St Teresa`s Catholic College Noosaville
Transcription
St Teresa`s Catholic College Noosaville
ST TERESA’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE Co-educational Years 7-12 Parent HANDBOOK 2015 Sea Eagle Drive, Noosaville, Qld, 4566 PO Box 1592, Noosaville, Qld, 4566 Tel: (07) 5474 0022 Fax: (07) 5474 0266 Absentee Tel: (07) 5430 5300 Email: snoosaville@bne.catholic.edu.au Website: http://www.stteresa.qld.edu.au VISION STATEMENT ST TERESA’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE NOOSAVILLE Our Vision is that St Teresa’s Catholic College is an authentic Christian community where Gospel values are evident and lived out in relationships and practices between students, staff and parents. The spirit of the school is that of a family which provides a safe and positive learning environment. There will be equity of opportunity for all to achieve their full potential. It will provide a quality education rich in values and resources, which are in keeping with contemporary educational needs. Parent Handbook - 2015 -2- COLLEGE SONG DARE THE DREAM Planting the seeds that continue to grow, Foundations of strength for our dreams. A river that winds its way out to the sea, We’re travellers, a part of this journey. Dare the dream, to touch the sky, We are travellers on this journey. Dare the dream, our guiding light, At St Teresa’s, we dare the dream. Dare the dream, the guiding light, As you walk along beside me. Dare the dream, to fly so high, So I can do what I believe. Let nothing disturb you Let nothing frighten you All things are passing God never changes Patience attains all that it strives for Those who have God find they lack nothing God alone suffices. Dare the dream, to touch the sky, We are travellers on this journey. Dare the dream, our guiding light, At St Teresa’s, we dare the dream. Give strength when we’re troubled, To keep the dream alive. Just follow the light from within. We know God will guide us Each step of the way, With faith, hope and love let’s begin. Dare the dream, the guiding light, As you walk along beside me. Dare the dream, to fly so high, So I can do what I believe. Dare the dream, the guiding light, As you walk along beside me. Dare the dream, to fly so high, So I can do what I believe. Dare the dream, to touch the sky, We are travellers on this journey. Dare the dream, our guiding light, At St Teresa’s, we dare the dream. Sonia Petrack ST TERESA’S PRAYER Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing. God never changes. Patience attains All that it strives for. Those who have God Find they lack nothing. God alone suffices. Parent Handbook - 2015 -3- CONTENTS Principal’s Message 6 St Teresa of Avila 7 St Marcellin Champagnat 8 Term Dates 8 Absence and Late to School 9 Accident, Illness and Medication 9 Accounts 11 Assembly 12 Assessment: 13 Assessment Policy 14 Awards 19 Bullying and Harassment 20 Buses 21 Cafeteria 21 Camps and Retreats 21 Career Pathways 22 Celebrations 22 Champagnat Learning Centre (CLC) 23 Co-Curricular Program 23 Communication 25 Curriculum 26 Dental Van 30 Emergency Procedures 30 Excursions 30 Fire and Lockdown Evacuation 31 Grievance Policy 32 Guidance and Counselling Service 34 Homework 34 Homework Centre 35 House System 36 Illegal Substances 37 Immunisation 37 Inclusive Education 37 Insurance 38 Parent Handbook - 2015 -4- Learning Services 38 Lending Money 39 Lockers 39 Lollies 39 Lost Property 40 Music 40 Parental Engagement 40 Pastoral Care 40 Prayer 41 Relationships 41 Rights and Responsibilities 42 Student Drivers 43 Student Protection 43 Subject Choice 44 Sun Protection 44 Supervision 44 Telephone 45 Travel 45 Uniforms 45 Visitors 49 Parent Handbook - 2015 -5- PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Welcome to all families associated with St Teresa’s Catholic College in 2015. The Vision Statement generated by the founding families has at its heart three main areas of focus: to make the person of Jesus known and loved, to provide an excellent educational setting and to ensure that students feel part of a safe and caring community. It is hoped that you as parents/guardians confer with these aims, as in all our endeavours, as we need to ensure there is congruity between the home and the College. In the Marist document ‘In the Footsteps of Champagnat’ (1998:26) in talking about the shared partnership between parents and the school it comments: “Inspired by the one spirit of God we are united around a common set of life-giving values that are fundamental to our vision and practice of education: respect for the dignity of each human person, honesty, justice, solidarity, peace and a sense of the Transcendent. Together, we give the best of ourselves to provide the young people in our care with the means of achieving their full potential in life, including their growing in faith and wonder and an awareness of their call to a responsible participation in society.” St Teresa’s Catholic College is an educational institution and as such has as its core the education of young persons. As a Catholic school we recognise that parents/guardians are the primary faith educators of their children and as such we strive to support and sustain the values that you wish your children to have to take their place in a complex and everchanging world. This is also recognised in the Flying Start (2010:3) booklet when it states: “while schools and teachers make a crucial difference to children’s school results, the influence of parents and families still has the greatest effect. The more parents support their children by being involved in their education, the more they cultivate their child’s love of learning and their chances to succeed.” In a modern world where communication between persons is at the tip of text or email, this booklet is a reminder that for effective communication it is still important to be able to provide a readily accessible source where all persons can easily retrieve the required detailed procedural information. Referring to this Handbook will hopefully provide you with answers to some of the simpler practical issues such as dates, and absentee and illness procedures. It also provides you with a general overview of some school policies that concern the dialogue between school and home. We sincerely hope that by communicating to you in this Handbook our expectations concerning many aspects of school life, you will better understand the way we operate as well as engage with the core values that underpin our mission within the context of the Catholic Church. Finally we welcome you and your family to the school community and we hope that your association with St Teresa’s will be of mutual benefit so that together we can provide a rich environment to enable your child to achieve to the best of their potential. Dare the Dream Yours sincerely, Br Paul Creevey PRINCIPAL Parent Handbook - 2015 -6- St Teresa’s Catholic College celebrates the feast days of our patron saints, St Teresa of Avila and St Marcellin Champagnat. ST TERESA OF AVILA Feast Day: 15 October Born: 1515 Died: 1582 St Teresa of Avila is one of the greatest teachers of the spiritual life in the history of the church. St Teresa was born in Avila, western Spain. While still a child, less than 9 years old, she read the lives of some martyrs that inspired her with the desire for martyrdom, so much so that she tried to run away from home in the hope of dying as a martyr and going to heaven: “I want to see God,” said the little girl to her parents. At the age of 20, she entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation, in Avila, in religious life she assumed the name Teresa of Jesus. Three years later, she became seriously ill, so much so that she was in a coma for four days, seemingly dead. In the struggle against her illnesses the saint also saw the fight against weaknesses and resistance to God’s call: I wanted to live,” she said. This struggle sent her on a journey to living a more authentic religious life. St Teresa of Jesus reformed the Carmelite tradition and went on to become one of the most significant spiritual thinkers and writers of Western Christianity. The Carmelite communities she founded were small groups of sisters who lived a poor and strictly disciplined lifestyle, with emphasis on contemplative prayer. In 1970 Pope Paul VI named her the first woman ‘Doctor of the Church’. St Teresa of Jesus is one of the most significant women leaders in the Catholic tradition. Parent Handbook - 2015 -7- MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT Feast Day: 6 June Born: 1789 Died: 1840 Joseph Benedict Marcellin Champagnat was born in Marlhes, France in 1789. At the end of the French Revolution, he entered the seminary and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Lyon. In 1816, the newly ordained Marcellin Champagnat, consecrated to Mary, felt a personal call by God to found a religious community of Brothers who would bring the message of Jesus' love to neglected young people. In 1955 Marcellin Champagnat was declared Blessed by Pope Pius XII. He was canonised by Pope John Paul II on April 18, 1999. Today his passionate spirit, daring vision and persistent work are embodied in the mission of Marist Brothers and lay people living on five continents. TERM DATES - 2015 Semester One Term One School Commences: Year 7,8, 11 & 12 Mentors Year 9,10,11,12 Wednesday 28 January Thursday 29 January School Finishes: Thursday 2 April School Commences: School Finishes: Monday 20 April Friday 26 June Term Three School Commences: School Finishes: Monday 13 July Friday 18 September Term Four School Commences: Pupil Free Day: School Finishes: Students Staff Tuesday 6 October Monday 19 October Term Two Semester Two Thursday 3 December Friday 4 December PASTORAL BOARD MEMBERS Chair: Mr David Morris Parent Representatives: Mrs Lisa Alexiou, Mrs Annette Christie, Mrs Michelle Howell, Mr David Siemon Parish Representative: Mr Michael Finch College Representatives: Mrs Jenelle Davis (Staff), Mr Lee Elvy (Leadership) Ex-Officio: Br Paul Creevey, Fr Mark Franklin, Mr Mark Roberton Parent Handbook - 2015 -8- ABSENCE AND LATE TO SCHOOL All absences must be acknowledged by a telephone call from a parent/guardian to the dedicated Absentee Line 5430 5300 on the day of absence. A note of explanation from a parent/guardian should be forwarded to your son/daughter’s Pastoral Care teacher on his/her return to school. The school should be notified of any extended absences, so staff can be informed and, where appropriate, work can be sent home. If a student is to be taken out of school for 5 days or more for any extraordinary reason during term time, parents/guardian should communicate with the Principal by letter and complete a Student Extended Leave Notification form. These forms can be obtained from Reception. In an endeavour to minimise disruptions to students, staff and classes, parents/guardians are discouraged from making appointments for students during the school day. Students who arrive at school after 8.05am should hand in a note of explanation from their parent/guardian. Students wishing to leave early must present a note from their parent/guardian. Any absence of 3 days or more due to illness should be accompanied by a Medical Certificate. ACCIDENT, ILLNESS AND MEDICATION ___ Medication is administered through the College office and only after the relevant paper work has been provided by parents/guardians. If a student has a medical condition, either temporary or permanent, which requires medication during school hours a Student Medication Request Form, available through the College office, is to be completed by a Medical Practitioner and parent/guardian, and the completed form returned to the office. The student is responsible for reporting to the First Aid Room and taking the medication under staff supervision. All medication supplied to the College office for your child must be in a container clearly labelled by a doctor, showing the: name of the drug ‘use by’ date name of the student’s medical practitioner name of the student required dosage frequency/time of administration. Staff cannot provide medication including: Antihistamines, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or other ‘over the counter’ medications such as cough mixture etc without this information. Students with asthma must carry their own medication at all times. Any student who is unwell or involved in an accident must report to the First Aid Room at College Reception. First Aid staff will attend to the student and if necessary, contact a parent/guardian, or the emergency contact if parents/guardians cannot be contacted. Parents/guardians are requested to notify the office of any change in contact details. Parent Handbook - 2015 -9- Students are to be collected from, and signed out from, the College office. Students are not permitted to phone a parent/guardian to collect them without first consulting office staff at Student/College reception. Basic first aid treatment will be administered if required and either an ambulance or doctor will be contacted if necessary. The College reserves the right to organise appropriate medical assistance if unable to contact a child’s parent/guardian. Allergy Alert As you are aware it is necessary for schools to care for all students and their health and safety is of paramount importance. A number of students at the College may experience a severe anaphylactic reaction if they come into contact with certain foods. Therefore, we are asking for your full cooperation in regards to ensuring a safe environment for all. The allergic reactions can be life threatening and are brought on by exposure to nuts, raw egg white and shellfish. We ask that your child does not bring any products containing these ingredients to school. As always, we encourage healthy eating habits and choices, and we encourage parents to support these practices where possible. Ideally, choices such as fruits etc are strongly recommended. We realise however, that sometimes students are given ‘treats’ and ‘extras’ in their lunch boxes. The following list provides some safe alternatives to these: All Pauls and Nestle yoghurts, custards etc. Carman’s Muesli Bites (Fruit Only) Sweet William Chocolate Spread Uncle Toby’s Fruit Sticks Le Snack Cheese and Crackers All Kraft Nabisco Biscuits; Chicken in a Biscuit, Dixi Drumsticks,Water Crackers etc. Aunt Betty’s Wheelies Sakata – all flavours Shapes Popcorn Smith, Lays, Kettle Chips – all flavours Corn chips Arnotts biscuits (without nuts) Maltesers, Twix, Aero Bars Parent Handbook - 2015 - 10 - ACCOUNTS ___ Tuition Fees General tuition fees are quoted as an annual amount and billed each term. Fee statements are sent home in the first couple of weeks of each term. Payment terms are 14 days from this date. Exact quotes cannot be supplied for Year 11 & 12 students until subjects have been decided upon. Payment should be adequate and regular. Full term payments are required by the due date each term. If fees can’t be paid in full within 14 days of the statement being issued, parents/guardians are to pay fees via a direct debit system, whereby an amount is deducted from your bank account or credit card each fortnight/month. Application for a direct debit request is available from the office. Cash, cheques and major credit cards are accepted. Please quote your customer number if paying by internet banking. Below is the College’s preferred method of payment listed in preference order: 1. Direct Debit – a nominated amount from payee’s bank account into College account weekly, fortnightly or monthly. 2. B Pay – Details appear on the remittance slip of family statement. This method of payment should be used for those wishing to pay fees each term. 3. Cash, Credit Card, cheques are all accepted at College Administration. To avoid delay please supply statement upon payment. Internet banking is also available. Please supply Customer number and description of what payment is for if not paying fees as reference. Internet Banking is available: BSB 064786 Account No. 516526001. Application for concession on school fees should be sent by 29th March, 2015. Any application for concession received after this period may not be applied until the following term. Applications for concession are not available online and families are requested to contact the College Finance Department for assistance. Please see link below for further information about St Teresa’s fee policy and procedures as well as access to necessary payment forms. http://www.stteresa.qld.edu.au/finance/Pages/School-Fee-Information.aspx Parent Handbook - 2015 - 11 - Levies The Building Fund Levy is a compulsory levy charged per family. It is used to meet current and future commitments for building projects. This levy is not tax deductible. The Parents and Friends Levy is collected on behalf of the St Teresa’s Community Association. It is used to fund various projects around the school. Subject Levies are used to provide resources and consumable items for classrooms. Compulsory excursions are also included in these levies. The General Purpose Levy covers a variety of miscellaneous charges including the College Magazine, Identification Card, Insurance, Sports Days, Technology/Computer Levy. The Camp/Retreat Levy covers the cost of attending a camp/retreat for the year, as well as the Activities program and other excursions. Library Fund Donation The Library Fund is a donation suggested to each family as part of the quarterly term fees statement. These funds are used to meet the cost of current and future resources across various student focussed areas.. A suggested minimum donation is $150 per annum per family. This donation is tax deductible. Building Fund Donation The Building Fund Donation account is a fund set up to provide for extra capital works expenses around the College. A suggested minimum donation is $200 per annum per family. This donation is tax deductible, after the Building Fund Levy is paid. Other Charges Charges for co-curricular activities such as Netball, Rugby, and Instrumental Music etc. may be charged to your fee account. ASSEMBLY Students participate in Year Level Assemblies and Whole College Assemblies. The extended College community will be formally notified whenever items to be celebrated may be of special interest to parents/guardians. On formal occasions, all students are required to wear complete formal uniform. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 12 - ASSESSMENT Assessment: Tracking and Reporting Procedures Tracking The College has implemented classroom processes to observe and track how students are progressing in their learning, and share this progress in learning with parents/guardians and students. These progress updates are emailed home throughout the year under the banner of ‘My Learning Updates’. My Learning is a software tool designed to complement classroom teaching. It allows teachers to make observations about how students manage their own learning, the learning progress they have made, the success they are having within their formal assessment tasks and finally their patterns of behaviour both positive and negative. The concept of tracking is continuing to be refined and further enhancements to My Learning will be implemented during 2015 to continue to expand the quality of information available to parents/guardians and students. Reporting Reporting occurs throughout the year with the following as key features: My Learning Updates – Behavioural – weekly throughout the year. My Learning Updates – Academic Progress – approximately 6 weekly throughout the year, and includes the following: Interim Term 1 Learning Progress Report – showing formative learning progress until the end of Term 1. End of Semester One Report – summarising summative student assessment performance for Semester 1. Interim Term 3 Learning Progress Report – showing formative learning progress during and up to the end of Term 3. End of Semester Two Report – summarising summative student assessment performance for Semester 2. Student – Parent – Teacher Progress Conversations Parents are offered the following opportunities to engage with teachers about the learning progression of their sons/daughters. Conversations are invited all year long by email or phone contact. The following formal periods are also offered: Year 12 Student-Parent-Teacher Review of Senior Learning. (Week3/4 – Term1) Years 7 – 12 Student-Parent-Teacher Reviews after Mid-Semester updates (Term 2) Years 7 – 12 Student-Parent-Teacher Review following receipt of Semester 1 Reports (Term 3) Parent Handbook - 2015 - 13 - ASSESSMENT POLICY Rationale At St Teresa’s Catholic College formative feedback assessment and summative assessment is “the purposeful, systematic and ongoing collection of evidence for use in making judgements about students’ demonstrations of learning outcomes” (QCAA). This information is used to judge student progression in learning, provide student feedback on their progress, inform teaching pedagogy aimed at addressing gaps in student learning and to make progressive summative learning benchmark decisions in relation to students’ demonstration of learning outcomes. Assessment and feedback forms an integral part of the learning process and at no point in curriculum delivery is assessment and feedback optional. Assessment provides: ongoing feedback on the progress of individual students. information to students, teachers and parents/guardians about students’ demonstration of learning outcomes. Assessment information helps teachers to: make decisions about student needs. develop teaching sequences and make pedagogical decisions to address student learning gaps. make decisions about providing learning support. develop curriculum materials that address student learning needs. Effective assessment should: focus on students’ demonstrations of learning outcomes. Students will therefore be aware of what is being assessed. be comprehensive; judgments about students’ demonstrations of learning outcomes will be gathered and recorded over time. These judgments will be the product of a variety of assessment techniques. directly relate to specific learning outcomes. be prospective and not retrospective. have staged times and dates for sighted/signing completed segments of tasks. take account of individual learners who will progress at different rates according to their prior knowledge and experience, and social, emotional, physical, intellectual and linguistic development. reflect equity principles by demonstrating learning outcomes in ways which are sensitive to, and inclusive of, their circumstances. Our assessment, therefore, takes account of Catholic Marian values, students’ learning styles, abilities, gender, sexual identity, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and geographical locations. Some aspects of assessment are negotiated with students. be an integral part of the learning and teaching process. Assessment tasks should be connected to the learning activities and criteria should clearly reveal the desired outcomes. provide opportunities for students to take responsibility for their own learning and to monitor their own progress. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning by setting goals, monitoring their own progress in relation to learning outcomes and gathering information which will inform decisions about future learning. facilitate the moderation and verification process required by the QCAA. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 14 - In formal summative assessment processes: student folios are used to collate and store evidence of students’ demonstrations of learning outcomes. student scripts and assessment instruments will be available at the College for parent/guardian and student perusal and discussion. assessment instruments are not available for copying because of the need to preserve a base of secure assessment items in all subjects. COLLEGE PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS FOR ASSESSMENT TASKS OTHER THAN EXAMINATIONS AND SPOKEN TASKS 1. Task Details Each student should receive written details specifying an extended piece of assessment. Such details would typically include: Task Description Task Conditions Authenticating Statement (where applicable) Criteria Sheet or Rubric Dates for checking developing stages of task, including explicit drafting requirements Due Date 2. Due Date and Time The due date for submission of an assessment task is in that class or by 2.20 pm for classes not timetabled that day. Where possible, due dates are not limited to one specific day but are of a week’s duration, particularly in the Senior School. 3. Submission of Assessment Tasks Assignments must be submitted personally to the Class Teacher, who must mark the student’s name on a Class Roll. Students are not to give their assignment to other students or teachers to be submitted. In the case of a date falling due when there is not a timetabled class, students should submit their assessment task to the Student Reception office, who will issue a receipt. This is the only acceptable proof of assessment submission by the student. Student Reception will ensure the delivery of the assessment piece to the teacher. Teachers will try to set dates that coincide with scheduled classes. 4. Absence/Non Submission Year 7, 8 and 9 students absent on the due date must produce their assignment with a signed letter from their parents/guardians. Failure to submit an assignment leads to a negative diary entry for each late day and an Overdue Assessment Task letter sent home on the third day of non-submission. Year 10 students who fail to submit an assignment on the due date will have an Overdue Assessment Task letter sent home. Year 11 and 12 students who are absent on the due date must produce their assignment with a Medical Certificate on the first day of their return to class. 5. Extension Students collect Extension Request forms from Student Reception. These are to be negotiated with the Curriculum Development Leader through the class teacher in the first instance. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 15 - Relevant subject Curriculum Development Leaders and the Year 7 -10 Student Development Leaders, may approve extensions where exceptional circumstances prevail. Application for an extension must be negotiated and is required before the due date except in the case of an emergency. A signed letter from a parent/guardian is required for students in Year 7 - 10. If sickness is a contributing factor, a Medical Certificate is required for students in Year 11 - 12. 6. Late or Non-Submission of Work in the Senior School Late and non-submission of student assessment refers to any occasion in which a student fails to submit an assessment on the due date. Only work submitted on or before the due date will be marked. As a consequence of this the key to management of late and non-submission is its prevention. Techniques to prevent late or non-submission of student work include: 1. All formal assessment pieces distributed in a subject must be accompanied with a task sheet that clearly states the requirements of the task and the due date (stated as Due Week Beginning …..) for the work. 2. Draft deadlines are required for all assessment tasks and must be stated and at these times work sighted by the teacher, with appropriate feedback given to the student. 3. If a student does not present an appropriate amount of work by the draft deadline the teacher will contact parents/guardians and inform them of: i. The assignment and its final due date. ii. The student’s failure to submit a draft by the due date. iii. The student’s compulsory attendance at CLC, during homework time, to work on the assignment each day until it is completed. COLLEGE PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS FOR SENIOR EXAMINATIONS 1. Supervision During Exams It is the policy of St Teresa’s Catholic College that all formal examinations will be actively supervised by staff. 2. Perusal Times Where applicable, all examinations will begin with an allocated perusal time. 3. Equipment All forms of personal electronic equipment excepting approved calculators are prohibited from being in a student’s possession during an examination. Examples of this equipment, but not limited to these examples, are mobile phones, iPods, personal computing devices, data recorders, pocket translators and the like. No books or papers will be brought into the examination environment unless students are otherwise instructed. 4. Absence from Exams A Medical Certificate is required for Year 11 - 12. A student in Year 7 - 10 who is absent from an examination must present a signed letter from a parent/guardian to the teacher on the first day of their return to school and arrange for the completion of that examination. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 16 - 5. Absence Known in Advance Where an absence from an examination is foreseeable, parents/guardians are asked to contact the relevant Student Development Leader in writing so that a fair and reasonable arrangement may be made concerning the student’s sitting of the examination or submission of assignment. Assignments and presentations must be submitted before the due date, while examinations must be completed after the scheduled time to ensure security for the whole cohort. 6. Conditions Conditions pertaining to the beginning and ending of examinations will be governed by the supervising teachers. During an examination a student may only leave the examination room with the permission of a supervisor. 7. Oral/Aural Assessment Spoken, Presenting and Aural Assessment Tasks are to be arranged by the teachers concerned at suitable times/locations in consultation with individual students. 8. Cheating Cheating is a serious breach of examination conditions. Any speaking during an examination is regarded as cheating. Where an issue of cheating is detected by a supervising teacher, that teacher may sign the examination paper and allow the student to continue or ask the student to leave the room if disruptive. The Teacher-in-Charge is to prepare a detailed report on any breach of regulations and pass copies of the details to the relevant Curriculum Development Leader (CDL) and Year 7-12 Student Development Leaders (SDL). Parents/guardians will be notified and the student will be given the opportunity to explain the apparent breach. The final decision on what action will be taken rests with the relevant CDL in discussion with the relevant SDL and the Assistant to the Principal – Student Development. COLLEGE PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS FOR SENIOR SPOKEN ASSESSMENT Spoken tasks are regarded as assignments, hence the usual College procedures and regulations for assignments will apply. 1. Order of Speakers The order of speakers will be determined in negotiation with the students. Students will be made aware of the number of students expected to speak during one lesson and days will be allocated accordingly. 2. Student Absence The same policy and procedure will apply to spoken tasks as for written tasks where student absence is concerned. 3. Student Documentation In the interests of justice and equity for all, students must submit a hard copy of the text of their spoken presentation on a day nominated by the teacher or relevant CDL. These hard copies will be submitted to the subject teacher on or prior to the date of the first presentation. Before the spoken presentation, students must provide their teacher with the criteria sheet. On completion of the spoken task, students are to submit a neatly organised file of the materials required by their teacher. 4. Special Equipment Any equipment required for the presentation must be organised well in advance. If the teacher’s assistance is required in this regard, notice must be given. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 17 - OVERDUE ASSESSMENT Year 7 – Year 10 Well Before the Due Date Ensure assessment date details, and copies of Task are available. Discuss requirements. Students record due date. Monitor progress of task completion e.g. drafts, progress checks. Encourage use of Learning Services. On the Due Date Collect assignments and record receipt. Students are not to use Learning Services on the day the assignment is due. Failure to Submit on Due Date Contact parents/guardians by phone/email. Copy Overdue Assessment Task letter. Teacher to complete and hand to office. Notify Pastoral Care teacher. Office to photocopy for file. Original sent home, copy to subject teacher and copy for student file in office. Detention Work to be completed during lunch time detention. COLLEGE REGULATONS IN RELATION TO PLAGIARISM Concerns with a student’s suspected plagiarism will be discussed initially with the student. Where necessary, parents/guardians are invited to meet with the Subject Teacher and/or relevant CDL and/or Assistant to the Principal - Curriculum. Definition: Plagiarism is the act of presenting the work of another as your own. For the purposes of this definition the work of another includes: written and non-written phrases, sentences, paragraphs and whole papers illustrations, maps, cartoons, statistics, photographs, charts, graphs, tables, field study or lab results etc inventions. For the purposes of this definition another includes: author, professional or otherwise, whose work has been published in a newspaper, book, magazine, journal, encyclopaedia, CD Rom, etc author, professional or otherwise, whose work has been published on the World Wide Web or other on-line electronic resource another student a paper-writing “service” which offers to sell written papers for a fee any friend or relative. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 18 - THE PENALTY FOR PLAGIARISM WILL BE A NOT APPARENT GRADING FOR THAT PIECE OF ASSESSMENT. PARENTS/GUARDIANS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER. AWARDS Academic Excellence and Academic Effort Each semester, the College recognises students deserving of an Award for Academic Gold, Silver or Bronze. There is also an Award for Academic Endeavour which can be Gold, Silver or Bronze. Students receive Certificates of Commendation for both Excellence and Effort and medals for outstanding achievements. Academic Awards Criteria Award Academic Gold Award Academic Silver Award Academic Bronze Award Criteria Student has A’s in all subjects, although may have a minimum of 2 B’s – no C’s or below in any subject Student has a minimum of 3 A’s in their subjects and the remainder B’s – no C’s in any subject Student does not fit into the above categories and has a B average or higher – no D’s Endeavour Awards Criteria Award Endeavour Gold Award Endeavour Silver Award Endeavour Bronze Award Criteria Student has 4 stars (★★★★) average in Managing Learning across all subjects Student must have minimum 6 subjects with 4 stars (★★★★) average and the remainder 3 stars (★★★☆) - no 2 stars (★★☆☆) or below Student does not fit into above categories and has 3.5 stars (★★★☆) or higher average - no 1 star (★☆☆☆) Parent Handbook - 2015 - 19 - Subject Awards Year 11 – Awarded to the highest achieving student in each subject. Year 12 – Awarded to the highest achieving student in each subject, following the Queensland Studies Authority verification process. College Excellence Awards - Year 12 Awards to the highest achieving students in Year 12 across all their subjects, following the Queensland Studies Authority verification process. College Dux The highest achieving student, awarded in the year following Year 12, following the release of results from the Queensland Studies Authority. Avila Award – Year 8-12 The Avila Award is awarded once a year and is at the discretion of the PC teacher. It reflects a student who has taken on board in all aspects of College life and the College’s seven foundation values: Aspiration, Contemplation, Wisdom, In the Way of Mary, Simplicity, Family Spirit and Presence. BULLYING AND HARASSMENT Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) believes all individuals in BCE schools have the right to feel safe. Both the BCE Anti-bullying Policy and BCE Anti-bullying Guidelines recognise that a person is bullied or victimised when he or she is exposed repeatedly, and over time, to negative action on the part of one or more other persons (Olweus 1984) and that the bullying involves a desire to hurt, a hurtful action (physical, psychological or social), a power imbalance, repetition (typically), an unjust use of power, evident enjoyment by the aggressor and a sense of being oppressed on the part of the victim (Rigby 1996). The vision for St Teresa’s Catholic College is one of an authentic Christian community where Gospel values are evident and lived out in relationships and practices. The spirit of the College is that of a family which strives to provide a safe and positive learning environment for all. In line with the BCE Anti-bullying Policy and Guidelines the College believes the most effective approach to address bullying is a whole-school approach that includes prevention programs, early intervention strategies, intervention procedures, restoration of wellbeing and clear procedures agreed to by all and consistently implemented. Class, small group and one-to-one discussions provide invaluable avenues for addressing bullying and harassment. The student protection posters displayed throughout the College assist students to be aware of both the College position on bullying and harassment, and the reporting processes available to them and their families. The College Statement on Bullying and Harassment also outlines this information. Bullying and harassment have no place at St Teresa’s Catholic College. Young people need to know that bullying and being bullied, regardless of whether it is physical, verbal, covert, psychological or cyber bullying, are unacceptable and that there are adults who can, and will, support them to be empowered in order to bring about positive change. The flowchart below outlines the steps that may be taken when a student/parent/guardian report bullying to a St Teresa’s Catholic College staff member. Staff are required to respond to all reports of bullying. The response will vary depending on previous reports and the nature of the current incident and may include discussion, interviews, monitoring procedures, notifying parents/guardians, internal suspension and exclusion. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 20 - RESPONDING TO BULLYING AND HARASSMENT REPORT OF INCIDENT STAFF MEMBER PASTORAL CARE TEACHER ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENT DEVELOPMENT LEADER SERIOUS ISSUES Issues of a serious nature may be taken directly to a member of the Leadership Team. The Guidance Counsellor may become involved at any point in the process. BUSES ___ Buses operated by Buslink service the areas from which College enrolments are drawn. Contact Buslink on 5474 4733 for specific route information, and departure and return times. Their website www.buslink.qld.com.au also provides useful information. Parents/guardians have a contractual relationship with Buslink, but the company may address issues of concern with the College. Student behaviour on buses should be exemplary, both as a safety precaution, and reflection of self-respect and school pride. Parents/guardians are asked to support College policy in relation to bus behaviour by regularly reinforcing the following general rules: Students must obey the instruction of the bus driver at all times. Students must remain seated from when they first embark until they disembark. No part of a student’s body is to protrude outside the bus. Student noise is to be kept to a conversational level (e.g. no yelling, shouting, screaming, whistling). Food and drink are not to be consumed on bus. Objects are not to be thrown inside or from the bus (e.g. food, sports equipment, other student’s belongings). Non-Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme Non-Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme is payable to parents/ guardians whose son/daughter takes an approved bus service to school. The weekly bus fare must be in excess of $30 per family. This service is administered through the Queensland Catholic Education Commission. Applications are available twice a year, early in Semester 1 and 2, from the QCEC website. Rebates are generally to families in June/July and December/January. Further information is available from the Catholic Education Commission on 3224 3319 or 3224 3286. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 21 - CAFETERIA The Terrace caters for the healthy food needs of students and staff from: Before School: 7.30am – 8.00am First Break: Lunch (normally 10.50-11.30 am) Second Break: Afternoon Tea (normally 1.10-1.30 pm) Cafeteria Convenor, Lorna O’Connell, is very appreciative of parental help. A great way to be involved in school life and learn new skills. CAMPS AND RETREATS There is one camp per year for Year 7 to 12. Camp costs are included in school fees. The Year 7 camp is held in Term 1 and focuses on orientation into secondary school and learning St Teresa’s philosophies and values. The Year 8 camp is held in Term 1 and focuses on students further developing their understanding of themselves, and others in their year level. Year 9 students participate in an outdoor education program. In addition to these camp experiences Years 7, 8 & 9 participate in reflection days which are held at the College. These days are designed to assist students to reflect on their lives and recognise that God is journeying with them. Year 10 students participate in a Retreat experience. Students in Year 11 have the opportunity to further refine their personal and community leadership skills during their camp. Year 12 students participate in a Retreat experience, where they have time to reflect on the direction their lives are taking and consider the place God has in their lives. Camps and Retreats are an important and compulsory part of the College curriculum. CAREER PATHWAYS Personal and social development education is an essential component of all curriculum areas and pervades all aspects of school life. It aims to promote the growth and development of the human person as an individual, in relationships and as members of the community. Within the Catholic Christian tradition, personal and social development education focuses upon the lifelong journey toward wholeness as a person created in the image of God and one who contributes to the common good. It includes knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that are necessary to understand and actively participate in a changing and increasingly complex global community. Career education is embedded within the Year 7-12 personal and social curriculum where students are encouraged to make considered choices as they develop their understanding of themselves, others and the world of work. During their time at St Teresa’s Catholic College students will be provided with many opportunities to explore possible career pathways that meet their individual needs and hopes. Every student is an individual and so is their career journey. It is important that students actively engage in this journey and access the opportunities available to them. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 22 - Students are encouraged to talk to staff members, parents/guardians, extended family members, friends and other adults about the world of work; participate in casual or parttime work, work experience, work placement, the SET Planning process in Year 10 and review in Year 11 and 12; attend Career Expos and TAFE, university and other educational provider Open Days; explore and consider a traineeship/apprenticeship, enrolment in a VET or university course while at school; become familiar with overseas exchange experiences; read the College Newsletter; develop a resume and portfolio of achievement; and map possible career pathways as they consider their career journey. St Teresa’s Catholic College Pathways Coordinator, Rose Calland; and Guidance Counsellors, Sue Kraljevic and Sally Lock are available to assist students in developing their understanding of career pathways. Assistance is provided in exploring careers of interest, subject selection, work experience, tertiary options and traineeships and apprenticeships. CELEBRATIONS______ ___ Celebrations are an important part of the St Teresa’s community. Students and families are encouraged to become involved and participate in events that foster a sense of connectedness and purpose. It is this sense of oneness that enables the community to grow, and affirm its members. Celebrations include St Teresa’s Facilitated Parish Masses, College Masses and liturgies, Feast Day celebrations, Parent Information Nights and Year Level Expos, drama and music presentations, sporting and academic events. CHAMPAGNAT LEARNING CENTRE (CLC) The library is located in the Champagnat Learning Centre (CLC). Teacher Librarian: Deb McGhee Library Technician: Jo Harrington Library Aides: Vicky Francis Rosemary Bartley CLC Hours: 7.45am–4.00pm (4.30pm Wed) Homework Centre: 2.30–4.00pm daily (4.30pm Wed) CLC Staff will assist students to: Use the CLC Management System Oliver to locate resources. Use the Internet and online database Worldbookonline to access information. Borrow books for information and enjoyment. Use computers and laptops. Collect printing and photocopying. Complete homework and assignment tasks. Use the Student’s Manual. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 23 - CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM The aim of the College’s co-curricular program is to encourage all students to develop their interests and talents to the fullest. St Teresa’s seeks to offer a broad range of activities including various sporting, cultural and community programs. The College aims to offer activities that challenge, interest and excite every student. It is hoped that students will be given the opportunity to become involved in these activities. Participation in the co-curricular program also serves a valuable pastoral purpose, developing positive relationships between students, staff and parents/guardians. Co-curricular participation at St Teresa’s is not compulsory. However, all students are strongly encouraged to participate in programs offered by the College. If students sign up for an activity, it is expected they will commit themselves to all aspects of the activity for the duration of the activity. Students are expected to attend all performances, practice sessions and matches. The coach or Teacher-In-Charge of the activity must be notified by a parent/guardian if a student is unable to attend on any occasion, and as much notice as possible should be given so that a suitable replacement can be organised. If this is not possible, the student should present a note on the first school day after the performance, match or practice session. Students need to ensure they are aware of what is expected of them in terms of dress, appearance and behaviour. Currently, co-curricular activities include the following: Spiritual Opportunities Liturgies Parish Masses Youth Group YSDVP Sacramental Program Immersion Programs Interact Club Community Service Cultural Opportunities Vocal Group Chapel Band Rock Bands Orchestra/Concert Band Musical (alternate years) Dance Troupe Instrumental Music lessons Choir Drama Performance Troupe Eisteddfods Graphic Design Workshops String Ensemble Arts Technology team Parent Handbook - 2015 - 24 - Sporting Opportunities Rugby Union teams Water Polo teams Netball teams Soccer teams Athletics AFL teams Tennis Running Club Swimming teams Cricket Basketball Cross Country Surfing Surf Life Saving Academic Opportunities Rostrum and Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Tournament of Minds teams – Language Literature; Science, Engineering and Social Sciences Quota Student of the Year Readers’ Cup teams Book Week activities MS Readathon Chess Competition Debating teams Parent Handbook - 2015 - 25 - COMMUNICATION Street Address: Sea Eagle Drive Noosaville Qld 4566 Postal Address: PO Box 1592 Noosaville DC Qld 4566 Telephone: (07) 5474 0022 Absentee Line: (07) 5430 5300 Fax: (07) 5474 0266 Email: snoosaville@bne.catholic.edu.au Web: www.stteresa.qld.edu.au Students are required to read the College notices daily. College staff maintain communication with parents/guardians through phone calls, interviews, letters, emails and formal reporting processes such as Student-ParentTeacher Meetings. Messages from parents/guardians of an urgent nature will be relayed to students, however, non-urgent messages or messages of a social nature are discouraged. The College cannot guarantee delivery of messages received after 2.00pm. The College Newsletter is published on Thursday each fortnight and is sent via email. To register follow the link: http://stteresacc.schoolzinenewsletters.com/subscribe The College Newsletter contains important information for the College community and outlines activities that may be of interest to students and families. It enables regular communication with families. Office Hours TERM TIME Monday to Thursday 7.30am – 3.30pm Friday 7.30am-3pm SCHOOL HOLIDAY TIME: Monday-Friday 9.00am-2.30pm Parent Handbook - 2015 - 26 - CURRICULUM Middle Years: Year 7, 8 and 9 The first years of schooling at St Teresa’s Catholic College are in the Middle School. Middle schooling is an approach developed to cater for adolescent students. At St Teresa’s we adopt the following practices to cater for students: Each year level consists of approximately 170 students. A designated Student Development Leader coordinates the academic and social wellbeing of students within these stages. Each class consists of a group of students who work closely with a core group of teachers and these teachers work together in teams to plan and teach. Each class where possible has its classroom which is the student’s pastoral care room except for specialist classrooms. The curriculum is connected - while students study contemporary syllabus content, teachers and students at St Teresa’s develop units, which combine skills, knowledge and values across all subjects, designed especially to appeal to the interests of students. This replicates the real world. Learning time is maximised by students remaining in the same room for the majority of their lessons. Students often work in groups or teams to develop skills of cooperation. Cooperative learning processes and skills are engaged. Individual educational needs are addressed. Parents/guardians are regularly informed of the progress of their child, and are encouraged to be involved in school activities. The Common Curriculum The function of the common curriculum for Queensland schools is to afford a comprehensive education for all students during the compulsory years of schooling. It consists of the eight nationally agreed key Discipline Areas: The Arts English Health and Physical Education (HPE) Languages Mathematics Science Humanities Technology As a Catholic College, St Teresa’s provides a ninth Discipline Area – Religious Education. The College designs the Religious Education Syllabus which must align with the Archdiocesan Religious Education guidelines endorsed by the Archbishop. In Year 7 and 8 students undertake all subjects for a designated time. In Year 9 students choose electives. These electives can be a combination of year-long or semester courses. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 27 - Typical Levels of Achievement Each Discipline Area uses a common scale for describing achievement: A–E. Disciplines have individual descriptors of achievement that guide students to understand what is required to attain each of the five different levels. Students should use descriptors demonstrated on assessment rubrics to set goals for achievement, then consult with teachers, parents, Learning Services and the Homework Centre to achieve their goals in assessment. Senior Years: Year 10, 11 and 12 Year 10 Year 10 is a critical year of learning for students at the College as they seek to develop career pathways and make the best choices for learning in Year 11 and 12. Learning and teaching tends to be tailored towards the study of individual disciplines as students now have choice over some of the subjects they study and those they will no longer pursue. Students are provided with a range of assessment strategies including examinations, assignments, role-plays, oral presentations, demonstrations and in-class work. Students are given feedback on their learning frequently and are assessed using the A – E scale consistent across the College. Compulsory Discipline Areas are: Religious Education (RE) Mathematics (Core/Extension) English Science History/PE (One semester each) Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of elective courses. Year 10 is the optimal time for students to explore the different learnings on offer in the College. The College offers students the opportunity to undertake learning in many different courses drawn from the subjects on offer in Year 11 and 12 including both academic (OP) and Vocational (Certificate) courses. Reporting Structure The reporting structure for Year 10 is consistent with the reporting structure students have engaged with in the Middle School, that is, an A–E grade derived from achievement across a variety of focus strands in assessment tasks. Senior Education Training Plan (SETP) Year 10 students are required to map their career and education goals by completing the Senior Education and Training Plan (SETP). Students make study and training choices for Year 11 and 12 by identifying their interests, strengths, skills and study habits. Students, parents/guardians and staff mentor/s meet to discuss the completed SET Plan. Determining an appropriate balance of education, training and life experience options with a student’s goals is not an easy undertaking and one that requires commitment from students, parents/guardians and the school. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 28 - Students are to submit their subject selection to the school during this meeting with SETP mentor and it is from these selections that subjects will be organised for the following year. Students can make changes to their SET Plans via a Subject Change Request Form that is co-signed by student, parent/guardian and SETP mentor. Work Experience Year 10 students participate in Work Experience and complete a Work Placement Log Book. Failure to submit a Log Book has implications for the recognition of the student having participated in Work Experience. Year 11 and 12 The dual focus of the year 11 and 12 Phase of Learning at St Teresa’s Catholic College is to prepare young people for the next phase of their lives by: providing quality Christian and personal formation experiences, and encouraging the achievement of worthwhile qualifications. St Teresa’s Catholic College offers: Authority subjects Authority-registered subjects Vocational Education Qualifications, delivered both at the College and by external providers Opportunity for structured workplace learning or School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. An authentic Senior Phase is characterised by flexible learning arrangements, with high but achievable expectations for student independence in learning. The initiative lies with teachers to progressively scaffold, guide and mentor students in how to organise and monitor their learning. Key platforms for this will be through Pastoral Care Periods and Classroom Practice, as well as making full use of the My Learning Feedback Software. Authority Subjects Authority Subjects are approved by the Queensland Studies Authority (QCAA) and are offered statewide in Queensland secondary schools and Colleges. They are recorded and are used in the calculation of an Overall Position (OP). Some Authority subjects may have vocational education components and allow students to gain credit on entry to specific TAFE courses. Some subjects may be taken up for the first time in Year 11 while others require background study in related Year 10 subjects. QCS (Core Skills) Test The QCS test is integral to the end results of students seeking an OP for entry to university. For students seeking an OP, QCS Test preparation will take place throughout their senior studies and should be treated as an academic subject. The results of the QCS Test are used by QCAA to scale students’ results contributing to their OP. Authority-Registered Subjects Authority-Registered Subjects are developed by the QCAA and offered by individual schools. They have QCAA approved study plans and may have Vocational Education components. They are also recorded on the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Parent Handbook - 2015 - 29 - They are not used in the calculation of an OP but may be used in the calculation of a non-OP tertiary entrance rank. Authority-Registered subjects tend to place more emphasis on practical skills and knowledge and can develop specific skills relevant to employment. St Teresa’s Catholic College is offering Authority-Registered subjects Study Area Specifications (SAS). Vocational Education and Training Qualifications Students are also able to select from a number of Vocational Education and Training Qualifications offered through the College. These include courses on the College scope of registration and those provided by other registered training providers including TAFE. All Vet courses offered are regulated and accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). They assist in preparing students to enter paid work, and also provide a pathway to further training. A number of qualifications also articulate to tertiary study pathways. St Teresa’s Catholic College explores multiple partnerships with a range of training providers to offer a suitable variety of certificate courses. Delivery of these certificates may be at the College, on-line or at other campuses. Students at St Teresa’s Catholic College may also consider the following: Distance Education Students wanting to study a subject not offered at St Teresa’s Catholic College may be able to enrol with the School of Distance Education. University of the Sunshine Coast The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) offers a Head start Program that provides Year 11 and 12 students with the opportunity to study an undergraduate course while still at school. More than 60 courses are offered with a select number of courses offered at the USC Noosa Centre. Central Queensland University The Central Queensland University’s Start Uni Now (SUN) gives Year 10, 11 and 12 students the opportunity to get a head start on their career by enrolling in university courses while still in high school. Students study either externally/online or internally/face-to-face at CQU while they do their regular school work. University students are encouraged to devote approximately 10 to 12 hours of study per week, per course. This will include lectures (if an internal student) and tutorials, as well as individual study and assignments. For internal students, attendance at scheduled classes and/or workshops and residential schools may be a part of the study schedule. School-based Traineeships and Apprenticeships School-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow students to work towards a nationally recognised qualification while completing their high school studies. Not only will students receive their Queensland Certificate of Education or equivalent at the end of Year 12, students will have also trained towards a qualification in their chosen career and been paid for time spent working. Training takes place while at work, at school or at a training provider (ie. TAFE or a private training organisation). Parent Handbook - 2015 - 30 - Senior Phase Qualifications Queensland Certificate of Education The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is a school-based qualification awarded to young people at the completion of the senior phase of learning, usually at the end of Year 12. It confirms a student's achievement of a significant amount of learning, a set standard of achievement and having met literacy and numeracy requirements. The QCE recognises broad learning options and offers flexibility in what, where and when learning occurs. Different types of learning attract different credit values. A credit is the minimum amount of learning at the set standard that can contribute towards the QCE. Students must have at least 20 credits to be awarded the Queensland Certificate of Education. Vocational Education and Training (VET) Qualifications Completed AQF Certificates III, IV and Diploma study may be allocated a QTAC selection rank for tertiary entrance purposes. Recorded Subjects A Recorded subject is a subject other than an Authority Subject, Authority-Registered subject/Study Area Specification, offered by a school or other educational institution approved by the Board. Recorded subjects can be either approved TAFE subjects or qualifications from specialist accredited agencies. Recorded subjects are not used for calculating OP’s or Selection Ranks but may be entered on the Queensland Certificate of Education. DENTAL VAN ___ The Dental Van visits the College annually and examines the teeth of those students in Years 7-10 whose parents/guardians wish to take advantage of this service. Forms are issued for this purpose prior to the visit. ELECTRONIC DEVICES The use of electronic devices and access to e-mail and internet services (school devices and services) at St Teresa’s Catholic College Noosaville are provided to students in order to support their educational and administrative needs. These school devices and services are necessary educational tools and must be used in a responsible manner. This policy can never anticipate all possible advances and uses of technology and therefore students who are unsure about their usage should seek clarification from a teacher as soon as possible. This Policy is intended to inform parents and students of our school’s expectations when students are using the devices and services provided by the school and when using their personal equipment to communicate to or about members of the school community. If a student acts in a way that is against the contents of the policy, he or she will be subject to consequences according to the school’s Pastoral Care Policy and if necessary offending material may be supplied to the police. The school reserves the right to capture, store and review all internet browsing and emails across our school network. Devices may be taken or accessed if it is believed that: • There has been or may be a breach of the school rules or policy Parent Handbook - 2015 - 31 - • There may be a threat of harm to a student or others or system security. STUDENTS ISSUED WITH SCHOOL OWNED LAPTOP/iPAD COMPUTERS All students and families are responsible in the following ways for the device issued: • To care for the device to the best of their ability • To keep the device secure and protect it from any malicious damage. • To bring the device to school each day in readiness for use in the classroom – this includes having the battery charged and electronic files effectively managed. • To replace or repair any damaged, lost or stolen device at their own cost • To return the device (and any inclusions such as power cords and carry case) in good order when leaving the school CYBERSAFETY REQUIREMENTS This policy addresses the particular use of these technologies that has come to be referred to as ‘Cyberbullying’ (See No 4 below). The school will investigate and take action where this kind of bullying occurs in school and outside of school when it causes significant harm to the relationships between students and or teachers, or is criminal in nature. 1. When using the school devices and services students will: • ensure that communication through internet and email services is related to learning. • keep passwords confidential, and change them when prompted, or when known by another user. • use passwords that are not obvious or easily guessed. • log off at the end of each session to ensure that nobody else can use their e-learning account. • promptly tell their teacher if they suspect they have received a computer virus or spam (i.e. unsolicited email) or if they receive a message that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable. • seek advice if another user seeks excessive personal information, asks to be telephoned, offers gifts by email or wants to meet a student. • ensure that copyright permission is gained before electronically publishing the works or drawings of others. • always acknowledge the creator or author of any material published. • keep personal information including names, addresses, photographs, credit card details and telephone. • ensure that school services are not used for unauthorised commercial activities, political lobbying, online gambling or any unlawful purpose. 2. When using the school services or personal mobile phones (or similar personal equipment) students will not: • disable settings for virus protection, spam and filtering that have been applied by the school and not attempt to evade them through use of proxy sites. • allow others to use their personal accounts. • deliberately use the electronic identity of another person to send messages to others or for any other purposes. • enter ‘chat’ or ‘social networking’ internet sites without the permission of a teacher. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 32 - • • • • • use unauthorised programs or intentionally download unauthorised software, graphics or music that are not associated with the learning activity as directed by a staff member. damage or disable computers, computer systems or networks. disclose personal information about another person (including name, address, photos, phone numbers) distribute or use information which is copyrighted without proper permission. take photos or video of members of the school community without their consent. 3. When using school services students will never knowingly initiate or forward emails or other messages containing: • a message that was sent to them in confidence. • a computer virus or attachment that is capable of damaging recipients’ computers. • chain letters and hoax emails. • spam, eg unsolicited advertising material. 4. When using school services or non school services students will never send or publish either through internet sites, e-mail or mobile phone messages: • unacceptable or unlawful material or remarks, including offensive, abusive or discriminatory comments. • threatening, bullying or harassing material or make unreasonable demands. • sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material or correspondence. • false or defamatory information about a person or organisation. • the school name or crest without the written permission from the Principal. Students need to be aware that all use of internet and email services can be monitored and traced to the accounts of specific users. The misuse of school services may result in disciplinary action which includes, but is not limited to, the withdrawal of access to services. POLICY UPDATE This policy will be updated as necessary. All attempts will be made to adhere to the above policy, but particular circumstances (such as technological advancements) may require the College to depart from the stated policy. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ___ Depending on the emergency situation or extreme weather conditions, students will be evacuated to a pre-determined assembly area or kept indoors. Parents/guardians will be contacted if necessary. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 33 - EXCURSIONS ___ Excursions may be organised by subject teachers or co-curricular staff. Parents/guardians are asked to assist staff by signing excursion consent forms promptly. Most excursion charges are included in Subject levies and will appear on the Term Account. There may be an occasion/s when parents/guardians may be asked to meet the cost of an additional excursion/s. FIRE AND LOCKDOWNS EVACUATION To maintain compliance with Workplace Health and Safety legislation, STCC is required to conduct an emergency evacuation and lockdown drill at least twice every school year. These procedures are explained to students at the start of the school year. For attendance records to be checked accurately following an evacuation, it is important that students who arrive late, or leave campus early, sign in/out at Student Reception. For the same reason, if you (as a parent/guardian) are visiting campus for a performance, meeting, cafeteria shift or assembly, it is important that you also sign in/out at College Administration. The following will be emphasised with students: Avoid panic. Order is more important than speed. Fire drills are not for fun, they are to save life. In addition, the St Teresa’s Fire Evacuation procedure is also emphasised with students: When the alarm is sounded stop and look at your teacher for direction. The teacher will direct you to the assembly area. Once at the assembly area line up in your Pastoral Care class and sit down in alphabetical order. Do not move out of line until you are dismissed. Assembly areas will be indicated to students at the start of the school year. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 34 - GRIEVANCE POLICY ST TERESA’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE COMMUNITY GRIEVANCE POLICY POLICY STATEMENT The resolution of conflict between members of the College is vital to the wellbeing and success of all within our community. All procedures should be characterised by Christian values in line with the College Mission statement. The intention of this policy is to describe procedures for the effective and early resolution of disputes. Definition These procedures are designed to address general concerns. Where a solution to a concern might require entering into a formal process, e.g., allegations of child abuse or teacher inability, other procedures are already in place. These require certain immediate actions on the part of the Principal. Issues related to the general community may go to the Principal. The Process All personal matters, such as concerns regarding student, parent/guardian or staff relationships should initially be raised directly with the appropriate College staff member. If the matter relates to an individual student and/or an issue of everyday class operation, the student’s Pastoral Care teacher will be first point of contact. For all other matters please contact the College office to be directed to the appropriate level of contact. Grievances should be kept as confidential as possible. The College Guidance Counsellor is available for pastoral support. The Parish Priest is available for pastoral support. Roles and Responsibilities of Staff Objectively seek facts from those involved. Negotiate resolution between parties when possible. If appropriate refer to next stage of the grievance process keeping all interested parties informed as appropriate. Record details of meeting and outcomes as appropriate. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 35 - STUDENT/PARENTS RESOLVE GRIEVANCE WITH OTHER PARTY/TEACHER RESOLVED YEAR LEVEL STUDENT DEVELOPMENT LEADER RESOLVED LEADERSHIP APA, APRE, DEPUTY RESOLVED PRINCIPAL RESOLVED AREA SUPERVISOR CEO RESOLVED SEVERITY MAY WARRANT STARTING AT A HIGHER STEP. ADMINISTRATION CAN INTERVENE AT ANY TIME IN THE PROCESS. GRIEVANCE MAY BE REFERRED TO A HIGHER STEP BY THE STAFF MEMBER WORKING AT THAT STEP. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 36 - GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICE The effect of life’s stressors on the personal, social and academic development of students is widely acknowledged. Schools exercise a central role in supporting and assisting student development by providing a Guidance and Counselling service. Guidance Counsellors work in partnership with the school community to promote and foster student development, mental health and resilience. The College Guidance Counsellors, Sue Kraljevic and Sally Lock are available to meet with students, parents/guardians and staff to talk about concerns. This is a confidential service. An appointment can be made directly by email (see the St Teresa’s Catholic College website) or by leaving a message with office staff by phoning 5474 0022. HOMEWORK ___ Guidelines have been established for the regular completion of homework during the week. Students are advised to be proactive in using their homework time productively. The recommended amount of homework is: Year 7 45-60 minutes per night Year 8 80 minutes per night Year 9 90 minutes per night Year 10 120 minutes per night Homework for senior students is not restricted to a schedule and will vary from subject to subject. In general, Year 11 and 12 students should expect a considerable homework load in their senior years, and should be committed to completing two to three hours of homework or revision each night. Effective Homework Hints Many students find it difficult to effectively complete homework. Following are some useful hints for students: Set aside a quiet place for homework. Ensure there is a comfortable seat and good lighting. Do not work in the same room as the television and avoid distracting or loud music. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 37 - Set aside a regular time for homework each day and try not to let anything interfere with that time. Divide the work into smaller tasks and complete one task at a time. Concentrate on the task in order to achieve maximum benefit from the time available. Reading for information should always be accompanied by some activity such as note-taking, summarising, drawing diagrams, writing from memory and selftesting. In all subjects there is work to be memorised. Use homework time to revise work, consolidate, understand and commit necessary facts to memory. Regular revision is essential to consolidate learning. Homework time provides an opportunity for revision of work covered during the day. Clarify questions raised during homework with the class teacher the next day. A healthy diet, adequate exercise and sleep, are necessary precursors to developing effective study habits. HOMEWORK CENTRE (in the CLC daily) The Homework Centre operates in the Champagnat Learning Centre (CLC) every Monday to Friday 2.30 - 4.00pm (Wednesday 4.30pm). Students are encouraged to access this service regularly to establish a consistent approach to academic commitments. If attending, students must sign in at the Centre before 2.45pm. Students sign in and out of the Homework Centre at the CLC Circulation Desk. Learning Services and CLC staff supervise Homework Centre and assist students with assignments, homework tasks, etc. Teachers may volunteer to work in the Homework Centre to support student success. Individual teachers may choose to offer tutorials with students on particular afternoons and advertise this option to their students. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 38 - HOUSE SYSTEM Each student and staff member is allocated to one of four Houses. AVILA LA VALLA Colour RED BLUE GREEN GOLD House Name AVILA LA VALLA PENOLA POMONA House Patron St Teresa Marcellin Champagnat Mary MacKillop Nano Nagle Significance St Teresa’s birth place in Spain. Mountainous terrain. Site of first Australian religious order to educate underprivileged children. Mary MacKillop – Co-Founder of Sisters of Saint Joseph. Great affinity with indigenous children. Founder of Presentation Sisters – Ireland. First Catholic College in Noosa District – St Patrick’s, Pomona, Presentation Sisters. Also referred to as ‘Lady of the Lantern’. Relevance Humility, endurance, solitude, determination. Strong mind, gentle heart. Joyful spirit, compassion. Love of children. Brought light into people’s lives, showing the way. Local Significance Local mountains – Tinbeerwah, Coolum Coastal living, surrounded by water Local vegetation, environment Sun, sand dunes Gubbi Gubbi Word Wandangu (climbing) Bomga-guriman (waves, of the sea) Gawun (care, care for) Yirinaa (light in colour) Connection to Logo Background, sturdy Wave Outline, structure, main frame Sun – part of the logo Connection to Colour Red – Earth Blue – Water/Ocean Green – Trees, vegetation Gold – Sun, sand dunes Motto Always strive to do best, climb every mountain. Not always smooth sailing, never give up, keep on going like the waves. Nurturing, caring, looking out for others. Make the most of every opportunity. Show the way, be a leading light. Floral Symbol Red Banksia Blue Wistringia Eucalyptus Gold Wattle (Acacia) Patron Saints Day Sayings 15th October 6th June 8th August 26th April The greater our love the fewer words we use. To educate children properly, we must love them all equally. My only prayer is that his will be done in the matter. Love one another as you have hitherto done. Arrow and Book Heart Cross Lantern Symbols Village of Marcellin, founder of Marist Brothers. Marist connection through school. PENOLA Parent Handbook - 2015 POMONA - 39 - ILLEGAL AND ILLICIT SUBSTANCES Students may not smoke, or drink alcohol at any College function such as on camps or evening excursions, whether in uniform or out of uniform. Illegal substances, tobacco or alcoholic drinks must not be brought onto the College grounds. There are very serious penalties for a breach of these rules. The use of illegal drugs by any student on College grounds is reportable to the Police. Any student who sells or supplies drugs to other students will have their enrolment reviewed. Students who possess or use illegal drugs while in College uniform will be dealt with by the College Student Protection Contacts. IMMUNISATION ___ OZ Care staff attend the College each year to administer free immunisation. Parents/guardians will be advised of times and dates when available. INCLUSIVE EDUCATION At St Teresa’s Catholic College, inclusive education addresses the education of all students within the complex community of learners. Staff members recognise: The role of the Brisbane Catholic Education Learning and Teaching Framework as a common vision, expectation and language in the education of learners. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) and Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) documents in planning learning activities and assessment tasks through which students have opportunities to demonstrate what students know and can do. Learners have diverse needs and their contribution to the learning environment is both encouraged and acknowledged. The need to provide specific learning opportunities and various pedagogical approaches to meet student needs. Achievement levels of all students need to be carefully monitored and tracked throughout their educational experience. Task negotiation assists student’s development. The importance of students taking responsibility for their own learning as lifelong learners. The importance of developing the whole person in the educational experience offered at St Teresa’s Catholic College. We are all learners. Strategies employed in order to maximise student learning: Standardised tests provide an overview of learning abilities eg. PATMathematics, PAT-Comprehension, PAT-Vocabulary. Teaching staff check the Special Provisions for Assessment Tab on the College portal. Staff work together to plan, develop, implement and evaluate curriculum and pedagogy. Staff from the Learning Services Team work within the classroom and with individuals and groups in the Learning Services Centres and the CLC. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 40 - Learning Services staff work with students highlighted as requiring assistance, those requiring assistance to achieve levels beyond their current demonstrations and those requiring challenges beyond learning experiences offered in the classroom. Brisbane Catholic Education assists in funding Student Learning Aides, and provides for the regular support of students with significant educational needs in literacy and numeracy. Students have access to technology both during and outside school hours. Consultation provides students with opportunities to negotiate learning experiences. Students are encouraged to seek guidance and assistance from peers, class teachers and support staff. Partnership and collaboration amongst staff, parents/guardians and students. Evaluative practices (teaching approaches, programs, activities, resources) are ongoing and involve students, parents/guardians and staff. Student achievement is tracked and reported. INSURANCE ___ Personal Property The personal property of students is not insured by the College against theft, damage, loss etc. Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss with their insurance company the suitability of their Householder’s Policy in relation to covering their child’s possessions when at school and on College activities. Items not permitted on College premises include jewellery, personal cameras and CD players. Items permitted on College premises are mobile phones, sunglasses, USBs, laptops, and iPads. Students are expected to follow College protocols when using these items. The College takes no responsibility for lost or stolen items. Student Accidents The College has a Student Accident Protection Plan, providing a range of capital benefits with predetermined amounts dependent on the injury. It is advised that parents/guardians have their own private health insurance. LEARNING SERVICES ___ Learning Services at St Teresa’s Catholic College is committed to inclusive education where there is equity of opportunity for all to work towards their full potential. The service works to enhance the education of all students. We are all learners and educational experiences offered at the College endeavour to take into account the development of the whole person. Students are encouraged to take ownership for their learning and to recognise, and engage with, their own lifelong learning journey. It is within this context that Learning Services is embedded. St Teresa’s embodies the understanding that lifelong learners actively seek information and support according to their needs. It is this understanding that ultimately frees students to want to access services and opportunities available at St Teresa’s in order to experience further educational success. Learning Services Learning Services Team Learning Aides and Learning Services Centres all focus on student learning and the invitation to access services to meet one’s needs. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 41 - Learning Services offered through the Learning Services Team is for all students and encourages a positive climate towards utilising all that St Teresa’s offers. The Learning Services Team comprises the Support Teachers: Inclusive Education, Guidance Counsellors, Student Learning Aides, Teacher Librarian and Staff. Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of Learning Services. The Learning Services Team works with students to determine how best to meet their individual and collective needs. Student Learning Aides work in the Learning Services Centres (situated in the Middle and Senior Schools, and in the Student Services Centre), in classrooms and in the Champagnat Learning Centre. LENDING MONEY ___ The College is not in a position to lend money to students other than for emergency bus fare. If students forget their lunch they will be issued with a voucher for the cafeteria that must be repaid the following day. LOCKERS ___ Care of Locker Area Students have a responsibility to look after the locker that has been allocated to them and may be required to pay the cost of any necessary repairs. Guidelines for Students Students must keep to the locker allocated to them. Bags and other personal possessions are to be stored inside lockers. Food must not be left in the locker overnight. There must be no graffiti or stickers inside or outside the locker. Students must not open another student’s locker. Students will be issued with a padlock. Replacement padlock costs $15. Lockers must be padlocked, during and after school hours to ensure that the student’s belongings, and College resources and library books, are protected. LOLLIES ___ Lollies and chewing gum are not to be brought to school. Students who bring cough drops should inform their teacher/s. See the Accident, Illness and Medication section in this Handbook for requirements related to the administration of medication during school hours. Students occasionally sell confectionery for fundraising purposes. This occurs only with the express permission of the Deputy Principal or Principal. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 42 - LOST PROPERTY ___ Parents should label and mark all items of clothing. Personal items of value such as calculators should be engraved with the student’s name. Misplaced possessions found at the College are taken to Student Reception where Lost Property is stored. Named items will be returned to students. Students make a 50cent donation to Project Compassion to retrieve their property. Unnamed articles that are not claimed will be stored, and then disposed of if they remain unclaimed for a significant period of time. Text books issued to students must be returned to the College at the end of the school year. Students who have lost or damaged any books borrowed from the College will be required to pay the replacement cost of the book/s. MUSIC ___ A number of instrumental music teachers offer instruction at the College. For details, costs and the instruments available, please contact the teacher in charge of music. PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT St Teresa’s Catholic College promotes the involvement of committed parents/guardians, volunteers and friends who work hard to develop a sense of community at the College. As such there are many ways in which parents/guardians can be engaged in the St Teresa’s community such as participating in St Teresa’s Facilitated Parish Masses, College Masses and liturgies, and the annual Thanksgiving Mass; attending interviews to discuss student progress, Parent Information Nights and student Expo Presentations; supporting team sports offered through the College; attending and/or assisting at swimming carnivals and sports days; attending advertised events including Career Expos; assisting in the cafeteria and supporting students seeking work experience. Any involvement, regardless of how large or small, is appreciated. PASTORAL CARE Pastoral Care at St Teresa’s Catholic College is the responsibility of those who form its community. Pastoral Care teachers work closely with their Pastoral Care class to establish a prayerful classroom environment and develop positive relationships within the class. They work with those in their care to foster a sense of pride in belonging to the St Teresa’s and wider community, and a desire to present their Pastoral Care classroom as an exciting learning environment. Pastoral Care teachers monitor student progress, and discuss student progress with parents/guardians. The following flowchart indicates the process of support available to students and families when concerns arise. Concerns may be about assignments, attitude, relationships, absences etc. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 43 - STAFF MEMBER Concerns Homework/Assignments Uniform Attitude Motivation Relationships Behaviour Punctuality Absences PASTORAL CARE TEACHER STUDENT DEVELOPMENT LEADER ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Parents Guidance Counsellor Support Teacher: Inclusive Education Student Learning Aides Homework Centre Campus Minister PRAYER The Pastoral Care (PC) teacher is responsible for the establishment of a prayerful classroom atmosphere. Students prepare and share prayer in morning PC, and are expected to be familiar with the St Teresa’s Prayer and College Song. Religious Education (RE) classes are responsible for leading College and Year assemblies with a spiritual reflection. RE teachers work with their RE classes in developing prayerful experiences which are relevant to particular events in the life of the College or specific times in the Catholic Church calendar. Staff prayer is also significant at the College. Staff begin each morning, and staff meetings, with prayer. Staff and students are exposed to a rich tapestry of prayer encounters throughout the year. Parents are invited to become part of the Local Marist Community of Mission prayer group. This is a small community of local Marists who meet on the first Tuesday evening of each month to share prayer and life. All are welcome to attend. RELATIONSHIPS Christian Vision of Relationships At St Teresa’s Catholic College it is the life of Christ and the values of the Gospel that inspire our relationships. The sacredness of human life demands that we honour and respect each person. As a community we will seek to respond to individual needs with justice and compassion. St Teresa’s Catholic College is committed to the values of respect, responsibility and reconciliation, as it seeks to promote the dignity and worth of each person. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 44 - Respect We believe that because we are made in the image and likeness of God, human life is sacred and therefore our interaction with one another is marked by respect. We believe that every person is equal in the eyes of God and we express this in our commitment to respecting the right of others. Responsibility We believe that our freedom to make choices and to act carries with it the challenge to own our decisions and to accept the consequences of our behaviour. We believe that our common humanity calls us to share in the struggle and suffering of our neighbour and at these times we are called to offer support. We believe that our faith is expressed in our willingness to serve rather than dominate or manipulate others. Our gifts and our work should be directed towards the care of the individual and the common good of the community. Reconciliation We believe that to do wrong is a fact of human experience. Our openness to forgive and to be reconciled expresses and reminds us of the unconditional love of God. Relationship means: Respect myself and others. Be responsible for myself and my behaviour towards others. Work towards reconciliation as part of maintaining relationships. Implications We affirm our Pastoral mission to emphasise respect for the individual when we: Acknowledge our own inherent value and thus act in a responsible and dignified fashion. Focus on what is good in a situation or in a person. Seek the truth in an open, non-judgemental manner. Develop truly open and meaningful channels of communication. Provide an environment that is, supportive and caring, where all feel valued and to which all can make a contribution. Acknowledge and actively promote others’ abilities, whatever these may be. Acknowledge the value and contribution of culture to, and within, our community. Forge strong ties between school, family and the community. Offer and participate in a liberating curriculum devoid of gender bias or racial stereotypes. Develop inclusive and empowering organisational structures, which enable us to respond to the needs of all in our community. Consequences exist to protect the rights and responsibilities of each person within the school community and to encourage the development of personal accountability. The consequences will respect the dignity of all and promote discussion, reconciliation and forgiveness. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES As the College Vision Statement implies, the College philosophy is based on caring, cooperation and consideration. A student’s presence in the College signifies his/her acceptance of these responsibilities. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 45 - Student Rights Students have the right to: Learn in an environment that is orderly, peaceful, safe, non-threatening and conducive to learning. Have a caring, well-prepared teacher who instructs effectively and who addresses inappropriate behaviour in the classroom. Be informed of school rules and expectations, and resultant consequences when rules are broken. Redeem behaviour. Tell their side of the story and trust teachers to treat information shared with respect. Students are responsible for observing the rights of others in the College community. STUDENT DRIVERS Legally, the College is not responsible for students whose parents/guardians allow them to drive to school or to be passengers in cars driven by other students. Any insurance against accident or injury depends on the vehicle insurance and is determined by Common Law. The College policy regarding vehicles driven to school by students is that there is no facility for students to park on the College grounds. STUDENT PROTECTION The Catholic Education Archdiocese of Brisbane is strongly committed to student protection education and student protection processes. Personal safety education takes place within the context of a Catholic school community where the individual student is valued as a child of God. It is also acknowledged that parents/guardians are ideally placed to teach children and adolescents personal safety skills to enable them to cope in awkward or unsafe situations. In order for students to thrive there is a need for safe and secure learning environments. Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) makes every effort to ensure that Student Protection legislative requirements are adhered to. This includes meeting the accreditation requirements of the Non-State School Accreditation Board, which has approved the Student Protection processes to be used in schools. All staff members are informed of their responsibilities and what it is they are required to report. However, student protection moves beyond compliance with regulations to prevention and to being proactive by creating a culture where communities have the commitment and knowledge to identify risks of harm and respond appropriately. Students have the right to expect that the school will always act to protect them from any kind of harm. Brisbane Catholic Education schools are committed to being safe and nurturing communities that live and share the Gospel message to support the holistic development of young people. Visit the Brisbane Catholic Education website, select Students and Parents and then Student Protection from the drop down menu for BCE student protection information for families. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 46 - Student Awareness Students are regularly reminded that they have the right to feel safe all the time, that nothing is so awful that they can’t talk about it with someone, of the importance of having a personal network of trusted adults, of the importance of persistence when it comes to reporting, of the content of the BCE student protection posters displayed throughout the College, that the three Student Protection Contacts (SPCs) at St Teresa’s Catholic College are the Principal and the Guidance Counsellors, they can go to a SPC with any concern, and that staff have a duty of care and are required to take steps to ensure their safety. Staff Member Reporting Responsibilities School personnel who have reasonable grounds to suspect that harm has been caused to a student, or that a student is at risk of harm, must report this to the Principal or a Guidance Counsellor, and keep appropriate records. Harm is any detrimental effect of a significant nature on the student’s physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing. The harm may be as a result of harm to a student by a staff member or volunteer of the school, harm to a student by someone outside the school, harm by other students or self-harm. All young people have the right to be protected from harm. St Teresa’s Catholic College Student Protection Contacts (SPCs) are Br Paul Creevey (Principal) Sue Kraljevic (Guidance Counsellor) Sally Lock (Guidance Counsellor) SUBJECT CHOICE ___ In addition to studying core subjects at each year level, students in Year 9, 10, 11 and 12, in consultation with their parents/guardians, are required to select subjects from a list of electives. Subject Selection forms are generally issued during Term 3 each year in association with the Curriculum Handbook. Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to discuss the options available and promptly return the signed form to the College. Assistance with electives/subjects may be sought from staff. SUN PROTECTION ___ Whenever students are not in class, they must wear the approved College hat which protects the face, neck and ears and are advised to apply a SPF50+ broad spectrum sun cream for skin protection which is available at Student Reception. Students are also encouraged to wear a T-shirt/rash shirt or other protective clothing when involved in water activities. Monday – Friday SUPERVISION 7.50am – 2.20pm Teachers commence supervision in the College grounds at 7.50am. Parents/guardians are requested not to deliver their children to school prior to this time, as they are not officially supervised. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 47 - Teachers are rostered on playground duty throughout the day. To ensure the safety and security of students and their equipment, students are required to stay in the school boundaries during school hours. The following areas are out of bounds: A Block during breaks, L Block (near carpark), carparks, bush areas, bike racks and the College shed. Students are dismissed at 2.20pm and can be collected from outside the Administration Centre. Buses leave the College shortly after that time. General supervision ceases at 2.20pm. The College takes no further official responsibility for the care of students after that time, unless a meeting or practice is being held, students are attending the Champagnat Learning Centre, or students are waiting for buses to arrive on Sea Eagle Drive. It is important that students are collected at the close of after school activities from outside the Administration Centre. TELEPHONE Telephone access for students is limited to phone calls of an urgent nature. The cost of these calls is 50 cents. TRAVEL While travelling to and from school, students are ambassadors for their school and are expected to behave accordingly. Bikes must be ridden carefully and considerately, bearing in mind the laws of the State. Doubling is against such laws. Approved helmets must be worn. Designated crossings must be used when crossing roads and students are expected to comply with Crossing Supervisor’s directions. Car Travel It is important that drivers obey the speed limit on and approaching the school grounds. Set down areas are available to allow students to alight and/or be collected. Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in these areas or stop in the middle of the road, as this obstructs traffic flow. Parking areas are designated as individual bays. Please refrain from parking elsewhere. Parking outside the Administration Centre is available for parents/guardians and visitors to the College. Disability Parking Spaces at STCC are only to be used by parents/guardians who may have to exit a vehicle to assist their child with a disability. These designated car parks on private property are not temporary drop off/pick up zones for people who have a Department of Transport Disability permit. We request that our school community respects the rules, as well as the students with a disability who require access to these clearly designated car parks. UNIFORM GUIDING PRINCIPLES The development of gifts and talents, whether they be physical, intellectual, spiritual, cultural or social is an important task of a school. A uniform is a means of enabling all students to stand out and be different, not in the way they look but by how they use their gifts and talents. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 48 - It is an expectation of the College, that all students be in complete uniform and present themselves in a clean, tidy and well-groomed manner. This expectation extends beyond the school grounds, as the image of St Teresa’s Catholic College in our community is influenced by students wearing the correct uniform. Jewellery Wrist watches, SOS accessories, plain gold or silver ear studs or sleepers (one in each lower ear lobe only) may be worn. No other facial piercings are acceptable, including any covering of piercings e.g., Bandaids, or clear plastic studs. Recognised discreet simple Christian religious symbols on a plain silver or gold chain may be worn but are not to be obvious. Other items of jewellery are not permitted. No visible body piercing or tattooing is acceptable. Students must not wear jewellery in activities where they could cause a risk to themselves or other pupils e.g., sport, manual arts. No responsibility is taken by the school for the loss of jewellery. Cosmetics Make-up and nail polish are not part of the College uniform. Coloured nail polish is not permitted, and any make-up worn by students should not be obvious. Footwear Formal – College formal shoes must be black, leather, laceup, polishable, SCHOOL SHOES. These shoes are NOT to be flat soled, but should have a clearly defined sole and heel resembling a traditional school shoe. If in doubt, please refer to the St Teresa’s website. No runners, desert boots, suede, ballet type shoes, high tongues, platforms, high rollers, skate shoes, buckle styles, deck shoes, converse, Vans or ANY OTHER fashion canvas shoes. Sports – The College would prefer the sports shoes to be predominantly white or black, but understand that sports shoes can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find a good fit. The College insists on proper SPORTS SHOES which will provide adequate support and movement for physical activity. No runners, desert boots, suede, ballet type shoes, high tongues, platforms, high rollers, skate shoes, buckle styles, deck shoes, converse, Vans or ANY OTHER fashion canvas shoes. Hair Hair must be kept neat, clean and tidy, away from the face and when hair touches the collar, tied back with the appropriate hair ribbon (black, sage, rust or white only). Approved hair ties are available from the Uniform Shop. Hair grooming, styling and colouring must be appropriate to a school setting. No extremes will be accepted including dreadlocks, bright hair dyes (hair colouring must be natural) or shaved heads under a No. 3 haircut. Boys are expected to be clean shaven. Hats All students are required to wear the official, gender specific, College approved hat, both to and from school, and at all times when not inside the school buildings. An approved College cap may be worn when engaged in physical activity associated with HPE classes, the College Personal and Social Development Education (PSDE) program, College sporting events such as athletics and swimming carnivals, and when playing on the ovals or courts during the various breaks. Students not wearing the appropriate hat at the specified times, will be removed from the yard and will incur consequences in accordance with the College Behaviour Management policy. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 49 - Belts Black College belts are compulsory to ensure shorts and long trousers are worn at an acceptable height. School Bag Students are to use the official St Teresa’s School Bag. There are no exceptions to this rule; except with the express permission of the College Principal. Sports Uniform All students will be required to wear the regulation sports uniform to all Sport and Physical Education classes and on sports activity days. Procedures Students out of uniform must provide a note from a parent/guardian to their Pastoral Care Teacher explaining the reason and indicating the day when they will be in full uniform. Teachers will sign notes only if a legitimate reason is given for being out of uniform. Uniform items are only available from the College Uniform Shop which is open on: Tuesday and Wednesday 7.30am – 3.00pm Thursday 7.30am – 11.30am Free Dress Guidelines: Appropriate clothes Sleeved shirts Enclosed shoes ie. No thongs Appropriate length skirts, pants or shorts No mid-riff or crop tops No offensive slang or writing on shirts, bags or pants A broad-brimmed hat for outside activities Normal school rules regarding jewellery, hair and make-up apply. Parent Handbook - 2015 - 50 - UNIFORM TABLE BOYS - College Formal Sage Green Shorts Years 7-9 - College Belt FORMAL - College Formal Stripe Shirt - Top button open and shirt out - College Ankle Socks - Black with sage green stripe - Black Leather Polishable Laceup Shoes - *See Footwear Note - College Noone Jumper - Rust - Regulation College Backpack - College Formal Hat - Braided hat with school band BOYS - College Formal Sage Green Shorts Years 10-12 - College Belt FORMAL - College Formal Stripe Shirt - Tucked in, top button done up - College Senior Tie - College Knee Length Socks - Black with sage green stripe - Black Leather Polishable Laceup Shoes - *See Footwear Note - College Noone Jumper - Rust - Regulation College Backpack - College Formal Hat - Braided hat with school band BOYS - College Sports Polo Shirt Sports - College Black Sports Shorts Uniform - College Ankle Socks - Black with sage green stripe - Acceptable Sports footwear * See Footwear Note - College Noone Jumper - Rust - Regulation College Backpack - College Sports Bag - To be used for Sports Items Only - College Baseball Cap - Black with school crest - College Sports Jacket Parent Handbook - 2015 - 51 - GIRLS Years 7-9 - College Formal Dress FORMAL - Full Length Flesh Coloured Opaque Tights - NO KNEE HIGHS - College Ankle Socks - White with rust stripe - Black Leather Polishable Laceup Shoes - *See Footwear Note - College Noone Jumper - Rust - Regulation College Backpack - College Formal Hat - Braided with school band - College Scarf GIRLS Years 10-12 - College Formal Sage Green Skirt FORMAL - College Senior Tie - College Formal Stripe Blouse - College Ankle Socks - White with rust stripe - Full Length Black Opaque Tights - NO KNEE HIGHS - Black Leather Polishable Laceup Shoes - *See Footwear Note - College Noone Jumper - Rust - Regulation College Backpack - College Formal Hat - Braided with school band - College Scarf GIRLS - College Ladies Sports Polo Sports - College Black Sports Skorts - NOT SHORTS Uniform - College Ankle Socks - Black with sage green stripe - Acceptable Sports footwear * See Footwear Note - College Noone Jumper - Rust - Regulation College Backpack - College Sports Bag - To be used for Sports Items Only - College Baseball Cap - Black with school crest - College Sports Jacket - College Scarf Parent Handbook - 2015 - 52 - * FOOTWEAR NOTE FORMAL College Formal Shoes must be, Plain black, leather, laceup, polishable, SCHOOL SHOES. These shoes are NOT to be flat soled, but should have a clearly defined sole and heel resembling a traditional school shoe. If in doubt, please refer to the St Teresa's College Website. No runners, desert boots, suede, ballet type shoes, high tongues, platforms, high rollers, skate shoes, buckle styles, deck shoes, converse, Dunlop Volleys, Vans OR ANY OTHER fashion canvas shoes. SPORTS We would prefer the sports shoes to be predominantly white or black. But understand that sports shoes can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find a good fit. Therefore that is only a guideline. What we do insist upon is proper pair of SPORTS SHOES, which will provide adequate support and movement for physical activity. No desert boots, suede, ballet type shoes, high tongues, platforms, high rollers, skate shoes, buckle styles, deck shoes, converse, Dunlop Volleys, Van or ANY Other fashion canvas shoes. VISITORS For security reasons, visitors to the College are required to report to the office to be signed in and obtain a Visitor Identification Badge. Please return this badge to the office at the conclusion of the visit. This Handbook was correct at the time of printing. Its contents are subject to change Parent Handbook - 2015 - 53 - NOTES NOTES