Parent Information
Absences
There are several ways to contact our school for student absences:
- notify on Skoolbag/Seesaw App
- note in student diary on day of return
- telephone Front Office
- speak to teacher in person
The Department for Education require an explanation for all absences. The school works closely with an Attendance Officer to monitor student attendance.
Accidents
Children who have minor accidents or are sick at school are administered first aid. In the event of children needing further attention, parents will be contacted. Seriously injured children will be sent to hospital by ambulance.
Behaviour Management
At Poonindie Primary School we focus on teaching & modelling to children rather than punishment for mistakes. Behaviour management is based on an agreed set of Common Expectations, which are outlined in the Behaviour Code and Management policy. Behaviour expectations and consequences are outlined in this document. School expectations and consequences are discussed with students throughout the year. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own behaviour choices
Camps & Excursions
During their time at school, children will be given opportunities to go on camps and excursions visiting places of interest related to the current curriculum topics. We strive to keep costs as low as possible and appreciate the fact that parents have many other financial commitments.
Enrolments
When enrolling your child at the school, a number of forms need to be completed. A health information form is required to ensure that the school is aware of any special medical conditions. Contact details for parents and emergency contact people are important so we can keep in touch with you and take optimum care of your child should they become unwell.
DfE require further information for statistical purposes. This information is updated annually and treated as confidential.
Hot Weather
If the temperature is greater than 37 C all children will be kept inside in the air-conditioned building. Sunscreen is available in each classroom and wide brimmed hats must be worn during Terms 1 & 4.
Newsletter & Communication
The school newsletter is published weeks 1, 3, 6 & 9 on Wednesday and emailed or sent home with the eldest child from each family. Alternatively you can download the current and archived editions of the Poonindie Primary School Newsletter online. The main purpose of the newsletter is to keep parents and community informed about school programs. Any notices for inclusion into the newsletter must reach the school no later than 9.00am on Tuesday to dl.0351.info@schools.sa.edu.au
Parents and teachers communicate on a daily basis through the student diary (5-6) or communication book (R-4). Please check each day. Class diaries are to be signed on the weekend ready for the start of the week. If you have a concern about a school issue, please phone to make an appointment to talk to us. We have grievance procedures to guide us if the issue remains unresolved.
Reports & Interviews
Parents are welcome to arrange an interview with the class teacher at any time. The current reporting timeline is as follows:
- Compulsory Term 1 Parent / Teacher Interviews
- Term 2 Written Reports
- Term 4 Written Reports
Reports to families will describe the students achievements of learning covered in the reporting period. Achievement levels are referenced against The Primary Australian Curriculum outcomes and standards and is based on 5 achievement levels A-E. Students with disabilities will not receive A-E achievement levels for modified outcomes. Their learning is supported through a One Plan. Further information about DfE student reporting can be found at https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/
School Bus & Travel Allowance
The Education Department provides a free bus service to students attending their nearest primary school. A school bus timetable is available from the school. A travel allowance is available to parents transporting students 5kms or more to the school bus route. The allowance is paid on a per vehicle basis that is calculated at the end of each term. Current rates and forms are available from the school.
School Card
Families can apply for assistance through this scheme to help finance their school fees. Applications can be applied for based on low income, hardship, change of circumstances, self employed and foster children.
Forms are available from the Department for Education website. If you are unsure whether your family would qualify please contact the school on 8684 6067
Governing Council
The Governing Council includes parent representatives, the principal, a staff member and students. Meetings are held twice per term and the Annual General Meeting is held at the beginning of the year.
School Fees
The Materials and Services fee is set by Governing Council annually. This money is used to purchase stationary, textbooks, educational material, resources and equipment in all subjects. Parents are advised that textbooks and materials issued to students remain the property of the school.
School Policies
As a school we are constantly developing and reviewing various policies. These policies are in accordance with Department for Education Guidelines. School policies are available upon request by telephoning the school or from the Key Documents page.
Sporting Activities
During the year a number of regular sporting activities take place. These include:
- R-4 Swimming lessons which are held at Pt Lincoln Leisure Centre in Term 1
- 5-6 Aquatics Camp at Coffin Bay Term 1
- Sports Day is held in Term 1 and Upper Primary students can be involved in SAPSASA events
Transition Programmes
Students from year 6 transition to either of the 3 High Schools in Port Lincoln: Port Lincoln High School, St Joseph’s or The Navigator College, takes place throughout term 3 and culminates in term 4. Transition visits to the Port Lincoln High School are organised by the school. If students plan to enrol at the other High Schools it is the parent responsibility to organise the visits and get them there.
Uniforms
Pants – navy blue; Polo shirt – Maroon with white school logo; Shorts – navy blue; Windcheater – Maroon with white school logo; Shoes – school shoes, sandshoes, sandals – no thongs; Hats – navy blue, broad brim hats essential in Terms 1 & 4.
