PARENT AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION- (PFA)

PFA provides various services and social events for the school community. Regular events include Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day stalls, Christmas stalls, discos, Hot Cross Bun Drives, Meet the Teachers and Welcome to Parents’ morning teas, Gardening Club and a range of other activities.  PFA is separate from Fundraising, however, when profits are made we direct the funds towards initiatives that benefit our children such as our annual Sports Night, Grade 6 graduation and garden seating in the school grounds.  PFA meeting dates are listed in the school weekly newsletters.

PARENTS IN OUR SCHOOL

 The school promotes active involvement of parents in school programs and activities.  Parents are always welcome in our school.  Parents are encouraged to be involved in programs such as Literature, Maths groups, P.M.P., ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’, Library, Technology, eLearning, swimming, writing, excursions and numerous other activities.  Classroom Helpers Training courses are conducted by the school’s Early Years Literacy Co-ordinator throughout the year.

Working With Children (WWC) Check

Current arrangements with regard to police checks for parents working in a voluntary capacity with children ended on the 31^st December 2007.

“The Victorian Government introduced a new checking system that will affect many adults who work or volunteer with children-under 18 years of age. This new check helps protect children from sexual or physical harm by checking a person’s criminal history for serious sexual, serious violence or serious drug offences and findings from certain professional disciplinary bodies such as the Victorian Institute of Teaching. While some organisations undertake a number of measures to check the appropriateness of their employees or volunteers to work with children, others do not. The introduction of the new WWC Check creates for the first time in Victoria a mandatory minimum standard for a range of child-related industries.”[taken from the WWC Application Form].  As a volunteer working with children across a range of school activities you will be required to apply for the new WWC Check at an Australia Post outlet. Only the photograph taken at Australia Post fits the new ID card. We do not wish to limit parent involvement or contact with school programs. Rather we want to ensure that all of us who work with children at Ringwood North have been checked. The duty of care we share for the safety of children in our care at all times is undeniable. An application form can be collected from any Australia Post office. There is no charge for volunteers to have the check conducted. However there is a charge for a quality 'passport size' photograph .

USE OF MOBILE PHONES BY STUDENTS POLICY

1.           Purpose

Ringwood North Primary School recognises the fact that mobile phones and other electronic devices can be valuable for personal security and safety.  The use of mobile phones and similar electronic devices in class can be disruptive to the learning environment of students and should be discouraged.  It is acknowledged however that in some circumstances such devices can be appropriately incorporated into the learning program.  It is the responsibility of the students who bring mobile phones onto school premises to adhere to the guidelines outlined in this document.

2.           Guidelines

2.1         It is the responsibility of the students who bring mobile phones onto school premises to adhere to the guidelines outlined in this policy.

2.2         Mobile phones cannot be used in any manner or place that is disruptive to the normal routine of a school.

2.3         Students must have their mobile phones switched off and out of sight during classes.

2.4         There are times when students need to contact parents or guardians.  In these circumstances, students have access to the telephone in the general office.

2.5         Students should only use their mobile phones before or after school.

2.6         This policy applies to students during school excursions, camps and extra-curricular activities.

2.7         Students must display courtesy, consideration and respect for others whenever they are using a mobile phone.

2.8         In-phone cameras are not to be used anywhere a normal camera would be considered inappropriate, such as in change rooms or toilets,

2.9         Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any student who photographs or films other individuals without their consent or who sends harassing or threatening messages.

2.10       It is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace, harass or offend another person.  If action as sanctioned by the principal or school council is deemed ineffective with all such incidents, the school may consider inappropriate, the matter may be referred to police.

2.11       Mobile phones brought to school are used at their owners’ risk.

2.12       Students should ensure that their phones are always stored in a safe and secure place.

2.13       The school accepts no responsibility for replacing lost, stolen or damaged mobile phones.

2.14       The school accepts no responsibility for students who lose or have their mobile phones stolen while travelling to and from school.

2.15       The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not hold insurance for personal property brought to school and  will generally not pay for any loss or damage to such property. Staff and students should be discouraged from bringing any unnecessary or particularly valuable items to school (Circular 038/2005).

2.16       The decision to provide mobile phones to their children should be made by parents and guardians.

2.17       Parents should be aware if their child takes a mobile phone onto school premises.

2.18       Permission to have a mobile phone at school, or while under the school’s supervision is contingent upon parent/guardian’s permission in the form of a signed copy of this policy.

2.19       Parents/guardians may revoke approval at any time.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Formal contact with parents is twice a year - once during Term 1 and the other, in Term 2 following mid-year reports. These meetings give the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with the class teacher.However, if any particular problem arises and you wish to discuss this with your child’s teacher or the principal you are welcome to do so at any mutually convenient time. Please ring the office to make an appointment.Individual student portfolios for all pupils are sent home in June and December.

Year level information evenings are held in Term 1, usually early in February.  At these meetings expectations for the year in all curriculum areas and homework expectations are clearly outlined.  At this time you are encouraged to ask questions on any matters of interest or concern.