We expect children to be punctual so that learning time is used efficiently. Please help your child to start school on time.
Note: Special arrangements are made for prep children in term one when they are not expected to attend classes on Wednesdays. Teachers use this time to undertake individual student assessment and parent/teacher interviews.
There are four days in the school year when teachers are in attendance but students do not attend. These days are used for reporting and curriculum development. Parents are welcome to join us on these days. The dates chosen are usually adjacent to weekends or public holidays. The dates are published in the newsletter as early as possible to assist parents in arranging for child care, as required.
Our door is always open. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the year for parents of all students. Additional conferences may be arranged by appointment at either parent or teacher's request.
Meetings of general interest are held throughout the year and your attendance is encouraged.
As well as notices to parents we also publish a weekly newsletter 'The Kunyung Courier'. This keeps everyone up to date with the latest happenings in the school and the broader educational context.
A whole school assembly is held every Friday in the Multi-Purpose room at 9.00am. Assemblies generally take about 30 minutes. Parents are always very welcome.
Children have access to many suitable playground areas. This includes the asphalt areas and the adventure playgrounds withe specialised play equipment for various ages. During recess and lunch times the grounds are supervised by two teachers, as well as Peer Mediators.
If the weather is considered too cold or wet children are supervised within the classrooms during recess and lunchtime. If there is a break in the weather we encourage students to go outside for that much needed breathe of fresh air.
A suitable waterproof coat or warm jacket is needed in these situations, or for walking to or from school, so please ensure your child comes well prepared.
Labelling of all articles of clothing is essential. Lost property is kept in the Multi-Purpose room and, if not claimed within a month, is donated to charity.
Valuable and fragile items should not be brought to school as we cannot guarantee their safety.
We expect children to be punctual in the morning. However drop-off should not occur before 8.45am as there may not be a staff member on duty to ensure your child's safety.
Normal pick-up time is 3.30pm, with departure supervised by a staff member until 3.45pm.
Parking areas around Kunyung are clearly marked and council by-laws officers are often in attendance to ensure that drivers observe parking restrictions.
Peak periods pose the most danger, so we ask parents to observe all traffic laws and to drive at a reponsible speed (the speed you would like other drivers to observe near your child). Even if you don't get that 'prime position', a 50 metre walk to the car is beneficial rather than dangerous to your child.
The two off-street car parks at Kunyung are reserved for staff, parents assisting with school programs and delivery vehicles. They are not to be used for picking up or dropping off children and children are not permitted to be in these areas, for safety reasons.
School Crossing:
Our school crossing supervisor is provided by the local council under very strict guidelines. Our young children are given practice in using the crossing early in their first year as part of the school program.
Parents and children must use the school crossing to cross Kunyung Road when the flags are displayed. Apart from the safety aspect, to do otherwise would be setting a poor example for our children. The crossing is supervised from 8.15am to 9.00am and from 3.15pm to 4.00pm each day.
Safety Houses:
Our school is in a Safety House area.
An active committee representing a network of local schools monitors the program. Its success depends on having enough safety houses and all children knowing the correct procedures.
If you would like to help with this program, please contact the school.
Riding Bicycles:
Bicycles can be ridden to school by pupils in grades 4 to 6. However, parents should also consider their child's particular level of readiness for riding correctly and safely in traffic, as well as the appropriateness of riding to school.
Many pupils live comfortably within walking distance and should not need to ride.
Bicycle helmets are mandatory and must be worn.
Pupils must walk their bicycles in the school grounds. Failure by riders to observe traffic or school rules will result in the withdrawal of the privilege. Bicycle stands are provided, but we request a strong chain and padlock to assist with security, as the school cannot be held responsible for any loss.
Bicycle education (Bike Ed) is a feature of the curriculum and is strongly suppported by the Road Traffic Authority and the Police in Schools Program.
Scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted at school.
Leaving Grounds During School Times:
No child is permitted to leave the school during school hours unless with a parent or adult nominated by the parent.
Please notify the school in writing or confirm by telephone if any special arrangements need to be made.
If you collect your child/children early, it is important to 'sign them out' in the visitor's book which is located on the front desk in the office.
'Stranger Danger':
Parents should make children aware of this issue. Sensible and safe behaviour at home, while in transit and at school, should be discussed with your child.
Teachers will reinforce this issue as part of our Health program.
Visitors Book:
We request that all visitors to the school sign the visitors book in the office on arrival and departure. This is an essential component of our emergency plans. Similarly, we require parents to sign their children 'in' and 'out' if late for school or departing early for appointments.
Visiting Our School:
We welcome visitors to Kunyung. You are invited to see our classroom programs in action. Please contact us first to arrange a suitable time.
However, for safety reasons, school policy is that all visitors report to the office upon entering the school grounds. You will be asked to fill in the Visitor's Book upon arrival and before leaving.
Staff and children are alerted to report the presence of 'strangers' to the office promptly.
Code of Conduct, Behavioural Strategies and Recognition:
Student behaviour should be guided by the school pledge: "I am standing with people I care for and respect. I will do my personal best in all things because I am proud to be Australian and proud to be at Kunyung Primary School".
Rights:
To work and play without interference.
To be treated with respect and kindness.
To develop their individual talents, interests and ambitions.
Responsibilities:
To treat all people with respect.
To be accountable for their own behaviour.
To respect all belongings, resources and facilities.
To be punctual and regular in attendance.
To co-operate with other children and adults.
To participate in the school curriculum to the best of their ability.
Behavioural Strategies:
We aim to develop self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility.
Parents play a vital role in supporting both child and teacher in their efforts to develop a behavioural plan that will enable the child's full and happy participation in school activities.
The following strategies are used to promote positive student behaviour:
The teaching of social skills to develop self-esteem and harmony between students in the classroom and playground.
Giving consistent positive reinforcement of good behaviour.
Activities which enhance self-esteem and a feeling of self-worth.
Promoting tolerance, compassion and sharing.
Encouraging organised and responsible play within the playground.
Applying consistent, fair and logical forms of discipline.
Negotiation of behavioural goals between parent(s), teacher and student.
Encouraging and developing an awareness of, and caring for, the environment.
School rules (incorporating classroom rules which are negotiated with each teacher's class) are published and constantly referred to throughout the year.
Consequences:
A focus on the behaviour, rather than the child enables us to apply a set of graded, appropriate consequences for infringements of school rules. Time out, loss of privileges, performance of certain tasks, notification of parents, interview with the Principal, and other tactics may be used at various stages depending on the individual and the particular circumstances.
Repeated offences and/or dangerous activities may eventually lead to the application of suspension and even expulsion procedures as outlined in Department of Education guidelines. These and all relevant school documents are always available for perusal.
Recognition of Excellence:
The school promotes and rewards excellence in all activities. personal achievement and endeavour is recongnised in such things as 'Student of the Week' awards, 'Aussie of the Month', election of School Captains and Vice Captains, House Captains and Student Representative Council members, achievement stickers, sporting awards, the Commonwealth Bank scholarship, newsletter articles and media releases.
Budgeting, Financial Contributions, Books and Materials:
Program Budgeting:
Each year our finance committee has the job of determining the budget for the following year based on evaluation of the current programs. Parents, teachers and students can all play a role in this process.
Funds are obtained from a Department of Education and training (DE&T) grant, parent curriculum resource contributions and fundraising.
School Council ratifies and monitors the expenditure of all funds.
Financial Contributions from Parents:
School Council sets the yearly parent curriculum resource contribution. Excursions, swimming, religious education, camps and special events are additional costs. More information is provided in a letter distributed at the commencement of the school year.
Note: Holders of a Commonwealth Health Benefits card are entitled to apply for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
Books, Materials and Special Clothing:
All classroom materials can be ordered through the school and collected from the school. Each child's school needs (art materials, scissors, books, texts, pencils, etc.) are purchased in bulk by the school, thus saving parents both time and money.
A library bag and a protective art smock should be provided by parents.
Parents are required to provide appropriate clothing and footwear for sports sessions. Uniforms for inter-school sport are provided by the school.
'Sun Smart' Policy:
We aim to raise awareness in the school community of the causes of skin cancer and to promote desirable strategies for minimising the effects of ultra-violet radiation and prolonged exposure to the sun. Students are expected to wear broad brimmed or legionnaire hats and sunscreen when participating in outdoor activities in terms 1 and 4.
Student Reports and 3-way Conferences:
Mid year and end of year written reports provide feedback on your child's progress. These can be used as a basis for parent-teacher interviews and 3-way conferences (parent, teacher and student).
Teachers can provide information which gives an assessment of each pupil's performance when compared with the 'average' Victorian child in that age range. This reflects student outcomes in the domains and dimensions of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) levels of achievement. Although it is understood that children will progress through these levels at varying rates, it is expected that most will achieve the levels as follows:
VELS level 1: at the end of Prep.
VELS level 2: at the end of year 2.
VELS level 3: at the end of year 4.
VELS level 4: at the end of year 6.
VELS level 5: at the end of year 8.
VELS level 6: at the end of year 10.
All Prep students will undergo individual testing on Wednesdays during first term whilst the teacher has no teaching duties. Initial parent/teacher interviews will follow this assessment time.
Health, Accidents and Emergencies:
Children who arae injured or ill are sent (with teacher approval) to Sick Bay. Treatment is recorded and the original of this document is sent home with the child. Staff qualified in Level 2 first aid are on rostered duty in the Sick Bay throughout the day. Parents will be contacted when there is cause for concern. If parents cannot be contacted, emergency contact persons will be called.
