Family Handbook

Family Handbook stfrancis.catholic.edu.au

College Maps Lower Level Carpark Horticulture Centre PlaOyivnalgaFinedlds N SFdS Community Sports Centre Rebuilt Junior School Opening September 2020 Music L20 L10 New Early Learning Centre L18 L19 Opening January 2021 Year 1 L4 L11L12 L5 Home Economics Carpark Tech Stud L6 CAD L31 Lift L59 L62 Reception Inclusive L33 L55 Education L35 L60 CAD Art L54 Canteen CAodllmegineisRtercaetipotnion/ L50 Art Carpark Railway Line Mt Barker Homemaker Centre paPrrkiivnatge Harvey Autobarn Norman College Entrance Stratco Dutton Road Ralston Building Upper Level Year 4-5 Mc Auley Building U23 U22 U21 U29 U20 U28 N Top Floor U25 U24 U27 Bottom Floor U1U516 Year 6 Year 6 Sta U26 UU1718 U12 Year 2-3 Year 12 Year 7 U13 Lift U11 Common Room U10 U9 Library/ Lift U8 Resource Centre U30 Lift Tutorial U7 Room 1 U6 U14 Tutorial Japanese Room U1 U5 Room 2 U56 U55 U4 Performing U3 Sta Arts Centre U60 U2 U50 Year 8-9 Physics U54 Laboratory Chemistry Laboratory Sta Amenities U70 Biology Railway Line Laboratory Sta Mt Barker Homemaker Centre Dutton Road Autobarn

Contents 1. Principal’s Welcome......................................................................................................2 2. Our Patron: Saint Francis de Sales..................................................................................3 3. St Francis de Sales College…... A Catholic College.........................................................4 4. College Board..............................................................................................................6 5. Luminaries Grant..........................................................................................................7 6. Parent Community Group...............................................................................................7 7. College Events..............................................................................................................8 8. Volunteers....................................................................................................................9 9. Pastoral Care and Home Class.....................................................................................10 10. Student Leadership Development at St Francis de Sales College.......................................11 11. College Communication...............................................................................................12 12. Vision for Learning......................................................................................................14 13. Expectations of Students..............................................................................................20 14. Administration Procedures............................................................................................24 15. Facilities and Services.................................................................................................27 16. Health Services...........................................................................................................32 17. College Policies and Procedures...................................................................................33 18. Financial Information...................................................................................................33 19. General Matters.........................................................................................................35 Family Handbook 1

Principal’s Welcome A warm welcome to all of our Parents/ or partaking in key meetings like Learning Caregivers to the academic year. Our aim as a Reviews and Tours of Learning. College this year is to provide your child with the solid academic foundation required for A young person’s success in learning is his/her further success, within a supportive closely related to their social and emotional and productive learning environment that development. We know that when a student encourages all students to give their very best experiences challenges in their personal effort to ensure they are able to reach their full life, this directly or indirectly impacts on potential. Our College motto of “Be who you the learning process, and for this reason we are and be that well” calls us to strive for our would highly value effective communication own individual level of personal excellence, between home and College. This two way and as a Catholic school we prioritise ensuring flow of information enables the College to this occurs in an environment with a focus live its commitment to a holistic approach on Gospel teachings and values, prayer and to education where staff strive to ensure liturgical celebrations. that each student develops to his or her full potential socially, emotionally, spiritually This handbook provides you with important and intellectually. information about College policy and procedures, daily structures and routines, Parents often find it difficult to know who to and invites you to be an active part of your make contact with at the College, as there are child’s education through a positive and a range of people with responsibilities that proactive partnership with the College. collectively support student wellbeing and This may take many formats including the learning. I am hopeful the following details obvious and most basic level of engagement may assist in determining who you should with the College’s shared Community contact at the College. Commitment and base expectations in areas such as uniform and grooming. Even • Your first contact should be the Home more importantly, actively engage in your Class Teacher, who in our Middle School child’s learning on a regular basis about their also acts as the Key Teacher for that progress, successes and challenges, and goals particular class. You can make contact for the year. I trust you are able to make the with this staff member in the first instance most of other opportunities provided to either via a note in the diary or by phone engage with your child’s learning, whether call or email. that be your presence at College events, during in-classroom visitation opportunities, • All Home Class Teachers are supported by leaders with responsibility for student learning and wellbeing. Those leaders are: R-2 Leader Fran Nicholls 3-6 Leader Alice Taylor 7-8 Leader Jen Ness-Ferry 9-10 Leader Mark Andrews 11-12 Leader Rosslyn Mattner • Each of the teams of leaders also have three more senior staff who guide and shape their work. These staff are: R-6 Director of Learning Rowan Thomas 7-12 Director of Learning Jacob Robson R-12 Director of Students Jo Matthews 2 Family Handbook

Principal’s Welcome.... continued Matters that need to be progressed through It is also important for parents to remember these various levels of leadership within the that College Counsellor, Carol Jarell is available school will be directed to a member of the for you to contact directly at your discretion. College Leadership Team, comprising of the APRIM (Assistant Principal Religious Identity My best wishes to you and your family for the and Mission) Oreste Farrugia, Deputy Principal journey that lays ahead and we greatly look (Learning) Sonia Nelson, Deputy Principal forward to the many opportunities that will be (Community and Wellbeing) Paul Fairlie, and supplied to students, and the many successes Principal Gavin McGlaughlin. that will arise from the opportunities grasped. Gavin McGlaughlin, Principal Our Patron: Saint Francis de Sales Born: France, 21 August 1567 territory. Francis decided that he should travel to convert the 60,000 Calvinists back Died: 28 December 1622 to Catholicism. Canonised: 8 April 1665 For three years, he trudged through the countryside, had doors slammed in his face Feast Day: 24 January and rocks thrown at him. In the bitter winters, his feet froze so badly they bled as Patron Saint of: Journalists and Writers he tramped through the snow. After three years he had not made one convert. Francis was a patient man. Francis’ unusual patience kept him working. He knew for No one would listen to him, no one would thirteen years even open their door. So Francis found a that he had way to get under the door. He wrote out his a vocation to sermons, copied them by hand, and slipped the priesthood them under the doors. This is the first record before he we have of religious tracts being used to mentioned it to communicate with people. his family. When he went The parents wouldn’t come to him out of to Padua to get fear. So Francis went to the children. When a doctorate in the parents saw how kind he was as he law, he still kept played with the children, they began to quiet, but he talk to him. By the time Francis left to go studied theology and practiced mental prayer. home he is said to have converted 40,000 people back to Catholicism. God’s will was finally made clear to Francis while he was riding. Francis fell from his horse three In 1602 he was made bishop of the Diocese times. Every time he fell the sword came out of of Geneva, in Calvinist territory. the scabbard. Every time it came out the sword and scabbard came to rest on the ground in He spiritually directed most people through the shape of the cross. letters, which tested his remarkable patience. During the time of the Protestant reformation and just over the mountains from where Francis lived was Switzerland - Calvinist Family Handbook 3

Our Patron: Saint Francis de Sales.... continued At that time, the way of holiness was only for The key to the love of God was prayer. monks and nuns - not for ordinary people. The test of prayer was a person’s actions: Francis changed all that by giving spiritual “To be an angel in prayer and a beast in one’s direction to lay people living ordinary lives relations with people is to go lame on both legs.” in the world. He is Patron Saint of Journalists because of His most famous book, Introduction to the the tracts and books he wrote, and is known Devout Life, was written for these ordinary affectionately as the ‘gentleman saint’. people in 1608. Written originally as letters, it became an instant success all over Europe. Our College motto, “Be who you are and be that well” comes from the writings of our patron. St Francis de Sales College.... A Catholic College ‘Be who you are and be that well.’ The Religious Education program is a compulsory (R-12) component of the academic St Francis de Sales 1567-1622 life of the College. Its content and practice lead students and staff to understand the life Catholic Identity and and history of the Church and its relevance to individuals and groups in a contemporary Religious Education world. This program of study enlightens all about their responsibility as future citizens of Fundamental to a Catholic College is the the world to demonstrate how to live in the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ and the example of Jesus of loving God, loving others role of the church to give this life and and loving creation. It is all done in the spirit of expression. At St Francis de Sales College, our Patron, St Francis de Sales to gently this is lived through our seven Heart Values evangelise and transform the lives of all of Faith, Perseverance, Compassion, Integrity, associated with our College Community. Respect, Wisdom and Justice and the example of the man St Francis de Sales. The College also follows the example of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters These values are lived and supported in of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy opened a the College Community which is the primary school on the College site in 1902, thriving connection of staff, students and we continue to live their charism. and their families working together and supporting each other in living the gospel In the interest of open dialogue, the of Jesus Christ. This community seeks College educates our young people in a practical way to serve others through in various traditions and religious pastoral support of students and through perspectives to demonstrate our its Religious Education curriculum and commitment to build a loving, inclusive, service opportunities. In particular, the just and service-oriented community. Vinnies Faith-in-Action Group leads and facilitates many service activities, both within the College and community. 4 Family Handbook

St Francis de Sales College.... A Catholic College Our Parish Community the Convent Boarding School for Girls, and the Primary School, all under the name St The strong relationship between the College Scholastica. By 1945, the school had 46 day and Parishes extends the important role in students and 64 female boarders with a staff of the pastoral care of the families of students. 11 Sisters. The school continued to grow until, It gives witness to our students of the in 1958, with a population of 130 students, importance of their relationship with the plans were drawn up for a building consisting wider Catholic family. of classrooms, teachers’ room, toilet block and verandah. The following year the school The College has a valuable resource in the moved down the hill into the new building, Parish Priest Father Richard Morris, assistant known as “The Dell”. priest Fr Ian Wilson and lay ministers who serve in the Mount Barker and Strathalbyn Parishes. By 1963, Fr Kelly, the Parish Priest of Mount Barker, felt there was a need for a secondary The Parishes allow us as a College to be school in the area. However, plans were directly involved in the sacramental life of the shelved as this was not seen to be viable wider Parish family, celebrating the Eucharist either financially or practically. and Reconciliation. In 1977 the Sisters of Mercy withdrew from Community Mass is held every second Tuesday teaching at Mount Barker and, in 1978, the morning 8:15am - 8:45am in the Sports Centre school became known as Mount Barker for all members of the College and Parish Parish School, staffed entirely by lay teachers. Communities to attend if desired. The primary school continued to grow, and the buildings with it, and by 1984 students All year levels at the College have an were being transported from Woodside opportunity each term, to prepare and be and Balhannah. In 1986 the Parish School involved in a Mass at Our Lady of Mercy changed its name to St Francis de Sales Church, Mount Barker. Parish School. The ‘Vinnies Faith-in-Action (FIA)’ social justice There had been several submissions to group has very strong connections with the SACCS for the development of a secondary Parish, Mount Barker Vinnies Conference, and school, but it was not until 1998 that approval the local Vinnies Op-Shop. All students are was given for the development and, in the welcome to be part of the ‘Vinnies F.I.A.’ group. December of that year, the first transportable buildings arrived. In 1999, St Francis de Sales Mount Barker/Strathalbyn Parish School became an R-12 Catholic Co-educational College, now known as St Parish Mass Times Francis de Sales College. Our first Year 12 students graduated at the end of 2003. 6:00pm Saturday Mount Barker 9:00am Sunday Mount Barker The College has continued to provide 10:45am Sunday Strathalbyn a Catholic education to families in the Adelaide Hills. Our History Governance of the College is now vested in In 1902, Bishop Dunne, the Bishop of the College Board, whose membership is Wilcannia-Forbes, gave permission for the made up of representatives from the Sisters of Mercy to establish a convent and day Parish, from Catholic Education SA, and school in Mount Barker. Thus the Sisters, who parents elected by nomination from the came from Broken Hill and the NSW inland, parent community. established the Sisters of Mercy Convent of Mount Barker, the Young Ladies High School, Family Handbook 5

St Francis de Sales College.... A Catholic College The College Crest The strong roots of the tree represent the fact that we are grounded strongly in the Our crest expresses the spirit and aims of Saint past and the wider Church community. They Francis de Sales College. represent the strength and wisdom we gain from the past including our local history as St The tree is the symbol of The Tree of Life, Scholastica’s, Mount Barker Parish School and a significant symbol in many cultures St Francis de Sales College. throughout the world. In the Book of Proverbs, wisdom: is the tree of life for those who hold her The branches symbolise our belonging to and fast, those who cling to her live happy lives. reaching out from one community. The tree, a eucalypt, signifies our local environment and our stewardship of it. The cross represents the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - the ultimate gift of love. The resurrection also signifies us as a people of hope. The book represents us as a community of learners endeavouring to be the best we can be, and symbolises the wisdom we receive from God’s Word. College Board The Board of St Francis de Sales College The Board welcomes enquiries, suggestions, operates in accordance with the guidelines or any communication (which is within its established by the South Australian area of operation) from our families. Such Commission for Catholic Schools. Its functions enquiries are directed to the Chairperson. are to ensure that the school fulfils its Board elections are held at the Annual responsibility for Catholic education, to give General Meeting in March/April of each year. leadership through broad policy development, and to administer finances. Leah Bullivant Chair of Board Membership of the College Board consists of the Parish Priest, the Principal, six elected parents, representatives of the Parishes of Mount Barker/Strathalbyn, Murray Bridge and Adelaide Hills (Stirling), Parent Community Group, a nominee of the Director of Catholic Education, a staff member and any appointed members as deemed necessary from time to time. 6 Family Handbook

Luminaries Grant St Francis de Sales College Board will accept • Be pursuing an interest out of school written applications from students seeking and excelling in that pursuit financial support for activities where they are excelling in a chosen field, and in doing so are • Be leading and inspiring others an inspiration to others. • Being recognised for talents, The College Board believes that each student skills and abilities at an elite level at St Francis de Sales College has within them • Be meeting their financial commitment the ability to be the very best version of themselves, and through this inspire others to the College. through their pursuit of excellence in their Examples of potentially successful applications chosen field. could come from pursuits in Sports, Leadership, Community Service or Academia. The Luminaries Grant is a College Board Applicants are required to write a letter to the program which aims to support students and Board, providing evidence of the activity for their families with the costs associated with which they are seeking support and how it activities that are a reflection of that pursuit meets the criteria, which will be tabled at the of excellence. monthly board meeting for consideration. The criteria for the Luminary Grant is that Financial support of successful applicants to students must: the Luminary Grant program may be awarded by Board in the amounts of $250 or $500, to a maximum of $500 per annum. Parent Community Group Parent Community Group We hope to encourage all parents (Mothers, Fathers and Caregivers) to feel welcomed and The Parent Community Group is committed valued to participate at whatever level they to continue strengthening parent partnership feel comfortable. and connection at St Francis de Sales College. The Parent Community Group regularly meet at The Charter for parents in Catholic Schools the College. If you would like more information SA acknowledges and promotes various roles please email: [email protected] of parents as integral members of Catholic School Communities. Meet and Greet Volunteers • Parents as partners Main role: One Meet and Greet Volunteer per • Parents as educators class (R-6), to be the parent who is the first • Parents as decision makers contact for the class, encourage other parents • Parents as life-long learners to participate in College events, work with • Parents as advocates other parents on creating a sense of belonging • Parents as teachers and role models and to improve class communication. The importance of positive and constructive Footsteps and Outreach Group working relationships between you and our College is critical for success and Main role: To coordinate the footsteps happy children. volunteers group at providing support to families in time of need. Family Handbook 7

College Events St Francis de Sales College welcomes all families to participate in and attend College events. Events will be advertised in the College Calendar, the newsletter Link Up and Skoolbag Mobile App. Some events will require invitations to be sent to relevant families. Example of events include: • Parent Welcome and Engagement Event • Father and Son Breakfast • R-6 Moonlight Movie Night • World Teachers’ and ESO Day • Academic Assembly • Carols Night • Mother and Daughter Breakfast • Mount Barker Christmas Pageant  • College Day • Presentation Night  • R-6 Disco • College Tours  College Events and Child Protection The recent Royal Commission investigations into Child Abuse have highlighted the importance of schools being safe places for all children. Any College event that involves adult participation we require you to submit a Catholic Police Clearance form to the College Reception. While this is not compulsory we encourage as many of you as possible to visit our College Reception or Parish Office to collect and to lodge their Catholic Police Check form. There will be no cost for this Police Check. This is important not just for supporting our protective practices, but in demonstrating your commitment to making our College a safe place for all children. 8 Family Handbook

Volunteers Our College values the generosity of our Catholic Education SA volunteers’ time enormously. Volunteers cover the roles of parent-helpers on outings, camps, Police Clearance sports days and other College activities, and also in specific roles such as Canteen Assistant St Francis de Sales College will give you a or as Learning Assistance Program helper. Police Check Consent Form (available from the College Reception) which will enable us St Francis de Sales College and the Catholic to do a criminal history check. A separate Archdiocese of Adelaide take seriously the details sheet will be included with the form duty of care to those who entrust themselves to answer specific queries you may have, to it and great importance is placed on but to summarise this procedure: ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all participants in programs and activities. • all persons who have a responsibility through their role within the St Francis de Parent/caregiver helpers and other volunteers Sales College Community are required to play a significant role in the provision of an have a Catholic Education Police Clearance environment that nurtures the wellbeing of children, young people and their families. • this is free of charge to you In accepting the services of volunteers, the • you need to fill in pages one and two College is required to implement practices which are designed to keep all members of of the Consent Form and bring it to the our College Community safe. College where your signature and proof of identity can be witnessed Below is information regarding what we ask of • we will send the form to the Catholic you as a volunteer and what you can expect Education Office for you and once the from us as a College. process is complete (taking up to six weeks), you will receive an email and then Volunteer Details Form a letter from the DCSI Screening Unit Office giving you the outcome We ask you to complete a Volunteer Details • if you have been granted a clearance, Form available from the College Reception. you must bring the original of the The College assures you that the information letter to the College so we can note provided cannot be used for any purpose other the details than in relation to your position as a volunteer • this clearance will be valid for at the College, unless: three years and is transferable between Catholic schools • statutory obligation or Court Order • a volunteer cannot commence at the requires otherwise College or assist on outings unless a copy of the clearance is on file. • further consent is obtained from you clearly stating the purpose of the use Electronic Screening of the information. Another form of screening the College will undertake is an internal Catholic Education electronic screening. There are no forms to be filled in for this; it will be done automatically once the Volunteer Details Form is completed. Family Handbook 9

Volunteers.... continued Health and Safety Policy the driver must hold a current driver’s licence. and Induction Paperwork available at the College Reception must be completed and submitted. The College has a Duty of Care to any person on its premises and to this end a full Work Protective Clothing Health and Safety induction will be conducted for you as a volunteer, and a copy of our Where it is necessary for a volunteer to wear Health and Safety Policy will be provided personal protective equipment to undertake for you to read and understand. their voluntary task, the College is responsible for the supply of such equipment. It is the responsibility of volunteers to take reasonable steps to avoid injury to Volunteer Training themselves and others. All volunteers are required to complete the Vehicles mandatory notification face-to-face Induction for Volunteers, and to also cover other policies If you volunteer to use your vehicle as part of and guidelines. your volunteer work, the vehicle must be in a roadworthy condition, registered, insured, and Pastoral Care and Home Class Pastoral Care is achieved in the quality of Two lessons per week are dedicated to relationships established in the College. pastoral care, liturgies, House activities The positive interaction between staff and and other events. students is a significant determinant of each person’s sense of self worth, self esteem, belonging and wellbeing. Pastoral Care views the young person as a whole, acknowledging that in a supportive Catholic environment students are able to achieve at their best. In Reception – Year 12 all students are allocated to a Home Class, where they spend a significant number of their lessons. The Home Class Teacher is the primary pastoral carer for students in his/her group. The Home Class Teachers are the first contact for families and staff who are looking for help or advice about matters relating to individual students and are responsible for the wellbeing of those in the group. They are supported by the Year Level Leaders. The Student Counsellor, Director of Students and Inclusive Education Team also support the pastoral care and welfare of students. 10 Family Handbook

Student Leadership Development at St Francis de Sales College Senior Student Leaders Vinnies FIA (pronounced ‘Fire’) The Year 11 and 12 Student Leaders of The ‘Vinnies Faith-in-Action (FIA)’ group are our College are elected through a process a social justice group linked to the charism involving staff and students. These leaders and networks of the St Vincent de Paul represent and live the values that are Society. It is open to all students to be a part expressed in the example of our patron, of, as a volunteer in social justice. Within the St Francis de Sales. Two Year 12 students group, three student leaders are elected. from the team are selected through an These positions are President, Secretary interview process to be the College Captains. and Treasurer. These leaders model servant This team also includes the four Year 12 leadership and work closely with the senior House Captains. student leadership team and also the local Mount Barker Parish and Vinnies Op-Shop. Junior School Captains Student Representative Council Two Year 6 students are elected to be the Junior School Captains. These students work The Student Representative Council offers closely with the senior student leadership students the capacity for engaging with team in service of the College and the Student Leadership from R-6. This is a broader community. commitment of 12 months and involves leadership training and coaching, liaison House Captains and with staff at the College, running of class meetings and involvement in fundraising House Student Leaders and social justice activities. Students holding these positions are voted for by their peers Our House Teams foster collaboration, during Term 1 and work closely with the senior teamwork, perseverance and respect. Each student leadership team for that period. House is named after a significant place in the life of the man, St Francis de Sales. He was born at Thorens in Duchy of Savoy on 21 August 1567 (Blue House); studied law and theology at Padua in 1588 (Green House); he became Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Universal Church (Red House); and he died at Lyon on 28 December 1622 (Yellow House). St Francis de Sales reformed religious communities and his goodness, patience and mildness for those in need was memorable. He is the patron saint of writers and journalists; an inspiring role model from whom we can learn. A Year 12 student is elected to be the House Captain of each of the four Houses. The House Captains are supported by a House Student Leader in Years 10, 8, 6 and 2. These students represent their House in all aspects of the College, including community, sporting and social justice activities. Family Handbook 11

College Communication Communicating by SkoolBag SMS Mobile App, Seesaw, Our alternative school-parent communication protocol is our SMS system whereby messages SMS and Consent2Go are sent directly to your mobile phones. This allows instant transmission of information and SkoolBag Mobile App authorisation of matters relating to things like student attendance and safety. We have established a personalised Mobile App which is the ultimate school to parent This system is primarily used to transmit: communication tool. The Mobile App provides us with an easy way to communicate with • instant, discreet information to you families everything you need to know in the event of a student not having about school news, newsletters, events arrived at school calendar, cancellations, school notices, school information, school timetables, parent sick • a consistent, cumulative record of poor note forms, school documents and much or irregular attendance which can be more. No more lost paper in school bags! monitored by the school and you The SkoolBag Mobile App is very flexible allowing us to create our own customised • information which cannot be intercepted content and provides a great alternative or “lost” to school SMS alerts by using Push Alert Notifications directly to your smartphones. • immediate contact in times of crisis or This system is our main source of emergency (bushfires, late bus, etc). communication to you. To install it, just look for our College name “St Francis de The system is cost effective and time Sales College” either in the Apple App effective for both the College and the Store, or alternatively in the Google Parent Community. However, it is a shared Play Store. responsibility, and depends on you: Seesaw • keeping mobile phone details up-to-date, and notifying the College Our R-6 community uses Seesaw, which is an immediately if your number changes online tool for communication. It is a secure learning network for teachers, students and • notifying the College when a child is families. It provides a safe way to connect, absent, as early as possible prior to the share learning content and class information. start of the school day This tool is also used to capture learning, document growth and make students thinking • responding immediately via SMS to an visible. Through Seesaw your child is able to absence message from the College so share their learning with their teachers, peers that “authorisation” for the absence and family providing them with an authentic can be recorded at the College. audience and feedback. We also use Seesaw to send you messages and reminders. Sign Those who do not use mobile phones up invites for Seesaw are sent home at the will be contacted by existing contact beginning of each year. protocol (phone calls by Student Services, letters, notes in Student Diary). 12 Family Handbook

College Communication.... continued Consent2Go Communication with Teachers We have recently introduced an excursion Teachers may be contacted by email, management system called Consent2Go. a note in the student diary or by The system records and manages your telephone. When necessary, meetings contact details, student medical information, can be arranged. If you seek a meeting, excursion and College activity and excursion this can be done by contacting the College permission information. Reception, Kate Thomas R-6 Administration and Rose Ward 7-12 Administration, or by Consent2Go is a free platform and no emailing the teacher. You are encouraged app is required as the platform is accessible to communicate with staff on any relevant through any web browser. An internet issues. Teachers will contact parents about connection is required. It easily caters any major concerns relating to student for parents/caregivers who are unable to learning and behaviour. communicate via email or text messaging with the College. Please advise the College Grievances if you do not have an email or internet access so we are able to add you to the Where parents/caregivers have a general Consent2Go paper process. concern or grievance in relation to the school, the following contact points are available: For new parents/caregivers, the College will send you a Student Profile Update 1. If you have issues regarding your child’s Invitation to populate the information learning program, contact the teacher required for the first time. Once you have most directly concerned in the first completed this process, you can update instance. The issue may be easily resolved. information at any time via mcbschools.com/ stfrancis/StudentUpdate. For further support 2. If your concerns are ongoing, contact contact Student Services. can be made with Home Class Teachers and Year Level Leaders Philosophy of Partnerships R-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12. A strong characteristic of our Catholic College 3. The Deputy Principal and then the is our partnership with families. We are all part College Principal are available to of a Catholic community where faith, social respond to unresolved grievances or justice and sound values are shared. Families your major concerns. are welcome to share in the journey of their children’s education by contacting Home In line with the Privacy Act, the College is not Class or Subject Teachers. The College has a permitted to release contact details for either number of committees that involve parents staff, parents or caregivers unless their consent such as the College Board, the Parent is given. Please refer to the College website for Community Group and Friends of Music. the Grievence Flowchart. We are an R-12 College where parents, teachers and students work in partnership Website to promote the best educational outcomes. The St Francis de Sales College website is stfrancis.catholic.edu.au Family Handbook 13

College Communication.... continued Calendar College Year Book The College calendar provides information on The College Year Book is distributed dates of many College events for the year. The to families to communicate a full College calendar is available on the College representation of the previous year’s website stfrancis.catholic.edu.au activities and events at the College. Parents pay for the Year Book through fees. For current families all letters, forms, family resources and photos are uploaded each week Parent/Caregiver on the website through the Parent Portal. Engagement Evenings Username: heartvalue Parent/Caregiver Engagement Evenings Password: perseverance2020 are held throughout the year and involve sharing of important aspects of the Social Media College and developmental needs of your children. Follow Us You will be notified of these events by St-Francis-de-Sales-Mount-Barker email, Skoolbag App, Link Up and the Parent Portal on our website. Any images of students taken at school events cannot be shared or conveyed via social media unless they comply with the College’s Privacy Policy. You can access the Privacy Policy on the College website. Vision for Learning Our curriculum is based on the Australian Curriculum and the South Australian At St Francis de Sales College we want Certificate of Education (SACE), while all members of our community to ‘Be Inspired’ the Religious Education Curriculum about learning. Our three Vision for for Catholic Schools in South Australia Learning Pillars of Together, Discover and is based on the program Crossways. Grow express our belief that the potential This Curriculum Framework supports of each member is enlivened through students in the development of skills, strong relationships, where contemporary knowledge and understandings in all knowledge, skills and capabilities are learning areas, in an environment which developed through engagement and fosters the growth of the whole person curiosity. We aspire to our personal best and which prepares our students to take by welcoming challenges with resilience their place as vital participants in a and by celebrating successes in our changing world. learning journey. We value our R-12 identity and the Each Vision for Learning Pillar is opportunity it provides to engage with, explained through our Core Commitments, and extend, our students throughout which detail both our determination their whole school experience. and responsibility in empowering self-motivated and creative learners. 14 Family Handbook

Vision for Learning.... continued Evidence from our data suggests that Homework Guidelines Years 7-12 our contemporary pedagogy, curriculum and range of methodologies build upon These guidelines provide some general the skills and knowledge bases of each information regarding study and work individual student. We encourage students at home. Homework extends the time to develop higher-order thinking skills, available for learning, encourages students become problem solvers and take to work independently and allows for responsibility for their own learning. consolidation and extension of class work. These foundations begin at Reception and It also provides an opportunity to gather prepare our students to engage successfully information from the wider community. in the senior school curriculum and achieve success in the SACE. The learning set for homework needs to reflect the abilities of the student. This The staff look forward to working in enables the parent to participate without partnership with our students, parents/ emotion and respond in a positive way. caregivers and the community on a shared journey in which we strive to nurture in all Homework is set to fulfil a number of needs: students an appreciation of God’s gifts, a passion for learning and a commitment to • provide opportunities to reinforce personal excellence. concept(s) covered that day Liturgies and Prayer • develop sound study habits for revision and extension Each student is allocated to a Home Class and at the start of each day they join in • completion of an exercise begun during prayer. This expression provides support the day and strength to each other and encourages students to also be aware of the generous • preparation of lessons for the next day gifts God gives to us through each other, • the opportunity to develop memory staff, families and our community. Staff also engage in prayer, thereby affirming our techniques example of the need for God and the central • allows parents to participate in what their place our faith has in our Catholic College. children are learning Our community expression is encouraged • revision for topic or term testing. on a variety of levels; significantly through attendance at prayer assemblies, liturgies, Opportunities for Masses and liturgical celebrations within the College. The staff and students from Home Learning – Junior School R-12 also get the opportunity to attend the weekday mass at Our Lady of Mercy St Francis de Sales College recognises that Church, joining with the local community you and the College community are partners in sharing faith and song. in each child’s education. Homework is an important part of the process in developing lifelong learning skills. The purpose of homework at St Francis de Sales College is to: • support year level programs • respond to each child’s specific needs • involve you in your children’s learning. Family Handbook 15

Vision for Learning.... continued Homework will… 6. Support current classroom learning or what is about to be learnt. 1. Be introduced and explained by teachers who are mindful and supportive of the fact 7. Provide opportunities for students and that students and their families lead busy their families to interact in the learning lives. The homework tasks will recognise process. and value the vast learning opportunities that already take place within the home. 8. Encourage the use of resources available outside the school environment e.g. 2. Incorporate a diverse range of activities community members, local libraries and which promote lifelong learning. the media. 3. Encourage all students to pursue an active 9. Have clear learning intentions and suitable lifestyle, by valuing sports and other success criteria. physical activities that students engage in. 10. Include student reflection and teacher/ 4. Develop students’ study habits peer feedback. e.g. organisation, persistence, time management, responsibility and 11. Be distributed as a paper copy or recorded independence. in the diary or on SEQTA, as appropriate. 5. Inspire and motivate students and encourage their creativity when presenting and documenting their evidence. 16 Family Handbook

Vision for Learning.... continued Learning Progress Communication SEQTA Engage allows you to: We encourage and value ongoing • access the lessons, learning outcomes communication between students, parents and resources for each subject in your and their teachers throughout the year with child’s timetable regard to the holistic progress of each child. This is enabled through various channels • view daily notices including information and feedback via SEQTA • monitor your child’s learning progress as or Seesaw, email, phone calls, meetings, Learning Reviews and formal reports. You assessments are marked by teachers. should feel free to approach the College to If you have any questions regarding SEQTA discuss your child’s progress at any time. Engage access or capabilities, please contact Please contact the Subject Teacher or Home the College or download the SEQTA Engage Class Teacher in the first instance if you have Parent and Caregiver Guide from the College any questions or concerns. website. As part of this strong partnership, Learning Compulsory Excursions, Reviews are held twice per year across each year level. Camps and Retreats Reports for Reception to Year 6 are provided to During the course of the year students will parents and caregivers at the end of Terms 2 be given the opportunity to take part in and 4 each year. For Years 7-11, Interim Reports activities within and outside of the school are provided at the end of Terms 1 and 3 with grounds. The outings, or excursions, may semester reports then occurring at the end of be either local or to other parts of the each of the two semesters. Year 12 students metropolitan area and involve either private receive a report for Terms 1, 2 and 3. or public transport. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will sit the The consent notice to take part in the local NAPLAN Test, with PATM and/or PATR testing excursions is an ongoing Local Excursions being undertaken by Years 2-10 students. Consent Form, and is completed at the beginning of the academic year your child SEQTA Online Student Learning commences at the College. and Management Platform Notification of other excursions outside the local area will be communicated in writing, The College uses the SEQTA suite of programs and will include the destination, the mode to support teaching and learning. This of transport and other necessary details. advanced platform has three integrated, You will be sent a request to give your online portals; SEQTA Teach (for staff ), consent via Consent2Go. SEQTA Learn (for students Years 4-12) and SEQTA Engage (for parents and caregivers In most cases, the cost is included in the of Years 4-12). initial Educational Expenses Levy. Information will be provided at the start of Camps, Retreats and out of the classroom the year to allow you to access this portal, experiences are an important part of the which strengthens the connection and curriculum and are compulsory, enhancing communication between teachers, students student development along their growth and families. journey at the College. A camp fee has been charged to specific year levels and details of the activity will be provided by their Learning Leaders during Term 1. Family Handbook 17

Vision for Learning.... continued If a child cannot attend due to medical reasons Music Program the College will provide a refund after the event upon the College receiving a copy of the Music plays an important role in the Medical Certificate. celebration of College life. It gives all students an opportunity to: Since 2002, the College has also offered a biennial 2½ week overseas trip to Japan, with • be part of an experience that they can intercultural, academic, and linguistic aims. carry with them through life Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are able to participate. When interest levels and numbers • develop creative and critical thinking of students wishing to participate are high, skills as well as social and emotional preference is given to students who are capabilities actually studying Japanese in the year that the trip is organised. In the past, the College has • gain the satisfaction of learning a also hosted up to three school visits per year musical instrument and reap the from Japanese schools. Students are hosted many benefits associated with by families in the College Community for the learning and brain development 2-3 weeks that they attend our College. On our biennial trip to Japan, we are often hosted by • enjoy the social benefits of rehearsing our former guests for a few days. and performing in a musical ensemble Inclusive Education • learn self-discipline through progressive achievement. At St Francis de Sales College we value and celebrate the differences among our students. Instrumental Program We are committed to developing a model of St Francis de Sales College offers a support which is student-centred. Students comprehensive instrumental tuition are made to feel appreciated for who they are program utilising experienced teachers as individuals and feel that their contributions from Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. to the College are valued. St Francis de Sales College welcomes and values diversity in Instrumental lessons are held in the all students. Instrumental Studios, which are located in the Music Centre. All students are challenged with learning opportunities which are appropriate to the Instrumental hire is the responsibility of student’s talents and requirements. the parent/caregiver. Details of hire are available from the College. For further information, please contact the Inclusive Education Coordinator, Jo Matthews. Tuition is offered on a 1:1 basis. Lessons take place during school hours and the cost of the lessons are paid by families directly to the instrumental teacher per term. Tuition is undertaken for a minimum of one term. You are expected to provide the appropriate instrument and students are required to practice regularly to maintain their commitment to their musical development. Instrumental Music reports are provided at the end of each semester to support the students’ learning and to encourage communication with students, parents/ caregivers and the instrumental teacher. 18 Family Handbook

Vision for Learning.... continued Individual lessons are offered in the following: • ‘The Voices’, which is our choir for students from R-6, provides Piano Clarinet/Clarineo an opportunity for students to engage in choral practices that will Flute/Fife Recorder develop and support their interest in music participation Saxophone Trombone • ‘Mixed Bag’ is an instrumental ensemble Trumpet Bass Guitar developing students’ skills using woodwind, brass, percussion, stringed Violin Drums instruments and a rhythm section Guitar Voice • ‘Heart ‘n’ Soul’, an ensemble made up of Senior Students who primarily Music Ensembles play funk, rock and rhythm and blues The College aims to provide an opportunity • Percussion Ensemble is for students for students who learn an instrument or voice, who learn percussion instruments. within or outside the College, to experience This supports their rhythmic performing in a variety of choral and development and ensemble playing instrumental ensembles. • Rock Band which enables students Each ensemble rehearses during a lunch time who wish to develop contemporary on a College day. Holiday workshops and after music skills to play in an ensemble that school practices are organised to extend and focuses on modern and popular music develop the students’ repertoire. • Guitar Ensemble offers guitarists The current ensembles being offered at specialist tuition in playing in their St Francis de Sales are: own ensemble • ‘JazZone’, an auditioned vocal group • Other ensembles may be formed specifically formed to compete at the dependent on demand. annual national Generations in Jazz Festival in Mt Gambier Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) • ‘St Franics de Groove’ is a small jazz For all information regarding the Bring Your combination band, formed to participate Own Device (BYOD) to School Program, at Generations in Jazz from 2020 please refer to our College website. • St Francis ‘VoCo’ is a six-part small vocal Leadership Opportunities ensemble, also formed for Generations in Jazz 2020. • College Captains • Senior Student Leadership Team • Senior Vocal Ensemble ‘Musaic’ which • Student Representative Council caters for students in Years 7-12; all • House Leadership musical genres are represented • Membership of College Committees in the repertoire • College Graduation Committee • Recycling Representatives • ‘The Festival Choir’ which is primarily for • Music Captains students in Years 5, 6 and 7. This ensemble • Ensemble Captains performs in the Catholic Schools’ Music • Vinnies Faith-in-Action (FIA) Group Festival, which involves many Catholic Schools from around South Australia. The Festival is held annually in the Festival Theatre. The repertoire is a set program of works developed in consultation with the Director of the Catholic Schools Music Festival Family Handbook 19

Expectations of Students General Conduct Around Personal Responsibility Procedures the College and Community Commitment • All recreation is taken outside except when All of our Personal Responsibility procedures rain makes this impossible. During recess are based upon a shared community and lunch breaks, the classrooms and commitment to provide a productive learning corridors are to be vacated. environment, where respectful relationships are key to ensuring all feel safe and supported • A warning bell is rung at the end of in their College Community, where we live out lunchtime to promote punctuality to the our College Heart Values. next class. • Faith • Perseverance • Compassion • There should be no eating or drinking • Integrity • Respect • Wisdom • Justice (except water) in the classrooms or corridors except where, in primary and This is a commitment that all students, staff, middle school classes, teachers allow parents and caregivers must make in order to and oversee the snacking of “brain food” be able to be part of the St Francis de Sales during extended periods of study which College Community, and one to which we will do not include a formal break period. hold each other accountable. This will help to ensure the cleanliness of rooms and corridors. Procedures for responding to breaches of our shared Community Commitment • Food and drink are not permitted in the Community Sports Centre or ovals. The College’s procedures are specifically shaped to respond more effectively and • It is the responsibility of all to see that supportively to three different areas of breach the College, ovals and Community Sports of our shared Community Commitment: Centre and its surrounding are kept as clean and tidy as possible. • those resulting in damaged community relationships • Bins are provided for waste material. • Food and drink are not to be taken • those where choices disregard community expectations into the toilets. • All bags are to be stored in each student’s • those creating a physically or emotionally unsafe environment through Bullying and locker or hook (Junior School). Students Harassment. are to collect their equipment for each lesson from their locker either before Please refer to the College website for the school, at recess or at lunchtime only. Personal Responsibility Procedures. • The car park and Homemaker Centre are out of bounds for students except when entering or leaving the College. • Students are not to smoke or consume alcohol when in school uniform, whether it be at school or going to or from school. Consequences will apply for breaches. • Mobile phones are not permitted in class at any time, unless indicated by the teacher for a specific educational purpose that cannot be fulfilled by the use of the regular electronic devices. • Electronic devices may be used for educational purposes only. 20 Family Handbook

Expectations of Students.... continued Restorative Practices After School The College is committed to the Students from R-12 will be dismissed at 3:10pm implementation of Personal Responsibility each day. with regard to behavioural issues through Restorative Practices. Restorative Practices is a Students who catch a bus are required to make process that advocates that the people most their way to the bus collection area, which is effective at finding a solution are the people located at the front of the College gates on who are most directly affected by the problem. Dutton Road. Restorative processes create opportunities for All buses will depart from Dutton Road at the those involved in a conflict to work together designated areas. to understand, clarify and resolve the situation and work together towards repairing the At all times, care should be taken when harm caused. students move towards cars. College Gates Students exiting the College on foot or by bike should use the paved pathways. Care The entrance to the College during 2020 until should be taken when crossing the railway line/ building is completed is through the gates near School Crossing. the Reception classroom, the canteen area, near the College Reception building or near Students are taken to Student Services or OSHC the Senior School building. These gates will be if not collected by 3:30pm. opened before school and locked at 9:00am. They will be opened again at 3:00pm. Student Diary Use of Transport Students from Year 3 onwards use a diary. The diary is a means of communication between Students using public transport or waiting students, parents/caregivers and staff. It is also for public transport should behave in an a record of the homework requirements each appropriate manner, being polite and day and an appropriate place for parents to courteous at all times. Serious breaches of communicate with teachers and vice versa. this behaviour will result in the student being asked to find alternative transport to and from The diary is not a private document. It is a the College. formal means of communication between the school and the family and must be produced Supervision of Students at the request of any member of the teaching Outside of Lesson Times staff who may wish to examine it or write a note therein. 8:30am - 8:51am For the student, the diary is a place to record Teachers are on duty in the R-6 and in the Years 7-12 homework and important dates, the place to areas. Students should not arrive at school before record all requests and permissions and a means this time. Students arriving before supervison of organising their time and work. Students are begins will be sent to Out of School Hours Care expected to present their diary to the Home (OSHC). Students may enter classrooms at the Class Teacher regularly for checking and signing discretion of the Home Class Teacher. and to maintain the diary in a clean and orderly fashion, free of graffiti and/or stickers. Recess and Lunch R-2 students use a Reading Diary. Teachers are on duty in playing areas, and in the library (second half of lunch only). Family Handbook 21

Expectations of Students.... continued Students Driving and Parking Student Drop Off Zone Students may drive to and from school on a At the front of the Junior School area there permanent basis providing the following are is a ‘Kiss and Drop’ zone for dropping off adhered to: and collecting students. This zone is located alongside the staff car park. • all Traffic Act Road Rules are to be observed Parents/caregivers are asked to continue moving ahead without parking and leaving • students drive responsibly and safely, vehicles in this zone. Traffic Inspectors are particularly on roads around the College often present to ensure this rule is followed. Your cooperation with this is greatly • students observe and consider the safety appreciated. Please adhere to the 5km/hr of bus students and school buses. speed limit. Students will not use their vehicles during the day: There is also a Kiss and Drop Zone located at the Wetlands. • unless they have teacher permission before going to a vehicle • for any other purpose within school hours (8:51am to 3:10pm) except when a parents/caregivers note indicates the reason for leaving school and gives permission. This note must be presented to the Home Class Teacher and Student Services as they sign out from the College. Students who are not approved regular student drivers but need to drive a vehicle to school for special reasons will receive temporary permission for this when a parent/caregiver diary note is presented to the Deputy Principal or Year Level Leader. Student drivers may be permitted to transport student passengers to and from school providing: a. the student driver’s parents/caregivers are aware of it and that permission has been given for the specific passenger(s) and b. student passengers have their parents/ caregivers written permission and have lodged the information with the school. Student drivers and passengers are not permitted to drive to school or be transported by students until the school has sighted and approved permission notes from all parents/ caregivers involved. 22 Family Handbook

Expectations of Students.... continued Uniform Shop 6. Jewellery: Students via negotiation with the Principal can lodge an application to Devon Clothing wear a non-religious necklace which may 2 Hampden Road, Mount Barker have sentimental value. T: 8350 7938 Online ordering service available, 7. Earrings: Students are permitted to wear a refer to devonclothing.com.au sleeper or small stud in each ear lobe and two clears anywhere on each ear. No other Uniform facial piercings or clears will be permitted (including the nose, eyebrow and lip). The uniform provides a sense of identity and Students can wear small pearl earrings or wearing it well shows pride in our College. small gem stones. Items of uniform are available from the College 8. Make Up: Students are able to have a light, Uniform Shop, Devon Clothing. A full list of the barely visible make up using natural- College Uniform requirements is available on looking foundation. Students cannot the College Website or School Mobile App. wear any other kind of make up. Therefore lipstick, mascara and eyeshadow are not We also offer a range of second hand uniform to be worn. items for purchase. Please contact the College to view items. 9. Nails: Nail art and nail wraps are not to be worn by students. Clear or natural Please note the following policies of the coloured nail polish is permitted. College in this matter: 10. Students are expected to be clean shaven. 1. The College uniform is to be worn in its complete and approved form: Collar length hair needs to be tied back. Hair needs to be kept away from the face at • when students are travelling to and all times. Hair ribbons and headbands are to from school be in College colours only (navy blue, bottle green, gold). Hair style and colour need to • to each class be appropriate for school and should not • to all official school functions, be designed to attract attention. excursions or formal occasions A broad-brimmed or bucket hat has been • as directed by the Principal. adopted as part of the official school uniform. Hats are to be worn outdoors at 2. The correct wearing of the College uniform all times during Terms 1 and 4. is a prerequisite for attending classes. The sports uniform is worn only on those 3. College blazer (Years 7-12) should be worn days that are designated as sport days for all formal occasions, including assemblies, and advertised as such at the beginning excursions. The blazer is to be worn to and of each school year and during practical from the College, regardless of method of Physical Education or Sports lessons. transport, in Term 2 and Term 3. The jumper Sport shoes such as cross trainers which may only be worn as the outer garment once provide adequate support are to be inside the College grounds. The blazer is to worn. This excludes flat canvas shoes (e.g. be worn to Homeroom Admin. Dunlop Volleys) and high cut gym boots. 4. Only the Principal or Principal’s delegate 11. It is expected all articles should be clearly may sanction the departure from these marked with the owner’s name. requirements. The full College uniform policy is available on 5. The summer uniform will be worn during the College website. Terms 1 and 4 and the winter uniform will be worn during Terms 2 and 3. Family Handbook 23

Administration Procedures College Reception Opening Times The College Reception is open Monday-Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm. To contact the College Reception outside these hours, call on 8393 1000 and leave a recorded message. Alternatively, email a message to [email protected] Lesson Times Morning Admin 2020 Term Dates Lesson 1 Monday to Friday Lesson 2 Term 1 Tuesday 28 January -  8:51 - 9:05 Lesson 3 Thursday 9 April  9:05 - 9:45 RECESS  9:45 - 10:30 Lesson 4 Term 2 Monday 27 April - 10:30 - 11:15 Lesson 5 Friday 3 July 11:15 - 11:35 LUNCH 11:35 - 12:20 Lesson 6 Term 3 Monday 20 July - 12:20 - 1:05 Lesson 7 Friday 25 September 1:05 - 1:45 1:45 - 2:30 Term 4 Monday 12 October -  2:30 - 3:10 Friday 11 December 2021 Term Dates Term 1 Wednesday 27 January - Friday 9 April Term 2 Tuesday 27 April - Friday 2 July Term 3 Monday 19 July - Friday 24 September Term 4 Monday 11 October - Friday 10 December 24 Family Handbook

Administration Procedures.... continued Late Arrival Absence Being punctual to school and lessons is a a. A telephone call from the parent/caregiver quality which we expect in our students. It is on the morning of the absence should not only good manners but allows the teacher be made to the College Absentee Line to begin the planned learning activities on time. (phone 8393 1001) by 9:30am. A written Therefore, parents and caregivers are asked to explanation in the diary when your child ensure that students arrive at school on time. returns to school should be given to the Home Class Teacher for every absence. Students who arrive at school after 8:51am are to report to Student Services to record lateness. b. Notes should be in parent/caregivers handwriting or an SMS from the parent/ A note of explanation from a parent/caregiver caregiver’s phone. should be given to the Home Class Teacher. c. If the student’s absence is known in Attendance advance, the College should be contacted via the College Absentee Line (8393 1001). Students should aim to be at school by 8:45am and are expected to be in d. Medical, dental, etc. appointments, or classrooms by 8:51am. driving lessons, where possible, should be made outside school hours. Students should not be on the College grounds before 8:30am unless enrolled e. Be sure to check the website, Skoolbag formally in OSHC. App or SEQTA Engage (Years 4-12) for notices that may have been released Feast Days, Sports Days, Reflection Days and during your child’s absence. other whole school or year level community events are an integral part of the College life Departing the College Grounds and all students are expected to attend. During the Day Any student who has to leave the College at an irregular time must bring a note that is to be shown to the Home Class Teacher before school on that day. At the time of leaving the students are to report to Student Services and parent/ caregivers arriving to collect their child are to report to the College Reception to sign them out. You are asked not to go straight to the classroom, but rather to wait at College Reception. If returning to school the same day, the student is to report to Student Services before returning to class. Contact with the Home Class Teacher can be made to organise work for students who are ill or to access planning and resources via SEQTA Engage (Years 4-12). Family Handbook 25

Administration Procedures.... continued Money and Other Valuables Mobile Phones Money sent to school for any purpose needs to • Years 10-12 refer to Senior School Mobile be placed in a sealed envelope, clearly marked Phone guidelines. with the student’s name, class and the purpose for which the money is to be used. This is taken • Can be brought to school but must be to Student Services for safe-keeping. Personal kept in lockers for Years 7-9. money should be the responsibility of the student. Money or valuables are not to be left • If required, R-6 phones should be signed in in the classrooms or in lockers and bags. at the R-6 Administration Office; with drop off upon arrival and collection at the end We do not encourage mobile phones to be of the day. brought to school unless you feel they are a necessary safety device for your child, e.g. Other to ring you after school on the way home in an emergency. If a mobile phone is brought The following items are not permitted to school it must be switched off and kept at school: in a safe place, e.g. locker. Phone calls or text messages must not be made or received • chewing gum during the day (this includes recess and lunch). • bottled alcohol-based liquid paper Emergency communication with you can be • dangerous and /or illegal items. made through Student Services. The College does not take responsibility for items that go The College bag, diary and pencil cases should missing – students need to be careful about be labelled and be free of stickers and graffiti any valuable items they bring to school and and any offensive material. Students should keep them in a safe place. not interfere with another student’s bag, locker or personal belongings. 26 Family Handbook

Facilities and Services Student Leave for an It is a student’s responsibility to ensure his/ Extended Period her locker is secured with a padlock and no responsibility will be taken for items of value If your child will be absent for an extended brought to the College. period of time, the family should complete an Exemption Form available from the College Canteen – Food 4 Thought Cafe Reception or College website. The Canteen provides lunch orders and If an extended period of time is approved counter sales every day. by the College Principal and your child’s place is being held, families are expected To make lunch orders quick and easy to to continue to pay the school fees as per place, convenient online payment options normal arrangements. include Visa, MasterCard (direct debit and credit cards) and Bank Transfer. Simply go to Visitors to the College www.flexischools.com.au and ‘Register Now’ - be sure to select St Francis de Sales College in All visitors to the College are asked to report to SA. Flexischools has a help desk 1300 361 769 College Reception upon arrival. if you have any questions. These orders will be delivered to R-6 classes. This is due to our Duty of Care responsibilities and our need to ensure a safe environment. The Canteen supplies a selection of healthy lunches and snacks for students in accordance All visitors must report to College Reception with the Australian Dietary Healthy Eating and sign in. They will then be issued with a Guidelines (Right Bite). visitor’s pass, which must be worn and visible, while they are on the school property. Volunteer Help Former student visitors are allowed to visit the We would greatly welcome your involvement College at the discretion of the Principal or in our Canteen team. If you are interested Deputy Principal. please register on the form located on our College website under Community>Canteen. We would ask for your support in safeguarding the members of our community while at Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) the College. Hours of Operation Student Identification Cards Before School Care: 6:30 - 8:45am All students from Years 8 -12 receive a After School Care: 3:10 - 6:30pm photographic identification card indicating they are a student at a secondary school for Contact Us identification and concession purposes. If lost, Customer Care: 1300 105 343 the card can be replaced at a fee of $5.00. Email: [email protected] Student Lockers Service Details: 0405 433 544 All Years 6-12 students will be allocated a locker for the purpose of securing their personal Email: [email protected] items and books for the day. Locks are provided by the College and are of the combination variety to ensure consistency and assistance in the case of forgotten identification numbers. Family Handbook 27

Facilities and Services.... continued Child Care Benefit Funded Program Text and Stationery This school site provides before school care Many of the text books for Years 7-12 are from 6:30am until 8:30am when school opens provided from the class sets owned by the and after school care from 3:10pm until College, for which a hire fee is incorporated 6:30pm. Our provider number for the in the annual fee. Before and After School Care Program is CRN 407 393 186L. Phone Centrelink Family If a student loses or damages a book, parents Assistance on 13 61 50. Please contact are charged for the replacement cost. Camp Australia to have your Camp Australia Child Care Account include the child care Booklists are distributed in November/ benefit deductions. December for Years 7-12 for the pre-ordering of text books and stationery through the To enrol your child/ren into the St Francis de College booklist provider. Sales OSHC Program, please complete an online OSHC Registration Form at the OSHC R-6 individual stationery packs are distributed Sign In/Sign Out desk during OSHC times. through the Home Class Teacher. A registration form can also be downloaded direct from Camp Australia’s own website. College portfolio packs include a College For more information regarding our OSHC diary which is distributed through the Program, please visit the Camp Australia Home Class Teacher. website at: www.campaustralia.com.au and/or refer to updates in the College newsletter. Bus Services Library Lofty Coaches Bus Service The Resource Centre provides a range of The bus runs are: resources and information for staff and students at St Francis de Sales College. Hills Route 1 – Servicing areas of Callington, We are open from 8:30am until 4:00pm daily. Kanmantoo, Nairne, Dawsley, Dalmeny Estate, Bald Hills Road, Martindale Estate and Our teacher librarians work collaboratively with Waterford Estate. class and subject teachers to plan and teach Information Literacy skills and to introduce Hills Route 2 – Servicing areas of Birdwood, students to new reading materials. Mt Torrens, Lobethal, Charleston, Oakbank, Woodside, Balhannah and Littlehampton. Student Services Hills Route 3 – Murray Bridge via South This is a place for students to attend for signing Eastern Freeway. in and out, student notices and First Aid. High School Interchange - Transporting students to and from the Mount Barker High School Interchange. Stirling – Heathfield, Stirling, Aldgate, Bridgewater, Hahndorf, Crafers. Meadows – Transporting students to and from Meadows Primary School. If you wish to discuss the College bus operated by Lofty Coaches Bus Service, contact either the College Office on 8393 1000 or Lofty Coaches direct on 8391 5272 or visit their website at loftycoaches.com.au 28 Family Handbook

Facilities and Services.... continued Southlink Bus Service 853 - Dutton Road Park ‘N’ Ride to St Francis de Sales College The bus runs are: Route: Depart Dutton Road Park ‘N’ Ride via Morning Services Dutton Road to St Francis de Sales College. 852L - Langhorne Creek to Afternoon Services Strathalbyn Station 855 - St Francis de Sales College to Route: Depart Langhorne Creek via Langhorne Strathalbyn Creek Road, South Terrace, Strathalbyn Station. Route: Depart St Francis de Sales College STUDENTS WILL TRANSFER FROM via Dutton Road, Springs Road, Bald STRATHALBYN STATION STOP – Hills Road, Hartman Road, Sims Road, AND TRANSFER TO SERVICE Paech Road, Wellington Road, Adelaide 855 or 855W (below): Road, Long Valley Road, Albion Drive, Jenkins Road, Meyers Road, Avenue Road, 855 - Strathalbyn to Gransden Road, East Terrace, Marchant St Francis de Sales College Road, Caldwell Street, Jackson Avenue, East Terrace, Callington Road, South Route: Depart via Albion Drive, Jenkins Road, Terrace to Strathalbyn Station. Meyers Road, Avenue Road, Gransden Road, East Terrace, Marchant Road, Caldwell Street, 855W - St Francis de Sales College to Jackson Avenue, East Terrace, Callington Road, Strathalbyn via Waldorf School South Terrace, Strathalbyn Station, Dawson Street, Commercial Road, North Parade, Route: Depart St Francis de Sales Gransden Road, Long Valley Road, College via Springs Road, Bald Hills Adelaide Road, Wellington Road, Paech Road, Road, Alexandrina Road, Victoria Road, Sims Road, Hartman Road, Bald Hills Road, Wellington Road, Duffield Avenue, Murray Springs Road, Dutton Road to St Francis Avenue, Simms Road to Waldorf School, de Sales College. departing via Simms Road, Wellington Road, Adelaide Road, Long Valley Road, 855W - Strathalbyn to Albion Drive, Jenkins Road, Meyers Road, St Francis de Sales College Avenue Road, Gransden Road, East Terrace, Marchant Road, Caldwell Street, Jackson Route: Depart via Albion Drive, Jenkins Road, Avenue, East Terrace, Callington Road, Meyers Road, Avenue Road, Gransden Road, South Terrace to Strathalbyn Station. East Terrace, Marchant Road, Caldwell Street, Jackson Avenue, East Terrace, Callington Road, STUDENTS PROCEEDING TO LANGHORNE South Terrace, Strathalbyn Station, Dawson CREEK WILL TRANSFER FROM Street, Commercial Road, North Parade, STRATHALBYN STATION STOP – Gransden Road, Long Valley Road, Adelaide AND TRANSFER TO SERVICE 852L Road, Wellington Road, Simms Road to Waldorf (page 30): School, departing via Sims Road, Hartman Road, Bald Hills Road, Springs Road, Dutton Road to St Francis de Sales. Family Handbook 29

Facilities and Services.... continued 852L - Cornerstone College to and develop knowledge of themselves and Langhorne Creek to maintain responsible, healthy and positive attitudes towards life. Route: Depart St Mark’s Lutheran Primary School Stop 67 via Exhibition Road, Family, Parish and College partnerships are an Hutchinson Street, Morphett Street, Adelaide important part of our College Community. Road, U-Turn at Mt Barker Road then Adelaide Road, Cornerstone College Road Way to Student Counsellor Cornerstone College then via Cameron Road, Druids Avenue, Dumas Street, Park ‘N’ Ride, A personal confidential counselling service is Dumas Street, Morphett Street, Hutchinson provided to all of our students by our qualified Street, Exhibition Road, Alexandrina Road, Counsellor, Carol Jarell. If a parent is concerned Albert Road, Wellington Road, Long Valley about their child’s wellbeing, they should first Road, Gransden Road, North Parade, Sunter contact their child’s Home Class Teacher. Street, Rankine Street, South Terrace, Strathalbyn Station, Dawson Street, Why would I need to use Commercial Road, North Parade, East Terrace, this service? Langhorne Creek Road to Langhorne Creek. Sometimes students might feel more Routes are subject to change. All changes will comfortable talking to someone other than be notified via the College Newsletter. friends or family about an issue or problem that is bothering them at either school or at home. Counselling Student Wellbeing Our Counsellor can help students work in Our College through this situation by developing strategies and skills to resolve or minimise the impact it St Francis de Sales College endeavours to is having on them. assist each student develop their intellectual, physical, emotional, social and spiritual How can counselling help? potential. As an R-12 College Community we nurture the social, spiritual and emotional Our Student Counsellor is qualified and development of our students to promote skilled in supporting students, staff and wellbeing and assist them in developing you in dealing with issues that include: the skills to continue to care for and respect themselves and others. • behavioural issues • emotional issues Through wellbeing initiatives our students • relationship issues learn how they can develop their skills for • friendships organisation, getting along, confidence and • grief and loss perseverance. We help our students to develop • negotiation/mediation resilience and emotional wellbeing by teaching • crisis situations. them how they can challenge their negative thoughts and bounce back from any adversity A variety of formats are used by our Student or setbacks in their lives. Counsellor to foster student wellbeing: The Religious Education and Crossways • one-to-one and small group counselling Program help students develop their • group mediations spirituality and understanding of God’s • classroom sessions presence in their family’s lives. The Crossways • meetings with staff and/or parents Program aims to help students understand • access and referrals to external agencies, resources and facilities. 30 Family Handbook

Facilities and Services.... continued How can my child make Students are able to make an appointment by: an appointment? • emailing the Counsellor To assist student wellbeing we encourage • a self referral and arranging a time with our students to be proactive in seeking counselling as a support whenever the Counsellor at the Counselling Room they feel the need. • asking you or their teacher to refer them Reception to Year 6 students usually seek to the Counsellor help from you or their teachers to refer them • placing a request with Student Services to the Counsellor when seeking and making counselling appointments. for the Counsellor to arrange a time for a counselling session. Year 7 to 12 students usually prefer to independently arrange their appointments Parents/caregivers and teachers are also able with the Counsellor. Great care is taken to refer students to the Counsellor by: to minimise and prevent any disruptions to the student’s learning by working around • contacting the Counsellor by telephone their timetabled lessons, assessments and and discussing the situation College activities. • making an appointment to discuss details in person • asking the teacher to make a referral and provide details. Family Handbook 31

Health Services Emergency Procedures The College will only administer paracetamol with a Medical Management Plan Form Our first priority is the health and safety of signed by a Doctor. your child/children. In normal circumstances we first try to contact parents if a child is sick Students will need to come to Student or injured. To enable us to make such contact Services at the correct time where the staff you will be asked to fill in a confidential will administer the medicines and keep information form, which is updated on an a record of the date and dosage supplied. annual basis. This does not apply to puffers or inhalers, as students need to have easy access This form seeks: to these. a. information for daytime contact Teachers in classrooms do not give out b. permission to act on your behalf if contact medicines. This is a safety issue both for teachers, students and parents/caregivers cannot be made. and we appreciate your co-operation in this matter. All teachers are familiar with basic first aid. You are asked to submit a signed Health You are asked to keep the College informed of Plan by your G.P. to Student Services any changes of address or telephone numbers. at the beginning of each year if the student requires medication at the College. First Aid/Sickroom Ambulance The First Aid Area is located in the Student Services area. These facilities do not, however, An emergency cover arrangement provide for long time care. Parents/caregivers with SA Ambulance Service is included or contact persons are notified immediately in the Education Expenses Schedule. a child has a serious accident at school. In extreme cases, especially when a parent/ Dental Clinic caregiver cannot be contacted, the Principal may arrange for the child to be taken to a Our College is serviced during school doctor or hospital, usually by ambulance. Sick hours by the Dental Clinic located in the children should not be sent to school. grounds of the Mount Barker Primary School. Once enrolled with the clinic, you receive Medication at the College notification to attend by appointment cards, whether through the school or by post. All students who need medicine or tablets to be administered at the College are required Immunisations to hand them into Student Services on arrival at the College and collect them at the end Immunisations are held for Years 8, 9, 10 and of the day. The medicine/tablets need to be 11 and are administered through the College in the original container supplied, together by Immunisation Nurses from the District with a Medical Consent Form signed by a Council of Mount Barker. Doctor explaining the dosage and time for the medicine to be given. In some cases medication will need to be stored permanently at the College. 32 Family Handbook

College Policies and Procedures To read College Policies and Procedures in full • Extreme Weather Arrangements Policy please visit the College website • Fees Policy • Personal Responsibility Policy stfrancis.catholic.edu.au • Child Protection Policy • Skin Protection Policy and Implementation The following policies are available: Strategies • Bushfire Policy • Uniform Policy • Camps and Excursions Policy • Student Leadership Policy • Catholic Charter for Parents • Privacy Policy • CEO Policy for the care, wellbeing and protection of children and young people • Drug and Substance Abuse Policy • Enrolment Policy Financial Information School card must be applied for annually. College Fees All students from Reception to Year 6 use classroom stationery sets. Our policy has always been to ensure our fees are kept at a reasonable level while Total fees consist of: endeavouring to provide quality facilities and resources for the students who attend Tuition fees, curriculum materials, all the College. The College Board believes excursions, physical education levy, that the fee structure set continues to performances, library levy, IT levy, maintain this policy while meeting the ambulance cover and school insurance, financial demands of running a growing art/classroom materials, lock/locker use, R-12 Catholic Co-educational College. text book hire and extra curriculum activities. All parents/caregivers sign a School Fees The compulsory Capital Levy Component is Collection Policy Agreement as part aligned to payment of the costs of our new of the enrolment application, agreeing Sports Centre and Junior School Construction. to the payment of fees, and we ask families to abide by this agreement. Family Handbook 33

Financial Information.... continued The fee account you receive in Term 1 will Building Fund Contributions show the total annual fees for the year. All families need to commit to one of the The Board wishes to acknowledge and following options: thank St Francis de Sales College families who have donated to the Building Fund OPTION 1 – Paid in full last business day over recent years. in March (31st). The College continues to further develop OPTION 2 – 10 monthly payments paid in facilities. The College is entering the next full by mid November. Direct phase of the College Building Master Plan Debit is the preferred payment and your voluntary tax deductible donations type. Authority forms can be are gratefully accepted. Please download downloaded from the website. and complete the Building Fund Nomination form and return to the College for processing The College Board has approved collection of your tax deductible donation. of fees through an agency if an account is outstanding for longer than a term, or if agreed payment requirements are not met. All fee information is on the College website under Enrolments. 34 Family Handbook

General Matters Smoke-Free Zone Toys ALL school buildings and grounds are Unless there is a justifiable reason smoke-free zones. (e.g. classroom or College activity), children are not to bring toys to school. Not only Art and Craft Smock can they be distracting during lesson time, they can also be a source of misuse/abuse Many of the paints and glues used by the by others. Toys such as guns, pistols, students during their art lessons are difficult to knives etc. are prohibited. remove from clothing. Please ensure that your child has an old shirt or smock to protect the Bicycles uniform during art and craft activities. For those children who ride their Photographs bicycles to the College, the following regulations apply: The privacy policy requires that each parent/ caregiver sign a consent form allowing • bicycles are not to be ridden in the the photographs of students to be used in yard at any time newsletters, the year book, promotional material, local and state newspapers and the • bicycles are to be stored and locked College website. in the appropriate racks Each year a commercial photographer is • students must not share bicycles invited to the school to take photographs. with others These include class, individual and/or family photographs. Consent is required for • bicycle helmets must be worn individual and family photographs to be taken • students should be carefully instructed and you are under no obligation to purchase. on road safety. A photographer is also used for specific College events. Family Handbook 35

General Matters.... continued Lost Property Insurance Any items of clothing, lunch boxes, etc. found The College has taken out insurance coverage at College are left in a container marked “Lost which gives all students a basic cover 24 hours Property” and stored outside the sports area per day. in the Junior School or Student Services. All unnamed items not claimed will be offered for This also covers students whilst on work sale via a trading table at the end of each term. experience programs. This insurance would replace the cover traditionally taken out by You are requested to CLEARLY LABEL ALL parents/caregivers with the Catholic Church ITEMS OF CLOTHING AND GOODS brought Insurance on an individual basis. However, you to the College to ensure that they are easily should check with the College as to the level returned to their respective owners of coverage to ensure adequate coverage for if misplaced. your own individual circumstances. 36 Family Handbook

2020 College Captains, L-R: Cara Hameister and Madison Violi 37 Family Handbook

8 Dutton Road CRICOS Provider No. 03516C | Accurate as at February 2020 Mount Barker, SA 5251 PO Box 1793 Mount Barker, SA 5251 T: (08) 8393 1000 E: [email protected] stfrancis.catholic.edu.au