Principal’s Welcome

Access and Transport
Access Points
Car Parking
School Crossings
Walking School Bus
Bicycles & Scooters

Curriculum
Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS)
The Arts
The Humanities/Science/Technology/Health
Personal Learning/Information Communications Technology (ICT)/Thinking
Extended Learning Opportunities
English
Mathematics
Early Years Numeracy Program
Science
Technology
Language Other Than English - Japanese
Camping Program
Health & Physical Education
Perceptual Motor Program
Music
Choir
Percussion Ensemble
School Concert
Visual Arts
Year 6 Drama/Improvisation
Library
Learning Technologies
Environmental Education
Integration
Religious Education

Welcome to the Eltham East Primary School Community...

School Shared Mission
Eltham East Primary School is committed to providing a nurturing and caring environment which supports and inspires our children to value learning and grow in self awareness and social responsibility

School Shared Vision
Our shared vision encompasses the things we aim to achieve every day at Eltham East Primary School

School Values
Learning Respect Enjoyment Teamwork Environment

School Motto
Learning and Growing Together

School Context

Eltham East Primary School (EEPS) is about our students; their learning, their welfare and their potential. Our school vision is clearly about being committed to providing a nurturing and caring environment which supports and inspires our children to value learning and grow in self awareness and social responsibility. Our strong Student Wellbeing Policy and Student Management Plan support this growth.
With our motto of Learning and Growing Together, the school and community form an interdependent partnership, with all members; students, staff and parents, living by and modelling our school values of Respect, Teamwork, Learning, Environment and Enjoyment.

EEPS is situated in the heart of Eltham, close to the main shopping centre and public transport facilities. The hillside site is typical of the character of Eltham, combining bushland and natural play areas for all age groups. Eltham is located 22 km from Melbourne. The school was established in 1963 and was the last primary school to be established in the Eltham area. By early 2008 we will have added three new playing areas, each covered with synthetic turf and marked for a number of sports; volleyball and four square courts, a netball/basketball court and the oval with a running track, cricket nets and softball diamond.

To ensure all 485 students have a high quality education a staff of over 40 works towards achieving the school’s vision. The team comprises the principal, assistant principal, 2 leading teachers, 20 classroom and 4 specialist teachers, a 0.4 student wellbeing officer, 4 part time office staff, 4 part time support staff including 2 first aid officers and 2 integration support staff, 2 part time ICT technicians, the out school hours care school council staff, a visiting district speech pathologist and psychologist, cleaning contractors and gardening contractors.

The school is organised into a combination of straight and multi age classes which combine two year levels. Dedicated, skilled and enthusiastic staff use a range of innovative approaches as well as proven teaching practices to provide the very best learning environment for each child. Professional development of staff is given a high priority and through working in teams, staff members are able to share their expertise and plan collaboratively.
As literacy and numeracy are the foundation stones of the curriculum, they provide the focus of our school strategic plan. We also place a strong emphasis on a range of curriculum programs across all strands of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) which provide opportunities for personal growth and understanding. Opportunities are also provided for students to embrace leadership across the many facets of school life such as school captains, choir captains, tour guides, junior school council leader and environment and house captains.

Music is a strong feature of the school curriculum with our program based on the Kodaly method of teaching. The school prides itself on its internationally acclaimed choir, which performs and records on a regular basis. A school concert is held every two years. The school’s Visual Arts program is also of an excellent standard. Physical Education is conducted across Prep to Year 6 with a broadly based sport program in Years 5 and 6. Our successful Japanese program is taught from Years 1 to 6 with Japanese cultural awareness programs being provided in Prep. Our students also experience a rich and stimulating library program. Our school is actively involved in recycling and environment programs and has won many awards in this area. A camping program beginning in Year 3 is supported by a Prep breakfast, a barbeque and games evening for Year 1 and in Year 2 a sleepover at the school. Intensive swimming programs are conducted from Years Prep to 4 and water safety/survival programs in Years 5 and 6.

Eltham East has excellent facilities and resources. The classroom buildings are complemented by a large hall, multi purpose room, music room, art room and a well appointed library. The school is fully air conditioned. There are Macintosh computers in every classroom which are networked and linked to the internet as well as a computer laboratory. We also have nine interactive whiteboards for use across the school.

Our school community prides itself on a strong interdependent partnership between the school and home. There is a high level of community involvement and ongoing communication between the school and home is encouraged and valued. Our newsletter is published each week on our website. The School Council operates an active sub committee system in which dedicated parents and staff work together to benefit the school. The school has high parental support in the learning programs in the classrooms as well as in sport, camps and excursions. Our parents organise a highly enjoyable and successful fair and a fantastic community school dance every two years. An excellent before and after school childcare program is available from
7.00 am to 9.00 am and 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm each day.

The school interacts closely with the wider Eltham community and, through its membership in the Eltham/Research Professional Development Cluster and Nillumbik Network, operates in the spirit of cooperation with neighbouring educational institutions.

We are proud of our academic record and strive to continuously improve and enhance the learning opportunities and results for our students.

On behalf of our students, staff and parents, we extend a warm welcome to you and your child as you join the Eltham East Primary School community. We look forward to your time at our school being a happy and fulfilling partnership.

The School Calendar

Term Dates for 2008

Pupil free days for the development of school policy, curriculum program, professional development and report writing are set aside for teachers and, when relevant, for interested parents. Students are not required to attend school on these days.
Prior advice of the date of each pupil free day and the topic to be covered will be provided in the school newsletter.
There are four pupil free days each year.
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School Times

Assemblies

Whole school assemblies are held on Monday mornings at 9.00am in the hall (weather permitting). All parents are welcome. It is important that this full school assembly is attended by all students.

Attendance

Regular attendance is important for the education of your child. The school aims for a 95% attendance rate for all students (no more than 10 days absence per year). This information is included in your child’s written report in June and December. An attendance rate of less than 95% has a negative impact on a child’s academic and social performance.
Children are expected to be punctual in arriving at school. In order to arrive in time for the commencement of class children should arrive at school by 8.55 am. Please note however, that the school grounds are not supervised prior to 8.45 am or after 3.45 pm. Repeated lateness interrupts the learning of others and shows a lack of respect for the classroom learning program.

Early Dismissal / Late Arrivals

Please send a note to the class teacher if you intend to collect your child from school before the normal dismissal time of 3.30 pm.
Parents are asked to complete the Student Late Arrival/Collection sheet at the general office and collect a Student Collection Pass to present to your child’s classroom or specialist teacher. If your child is returning to school please complete the Student Late Arrival/Collection sheet when he/she returns.
Students are not permitted to leave the school unaccompanied, nor to meet parents at school boundaries other than at dismissal times.
If students leave school early due to illness, parents are to complete the Student Late Arrival/Collection sheet at the office upon leaving.
Late arrivals should also be recorded in the Student Late Arrival/Collection sheet at the general office.

A written explanation should be sent to the class teacher when your child returns after an absence. If your child is absent for three or more consecutive days, please contact the school office.
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School Strategic Plan

This document is planned by teachers, parents and school council and it outlines what the school is striving to achieve in the longer term. It outlines the school’s purpose, values and desired student outcomes, expressed through goals and targets, and summarises the three to five key improvement strategies required to achieve them.

Details of the Strategic Plan are then included in the Annual Implementation Plan which describes how the key improvement strategies will be put into operation in each of the four years.

Student Behaviour Management Plan

The school has developed a Student Behaviour Management Plan which is based on the expectation that children have the right to be safe and secure at all times and that they are to respect the rights and property of others.
The implementation of this Student Behaviour Management Plan follows a number of procedural steps with an emphasis on related consequences.
The school provides every family with a copy of the Student Behaviour Management Plan at the beginning of each school year and we encourage parents to read this document carefully and discuss it with their children. Copies of the Student Behaviour Management Plan can be obtained at the school office.
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Student Welfare

All staff are devoted to the welfare of our students.
A wide range of additional support is available to students with particular needs through programs provided by a number of visiting staff, including a speech pathologist, guidance officer (educational psychologist), the school nurse, and visiting teachers for hearing impaired and vision impaired students.
The school has a 0.4 student wellbeing officer to support student well being across all year levels and to meet with students, staff and parents as needed to provide support for students experiencing difficulties in the school environment.
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Student Well Being

Program Achieve (You Can Do It!) is being implemented at each year level. This program aims to provide all students with the foundations for achievement and social and emotional well being.
Confidence, Persistence, Organisation and Getting Along are the areas developed through this sequential program. The program provides students with many opportunities to learn a mindset that helps them develop their full academic, emotional and interpersonal potential.
Every classroom teacher implements an anti-bullying program during terms two and three each year.
A “buddy” program which matches each Prep child with a Year 5 buddy also promotes a supportive environment where children feel valued and accepted.
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Curriculum

Victorian Essential Learning Standards

The curriculum and programs at Eltham East Primary School are structured using the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS).
VELS is a whole school curriculum planning framework that describes essential knowledge, skills and behaviours for each student.
There are three core, interrelated strands that are planned at all levels.

At primary school we encompass two stages of learning.

Laying the foundations
Level 1 (Prep), Level 2 (Year 1&2) and Level 3 (Year 3&4)
In these years we focus on fundamental skills in literacy and numeracy and on building the physical and social capacities which underpin all future learning.

Building breadth and depth
Level 4 (Year 5&6)
In these years the students progress beyond the foundations as their literacy and numeracy becomes more developed. Students become more complex thinkers and are able to participate in more extended projects and participate in and lead group activities. An expanded curriculum provides the basis for depth across all strands.

Through the Arts the students are engaged in critical and creative thinking. They learn to recognise and value cultural forms and traditions that constitute artistic heritage. The students learn to take risks, be imaginative, explore alternative ideas, develop and refine techniques and share opinions.

The Humanities/Science/Technology/Health

Integrated curriculum is an organisational strategy used to allow students to make connections between the ‘big’ questions of life.

In Levels 1 to 4 this strategy is used for students to develop the basic ideas about the way in which people and societies organise their world. In particular students study their rights and responsibilities as citizens and develop an understanding of Civics and Citizenship that underpins our Australian democracy. Scientific process is built into studies that stimulate the students’ curiosity about the world in major disciplines of chemistry, biology, physics and earth and space. The activities are designed to provide ‘hands-on’ experiences to allow the students to learn by doing.

The technology component of our programs develops the students’ abilities to systematically approach technological problems and generate technological solutions. They investigate, design, produce and evaluate products to satisfy design brief criteria. Knowledge and skills using a variety of equipment as well as safe operation is taught.

The emphasis in our health and physical education program is on promoting an understanding of physical activity and movement, its relationship to health and well-being, awareness of self, individual differences and building positive social relationships.

The school values are modelled and taught as part of the students’ Personal and Social Learning. Students are engaged in activities that are organised to gradually introduce them to the skills necessary to build positive social relationships, work in teams, develop independence and manage and resolve conflicts.

Personal Learning/Information Communications Technology (ICT)/Thinking

The students are encouraged and supported to understand themselves as learners and thinkers. They develop an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and develop skills to set goals and organise their time and resources. They learn to reflect on strategies to manage their own learning.

Through the use of ICT tools the students are assisted in accessing, processing, managing and presenting information across all strands. They work individually, collaboratively and creatively. They learn to communicate globally and locally and develop an understanding of ICT and their responsibility as social and ethical users. An explicit focus on Thinking aims to develop the students’ higher-order processes required for creative problem-solving and decision making. The students have the opportunity to engage in challenging tasks, sustained discussion and deliberation.

Extended Learning Opportunities

Extended Learning Opportunities are run across the years 1 to 4. The children are placed in mixed groups with others from each year 1 to 4.
One afternoon each week the groups engage in a range of activities. In the past there have been activities such as cooking, chess, orienteering and knitting.
Each group runs for three weeks so children experience all twelve activities throughout the year.
ELO’s are an enormous success and create excitement among the children. They appreciate that they meet new friends from different grades and different year levels.

English

In English, students learn to appreciate, enjoy and use language and develop to a sense of its richness and its power to evoke feelings, to inform, to discuss, to persuade, to entertain and to argue.

English involves students in reading, viewing, writing, comparing, researching and talking about texts. Students are encouraged to explore the meaning of the texts and how meaning is conveyed.

Students also develop an understanding of the way purpose, audience and situation influence the structures and features of language and how to apply this knowledge in their reading, writing, viewing, speaking and listening. They also learn about the ways language shapes and reflects attitudes in different times and places.

Students learn to control language by applying their understanding of the grammatical structures of English, by learning to spell accurately and use punctuation effectively and by imitating good writers and speakers.

By understanding and working with texts, students acquire the knowledge, skills and personal qualities that enable them to read, view and listen critically and to think, speak and write clearly and confidently. Understanding texts and recognising how language works within them is necessary for success at school and beyond for an active, informed and fulfilling life in modern Australian society and the global community.

Mathematics

The mathematics program develops the five interrelated strands of Number, Measurement, Space, Chance & Data and Reasoning & Strategies from Prep to Year 6 through the four levels set out in the Curriculum Standards and Frameworks document.

These strands are all essential in developing competency in mathematics and becoming numerate. Being numerate is the ability to use mathematics confidently and effectively in everyday life. New concepts and skills are introduced to students using concrete materials which are then linked to real world experiences.

Early Years Numeracy Program

The Early Years Numeracy Program is based on the recognition that all students can succeed and become competent and confident in Mathematics given sufficient time and support in the first five years of schooling. Early Years Numeracy involves a structured classroom program, additional assistance when needed and a strong home/school partnership where parents can support their children's numeracy development.

Science

Science education at Eltham East has four conceptual strands, each with its characteristic scientific knowledge and ideas. These strands are drawn from the major disciplines of chemistry, biology, physics and earth and space sciences.
All science is incorporated into the Integrated Learning Units and is an integral part of each study. Eltham East has a comprehensive resource area where the science equipment is housed and over the last five years there has been considerable expenditure on “hands on” science activities for the school which allows the students to learn by doing.

Technology

Our technology program aims to develop the students’ abilities to systemically and creatively approach technological problems and generate technological solutions. The technology process adopted moves from the investigating phase to designing, producing and evaluating whether their product satisfies the design brief criteria.
Knowledge and skills to use a variety of equipment and resources will be developed as will the understanding of operating equipment safely.
A sense of self confidence and self sufficiency in dealing with technology is encouraged.

Language Other Than English (LOTE) - Japanese

Japanese is the selected language to study at Eltham East Primary School for Years 1 - 6.
Students receive tuition in the language and culture of Japan with sessions from the LOTE teacher. Students in Prep look at Japanese culture and language with a Japanese language assistant in terms 2 - 4.
Some of the highlights of the program since its inception have been:

A Japanese assistant based at the school
Visits from delegates & students from other schools in Victoria and overseas
Student teachers who are learning to teach Japanes

Camping Program

Camps are held each year for students from Years 3 to 6. Prep students are involved in a breakfast activity, Year 1 students come to school for a barbeque and games evening and Year 2 students participate in a sleepover in term 4.

Health & Physical Education

The emphasis in our Health and Physical Education program is on promoting an understanding of physical activity and movement, its relationship to health and well being, and an awareness of self, individual differences and relationships.
Students in all year levels participate in one 50 minute session of Physical Education each week.

In addition, students in their prep year have two half hour sessions of a Perceptual Motor Program, whilst students in Years 1 and 2 participate in a platoon system of Fundamental Motor Skills activities for 50 minutes. Students in Years 3 & 4 participate in a one 50 minute session of sport each week. Year 5 students participate in two 50 minute sessions of a inter house sports program, preparing them for the two and a half hour session of inter school sport for all Year 6 students.
A six or eight week swimming program is held locally for all students from Prep to Year 4. All Year 5 & 6 students participate in an intensive swim and survive program in November/December of each year.
All year levels study a variety of Health units in the classroom relevant to their age and stage of development. These assist them towards developing the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions on health related issues.

Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)

Preps participate in two half hour perceptual motor program sessions each week. During this time the children rotate through a variety of physical activities to improve their spatial awareness, body control, balance, strength, ball handling and hand, foot and eye coordination.

The activities are much enjoyed by the children and their progress over the weeks becomes very evident. Studies have shown that these type of activities assist children in their academic as well as physical development.

Music

The performing arts program is music-based but includes elements of drama and dance.

The classroom program is based on the Kodaly method of teaching music. The Kodaly method is a highly-regarded teaching approach which

The program also includes instrumental development using both tuned and untuned percussion. Activities are based on the Orff Schulwerk approach.

Studies show that consistent teaching of these principles assists children in all areas of their academic work.

The Classroom Program comprises 1 x 50 minute period per week at each year level.

Students are encouraged to take private lessons on an instrument of their choice. In this we liaise closely with Eltham High School’s music department. Approved teachers at Eltham High School offer an after-school instrumental program of individual lessons providing tuition in correct techniques with a view to sustaining students’ interest beyond primary school.

An after school District Primary Schools Band program is available to students at years 5 and 6 with instrumental skills.

Children are offered performance opportunities in a wide variety of ways, including as soloists, small or large groups, or classes at school assemblies.

Eltham East Primary School also offers a number of performance ensembles including:

Choir

The choir program moves from basic training in singing and simple songs [Junior Choirs] to advanced and intensive work in vocal technique, musicianship and choral singing [Senior Choir]. At Senior Choir level, music from many centuries, cultures and languages, and from backgrounds both sacred and secular, is explored.

The choir performs widely at official functions, concerts, recitals, competitions, festivals and at workshops with leaders in the field of children’s choral music. It produces recordings approximately biennially and undertakes a concert tour each year. Choristers are also often involved in artistic collaborations with composers in Australia and overseas to create new music for children’s choirs around the world.

Students from Years 4, 5 & 6 are eligible to audition for the Senior choir in August each year. If accepted, interested students in Years 3, 4 & 5 join a Training Choir for term 4, as a familiarization course before joining the main choir at the beginning of the following school year.

Students accepted into the Senior Choir do so understanding that a rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule and the pursuit of excellence are innate elements of the program.

Percussion Ensemble

This ensemble, like the Senior Choir, studies at a very advanced level and is involved with its director in the creation of new music for such ensembles. Students play both tuned and untuned percussion instruments and perform regularly at school, in competitions and by invitation in the wider community.

School Concert

This is a biennial event, which is held at a large venue in the metropolitan area. It reflects the talents and abilities of all Eltham East Primary School children. A concert will be held in 2008. The program usually consists of each year level combining to perform an item, or series of items, which reflect particular topics or curriculum programs undertaken at the school. Students in Years 5 & 6 may undertake extra roles as backstage crew, tutors for younger students or comperes during the concert.

Visual Arts

A specialist program operates in this subject area with students being provided with the opportunity to experience a wide range of media. Activities are planned so that students can extend their skills and express their own creativity. Students participate in art festivals throughout the year.
All students are expected to bring and wear an art smock as protection for their clothes. It must cover the body and arms with a back opening if possible. The material should be hard wearing with an optional plastic panel at the front. An old, hard wearing shirt (not a business shirt), with elasticised neck and cuffs and sewn through the button holes is suitable.
The art program relies on using recycled materials to complement the program. Please save margarine containers, etc, natural materials - shells, gumnuts and factory products, cardboard and cylinders and send them to the art room.

Year 6 Drama/Improvisation

Year 6 students participate in an improvisational drama program, including mime and short sketches. All students are involved either on stage, backstage, in lighting, sound or front of house management. This program relies heavily on the development of improvisational skills and lateral thinking. It develops confidence, initiative, good communication skills and an ability to work as a member of a team when under pressure. This program addresses speaking and listening, a component of the curriculum where the students plan, rehearse and make presentations for different purposes.The program is conducted during terms three and four and is coordinated by a professional actor. It culminates in two nights of team theatre sports in the school hall.

Library

The library program aims at developing a love of literature and sound skills in research and library usage. A wide range of literary styles is presented and a variety of activities such as discussion, dramatisation, puppetry and author profiles are undertaken. The library is fully computerised and enquiry terminals are available for student use, including internet research.
All students are encouraged to use a library bag and to borrow on a weekly basis during lesson time.

Learning Technologies

Eltham East understands the importance of providing its students access to the best available technology. This technology offers a wonderful opportunity for staff and students to enhance the quality of the total learning experience.

Our school is fully networked with up to date classroom Macintosh computers linked to the school network. These computers provide access to the internet and the information and learning opportunities it offers.
A modern computer laboratory provides resources, including a data projector, for groups of students to further develop their skills.
The students are introduced to a wide range of computer software across the curriculum with classroom and specialist teachers incorporating the use of computer technology into their programs. These programs are further enhanced by the use of nine interactive white boards positioned within classrooms across the school.
Eltham East Primary School has a home page posted on the world wide web providing details about the school and documenting special events occurring in the learning programs.
The learning technologies program is under constant review to ensure that it is kept up to date with the latest developments and resources.

Environmental Education

Programs

The school promotes Environmental Education through policy, curriculum and practice.
Staff and student commitment and participation is an integral part of the program.
The Department of Education & Early Childhood Development Policy is incorporated into classroom programs at all levels.

Reduce Reuse Recycle

The school has a commitment to reduce waste generated by the school community by:

Conservation

At Eltham East we develop an awareness of conservation strategies by encouraging students to minimise energy and water consumption at school. This is accomplished by the installation of water tanks for the use of toilet flushing and garden watering, as well as ensuring taps are turned off and power is turned off when classrooms are not in use.

School Environment

The school community is actively enhancing the school environment with indigenous flora to retain the natural character and provide habitat for native wildlife. Students are encouraged to develop an appreciation and responsibility for the care of the school environment. The school has made a commitment to retain an area of the school grounds on the Luck Street boundary as a sanctuary where classes often visit to observe the seasonal changes to indigenous flora and fauna.

Broader School Community

We encourage the broader school community to be waste wise by presenting them with environmental friendly alternatives.
We actively encourage parents to participate in the maintenance of the natural school environment through working bees.
Our school participates in various competitions to highlight our positive practices and have been acknowledged as one of the best schools in Victoria for our Waste Minimisation practices.

Integration

Eltham East Primary School is sensitive to the significant individual differences in students’ skills, interests and experiences. Our integration program supports students with disabilities and impairments by enabling them to participate in the education programs and social life of the school. Currently we have an integration coordinator and integration aides who work with students, classroom teachers, parents and support staff, enabling our integration students to maximise their potential.

Religious Education

Religious education is presently offered to students, depending upon the availability of RE teachers, at some levels throughout the school, for one half hour session per week from April to November. The teachers are accredited by the Council of Christian Education in Schools. If you do not wish your child to participate in this program, you must advise the school in writing. A small separate charge is made for the supply of materials for the program.
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The Classroom

Class Sizes

In keeping with Government policy, the school maintains average class sizes of 25 students across the school.

Multi Age Classes

Multi age classes of two or more year levels in the one classroom are used at various levels in the school. Their use varies from year to year.
In every classroom all students are catered for at their level in order to meet their needs. This happens whether your child is in a ‘straight class’ or a multi age room.
Throughout our whole education system, it is common for classes to have students from a wide chronological and academic range, with some needing support and extra help while others need further challenge. This is the same in all classes, whether they are multi age or not.
No matter what the structure, teachers still talk and plan together in order to provide the best possible learning experiences for their students. We know that it is the teacher who makes the difference.
Multi age classes encourage the development of tolerance and respect for people of different ages while providing opportunities for children to develop leadership skills through their interaction with both older and younger students. Over a two year period they experience being both the youngest and oldest members of the group. Younger students learn organisational and leadership skills from the older ones who express and demonstrate their understandings and lead by example in a cooperative and supportive manner. Teachers also ensure that there are ‘special things’ that happen at each year level by providing opportunities for students to mix socially during programs such as camps and bike education.

Homework

Homework helps students by complementing and reinforcing classroom learning, fostering good lifelong learning and study habits, and providing an opportunity for students to be responsible for their own learning. Homework is another opportunity for parents to participate in their child’s education. Parents, in partnership with the school, should encourage their children to establish good homework patterns from early primary school.

In line with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, we recommend the guidelines below.

Parental Assistance in their child’s education

Parents, step parents, guardians, nanas and grandpas are welcomed at Eltham East. We invite you all to be involved in as many ways as you can. Helpers provide assistance on excursions and camps, with special activities, writing, story telling, listening to reading, the making of teaching aids, typing of stories, and physical education activities, etc. Invitations to participate in your child’s learning will be sent home from class or specialists teachers or included in the newsletter.
Parent helper coordinators act as liaison persons, linking school needs with parent availability, to achieve a variety of classroom and school goals.
We offer a Volunteer Training Program early in the school year. All volunteers are asked to attend on one of the dates provided.
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Highly Able and Talented Students

Students present with talents and abilities in a range of areas. It is our school’s quest to provide for the development of these talents and abilities in the following ways:

Classroom programs

Special programs

Our music, sports, Japanese and arts programs provide numerous opportunities for all students to develop their talents in these areas
Leadership opportunities: The school has a high number of leadership positions which develop confidence and social responsibility in our students
Our school is a host school for the GATEways (Gifted and Talented Education) program. Each term selected students from our school and other schools participate in extension programs across a range of academic and creative endeavours. Gifted Education teachers from the GATEways Association conduct these sessions
Maths Olympiad – students exhibiting high ability in mathematics participate in extension sessions with the numeracy coordinator
English and Mathematics competitions

Appointments with Teachers

Another way we maintain a strong partnership with the community is to encourage you to speak with the appropriate person if you have a question or concern. The best person to speak with is your child’s teacher or the specialist teacher concerned. If, after doing this, you wish to follow this up, the best person to speak to is the team leader. A list of these leaders is published at the beginning of each year and is on our website.
We suggest that it is always best to make a time to meet with them as teachers have meetings and yard duty responsibilities which often make it impossible for them to just ‘chat’ about an issue. You can contact them personally, write a note or leave a message at the office asking them to ring you. If your concerns continue you are invited to make a time to meet with our assistant principal, Michelle Jeffress, or with our principal, Claire McInerney.
It is usually best to either visit the office or ring through on 9439 9793 to make a time so that we can concentrate on your concerns rather than be distracted by other responsibilities.

Excursions

Activities outside the classroom and school grounds are seen as a fundamental part of the child’s learning program. During the year you will be asked to allow your child to attend various excursions. It is desirable that students are permitted to participate as a class group.
A permission form must be signed by a parent or guardian authorising the child’s attendance and informing of any necessary medical attention in the event of an accident or illness. Payment for excursions and special activities is included in the Term Excursions & Activities payment.
As an additional safety measure, students must wear full school uniform and an individual ID tag while on excursions.
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Home School Liaison

Reporting to Parents

Parents are provided with two written reports, one at mid year and one at the end of the year. An information session is held early in term one and a three way conference (student/parent/teacher) is held in conjunction with the mid year report.
Parent/teacher contact is available either by contacting the office for an appointment time or by informal contact with teachers at times other than teaching times.

Information Sessions

During the year several day or evening information sessions are held to provide information on various aspects of the school’s programs. As well as providing an opportunity for parents to become informed, these programs are also seen by the staff as a method for parents to have some input into the development of policies and programs within the school. The topics for these sessions are determined each year.

LINKS

The Home School Liaison Committee has set up a LINKS noticeboard in the main corridor adjoining the uniform shop for the display of information which is of interest to parents.
A group of storage boxes contain copies of order forms, brochures, price lists (uniforms, etc), newsletters, rosters, etc.

The weekly school newsletter is the major communication vehicle between home and school. It contains important information of coming events, administrative processes and interesting school happenings. It is sent home each Tuesday with the youngest child in each family. Please read the newsletter carefully and whenever necessary reply promptly. Items for inclusion in the newsletter are to be left at the school office no later than the Monday morning prior to publication. The newsletter is also available on the school website.
Advertising space in the newsletter is made available to local businesses.

School Community Events

The Home School Liaison Committee organizes events aimed at bringing together the various members of the broader community to work harmoniously in the interests of the students in our care.

Our new parents are welcomed to Eltham East Primary School with a get together during the first weeks of school.

Early in the year information about social gatherings will be published in the newsletter. These events will give opportunities for new parents of the school to meet in a relaxed informal setting.
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Safety

SunSmart

We have a SunSmart policy in place based on a cooperative notion where all EEPS community members work together to ensure the safety of our students.
The SunSmart policy is designed to teach students about their skin and ways to protect it from the sun to prevent skin cancer. It should encourage them to protect themselves now and develop good habits for the future. The school and the home should work together to promote active sun smart practices.
All students are to wear a school SunSmart hat during recess and lunchtime and for all outdoor activities in terms 1 and 4. Students are given reasonable time to apply their own sun screen prior to recess and lunch.

Yard Supervision

The school yard is supervised from 8.45 am until 9.00 am before school and from
3.30 pm until 3.45 pm each afternoon. We ask you not to send students to school prior to 8.45 am or to collect them later than 3.45 pm as teachers are not on duty at these times.
At recess (10.40 am to 11.10 am) and lunchtime (1.00 pm to 1.50 pm) teachers supervise student behaviour in the playground and are easily identifiable in their brightly coloured, iridescent vests. Teachers also carry a first aid bag to treat minor scrapes and have special cards they give to students if they need to attend the first aid room.

Dogs in School Grounds

As potentially dangerous incidents can occur, we request that dogs are not brought into the school grounds. We simply cannot compromise the safety of our students.
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Access and Transport

Access Points

The entrance for parents and visitors to the school is the main building in Grove Street. Students are required to enter and leave the school grounds via the pedestrian gates at each end of the Grove Street boundary and in Luck Street to access school crossings.

Students must not use the two sets of main double gates at the front of the school as vehicles enter and exit through these gates

The main entrance door to the school is for the use of staff, parents and visitors only. Students are not allowed to enter or exit via these doors.
These decisions have been made in the best interests of your child’s safety.

The car park inside the school grounds is for staff cars only, except in a situation where a sick child is being collected, or children are being delivered to or collected from the out of school hours care program prior to 8.30 am and after 3.45 pm.
Parents picking up or dropping off children by car should park with careful regard to the safety of children and the free movement of traffic, either:

We ask parents to exercise absolute care in these restricted parking areas. Parking officers frequently patrol these areas.

School Crossings

School Crossings with attendant supervisors are provided in Main Road, Beard Street, Luck Street and at two points in Grove Street. Children walking to school or crossing to meet parents in cars should be directed to use the crossings.
Parents should note that these crossings are only supervised until 9.00 am (9.10 am at the school gate in Grove Street) in the morning and 4.00 pm in the afternoon.

Walking School Bus ™

In an effort to ease traffic congestion around the school and improve the safety, health and fitness of pupils, several Walking School BusTM routes were established in 2004.
A Walking School BusTM has two trained adult volunteers who walk along a predetermined safety audited route. Children wait with a parent/carer at designated “bus stops” where they join the walk to school.
Parents/carers must sign a consent form for children to join the Walking School BusTM and children are required to sign a behavioural agreement. Trained parent volunteers who act as “drivers” and “conductors” are identified by a brightly coloured vest.
Training for volunteers involves a one and a half hour training session which covers issues such as safety, first aid, traffic management and emergency procedures. Volunteers are required to undergo a working with children check.
For more information about routes in your area, or if you would like to be trained as a volunteer walker, please contact the school office.

It is vital that students travelling to school on bicycles, scooters and other wheeled recreational devices do so in a safe manner. Parents need to be confident that their child is a safe rider. It is a school council policy that helmets are worn while riding these to and from school. Also students are not to ride any of these devices in the school grounds.

The consequences for students who do not follow this school policy are that they will lose their chance of riding their device for a specified period of time. If the behaviour continues there will be consideration of stronger measures and parents will be contacted.
Parents will be contacted where a child does not wear a helmet and/or has been reported to have been riding in an unsafe manner.
We ask parents to support the school in the implementation of this important safety policy.
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Dress Code

Footwear

In the interests of safety, all footwear will have closed toes and be such that students can participate safely in physical education and sport. Thongs are not permitted to be worn at school.

Hair

Hair should be neat and tidy. Students are encouraged to tie long hair back for safety and health reasons.

Makeup

Students are not permitted to wear makeup at school.

Jewellery

For safety reasons, only sleeper and stud earrings are able to be worn, no other jewellery except a tight fitting watch is permitted.
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School Uniform

The wearing of full uniform at Eltham East PS is compulsory and we offer a number of choices to suit different needs.
The Uniform Shop is located in a room off the foyer of the hall and operates each Friday from 8:45 am.
Uniforms may also be ordered through the office on any day of the week, using an order form which is available from the LINKS area opposite the first aid room or from the general office.
Payment may be made by cash/cheque/debit card or credit card (BankCard, MasterCard or Visa).
Items available from the Uniform Shop are:

Jumpers
Purple crew neck pullover
Purple bomber jacket
Purple hooded pullover

Track pants
Black micro-fibre pant
Black cargo pant
Purple boot leg pant

T shirts
Gold short sleeve polo
Purple short sleeve polo
Purple & gold v neck sports t shirt

Shorts
Micro-fibre short
Purple mesh short

Dresses
Purple/white/gold summer dress
Grey pinafore
Gold netball skirt

Accessories
School gold slouch hat
School yellow or purple bucket hat
(One of the above hats is compulsory during terms 1 and 4)
School bag
Swimming bag
Football socks

Donated second hand uniforms are also available for purchase from the uniform shop.

Additional Requirements

Naming of Property

Lost Property

Clothing, bags, lunch boxes, etc. found around the school are placed in the lost property cupboard in the corridor of the main building. Items are sorted by volunteer parents into named and unnamed. The named items are returned to students, the unnamed items remain in the cupboard until the end of term when all lost property is displayed for children to view. Precious items such as watches or jewellery are held in the general office.
In the event that property belonging to other children makes its way to your home, please send it back to school as soon as possible.
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Illness & Accidents

First Aid Officer

A First Aid Officer provides quality first aid care between the peak times of 10:40 am to 3:00 pm daily. The First Aid Officer contacts parents regarding injuries and illnesses and acts as a resource person regarding matters pertaining to health and hygiene. The first aid room is located near the general office.

Asthma

Emergency Information

When your child starts at the school you are required to complete a student information form which includes details of your child’s medical history with information regarding allergies, chronic conditions, etc. Please make sure that this is always kept current.
Addresses, telephone numbers, work phone numbers and addresses and phone numbers of emergency contacts must also be kept up to date.

Not having up to date information causes unnecessary concern to an injured or unwell child. The need for updating of information cannot be stressed strongly enough.

Medication

Whilst it is not the role or responsibility of teachers to supervise or administer medication, exceptions to this occur when a child with an ongoing illness has need for supportive medication or treatment such that the child’s welfare and ability to attend school is not affected. This may occur with children suffering asthma, diabetes, etc. Each case will then be considered on its merits and teacher, parent and principal must be agreeable to the procedures involved. The First Aid Officer will administer medication for more serious ongoing concerns after consultation with parents. Written instructions outlining the doctor’s directions need to be provided. All medication requests must be made on a Student Medication Request form, which can be obtained at the general office or downloaded from the EEPS website.

All medication should be brought to the office at the start of the day in its original packaging with a completed Student Medication Request form. No student should be in possession of medication of any type. The exception to this rule pertains to children who have asthma, who are encouraged to have their puffers nearby.

Notification of Illness or Injury

If your child becomes ill or is injured at school you may, if the circumstances warrant it, be notified to collect your child from the first aid room. If a parent cannot be contacted, the person indicated as an emergency contact on the confidential student information details form will be contacted. In the event that neither parents or emergency contacts can be located and urgent medical attention is required, at the discretion of the First Aid Officer or teacher in charge, contact with your nominated local doctor will be made.
Parents are required to “sign out” a child at the office.

If an ambulance needs to be called…..

Immunisation

All children who begin school in Prep should have completed their immunisation program during their pre school year. It is a legal requirement that an immunisation certificate is presented prior to a child commencing school. There is no immunisation program for Prep to Year 6 children. The Measles, Mumps, Rubella immunisation, formerly given in Year 6, is now administered at secondary school during Year 7.

Health Assessments

All students in Prep are given a health assessment by the School Medical Service. This includes vision and auditory testing and a general health checkup. Parental permission is required before this takes place.

Illness

For the benefit of both your child and other children in the school please do not send your child to school if he or she is ill.
If your child is to be absent from school due to illness for more than three days, please advise the school of how long they are expected to be absent. On your child’s return to school please provide a written note to the classroom teacher explaining their absence.
The Department of Education & Training has a policy regarding the length of time a child should be excluded from school for particular illnesses, some of which are:

For any other infectious diseases you should contact the school before your child returns.
If your child has a rash he or she should be assessed by their GP to identify the cause of the rash, so that appropriate action can be taken.

Head Lice Policy

Rationale
While children are at school many families will have contact with head lice. The information contained here will help to treat and control head lice.
Head lice have been around for many thousands of years. Anyone can get head lice and given the chance head lice move from head to head without discrimination.
People get head lice from direct hair to hair contact with another person who has head lice. This can happen when people play, cuddle or work closely together.
Head lice do not have wings or jumping legs so they cannot fly or jump from head to head. They can only crawl.

Broad Guidelines
Staff at EEPS will be made aware of the issues pertaining to head lice control, including the Exclusion Table for Infectious Diseases.
When head lice are detected, the parents of the children are to be notified.
Regular updates will appear in the school newsletter concerning current processes for prevention and treatment of head lice.
EEPS will ensure current treatments and protocols are followed through continuing contact with the Shire of Nillumbik.
An authorised person is one who has been nominated by the principal to conduct head inspections to check for head lice. This person must be acquainted with head check procedures.

Consent forms for head lice inspection will be given to all new enrolments.
Consent forms will be organised into classes at the beginning of each year.
Students with long hair are strongly encouraged to tie their hair back at school.
Families are encouraged to regularly inspect (preferably once per week) their child/children’s hair for lice or eggs using the conditioner and head lice comb method.
During the first and fourth terms, nurses from the Shire of Nillumbik will conduct head lice inspections of all year levels at EEPS.
Where head lice are detected on a child at school:

The child will be excluded from their class and contact with other children.
An authorised person will conduct head lice inspections on any siblings at the school.
The parent will be contacted to collect their child(ren) from the school.
Information will be provided to the parent regarding the current treatment processes which, according to best available advice, do not place students’ health at risk.
A head lice notification form will be sent home to all children in the grade.

Children are able to attend school the day after treatment has commenced providing:

appropriate treatment has commenced
and
the reply slip outlining the treatment is received by the school
and
the child is checked by an authorised person on the day he/she returns to school
and
there are no live head lice.

Presence of eggs and / or new hatchlings is not cause for exclusion.
An authorised person will conduct a follow up head lice inspection a week after the return of the child to school.
Where there is a second notification in a grade within a week, a whole grade inspection will be conducted by an authorised person.
Where children are frequently identified as having head lice, contact will be made with the parents to provide assistance with treatment and control methods.

Evaluation and Review
This policy will be reviewed in line with new regulations. Last ratified October 2007
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Student Requisites and School Charges

The amount for each section is determined by School Council. The date for payment and collection of materials for 2008 is in late January.

Stationery List and Bulk Purchase Student Requisites

Consistent with government policy, School Council can expect parents to provide or pay for student materials and requisites which are used by the children on a daily basis in the classroom; eg exercise books, pens and pencils, classroom materials, photocopying and production of materials, etc.

Curriculum Contribution and Technology Contribution

These cover materials for specialist programs such as art, music, physical education, ICT, LOTE-Japanese, etc. These payments fall under the heading of Parent Supported Materials and Services for which schools can ask parents to pay.

Building and Maintenance Fund

Parents are asked to make a donation to the Building and Maintenance Fund for grounds improvement projects, such as landscaping of the area around our new oval or the construction of a shelter for parents and children to use at drop off and pick up times.
This amount may be claimed as a deduction for Income Taxation purposes.

Library Fund

Parents are asked to make a donation to the Library Fund in order to update and extend the supply of high quality literature and reference materials.
This amount may be claimed as a deduction for Income Taxation purposes.

Term Excursions & Activities

During the year, in addition to the Student Requisites and School Charges, parents are asked to pay for other items, including excursions, special activities, religious education expenses, swimming programs, ICT technician support, transport costs for sport, first aid officer, etc.
Excursions and special activities are an important part of the day to day programs and it is an expectation that all children will participate. Unfortunately the school does not receive funds from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to pay for such activities. These activities fall under the heading of Parent Supported Materials and Services for which schools can ask parents to pay.
Parents are given the option of making one payment for term excursions and activities for the whole year or of paying on a term by term basis at the beginning of each term. An alternative payment plan may be arranged. Please contact the school office.
Requests for payments are always in writing. Payment may be made by cash, cheque, credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or by debit card. Payment may be made in person at the school office or by forwarding the requested amount with the appropriate payment slip. Cheques should be made payable to Eltham East Primary School, unless otherwise directed. We request that cash be sent in a sealed envelope. Correct change is appreciated.

Financial Assistance

Parents who anticipate financial difficulties in meeting costs for Student Requisites and School Charges and/or Term Excursions & Activities should contact the school office to arrange an alternative payment plan. All discussions are treated with sensitivity and in the strictest confidence.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

If you are a recipient of a Centrelink pension, allowance or benefit, a Veterans Affairs (TPI) pensioner or a foster parent you may be eligible to apply for EMA, which is provided by the State Government to assist you to meet the educational needs of your children. Please note: Health Care Cards must be in the name of the parent. More information and application forms are available from the school office.

School Banking

A banking facility is available for all students through the Commonwealth Bank. Students from all year levels are able to deposit money on a weekly basis during school terms. New students will receive an application form at the beginning of the school year.
Banking wallets and deposits are collected each Thursday by parent volunteers who manage the process at school level.
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School Lunches

Children need to bring a lunch from home. Children are not permitted to leave the school grounds to purchase lunch.
All lunches should be labelled. Some children like to have a small snack for morning recess. If drinks are sent they should be in a well sealed container. Water is recommended. Glass bottles and cans are not permitted.
We encourage parents to use environmentally friendly wrapping, eg reuse drink bottles, use small plastic containers instead of pre packaged foods that create waste.
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School Council

The School Council is responsible for the school’s education policy, management of school finances, maintenance and improvement of buildings and grounds and employment of non teaching staff. It comprises an elected group of parent and teacher representatives, the principal, the business manager and co-opted members. Elections for half the elected members are held in March of each year, each member being elected for a two year term. After each annual election a list of current council members and office bearers will be published in the school newsletter. Council meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month. Notice is given of these meetings in the weekly newsletter and they are open to all members of the school community.
The school council operates using a system of committees, including Finance, Home School Liaison, Buildings & Grounds, Out of School Hours Child Care, etc.
Additional members are always welcome on these committees and notice of meetings appears in the newsletter.
The school council has been responsible for the development of several school policies including curriculum statements, camping and tours program, homework and the Student Behaviour Management Plan. School Council has also been responsible for improvements to facilities and grounds, including school wide evaporative cooling/air conditioning and the provision of new playing areas covered with synthetic turf.
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Two representatives from Years 3 to 6 and the school captains meet every fortnight to discuss issues of concern, suggest activities for fundraising and generally make recommendations for general improvement of the school environment. The Junior School Council is the “students’ voice”.
These meetings are convened by the Junior School Council leaders and are run so all students are free to voice their opinion.
Opportunities are made to allow these students to report on recommendations and activities, address school assemblies, staff meetings and school council meetings.
The students attend a workshop early in the year to learn about the characteristics of positive leaders, problem solving, organising meetings and preparing action plans. Time is also devoted to leadership and communication skills.
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Out of School Hours Child Care

The School Council also has the responsibility for the operation of the Out of School Hours Child Care Program, which can accommodate up to 37 children each morning and 70 children each afternoon and is based in rooms 27 and 28.
The program operates between 7:00 am and 8:45 am and between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Suitably qualified staff operate the program which offers safe and supervised care with a range of age-appropriate, inclusive and interesting activities.
During term 1 prep students are collected from their classroom by an OSHCC staff member.
Parents please note: It is important that when there are changes to a booking arrangement you inform the OSHCC staff and your child’s teacher.
The telephone number for the program is 9431 2228.
Further detailed information regarding the operation of the program is provided in a brochure available from the LINKS area or the program staff.
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Working Together For Our School

Fundraising

Throughout the year a variety of fundraising and social activities are organised by the school council and volunteers. EEPS has a fundraising committee that meets to have fun and provide some special events for the students, including Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls. New members are warmly welcomed. These meetings are advertised in the newsletter. As mentioned previously, while primary schools receive some funds from the State Government, a significant amount of additional funding is required to provide a wide variety of resources for the students.
As well as assisting to raise money, these events are an opportunity for the members of the school community to mix socially.

Involvement of Parents

In addition to providing assistance in your child’s classroom, there are numerous opportunities for parents to be involved in their children’s school life. These include involvement with the school council and its committees, running activities in the after school program, assisting with collation of the newsletter and assisting in the library and with specific fundraising activities. If you wish to be involved in some way, please contact the school office.

School Fair

This biennial event is a great day full of fun and opportunities to socialise as it brings together members of the wider school community to raise funds to support school programs and initiatives.

Our next fair will be held in 2009.

Working Bees

School Council’s Buildings & Grounds committee is a group of parents who meet on a regular basis to organise working bees to maintain and improve the school environment. These working bees are organised around year level groups. The school newsletter will inform you when your child’s year level is involved. The whole family is welcome at these working bees which finish at the rotunda with a barbecue lunch. Your attendance at least one in a school year would be greatly appreciated.

Address	Grove Street, Eltham
Postal Address	P.O. Box 396, Eltham 3095
Telephone
General Office	9439 9793
Out of School Hours Child Care	9431 2228
Facsimile	9431 2070
E-mail Address	eltham.east.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
Internet Address	www.elthameastps.vic.edu.au

Principal	Cheryl Macnee
Assistant Principal	Michelle Jefress
Business Manager	Position vacent due to retirement

Cheryl Macnee	Michelle Jefress
Principal	Assistant Principal

Term 1	Tuesday 29th January * - Friday 20th March
* this is a pupil free day - students commence on Wednesday 30th January 2008
Term 2	Monday 7th April - Friday 27th June
Term 3	Monday 14thJuly - 19th September
Term 4	Monday 6th October - Friday 19th December

Australia Day	Monday 28th January
Labour Day	Monday 10th March
Good Friday	Friday 21st March
Easter Monday	Monday 24th March
Anzac Day	Friday 25th April
Queen’s Birthday Holiday	Monday 9th June
Melbourne Cup Day	Tuesday 4th November

	9.00 am	School Commences
	10.40 am – 11.10 am	Morning Recess
	12.50 pm - 1.50 pm	Lunch
	* Lunches are eaten under supervision 12.50 pm - 1.00 pm
	3.30 pm	Dismissal

Illness	Exclusion of cases

Chicken pox	Exclude until fully recovered or at least five days after the eruption first appears
Conjunctivitis	Exclude until discharge from eyes has ceased
Diarrhoea (all types)	Exclude until diarrhoea ceases
Herpes (cold sores)	Young children unable to comply with good hygiene practices should be excluded while the lesion is weeping. Lesions to be covered by dressing, where possible
Impetigo (school sores)	Exclude until appropriate treatment has commenced and sores on exposed surfaces are covered with watertight dressings
Influenza and influenza type illnesses	Exclude until well
Measles	Exclude until at least four days after onset of rash
Meningitis (bacterial)	Exclude until well
Meningococcal infection	Exclude until adequate carrier eradication therapy has been completed
Molluscum contagiosum	Exclusion not necessary
Mumps	Exclude for nine days or until swelling goes down (whichever is sooner)
Parvovirus B19	“Slapped cheek disease”, “fifth disease”, “erythema infectiosum”. Exclusion is not necessary however the school must be notified. This is in order to protect people at risk of potentially serious complications from parvovirus. The school will inform staff and parents/guardians if there is an outbreak of this virus
Pediculosis (head lice)	Students with live head lice are excluded from school. They may return to school the day after appropriate treatment has commenced. Parents/guardians must inform the school if your child has head lice. For further information refer to the head lice policy or contact the first aid officer.
Pertussis (whooping cough)	Exclude until at least five days after starting antibiotic treatment
Ringworm	Exclude until the day after appropriate treatment has commenced
Rubella	Exclude until fully recovered or at least five days after onset of rash
Scabies	Exclude until the day after appropriate treatment has commenced
Streptococcal infection (including scarlet fever)	Exclude until the child has received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours and the child feels well

Eltham East Primary School

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