1. 1
This booklet is intended to be of service to you,
the parent, with its specific intention being to make
Home/school liaison clear. It is hoped it will be kept
and any amendments included as they arise.
15 Munro St (03) 5385 2526
MURTOA. VIC 3390 Fax (03) 5385 2803
PO Box 92 email: principal@olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au
Murtoa. Vic 3390 website: www.olhcmurtoa.catholic.edu.au
(Updated:May 2012)
Your Children, Their Future, ..... Our Lady’s
3. 3
CONTENTS
Page
Our Vision and Mission 4
History of Our Lady Help of Christians School 5
Learning and Teaching 7, 8
Allowances 14
Assessment and Reporting/School Policies 12
Attendances/Prep Arrangements 13
Bus arrangements 13
Class Structure/Educating in Faith/Pastoral Care 9
Closure days 14
Computer and Online Access Acceptable Use Protocol 24
Discipline Policy 8
Distribution of books 14
Enrolment Policy/Student Record File 10
Excursions 15
Facilities / Computer Education 11
Finances /School Fees 14-15
Homework Policy 16
Infectious Diseases 17
Medicine / First Aid Policy 19
Newsletter / Notices 18
Parent Involvement 18
Regulations / Pick up and delivery of students 20
School Banking Service 13
School Calendar 10
School hours / Briefing sessions 12
School Library service 18
School lunches 19
School Policy 25-27
School Sports / Cross Country / Swimming 19-20
School Uniform 22-23
Special Needs 21
Student Leadership 21
4. 4
OUR VISION AND MISSION
Our Vision
As a Catholic School Community we acknowledge that Christ is the foundation of Catholic
Education.
With this knowledge
We aim to support the children as they learn to respond to the Gospel in their daily lives.
We aim to support the children as they come to value learning and assist them to explore
their emerging role in society.
Our Mission
We will work together to provide a quality education in keeping with Catholic/Christian
tradition.
We will challenge each student to strive for excellence within a comprehensive,
stimulating curriculum that develops the self-esteem of all.
We will be involved in the life of the Parish and wider community.
Student leaders are blessed and commissioned by Fr Peter Hudson, P.P.
5. 5
HISTORY OF OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
History
Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School is situated on a large parcel of land on the
south-eastern outskirts of Murtoa. It is a small Wimmera farming community situated 30
kilometres from Horsham with a population of approximately 850 and is part of the
Horsham Parish of St. Michael and St. John. A major industry in the area is dryland
agriculture. A significant proportion of school families live on outlying farms or are
engaged in the agricultural industry.
1959 An attempt was made to start a Catholic School in Murtoa about 1959, and
although the plans were drawn up, no further steps were taken at this time. Early
in 1961, a Building Committee was formed. President was Father Paddy King and
Secretary was Mr. John O’Halloran, of Murtoa. Three members represented
Rupanyup on the Committee and plans went ahead quite rapidly.
The building of masonry veneer construction was commenced in December 1961,
and completed in October 1962.
1963 Bishop James Patrick O’Collins performed the official opening and dedication to
Our Lady Help of Christians on March 24th
1963, before a large crowd of locals
and visitors. All were delighted with the modern and well-equipped school and the
spacious grounds.
Classes commenced at the beginning of the 1963 school year with 53 pupils,
staffed by Sr Mary Ethna (Principal) and Sr. Mary de Porres, Brigidine nuns from
the Horsham convent. A car was provided and the nuns travelled daily from
Horsham.
1974 Mrs. Veronica Slattery was appointed the first lay principal in 1974 when the
Brigidines could no longer supply a teacher. Seven more lay principals have
served Our Lady’s community over the years while other teachers have provided
assistance in the classroom and as support staff in the classrooms, in the library
and in administration.
2007 Our Lady Help of Christians is an important focal point for the local Catholic
community, and older church members in particular, regularly enjoy visiting the
school to join in school masses and other activities. The school has a high profile
in leadership and involvement in the wider local community, especially in events
such as Murtoa’s BIG Weekend, held each year in October.
Our Lady Help of Christians has several distinctive features. Its relatively small size is used
to great advantage, allowing children to receive quality education and attention to
individual needs and talents. The students are nurtured in a family-type environment,
with peer support being encouraged across all age groups. The school’s approach of
working in partnership with families means a strong commitment and involvement by
parents to enhance school resources and facilities.
7. 7
LEARNING AND TEACHING
We believe that all learning and teaching that takes place at Our Lady Help of Christians,
Murtoa, must be soundly based on Gospel Values.
Overall we believe:
Given sufficient time and support, all students can achieve high standards
given the right conditions and assistance, all teachers can teach to high standards
high expectations and early intervention are essential
teachers need to be able to articulate what they do and why they teach the way they do
Regarding the way children learn:
We believe that all children can learn. We believe children learn best:
in a safe, supportive and active environment
in the company of their peers
in partnership with their teachers and parents
with appropriate support
through routine
at their own rate
in a variety of ways
in a variety of settings
through a variety of experiences
through success
through having positive self esteem
through taking risks
Regarding what we want for our children:
During their time at Our Lady Help of Christians, the children will:
model Gospel values and become practical and active witnesses to the Gospel
see themselves as capable of learning
enjoy their learning
become literate and numerate
develop responsible attitudes
demonstrate the beginnings of effective national and global citizenship
accept responsibility for their place in the world
8. 8
develop a positive sense of self
demonstrate a healthy respect for others
adapt to an education based on process
become competent in using a variety of technologies
attain the appropriate standard in all key learning areas in accordance with government
and system policies
Regarding how we will teach:
In response to our beliefs about the way children learn, and about what they will become,
we believe our teaching must:
be based on the message of the Gospel
be based on the inherent belief that every child can learn
be based on an inherent belief in the unique value of each individual
be based on what the children already know
respond to individual needs and differences
provide opportunities for every child to experience success
provide a challenging environment that caters for a variety of learning styles
encourage the children to attain their full potential
encourage the children to accept challenges in their learning
promote the growth of positive self esteem
provide both concrete and abstract learning experiences
draw on real life experiences
employ assessment and reporting methods that are positive, accurate and effective
involve the school and wider community
9. 9
GENERAL INFORMATION
Class Structure/Educating in Faith/Pastoral Care
Class Structure
Our Lady’s School has two classrooms, which operate within a multi-class, multi-age
structure.
We believe that this structure forms quality relationships within a secure
environment;
Allows for modelling to others;
Allows the children to learn through experience of a wide range of activities that
may not otherwise have been available in a one-stream class;
Allows them to work at their own pace and within their own capabilities.
Educating in Faith
Our Religious Education Program follows the Guidelines mandated by the Bishop of the
Diocese and supported by the Catholic Education Office. Called “Awakenings” it aims in a
developmental way, to enrich and deepen the child’s relationship to self, family, the
community, the world and to our God.
The children are able to celebrate their faith journey through daily prayer; an R.E. lesson
each day, preparation of and participation in school Masses and other religious activities
throughout the year.
The Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist are celebrated jointly when the children are
in Grade Four. The Parish encourages family participation in Sacramental preparation and
provides support for this approach.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is made available in Grade Three.
Pastoral Care
Our Lady Help of Christians School is a faith community, which shares the vision and goal
of welfare and discipline based on trust and respect.
Through our Pastoral Care Policy we: -
endeavour to foster the gospel values of truth, openness, and justice;
believe that through a focus on relationships within the caring environment of the school
community, we build self esteem and confidence;
value the dignity of all members of our community;
provide an environment which accepts individual differences;
develop individuals who are encouraged to accept responsibility for their actions;
promote respect of self, others and property;
foster communication and co-operation;
provide opportunities for acceptable means of resolving differences;
consistently re-inforce our expectations;
work together with parents and engage support agencies when appropriate.
10. 10
Enrolment Policy/Student Record File
Enrolment Policy
The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria encourages all Catholic parents to seek a
place in a Catholic school for their children in accordance with their duties to do so.
The Commission also states the following guidelines: -
1. Priority of access to Catholic schools should be given to Catholic children.
2. The intellectual capacity of the Catholic child seeking a place in a Catholic school
should not be a criterion on entry.
3. Whilst the degree of faith commitment of a child’s parents is a relevant
consideration, it should not normally be the criterion for enrolling the child in a Catholic
school.
4. Children should not be excluded from Catholic schools because their parents are
unable to pay school fees.
5. Enrolment of non Catholic children should be made according to the policy of the
Catholic Education Commission: -
Non Catholic children may be enrolled where class sizes are within the acceptable limits.
They may be enrolled when the Parish Priest and Principal are in agreement on the
enrolment.
They may then be enrolled after an undertaking by the parents that the nature, life and
identity of the school will be respected.
Student Record File
When a child is enrolled, an enrolment form for the Student Record File is filled out with
many details concerning the child and his family. The details are only as accurate as
parents provide. It is essential that parents notify the school of any changes in details; i.e.
address. phone number, emergency contact, physical problems, etc.
Correct details are crucial in the event of accident or illness.
Please let the school know if your child is:
1. Asthmatic
2. Diabetic
3. Epileptic
4. Allergic to drugs, e.g. Penicillin or to bee stings, ant bites, spider bites etc.
All Student Record Files are kept strictly confidential.
School Calendar
2012
Term 1: 1st
February - 30th
March
Term 2: 16th
April - 29th
June
Term 3: 16th
July - 21st
September
Term 4: 8th
October - 21st
December
Easter: 6th April - 9th
April
2013
Term 1: 29th
January - 28th
March
Term 2: 15th
April - 28th
June
Term 3: 15th
July - 20th
September
Term 4: 7th
October - 20th
December
Easter: 29th
March - 1st
April
2014
Term 1: 28th
January – 4th
April
Term 2: 22nd h
April - 27th
June
Term 3: 14th
July - 19th
September
Term 4: 6th
October - 19th
December
Easter: 19th
April- 22nd
April
11. 11
Facilities/Computer Education
Facilities
The school has up-to-date facilities with classrooms, a library/computer lab (the senior
room has individual laptops for students), an art room (which can be used as a classroom as
the need arises), a multi-purpose room, staff room, student kitchen, Principal’s office and
General office. The playground includes two Adventure Playground constructions, hard
court area, football oval, and outdoor picnic area with tables and chairs.
A Friendship/Remembrance Garden was built in 2000 by the parents and memorial plaques
have been engraved with the names of family and close friends of the children at the school
who have died. These were originally on a seat near the garden but were then placed on a
rock beside a sculpture of an angel and child that were carved for us by a local artist out of
limestone blocks.
A long-term plan for the school grounds will include a major upgrade of the school
grounds, sporting facilities and playing areas.
Computer Education -Within the computer lab there is a pod of IBM computers. There
are also computers in the Junior classroom. The office operates on IBM.
A Victorian Catholic Schools Internet Network commenced in 1999.
Education in the use and scope of computer technology is taught throughout the school.
12. 12
School Hours/Briefing Sessions
School Hours
School commences each day at 9 am. Children should be in attendance at least ten minutes
before this time but it is not advisable for children to be at school before 8.30 am.
Morning Recess: 10.30 – 10.50 am Lunch: 1.00 –1.45 pm
Dismissal: 3.15 pm
Briefing Sessions
The teaching staff hold a briefing session each morning between 8.00 & 8.30 am
These sessions are important informative / organising sessions for staff and are one of the
reasons why children are not required at school before 8.30am.
The school phone number is 5385 2526 and the fax number is 5385 2803.
If you wish to ring the school to speak to a teacher, the most convenient times are: -
Before or after school,
Recess…10.30 – 10.50 am
Lunch time…1.00 – 1.45 pm.
Assessment and Reporting/School Policies
Assessment and Reporting
In order to give parents accurate information about their child’s performance at school,
reports are sent home to parents twice a year by each teacher in a way that will convey an
accurate and true picture of the child’s progress.
It is our intention that each teacher will communicate with every parent during the year at
Parent/Teacher Interviews. However, it is stressed that it is equally the responsibility of the
parent to contact the teacher if they feel concern over academic progress or a change in the
child’s attitude. Early intervention is a key strategy used at Our Lady’s School to prevent
any minor problems becoming major.
JUNE: Report and Interview
DECEMBER: Report/Interview if considered necessary.
Portfolios of each child’s work are kept throughout the year as a record for parents and the
school. The portfolios are given to the students when they exit the school at the end of
Grade 6.
School Policies
We have a comprehensive range of School Policies, which are reviewed on a regular basis.
These policies are kept in the General Office and are available for perusal by parents at any
time.
13. 13
Attendances/ Prep Arrangements
Attendances
If a child is absent from school, parents are expected to provide a written explanation for
the absence when the child returns to school. If an absence note is not received when the
child returns to school, the child is asked to take a note home to be signed. This is a legal
requirement.
No child may leave the school grounds without written permission from their parents and
the approval of the Principal.
In case of illness or accident other than a minor one, every effort will be made to contact a
parent. A child will be released from the school only to parents or authorised persons.
Regular attendance helps to develop and maintain:
(a) satisfactory school work;
(b) social interaction and adjustment;
(c) reliability.
Unnecessary absenteeism can handicap your child’s progress.
Home, however, is the best place for a sick child.
It is unwise to send a child back to school who is weak as a result of an illness. It is
impossible to teach a child in such a state of health. It is also unfair to other children and
teachers to send a child to school who is obviously ill.
Prep Arrangements
The following arrangement applies at the start of the year for all children in Prep.
The weather can be very hot and Prep children can get quite tired, as they become
accustomed to a new routine. We suggest that parents will know if their child is able to
cope with school every day and ask them to decide if and when their child may need to
stay home for a rest during the first few weeks. Some children are able to settle into school
without the need for any break, so it is up to a parent’s discretion to make this decision. We
ask however, that parents contact the school if the child will be staying home for the day.
School Banking Service
The Murtoa Commonwealth Bank offers the school a student banking service. Application
forms to open an account for your child are available at the school office upon request.
Bank Day is Wednesday.
Bus Arrangements
If your child is to travel by bus, enquires must be made at Murtoa College. The College
arranges bus travelling with the bus owners.
Any child, who is not normally a bus traveller, but wishes to use a bus at any time, must
obtain a Bus Pass from the General office. This pass is then given to the appropriate bus
driver as the child boards the bus. A fee is charged for travelling on a HORSHAM bus.
14. 14
Allowances
Conveyance
The Government pays an allowance to parents
(i) If they reside more than 4.8km from school by the shortest practicable route
trafficable by car not serviced by public or contracted transport.
(ii) If they reside more than 4.8km from the nearest pick up point for a school contract
bus service or public transport route.
Please contact the office for further information.
Education Maintenance Allowance
If you hold a current Pensioner Health Benefits Card, Health Care Card or Health Benefits
Card, you are eligible to apply for the Education Maintenance Allowance. You are able to
apply for the first instalment in Term One and the second in Term Three.
Closure Days
Throughout the year parents will be notified of at least six days on which the school will
close, to allow the teachers to take part in professional development activities.
These dates will be sent home via the Newsletter as early as possible to allow parents to
prepare for them in plenty of time.
Distribution of Books
All school books and requisites will be ready at the school on the first day of term. These
books are paid for with a student levy. (See Finances/School Fees, p.15.)
A detailed list of the supplies the children in each grade will receive is sent home in Fourth
Term.
All the children will need a personal water bottle, which will stay at school to be kept in
the classroom. It is preferable for the bottles to have a pop-top to prevent spillages.
All children are supplied with a hat and library bag, by the Parents & Friends Group.
Finances/School Fees
Finances
The school is financed by: -
State and Commonwealth Funding based on the number of students at the school.
Parish contributions.
School Fees and Levies.
Donations and Fundraising.
Parent support in paying the student levies and school fees on a weekly, fortnightly,
monthly, termly, or yearly basis is vital for the efficient running of the school.
School Fees
School fees are set each year in accordance with Diocesan guidelines.
The school distributes accounts at the beginning of each term.
15. 15
The Senior Camp to Gum San &Sovereign Hill.
There is also a Student Levy payable at the start of each year for each child.
The Student Levy covers the following expenses associated with your child’s classroom
program: -
all the classroom materials your child will use during the course of the year;
art supplies and sports equipment;
maintenance of our school library stock;
computer software and associated licences;
duplicating costs
These fees and levies are decided on at the last School Board Meeting of each year for the
following year.
Should you experience any difficulty in payment of fees, please ask to make an appointment with the
Principal or Parish Priest to discuss the matter. All such discussions are strictly confidential.
Excursions
Excursions are considered an important part of the school’s education program. This can
involve using the local community by visiting places, having speakers in, or travelling
further afield to give the children experiences relevant to topics being studied. Visiting
artists and shows which visit Murtoa also fill a need in this area.
A camp is planned for the Grades 4, 5 & 6 children every year, with the destinations being
done on a three-year cycle.
[e.g. Year 1….Melbourne;
Year 2….The Beach;
Year 3….An historic settlement [i.e. Sovereign Hill.]
2012 - Melbourne
2013 - The Beach
2014 – Sovereign Hill
The children combine with the students from Murtoa College Junior Campus for these
camps.
The children in Grades Prep to Grade 3 are involved in a day excursion each year, usually
during the time the older children are away on camp. These excursions have been to the
Naracoorte Caves, Warrnambool, Stawell Mini World and Gum San in past years. A
decision is made each year on the destination.
Junior Excursion to The Little Desert
16. 16
Homework Policy
Homework
The children in the Senior Room will be given homework to take home at the beginning of
the week. This is to be completed and returned to on a day arranged by the class teacher.
Homework projects may also be sent home a number of times during the year.
The Junior Room will have spelling words to learn during the week with activities.
The Homework in the Senior Room is set out on a HOMEWORK GRID.
The following is a guide to the amount of homework expected each weeknight (including
Reading):
Prep, 1 & 2 20 minutes Years 3&4 30 minutes Years 5&6 45
minutes
Reading is to be done every night by all students.
Homework is not teaching time. It is intended to:
Establish the habit of a ‘work at home’ routine that will be vital in the years ahead
Provide an opportunity for practice and reinforcement of basic skills and known
work.
What We Ask of Parents
Assist your children to fit homework time in with other commitments
See that your children work for the recommended amount of time (There is no expectation
that YOU actually do any of the work).
The children need only work for this amount of time each night. If by the day the homework
is due back, the set homework has not been completed, but your child has worked steadily for the
required time, a brief note to your child’s teacher will help us avoid any misunderstanding.
17. 17
Infectious Diseases
The following table sets out the times for which pupils are to be excluded from school.
CHICKEN POX
At least seven days after the beginning of the illness and until the last lesion has healed.
GERMAN MEASLES
Until ten days has passed since the appearance of the rash.
IMPETIGO (School Sores)
Until the lesions have healed.
MEASLES
After seven days have passed since the appearance of the rash or until a medical certificate
is provided. If parents did not provide an immunisation certificate when their child
commenced school, the child/children will be sent home until all danger of catching the
disease has passed.
RINGWORM
Medical certificate must be presented to the school stating the child is receiving treatment.
MUMPS
Until 14 days after the onset of the symptoms.
WHOOPING COUGH
With a medical certificate. 4 weeks since start of whoop.
SCARLET FEVER
Medical certificate
HEADLICE
Periodically there are outbreaks of head lice, and contrary to popular belief, they do not
need dirty heads to breed. They will infect any head. If we are aware of the problem, any
outbreak can be curtailed. The school implements regular head checks.
Every parent is asked to:
1. Inspect child’s hair at regular intervals
2. Inform the school whenever lice are detected.
3. Get proper treatment.
Children with Head Lice do not need to be kept away from school PROVIDED treatment
has been started.
SLAP CHEEK (Erythema Infectiosum)
This is a common childhood viral infection. It causes a mild illness with little or no fever,
but a striking redness of the cheeks. This can be followed by a lace-like rash on the trunk
and limbs. There is no specific treatment. Several groups of people are at particular risk
from this virus:
Pregnant women should avoid contact as infection during pregnancy can
sometimes cause a fatal form of anaemia in the unborn child
Non-immune persons who are immunosuppressed
Children with the rash are not to be excluded from school as they are passed the infectious
stage.
Please Note: Where a medical certificate is mentioned, this means a medical certificate has been issued
indicating that the child has recovered and is fit for school.
CONTACTS: With the exception of Diphtheria the contacts (other members of the family) are not excluded
from school. In the case of Diphtheria, contacts are excluded until a medical certificate is furnished stating
that they are clear of infection
18. 18
School Library Service
Our Lady Help of Christians has a well-stocked library and sessions are conducted on a
weekly basis. All the children need a library bag to protect the borrowed books.
Newsletter/Notices
It is our practice to send home a weekly newsletter with the eldest child in the family and it
is the school’s main means of regular communication with all families. The newsletters
contain information concerning school functions, meetings etc. Notices regarding
accounts, details of sporting events, Bookclub catalogues and excursions are also sent
home in this manner.
Newsletters are sent home on an appointed day each week.
Parent Involvement
By the very nature of our school (Catholic), community and parent involvement is implicit
in its existence. Catholic schools historically grew from the expressed needs and
involvement of Catholic parents. Parent involvement has been a distinctive feature of a
Catholic school because it is the parents who express this need to have a Catholic school
and hence send their child to one.
School Council
A School Council of 10 administers Our Lady Help of Christians. Members include the
Parish Priest, a Budget Officer, representatives from the teachers; Parents & Friends; Parish
Council; parents/parishioners and the Principal.
Annual General Meetings are held in October each year giving the opportunity for new
parents to serve on the Board.
Board members serve for two years before they must stand for re-election. Meetings are
conducted twice a term.
The School Council supports and advises the Parish Priest and the Principal in the
formation, implementation and development of all school policies. These include planning,
development, school staffing, finance, maintenance, education, pastoral care and public
relations.
Parents and Friends Association
Membership of the Parents and Friends Association is open to all families and is a sub-
committee of the School Council. The Parents & Friends Association meet regularly,
providing financial support for the school via fund-raising efforts, as well as supporting and
assisting with classroom programs and activities.
Working Bees
Working bees are conducted as required and are a very important avenue for doing general
maintenance around the school, thus keeping costs to a minimum.
19. 19
School Lunches
Children can purchase lunches each day from the Murtoa College canteen. Families are
issued with a price list at the commencement of each term. The children are required to
write their order on an envelope and enclose the necessary amount of money to cover the
cost of the order. The order is then placed in the Lunch Order tub. Orders are picked up
from Our Lady Help of Christians around 9.30 am and delivered back before lunch by the
Canteen Supervisor. Children are permitted to bring along food to heat in the oven or the
microwave in the “Kids Kitchen”. They are also able to have sandwiches toasted in a
sandwich toaster. [Two Minute Noodles are not encouraged because of the dangers with
hot water.]
The school has also supplied a refrigerator/freezer for the children’s use.
#At Our Lady’s we use a variety of activities to ensure the children are motivated and
working to the best of their ability (eg. Brain Gym, Learning Centres, etc.) We would like
to ask that COCA COLA not be sent to school, please. Even though some children
consider it their favourite drink, Coca Cola contains caffeine which is not recommended
for young children.
The children’s health is our major concern and there are plenty of other drink options.
School Sports/Cross Country Event/Swimming
School Sports
Our Lady Help of Christians is a member of the Dunmunkle Schools Sports
Association. Participation in combined Athletics Sports is on a once a year
basis with the four other primary schools in the Dunmunkle Cluster (Minyip,
Rupanyup, Marnoo and Murtoa College Junior Campus). The Dunmunkle
School Sports are usually held in September.
Cross Country Event
A Cross Country Event is held in Murtoa at the Lake Reserve during Term 2. All students
10 years and over participate. The first six students in each age group then go on to
compete at Dimboola in the Zone Cross Country Event. Winners from Dimboola progress
to Bundoora for the State final.
FACT: -Caffeine is known as a PSYCHOACTIVE Drug. (A psychoactive drug is a substance which
affects the central nervous system and alters mood, perception and consciousness.)
FACT: - Regular use of caffeine can cause chronic insomnia, persistent anxiety, restlessness and stomach
upset. It can also increase body temperature, blood pressure and urination.
20. 20
Swimming
A Water Safety Program is conducted over 6 sessions during the year and all children are
encouraged to participate. The swimming program is generally held during the first two
weeks of December. The sessions are held at the Murtoa Swimming Pool Complex.
A Swimming Sports Carnival is held once a year in Murtoa at the Murtoa Swimming Pool
Complex with Murtoa College Junior Campus. This is usually held at the end of February.
[An event held during the Swimming Carnival is a ‘Parent/Student/Teacher’ Relay. We
thank the Lasslett family for the donation of a Perpetual Shield, which is presented each
year to the winning school of this Relay event.]
Regulations/ Pick-up & Delivery of Students
Regulations: -
School Uniform -All children are expected to wear school uniform. It is compulsory.
All personal property must be marked clearly.
No responsibility will be taken for un-named clothes or goods.
Chewing gum or bubblegum is not allowed.
Bicycles – to ensure safety of all, bicycles must be walked in the school grounds.
Climbing in trees and on the roof is strictly forbidden
Student Responsibility - Students are responsible for the care and security of their own
belongings and for the care of the property of the school.
Deliberate damage of school property will result in the student providing replacement
costs.
Acceptable language/behaviour – It is expected that children will use acceptable
language and behaviour at all times.
It is also expected that all children will have and use
Courtesy,
Good manners,
Consideration for others,
Respect,
Honesty,
Truthfulness, and
Cooperation.
Bullying – Bullying in any form will not be tolerated.
Pick-up and Delivery of students to school: -
All children are to be dropped off at school in the morning or picked up in the afternoon
from the car park. This is the safest area and helps alleviate congestion with the College
traffic. The car park is entered from Munro St and exited into Collins St. Crossing from the
car park to the school using the pedestrian crossing.
Basically, the rule for the safety of the children is - EVERYONE, (EXCEPT FOR THOSE
WHO ARE WALKING,) MUST USE THE SIDE ENTRANCE.
21. 21
Medicine/First Aid Policy
The staff is not legally allowed to administer any medicine to any child without a note from
the parent. This includes medication like Aspirin or Panadol, etc. Students are NOT
permitted to take any medications brought to school without parental permission in the
form of a note.
They will be administered under staff supervision. All medications are to be handed to a
teacher and to be labelled. In the case of serious injury, parents or the emergency contact
will be notified. *A qualified staff member as required will administer First aid for minor
injuries. All staff have a First Aid Certificate and Anaphlaxis training.
Student Leadership
Captains
The children in Grade Six take it in turns during the year to be the School Captain. The
length of time they serve as captain depends on the number of children in the class.
Junior School Council
The children in the Middle and Senior Classrooms also become the members of the Junior
School Council. Under the direction of the Principal or Junior School Council Coordinator,
the Junior School Council organises student fundraisers and deals with other issues as they
arise that are of concern to the students.
The Grade Six students are also the leaders of the four teams that the school has been
divided into. The four teams are Blue, Red, Yellow and Green and are competing for the
O.L.H.C. House Shield.
Special Needs
Intervention Programs:-
The school has a number of Intervention Programs in place. We have a teacher aide for
each classroom as well as a variety of programs such as THRASS, SELL & READING
RECOVERY which provide individual assistance to any children having difficulty with
their learning.
Integration
Children with special education needs are supported through our integration program
funded by the Commonwealth Government. Children who qualify for this assistance are
provided with an integration aide in the classroom for a period of time each day.
Specialist Services
Our school has a number of services offered to us by the Catholic Education Office. We are
a part of the Northern Zone of the Diocese and the services are provided through the
Horsham and Ballarat offices. We have access to Curriculum Advisers, Special Needs
Consultants, a Speech Pathologist and a Child Psychologist through this office. The
Religious Education Consultant and Reading Recovery Adviser are based in the Ballarat
CEO.
22. 22
School Uniform
SUMMER UNIFORM
GIRLS BOYS
Blue and White check dress, or
Light blue polo shirt, with school
logo/navy shorts
Grey shorts/light blue polo shirt with
school logo
WINTER UNIFORM
GIRLS BOYS
Navy checked Pinafore, navy tights to
be worn with pinafore. Light blue long
sleeved polo shirt, dark blue track
pants, dark blue windcheater or bomber
jacket with school logo.
Grey trousers or dark blue track pants, light
blue long sleeved polo shirt, dark blue
windcheater or bomber jacket with school
logo.
23. 23
GENERAL
Shoes
Brown sandals (summer)/ black lace-up school shoes.
**SNEAKERS are sports requirements only.
Socks
Boys: plain grey, dark blue, or black
Girls: plain white or dark blue (or navy tights)
Hats
Hats are compulsory during the summer months. Navy blue hats have been supplied for each
student by Parents & Friends and are kept at school to be worn during 1st
and 4th
Terms. Our
Lady’s is a SUNSMART school and as such has made a commitment to safeguarding the
children’s skin and health. The Sunsmart rule states… “No hat, no play”.
Tracksuit pants
NO SILKIES, STRIPES, BRAND NAMES, ETC are permitted. If such clothing is worn, a
note explaining the reason is required.
Sports Uniform
School windcheater or bomber jacket, pale blue T-shirt or polo shirt with school logo, shorts
of choice.
Make-up and Jewellery
Make-up and jewellery (with the exception of watches and earrings/studs) are not to be worn
to school.
In the interest of safety, children with earrings may need to remove or tape these when
participating in physical activities.
Hair
Children’s hair is to be worn in a neat and tidy style and kept out of the way of eyes at all
times. Long hair is to be tied back.
Uniform Coordinator
For all Uniform order information please contact the school office: 5385 2526
Sandals and shoes with
high heels and/ or soles
are definitely not
recommended for school
wear, as they are
detrimental to children’s
growth.
24. 24
Computer and On-Line Access
Acceptable Use Protocol
Gospel Value: Fairness
The following protocol is designed to govern the use of computers, E-mail and Internet
facilities at Our Lady Help of Christians School, Murtoa.
All E-mail and Internet access at Our Lady Help of Christians School is via the school’s
Local Area Network (LAN) and the Catholic Education Victoria Network.
On-line access is provided at Our Lady Help of Christians School to assist with learning
and teaching
The management and monitoring of the school LAN and on-line facilities are the
responsibility of the Principal and the School officer.
Use of school computers, including E-mail and Internet facilities is to be available to
teachers, students and others provided these facilities are used in an appropriate, safe and
responsible manner, in keeping with the values of the Gospel and the ethos of a Catholic
school.
Those making use of computers and on-line facilities at Our Lady Help of Christians:
*are not to process any material or send or re-direct e-mail that is inappropriate or likely
to cause offence to another party
*are not to attempt to search for or to access sites that are not in keeping with the ethos of
a Catholic school.
The privacy of the e-mail of others is to be respected
Users are only to access on-line facilities using their own login names and passwords:
*users are to be discreet about their login names
*users are never to disclose their passwords to any one else
*users are encouraged to change their passwords on a regular basis
This protocol is to be made widely available to all members of the school community
Failure to comply with this protocol will result in the user’s access being denied for a
period of time at the discretion of the Principal.
Employees of the school are further advised that any attempt to access or down load
inappropriate adult material on the school premises could result in immediate suspension or
dismissal.
