated by their parents unless the school receives alternate instructions in writing. Students whose

parents have elected not to involve their child in available scripture classes will remain with their class teacher during scripture time.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME

The school sets aside funds each year to assist needy parents to meet all or part of the costs of school uniforms and activities.

Requests for financial assistance are to be made to the Principal. All information relating to the Student Assistance Scheme will be handled with

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC)

The SRC is a body within the school which represents students and promotes their views and their participation in school decision making. Elected students from each class together with the school’s Student Leaders form the SRC. Class Meetings are held each fortnight and elected class representatives bring the ideas from these meetings to the SRC.

STUDENT WELFARE

At our school, we place a great deal of importance on the development of children's confidence and self esteem as well as on developing their leadership

capabilities and social skills. A number of programs have been implemented in the school to cater for the children's development in these areas.

Extensive community consultation was carried out in regard to our school uniform and the corresponding uniform policy. There are many combinations of

styles available to suit individual preference and taste. Effort was made to ensure uniforms were suitable for play, sport, excursions and classroom

Children are to wear full school uniform to school and on all excursions unless otherwise notified in writing by the class teacher.

School uniforms can be purchased from the School Office between 8.30am and 3.30pm on any day the school is open.

Please note that our school rule of “NO HAT, NO PLAY” is enforced for the safety of our children. Children without a hat must stay in shaded areas

of the top playground at lunch times and recess. Thongs and open toed shoes are not permitted for safety reasons. Children are encouraged to wear

enclosed, black leather school shoes or sports shoes. Please mark your child’s name on all clothing clearly with a permanent pen. Bags, lunch boxes and

drink containers should also have your child’s name on them. Lost Property is kept in the School Office. After 2 weeks, any unclaimed articles are sold for

$4 each. Second-hand items are available from a rack located near the staffroom.

Sample Item	Cost
T Shirt (short sleeves)	$18.00
T Shirt (Long sleeves)	$20.00
Culottes (Girls)	$22.00
Skort (Girls)	$14.00
Shorts	$17.00
Track Pants	$22.00
Sloppy Joe	$19.00
Rugby top	$29.00
Bomber jacket	$33.00
Hat	$6.00
Baseball Cap	$11.00
Library Bag	$7.00

A full price list and information about specific items can be obtained from the school office.

SCHOOL STAFF

SCHOOL HOURS

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

CHILD PROTECTION EDUCATION AND LEGISLATION

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

CREATING A POSITIVE CLIMATE AND GOOD DISCIPLINE

CURRICULUM

DISCIPLINE POLICY

EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING

EMERGENCIES

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)

ENROLMENT AND TRANSFER PROCEDURES

EXCURSIONS

EXPRESSING YOUR CONCERNS TO THE CLASS TEACHER

HIGH SCHOOL ENROLMENTS

HOMEWORK

IMMUNISATION

KEY LEARNING AREAS

LIBRARY

LUNCH AND RECESS

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

MEDICATION

MONEY COLLECTION

NEWSLETTER

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

PARKING AT SCHOOL

READING RECOVERY

ROAD SAFETY

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAYS

SCHOOL RECORDS

SPECIAL RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION (SRE)

STUDENT ASSISTANCE SCHEME

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC)

STUDENT WELFARE