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Questions and Answers
How are Students Assessed?
Class work, class tests, teacher observations, discussions, homework and assignment marks or grades are some of the ways that teachers assess student progress. Teaching and assessment is outcomes-based at grade level.
Individual written Student Reports are sent home at the end of Semesters 1 and 2. These reports are the results of ongoing formal and informal assessment.
In addition to outcomes based and other teaching designed assessments, the school uses a variety of externally developed criterion referenced tests to assess student progress and school policy effectiveness. These include the Naplan Tests for Literacy and Numeracy which are held in Years 3, 5 & 7. Some students also choose to sit the yearly University of NSW tests during Stages 2 & 3.
Student-Led Conferences are held after students Semester One Reports are sent home. During these conferences you, your child and the teacher will discuss outcomes, achievement and progress. At any other time, you may request an appointment to see your child’s teacher about any concerns you or your child may have. Sometimes the teacher will contact you for an appointment to discuss your child’s progress.
Homework
Students should have a regular time and place to complete homework and it should be done in a neat and thoughtful fashion. Parents are requested to monitor and sign their child’s homework each week.
The school Homework Policy requires Stages 1, 2 & 3 students to complete homework each week as it supplements existing class learning programs. Class teachers will explain homework requirements at the beginning of each year.
School contributions and text book fees
At the start of each year parents are asked to pay for student text books to be used throughout the year and a voluntary school contribution. The voluntary school contribution is used to purchase school resources such as paper, paint, craft resources, computer software and other such items. These fees are minimal for each student and are costed at the beginning of each year. Payments of these fees assist with the smooth running of class programs.
Financial Assistance
Under the Student Assistance Program the NSW Government provides financial assistance to families in need. The Principal has the discretion to provide assistance to help families who are having difficulty paying for expenses associated with schooling, such as excursions, textbooks and uniforms.
If you are in need of assistance, application forms are available from the Principal and all information provided is kept confidential.
Why Do Schools Have Excursions?
Excursions are a part of the school curriculum and are essential to the students’ education. Learning outside the classroom is as important as learning inside the classroom. Parents usually pay for excursions, but if you have difficulty paying for some excursions, you should contact the Principal to see if the school can assist. At times, the more local excursions may be free of charge if at all possible.
Teachers need written consent from parents before students are permitted to participate in excursions. The permission notes will also require information from parents about whether their child is allowed to participate in swimming activities, the status of the student’s swimming abilities and special requirements for children (e.g. whether they need a flotation device). Parents must ensure that the school is aware of any pre-existing medical conditions prior to excursions.
Staff may invite parents on excursions to assist with supervision. A teacher who has training in resuscitation techniques and emergency care must attend all school excursions involving water activities or where an overnight stay is required. On other excursions one staff member must have completed a two hour course in emergency care.
Resolution of Complaints & Providing Suggestions
Informal Complaints:
Parents are encouraged in the first instance to address informal complaints or suggestions to the class teacher of their child/children. Please contact the class teacher to make a suitable meeting time if you wish to discuss any issues or concerns. For ongoing concerns parents are encouraged to contact the principal.
After discussing complaints or suggestions with the principal or teachers, parents who are still not happy with the proposed resolutions have the right to formalise their complaint.
Formal Complaints:
The Department of Education and Training has established a formal complaint and suggestion procedure which should be used for the resolution of complaints of serious and significant nature.
Parents are invited to contact the Principal and ask for a copy of these procedures and forms. The Principal will outline the procedures, indicate the rights of the parents and supply the forms. |
