PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
Welcome to Merrimac State School. Choosing a school for your child is an important decision. Given that all schools are different and all students are unique, it is important that much care and consideration be given when choosing a school. Merrimac State School has an Administration Team committed to making the transition to a new school as smooth as possible. All team members understand the challenges the first day in a new school can present for both students and parents.
Our Administration Team is made up of the following staff:
Principal Dr Randall Pointing
Deputy Principal Mr Wayne Jenks
Head of Curriculum Miss Lindy Murray
Business Services Mgr Mrs Cathy Yeates
Administration Officer Mrs Jo Farrar
Administration Officer Mrs Gail Church
All staff share the same important job as parents - to support, educate and train young Australians, to be equipped with the skills necessary to contribute effectively to society.
Communication is critical if education is to be effective. For this reason we encourage you to raise issues or concerns with class teachers or a member of the Administration Team. Where possible we request that you schedule an appointment to ensure sufficient time is made available to meet with you.
We welcome your feedback in relation to our enrolment process and trust that your association with our school provides both you and your family with many happy memories, along with the skills, motivation and confidence to continue pursuing life long learning.
Randall Pointing - Principal
SCHOOL HISTORY
Merrimac State School enjoys a picturesque rural setting just as it did when it first opened in 1917. From its humble beginnings as a one teacher school, Merrimac has grown to a school with close to 700 students. The original school building remains as an historical reminder of the school in the early 20th Century. As the school has grown so has the surrounding neighbourhood. Merrimac has a mix of buildings replicating the changing designs of schools over the last 30 years. Merrimac’s rural beginning has been sustained within a country atmosphere, characterised by trees, open space, gardens and the Federation Walkway, all of which provide a haven for a range of wildlife.
Today, Merrimac takes great pride in its location, surrounded by international Golf Courses, Resorts, Avica Wedding World, Hillview House (Aged Care Facility) and Braeside Wedding Chapel.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Merrimac’s education philosophy stems from both its School Motto of “Honesty and Endeavour” and its Vision Statement of “Educating the Future”. Merrimac offers a stimulating Early Childhood Program from Prep to Year 3. As a general guide classes in this area have 25 children or less. In the middle and upper primary section, classes generally have 28 children or less.
Broad curriculum experiences are provided through full time specialist teachers in the Library, Physical Education, Music, Languages other than English (LOTE) and Learning Support. Part time teachers also provide programs for Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion.
The school has the services of a Guidance Officer 3 days per week, an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and visits from a range of Advisory Visiting Teachers who support students in the areas of physical, visual, intellectual and hearing impairment along with a regular service from a Speech/Language Pathologist.
Other areas of emphasis include the implementation of our School Literacy and Numeracy Programs, Assessment and Reporting, the continued development of our Environmental Program, the review of our Behaviour Management Policy and the extended use of computers throughout the school. Japanese is the language taught to Years 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
HOLIDAYS
The Queensland State School holidays are as follows:
School recommences: 29 January 2008
Easter Vacation: 7 April – 11 April 2008
Winter Vacation: 30 June – 11 July 2008
Spring Vacation: 22 September – 3 October 2008
School Ends: 12 December 2008
PUPIL FREE DAYS
The proposed pupil free days for 2008 are:
24 & 25 January, 14 April, 14 July and 20 October
Vacation care is available for all school holidays and pupil free days.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
Please extend to us the courtesy of writing a short note or phoning to explain why a child has been absent from school. When a child is to be absent from school for three or more days, the school must be notified in writing. This is an Education Queensland requirement.
ACCIDENTS/ILLNESSES
When your child is enrolled at our school, we will request information on our Enrolment Form so that we are able to act, as far as possible, in accordance with your wishes should the necessity arise.
It is our School Policy that if a child is seriously injured and requires hospital or casualty attention, we will call the ambulance first and the home second. If the injury is not urgent, we contact the parent at home or at work and if required then contact the ambulance.
If a child becomes ill at school we will make every effort to contact you at home or at work so that your child can be taken home. It is very important that we have up-to-date information on telephone numbers, father’s work, mother’s work and a contact phone number of a friend, relative or neighbour in the case of a serious emergency. Please advise us if any of these numbers change so that we can keep our records up-to-date.
Neither the School nor Education Queensland carry Accident Insurance for children. Adherence to school rules and the use of common sense will do much to keep accidents to a minimum.
ASSESSMENT OF PUPIL’S PROGRESS AND REPORTING
It is now customary for teachers to undertake continuous assessment throughout the semester. As such end of semester testing is not as extensive as it used to be.
The timeline for reporting to parents has been listed below. Parent/teacher interviews will be held at the end of Terms 1 and 3. These interviews will be complemented with student folios. It is recommended that all parents take the opportunity of attending the planned parent/teacher interviews. Written Report Cards will be sent home at the end of Terms 2 and 4. Exact dates of parent/teacher interviews and written report cards will be provided early in the school year.
Pre Early Learning Record and the Year One, Two and Three Continuum is used in the first four years of schooling to plot the progress of the children. In Year Two, the children undergo Validation Tasks as part of the Year Two Diagnostic Net. In Years Three, Five and Seven, all children take part in a Statewide Testing Program. Parents are given further information on all of these forms of evaluation and testing and receive feedback on their children’s progress.
BANKING
A school banking service is provided for pupils by the Commonwealth Savings Bank. Banking is conducted each Monday morning. For advice on opening a school banking account, parents should contact the Commonwealth Bank. Forms are available at the school office.
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
Behaviour at Merrimac State School is of a high standard. A strong expectation is that the school will manage student misbehaviour through clearly established procedures. The community values the emphasis placed on positive student behaviour.
Belief Statements:
Merrimac State School bases its Behaviour Management Program on the following beliefs
An effective school community is characterised by clearly communicated rules and consequences
Behaviour Management involves a partnership between the teachers, parents and child
Ongoing communication between the home and the school is an important aspect of the Behaviour Management Plan
Student management should be based on ‘responsible thinking’ with an emphasis on the wholistic management of students
‘Responsible thinking ‘ requires students to accept responsibility for their own behaviour
School personnel should model appropriate behaviour
School behaviour management should focus on positive practices that promote and acknowledge good behaviour and include steps for dealing with inappropriate behaviour
Aims of Behaviour Management Program:
To create a positive environment with minimal disruption from undesirable behaviour
To foster self-discipline within the children
To develop children who are responsible for their own decisions and behaviour
To empower students to manage and resolve conflict
To reward exemplary behaviour
Rights of Students, Teachers and Parents
Students have a right to:
a quality educational environment
feel they are important as individuals and members of a group
get pleasure and enjoyment from educational experiences
feel secure and safe
feel that their contribution is valued
be able to learn without interference or interruption by other students
Teachers have a right to:
be treated with respect and courtesy by the school community
be able to expect support from students, parents and administration
feel that their contribution is valued
be able to expect student cooperation
feel secure in the classroom
Parents have a right to:
be treated with respect and courtesy
feel that their contribution is valued
access school policy/curriculum information
be regularly informed of their child’s progress
Student Code of Behaviour
The school code of behaviour is based upon the school motto of ‘honesty and endeavour’
Honestywill be reinforced through the promotion of key concepts including - caring, trust, sharing, truthfulness, sincerity, honour, fairness and consideration.
Endeavour will be encouraged through an emphasis on the following concepts including - striving, effort, understanding, cooperation, citizenship, equity, fun and enjoyment, positive attitudes and respecting the rights of others. The code of behaviour is based on the word PRIDE and is displayed throughout the school:
Play safely wearing a hat at all times
Respect others
Interact with others showing courtesy and manners
Display pride in your school
Endeavour to do your personal best
Student Behaviour Levels System:
The Student Level System has been designed to enable both teachers and students to keep track of their behaviour. The system is open and fair with students being aware of expected behaviour and the consequences for inappropriate behaviour. A key component of the system is the emphasis on ‘responsible thinking’ with each level requiring students to ‘reflect’ or think about their behaviour. The level system manages student behaviour wholistically with student behaviour information collated through administration.
A key issue in this process is that the teacher and student are both aware of the behaviours and share a common knowledge of the level system and related consequences.
Encouraging Positive Behaviour:
Although the Level System has a strong emphasis on the management of misbehaviour a major focus has also been placed on expecting and acknowledging appropriate behaviour. Students are rewarded through praise and recognition, acknowledgement, awards and presentations.
BICYCLE ENCLOSURE
A bicycle enclosure has been provided by the school’s P&C Association to assist with the security of bicycles. It is recommended that bicycles are also securely chained to the bicycle racks. As students choose to ride their bicycles to school, the school can not be held responsible for any theft of bicycles. Please be aware of this.
BOOK LISTS
At the end of each year, the school will issue a list of basic requirements for the following year. The school bookshop sells book kits for each year level or separate books as required. It is expected that parents will also purchase items, as they need replacing, throughout the year.
BOOKSHOP
The school bookshop is administered by a sub-committee of the P&C. All student requirements (books and uniforms) are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 9.00am. When Monday is a public holiday or Pupil Free day the Bookshop will open on the Tuesday of that week. The Bookshop is a valuable source of funds for our school. Your patronage is appreciated.
BUILDING FUND
The P&C Association requests a yearly Building Fund Levy of $10.00 per child or $20.00 per family. This levy is fully tax deductible. Merrimac State School is raising funds to further improve our Multi Purpose Community Cultural Centre which houses such activities as Outside School Hours Care, Gymnastics, School Discos, Special Parades, Dancing and International Events. Donations can be made to the Bookshop. Another P & C project is to raise funds to air condition Classrooms and all shared specialist rooms (eg. Library, Technology, Music and LOTE rooms) The teachers and children may from time to time also participate in other fundraising activities to raise money for specific uses, eg. Year 7 Graduation.
BUSES
The school is serviced by Surfside Buslines. Please phone this company for further information regarding routes, stops or fares. For details regarding Bus Passes please contact Surfside Buslines on 55716555. Primary students residing more than 3.2 kilometres from the nearest State School will generally be regarded as eligible for free travel. The holding of a free bus pass is a privilege not a right. Children who abuse that privilege by constant misbehaviour can expect to have their pass confiscated - hence they will have to pay full fare.
Details regarding school bus assistance for lower income families can be obtained by phoning the Department of Transport (132 380).
CAR PARKS
Our school has been provided with two car park facilities on Boowaggan Road. Please observe all rules when using the car park. No parking is allowed in the bus bay area in Gooding Drive.
DENTAL CLINIC
Qld Health provides the School Dental Service, offering treatment to students from age 4 through to completion of Year 10. Medical History-consent forms are issued and must be completed and returned before an examination.
After the examination parents/guardians will receive a statement of treatment needs which must be signed prior to treatment commencing. The team providing this service consists of a Dentist, School Dental Therapists and Dental Assistants.
Dental Therapists working under the direction of a Dentist will carry out most of the Dental Procedures. Routine regular services are provided on the school grounds in a mobile Dental Clinic. Emergency or toothache treatment is available by contacting 0432 462458.
EARLY DEPARTURES
Parents must present themselves at the office to collect students early. The Early Departure book must be completed for our records.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES
The following procedures relate to an evacuation in the event of an outbreak of fire (or explosion) at Merrimac State School. After a fire has been reported and immediately it becomes apparent that assistance is needed:
The teacher is to immediately commence evacuation procedures and advise the ‘office’ so the FIRE ALARM may be sounded. If this is not possible, the person having discovered the fire will arrange to give the alarm! (Any fire must be reported IMMEDIATELY to the Principal/Deputy Principal)
Ascertain that all children are present (check withdrawal rooms). All teachers will then lead their classes to the extremities of the playground, away from the fire and away from buildings. If doors are blocked, exit through windows. Do not use the central walkway to the oval unless it is absolutely necessary.
The following personnel will undertake the following duties:
All class teachers or persons in charge of class groups will lead their children to safety. Teachers are to take their class roll with them if it is safely possible to retrieve it.
The Administrative Assistants will check the Administration Block for children. The Teacher/Librarian and/or Library Aides, if on duty, will check the library and take children from the library.
The Janitor/ Groundsperson and the Teacher Aides on duty will check the toilet blocks. Tuckshop helpers are to check the covered play area and escort any ‘stray’ children by the nearest safe route to the oval to meet their teachers.
The Principal/Deputy Principal will immediately after the alarm has been given, phone the Fire Brigade, Ambulance etc. and receive their instructions. In case of the Principal/Deputy Principal being prevented from acting, the teacher-in-charge of the school will assume responsibility to see that the buildings are cleared and the appropriate authorities are notified.
After all children are safely away from the danger - staff and children are to assemble on the oval, provided this can be safely done. Teachers will then check (with the help of the class roll, if possible) that the complement of children are present. This is important, especially in the lower grades.
THE ALARM IS GIVEN BY CONTINUOUS SOUNDING OF AN EVACUATION SIGNAL
Should any circumstances arise that make an observance of the above rules impossible or impracticable - teachers must then use their own discretion and keep in mind that THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN IS ALWAYS THE FIRST CONCERN. It is always advisable to ensure all doorways are unlocked and free of obstructions at all times.
ENROLMENT PROCEDURE—FOR 2008 SCHOOL YEAR
Prep
To be eligible to attend Prep 2008 a child must be born between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2003. Application packages are available from our school office. Further information on Prep is located in the “Prep Year” section located in this booklet.
Year One
A child may be enrolled into Year 1 for 2008 if he/she is born between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2002. The following table can be used as a guide to determine the year in which your child is eligible to attend Prep/Year1.
An orientation day will be held during October for parents of our incoming Prep and Year 1 Students.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB/RECYCLING
Children are requested to bring Norco milk bottle tops to school as a fund raising initiative. These are to be taken to the classrooms. The funds raised from this go to environmental projects around the school. The winning classes (lower and upper school) from each week’s returns receives a special treat from the Tuckshop.
EXCURSIONS
There will be at some time during the school year, day excursions organised by the various classes. Consent forms are sent home with the children for each excursion. Costs are to be met by parents. It is school policy that all children taking part in excursions must wear the correct school uniform. Children not attired correctly will not be permitted to attend the excursion and will have excursion money refunded. This policy is supported by the school’s P & C Association. Years 4 and 6 have a three-day camp during the year. Parents are notified well in advance of these events and monthly payments can be made to offset costs.
HATS/HAIR
To help promote health and safety, children with hair length on or below shoulders must wear it tied with an appropriate hair band/scrunchies. These are available from the bookshop. Hats are compulsory.
Hats must be worn by all children in all outdoor activities including lunch/recess times. The royal blue cap/hat with school emblem is available from the bookshop.
HOME SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS
We believe strongly in parent involvement and we invite you to develop a close link with the school. In this way parents can be kept informed of school developments and of the progress and welfare of their children. Any parents who feel concerned about any matter relating to their children at school should seek an appointment with the Principal or Deputy Principal to discuss the problem. Unfortunately misunderstandings do occur, often because parents receive second hand information that is not accurate. We believe that teachers and parents need to work in partnership for the benefit of the children. Parents seeking an interview with teachers should make an appointment to see them either before or after school. However, should the parent consider the matter urgent or cannot see the teacher out of teaching time, he/she should call at the office first. In this way arrangements will be made if possible for the teacher’s class to be supervised during the interview.
HOMEWORK POLICY
A teacher may set homework for a class or individual child in different subjects
The purpose of homework is to reinforce work which has been learnt at school and also to assist any children who may be experiencing any problems with their work.
Homework may include spelling, reading, number facts, operations, research and writing up of Social Studies or Science.
Homework is not to be regarded as a disciplinary action but must be of value to the child and be related to the instruction of the day or week.
If a child experiences any difficulties with set homework after having attempted it, he/she should seek assistance from the teacher the following day before school commences.
The child should not spend excessive time on any work which he/she has had difficulty with. If homework cannot be done, parents should send a note along to the classroom teacher.
Children should take time and care when doing homework. Homework should be presented in a neat and orderly manner.
Where possible, parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child’s homework, eg. hear reading and spelling, supervise project work and sign homework given by teachers.
Homework can be given every night, including Friday. Friday’s homework can be done any time during the weekend.
Some teachers prefer homework to be done on a contract basis whereby the child is given a week’s homework to be done at the child’s own rate as long as it is completed by the end of the week.
No set homework will be given during the holidays.
The following times can be used as a guide for homework:
Prep Generally, no set homework (from Term Two, somelearning of sounds and related words).
Year 1 Up to 5-10 minutes (reading and sight words).
Generally, not more than an hour each week.
Years 2 & 3 Up to 15-20 minutes (some written and some learning work). Generally, not more than an hour each week.
Years 4 & 5 Up to 20-25 minutes (children may have some written work each night and learning tasks).Generally, not more than 2-3 hours each week.
Years 6 & 7 Up to 20-40 minutes (children in these grades should be developing study skills and should be competent in written and learning work). Generally, not more than 3-4 hours each week.
Teachers will correct homework the next day or as soon as possible after it is handed in. Children throughout the school will be expected to complete home reading in addition to the set homework time.
If parents are concerned about homework, they should feel free to discuss the matters with the teachers. Teachers will outline homework expectations early in the school year at the teacher/parents meeting.
IMMUNIZATION
Children entering school should be immunised against childhood diseases, as they will be coming into contact with lots of other children and any infections can spread easily. Children starting school should have:
one booster injection against Diphtheria and Tetanus
one booster dose of polio vaccine by mouth (Sabin)
A child should also have an injection of measles vaccine if he/she has not previously had measles or been immunised against measles. The Diphtheria/Tetanus and Polio vaccine can be given at the same time. In the event that measles immunisation is required in addition to the above injections, then this should be given one month before or after. Immunisation is available from your family doctor or council clinics.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Merrimac participates in a number of International activities including, Sister School Exchanges, enrolment of students on Visitor and Dependent Student visas, the hosting of International Study tours and one day Visitor Tours. The school provides teacher aide and/or specialised teacher support for students where English is a Second Language. Merrimac has a broad enrolment of students from countries including Bosnia, Canada, China, England, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Russia, Scotland and Zimbabwe. Currently students in Years 4-7 study Japanese as a language other than English.
INTERSCHOOL SPORT
Our school is involved in Rugby League, Touch Football, Softball, Baseball, Cricket, Basketball, Soccer and Netball. An upfront bulk fee is charged to cover the cost of transportation and sports levies. No child is permitted to play without the written consent of parents. Children in Years 5, 6 and 7 not involved in Interschool Sport will take part in other school based activities. Interschool sport may be supplemented throughout the year with some organised recreational sports.
Sports Uniforms Must Be Worn When Representing
The School In Interschool Sports
JAPANESE SISTER SCHOOL
In 2001 Merrimac signed a Sister School Agreement with Katsuragi Elementary School in Japan. Merrimac has enjoyed a number of exchange activities including a very successful Study Tour to Japan in September 2007. Our Sister School Agreement provides for student exchanges every two years. Over the last few years over 150 students and teachers from Merrimac have participated in this exchange and Merrimac State School have welcomed a similar number of students and teachers from the Katsuragi school .
JEWELLERY
In the case of safety and practicality, jewellery is to be kept to a minimum. Boys and girls may wear a watch and plain studs or sleepers in their ears. Make-up and nail polish are not allowed. No other form of jewellery or adornment is to be worn, except for medical, cultural or religious purposes.
LATE ARRIVALS
Children arriving late to school after 9.00am must go first to administration to be issued with a late slip.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
After a child has arrived at school, he/she must not leave the school grounds before dismissal time (2.55pm) without permission from a member of staff. Permission will be granted only on the written request from the parent/guardian of the child, or in an emergency.
LIBRARY
The library serves as a lending and reference library for the whole school. Children are welcome to borrow books in class library time or during lunch hours. Book losses or damage are the responsibility of the parent to replace or repair. To protect books, all children should have a library bag in which to carry their books. Children are to be encouraged to borrow books, as reading is a key skill and the student who develops an early love of reading is invariably a capable student.
LOCKDOWN
A lockdown is a procedure for minimising risk to students from events or circumstances such as inclement weather, toxic or chemical spills, dangerous animals or intruders. A LOCKDOWN will be initiated with the playing of recognisable music.
If students are in the classroom they will move to the front of the classrooms, near the blackboard closest to the withdrawal room or to a position out of direct sight from windows. All windows and doors are to be locked and lights turned out. Students will remain in this position until advised that the lockdown has concluded.
If students are moving between classrooms they will move to the nearest classroom and observe the lockdown procedure as if they were in their own classroom.
If students are at morning tea or lunch during a lockdown they will return to their own classroom and observe the normal lockdown procedure. If in the event a danger exists in one or more buildings staff will be deployed to redirect students.
A LOCKDOWN will be terminated by an Emergency Evacuation or advised through the intercom, phone or paging system.
LOST OR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
It is amazing the amount of unclaimed clothing and other items that accumulate at school. To reduce this problem please ensure that items of clothing and footwear bear the owner’s name. Please re-mark items where the identification has faded. Items unclaimed at the end of each term will be dispatched to a charity. The Lost Property Box is located in the undercover area. Enquiries regarding lost property may be made at the office.
MEDICATION DURING SCHOOL HOURS
At times, it is necessary for children under Doctor’s instructions to take medication during school hours. We are aware of this need and are willing to assist you in this situation. All medication is administered through the Office and a Medication Form has to be completed. This is necessary for the safety of the child.
MORNING TEAS/LUNCHES
The children eat their morning teas and lunches either within or outside their classrooms. They remain in their class groups and are supervised by their class teachers during this time.
NEWSLETTER
The school newsletter is published every Thursday and distributed to the youngest child in the family. It is a vital link in the communication process between home and school. The current newsletter is also available on our website www.merrimacss.eq.edu.au
OUTDOOR PURSUITS PROGRAM
In recent years Merrimac State School has conducted an Outdoor Pursuits Program for Years 5 to 7 children. The program is currently under review as we determine how best to implement the new Health and Well Being Fitness program initiatives of the Federal Government.
OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE
Outside school hours care is available for school children from 6.30am to 8.50am and 3.00pm to 5.45pm. Please contact the Outside School Hours Care Coordinator on 55252617 Monday to Friday for further details. It is essential that parents planning to use this facility book their child/children in advance.
PARADE/ASSEMBLIES
Separate Lower School (Prep and Years 1-3) and Upper School (Years 4-7) parades are held weekly in the Multi-Purpose Centre. Whole school parades are held for special events. Details of days and times for parades will be provided early in the school year. A number of awards such as Student of The Week are presented each week. Parents are welcome to attend school parades/assemblies.
PARENT BODIES
The Parents and Citizen’s Association is an officially constituted body under the provision of the Education Act. The main aim of this Association is to work for the benefit of children at school. Membership is open to anyone interested in the school. The P & C Association has a number of sub-committees. These include the Tuckshop Committee, Outside School Hours Care Committee, Bookshop Committee and the Grounds Committee.
Parents are invited to involve themselves in the activities of the Association. We realise that you may not be able to attend all meetings, but we would like to see you sometimes. The Parents and Citizen’s Association meets on the second Monday of each month at 7.00pm in the Administration Block. The Tuckshop, Bookshop and Outside School Hours Care Committees hold meetings as required.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT
It is our policy that children be active participants in physical education activities. A wide range of sports activities are offered. Should your child be unfit to join classes (eg asthma, aftermath of operations etc.) please advise us by phone or by note.
Sports in which the school is involved include: Rugby League, Cricket, Soccer, Netball, Softball, Baseball, Athletics, Tennis, Touch Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Golf and Swimming.
PREP YEAR
Prep classes follow the Queensland Early Years Curriculum. It focuses on factors that help children to be successful in school such as social and emotional competence, health and physical well being, early literacy and numeracy, active learning processes and positive attitudes to learning. Prep is full time 5 days a week. All students who meet the age requirements will be eligible to enrol. To be eligible in the prep year in 2008 a child must be born between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2003.
RECORDS
When a child is enrolled at school, certain items of information are obtained and recorded. Should there be changes in these, we would appreciate you advising us. Please advise of changes to your home or work telephone contact number, address, doctor, family circumstances (eg. death, divorce, separation) and any factor which may have an influence on a child’s behaviour or attitudes. Should a Court Order in relation to Custody be in place, it is critical that Administration be aware and that a copy be held on file.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education classes are conducted each week. A number of religious education personnel of various denominations have cooperated in drawing up a common program. Children will stay together as a class, unless otherwise specified by the parent. Separate Roman Catholic classes are undertaken. For children not attending religion, a note from the parent is required.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Our school has a formalised School Council made up of Principal, P&C President, 3 elected P&C representatives and 3 elected school staff members. The role of the School Council is to assist in setting strategic goals and approving the Annual School Budget. Two meetings are held each term and parents are kept informed of happenings through P&C meetings and the school newsletter.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Our school is a uniform school. All children are expected to wear their school uniform at all times. Uniforms are to be kept neat and tidy. Oversize or short uniforms are discouraged. A hat and footwear are compulsory.
Uniforms must be worn on all excursions and when representing the school in sporting or other interschool activities
School uniforms are available from the School Bookshop every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8.30am to 9.00am. A reserve supply of clean uniforms is kept. Children not in school uniform will be required to change into the uniform provided. For the safety of our students, the school insists that all students be dressed in the correct school colours. This allows for easy identification of our students and also the quick identification of any intruders who may enter our school grounds. It is requested that all children wear royal blue hats. The broad brimmed school hat is recommended.
SCHOOL TIMES
First Bell 8.50am
First Session 8.55am—11.00am
Middle Session 11.30am—12.50pm
Afternoon Session 1.35pm—2.55pm
SCHOOL CHAPLAIN
Matt Mulquin is our school chaplain. Matt is here 2 days a week, he is available to all students with emotional, ethical or spiritual needs. Parents can contact Matt via the office.
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Although the school has specialists in Music, Physical Education, LOTE, Library Work and Special Education (Learning Support Teacher, Guidance Officer, Speech Therapist, Communication Teacher, English as a Second Language), class teachers are still closely involved in these aspects of education.
STUDENT HEALTH
The school sick bay is located in the Administration Building and caters for children feeling unwell through the day. If, in the opinion of the administrative staff, the child is uncomfortably sick, the parents/ guardians will be telephoned to collect them.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Student Leaders are elected from the Year 7 students by pupils of Year 7 and the school staff. The Student Leaders represent the students at official functions and events and receive and welcome visitors.
SPORTS CAPTAINS
For Sports competition children are allocated to houses. One boy and one girl are chosen as captains of each house.
The houses are named after the pioneering families of the Merrimac area:
Davidson= Green Hamilton = Blue
Birmingham= Yellow Gooding = Red
Class Captains
A boy and girl class captain is elected each term in classes from Years 4 to 7. These children undertake various class responsibilities within their classes.
Student Council
Representatives from Years 6 & 7 are elected each term by the students and teachers to be part of our Student Council. The Student Council meets monthly and is involved in a number of school-based projects and activities.
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
As there is no direct supervision of children in the grounds before school (with the exception of children booked into Outside School Hours Care), Education Queensland assumes no responsibility for their care and protection during that time. It is considered that arrival at school before 8.30am is unnecessary. Certainly children should not be allowed to be at school before 8.00am. Children arriving before 8.00am are to assemble outside the Administration Block.
Children should depart as soon as possible after 3.00pm. They are supervised until 3.15pm in the carpark and until the last bus leaves the bus bay. Any children left at the school after 3.15pm are required to wait at the front of the school near the Administration Block.
Parents are encouraged to make a casual booking with Outside School Hours Care for any emergent situation which may arise where a child’s parents are delayed from collecting children of an afternoon.(Children still at school after 4.00pm, whose parents have a casual booking, will be directed to Outside School Hours Care).
SWIMMING
Our school provides Learn to Swim and swimming lessons for all year levels in either Term 1 or Term 4. Students travel by bus to a local aquatic centre for their lessons. Swimming permission notes and more information are supplied at the start of each swimming term. Confirmation of swimming arrangements will be made early in 2008.
TRANSFER OF STUDENTS
If a child is going to leave the school, a transfer is needed to take to the next school they will attend. Please apply to the office for a transfer.
TUCKSHOP
Our Tuckshop is a vital service for the children and staff of our school. Our aim is to provide a well-balanced range of foods, while managing to raise a minimum of funds to assist in the P & C Association’s budgeting framework.
Counter opening times:
Monday to Friday Little Lunch 11.00 a.m. - 11.25 a.m.
Monday to Friday Big Lunch 1.00 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.
All little lunches and big lunches have to be preordered. Orders are to be written on a paper bag with the child’s name and class. Correct money if possible, is to be placed inside the bag. Orders are collected in the classroom and sent to the Tuckshop at 9am.
Big lunch and little lunch orders are collected from the Tuckshop by class monitors and taken to the classroom. Paper bags supplied and written by tuckshop workers are charged at 5 cents each. Envelopes are not suitable.
At 1.00 p.m, after the children have had time to eat their lunch, they may purchase ice blocks, chips, drinks etc. from the Tuckshop. A full price list will be sent out during the first week back at school. Additional copies of the price list are available from the Tuckshop.
TUCKSHOP VOLUNTEER HELPERS
Parents or friends working on a roster system assist with Tuckshop operations. Newcomers to the school are invited to submit their names for inclusion on the roster. The Tuckshop is administered by a sub-committee of the P & C Association.
VACATION CARE
Vacation Care is available for all school holidays and pupil free days, excluding a one-week period between Christmas and New Year. Vacation care hours are 7.30 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information please contact the Outside School Hours Care Coordinator on 55252617 Monday to Friday.
VOLUNTARY WORKERS
It is practice at Merrimac to invite parents and other interested adults to serve as voluntary aides with those teachers who desire this service. This is usually outlined at the Parent-Teacher Evening early in the school year. All volunteers are requested to sign in and out at the office
It is also a legal requirement that all volunteers—other than parents in their child’s classroom - who work with children must apply for a blue card. There is no cost involved to obtain a volunteer blue card and application forms are available from our school office.
