St. Francis Xavier's Primary School NARRABRI    

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HANDBOOK

Table of Contents A-Z

Absences

Address

Appointments

Assemblies

Assessments

Asthma

Banking (students)

Bikes

Book Club

Book Fees

Bookwork Standards

Bus Travel

Canteen

Chair Bags

Clothing Pool

Declaration of Christian Education

Educational Objectives

Excursions (walking)

Excursions (general)

Gospel Values

Hats

Head lice

Health & Immunization

Jewellery

Library Bags

Liturgy & Prayer

Maintenance Levy

Medication Policy

Mission Statement

Money

Newsletter

Parent Expectations

Parents & Friends Association (P&F)

Policy Statements

Sacraments

School Board

School Fees

School Hours

School Leaders

School Prayer

Secretary

Special Activities

Staff Expectations

Staff Inservice Days

Student Expectations

Supervision

Swimming

Ties

Uniform

 

 

School Prayer

God our Heavenly Father

Give your blessings to our school.

Give to all who work here

The true love of knowledge.

May the spirit of loyalty bind us closely together,

so that we may work for our own good and 

the common good.

May your wisdom help our work and our play

so that we may grow to love all that

is true, honest and good.

Amen

 

Address:

PO Box 214 NARRABRI NSW. 2390

 

DECLARATION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The Catholic school forms part of the saving mission of the Church, especially for education  in the faith. Remembering that 'the simultaneous development of man's psychological and moral consciousness is demanded by Christ almost as a precondition for the reception of the befitting divine gifts of truth and grace', the church fulfils her obligation to foster in her children a full awareness of their rebirth to a new life. It is precisely in the Gospel of Christ , taking root in the minds and lives of the faithful, that the Catholic school finds its definition as it comes to terms with the cultural conditions of the times.

The Catholic School   Rome 1977

The  Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education                                                     

 

MISSION STATEMENT

At St. Francis Xavier's Primary School Narrabri we accept the challenge to make a worthy contribution to society, by enabling students to take responsibility for their actions. We acknowledge our need to create an environment that enables Gospel Values to be learnt and shared. As well as an environment where all students are able to learn. We encourage love and affirmation, seek truth and justice, uphold the family as the core group of living and learning. We aim to build a community where the dignity of each person is respected.

 

SCHOOL MOTTO

Our school crest places particular emphasis on the Gospel virtues:-

HONOUR
TRUTH
LOYALTY
JUSTICE
LOVE


GOSPEL VALUES

We base our education on the Gospel taking the following texts as our goal. 

I HAVE COME THAT YOU MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL ........(Jn. 10:10)

YOUR LIGHT MUST SHINE IN THE SIGHT OF, PEOPLE SO THAT, SEEING YOUR GOOD WORKS, THEY MAY GIVE THE PRAISE TO YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN......................(Mt. 5:16)

LOVE IS ALWAYS PATIENT AND KIND; IT IS NEVER RUDE OR SELFISH; IT DOES NOT TAKE OFFENCE; AND IS NOT RESENTFUL. LOVE DELIGHTS IN THE TRUTH; IT IS ALWAYS READY TO EXCUSE, TO TRUST, TO HOPE AND TO ENDURE WHATEVER COMES.....(1 Cor. 13:4-7)

THIS IS WHAT YAHWEH ASKS OF YOU; ONLY THIS TO ACT JUSTLY, TO LOVE TENDERLY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD. .....................................................................(Micah 6:8)

 

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE 

 

At St. Francis Xavier's Narrabri we aim: - 

  • to bring children to a knowledge and love of God

  • to nurture the development of the unique person

  • to challenge each student in their growth to their full potential

  • to develop each student's awareness of and response to others

  • to encourage students to be self-motivated learners. 

STATEMENTS TOWARDS ACHIEVING OUR EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

At St. Francis Xavier's we:- 

  • Enable a real knowledge of Christ as model, to be experienced in all aspects of school life.

  • Develop a confident relationship between staff and students in an atmosphere of mutual respect, care and friendship.

  • Involve parents in all aspects of school life

  • Acknowledge that freedom implies accepting responsibility of action. 

  • Regularly review and evaluate all areas of  the school.

 

POLICY STATEMENT

PASTORAL CARE:

We hope to develop an atmosphere of love and understanding within our school, by developing in our students a realisation of the need for self-discipline. This involves an understanding of the rights of others, a knowledge of our duties to one another and an ability to control our actions in accordance with the good of ourself and our companions in life. 

RELIGION

Religious Education is seen as an area of curriculum which brings together many disciplines and aspects of life, integrating these in the context of faith. Religious education enables people to enter into the wonderful mystery of God. 

ENGLISH

English education is based on an integration of the skills of reading, writing, spelling, speaking and listening. These skills are mastered through constant use and guidance. We provide experiences whereby students will become competent language users who will perceive language as an enjoyable activity and a tool for learning about their world.

MATHEMATICS

To provide a sound foundation for the students mathematical development regular and varied maths lessons are provided. Mathematics education is enhanced when active participation is encouraged using concrete materials and the reading level is appropriate to each grade. 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Science and Technology are integral parts of the modern world. Dramatic and rapid change in these areas is a basic fact of life for all students. For personal, social, environment and economic reasons young people must be equipped to be active participants in our scientific and technological society. We provide students with opportunities to experiment, inquire and problem solve.

COMPUTER EDUCATION

Computer Education is integrated into most subject areas to cater for the individual learning needs of the students. Students will experience a wide range of applications of computer technology.

H.S.I.E. 

Human Society Its Environment involves inquiry into three main areas: personal, social relationships and environmental. Through these studies each student will be able participate more effectively in society.

CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS

Music helps to foster an awareness and appreciation of various cultural traditions. At an individual level, it is a medium of personal expression, enabling people to share ideas, feelings and experiences.

Art & Craft provides students with an opportunity to participate in activities which will lead to personal satisfaction derived from exploration, free expression and self-discovery. We endeavour to allow students to become aware of the many styles and methods of art and craft.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Effective Personal Development, Health and Physical programs affect the way students think, feel and act in regard to their own well being and that of others and the community in which we live. School programs should focus on students to make informed decisions related to health and physical and develop positive attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle. 

HOMEWORK

Homework is seen as an integral part of learning and an opportunity to involve parents in their child's education. 

LIBRARY

The Library Resource Centre is a valid, dynamic and supporting agent of the whole education system at St. Francis Xavier's.

 

EXPECTATIONS

STUDENTS WILL:                        

  • pray each day

  • treat each other fairly and kindly

  • do their best in all areas of learning

  • wear correct uniform

  • take care of school property

  • be polite and show good manners to everyone

  • listen to messages

  • give notes to parents

  • be on time for school

STAFF WILL:    

  • by charity and cooperation among themselves set an example of faith in practise

  • instill in the students the spirit of Christ 

  • never lose sight of their mission and apostolic value of teaching

  • encourage, advise and listen to students

  • be aware of difficulties students experience

  • keep contact with parents

  • improve quality of learning in school

  • be prompt in meeting assignments

  • keep abreast of new learning

  • keep up to date with correction

  • be happy in their work - this fosters contentment

 PARENTS WILL:

  • guide their children by example eg. regular Mass attendance

  • encourage their children

  • be realistic in their children

  • support school activities

  • keep contact with school eg. attend P & F meetings, read newsletter

  • attend Parent/Teacher interviews

  • advise class teacher when child is absent

  • keep to school timetable

 

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

 

The wearing of a uniform gives a sense of belonging, pride in oneself and school, equality and unity, distinguishes and differentiates and is economical. In the long term a very good disciplinary measure. We encourage the use of the correct school uniform at all times. 

Parents, it is important that your child comes to school dressed in the proper school uniform. The school colours are bottle green and yellow/gold.

SUMMER:

GIRLS: Green and white stripe uniform, plain brown sandles or black regulation shoes and white socks.

BOYS: Yellow shirt, grey shorts, plain brown sandles or black regulation shoes, grey socks with green and gold stripe.

WINTER:

GIRLS: Green tunic with belt or green slacks, long sleeve yellow shirt, school tie, green jumper or zip jacket with black regulation shoes, grey socks with green and gold stripe.

SPORTS UNIFORM:

GIRLS: Green knife pleated skirt, yellow T-shirt with emblem, white socks and white tennis shoes, dark green or black sports briefs.

BOYS: Green shorts, yellow T-shirt with emblem, white socks and white tennis shoes.

TRACK SUITS: School tracksuit is bottle green jacket and pants with emblem. Green jumper with emblem. Green pants. 

 All uniforms are available at Barraket's Store except for the hats and ties which can be purchased from the office. A clothing pool s also available. PLEASE MARK CHILD'S NAME ON ALL CLOTHING.

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

APPOINTMENTS

If you wish to speak to the Principal at length, on any matter please ring the secretary and make an appointment. 

If you wish to speak to teachers, at length on any matter, please make an appointment with them. Staff gather for prayer on Wednesday mornings and Staff Meetings are held on Tuesdays.

 

SCHOOL HOURS

School Hours        8:55am to 3:15pm.

Morning Recess - 11:00 - 11:30pm

Lunch                    - 12:50 - 1:45pm 

 

SUPERVISION

Of students 8:30am to 3:45pm or when the last bus leaves if later.

 

CANTEEN

Canteen operates Tuesday to Friday, staffed by volunteers. Co-ordinated by Laraine Palmer. The canteen phone number is 67922265.

 

SCHOOL BANKING

With the Armidale Diocesean Investment Group's "Rainbow Club" each Tuesday. Children are responsible to place their bank books into the class baskets each Tuesday. Application forms are available from the office.

 

MONEY

When sending or delivering money to the school, for any reason (fees, excursions etc.) PLEASE ENCLOSE IN AN ENVELOPE AND MARK IT CLEARLY WITH - Child's name, Child's Class, Amount of Money, Purpose. 

 

BIKES

Please make sure children are competent and safe riders before allowing them to ride to and from school. Safety regulations state that children should be 10 Years of age to be able to ride a bike in safety. Therefore only children in Years 3-6 are given permission to ride their bikes to school.

Children must wear an approved safety helmet when riding to school.

 

BUS TRAVEL

Behaviour on buses, particularly on the way home from school has been a matter of great concern to many people. Children who travel by bus must understand a Code of Conduct. Offensive Behaviour, Dangerous Behaviour and Very Dangerous Behaviour will not be tolerated and may lead to loss of free school travel privileges for up to ten school weeks and may also lead to civil court action or police prosecution. Parents are responsible for the behaviour and safety of their children on the way to and from school and should instruct their children accordingly. 

 

ASSEMBLIES

These are held every second Friday in the parish hall. Classes are rostered to present an item and recognition is given to students who have worked particularly well in class.

 

    ASSESSMENTS  

Reports are sent out twice a year, in June and December. These reports are based on continuous assessment of class work, child's general attitude and conduct. 

Years 3 & 5 sit the NAPLAN Testing for literacy, numeracy and writing. Year 6 Children sit a Basic Skills Test for Religious Education. Reports of these three are sent to parents towards the beginning of Term 4. 

 

STAFF INSERVICE DAYS

Pupil free inservice days for the teachers are usually held once each term. Parents will be notified well in advance of these dates. THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR IS ALWAYS A PUPIL FREE DAY FOR TEACHERS. 

 

SCHOOL SPORT & P.E.

P.E. is conducted for all children regularly each week. The whole school participates in P.E. each Monday and Friday morning. Times may change in the Winter months to accommodate the changing weather conditions. Classes are rotated weekly between teachers so that eventually each class is taught by every teacher in the school. At each work station, there are a variety of skills and activities taught, which are adapted to the developmental stages of each class, so that the children receive instruction in line with curriculum requirements. 

Sport takes place on Thursday and involves children being introduced to skills of games, swimming and athletics. The Sporting Houses are PENOLA  (Red), MACKILLOP (Gold), JOSEPH (Blue) and XAVIERS (Green).

 

BOOK WORK STANDARDS

We encourage neat work and good working habits. All exercise books are to be covered. Please check during the year to see worn covers are replaced.

 

BOOK CLUB

Order forms are issued by class teacher. Children may buy books applicable to reading ages at  reasonable price.

 

SCHOOL LEADERS

Year 6 Students are our school leaders. A boy and girl captain and vice captain are elected after nomination and elections have been held at the end of the preceding year. Two boys and two girls are elected as prefects. Two students are elected also as House Captains for each Sports House. One student from each class is elected each term to form the Student Council. This council meets regularly each term to consider how they can contribute to the growth of the school community. 

 

SACRAMENTS

The sacraments are conferred during the year at various times. 

First communion year 4 ,term 1

Reconciliation year 3,term 2

Confirmation year 6 ,term 3

More information is given as time draws closer. 

 

LITURGIES AND PRAYER

Our school exists so that we can assist you, the parents, in enabling your children to receive an education based on Christian values . Therefore, we give the children opportunities for liturgical worship as a school community and a grade/class community. During each term we hold School masses, Reconciliation services and Paraliturgies. Parents are invited to join with the school in these enjoyable and prayerful celebrations.

 

NEWSLETTER   

   A weekly newsletter is sent home to parents on Monday of every week. Please be sure to read    this newsletter - it contains all important school details.                  

 

CLOTHING POOL

The school has a clothing pool. Please see Jo Clark at the office if you require to purchase items for school uniforms.

 

SECRETARY

Mrs. Jo Clark. Jo is in the office each day of school from 8:30am to 4:30pm. (Including pupil free days).

 

HEAD LICE

Outbreaks of head lice occur from time to time. We request that parents pay special attention to children's heads during the warmer moths of the year. Children may go back to school when they have been treated with Head Lice lotion and ALL eggs have been removed. Children should not miss more than  one or two days school each time they have head lice. Please notify the School of Head Lice are found and call at the office after treatment before retuning to class.                

 

P & F MEETINGS

 Normally the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm. 

 

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

Normally the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm. 

 

LIBRARY BAGS

Compulsory for infants children to borrow books. 

 

CHAIR BAGS

Used by most classes, available at the office.

 

SCHOOL HATS & TIES

Both are available at the office. 

 

WALKING EXCURSIONS

A general permission note for walking Excursions and P.E. walks is obtained at the beginning of the yea for the year. 

 

    EXCURSIONS

In town excursions - A note will be sent home - permission to walk not needed.

Out of town excursions  - A permission note is issued and must be signed and retuned to the class teacher for the student to attend. 

 

SWIMMING

Lessons and activities. A permission  note for school swimming is obtained at the beginning of each year for Term 1 and Term 4. 

 

ABSENCES

When a child is absent from school a note or phone call is required. The class roll is a legal document of attendance. 

 

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES 

Students participate in Easter, Christmas, Education Week and Book Week activities at school. They also take part in the ANZAC Day march and other such community activities. 

 

SCHOOL FEES

Payable each term or negotiated with Principal or Parish Priest.

 

BOOK FEES

Payable once a year in Term 1. Charged per child

 

MAINTENANCE AND BUILDING LEVY

Payable once a year in Term 2. Charged per family.

 

SCHOOL CARE LEVY

 Students enrolled with us have comprehensive cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. This costs $2 per Term per child and is payable in term 3.

 

                                       JEWELLERY                               

Jewellery is not permitted to be worn at school except for simple sleepers, studs, medical bracelets or watches.

 

HEALTH & IMMUNIZATION

Good health is vital to school progress. Immunization is a safe guard to health. Your child will probably need a booster injection about the time he/she commences school. If a child has one of the childhood diseases, then he/she will have to stay at home until well. Unimmunised children who have been in contact with a sick child must stay at home during the outbreak. This will prevent the disease from spreading to other children and people in the community. It is possible that at some time during your child's school life, he/she will contact one of the common diseases of childhood. Please contact the office for more information on disease exclusion periods. 

Parents are requested to keep the school office informed when immunization is updated and to keep asthma information up-to-date. 

 

MEDICATION POLICY

If a child requires medication to be administered at school the following rules must apply. A written note from the doctor indicating name and medication, name of the child, dosage and times of administration, A written note from the parent indicating the name of the child, the name of the medication, authority to supervise the receiving of the medication, only designated office staff will supervise the receiving of medication, we would prefer that parents present medication to the office, all medication must bear the child's name. 

 

ASTHMA

Primary children are encouraged to keep their asthma puffers on them and take responsibility for their use. Puffers should have child's name marked on them. Infants children are encouraged to have their puffers on the care of their teacher or the office. Accessibility is the important element. Parents preference or request will be take into account in organizing accessibility and safety. 

 

TOP

 

 

                                        ST. FRANCIS XAVIERS NARRABRI  32 Nandewar Street Narrabri, 2390. NSW Ph: (02) 6792 1796. Fax: ( 02) 6792 4035

                                                                                       EMAIL admin@sfxnarrabri.catholic.edu.au  PRINCIPAL: Mr Andrew Pinelli